Blog

9 posts

Explore my perspective and stay up-to-date with industry news.

Music Copyright Battles

The NBA’s Legal Slam Dunk: Music Copyright Battles

Did you hear about the latest buzz in the sports and music world? 

NBA teams are the latest among sports and brands to face legal trouble for using music in their social media posts without proper licenses. Major music rights holders, including Kobalt, Artist Publishing Group, Notting Hill Music, and Prescription Songs, have filed lawsuits against 14 NBA teams. 

The teams, including the New York Knicks, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Miami Heat, are accused of using music in their TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and X videos without the necessary sync licensing deals.

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Music Sync Licensing

A Guide to Music Sync Licensing

Did you know that music sync licensing can be your golden ticket to earning beyond streaming?

And we thought streaming was the be-all and end-all.

Imagine hearing your track in a TV show, movie, commercial, or even a video game. It’s not just about getting your music out there; it’s about finding new revenue streams and maximizing your earning potential.

Music sync licensing connects your music with visual media, turning your art into a valuable asset. To give you a little nudge in the right direction, I decided to write this guide. It will take you through everything you need to know to tap into these exciting opportunities and take your music career to the next level.

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country music popularity

Country Music Popularity: Country Is Indeed Cool Again

Did you know that there is a new subgenre of country music called “Nordicana” – Nordic Americana music?

And we thought genres were dead. 

I’ve been in the industry long enough to see trends come and go, but the rise of country music popularity in recent years is something really interesting.

Country music has always had its loyal fan base, but the question now is why is its popularity at an all-time high? With digital platforms, social media, and cross-genre collaborations fueling its growth, country music is reaching new heights and attracting a diverse audience. This surge in popularity is not just a trend; it’s a movement that reflects the evolving landscape of the music industry.

Whether you’re a die-hard country fan or a curious observer, this dive into country music’s rising popularity will offer valuable insights and spark engaging discussions.

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music playlist on a phone

AI Generated Playlists vs Curators: Who Wins?

That AI is accelerating change in the music industry is not news. But, with the big streaming platforms ruling how music is listened to, the technological evolution is worth pausing to look at.  

As AI technologies evolve, they are increasingly being used to generate personalized playlists, reshaping the landscape of music curation and raising important questions about the future of how we interact with music.

This prompts the question: How should your business model evolve to capitalize on the increasing use of AI for music curation? Alternatively, where does the investment flow when AI steps up to personalize the music experience?

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various music speakers stacked

Growing Your Business: A Small Music Label’s Guide Part 2

Welcome back to our small music label adventure.

In the first part, we got into the details of running a label, using my experiences with Klassified Music as our guide. We discussed a range of topics, including refining your label’s identity and tips for building an audience in a sustainable way.

Now, let’s take a step further and examine additional strategies for small labels to truly thrive in the music industry.

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woman sleeping

Functional Music Explained: How It Works and Why It Matters

If you’ve ever felt the calming effect of soft background music while studying or the boost of energy from an upbeat playlist during a workout, you’ve experienced functional music without even realizing it.

Functional music isn’t about catchy tunes or memorable lyrics; it’s about purposeful soundscapes designed to enhance our daily lives. From helping us focus and stay productive to aiding relaxation and promoting better sleep, functional music has the power to shape our mood and mindset in profound ways.
Let’s explore what functional music is all about, how it works its magic on our brains and bodies, and why understanding its role is more important than ever in today’s fast-paced world.

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Monetization Strategies for Artists: Insights from NAMM 2024

NAMM Insights: Exploring Monetization Strategies for 2024

At the recent NAMM conference, I had the privilege of speaking about the latest trends in artist monetization, top of mind for all of the music and creator industries.

In today’s fast-paced music industry, understanding how to generate revenue streams is crucial for artists looking to turn their passion into a thriving business.

Let me explain this better.

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music studio

The Path to Success: A Small Music Label’s Guide

Running a small music label comes with a lot of challenges.

I recently partnered with Klassified Music to work on their label. I got a chance to show them the ropes – what really works for a label to do well. That got me thinking: why not share what I know?

In this guide, I’ll give you straightforward tips and strategies from my experience, covering everything from branding your label to getting your music out there. Whether you’re just starting or looking to grow, this guide is all about helping small labels make big waves in the music world.

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musical notes

AI in the Music Industry: Changing the Game for Artists & Labels

The phrase ‘AI in music’ is a big part of my everyday language. It marks a big change in the way we make, produce, and engage with music. This change is more than just a short-term trend; it’s a major shift that’s reshaping how we think about music and how we handle it in business.

In my time in the music industry, I’ve watched AI become a major player. It’s changing how things work, from helping artists make new tunes to transforming how we produce music. AI is like a blend of tech and creativity in music, doing things we used to only dream about.

It’s an exciting time to be part of this transformation, where AI isn’t just an accompaniment but a key player in the future symphony of the music industry.

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