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
  • A Verdict On Ticketmaster, with John Chu

    A Verdict On Ticketmaster, with John Chu
    Apr 21 2026
    On today's episode, we discuss the recent developments in the lawsuit with Ticketmaster and Live Nation. We're joined by expert John Shu, a lawyer, former White House advisor and industry insider, to break down the groundbreaking settlement between the DOJ, states, and Live Nation. This settlement isn’t just about a few million dollars, but about opening up the ticketing ecosystem and potentially reshaping the entire live entertainment industry. Read more from John on his Substack, or find him on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    13 mins
  • Kerry Gordy on Motown, Major Labels, and Sunday Best

    Kerry Gordy on Motown, Major Labels, and Sunday Best
    Apr 16 2026
    On this episode of Breaking Down the Biz, Seth Schachner sits down with Kerry Gordy, son of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Berry shares his extraordinary journey from growing up in the iconic Motown studios to navigating the evolving landscape of the music industry. They also speak on the state of the industry as it relates to major labels and the distribution ecosystem, and Netflix's documentary Sunday Best, about the Ed Sullivan Show. Through candid storytelling, he provides unique insights into the world of music, marketing, and the impact of technology on artists today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • Paramount Merger, UMG Music, & Coachella, with Michelle 'Bizzy' Bell

    Paramount Merger, UMG Music, & Coachella, with Michelle 'Bizzy' Bell
    Apr 14 2026
    In this episode, Seth Schachner is joined by Michelle Bell, a savvy music and brand strategist, to unpack how brands are transforming festivals into immersive marketing zones. Music isn't always the primary act at festivals - luxury glamping, instagrammable moments, and influencer hype are competing for the main stage at event like SXSW, Coachella, and more. Seth and Michelle explore how this shift impacts the music ecosystem, artist revenue, and fan experience, revealing the hidden power of brand-funded content in today’s entertainment landscape. They also briefly touch on the letter signed by over 1,000 actors and film professionals calling for a boycott of the Paramount merger, a potential takeover of WMG, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    10 mins
  • The Power of Emerging Music Markets, with Alfonso Perez Soto

    The Power of Emerging Music Markets, with Alfonso Perez Soto
    Apr 9 2026
    Most countries underestimate how local competitors and digital giants like YouTube, TikTok, and others are shaping the future of the music industry by developing emerging markets. Alfonso Perez Soto, a veteran in the global music industry, unveils the surprising role YouTube plays across India, Africa, and the Middle East. He and host Seth Shachner (Strat Americas) share how local initiatives like Boomplay and Wangami fought hard to carve out their space, what the rise of the Latin market means for the future of the industry, and more. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    37 mins
  • Live Nation & Social Media Trial

    Live Nation & Social Media Trial
    Apr 7 2026
    In our first-ever mini news roundup, Seth breaks down the biggest stories on his radar this week. He kicks things off with the Live Nation antitrust lawsuit, which is heating back up as 33 states continue to pursue claims alleging monopoly practices. Then, he dives into recent trial verdicts in Los Angeles and New Mexico that could set major precedents for social media platforms. These results could potentially pave the way for courts to push platforms like Meta and YouTube to take a more active role in moderating and editing content. Tune in every week for your bite-sized breakdown of what’s shaping the business of music, entertainment and technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    10 mins