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Breaking Down the Biz

Breaking Down the Biz

By: Seth Schachner | StratAmericas
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About this listen

 On Breaking Down the Biz, we simplify the big stuff in the business of music , entertainment, and technology. Industry insider Seth Schachner (ex Sony Music, Microsoft, AOL, Universal Music) brings you a bite-sized, insider’s guide to how the industry really works. Each week Seth is joined by the insiders who are making culture happen - the brains behind your favorite artists, movies, and media companies. Ever wondered how Apple helped save the music industry? What actually happened with those Taylor Swift tickets? And how did Bad Bunny go from unknown to global superstar? From timely breakdowns to the biggest industry-shifting moments in recent history, we’re unpacking the deals, the drama, and the decisions that shape what you watch and listen to every day. Economics
Episodes
  • What Does A Music Manager Do? With the Legendary Ron Stone

    What Does A Music Manager Do? With the Legendary Ron Stone
    Apr 30 2026
    Bob Dylan, Nirvana, The Eagles, Foo Fighters, Joni Mitchell, the Beastie Boys - all incredible artists in their own ways. What do they have in common? They were all managed by Ron Stone, our guest on today’s podcast. Ron has spent five decades at the center of the music industry, representing a legendary roster that spans from the folk-rock of the '60s to the boundary-pushing sounds of grunge and '90s alternative powerhouses. In this episode, we discuss what has stayed the same in an industry that seems to change every five minutes. Ron breaks down the transition from vinyl all the way to streaming, the current frenzy over music catalog buying, and the timeless strategies that apply whether you're in the 1960s or on TikTok. Featuring inside stories on Neil Young’s rights battles, the strategy behind Nirvana’s launch and more, this is a masterclass in the business of music and the history of some of the greatest artists of all time. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    53 mins
  • MIchael Jackson, Noah Kahan, & AI In Hollywood

    MIchael Jackson, Noah Kahan, & AI In Hollywood
    Apr 28 2026
    In this episode, Seth Schachner explores recent developments in music and entertainment, including a new Michael Jackson biopic, recent releases by Noah Kahan, Foo Fighters & U2, and delves into how AI is being integrated into the entertainment industry by talent with vested interests. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    5 mins
  • Why Apple Made A Song 99 Cents, with Paul Vidich

    Why Apple Made A Song 99 Cents, with Paul Vidich
    Apr 23 2026
    Industry veteran Paul Vidich shares how Apple’s iTunes and Steve Jobs defied conventional wisdom to revolutionize music consumption. Discover the behind-the-scenes strategy that turned digital downloads from a pricy gamble into a $1 billion dollar phenomenon within just a year, and learn how this shift laid the groundwork for today’s streaming universe. Seth and Paul unlock the pivotal negotiations that set the stage for iTunes’ success, revealing the critical choices around pricing, metadata, and consumer experience that often go overlooked. Paul also shares eye-opening insights on how early experiments in digital music laid the foundation for streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, transforming the way millions access and enjoy music today. Paul Vidich is a bestselling novelist and former media executive, known for his strategic influence on digital transformation in the music industry and his intricate espionage novels inspired by real-world family mysteries. Learn more at https://paulvidich.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
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