Welcome to the Music Lounge Podcast

In this episode, Rahman Dukes shares his incredible journey through the music industry, media, and entrepreneurship. From collaborating with legendary artists to building digital platforms, he provides insights into the evolving landscape of hip hop culture, media influence, and ownership strategies.Key Topics Covered:The impact of MTV and media on hip hop’s mainstream acceptanceEvolution of hip hop culture: from streets to commercial successThe role of MTV and TRL in shaping music trends & artist visibilityThe importance of ownership and digital innovation in mediaGrowth of Black-owned media platforms, including the Polaris channelPersonal stories from working on iconic projects like Jam Master J coverageThe influence of social media and technology on music distributionSuccess stories of entrepreneurs like Byron Allen and strategic brand buildingChallenges and opportunities in the current media landscape for artists and creatorsTimestamp Highlights:00:00 - Method Man interview incident with newspaper over face00:30 - Wu Tang’s big day live on TRL and Irving Plaza performance01:22 - The cultural significance of Wu Tang’s influence02:10 - The crossover of hip hop into mainstream via MTV & TRL03:11 - Hip hop’s journey from underground to pop culture04:24 - Fred Jordan’s pivotal role in MTV’s support of hip hop & R&B05:54 - The street origins of hip hop and its evolution into flashy lifestyles06:51 - Reckoning with hip hop’s “bling culture” and street elements07:38 - Artists’ independence from MTV support & rise of social media09:19 - The impact of high-budget music videos and visual storytelling10:47 - The influence of discovery platforms like Napster & MySpace11:44 - Challenges of artist deal points, royalties, and legal rights12:38 - Cultural acceptance of hip hop outside of urban hubs13:54 - Growing fascination among different communities with hip hop culture14:38 - Cultural challenges regarding authenticity & image in hip hop15:07 - MTV’s role in educating artists about industry fundamentals16:18 - The rise of streaming and importance of independent content17:06 - The significance of TRL in artist exposure & music success18:04 - Shifts in sponsorship & media priorities post-George Floyd era19:23 - Hip hop branding strategies: clothing, liquor, and beyond20:17 - Political engagement & MTV’s influence through “Choose or Lose”21:16 - Kanye West’s presidential run & seeds planted through media22:23 - Rahman Dukes' experience at MTV & pioneering digital content creation23:49 - Creative projects like Method Man’s comic book & MTV Hip Hop Week27:19 - The Jam Master J case and investigative storytelling30:12 - Transition into owning platforms & building new media ventures36:34 - The development of Polaris Channel & HBCU-focused media37:58 - Admiring Byron Allen’s success & impact in Black media ownership42:17 - Final thoughts on building a legacy, authenticity, and future visions

In this in-depth interview, David Gale, former EVP of MTV Films, shares his journey from entertainment law to film production, revealing behind-the-scenes stories of iconic movies like Election, Beavis and Butthead, and Napoleon Dynamite. Discover how MTV's unique culture fostered innovation in film, the challenges of navigating studio relationships, and lessons on brand building and career reinvention.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction01:17 David Gale's Journey to MTV Films05:39 The Evolution of MTV and Its Cultural Impact11:25 The Challenges of Producing MTV Films18:10 The Success of Beavis and Butthead and Beyond23:15 The Making of Election and Its Cultural Significance28:28 Casting Choices and Their Impact on Election30:57 The Shift in Film Distribution and Its Implications31:54 The Business Model of MTV Films33:58 The Art of Budgeting in Film Production36:03 Missed Opportunities: The Twilight Saga39:04 The Shift in MTV Films' Direction41:26 Quickfire Questions: Insights into David's Favorites47:58 Life After MTV: Career Transitions and New Ventures50:18 Helping Others: Coaching and Career Guidance54:28 The Power of MTV's Marketing Strategies

In this engaging conversation, Blair Herter, SVP Gaming Agency Services - Global at Dentsu shares his journey from a small town in Louisiana to becoming a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, particularly through his experiences with MTV and G4. He reflects on the transformative impact of his time on 'Road Rules', the evolution of content creation at MTV.com, and the rise of gaming culture. Blair discusses the importance of authenticity in music and marketing, and how his diverse experiences have shaped his career trajectory. He emphasizes the value of creative freedom and the lessons learned from working in dynamic environments.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Background02:57 The Road Rules Experience05:38 Transition to MTV and Content Creation11:00 The Evolution of MTV.com16:51 The G4 Era and Gaming Culture21:47 Marketing and Career Transition27:22 Reflections on Authenticity in Music32:50 Final Thoughts and Future Directions

In this episode of the podcast, hosts Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte welcome music expert Justin Tyme Prager to discuss the upcoming Grammy Awards and the evolving landscape of music award shows. The conversation kicks off with a light-hearted introduction before diving into the significance of the Grammys and MTV awards, particularly how they have adapted to attract younger audiences. Justin shares insights on his TikTok commentary, touching on recent music trends and notable artists, including the impact of shows like 'Stranger Things' on music popularity. The trio also debates the nominees for major Grammy categories, analyzing the cultural relevance of artists like Bad Bunny, Billie Eilish, and others, while considering how social media influences award show dynamics today.Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Music Lounge01:21 The Grammys vs. MTV: A Cultural Shift05:59 The Impact of Social Media on Award Shows12:04 Behind-the-Scenes Content: The New Norm17:06 The Future of the Grammys and Youth Engagement18:34 The State of Award Shows20:36 Memorable Performances and Their Impact22:32 The Role of Social Media in Music Awards25:53 The Shift in Audience Engagement29:47 Data-Driven Decisions in Award Shows34:58 Predictions for Grammy 2026 Categories37:27 Grammy Predictions: Song and Record of the Year38:49 Album of the Year: Bad Bunny's Moment?42:24 Song of the Year: K-Pop vs. Established Artists43:51 Best New Artist: Olivia Dean's Rise47:33 The Evolving Role of Award Shows

In this episode of the Music Lounge, hosts Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte welcome David Cohn, former EVP and GM of MTV2, Hits, and Jams at MTV. The conversation delves into David's journey at MTV, starting at the age of 23, and his experiences during the early days of the channel. David shares insights into the culture at MTV, the challenges and successes of launching MTV2, and the evolution of the music industry over the decades. The episode is filled with anecdotes about the vibrant and sometimes chaotic environment at MTV, the creation of iconic shows, and the strategic decisions that shaped the network's growth.Chapters00:00:01 Introduction and New Year Greetings00:00:25 Introducing David Cohn00:01:58 David's Journey to MTV00:03:25 Early Days at MTV00:10:26 MTV's Cultural Impact00:18:29 MTV2 and Strategic Expansion00:27:44 Global Expansion and London Experience00:33:37 MTV2's Development and Challenges00:44:38 Reflections and Future of Music Television

In this engaging conversation, Tom Freston, former CEO of MTV Networks, shares his journey from the early days of MTV to his current philanthropic efforts. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of launching MTV, the importance of creativity in building a unique culture, and the impact of music on society. Freston reflects on memorable moments from his career, the evolution of MTV's programming, and his relationships with artists. He also emphasizes the significance of giving back and making a difference in the world.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Music Lounge and Guest Introduction01:49 The Journey to Writing 'Unplugged'03:46 Early Life and Experiences in India and Afghanistan08:35 The Birth of MTV and Its Cultural Impact13:16 Creative Freedom and Management at MTV17:54 Memorable Moments and Relationships in the Music Industry23:28 Evolution of MTV and Strategic Shifts28:21 Evolution of MTV's Programming31:03 The Rise of Hip Hop on MTV32:43 Cultural Impact of MTV34:56 Reflections on Leadership and Regrets37:11 The Emotional Exit from MTV42:49 Judy McGrath's Influence at MTV46:29 Involvement with the One Campaign50:54 Spotting Future Superstars

In this engaging conversation, Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte interview Paul Debenedittis, a former executive at MTV, discussing his journey in the media industry, the evolution of MTV's programming, and the importance of mentorship and emotional intelligence in the workplace. Paul shares insights on the shift from music videos to broader content strategies, the significance of creative retreats for team collaboration, and the impact of celebrity culture on programming. He emphasizes the need to understand and adapt to the changing audience, particularly Generation Alpha, and the lessons learned from his experiences at MTV and beyond.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Mentorship in the Industry03:12 The Importance of Kindness and Emotional Intelligence06:23 Joining MTV: The Initial Reluctance12:47 The Evolution of MTV's Programming Strategy28:02 TRL: A Cultural Phenomenon and Its Impact34:53 Celebrating Success and Teamwork at MTV36:18 Managing Success and Budgeting for Growth38:37 Creative Retreats: Building a Collaborative Culture45:22 The Importance of Offsites in Content Development51:03 Lessons from MTV: Adapting to Changing Audiences

The conversation explores the deep connections formed in a work environment, highlighting how intense collaboration can lead to familial bonds among colleagues. It also touches on the surprising shift in social dynamics when transitioning to different work cultures, where after-work socializing is not the norm.

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Kevin Lyman, the founder of the Warped Tour, shares insights into the evolution of music festivals, the influence of MTV, and the importance of branding in the music industry. He reflects on the diverse lineup of artists that have graced the Warped Tour stage, the significance of audience engagement, and the lasting impact of the festival on music culture. Lyman also discusses the challenges and opportunities faced by artists today, the role of mental health in the music industry, and the importance of community engagement.Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Music Lounge01:14 The Legacy of the Warped Tour02:42 MTV's Influence on Music and Festivals05:35 Booking Bands and the Eclectic Lineup09:02 Collaboration Between Genres12:03 The Evolution of Warped Tour's Branding14:50 Music Discovery Before Streaming15:03 The Impact of TRL on Music Trends19:01 Audience Demographics and Changes22:15 Artist-Fan Interactions on Tour23:49 Nostalgia and Lasting Fandom24:53 The Future of Music Festivals28:59 Timing and the Birth of Warped Tour31:02 The Role of Warped Tour in Artist Development32:56 Looking Ahead: The Future of Warped Tour34:26 Launching Careers: The Impact of Warped Tour36:13 The Evolution of Music Genres and Festivals38:04 Rediscovering the Joy of Music40:00 Teaching and Learning in the Music Industry41:50 The Changing Landscape of Music Festivals43:50 Memorable Moments and Music Memorabilia45:42 Connecting with Communities Through Music47:17 The Role of Music in Bridging Divides49:05 The Authenticity of Live Music Experiences51:07 Reflections on a Successful Career in Music

SummaryIn this engaging conversation, Salli Frattini, former SVP executive producer at MTV, shares her journey through the golden era of the network, reflecting on iconic moments, the evolution of programming, and the challenges of live production. From her early career in Olympic programming to her pivotal role in shaping MTV's identity, Salli discusses the importance of relationships in the industry and her experiences with award shows and live events. She also touches on her life after MTV, her passion for music venues in New York City, and her aspirations for future projects.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Music Lounge and Guest Introduction02:43 Salli Frattini's Journey at MTV05:32 The Evolution of MTV and Its Impact on Pop Culture08:03 Behind the Scenes of MTV Events11:04 The Challenges of Live Production13:53 Memorable Moments from MTV Award Shows16:49 The Relationship Between MTV and Major Sports Leagues19:33 The Launch of MTV Studio and Its Legacy32:37 MTV's Impact on New York City33:40 Challenges of Live Productions37:17 Navigating Live Show Surprises39:06 Technological Innovations in Event Production41:53 Personal Stories and Career Reflections44:53 Life After MTV and New Ventures48:38 The Evolution of Award Shows51:25 Future Aspirations and New Ideas

In this engaging conversation, Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte discuss the evolution of the music industry with guest Ricki Askin, a former music supervisor at MTV. They explore the impact of social media on music discovery, the changing landscape of artist relationships, and the role of labels in artist development. Ricki shares her journey from the temp pool at MTV to her experiences at Vice and TikTok, highlighting the importance of talent and artistry in a rapidly changing industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Current Events in Music Media02:47 Ricki Askin's Journey in the Music Industry05:26 The Role of Music Supervision at MTV08:34 Experiences with Artists and Live Programming11:05 The Evolution of Music Exposure in Media13:56 Challenges and Opportunities in Music Supervision16:55 The Impact of Music on Brand and Artist Development19:48 The Changing Landscape of Music Promotion22:36 Conclusion and Future of Music in Media26:43 The Power of Consumer-Generated Content28:41 Evolution of Artist-Audience Relationships33:53 The Challenge of Sustaining Artist Careers37:27 Generational Shifts in Music Consumption40:40 The Role of Labels in Artist Development48:38 Transitioning from MTV to Vice56:01 Reflections on a Music Industry Career

SummaryIn this episode of the Music Lounge, hosts Andrew Schiffman, Susan Natoli, and Perry Turcotte discuss their career paths leading to MTV, the evolution of media and marketing, and the challenges of navigating the music industry today. They reflect on the changing landscape of job opportunities, the impact of streaming services, and the future of integrated marketing. Personal anecdotes and insights provide a candid look at their experiences and aspirations in the entertainment industry.Chapters00:00 Introduction to the Music Lounge03:11 Susan Natoli's Journey to MTV07:37 Transitioning from Programming to Integrated Marketing13:10 Navigating Career Changes and Layoffs17:56 Perry Turcotte's Career Path24:13 Andrew Schiffman's MTV Experience26:17 Navigating Professional Relationships31:48 The Job Search Struggles36:26 The Evolution of Music and Nostalgia41:37 Career Transitions and New Opportunities48:50 The Future of Broadcasting and Streaming

In this episode of the Music Lounge, hosts Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte welcome guest Amy Pascal to discuss the evolution of music festivals like Coachella, the rise of boy bands, and the significant impact of TRL on pop culture. They delve into the phenomenon of N'Sync, exploring their breakthrough album 'No Strings Attached' and the dynamics of boy bands in the music industry. The conversation highlights the nostalgia surrounding boy bands and their lasting legacy in modern music.Chapters:00:00 Welcome to the Music Lounge08:10 The Evolution of Coachella09:19 The Rise of Boy Bands17:10 The Impact of TRL on Boy Bands25:20 N'Sync's Breakthrough with No Strings Attached33:45 The Hiatus and Legacy of N'Sync

In this engaging conversation, Tim Rosta shares his journey through the music industry, from his early days with LifeBeat, an organization dedicated to AIDS awareness, to his influential role at MTV as SVP of Integrated Marketing. He discusses the nostalgia surrounding music festivals, the challenges of securing sponsorships, and the importance of building relationships with artists. Tim reflects on memorable concerts, the evolution of integrated marketing, and the creative solutions his team developed to navigate the advertising landscape. He also touches on his experiences with the Kardashians at E! and the legacy of LifeBeat in continuing the fight against AIDS awareness.Chapters00:00 Nostalgia in Music: The Comeback of 90s Bands03:08 Tim Rosta: Journey from LifeBeat to MTV05:54 LifeBeat's Impact on the Music Industry08:19 Navigating Relationships: MTV and LifeBeat11:21 The Power of Celebrity in Advocacy14:03 Integrated Marketing at MTV: A New Era16:48 Creative Solutions for Brand Partnerships19:19 Challenges in Live Events and Sponsorships22:10 Spotting Talent: The Rise of Rihanna25:12 Adapting to Change: Quick Thinking in Live Shows30:37 Nostalgic Concert Memories32:04 Current Musical Influences33:24 The Evolution of Live Music Experiences33:32 Memorable MTV Swag and Memorabilia34:50 Iconic Music Videos and Their Impact36:21 Creative Marketing Challenges at MTV41:30 Reflections on the VMAs and Integrated Marketing44:03 Experiences at E! and Working with the Kardashians48:20 Transitioning from MTV to OWN50:25 The Evolution of the Oprah Winfrey Network52:29 Favorite NYC Music Venues and Their Legacy

In this engaging conversation, Nolan Baynes shares his journey from the music industry to his current role at 300 Studios, reflecting on the evolution of music marketing and artist development. The discussion highlights the pivotal role MTV played in shaping the music landscape, the importance of live events, and the need for storytelling in connecting artists with their audiences. As the industry shifts towards digital platforms, the conversation emphasizes the necessity of adapting strategies to engage new generations of music fans.Chapters00:00 Welcome to the Music Lounge03:37 The MTV Era: A Hub for Music Marketing06:31 Innovative Marketing Strategies at MTV09:11 The Evolution of Artist Development12:13 Nolan's Journey to MTV17:42 Building the Music Marketing Department21:30 Embracing Failure and Learning Forward24:09 Collaboration and Creativity at MTV25:12 The Evolution of Event Management28:58 The $2 Bill Concert Series: A Game Changer33:43 The Changing Landscape of Artist Accessibility35:38 The Power of Live Events in Artist Development41:17 The Joy of Discovering New Artists42:37 Passion for Music and Craft43:22 The Shift in Music Industry Values44:49 Storytelling in Music and Media46:49 The Responsibility of Influence49:04 From Digital to Traditional Media50:49 The Evolution of Audience Engagement52:45 Global Reach and Emerging Markets56:04 The Future of Live Programming59:10 Building Careers in Music Today

In this episode, Andrew Schiffman, Perry Turcotte, andJustin Tyme Prager reflect on the 2025 MTV VMAs, discussing the performances, the evolution of the show, and the impact of iconic artists. They analyze the mix of old and new talent, the role of hip hop, and the significance oftributes. The conversation also touches on the future of MTV and music programming, emphasizing the need for engaging content that resonates with today's audience.Chapters 00:00 Post-VMA Reflections03:19 The Evolution of the VMAs05:08 Musical Acts and Representation07:43 The Show's Format and Flow10:20 Iconic Performers and Their Impact13:08 The Future of Award Shows15:31 Cultural Statements and Performances18:10 Final Thoughts on the VMAs18:33 Benson Boone's Impact on the VMAs21:49 The Ozzy Tribute: A Rock Moment26:56 Emerging Artists and Their Performances30:38 K-Pop and New Trends in Music35:25 Revamping MTV: The Future of Music Television

In this engaging conversation, Ryan Kroft, SVP of Live Events and Specials at MTV and head of Film and TV at Live Nation Studios, shares his remarkable journey in the music industry. From his early days as a production assistant at MTV to breaking major news stories and producing iconic live events, Ryan reflects on the evolution of music media and the impact of technology on storytelling. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of working in a fast-paced environment, the significance of live events, and the future of music documentaries in the streaming era.Chapters00:00 Welcome and Introduction02:08 Ryan's Journey to MTV06:27 The Evolution of MTV News09:38 The Impact of Social Media on Artists11:39 Innovative Programming at MTV16:04 Breaking Major News Stories25:04 Memorable Live Events and Challenges33:09 Nostalgia for MTV Swag37:34 Memorable Music Videos and Iconic Artists45:26 Transitioning to Live Nation and New Roles50:42 The Evolution of Music Production and Technology

In this episode of Welcome to the Music Lounge, hosts Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte welcome Graham James, a former vice president of communications at MTV. They discuss Graham's journey to MTV, the excitement of working on the VMAs, the cultural impact of shows like The Osbournes, and the evolution of MTV's brand in the digital age. Graham shares memorable experiences from his time at MTV, the challenges of celebrity publicity, and his transition to Spotify. The conversation highlights the importance of creativity in communications and the changing landscape of media.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction02:47 Graham's Journey to MTV04:36 Life at MTV: The Press Team Experience08:07 The VMAs: Behind the Scenes10:36 The Role of Communications in Shaping Events14:57 The Osbournes: A Cultural Phenomenon16:55 Crisis Management in PR20:08 Pushing the Envelope: MTV's Bold Moves20:51 The MTV Phenomenon: Cultural Impact and Influence24:03 Creative Freedom and Innovation at MTV26:12 Memorable Moments and Experiences in Music30:02 Transitioning from MTV to Other Media34:25 Evolving Media Landscape: From Legacy to Digital36:40 Behind the Scenes: The Magic of Live Performances

In this engaging conversation, the hosts delve into the phenomenon of one-hit wonders, exploring the role of MTV and TRL in shaping the careers of artists. They discuss notable one-hit wonders, the impact of changing dynamics in the music industry, and how streaming and social media have transformed artist promotion. The conversation also touches on the future of music in the age of AI, concluding with reflections on current music trends and the challenges artists face today.

In this engaging conversation, Ray Munns shares his unique journey from being a young boy influenced by American pop culture to becoming a VJ on MTV. He reflects on the impact of iconic figures like Ozzy Osbourne, the competitive audition process for MTV, and the challenges of navigating fame at a young age. Ray discusses the behind-the-scenes politics of the VJ competition, the bittersweet nature of his MTV experience, and his eventual transition to production in the MMA industry. Throughout the conversation, he emphasizes the importance of relationships, the lessons learned from his career, and the lasting impact of his time at MTV.

In this engaging conversation, the hosts reflect on their time at MTV, exploring the evolution of the music industry, the impact of digital channels, and the personal experiences that shaped their careers. They discuss the importance of human connection in creativity and how their backgrounds in music and design continue to influence their work today.

In this celebratory episode of the Music Lounge, hosts Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte reflect on their first year of the podcast, discussing the joy and nostalgia associated with the music industry. They share memorable moments with guests, the influence of strong female leaders, and the importance of integrity and relationships in the business. The conversation also touches on funny artist stories, valuable memorabilia, and the evolution of award shows, culminating in a heartfelt discussion about their favorite experiences in the industry.

In this episode of the Music Lounge, hosts Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte welcome Jeff Frank, a former Senior Director of Music Marketing and Partnerships at MTV. Jeff shares his journey to MTV, the evolution of music marketing, and the significance of experiential marketing in connecting artists with fans.

How do you launch a major music channel in just 30 days 🤯? Lou Stellato faced that challenge with M2! Tune into our latest "Welcome to the Music Lounge" episode for the incredible story. Hosted by Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte!!!

This week on Welcome to the Music Lounge, Robin Reinhardt former SVP Artist Relations and Celebrity Talent , shares her incredible story.

This week on Welcome to the Music Lounge! We're chatting with Sara Kantathavorn, the celebrity booker for TRL! 🤩 Hear all about her dream job and the INSANE influence TRL had on pop culture. Don't miss this one! Hosted by Perry Turcotte and Andrew Schiffman.

Welcome to the Music Lounge dives into our favorite MTV Unplugged episodes this week, with host Andrew Schiffman exploring the iconic (and nearly derailed) 1996 Oasis performance. Also hosted by Hosted by Perry Turcotte and Susan Natoli.

Atlas Genius fans! 🎸 Keith Jeffery joins Welcome to the Music Lounge this week! Hear how MTV & SiriusXM Alt Nation helped launch "Trojans"! 🔥 Hosted by Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte

Buckle up! 🚌 Diane van Horn joins Welcome to the Music Lounge this week with a story about a van ride with Busta Rhymes and Eminem! 😂 That's just the tip of the iceberg - tune in for more amazing stories! Hosted by Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte.

Michelle Welch shares this incredible story on Welcome to the Music Lounge this week. Hear her epic stories hosted by Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte

Get ready for some TRL gold! 🌟 We've got Rob Dixter, a TRL producer, on the show this week. And yes, there are stories!

Psst... wanna know how Jim Shearer became THE voice of MTV2 in the 2000s? 🤫 We're spilling the secrets! 🎤 Hear the inside scoop! 🔥

Get ready for a trip down memory lane! We're excited to introduce a new feature on Welcome to the Music Lounge! This episode focuses on the TRL Top 10 Countdown from March 6, 2000, highlighting the best music videos of that era. Listen or watch now hosted by Andrew Schiffman, Perry Turcotte and special guest host, Susan Natoli!!!

From launching MTV series from Punk’d and The Osbournes to developing the personal brands of Mandy Moore, Nick Cannon, Ashton Kutcher, and Beyoncé Carter, his work has defined pop culture and influenced the media landscape. Dive in and hear his stories hosted by Andrew Schiffman and Perry Turcotte!!!

Welcome to the Music Lounge hosts Tuma Basa, former MTV Music Programming Executive, currently Director Black Music & Culture, YouTube

Welcome to the Music Lounge hosts Tom Calderone, former MTV EVP and President of VH1, current CEO/President PBS/NPR Buffalo/Toronto Public Media.

Welcome to the Music Lounge hosts Holly Schomann, former Sr. Director, MTV Music & Talent .

Welcome to the Music Lounge hosts Brian Leitten, former MTV Music & Talent Producer.

Welcome To The Music Lounge hosts Justin Tyme Prager, Senior Director Programming & Content, Vevo

Join Susan Natoli, Perry Turcotte, and Andrew Schiffman, former MTV programming legends, as they reminisce about their favorite artists from the TRL era.

Welcome To The Music Lounge hosts Tyson Haller, SVP Promotion & Artist Strategy, Shelter Music Group.

Welcome To The Music Lounge hosts Lou Smith, head honcho at DLJ Music & Video Promotion.His career started at Elektra Records where he worked music video promotion for Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes, just to name a few.

Susan Natoli, Perry Turcotte and Andrew Schiffman take a deeper dive into their career journey and the perks of working at MTV. 

Welcome To The Music Lounge hosts Paul Logan, former MTVN Creative Music Integration Director. He was so devoted to his job, he gave the shirt off his back to Jesse James Decker.  

Welcome To The Music Lounge hosts Brandon Schmidt, former MTV.com Programming Director and manager of Interpol. He shares stories about Alanis Morisette singing directly to him in a room filled with MTV VIPs and shooting freestyle with an unknown Eminem.

Welcome To The Music Lounge hosts Jason Pleskow, former music executive at Atlantic and Columbia Records. He’s worked with Lenny Kravtiz, Janet Jackson, Smashing Pumpkins, Spice Girls, and was behind the scenes wheeling the ice cream cart in 1515 when Mariah Carey surprised Carson Daly on TRL. 

Susan Natoli joins Perry Turcotte and Andrew Schiffman for a hosts-only episode of Welcome to The Music Lounge, taking a deeper dive into their career journey and Life After MTV.

Welcome To The Music Lounge hosts Doug Cohn, former record label executive at Atlantic and Lava Records. He shares stories of the biggest artists from that time period, including one at Spring Break who was a judge on Say What Karaoke and gave contestants a zero unless they took off their shirt.

Welcome To The Music Lounge hosts John Franck, former music executive at ADA Warner, 300, Koch, and Razor & Tie. When asked how to know what it takes for an artist to become a superstar, he likes to remind people that 8 record labels passed on The Beatles.

Welcome To The Music Lounge hosts Shawn Francis, former Manager of Music Programming & Talent Relationships at MTV and MTV.com. He had a front row seat to the introduction of Rihanna and Adele and… Twitter?