Hallowood Media, a relatively obscure label, is signing ImOliver, the top user of the AI music generation platform Suno. This move has sparked debate, as it raises questions about the value of AI-generated music versus human creativity. Suno allows users to create full songs from text prompts, making it easy for those without traditional musical skills to produce listenable music. While “I’m Oliver” has amassed over 3 million streams, critics argue that signing an AI music user overlooks real artists and dilutes emotional depth in music. Supporters contend that writing effective prompts and assembling tracks still require a unique, if nascent, skill set. The discussion reflects a broader conversation about AI as a tool in music production, its role in songwriting, and the nature of audience engagement, with some seeing it as a valuable step in the creative process and others labeling it as a passing novelty comparable to the short-lived NFT hype.

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Music Marketer Matt Bacon talks with longtime friend Scotty Heath of Tankcrimes Records about his journey through underground music and the evolution of his DIY label. Scotty shares his early influences, from discovering punk at a Rancid show to immersing himself in San Francisco’s vibrant DIY scene. He recounts how his entrepreneurial spirit and experience at grassroots shows led to launching Tankcrimes, which has grown from selling seven-inches out of a shopping cart to running a full-fledged label. They discuss how the changing economy and digital landscape have transformed the way independent artists and labels promote themselves, emphasizing the role of direct-to-fan engagement and sustainability. Scotty also reflects on the future of DIY, staying authentic, and maintaining mental health in a digital age, while continuing to build a label rooted in community, passion, and perseverance.

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Andrew Southworth, Matt Bacon, Dustin Boyer, and Jesse Cannon discuss the growing trend of artists pulling their music from Spotify due to concerns over ethical practices and poor compensation, sparked in part by King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's departure from the platform. The conversation quickly expands into a broader critique of streaming economics, label contracts, undervalued digital services, and the challenges of artist sustainability in a capitalist system. Later, Matt interviews Scotty from Tankcrimes Records about his journey from DIY punk shows in San Francisco to running a successful indie label. Their discussion highlights the realities of music entrepreneurship, artist development on a budget, and the balance between artistic integrity and market strategies. Overall, the episode provides an insightful look at the mechanics of the modern music industry from both creative and business perspectives.

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My .4 Cents hosts Matt Bacon, Dustin Boyer, Jesse Cannon, and Andrew Southworth dive into the rumored Oracle acquisition of TikTok and its potential rebranding as M2, discussing the implications for artists, especially musicians and content creators. The conversation spans the B2B nature of Oracle, user data and algorithms, social media dynamics, and how rebranding could mirror the transformation seen in Twitter’s shift to X. They debate the effectiveness of targeting friends and family for early support, the power of direct-to-fan marketing, shifting social media trends, and the critical importance of email and SMS marketing. The episode also includes personal anecdotes from each host about their backgrounds as musicians and music marketers, stories of managing bands, and reflections on working in the ever-evolving music industry. It’s a deep and often humorous exploration of music promotion, community building, and survival in the modern music ecosystem.

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Music Marketer Andrew Southworth outlines a marketing strategy centered around "free plus shipping and handling" funnels, commonly used in e-commerce and increasingly applied in the music industry. The approach involves offering a free product—such as a CD or vinyl record—while charging for shipping, with the actual costs integrated into the shipping rate to maintain profitability. The strategy hinges on creating a customized sales funnel that includes upsells like additional merchandise, bundled music collections, or optional donations to support the artist. Advertisements for these funnels are typically video-based, run on social media, and designed to target fans of similar artists. The conversation also touches on artists' resistance to sales techniques that feel commercial, the surprising resilience of physical media like CDs and vinyls, and the psychological appeal of owning tangible music products. Examples include how misprinted vinyls or obsolete formats like cassettes still sell well purely as collectibles. Finally, the discussion touches on the evolving role of NFTs in fan engagement and monetization strategies, pointing to artists like Avenged Sevenfold who have built interactive digital communities around them.

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In this preview of the first episode of My .4 Cents, the expert of advertising in music Andrew Southworth goes back and for with its greatest hater Jesse Cannon and music marketers Matt Bacon & Dustin Boyer delve into whether promoting music via Facebook ads is worthwhile. They stress the importance of ads as a valuable tool in the broader strategy of marketing music, while suggesting that a holistic approach remains crucial. They present differing perspectives, discussing the effectiveness of ads in building streams versus cultivating a loyal fan base. The conversation then transitions to the role of content creation, storytelling, and community in an artist's success. They explore how established tracks are bolstered by strong branding and genuine fan engagement, contrasting cases of successful streaming artists lacking concert attendance with others who thrive through meticulous fan interaction. Finally, they address the evolving landscape of music promotion, touching on the impact of PR, social presence, and how different marketing channels contribute to an artist's growth in various ways.

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This is what musicians need to know about the music business today. Every Tuesday, music marketers Matt Bacon, Dustin Boyer, Jesse Cannon, and Andrew Southworth break down what's changed in music marketing and the music business, as well as what's currently changing in the industry. You’ll be surprised what they disagree about!

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