Modern Musician Podcast

#331 – Matt Adell: Can AI Respect Copyright and Still Power the Future of Music?

Matt Adell is a music tech entrepreneur and the COO & co-founder of Musical AI, a rights-first AI licensing platform designed to protect creators in the era of generative music. With a career spanning influential companies like Beatport and Napster, Matt brings deep experience at the intersection of music, technology, and digital innovation. Today, he’s focused on building ethical AI systems that respect copyright, ensure proper attribution, and create sustainable opportunities for artists as the future of music rapidly evolves.In this episode, Matt breaks down exactly how AI is reshaping music creation, copyright, and compensation—and what independent artists need to know to protect their work and thrive in a generative future.Key TakeawaysHow generative AI is disrupting the music industry and what it means for artists, songwriters, and producersWhy copyright, attribution, and licensing matter more than ever in an AI-driven music ecosystemHow ethical, rights-first AI can create new opportunities without undermining human creativity or fair pay---→ Learn more about Matt Adell and his work at: wearemusical.ai.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

#330 - Chris SD: Why Sync Licensing Is the Smartest Move for Indie Artists

Chris SD is an award-winning music producer and sync licensing expert who helps indie songwriters get their music placed in top TV shows, films, and advertisements. After producing acclaimed records and winning multiple music awards, he discovered that a single well-placed song could radically change an artist’s career and income. That realization led him to found Sync Songwriter, a platform dedicated to teaching independent artists how to license their music and connect directly with leading music supervisors, agencies, and studios worldwide.In this episode, Chris breaks down exactly how indie songwriters can turn their music into consistent sync income—without a label or industry gatekeepers.Key TakeawaysHow sync licensing really works and why it’s one of the most powerful income streams for indie artistsThe exact mindset and strategies music supervisors look for when choosing songsHow to build real industry relationships that lead to repeat placements---→ Learn more about Chris and his work at syncsongwriter.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

#329 – Joe Gallo: Turning Music Into Media Through Brand Partnerships

Joe Gallo is a results-driven brand builder and the founder of CatchBuzz, a media and lifestyle agency operating at the intersection of music, branding, and culture. With over a decade of experience across partnerships, public relations, marketing, and artist management, Joe has helped emerging artists, major festival acts, startups, and established lifestyle brands amplify their stories. Through CatchBuzz, he has secured more than 1,000 media placements in top outlets including The New York Times, Forbes, Billboard, and The Wall Street Journal.In this episode, Joe Gallo breaks down how indie artists can leverage brand partnerships to unlock new revenue, visibility, and long-term growth—without needing a massive following.Key TakeawaysHow indie artists can land brand partnerships by clearly defining their value and audienceWhy warm introductions, clear asks, and deliverable menus win deals with brandsHow to build long-term brand relationships that go beyond one-off sponsorships---→ Learn more about Joe Gallo and his work at: catchbuzz.co.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

#328 – Libby Kallins: How Authenticity Cuts Through the Noise Online

Libby Kallins is a seasoned music marketing strategist and artist development expert now shaping careers at 444 Sounds. With more than eight years of experience across major labels, she has built campaigns for both rising and established talent. Today, Libby empowers independent artists by merging creative storytelling with data-driven strategy, helping them strengthen their branding, deepen fan engagement, and scale community-driven growth. Her work bridges digital innovation with authentic connection, giving indie artists the tools they need to thrive in an ever-shifting music landscape.In this episode, Libby reveals how independent artists can leverage storytelling, community building, and strategic platform choice to accelerate their careers in today’s digital-first music ecosystem.Key TakeawaysHow to identify the right digital platforms and use trial-and-error to discover what actually grows your fanbase.How to build a loyal community through authentic content, collaborative creation, and meaningful fan engagement.How to strengthen your brand by clarifying your story—and why email and text lists are crucial for long-term sustainability.---→ Learn more about Libby and her work at: 444sounds.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

#327 – Ian Roberts: The Fan Data Playbook for Modern Artists

Ian Roberts is the co-founder & CEO of Hive.co, a leading fan-engagement and marketing automation platform built for event promoters and musicians. Since launching Hive in 2014, Ian has helped transform the way artists and promoters use data—powering over $500M in ticket sales through smarter email, SMS, and presale campaigns. With a background in product, growth, and digital strategy, he’s dedicated to helping creators build sustainable careers by turning ticket buyers into long-term fans through data-driven insights and marketing tools.In this episode, Ian reveals how artists can turn fan data into revenue, loyalty, and repeat ticket sales in a rapidly evolving music landscape.Key TakeawaysHow artists can use email, SMS, and fan data to drive engagement and build dependable revenue streams.Practical contest, merch, and presale strategies that deepen loyalty and turn casual listeners into superfans.How AI and automation will reshape the future of music marketing, making it easier to grow and monetize a fan base.---→ Learn more about Ian and Hive at Hive.co.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast