#284 - Thierry Ascarez: How Winamp Is Reimagining Artist Ownership in the Streaming Era
Thierry Ascarez is a seasoned music industry executive with nearly two decades of experience across major labels, music-tech startups, and AI innovation. He began his career at EMI Music before launching his own company in San Francisco, where he spent six years driving music and technology initiatives. Now based in Belgium, Thierry leads Business & Corporate Development at Winamp, where he's helping shape the future of digital music.In this episode, Thierry dives into how artists can thrive in the modern music landscape by embracing technology, community, and innovative monetization models.Key Takeaways:Why relying solely on streaming isn’t sustainable—and how to unlock new revenue streams.How Winamp is empowering artists to own their audience and monetize through digital collectibles and NFTs.What the future holds for AI in music and how it can enhance, not replace, creativity.---→ Learn more about Thierry and Winamp at https://www.winamp.comBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
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29:51
#283 - Ronan Mullins: From Unknown to Unstoppable — Scaling Your Music Career
Ronan Mullins is the Co-Founder of Boost Collective, one of the top music marketing platforms supporting over 4,000 artists each month. With deep expertise in organic Spotify playlisting and digital promotion, Ronan has helped independent artists reach real audiences through impactful campaigns. His work doesn’t stop at playlisting—he partners with artists and labels to strategize holistic growth and fan engagement. Through Boost Collective, Ronan empowers creators with the tools, insights, and visibility needed to thrive in today’s competitive music industry.In this episode, Ronan Mullins shares how artists can break through the noise with better music, smarter marketing, and stronger fan relationships.Key Takeaways:Discover the importance of refining your sound and testing your music to build real traction with fans.Learn how Boost Collective scales organic Spotify playlisting campaigns that drive actual engagement.Explore actionable monetization strategies to generate income while building your long-term music career.-----→ Learn more about Ronan and Boost Collective at: https://boostcollective.caBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
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40:13
#282 - Guenter Loibl: Analog vs Digital — The Role of Artists in a Tech-Driven Future
Guenter Loibl is the CEO of Rebeat and the visionary founder behind HD Vinyl. Hailing from Tulln, Austria, Guenter saw early on how digital technology—particularly streaming data—would reshape the music business. Today, he's helping lead the charge toward a more artist-friendly, tech-enabled music future by combining insights from analog and digital realms. His forward-thinking work bridges innovation with tradition, exploring the roles of AI, collectibles, and audience relationships in music’s next era.In this episode, Guenter breaks down how technology—especially AI and tools like StreetTeam—will reshape music monetization and elevate artists in the coming decade.Key Takeaways:• Why understanding your audience is the new superpower for music success—and how StreetTeam delivers it.• How AI and scarcity will fuel a renaissance for both music creators and collectors.• Why the future of music isn’t about streaming more—it’s about connecting deeper.-----→ Learn more about Guenter and HD Vinyl at: https://www.rebeat.com/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
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1:00:17
#281 - Mike Fiebach: Turning Your Music Into a Thriving E-commerce Business
Mike Fiebach is a veteran entrepreneur in the music and e-commerce industries, having worked with legendary artists. He founded FameHouse, a pioneering e-commerce and digital marketing firm acquired by Universal Music Group, and now leads MainFactor, helping brands and artists drive direct-to-consumer revenue. With decades of experience at the intersection of music, technology, and business, Mike is passionate about helping artists monetize authentically and sustainably.In this episode, Mike Fiebach shares insider strategies for artists to thrive in today's music and e-commerce landscape by focusing on quality music, building a brand beyond their songs, and creating meaningful connections with fans.Key Takeaways:• Why focusing on creating one truly great song can transform your career.• How to approach merchandise as a business within your music business.• Proven ways to directly connect with fans and monetize beyond streaming.----Learn more about Mike and his work by visiting: https://www.mainfactor.com/Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
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37:52
#280 - Jacob Edgar: The Hidden Power of Storytelling in Music Branding
Jacob Edgar is an ethnomusicologist, global music expert, and cultural explorer. As President of the acclaimed world music label Cumbancha, the main A&R consultant for Putumayo World Music, and host of the PBS/National Geographic series Music Voyager, Jacob has traveled the globe uncovering the rich cultural stories behind music. His passion lies in helping artists turn their heritage and voice into powerful, authentic brands that resonate deeply with audiences.In this episode, Jacob shares how culture, storytelling, and branding converge to help musicians stand out and build lasting careers.Takeaways:• Discover how music reflects and preserves culture across the globe.• Learn to craft an authentic brand rooted in your personal and musical story.• Explore practical ways to grow, engage, and monetize a loyal fanbase.-----👉 Learn more about Jacob Edgar at: https://www.putumayo.com/playlistsBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
An educational podcast for musicians looking to grow their audience online and make a sustainable income. The host, Michael Walker provides artists with the tools necessary to create a lasting career in the music industry.