Music Business
Below are a regularly updated collection of Music related interviews, articles, and documentaries for anyone interested in the Music Industry as a Passion for Business.
How Mike Will Made-It. Is Making It In Business
Innovative music producer Michael Williams created hits for Beyoncé, Rihanna and Miley Cyrus. Now he’s getting ready to release his first new album in seven years and is building on his success with a real estate portfolio in his native Atlanta. Over the last two years, Mike Will Made-It estimates he’s made $40 million from his music production catalog and publishing fees. “I’m great,” Mike Will Made-It says when asked of his financial status. “I’m in a position I never imagined.”
How Concert LED Wristbands Work
Whether it’s Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour, Coldplay’s World Tour or a BTS K-Pop show, light-up wristbands or light sticks have become an expected part of the concert experience. WSJ goes behind the scenes with PixMob, a leading concert LED company, to see how they use “old tech” to build creative light shows, essentially turning the crowd into a video canvas.
Why Music Festivals Sound Better Than Ever
This is a cool look into the advancement of the Line Array speaker system and how it makes festivals sound so amazing. This was a dope video.
The Logistics of Concert Tours
Here’s a logistical breakdown for a large scale arena touring act.
Why Spotify Keeps Losing Money
Analysis of Spotify’s profitability problem and the company’s recent efforts in turning the situation around.
Hipgnosis Song Fund- The company buying up music catalogs and making them an asset class.
While many U.K. companies have tapped equity markets to shore up their finances in the midst of the coronavirus pandemic, one of the latest share placements is instead aimed at bolstering a stable of pop hits. Merck Mercuriadis, chief executive officer of Hipgnosis, an investment trust that owns rights to hit songs like "Uptown Funk" and "Shape of You", speaks on "Bloomberg Markets: European Open" about plans to raise as much as $250 million to fund new acquisitions.
The Entire History of Pro Tools
For my producer friends, this was an interesting look into the history of Pro Tools.
Go check out more really dope videos from this creator at https://www.youtube.com/@afunnylookingsquash
The History of Akai and the MPC 60
The first MPC ever made the History of the AKAI MPC60. learn the beginning of AKAI and how it started in 1946 then how it grew so big over the next 40 years, learn how Roger Linn helped AKAI after he had great success with the Linn Drum and then 3 failed devices helping him to make the right decision to work with AKAI.
Incredible work by Sample Kings. You absolutely have to watch all 4 parts on their You Tube Channel. Here is the link.
Strange Music CEO Travis O'Guin On How To Succeed As An Independent
This is a great interview with Strange Music CEO Travis O'Guin to discuss his history with Tech N9ne and what it takes to be successful as an independent artist or label.
Why are Music Festivals so expensive?
Today there are festivals in more parts of the world than ever before--and ticket prices are higher than ever before. Why are festivals so expensive?
Jimmy Jam & Terry Lewis - Red Bull Academy Interview. Secrets of making Pop Hit Records.
Incredible conversation with legendary producers Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis breaking down some of their timeless classics. For our all producers and lovers of making music, this is a must see.
Steve Stoute - Earn Your Leisure Interview
Steve Stoute has helped shape the culture for over 30 years. He's responsible for making Nas a mainstream artist, he's the brains behind corporate partnerships with Reebok, Jay-Z, and 50 Cent, he's a pioneer in building a bridge between the corporate world and Hip-Hop, and is wildly considered a marketing genius. Aside from advertising, he's responsible for introducing several artists to the world of venture capital, including Nas.
J Cole - The Off-Season Documentary
Applying Pressure: The Off-Season Documentary
Lyor Cohen - Complex Interview
From Run DMC to Roc-a-Fella, from DMX to Young Thug, Lyor Cohen discovered and broke some of the most prolific musical acts of our time at the helm of the biggest labels. In a conversation that spans his decades of leadership in the industry, he shares how failing as a party promoter led him to working for Russell Simmons, how he invented the 360 deal, surviving the turmoil of the business, and the feeling in his gut that propels him to this day.
Nipsey Hussle -Marathon Clothing Store Documentary
Easily one of my favorite documentaries. This is the incredible story of what all went into acquiring the location for the infamous Marathon Clothing Store. This is the definition of inspiring.
Classic Video - Jay Z and Timbaland. Making “Dirt Off Your Shoulders”
Sharing this just because it’s dope. I watch this a few times every year. To be a fly on the wall of two of the greatest to ever do it and see their creative process is just a joy and blessing. For those that don’t know, this was off of Jay Z documentary Fade to Black, leading to what would be his first retirement. I suggest anyone that hasn’t seen it, look the entire documentary up, it’s amazing. Passion for Business.
Scott Storch - Still Storch
This is a few years old but still incredible. I believe this was made during the full on ReBrand comeback of super producer Scott Storch with legendary manager Steve Lobel. Most are familiar with his story, but I love how this was put together to begin a new direction and fresh start to an already amazing career.
Concerts In The Metaverse Are Making Artists Millions
“Fortnite” broke ground with the idea of a virtual concert in 2019 with its first collaboration with EDM artist Marshmello, which was reportedly viewed by 10.7 million people. Travis Scott broke Marshmello’s record with 12.3 million views on the first night of his virtual concert in “Fortnite.”
How DJ Drama Went From Mixtape King to Mogul | Blueprint
If your a Hip Hop fan, it’s nearly impossible to miss the impact that Dj Drama has on the culture. This is a great interview and look into the building of his empire.
