Moving Beyond Vanity Metrics and Building Authentic Fan Connections with Mershad Javan

Evan Bogart, co-founder of Seeker Music, is a highly respected music industry executive, songwriter, and artist champion. Coming from a musical family, Evan’s career highlights include working with artists like Eminem and Maroon 5. He overcame personal challenges and turned his passion for music into a mission to support and elevate creators. With a deep belief in the power of community, Evan has built Seeker Music as a haven for authentic artists and songwriters.In this episode, Evan shares his incredible journey through the music industry, discussing how perseverance, passion, and a willingness to ask for help have shaped his career and life. From his early days to founding Seeker Music, Evan offers invaluable lessons for artists, songwriters, and music professionals.Key Takeaways:Why asking for help is crucial to avoid costly mistakes and accelerate growth.How to balance business with passion and art for long-term success.The importance of building authenticity and conviction into your artistry.----Learn more about Evan Bogart and Seeker Music by visiting: https://www.seekermusic.com/Apply for an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Hazel Savage is a music-tech trailblazer, guitarist, and former CEO/Co-Founder of Musiio. Beginning her journey with Shazam, she gained deep industry insights at Pandora, Universal, and HMV before founding Musiio, which was later acquired by SoundCloud. As a global speaker and advocate for AI in music, Hazel blends her expertise with relatable, often humorous, anecdotes, offering valuable perspectives on AI’s impact on the music industry.In this episode, Hazel shares her insights into the fast-evolving world of AI in music, from ethical dilemmas to creative opportunities.Key takeaways:How AI is transforming music creation by enhancing human creativity and making production more accessible.The ethical implications of AI-generated music and how artists can protect their rights in the face of evolving technology.Why "strong beliefs loosely held" can be a powerful mindset for adapting to the rapid changes in tech and AI.----Learn more about Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/Apply for an Artist Breakthrough Session with our team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Molly Neuman is the President of CD Baby, a leading music distribution company dedicated to supporting independent and self-releasing artists. With a vast background in the music industry, she has held key leadership positions, including CMO at Downtown Music Holdings and President of Songtrust, where she helped manage millions of copyrights. A passionate advocate for artist empowerment, Molly’s career spans roles at Kickstarter and A2IM, and as a member of influential music boards.In this episode, Molly shares her experiences in the evolving music industry, the opportunities for independent artists, and how technology, including AI, is shaping the future. Molly also discusses her leadership role at CD Baby, her advocacy for women in music, and the importance of authenticity in building a successful artist career.Key Takeaways:Learn how AI and technology are transforming the music industry and what it means for independent artists.Discover actionable strategies to build an authentic community and grow a fanbase.Understand the importance of adaptability and seizing opportunities in a rapidly changing industry landscape.----To learn more about Molly Neuman’s work and insights, visit: https://www.downtownmusic.com/CD Baby website: https://cdbaby.com/Apply for an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

With over 25 years of experience and more than 40,000 hours logged in the studio, Luca Pretolesi has become a world-renowned mixing and mastering engineer. Founder of Studio DMI in Las Vegas, Luca’s award-winning work has touched projects for artists like Drake, Diplo, Steve Aoki, and J Balvin. His portfolio includes Grammy wins, Platinum records, and countless accolades. Luca’s unique approach to blending creativity and technology has made him a go-to expert in electronic and pop music production.In this episode, Luca shares his journey and insights on how to stand out in the music industry, focusing on personal growth over shortcuts.Key Takeaways:Why mastering creativity and skills is more important than relying on tools and trends.How exploring global music styles can spark innovation in your own work.The importance of building genuine relationships and industry support over self-promotion.-----Learn more about Luca and his work at: https://www.studiodmi.com/Apply for an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Adam Lewis is the head of Planetary Group, an artist development firm based in Los Angeles that helps emerging musicians gain exposure through radio, online PR, and social media. In addition, Adam also currently handles all publicity, promotion and media buying for Great Northeast Productions and has previously worked with TVT Records, managing artists like Sevendust and Snoop Dogg. He brings a wealth of knowledge in artist management, tour production, and music promotion.In this episode, Adam dives deep into the evolving landscape of the music industry, discussing how AI, digital marketing, and human creativity are reshaping artists' paths to success. Key TakeawaysDiscover the essential strategies for building a sustainable artist career in today’s industry.Learn how AI and digital tools are transforming music production, while raising questions of authenticity.Explore the importance of human connections and live performances in an increasingly digital world.----To learn more about Adam Lewis and his work at Planetary Group, visit their website: https://www.planetarygroup.com/Apply for an Artist Breakthrough Session with our team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Bee Adamic is the founder of Liberty Music PR, a leading agency dedicated to helping independent artists gain visibility and success in the music industry. With a passion for music and years of experience, Bee has navigated the challenges of building a PR business while guiding musicians through the evolving landscape of the industry. She advocates for perseverance, self-care, and strategic planning for artists looking to stand out and build sustainable careers.In this episode, Bea Adamic dives deep into the world of independent music PR, sharing her personal journey, insights on industry trends, and valuable advice for musicians seeking to break through.Key Takeaways:Learn how to persevere through setbacks and stay consistent, even when progress feels slow.Discover how to set measurable goals, define your brand, and release music strategically to grow your fanbase.Understand the importance of self-care and avoiding shortcuts that can derail long-term success.----To learn more about Bee Adamic and Liberty Music PR, visit her website: https://www.libertymusicpr.com/Apply for an Artist Breakthrough Session with our team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Patrick Ross is the COO of Music Ally, a leading authority in the music industry’s digital transformation. With years of experience, Patrick specializes in helping artists navigate the complexities of the modern music business. He emphasizes the importance of building real connections with fans, leveraging community-building strategies, and making informed use of advertising platforms. Through his work, he equips artists with the knowledge and tools to thrive in an evolving industry.In this episode, Patrick Ross dives into the current challenges facing artists in the music industry, sharing practical advice on how to cultivate a real fan base, build a thriving community, and grow your audience authentically.Key Takeaways:Discover how to build genuine fan connections and a strong community.Learn why real relationships matter more than vanity metrics for long-term success.Understand how to effectively use advertising platforms to connect with the right audience.To learn more about Patrick Ross and his work with Music Ally, visit: https://pro.musically.com----Apply for an Artist Breakthrough Session with our team: https://masterclass.modernmusician.me/apply?utm_medium=podcast&utm_source=rss-feed&utm_campaign=podcast-cta-2024

Salvador Briggman, founder of CrowdCrux, is a crowdfunding expert who has helped creators raise millions on platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. With a background in marketing and business development, Salvador focuses on helping entrepreneurs, musicians, and artists navigate the complex world of crowdfunding. He shares actionable strategies on his blog, podcast, and YouTube channel, making him a go-to resource for anyone looking to leverage crowdfunding to fuel their passion.In this episode, Salvador Briggman dives deep into how musicians can run successful crowdfunding campaigns on platforms like Kickstarter and Indiegogo. From understanding pledge amounts to creating exciting event-like launches, Salvador offers expert tips on maximizing campaign success.Key TakeawaysLearn how to set realistic expectations and break campaigns into manageable phases.Discover the power of value-loaded rewards and limited quantity tiers to boost engagement.Understand the ethical use of marketing principles to deepen fan relationships and drive pledges.To learn more about Salvador Briggman and his crowdfunding strategies, visit https://launchandrelease.com/----Apply for a free Artist Breakthrough Session with our team: https://masterclass.modernmusician.me/apply-success?utm_source=podcast

Russ Robson is the founder of Gussapolooza Music Festival and the Indie Distributor Project. With a deep passion for supporting emerging artists, Russ has grown Gussapolooza into a thriving platform where musicians can showcase their talents and connect with a like-minded community. Beyond music, Russ is committed to using alternative therapies, including plant medicine, to help individuals facing trauma and addiction. In this episode, Russ shares his journey, insights into the power of music, and the role of leadership in overcoming personal challenges.In this episode, Russ dives into the transformative power of music, community, and personal growth—revealing how artists can overcome fear and build meaningful connections with their audience.In this episode, we explore:How Gussapolooza is creating real opportunities for emerging artists to thrive.The healing power of music and community for individuals struggling with trauma and addiction.Embracing fear and leading with courage in both life and creative pursuits.To learn more about Russ Robson and his work, visit: https://gussapolooza.com/----Apply for a free Artist Breakthrough Session with our team: https://masterclass.modernmusician.me/apply-success?utm_source=podcast

Mershad Javan is the CEO of Octiive, a music distribution platform committed to helping indie artists thrive by providing transparency, artist support, and a wide distribution network. With years of experience in the music industry, Javan understands the challenges artists face and is passionate about fostering authentic growth and real connections. His leadership at Octiive has empowered countless indie musicians to focus on creating quality music while building loyal fan bases.In this episode, Mershad dives into the challenges indie artists face in the music industry and how to avoid common pitfalls. He explains the value of focusing on genuine fan connections and discusses how Octiive’s unique features are designed to empower artists for long-term success.Key TakeawaysWhy high-quality music and a solid fan base matter more than chasing artificial streams.Proven strategies for building meaningful relationships with fans, both online and in person.How Octiive’s transparent artist support and distribution network set indie artists up for success.------To learn more about Mershad Javan and Octiive, visit their website: https://www.octiive.com/Tune into the live podcast & join the Modern Musician community here: https://link.modernmusician.me/join-podcastApply for a free Artist Breakthrough Session with our team: https://masterclass.modernmusician.me/apply-success?utm_source=podcast