My .4 Cents

Victor, known as Goshfather, is a Disco House DJ and producer celebrated for his vibrant blend of Soviet aesthetics and high-energy EDM. He shares his impactful journey through the music industry, including nearly stepping away from his career. Their discussion dives into the intricacies of Spotify's algorithm, exploring how it affects artist visibility and the importance of genuine fan connections. Goshfather also offers sound advice on branding, content strategy, and the risks of third-party playlisting, inspiring both emerging and established artists.

The signing of the first AI artist by a record label has ignited fierce debates about the value of AI-generated music. Critics argue it undermines human creativity, while supporters claim it requires a unique skill set. The discussion explores AI's impact on music production, revealing how it can democratize music creation but may lack emotional depth. Historical perspectives on music technology highlight the ongoing challenge of balancing innovation with artistic integrity. Overall, the future of AI in songwriting promises both transformation and tension in the industry.

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.Follow Andrew Southworth@andrew.southworthhttps://andrewsouthworth.com/https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworthFollow Jesse Cannon @jessecannonjessecannon.comFollow Dustin Boyer @dustintheindustryplant Follow MattBacon@bacons.bits  dropoutmedia.netsapphireeye.net  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Scotty Tankcrimes, owner of Tankcrimes Records, shares his journey from DIY punk shows in San Francisco to running an indie label. He discusses the ethical dilemmas artists face with platforms like Spotify, illustrating the struggle for fair compensation. The conversation dives into balancing artistic integrity with market pressures and emphasizes the importance of community and experimentation in music. Listeners gain insights into navigating the music industry while staying true to one's vision amid financial challenges.

The discussion centers around Oracle's rumored acquisition of TikTok and what it means for musicians. The hosts dive into the complexities of social media dynamics and the importance of connecting directly with fans through email and SMS marketing. They share humorous anecdotes from their musical journeys and highlight the challenges independent artists face in an evolving landscape. Additionally, they explore alternative career paths and the significance of building genuine relationships within the music community.

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.Follow Andrew Southworth@andrew.southworthhttps://andrewsouthworth.com/https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworthFollow Jesse Cannon @jessecannonjessecannon.comFollow Dustin Boyer @dustintheindustryplant Follow MattBacon@bacons.bits  dropoutmedia.netsapphireeye.net  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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.Follow Andrew Southworth@andrew.southworthhttps://andrewsouthworth.com/https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworthFollow Jesse Cannon @jessecannonjessecannon.comFollow Dustin Boyer @dustintheindustryplant Follow MattBacon@bacons.bits  dropoutmedia.netsapphireeye.net  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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! To support the My Point 4 Cents and get a whole extra hour from every episode—including full interviews and ad-free banter—become a subscriber.Follow Andrew Southworth@andrew.southworthhttps://andrewsouthworth.com/https://www.youtube.com/andrewsouthworthFollow Jesse Cannon @jessecannonjessecannon.comFollow Dustin Boyer @dustintheindustryplant Follow MattBacon@bacons.bits  dropoutmedia.netsapphireeye.net  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.