What does it take to build a successful independent music publishing company in today's global market? In this captivating conversation, Greig Watts—the "W" in DWB Music—reveals the unexpected journey that transformed a three-person songwriting team into an international publishing powerhouse.

Greig shares the fascinating story of how DWB discovered untapped opportunities in the East Asian markets, particularly Japan, where understanding cultural business protocols proved crucial to their success. "In Japan, it's honourable and loyal," Greg explains. "If someone sends you an invoice, you pay it." This approach to business helped DWB become the leading UK independent publisher in Japan between 2010-2014, working with artists selling millions of physical copies in a single week.

The conversation takes us through DWB's remarkable Eurovision strategy, which has yielded 16 entries across 10 countries over the past decade. Greig reveals how Eurovision serves as a powerful catalyst for breaking into new territories: "My first entry in Poland in 2017—within a year, we had several number ones there." He dispels common misconceptions about the competition, noting that songs don't need to win to achieve commercial success, with some 17th-place finishes generating over 100 million streams.

Perhaps most compelling is Greig's passionate commitment to mentorship. Having guided 93 songwriters through his program, he applies a team sports philosophy to developing talent: "We see our publishing roster as a football team—we don't want 12 strikers." His approach focuses on accountability, connection, and practical business knowledge, helping writers increase their output from two songs annually to sixty. "Winning as a team is much better than winning on your own," he reflects.

Whether you're a songwriter seeking international opportunities, a publisher looking to expand your market reach, or simply fascinated by the business of creativity, this episode offers invaluable insights into building lasting success through genuine connection and strategic thinking. Subscribe now and join our community of music creators pursuing their goals through a deeper understanding of the business of music.

Reach out to me !

Websites
www.jonnyamos.com
https://themusicbusinessbuddy.buzzsprout.com

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/themusicbusinessbuddypodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/jonny_amos/

Email
jonnyamos@me.com

The digital revolution in music is no longer just about streaming - it's now transforming the physical products we cherish as fans. Ryan Ouyang, CEO and founder of IYK, takes us deep into the fascinating world where physical merchandise becomes a gateway to exclusive digital experiences.

Ryan explains how IYK's NFC-embedded products allow fans to authenticate ownership and access exclusive content through a simple smartphone scan. What began as a Web3 experiment during the pandemic has evolved into partnerships with major artists like Disturbed and Chance the Rapper. The technology bridges the gap between traditional fan identification methods and the physical world where dedicated supporters buy merchandise and attend shows.

Imagine receiving a custom festival poster showcasing only the acts you personally witnessed, or a lanyard that unlocks exclusive album content. These innovations represent just the beginning of what's possible when digital authenticity meets physical products. As Ryan puts it, many fans feel "under monetised" by their favourite artists - they want more meaningful ways to engage beyond traditional merchandise and tickets.

The conversation reveals how IYK's technology integrates with existing industry structures like music charts while introducing Web3 principles that empower both artists and fans. All this happens without forcing users to navigate complicated wallet connections or blockchain transactions - the complex technology remains "under the hood" for seamless experiences.

Ready to explore how digi-physical could transform your relationship with fans? This episode provides a window into the future of music fandom where physical products become portals to exclusive experiences, and fans can finally prove and celebrate their dedication in both worlds.

https://iyk.app

Reach out to me !

Websites
www.jonnyamos.com
https://themusicbusinessbuddy.buzzsprout.com

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/themusicbusinessbuddypodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/jonny_amos/

Email
jonnyamos@me.com

What if artists owned the platforms where they connect with fans? Matt Jones, CEO of Medallion, is bringing this radical vision to life with a revolutionary approach to artist-fan relationships.

Most musicians face a fundamental problem: they build audiences on platforms they can't control, then struggle to reach those same fans when promoting tours, merchandise, or new music. Medallion solves this by creating artist-owned communities where creators maintain complete ownership of their fan relationships and data.

As Jones explains, the current music ecosystem leaves artists capturing just 10% of their economic value – a striking imbalance given their cultural significance. "I just don't see a world where the artist is not the platform in the future," he states, highlighting how Medallion empowers musicians to regain control without relying on algorithmic platforms or intermediaries.

Unlike traditional subscription models that pressure artists into unsustainable content schedules, Medallion adapts to musicians' creative cycles. Artists simply debut content to their most dedicated fans before wider release, typically seeing 2-3 times higher engagement than email or text marketing. The platform has evolved from siloed communities into a unified network where fans following one artist discover others, creating organic growth opportunities for musicians at every level.

This innovative approach has attracted investment from music heavyweights including Metallica, Disclosure, and My Morning Jacket, with communities from Greta Van Fleet, Girl in Red, and Jungle already thriving on the platform. For independent creators, Medallion offers a turnkey solution that complements existing strategies while providing something increasingly rare in today's music landscape: true ownership.

Ready to take control of your fan relationships? Download Medallion from the App Store or Google Play Store today and join the movement putting artists at the centre of their own ecosystem.

https://medallion.app

Reach out to me !

Websites
www.jonnyamos.com
https://themusicbusinessbuddy.buzzsprout.com

Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/themusicbusinessbuddypodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/jonny_amos/

Email
jonnyamos@me.com