Business Side of Music

In this episode of The Business Side of Music, host Sarah Fleshner interviews Rio Kareff, Co-President of Musixmatch and one of the most influential innovators in digital music. With more than 30 years of experience at the intersection of music and technology, Rio has helped shape nearly every major shift in the industry — from launching the first artist websites for Michael Jackson and The Beatles, to selling the first major-label digital download, to pioneering the iTunes 99-cent model, to co-founding Vevo. Today, Rio leads Musixmatch, the world's largest lyrics and music data platform powering Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, YouTube, and Meta. In this conversation, he breaks down how Musixmatch built one of the largest ethically licensed music datasets in the world and how their newest AI-powered product, Music Lens, is transforming the way artists, managers, publishers, and labels analyze and monetize music. In this episode, you'll learn: How AI is reshaping the music industry What Musixmatch does and why lyrics data is so valuable How Music Lens provides insights for sync licensing, catalog management, and royalty forecasting Why ethical licensing and creator transparency matter more than ever Real examples of how AI can help creators uncover new opportunities The future of digital music, rights administration, and data-driven decision-making 💡 Special Offer for Listeners: Get 15% off Musixmatch Pro — the platform trusted by millions of creators to manage lyrics, metadata, and discovery. Use code BSOM15 at checkout. If you're an independent artist, artist manager, publisher, label executive, or anyone interested in AI in music, music data, sync licensing, or the business of digital music, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss. Facebook: @tbsompodcast Instagram: @bsompodcast Tiktok: @bsompodcast www.businesssideofmusicpodcast.com © 362 Entertainment 2025. All rights reserved.

In this episode of The Business Side of Music, host Sarah Fleshner sits down with legendary artist manager and music tech investor Scott Welch — the man behind careers for Paula Abdul, Alanis Morissette, Collective Soul, and more. Together, they pull back the curtain on what it really takes to build artists and careers in today's algorithm-driven music industry. Scott shares brutally honest insights on artist development, music management, and the harsh realities of streaming economics — from why artists are spending more time chasing content than mastering their craft, to how social media should be used as bait to draw fans into a world the artist owns and controls. They also dive into how to convert followers into loyal fans, the importance of live performance, and how new music tech startups like Single and Giggs are reshaping the direct-to-fan business model. For managers, indie artists, and anyone serious about the music business, this episode is a masterclass in longevity, authenticity, and surviving the algorithm.   Facebook: @tbsompodcast Instagram: @bsompodcast Tiktok: @bsompodcast www.businesssideofmusicpodcast.com   © 362 Entertainment 2025. All rights reserved.

In this episode, we sit down with Shelia Shipley Biddy, CFO and Certified Senior Advisor at Music Health Alliance, to explore how this remarkable organization is helping protect, heal, and support the people behind the music. Shelia shares how Music Health Alliance serves as a vital resource for musicians and industry professionals seeking healthcare — offering free advocacy, access to doctors, insurance guidance, mental health support, and financial assistance when it's needed most. We talk about how anyone can get involved, ways to donate, and the impact of Heal The Music Day on October 17th, a movement that unites artists, managers, and fans to raise funds and awareness for MHA's life-changing work. Whether you're an artist, a music professional, or simply a fan who cares, this conversation is a must-listen. We hope you'll tune in — and share this episode with a friend — as we all do our part to heal the music.   Learn more: https://www.musichealthalliance.com/ © 2025 362 Entertainment. All rights reserved. 

In this episode of The Business Side of Music Podcast, NAMM President & CEO John Mlynczak shares what it takes to put on the world's largest music trade show. We cover NAMM's year-round opportunities, music industry innovations, and the impact of AI on the future of music. Perfect for artists, managers, and music business professionals looking to stay ahead. Register for NAMM 2026: www.namm.org   Keywords: NAMM Show 2025, National Association of Music Merchants, music business podcast, John Mlynczak interview, NAMM CEO, music industry insights, music trade show, AI in music, music innovation, music industry networking, forward-thinking leadership in music, NAMM opportunities year-round, music managers and artists, music business strategies © 2025 362 Entertainment. All rights reserved.

In this episode of The Business Side of Music, host Sarah Fleshner sits down with Nikki Sanz, founder and CEO of Giggs, the platform revolutionizing how talent gets hired in the live event industry. Nikki shares her journey from an aspiring tour manager to a tech entrepreneur, opening up about the challenges facing today's live music world — from the hidden costs of touring to the constant demand for staffing. They dig into the myths and misconceptions about music industry roles, the importance of networking and community, and how Giggs is streamlining the hiring process for both artists and crews. Nikki also speaks candidly about the mental health challenges of entrepreneurship, why rest is essential, and how support systems make all the difference in a high-pressure business. Whether you're dreaming of a career on the road or already living life behind the stage, this conversation pulls back the curtain on what it really takes to make live music happen.   Keywords: Nikki Sanz, Giggs, live event industry, entrepreneurship, music business, staffing, community, challenges, technology, hiring   Copywrite © 2025 362 Entertainment, All rights reserved.