On this special episode of "Between The Notes" edition here on The Business Side of Music, show contributor Jack Sharkey and host Bob Bender go on a rant, discussing the value of the larger venue concert, and why some acts are having a difficult time selling out these days. Are they (the artist) still viable? Is the cost (and the unpredictable weather when its outdoors) worth going to stand around with hopefully thousands of your closest friends in a partially filled event? Jack and Bob delve into why some acts should no longer find themselves anticipating performing at large venues, when its ..read more

Artificial Intelligence. It’s in all the latest hot button topic conversations when it comes to the entertainment industry, especially the music business. How is AI going to affect the future of what we do for a living? Will AI replace the live performance? The artist who’s seeking a record deal? Is this the beginning of the end as we know it, or is it the end of the beginning? Legendary record producer Joe Hand is a guest on this episode, where we take a deep dive into artificial intelligence, and go down various rabbit holes, seeking answers, and coming up with more questions in the process ..read more

Are you looking for ways to engage your digital audience? Are you seeking out ways to know your fan base better? What about finding ways to market to those fans (and turning them into consumers)? Sometimes, it just feels overwhelming, as though you're trying to boil water in the entire ocean. Joining us in the studio today is Darshan Kaler, who is the founder and CEO of fan engagement for the technology company Tradable Bits, based in Vancouver, Canada. Also joining Darshan is Shaun Verreault, who heads up Tradable Bits’ business development (and is lead vocalist and guitarist for the blues-ba ..read more

In an ever evolving world in the music industry, how does an artist go about protecting themselves and their artistry? Especially in a new age of technology, music delivery platforms, and artificial intelligence? This is where legal counsel can help save the day… and possibly your career from the perils and pitfalls. In the studio today are Brianna Schwartz and Alexis Schreiber, who are attorneys with the law firm Schwartz and Schreiber, based out of Miami Florida. We discuss different legal aspects of the music business, what an artist needs to be aware of, and when is a good time to hire leg ..read more

The audience is in their seats. The lights dim, and the artist takes the stage. For the next 90 minutes or more, the show goes on without a hitch. But in order to get there, production for the show began to take shape, weeks, if not months earlier. But how does this happen, and who’s in charge? Enter the Production Manager. This individual is in charge of everything from ensuring that the stage, sound, and lights are set up properly for the concert, to the numerous emails and phone calls to guarantee that there are no problems (or mistakes). In many ways, managing a tour is similar to running ..read more

With so many artists selling off their catalogs these days, is there even room for the independent artist that may have a substantial collection of songs to be a part of this new trend? Is that catalog worth money? How does one go about finding out what its "retail" value might be? Lior Tibon, who is the co-founder and CEO of Duetti, dropped into the studio during the MusicBiz 2024 Conference to share what its all about, how it can make sense for the "Indie" artist, and what the potential outcome might be. www.duetti.co Creator and Executive Producer Emeritus: Tom Sabella Showrunner and Ho ..read more

As a songwriter, it's never been more important to track your songs, and receive payment for your efforts, as it is now. But where do you start, and where do you go to find where the royalty payments may be waiting for you? It's not always up to the PRO’s (Performing Rights Organizations) to find your money and hand it out to you. In simple terms, you need to be paid for what you create. It can be challenging, and require some hard work, but it is worth it if you know how to navigate the various outlets that are available. There are at least 13 royalty payment portals that many songwriters don ..read more

Music. Data. Rights. They're all connected in one form or another, but it can be confusing at times, especially with technology outpacing the music industry. As an owner of music content, the revenue stream created by the music, can fall into a black box of sorts, just waiting there until the money is found. In steps Orfium, which is a global technology company solving the entertainment industry’s biggest challenges around digital music & broadcast rights management, cue sheets, data and reporting.   Bryan Bakke who is the Director of Business Development at Orfium, joins us in the st ..read more

The Music Store. Also known as the social gathering place for musicians to gather at, check out the latest musical gear, purchase their goods such as guitars, drums, strings, and sticks. But the traditional music store is much more than that. Its a locale where musicians both new and seasoned can get together and share their chops, collect new ideas, and exchange phone numbers and email addresses. It's where bands are created. But with the recent announcement of the closing of one of the largest music store chains in the Country, the selection of choices has diminished somewhat. But has it? We ..read more

You get on stage, and you’re not sure what you’re supposed to do. Is it a matter of just singing the songs? Do you create a conversation with the audience? Or do you suffer from some form of stage fright, maybe to the point where you think you’re going to throw up once you’re on stage (or before)? Joining us today is Bill Cakmis. A seasoned professional with decades of experience, he’s more than a performance coach. He’s what many in the industry call a “Show Doc”. If it’s on stage, at a podium, or in front of a camera, Bill Cakmis is hired to create it, develop it, enhance it, or fix it.  ..read more