#289 - Matt Ford: The Entrepreneurial Playbook for the Modern Music Industry

Brianna DeMayo is an artist development and music marketing expert with over a decade of experience helping independent artists build sustainable careers. As the founder of Taste Creators, she empowers artists to take ownership of their platforms, deepen fan engagement, and treat their careers like businesses. Brianna's hands-on approach includes branding, community building, and data-driven strategies that put artists in control of their growth and income. Her mission is to guide artists beyond short-term hype and into long-term success through smart, foundational planning.In this episode, Brianna DeMayo shares why genuine fan relationships, brand clarity, and owning your audience are the pillars of a sustainable music career.Key Takeaways:Discover why most artists misunderstand what they really need to grow—and how to fix it.Learn the essential elements of a fan funnel that leads to lasting income and deeper engagement.Understand why branding and data ownership aren't optional—they're foundational for long-term success.---→ Learn more about Brianna and Taste Creators at tastecreators.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Mark Meharry is the founder and CEO of Music Glue, a global direct-to-fan e-commerce platform empowering artists to sell music, merch, and tickets while maintaining full control over their brand, data, and revenue. With over two decades of experience at the intersection of music and tech—and a background as a musician himself—Mark has helped thousands of artists, including Metallica, Idles, and Lauv, build sustainable, independent careers by connecting directly with their fans.In this episode, Mark breaks down how artists can future-proof their careers by owning their fan relationships.Key Takeaways:Why owning your fan data is essential to building a thriving, independent music career How direct-to-fan platforms like Music Glue create freedom and control for artists The irreplaceable value of human connection in an increasingly AI-driven music industry---→ Learn more about Mark and MusicGlue at www.musicglue.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Darren Hemmings is a respected music marketing strategist and the founder of Motive Unknown, a leading agency serving over 60 top-tier music clients including independent labels, global pop acts, and music production brands. Since launching the company in 2011, he’s built a team of 30 and become a trusted voice in the industry through his widely read newsletter, Network Notes. Darren’s mission is to help artists and brands connect authentically with their audiences through emotionally resonant, value-driven marketing.In this episode, Darren shares how artists can thrive by focusing on connection over promotion in a tech-driven music landscape.Key Takeaways:Why authentic, value-first marketing creates deeper and longer-lasting fan relationshipsHow building local music scenes can be a catalyst for broader successWhere AI fits into music marketing—and where human connection still reigns supreme---→ Learn more about Darren and Motive Unknown at https://www.motiveunknown.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Jazmine Valencia is the founder of JV Agency, an artist-first marketing powerhouse behind the success of major artists like The Killers, Fall Out Boy, Avicii, American Authors, Max Frost, and Shawn Mendes. Known for blending cultural storytelling with strategic innovation, Jazmine helps artists bridge the gap between creativity and connection. Her motivational leadership style and forward-thinking use of technology drive real impact across the global music scene. With a mission to unify creators and audiences, Jazmine is redefining what it means to market music in the digital age.In this episode, Jazmine Valencia shares how today’s artists can leverage content, community, and cutting-edge tech to grow their brand and monetize authentically.Key Takeaways:How documenting your daily creative process can make content creation easier and more impactful.Ways to monetize as an indie artist—through exclusivity, connection, and control.Why embracing AI and new technologies can empower artists rather than replace them.---→ Explore more about Jazmine and JV Agency at www.jvagency.co.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Paul Wiltshire is an award-winning music and tech entrepreneur with over 30 years of experience across the entertainment industry. After producing more than 15 million record sales—including twelve #1 singles and albums—Paul founded Songtradr, a global music licensing and rights management platform. His mission is to democratize the music industry by giving independent artists the tools, access, and opportunities to succeed in a rapidly changing digital landscape.In this episode, Paul shares how technology is reshaping music licensing, rights, and opportunities for independent creators.Key Takeaways:How Paul went from producing chart-topping hits to building one of the most impactful music tech companies in the worldThe role of AI and technology in transforming music creation, distribution, and monetization Why understanding music rights and licensing is essential for every independent artist's success---→ Learn more about Paul and Songtradr at https://www.songtradr.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Andrew Apanov is the founder of Dotted Music, host of the Music Growth Talks podcast, and a veteran digital marketing strategist with over 20 years in the music industry. From his days as editor-in-chief at Ultimate Guitar to mentoring artists and managing campaigns for global music brands, Andrew blends deep industry insight with practical growth strategies that empower musicians to thrive in a saturated market. In this episode, Andrew shares the real mindset and marketing strategies today’s artists need to stand out and build thriving communities around their music.Key Takeaways:How to market your music with a mindset of experimentation and learningWhy community engagement and short-form content are critical for artist growth The importance of collaboration and building the right support team to succeed---→ Learn more about Andrew at https://dottedmusic.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Cathy Heller is a renowned spiritual teacher, bestselling author, and host of the Abundant Ever After podcast, which has amassed over 45 million downloads. With a deep foundation in Jewish mysticism, manifestation, and mindfulness, Cathy helps individuals unlock their highest potential by teaching how to quiet the mind, align with divine purpose, and receive abundance with ease. Her teachings focus on spiritual growth, creativity, and cultivating a fulfilled life through inner transformation and connection.In this powerful conversation, Cathy shares how to create abundance without struggle, and why your goals are never about the end result—but about who you're becoming along the way.Key Takeaways:Why true abundance begins when you release struggle and surrender to easeHow meditation and intuition can unlock authentic creativity and flowThe truth about AI’s limits—and why empathy, love, and presence are irreplaceable---→ To learn more about Cathy, visit cathyheller.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Liam James Ward is the General Manager of music-focused social media agency, Something Something. With a deep background in audience development, playlist strategy, A&R coordination, and grassroots promotion, Liam has worked on award-winning campaigns with major labels and independent artists alike. His journey from tastemaker DJ to industry leader makes him a unique voice in helping artists build meaningful careers in the streaming era.In this episode, Liam shares how artists can use social media and audience development to create sustainable, fan-powered careers.Key Takeaways:Why building genuine relationships with fans is more powerful than chasing algorithmsHow to develop a content strategy that balances short-term attention and long-term engagement Simple ways to turn casual followers into super fans who support your music financially and emotionally---→  Learn more about Liam and his work at: somethingsomething.socialBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Matthias Ford is a serial entrepreneur and the founder and CEO of Prism.fm, a transformative platform streamlining operations for the live music industry. With a background as a live music promoter and a deep passion for both technology and artistry, Matthias bridges the gap between efficiency and human connection. A father of two and a creator at heart, he’s building tools that empower artists, enhance audience engagement, and preserve the magic of in-person experiences in a rapidly digitizing world.In this episode, Matthias Ford unpacks the future of live events, the power of social media, and how artists can reclaim control of their audience data.Key Takeaways:Why artists should take ownership of their data and promotion efforts in the live music sceneHow the pandemic reshaped our craving for in-person experiences—and why that mattersWhat Neuralink, the metaverse, and AI mean for the future of live entertainment and human connection---→ Discover more about Matt and Prism.fm at prism.fmBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Ankit Desai is the Founder and CEO of Snafu Records, a music-tech company using machine learning to provide royalty advances and artist services for independent musicians. Prior to launching Snafu, Ankit led digital strategy at Universal Music Group. He’s been named a Forbes 30 Under 30 and one of Nordic Music Export’s 20 Under 30, recognized for his innovative work in reshaping the future of the music industry.In this episode, Ankit reveals how AI is transforming the music industry—and what independent artists can do today to thrive in this new era.Key Takeaways:How to leverage your existing music catalog to generate sustainable income as an independent artist.Why short-form video content is now critical for music discovery and fan engagement.How AI and machine learning are democratizing music creation, monetization, and fan connection. ---→ To learn more about Ankit and Snafu Records at snafurecords.comBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast