Breaking Down the Biz

On this weekly update, we learn how the recent BMG and Concord merger positions itself as the unlikely fourth music major and what that means for competition, artists, and the ownership of the legendary catalogs of great artists past. Seth Schachner and Nashville-based consultant Tom Truitt break down the implications of this consolidation. They cover the core differences between catalog and publishing giants, Nashville’s surprising role in global industry shakeups, and how private equity is fueling a fierce war for ownership of music assets. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bob Dylan, Nirvana, The Eagles, Foo Fighters, Joni Mitchell, the Beastie Boys - all incredible artists in their own ways. What do they have in common? They were all managed by Ron Stone, our guest on today’s podcast. Ron has spent five decades at the center of the music industry, representing a legendary roster that spans from the folk-rock of the '60s to the boundary-pushing sounds of grunge and '90s alternative powerhouses. In this episode, we discuss what has stayed the same in an industry that seems to change every five minutes. Ron breaks down the transition from vinyl all the way to streaming, the current frenzy over music catalog buying, and the timeless strategies that apply whether you're in the 1960s or on TikTok. Featuring inside stories on Neil Young’s rights battles, the strategy behind Nirvana’s launch and more, this is a masterclass in the business of music and the history of some of the greatest artists of all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Seth Schachner explores recent developments in music and entertainment, including a new Michael Jackson biopic, recent releases by Noah Kahan, Foo Fighters & U2, and delves into how AI is being integrated into the entertainment industry by talent with vested interests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Industry veteran Paul Vidich shares how Apple’s iTunes and Steve Jobs defied conventional wisdom to revolutionize music consumption. Discover the behind-the-scenes strategy that turned digital downloads from a pricy gamble into a $1 billion dollar phenomenon within just a year, and learn how this shift laid the groundwork for today’s streaming universe. Seth and Paul unlock the pivotal negotiations that set the stage for iTunes’ success, revealing the critical choices around pricing, metadata, and consumer experience that often go overlooked. Paul also shares eye-opening insights on how early experiments in digital music laid the foundation for streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, transforming the way millions access and enjoy music today. Paul Vidich is a bestselling novelist and former media executive, known for his strategic influence on digital transformation in the music industry and his intricate espionage novels inspired by real-world family mysteries. Learn more at https://paulvidich.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, we discuss the recent developments in the lawsuit with Ticketmaster and Live Nation. We're joined by expert John Shu, a lawyer, former White House advisor and industry insider, to break down the groundbreaking settlement between the DOJ, states, and Live Nation. This settlement isn’t just about a few million dollars, but about opening up the ticketing ecosystem and potentially reshaping the entire live entertainment industry. Read more from John on his Substack, or find him on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this episode of Breaking Down the Biz, Seth Schachner sits down with Kerry Gordy, son of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Berry shares his extraordinary journey from growing up in the iconic Motown studios to navigating the evolving landscape of the music industry. They also speak on the state of the industry as it relates to major labels and the distribution ecosystem, and Netflix's documentary Sunday Best, about the Ed Sullivan Show. Through candid storytelling, he provides unique insights into the world of music, marketing, and the impact of technology on artists today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, Seth Schachner is joined by Michelle Bell, a savvy music and brand strategist, to unpack how brands are transforming festivals into immersive marketing zones. Music isn't always the primary act at festivals - luxury glamping, instagrammable moments, and influencer hype are competing for the main stage at event like SXSW, Coachella, and more. Seth and Michelle explore how this shift impacts the music ecosystem, artist revenue, and fan experience, revealing the hidden power of brand-funded content in today’s entertainment landscape. They also briefly touch on the letter signed by over 1,000 actors and film professionals calling for a boycott of the Paramount merger, a potential takeover of WMG, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most countries underestimate how local competitors and digital giants like YouTube, TikTok, and others are shaping the future of the music industry by developing emerging markets. Alfonso Perez Soto, a veteran in the global music industry, unveils the surprising role YouTube plays across India, Africa, and the Middle East. He and host Seth Shachner (Strat Americas) share how local initiatives like Boomplay and Wangami fought hard to carve out their space, what the rise of the Latin market means for the future of the industry, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In our first-ever mini news roundup, Seth breaks down the biggest stories on his radar this week. He kicks things off with the Live Nation antitrust lawsuit, which is heating back up as 33 states continue to pursue claims alleging monopoly practices. Then, he dives into recent trial verdicts in Los Angeles and New Mexico that could set major precedents for social media platforms. These results could potentially pave the way for courts to push platforms like Meta and YouTube to take a more active role in moderating and editing content. Tune in every week for your bite-sized breakdown of what’s shaping the business of music, entertainment and technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Most major music publications were born in the print era, but are now faced with shifting digital landscapes and an uphill battle to compete for eyes and ears. How has the music journalism category adapted as we shift from the paper to platform? How has the democraticization of music coverage changed the way we critique the industry? To answer all these questions and more, we speak with Ira Robbins, founder of Trouser Press. His seminal publication covered legendary artists like Cheap Trick, The Ramones, Brian Eno, The Clash, and more. We discuss how the attitude of his indie, DIY publication covering New York's emerging punk scene in the 70s can be applied today. We also touch on social media, the role of music critique and review for the modern listener, and the importance of honest, informed coverage in the industry. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Join us as we explore Ivy's musical journey, from their analog roots to digital evolution. Discover how they navigated the music industry, faced personal loss, and maintained their creative integrity. Featuring insights from band members on resilience, creativity, and the future of music. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The digital revolution in music didn't just change how we listen; it upended the entire industry. From the chaos of piracy and industry decline in the early 2000s to Apple's game-changing iTunes, and now to the streaming era, one thing is clear: the business has never been more unpredictable or more exciting. In this episode of Breaking Down the Biz, Seth Shachner sits down with industry veteran Thomas Hesse to walk through the seismic shifts that transformed music from physical to digital to AI. You'll discover how the industry responded to piracy with innovative licensing models, the strategic dance with Apple to launch iTunes with the industry on board, and the rise of streaming platforms like Spotify that redefined access versus ownership. Thomas shares behind-the-scenes stories of negotiating with tech giants, and reveals how the industry’s revenue models changed, from the 99-cent song to subscription ecosystems that keep the industry alive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this inaugural episode of Breaking Down The Biz, Bruno Del Granado reveals how Latin artists like Ricky Martin and Bad Bunny use streaming and cultural authenticity to achieve global success. Discover how the internet empowers artists to reach audiences worldwide and build independent teams. Learn about innovative strategies and the importance of embracing cultural roots in today's digital music landscape. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Breaking Down the Biz, we simplify the big stuff in the business of music , entertainment, and technology. Industry insider Seth Schachner (ex Sony Music, Microsoft, AOL, Universal Music) brings you a bite-sized, insider’s guide to how the industry really works.  Each week Seth is joined by industry insiders who are making culture happen - the brains behind your favorite artists, movies, and media companies. Ever wondered how Apple helped save the music industry? What actually happened with those Taylor Swift tickets? And how did Bad Bunny go from unknown to global superstar? From timely breakdowns to the biggest industry-shifting moments in recent history, we’re unpacking the deals, the drama, and the decisions that shape what you watch and listen to every day. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices