#28 - How Insights and Transparency Can Save Independent Promoters with Jen Lyon

Veteran promoter Jen Lyon, Founder of MeanRed Productions, shares a candid, inspiring conversation around how independents can stand their ground in a Live Nation world—plus why she’s urging promoters to join Insights now.Inside the episode:Jen’s personal journey from NYC bottle service clubs to building a values-driven venue in DetroitWhy Insights is a game-changer, and her urgent plea to fellow independents to join the movementThe power of transparency in booking, artist development, and leveling the playing fieldHow a data-sharing culture can create equity—and why withholding data hurts the whole industryThe real risks independent promoters take—and how tools like Prism help make it sustainableWhy she’s launching a nonprofit venue with community curators (and a unique for-profit/F&B model)What the future of live music could look like, if we choose to build it togetherWhether you’re new to the game or a seasoned vet, Jen drops truth bombs, challenges the status quo, and brings hope for a more collaborative, independent future.Episode Timestamps:(00:01:01): Evolution of Live Music Booking Technology (00:01:49): Early Career Challenges (00:02:58): Transition to Prism(00:04:04): Transparency in the Industry - Insights deep dive (00:06:14): Industry Diversity and Inclusion(00:08:05): Tech and the Next Generation (00:09:18): Prism's Potential (00:10:02): Sustaining an Independent Approach (00:11:03): Different Perspectives on Industry Challenges (00:13:30): Dynamics Between Large Promoters Versus Independent Venues(00:15:40): Insights and Data Sharing (00:17:32): Independent Promoters' Struggles(00:19:03): Looking to the Future (00:21:01): Jen's Journey into Live Music(00:25:28): Building Community(00:28:21): Finding Sustainability and PurposePlease share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism:Subscribe ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠More on⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Prism⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on Instagram (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠@prismfm⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)Follow us on LinkedIn (⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠)Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Matt Ford⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Opening Music -⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Banana Bread - Layton.rx⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ (Prism engineer!)