Break The Business Podcast

Hi Podcast Listeners! In the first segment, Ryan and Dave discuss the "poor man's copyright" myth (and an SonicBids article on the subject by music lawyer Erin M. Jacobson) and why it is important for indie artists to register their music. A lot of great law tips are presented in a fun way. In the second segment, indie singer-songwriter and friend-of-the-show Mary Jennings stops by to talk about her latest remix album, her pregnancy, and her own feelings on copyrights. Mary is always a great interview and she gives a lot of awesome tips. In the final segment, Ryan and CanaDave play a round of "Canadian Town or Hoser Talk." It is one of the most popular segments on the show. Enjoy!Thank you all very much for listening. Rate/review/subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes and SoundCloud. Like Break the Business on Facebook. Follow Ryan @ryankair and Dave @metaldave85. And tell a friend about the show! Find out more about Ryan's book at www.breakthebusiness.com. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more informat

Hi Podcast listeners! Ryan is getting married today, but that did not stop us bringing you a fantastic episode. After talking about some wedding stuff, Ryan and Dave interview Grammy award-winning indie musician Tim Kubart. Last February, Tim won the Grammy for Best Children's Album for his 2015 release "Home". He talks to R & D about his experience making an award-winning album in his "tiny apartment." He also talks about what it means to him that the five Grammy nominees in his category were all indie musicians. Tim also talks about his experiences as a member of YouTube sensation Postmodern Jukebox (on tour now!) and his work hosting "The Sunny Side Up Show" on the Sprout Network. It was a pleasure to have such a fantastic indie musician on the show. You should definitely check out his inspiring interview. You can find out more about all of the amazing things Tim is doing by checking out timkubart.com and postmodernjukebox.com.Thank you all very much for listening. Rate/review/subscribe to the Podcast

Hi Everyone! In the first segment, Dave and Ryan talk about the lawsuit between metal band Five Finger Death Punch and their record label. The suit underscores one of the most troubling aspects of record deals--that labels have full control over when artists get to release their art to the public. Listen to Ryan and Dave discuss the implications that this case has for indie artists everywhere. In the second segment, Ryan and Dave are joined by indie artist Daria Musk. Daria became an overnight music sensation in 2011 when her online concerts on Google+ made her music popular all over the world. Since her big break, she has given two TED talks, been featured in Rolling Stone, Huffington Post, and Billboard, and has consulted for a number of tech and entertainment firms. Daria's story is awesome and she has a lot of great tips for indies on how to succeed on online concert platforms.In the final segment, Ryan and Dave play a round of "Dave's As Yet Untitled Game Show." Ryan's wedding is coming up in a week, and

Hi Podcast listeners! This week, musician and entrepreneur Derek Webb stops by to talk about his platform Noisetrade. Noisetrade is a music distribution platform in which artists offer free downloads of their content in exchange for receiving the downloaders' e-mail addresses. Ryan's conversation with Derek covers the Noisetrade platform and also discusses the role that an indie artist's recorded content plays in moving their moving their career forward. Is recorded music a product, or is it a marketing tool? Is it a revenue stream, or is it a loss leader to help create fan engagement? Could this answer be different for each artist? It is an interesting conversation, and it is an important conversation for indie artists. And it is a conversation that you can have by downloading this week's episode. You can find out more about Noisetrade by going to www.noisetrade.com.Thank you all very much for listening. Rate/review/subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes and SoundCloud. Like Break the Business on Facebook. Follo

Hi Podcast Listeners!This week, Ryan talks about some of the big changes coming both in his personal and podcasting life over the next few weeks. In addition to getting a new spouse and a new house, you the listener will eventually get to enjoy your favorite music business podcast from a brand new studio, which Ryan is currently building. Stay tuned! Ryan and Dave also discuss how artists can use subscription models as a way to release content and merchandise will also assuring a steady stream of income for the artist. Download this week's episode to find out more about how to use this innovative business model to your advantage as an artist. We also get pretty silly on this week's episode. Dave brings back one of our most popular segments: Dave's Metal Minute. And DMM has a surprise guest this week! Thank you all very much for listening. Rate/review/subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes and SoundCloud. Like Break the Business on Facebook. Follow Ryan @ryankair and Dave @dkaye1027. And tell a friend about the sh

Hi listeners! This week, we are joined by one of our favorite guests, Meri Amber. She is a terrific "geek pop" singer songwriter and we have a blast every time we have her on. This week, she joins us to discuss her latest album, the 90s-inspired "Retro Sherbet." She also gives us some great tips during the interview on how to blog effectively as an indie artist and offers us a window into her recording process. And in a Break the Business Podcast first, we have our guest stay on for an additional segment to talk about 90s pop culture with us. Since Meri is a 90s expert (as demonstrated by her tremendous album), we have her declare what is the "Ultimate 90s Thing" by choosing from sixteen different options in a single elimination tournament. Did your favorite 90s thing make the cut? Download this week's episode and find out. And along the way, you will learn a lot about how to move your indie career forward from one of the most insightful and creative artists going right now. You can find out more about Meri

Hi podcast listeners! In the first segment, Ryan and Dave discuss a couple terrific articles that indie artist and blogger Chris Robley wrote recently. One was about indie singer-songwriter Daniel Anderson, who was able to have a successful release of his latest album by selling copies door-to-door. Find out how Anderson was able to mix old-school and new-school marketing methods to earn an unexpected hit LP. The second article discussed how Chris Robley was able to make a great music video for his song "Anonymous" without spending any money. There are a lot of great lessons for artists to learn from Robley's articles.In the second segment, indie alt rock artist Matthew Mayfield stops by. He talks about achieving career success after leaving major label life. He also shares how he was able to fund his latest EP "Wild Eyes" in a truly unique way. We also play a song from the "Wild Eyes" release that Ryan absolutely loved. In the final segment, we bring back the fan-favorite "Dave The Ultimate Arbiter" segment.

Hi Podcast Listeners! This week Ryan and Dave talk about the changes to Twitter's feed. There is an algorithm now, and artists will need to change their tweeting accordingly to be successful on the platform. They also talk about artist managers and a Pledge Music article on the importance of building "super fans."In the second segment, country pop indie sensation Alayna stops by. She talks about her monster crowdfunding campaign for her latest EP and how she works to keep her fans engaged with her music. She also gives some great insight on how she organizes her daily and weekly schedule to achieve significant career success. Find out more about Alayna by visiting alaynasmusic.com.In the final segment, Dave and Ryan play two game shows. First, they play "Canadian Town or Hoser Talk," where Dave gives phrases to Ryan and he has to say whether it is the actual name of a Canadian town or not. It is harder for Ryan than Ryan initially thought it would be. After that, Ryan and Dave bring back everyone's favorite g

In the first segment, Ryan and Dave discuss the latest Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros video. It was shot entirely on an iPhone and it came out great! This has huge implications for indie artists and for the videos they make. Our hosts also talk about NBC's recent changes to its Songland contestant contract. Ryan and Dave talked about the problems with this contract a month ago and recent public pressure has led to changes in the language. But do those changes go far enough?In the second segment, entertainment lawyer and friend of the show Erin M. Jacobson stops by to talk about recent developments in the Kesha/Dr. Luke litigation. How do recent rumors that Sony Music might be dropping Dr. Luke affect the parties in this case? What are the implications of this case for artists as a whole? You can find out more about Erin's work at musicindustrylawyer.com and indieartistresource.com.In the final segment, Ryan and Dave talk about the trailer for the upcoming movie Hardcore Henry. One of the hosts is excite

Hi Podcast listeners! This week, there are rumors abound streaming services, and Ryan and Dave break them down. With Spotify possibly finding new ownership, Ryan shares his thoughts on what it could mean for indie artists. R &D also talk about a recent cover video contest hosted by CD Baby and Dave shares some metal news. In the second segment, Ryan and Dave talk about the trailer for the new Ghostbusters movie and they have "NostraDAVEus" stop by to give movie reviews for movies that have not come out yet. Rate/review/subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes and SoundCloud. Follow Ryan @ryankair and Dave @dkaye1027. And tell a friend about the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi Listeners! Thanks for downloading. In the first segment, Ryan and Dave discusses a SonicBids Blog article about creating an engaging e-mail signature. Well, to be more precise, Ryan discusses the article, and Dave tries to throw Ryan off the whole time because he wants the whole show to be a comedy podcast. In the second segment, Auralex CEO Eric Smith stops by and gives great advice on building a great home studio (a MUST for indie artists). Eric is a fantastic entrepreneur and his insights are not to be missed. You can find out more about his company's products at www.auralex.com. In the final segment, R & D talk Oscars.Rate/review/subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes and SoundCloud. Follow Ryan @ryankair and Dave @dkaye1027. And tell a friend about the show! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hi Podcast listeners! In the first segment, Ryan and Dave briefly discuss Cyber PR's new free content calendar and American Idol winner Caleb Johnson's latest independent release and crowdfunding campaign. But they most of the segment discussing the latest updates in the Ke$ha-Dr. Luke case and the judge's ruling denying Ke$ha's preliminary injunction. In discussing the case, Ryan shares his views on exclusive recording contracts and the dangers they impose on artists.In the second segment, acclaimed vocal coach Amy Poole stops by to give some useful singing tips for our listeners. We even have her give a free voice lesson to Olympic Champion Carl Lewis by having her evaluate his infamous 1993 National Anthem performance. In the final segment, Ryan and Dave talk about the Grammys and Dave makes good on the Grammy bet he lost last week by reciting an ode to Ryan on the air. R & D also talk about the new movie Deadpool (don't worry, no spoilers here!).Rate/review/subscribe to the Podcast on iTunes and Sound

Hi Podcast Listeners. Thanks for listening and tell a friend!Happy Valentine's Day! In the first segment, Ryan and Dave talk about a Music Think Tank blog article that leaked the talent contracts for the upcoming NBC music competition show Songland. Spoiler alert: The agreements are a mess. R & D rip the contract to shreds and Ryan gives some helpful guidance on how indie artists should approach reality show competition contracts generally. In the second segment, adult contemporary singer-songwriter Krista Hartman stops by to talk about her songwriting process, how to handle the challenges of being a woman in the music industry, and how to make engaging music videos on a budget. Ryan and Dave love her music, and they know you will too!In the final segment, R & D recap their Grammy contest from last week. They each randomly selected a nominee from each of the four major categories and, whoever picks the fewest winners on Grammy night (Monday), that host will have to write and read an ode to the other h

Hi Listeners! We are thrilled to have co-host Dave back in the studio! He has returned from China and is back in the studio to make us all happy. In the first segment, Ryan and Dave talk about music distribution options for artists and Ryan is thankful for his dear friend Josh's contribution of a brand new BP40 microphone from AudioTechnica. Thanks Josh, you are the best!In the second segment, CD Baby's Director of Marketing Kevin Breuner stops by. He gives great insight into major label life through his experience as a member of the Grammy nominated band Smalltown Poets. He also gives useful advice on how artists can promote themselves. Be sure to check out Kevin's DIY Musician Podcast. It is great!In the final segment, Ryan and Dave debut a new segment, "Dave's Metal Minute," hosted by Metal Dave. Metal Dave is the greatest (Yeeaaaaah!!!). After the Minute Minute, R & D play a very high-stakes game with the Grammys coming up next week. They randomly pick Grammy winners. Whoever picks the fewest winners

Hi Podcast Listeners!Ryan is back in his home studio after his remote cast from NAMM last week. In the first segment, Ryan reflects on his time at NAMM and talks about what is next for the show. He also talks about his book and its availability on Amazon. The Break the Business book was the #2 new music business book on Kindle last week. Thank you so much!In the second segment, musician/lawyer Andrew Koussevitzky stops by. Andrew is a former member of the band Stellar Revival, which was signed to Capitol Records in the early 2010s. He reflects on his crazy experience in label life, and having to endure his band's album being shelved and never released by the label. In addition to giving a great first-hand account of major label life, Andrew also gives some general advice on avoiding pitfalls as an indie artist and getting the right entertainment lawyer.In the final segment, Ryan discusses Andrew's insights further. He then discusses recent music and politics news involving presidential candidate Mike Huckabee

Hi Listeners! First thing's first: Ryan's book "Break the Business: Declaring your Independence and Achieving True Success in the Music Industry" is available now on Amazon. Check it out!This week, the Break the Business Podcast is on location at NAMM 2016 in Anaheim, California. NAMM 2016 is a world famous convention that features music equipment and merchandise from manufacturers all over the world. It also features a lot of panels that give great advice to help musicians.For this episode, Ryan is joined by his L.A. kindred spirits Evan and Elisa and they break down NAMM together. They talk about their favorite booths, and also discuss the indie artist advice they heard at NAMM's panels. In the second segment, Ryan is joined by Las Vegas indie shock rock band I.D.S.F.A.. Ryan could have interviewed anyone at NAMM this week, but chose this band because they are literally scary monsters and Ryan could not resist talking to them. What transpires is a fifteen-minute conversation that you will never forget. Host

Hi Listeners! Thanks for joining us this week. In the first segment, Ryan gives an update on his book and his upcoming trip to NAMM. He also discusses the loss of David Bowie and Alan Rickman this past week.In the second segment, "The Music Industry Lawyer" Erin M. Jacobson stops by for an interview. Erin is a celebrated entertainment lawyer who focuses much of her practice on helping indie artists. She gives great insight on when a DIY artist should retain a lawyer, what they should look for in a lawyer, and how to afford one on a budget. She also talks about "Indie Artist Resource", which is an organization she created that provides template documents, copyright registration assistance, and legal and business consultations for indie artists. You can find out more about Erin at musicindustrylawyer.com and indieartistresource.com.In the third segment, Ryan discusses a recent Sonicbids blog article by Casey van Wensem that discusses how introvert musicians can promote themselves successfully using social media

Happy New Year, everyone! The Break the Business Podcast is back for 2016. Ryan and Dave talk about what they did over the holiday break, and have lots of exciting news to share. The biggest of that news is that Ryan is engaged! After talking about taking the plunge, R & D then talk about the mistakes that DIY artists can avoid in the new year.In the second segment, indie music expert and syndicated radio host D Grant Smith stops by and gives some great tips on how DIY artists can grow their careers. D Grant has lots of great info about how artists can grow their fan base and network to radio professionals and other industry figures effectively. You can find out more about D Grant's books, radio and podcasting projects, and music consulting services at dgrantsmith.comIn the final segment, Ryan and Dave bring you the fan-favorite segments "Dave The Ultimate Arbiter" and "Dave's As Yet Untitled Game Show."Thank you so much for listening. We have lots of great stuff in store for the new year. Please subscri

Hi Podcast Listeners! It is our last episode of the year. We are celebrating a terrific 2015 with a more relaxed format this week. Ryan brings in his podcasting buddies Elisa and Evan to join Dave in a pure pop culture episode. No DIY music talk this week. Instead, we will make you smile with some comedy and general banter. We talk about "The Room", Steve Harvey's Miss Universe flub, Madonna's Christmas custody issue, and Star Wars. We also have a couple game shows this week because we all love the games. Happy New Year to you and yours. Thank you for support of the Break the Business Podcast in 2015. We are excited for you to join us next year. We have lots of great stuff in store for 2016, and are thrilled for you to be part of it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week's episode is heavy on Star Wars. Dave has already seen the movie three times and is super excited (Don't worry. No spoilers here!). Music business consultant Bobby Borg stops by to talk about how to succeed as a DIY artist. Bobby is a musician, teacher, and author of the books "Music Marketing for the DIY Musician" and "Business Basics for Musicians." On our show, he talks about how to achieve "career execution" as an indie artist, how to get started in DIY, how to avoid mistakes in your career, the future of the music industry, and much more. You can find out more about Bobby's music business consulting services and his books at bobbyborg.comIn the "D Block" segment, Dave brings us a Star Wars-themed edition of "Dave's As Yet Untitled Game Show". It is fast-paced and fun. Play along at home, but be sure to let the wookie win. Thanks for rating/reviewing/subscribing to us on SoundCloud and iTunes. Follow Ryan @ryankair and Dave @dkaye1027. Send the show questions and propose show topics at breaktheb