

The Money Trench - The Music Industry Podcast with Mark Sutherland
The Money Trench
The Money Trench (TMT) is The Music Industry Podcast from presenter Mark Sutherland and exec producer Mike Walsh, produced by Tape Notes and supported by Sound On and Tixel. Each Monday, we will dissect the biggest music industry news stories of the previous week, in the company of one of the industry’s most influential executives. Followed by a deep dive into that exec’s career in music, including their thoughts on where we’re at and where we’re heading. Now, TMT is here to look at all sides of the music business and celebrate the most exciting industry on the planet. Don’t start your music week without it…
Episodes
Mentioned books

Sep 29, 2024 • 1h 4min
TMT:15 Jo Twist & Sophie Jones on David Joseph leaving Universal, Updates from the Streaming Creator Remuneration Group, Why British Artists are Struggling to Break Internationally & Partying at the Labour Party Conference
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by BPI CEO Jo Twist and CSO Sophie Jones.After a rainy few days in Liverpool at the Labour Party Conference and the BPI Northern Music Showcase, Jo and Sophie discuss how politicians need to engage with the music industry and the importance of treating music as more than just culture. They also share insights on how pro-business policies and creative education are crucial for the industry's growth.As well as sharing the latest from the government's music streaming Creator Remuneration Working Group, and exploring strategies for helping more British artists break through internationally, the pair reflect on the news of David Joseph leaving Univeral, and what the future might hold.NEWSLETTERSign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories.PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL who celebrate their 90th year in business this year.KEEP UP TO DATEFor the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trenchLinkedIn: The Money TrenchWebsite: The Money TrenchGET IN TOUCHIf you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here!Thanks to our partnersPPL Earth/PercentTom A SmithAimless PlayFourth PillarSennheiserJunkhead StudioTape NotesExecutive Producer: Mike WalshProducer: Tape Notes

Sep 22, 2024 • 54min
TMT:14 Olivia Hobbs on Going Viral on TikTok, Artist Embarrassment around Social Media, Neurodiversity in music, and Not Exploiting Superfans
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by Olivia Hobbs, founder of marketing agency Blackstar.Olivia breaks down the success of digital marketing in today’s genre-agnostic music industry, exploring innovative ways to build communities and market music beyond traditional social media channels. As well as sharing insights on creating viral moments and discussing why some artists shy away from social media, Olivia reflects on her career journey, highlighting the importance of grassroots music venues and the need to understand neurodiversity in the music industry.NEWSLETTERSign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories.PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL who celebrate their 90th year in business this year.KEEP UP TO DATEFor the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trenchLinkedIn: The Money TrenchWebsite: The Money TrenchGET IN TOUCHIf you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here!Thanks to our partnersPPL Earth/PercentTom A SmithAimless PlayFourth PillarSennheiserJunkhead StudioTape NotesExecutive Producer: Mike WalshProducer: Tape Notes

Sep 15, 2024 • 1h 2min
TMT:13 Alex Hardee on Getting Liam Gallagher back to Knebworth, Dynamic Ticket Pricing, How Streaming is Rigged, and Why Agents Have To Be More Professional These Days
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark joins Alex Hardee, Executive Vice President & 'Special Agent' at Wasserman Music.Touching on some of the biz's top headlines, Alex shares his thoughts on the ongoing frenzy around dynamic ticket pricing and potential solutions, he also discusses the challenges artists face with the EU’s touring regulations.Reflecting on his early days working with Liam Gallagher, Alex speculates on contenders for the next big music reunion. The conversation also dives into how streaming platforms are rigged, particularly favouring the U.S. market, and the impact this has on the global music scene.NEWSLETTERSign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories.PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL who celebrate their 90th year in business this year.KEEP UP TO DATEFor the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trenchLinkedIn: The Money TrenchWebsite: The Money TrenchGET IN TOUCHIf you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here!Thanks to our partnersPPL Earth/PercentTom A SmithAimless PlayFourth PillarSennheiserJunkhead StudioTape NotesExecutive Producer: Mike WalshProducer: Tape Notes

Sep 8, 2024 • 1h 12min
TMT:12 Ben Wynter on Dynamic Pricing, Making a Stand on Joe Rogan, Why the Music Biz Is Going Backwards on Diversity, and Partying with Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark sits down with Ben Wynter, the visionary Founder of Unstoppable Music Group, Co-Founder of Power Up, and Director of Business Development & Partnerships at AIM (Association of Independent Music).Looking back on his early career, Ben shares stories of pitching to managers on the street, securing spontaneous internships in New York, and navigating the challenges faced by Black executives. He also opens up about lessons from his mother, and the power of using your voice in leadership.The conversation digs into industry reflections, four years after George Floyd, touching on promises made by major labels, black squares, and Spotify’s controversial stance on Joe Rogan. Ben also recounts the time he accidentally left £2,000 on a train and his unforgettable experience of taking iconic photos with Beyoncé and Kelly Rowland. NEWSLETTERSign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories.PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL who celebrate their 90th year in business this year.KEEP UP TO DATEFor the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trenchLinkedIn: The Money TrenchWebsite: The Money TrenchGET IN TOUCHIf you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here!Thanks to our partnersPPL Earth/PercentTom A SmithAimless PlayFourth PillarSennheiserJunkhead StudioTape NotesExecutive Producer: Mike WalshProducer: Tape Notes

Sep 1, 2024 • 1h 6min
TMT:11 Alan Edwards on The Impact of the Oasis Revival, PR Mastery, and Touring with Spice Girls, Bowie, and Motörhead
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark sits down with Alan Edwards, the founder of public relations powerhouse, The Outside Organisation.As the buzz around the Oasis revival dominates headlines, Alan delves into the potential ripple effects of the band's reunion on the music industry, particularly its influence on grassroots venues.Often hailed as the godfather of modern PR, Alan recounts some of the most iconic moments of his career, sharing behind-the-scenes stories from his work with legends like David Bowie, the Spice Girls, Motörhead, and Amy Winehouse. He also provides an insightful look at how the PR landscape has evolved, defining what truly constitutes good PR in today’s world.ALAN'S NEW BOOK: 'I Was There: Dispatches from a Life in Rock and Roll.'NEWSLETTERSign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories.PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL who celebrate their 90th year in business this year.KEEP UP TO DATEFor the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trenchLinkedIn: The Money TrenchWebsite: The Money TrenchGET IN TOUCHIf you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here!Thanks to our partnersPPL Earth/PercentTom A SmithAimless PlayFourth PillarSennheiserJunkhead StudioTape NotesExecutive Producer: Mike WalshProducer: Tape Notes

Aug 25, 2024 • 1h 18min
TMT:10 Helen Thomas & Jeff Smith on Curating Radio 2's Playlist, Revamping the Presenter Lineup, and Reviving ELO
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by Helen Thomas, Head of BBC Radio 2, and Jeff Smith, Head of Music for BBC Radio 2 and 6 Music.As they explore the evolving strategy at Radio 2, Helen and Jeff share insights on adapting to a new generation of listeners while continuing to serve the current audience, the rationale behind changing the presenter lineup, and the planning behind the much-anticipated Radio 2 in the Park. They also take us inside the Radio 2 playlist room, revealing the process behind curating one of the most influential & largest music playlists in the UK.As well as discussing how Radio 2 is staying ahead in a rapidly changing media landscape and highlighting the importance of representation across the country, they explore the role of AI in the future of radio and what it means for the industry moving forward.NEWSLETTERSign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories.PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL who celebrate their 90th year in business this year.KEEP UP TO DATEFor the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trenchLinkedIn: The Money TrenchWebsite: The Money TrenchGET IN TOUCHIf you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here!Thanks to our partnersPPL Earth/PercentTom A SmithAimless PlayFourth PillarSennheiserJunkhead StudioTape NotesExecutive Producer: Mike WalshProducer: Tape Notes Recorded and Edited: Alex Patterson & Will Lyons

Aug 18, 2024 • 1h 2min
TMT:09 Dave Bianchi on Breaking UK Acts Internationally, the Next ‘Alt’ Music Movement, and What US Labels Really Think About UK Labels
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by Various Artists CEO Dave Bianchi.Throughout the conversation, Dave discusses the challenges of breaking UK acts internationally, exploring the complexities of selling music abroad and predicting where the next 'alt' music movement might emerge.Beyond industry insights, including his new ventures with Various Artists, he shares his long journey in the music world—from lugging boxes for Pink Floyd to launching his own music night and eventually establishing key industry connections.NEWSLETTERSign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories.PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL who celebrate their 90th year in business this year.KEEP UP TO DATEFor the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trenchLinkedIn: The Money TrenchWebsite: The Money TrenchGET IN TOUCHIf you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here!Thanks to our partnersPPL Earth/PercentTom A SmithAimless PlayFourth PillarSennheiserJunkhead StudioTape NotesExecutive Producer: Mike WalshProducer: Tape Notes Recorded and Edited: Jonathon Coughlin

Aug 11, 2024 • 1h 21min
TMT:08 Darcus Beese on Rising from Intern to Island President, Independent Labels Resetting the Industry, How Ed Sheeran Got Away, & Lessons Learned From Amy Winehouse
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by Island ex-CEO and President, A&R Legend and now Indie Label Head, Darcus Beese. Giving the music industry headlines a miss this week (Mark's on holiday), Darcus dives into his journey from intern to industry leader, sharing stories of signing some of the biggest artists of the past few decades, including Amy Winehouse, Sugababes, and Florence + The Machine. As well as stories of A&R chaos, he shares his thoughts on the shifts in the music landscape, his decision to launch Darko Recordings, and what he looks for in successful artists today. Darcus’s memoir, Rebel With a Cause: Roots, Records, and Revolutions, will be available from August 15, 2024.'Rebel With a Cause: Roots, Records and Revolutions' - ORDER HERENEWSLETTERSign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories.PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL who celebrate their 90th year in business this year.KEEP UP TO DATEFor the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trenchLinkedIn: The Money TrenchWebsite: The Money TrenchGET IN TOUCHIf you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here!Thanks to our partnersPPL Earth/PercentTom A SmithAimless PlayFourth PillarSennheiserJunkhead StudioTape NotesExecutive Producer: Mike WalshProducer: Tape Notes Recorded and Edited: Will Lyons & Alex Patterson

Aug 4, 2024 • 1h 9min
TMT:07 Nina Nesbitt & Vicky Dowdall on Fair Pay for Songwriters, Successful Manager-Artist Relationships, Motherhood in Music, and Karaoke with Justin Bieber
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by singer-songwriter Nina Nesbitt and manager Vicky Dowdall.With a partnership going back to Nina’s teenage years, the pair reflect on the pivotal moments of their careers together, from handling major label deals to starting a label of their own Apple Tree Records.They share the secret to their strong artist-manager relationship and recount stories of buying Irn-Bru for Stevie Nicks, auditioning for Simon Cowell, and singing karaoke with Justin Bieber.'Mountain Music' - PRE-ORDER HERE'Mountain Music' is available from 27th September on Apple Tree Records.NEWSLETTERSign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories.PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL who celebrate their 90th year in business this year.KEEP UP TO DATEFor the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trenchLinkedIn: The Money TrenchWebsite: The Money TrenchGET IN TOUCHIf you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here!Thanks to our partnersPPL Earth/PercentTom A SmithAimless PlayFourth PillarSennheiserJunkhead StudioTape NotesExecutive Producer: Mike WalshProducer: Tape Notes Recorded and Edited: Will Lyons & Jonathan Coughlin

Jul 28, 2024 • 1h 1min
TMT:06 Tara Richardson on Launching a Management Company, Attitudes to Mental Health, Top Artist Traits, and Pub Quizzes With The Last Dinner Party
Welcome to The Money Trench. In this episode, Mark is joined by Tara Richardson, not long after the launch of her new management company T-Time Management.Tara discusses her decision to leave Q Prime and start her own company, sharing her vision for T-Time and her thoughts on the future of the music industry.Reflecting on her journey in the music industry, Tara recounts her early days managing guest lists, working with Suggs, and touring Eastern Europe with The Prodigy. She also shares valuable lessons learned from industry legends Peter Mensch and Cliff Burnstein and explains what she now looks for in breaking new bands.NEWSLETTERSign up HERE for the TMT newsletter - featuring each week’s hottest music industry stories.PPL The Money Trench is sponsored by the PPL who celebrate their 90th year in business this year.KEEP UP TO DATEFor the latest podcast and music business updates, make sure to follow us on: Instagram: @the_money_trenchLinkedIn: The Money TrenchWebsite: The Money TrenchGET IN TOUCHIf you have any feedback, guest suggestions or general comments? We’d love to hear from you! - Get in touch here!Thanks to our partnersPPL Earth/PercentTom A SmithAimless PlayFourth PillarSennheiserJunkhead StudioTape NotesExecutive Producer: Mike WalshProducer: Tape Notes Recorded and Edited: Will Lyons & Jonathan Coughlin


