Music Business Radio

In the Studio... Joe Palmaccio

Joe Palmaccio was in the Music Business Radio studios today to talk about his 25+ years as a mastering engineer. Joe has won three Grammy Awards and has numerous Gold and Platinum albums. He's done mastering work for hundreds of artists including Willie Nelson, Elton John, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan, Michael Jackson, KISS, James Brown, The Isley Brothers, Rod Stewart, Barry Manilow, The Clash, Public Enemy, and Neil Diamond.

We talked about what mastering is (and isn't), how Joe got his start in the field, advances in recording technology, what musicians need to know about mastering, analog vs. digital recording, injecting new life into old audio recordings, and more. Joe also brought in "before and after" examples of how mastering can make a difference in recorded music and critiqued music sent in by Music Business Radio listeners from around the world.  

This episode is currently being edited and will air soon. Until then, get on the podcast and check out the notes below...

In the Studio... Shannon Houchins

Shannon Houchins visited Music Business Radio today to talk about the music business. Shannon is CEO of Average Joes Entertainment, home to acts like Colt Ford, Montgomery Gentry, The Lac, Bubba Sparxxx, and Redneck Social Club.

Shannon talked about his start in the music business, working as a DJ and producer, eventually as a staff producer for Jermaine Dupri's So So Def Productions. As a producer, writer and executive producer, he's worked with acts like TLC, Usher, Jagged Edge, CeCe Peniston, Lenny Cooper, Brantley Gilbert, Rehab, and Nappy Roots.

We talked about new ways of making money in the music business, what it takes for artists to get Shannon's attention, the pros and cons of sampling music, brand building, licensing, music marketing, and the live event business.

This episode is currently being edited and will air soon. Until then, get on the podcast and check out the notes below...

Episode #162 - Matt Brouwer

This special "Artist Confidential" episode was recorded in Paragon Studios and features Juno Award-winning singer/songwriter Matt Brouwer talking about and performing songs from his latest album, Till The Sunrise. We break everything down, song-by-song, with Matt backed by the studio band, Zodlounge, and producer Michael Omartian.

This episode talks about the "behind the scenes" of Till The Sunrise, including the recording process, how the songs were written (and developed), how Matt got to this point in his career, and more, with thoughts by Zodlounge, Michael Omartian, engineer Terry Christian, and, of course, Matt himself.

It includes not only live performances with the full band, but also acoustic/stripped versions of songs and early demos and work tapes. Whether you're a Matt Brouwer fan or just curious about what goes into producing a world-class album, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

For those not on the podcast...

Episode #161 - Erin McCarley

Erin McCarley is a songwriter and artist signed to Universal Republic and her latest album is My Stadium Electric.

We talk about how she got started in the music business, how she raised $25,000 in just three days (before Kickstarter) to fund her debut album, getting a record deal, playing David Letterman, working with A&R guys to create a great album, her songwriting process, how she got her music as the iTunes Single of the Week, and more. Erin also plays live in our studio. 

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In the Studio... Pinky Gonzales

Pinky Gonzales was in the Music Business Radio studios today. He's the founder of Upriver Solutions, a marketing company based out of Portland, OR. He's worked with artists like Robert Plant, Beyonce, and Brad Paisley as well as companies like Kingsford Charcoal, Hershey Company, and Anheuser-Busch.

We talked about innovation within the music industry and where it comes from, how acts can take advantage of (and be successful with) fan-funding sites like Kickstarter, and social media. We talked about new changes to Facebook and how to work around them, tools to build your mailing list, and how to organize your social media content.

This episode is currently being edited and will air soon. Until then, get on the podcast and check out the notes below...

In the Studio... Ian Anderson

Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull was in the Music Business Radio studios today to talk about his 40+ years in the music business.

At at 65, Ian performs an average of 120 dates per year. This episode talks about his longevity, how (and why) he keeps up such a grueling pace, and his thoughts on the new music business. We also go way back to talk about his start with Jethro Tull, the story behind the band's name, and the business model behind his many albums.

This episode is currently being edited and will air soon. Until then, get on the podcast and check out the notes below...

Episode #160 - Lisa Marie Presley

Lisa Marie Presley talks about her music career and new album, Storm & Grace.

Topics discussed include growing up as the daughter of Elvis Presley, media scrutiny, finding your voice as an artist, writing great songs, recording a great album, Simon Fuller, the differences between Memphis, Los Angeles, and Nashville, trusting your team, and more.

Lisa shares her take on songs from Storm & Grace, including Over Me, You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet, Weary, Soften the Blows, and So Long.

For those not on the podcast...

In the Studio... Tom Brislin

Tom Brislin was in the Music Business Radio studios today to talk about his career in the music business. As a sideman he's worked with acts like Meat Loaf, Yes, Debbie Harry, OK Go, and Marshall Crenshaw.

We talked about his start in the music business, playing clubs in New Jersey, how he was discovered by Meat Loaf, how a career in a band is different from a solo career, his decision to finally record a solo album, funding your music career through Kickstarter, and more.

This episode includes music from his debut solo album, Hurry Up and Smell the Roses, as well as live, in-studio performances. We also reviewed music sent in by Music Business Radio listeners from around the world.

This episode is currently being edited and will air soon. Until then, get on the podcast and check out the notes below...

In the Studio... Emmylou Harris

Emmylou Harris dropped by Music Business Radio today. We talked about her start as a single mother playing folk music, being discovered by and working with Gram Parsons, her first record deal, finding (and writing) good material, the dog rescue she started in her backyard, finding opportunities, her upcoming duets album with Rodney Crowell, Prairie Home Companion with Garrison Keillor, and more.

This episode is currently being edited and will air soon. Until then, get on the podcast and check out the notes below...

In the Studio... Bob Farnsworth

Bob Farnsworth was in the Music Business Radio studios today to talk about music in advertising. Bob is the founder of Hummingbird Productions, an ad music agency, and has done work for hundreds of clients including Coca-Cola, Pepsi, McDonald's, Budweiser, Chick-fil-A, and Wrigley's Gum.

We talked about the changing face of music in advertising, the process of getting advertising clients, how musicians can break into this aspect of the music business, and more. Bob played samples of his work from tapes he pitched, to finished projects.

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If you want the behind-the-scenes aspects of the ad music business, this is an episode you won't want to miss. Everything is currently being edited and will air soon. Until then, get on the podcast and check out the notes below...