The digital revolution in music is no longer just about streaming - it's now transforming the physical products we cherish as fans. Ryan Ouyang, CEO and founder of IYK, takes us deep into the fascinating world where physical merchandise becomes a gateway to exclusive digital experiences.

Ryan explains how IYK's NFC-embedded products allow fans to authenticate ownership and access exclusive content through a simple smartphone scan. What began as a Web3 experiment during the pandemic has evolved into partnerships with major artists like Disturbed and Chance the Rapper. The technology bridges the gap between traditional fan identification methods and the physical world where dedicated supporters buy merchandise and attend shows.

Imagine receiving a custom festival poster showcasing only the acts you personally witnessed, or a lanyard that unlocks exclusive album content. These innovations represent just the beginning of what's possible when digital authenticity meets physical products. As Ryan puts it, many fans feel "under monetised" by their favourite artists - they want more meaningful ways to engage beyond traditional merchandise and tickets.

The conversation reveals how IYK's technology integrates with existing industry structures like music charts while introducing Web3 principles that empower both artists and fans. All this happens without forcing users to navigate complicated wallet connections or blockchain transactions - the complex technology remains "under the hood" for seamless experiences.

Ready to explore how digi-physical could transform your relationship with fans? This episode provides a window into the future of music fandom where physical products become portals to exclusive experiences, and fans can finally prove and celebrate their dedication in both worlds.

https://iyk.app

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What if artists owned the platforms where they connect with fans? Matt Jones, CEO of Medallion, is bringing this radical vision to life with a revolutionary approach to artist-fan relationships.

Most musicians face a fundamental problem: they build audiences on platforms they can't control, then struggle to reach those same fans when promoting tours, merchandise, or new music. Medallion solves this by creating artist-owned communities where creators maintain complete ownership of their fan relationships and data.

As Jones explains, the current music ecosystem leaves artists capturing just 10% of their economic value – a striking imbalance given their cultural significance. "I just don't see a world where the artist is not the platform in the future," he states, highlighting how Medallion empowers musicians to regain control without relying on algorithmic platforms or intermediaries.

Unlike traditional subscription models that pressure artists into unsustainable content schedules, Medallion adapts to musicians' creative cycles. Artists simply debut content to their most dedicated fans before wider release, typically seeing 2-3 times higher engagement than email or text marketing. The platform has evolved from siloed communities into a unified network where fans following one artist discover others, creating organic growth opportunities for musicians at every level.

This innovative approach has attracted investment from music heavyweights including Metallica, Disclosure, and My Morning Jacket, with communities from Greta Van Fleet, Girl in Red, and Jungle already thriving on the platform. For independent creators, Medallion offers a turnkey solution that complements existing strategies while providing something increasingly rare in today's music landscape: true ownership.

Ready to take control of your fan relationships? Download Medallion from the App Store or Google Play Store today and join the movement putting artists at the centre of their own ecosystem.

https://medallion.app

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What does it truly mean to be entrepreneurial in today's music landscape? According to Amani Roberts—international keynote speaker, global performer, award-winning professor, and bestselling author—it's about more than just technical skills.

During our fascinating conversation, Amani breaks down how music professions have evolved through technological advancements. While anyone can learn basic beat matching, he emphasizes that "the art of reading a crowd is something that you acquire over time and you can't rush that." This wisdom extends beyond DJing to virtually any creative pursuit—technical proficiency might come quickly, but mastery requires patience and experience.

We dive deep into Amani's book "The Quiet Storm," where he investigates the mysterious disappearance of R&B groups in the past two decades. Through meticulous research, he identified five critical factors: hip-hop going mainstream, the rise of EDM, cultural shifts in radio, the decline of African-American media publications, and the cancellation of television shows that showcased R&B talent. It's a fascinating exploration of how industry shifts and regulatory changes can fundamentally alter musical landscapes.

For emerging music creators, Amani offers gold-standard advice that challenges conventional wisdom. Rather than chasing millions of followers, he advocates building a foundation of "1,000 true fans" who will consistently support your work. Most critically, he warns against building careers exclusively on social platforms: "You don't want to build your house on rented real estate." Instead, prioritise collecting data to establish direct relationships with fans that aren't vulnerable to algorithm changes or platform instability.

Whether you're a DJ, producer, songwriter, or music business student, this episode delivers profound insights from someone who has successfully navigated multiple facets of the industry. Get ready for a masterclass in music entrepreneurship that will transform how you approach your creative career.

https://www.amaniexperience.com/coaching

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Artificial intelligence has revolutionized how we discover, create, and consume music—but where exactly does it stand in 2025? After interviewing three leading AI music technology founders, I'm pulling back the curtain on the current state of music AI and its ethical evolution.

The landscape has shifted dramatically. Today's most innovative companies are building AI tools with fundamentally different values: enhancing human creativity rather than replacing it, compensating artists fairly, and respecting intellectual property rights.

From DAACI's musician-trained tools that function as creative co-pilots to VoiceSwap's groundbreaking marketplace where vocalists monetize their AI voice models on their own terms, we're witnessing the emergence of a more ethical ecosystem. RoEx Audio demonstrates how AI can handle the tedious 90% of mixing work while preserving the creative 10% that makes music uniquely human. These developments reveal AI's most valuable role in music creation: not as a replacement for human artistry, but as a time-saving assistant that handles repetitive technical tasks.

The distinction between AI voice models and real human performances is becoming a critical consideration for artists, with forward-thinking companies beginning to establish clearer frameworks for rights and compensation. By processing information through databases containing millions of audio fingerprints, these platforms ensure no copyrighted material is used without permission—addressing one of the industry's most significant concerns.

Whether you're excited about these tools or approaching them with caution, understanding their true capabilities and limitations is essential for navigating today's music business landscape. What ethical considerations matter most to you as we continue this technological journey? How might these tools transform your creative process without compromising your artistic integrity?

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How would you feel discovering your music was used on a major TV show without anyone telling you? That's the reality of blanket licensing – a system that keeps the entertainment world turning while ensuring creators get paid.

Allow me to break down this complex but crucial aspect of the music industry, explaining how blanket licenses grant broadcasters and venues the right to use vast catalogues of music for a fixed annual fee. Rather than negotiating individual licenses for each song, these agreements streamline the process for businesses while generating royalty streams for creators.

Delving into territorial differences, I reveal how the UK system operates through a PRS for Music partnership, contrasting this with the more fragmented American landscape where individual sync deals remain dominant. This geographical variation explains why synchronisation opportunities in the US often command higher rates than their UK counterparts.

For creators wondering about payment mechanisms, I illuminate the dual streams of revenue – upfront license fees and ongoing performance royalties – while acknowledging the frustrating reality of delayed payments. Through practical examples, I demonstrates how songs get used, how royalties are calculated through cue sheets, and why you might discover your music on television months before seeing any payment.

The episode provides valuable insights for both sides of the equation: music creators seeking to understand their rights and payment structures, and music users needing efficient access to quality content. Whether you're a songwriter curious about how your royalties work or a small business wondering about music licensing requirements, this accessible breakdown transforms confusion into clarity.

Listen now to gain essential knowledge about one of the music industry's most misunderstood systems and discover why blanket licensing matters to everyone in the creative economy. Have questions about your specific situation? I welcome your inquiries as part of the podcast's mission to educate and empower the music community worldwide.

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Ever wondered how artificial intelligence might transform music production without replacing human creativity? In this eye-opening conversation with David Ronan, CEO of Roex Audio, we explore the fascinating world of AI-powered mixing and mastering tools that are changing how music creators work.

David pulls back the curtain on Roex's innovative products: Mix Check Studio, which analyzes tracks and identifies mixing issues for free, and Automix, which can professionally mix up to 32 tracks in minutes rather than hours. What's particularly impressive is how these tools handle the mechanical, often tedious aspects of mixing while leaving the creative decisions to humans. "It doesn't do anything creative," David explains, "it does the corrective mixing... getting the levels correct enough that you're in the ballpark and can tweak it." The result? More time for music creators to focus on the artistic elements that make their sound unique.

With a background that includes work at Native Instruments, leading research at AI Music (later acquired by Apple), and a PhD in music technology, David brings exceptional expertise to the table. He shares the remarkable journey of how Roex evolved from an academic project that could only mix four mono tracks over an entire day to a sophisticated system that can handle complex arrangements in minutes. Along the way, he dispels myths about AI replacing human engineers, emphasizing that these tools are assistive rather than replacements, democratizing professional-quality sound while enhancing the productivity of experienced professionals.

Looking ahead, David reveals exciting plans for DAW integration and applications beyond music production into film, television, and game audio. Whether you're a bedroom producer struggling with technical aspects of mixing or a professional engineer looking to streamline workflow, this episode offers valuable insights into how AI can help you achieve better results while preserving your creative vision. Give it a listen and discover how embracing these new technologies might transform your music production process.

https://www.roexaudio.com/

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The future of music depends on nurturing young talent, yet the path for emerging musicians can be as challenging as it is confusing. This episode takes a deep dive into Youth Music's insightful "Sound of the Next Generation" report, examining how the pandemic, economic hardship, and educational cuts have fundamentally altered young people's relationship with music.

I share concerning statistics revealing that just 55% of young people now identify as musical (down 10% from 2019), while 48% of 18-25 year olds report feeling lonely in today's disconnected world. Music remains a crucial lifeline, with 70% of respondents agreeing it helps them feel connected with others. As one young person puts it: "When I feel like my identity is being underrepresented, I look at music that I listen to and I feel seen."

The episode explores how systemic barriers prevent equal access to music opportunities. Young people from working-class backgrounds are significantly less likely to see themselves as musical performers or know someone who can support their progression. Geographic disparities show the north-south divide in stark relief, while gender imbalances persist particularly in digital music creation. Meanwhile, drastic funding cuts have decimated the grassroots music sector that historically supported talent development, with over £1 billion slashed from youth services in the last decade.

Technology is transforming how the next generation creates music, with traditional instrument playing decreasing while computer-based composition rises, yet 68% believe that a social media following is essential for industry success - a skill rarely taught in formal education. These evolving perspectives reflect a generation navigating a rapidly changing musical landscape, with 47% believing AI will create most future music.

What can we do to ensure diverse musical voices aren't lost? Listen as I unpack Youth Music's three crucial recommendations for government, education, and industry to rebuild the pipeline that produces tomorrow's musical talent. The health of our collective musical future depends on the actions we take today.

Please support the Rescue The Roots campaign:

https://www.youthmusic.org.uk/rescue-the-roots

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What does it truly mean to take care of our mental health in the complex, demanding world of music? This question sits at the heart of my conversation with Jeordie Shenton, Programmes Lead for Tonic Music, a pioneering UK charity dedicated to mental wellbeing for everyone who creates, works with, or simply loves music.

Music creators experience significantly higher rates of depression, anxiety, and other mental health challenges compared to the general population. The causes are multifaceted—financial instability, demanding schedules, performance pressure, burnout, and the often isolating nature of creative work. Yet until recently, conversations about these challenges remained largely taboo, with struggling artists either romanticised, demonised, or excessively medicalised by media and industry alike.

Tonic Music stands apart through its nuanced understanding of the music ecosystem. Rather than viewing "the music industry" as a monolith, they recognise the diverse experiences of everyone from international touring artists to buskers, roadies to venue staff, fans to hobbyist musicians. Each group faces unique challenges requiring tailored support. Their four-tiered approach—offering therapy sessions, peer groups, skills workshops, and training courses—provides flexible, accessible resources that participants can engage with according to their specific needs.

What struck me most during our conversation was Jeordie's insight into how isolation affects people across all corners of music. The peer support groups Tonic facilitates have become lifelines, creating safe spaces where individuals from vastly different musical backgrounds connect, share experiences, and form lasting support networks. These connections extend beyond formal sessions, with many groups establishing their own communication channels for ongoing support.

Looking toward the future, Jeordie emphasises that while awareness has grown significantly, we must now focus on action. This includes integrating mental health education into music curricula, creating clear pathways to support for everyone in the ecosystem, and continuing to challenge stigma through open conversation. Though major artists can now cancel tours citing mental health without significant backlash, this same freedom rarely extends to grassroots musicians or crew members who fear replacement or financial ruin.

Ready to learn more or access support? Visit tonicmusic.co.uk to discover their programmes and register for a personal consultation with their mental health team. Together, we can create a music world where wellbeing is prioritised alongside creativity and success.

https://www.tonicmusic.co.uk

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