In this episode of BESPOKEN, host Scott Pollack catches up with Dr. Portia Sabin, President of the Music Business Association and former President of the groundbreaking indie label Kill Rock Stars. Dr. Sabin, who also hosts "The Future of What" podcast, shares essential music industry knowledge that independent artists and labels need to succeed in today's competitive landscape.

The conversation includes the collection of music royalties, performing rights organizations (PROs), and income from digital streaming—essential knowledge for artists who want to grow and protect their income streams. Dr. Sabin discusses the enduring popularity of physical media like vinyl records and CDs in a more digital era, highlighting how K-pop has attracted younger listeners back to record stores.

Dr. Sabin offers music industry insight through their Roadshows, industry conference networking at Music Biz, and global music marketing. Dr. Sabin talks music industry diversity and inclusion initiatives, streaming fraud detection, and collective resolutions for industry problems. Listen as Dr. Sabin explains how artists can be "smart, not just hard" working to achieve success in the complex music industry and enjoy a sustainable career.

To learn more about the Music Business Association and its Music Biz conference and Roadshows, visit musicbiz.org.

For 30 years, A to Z Media has been the production partner of choice for artists and labels (major and indie), manufacturing top-quality vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, books, merchandise, and more. Ready to get started on your next project? Visit atozmedia.com..

In this episode of BESPOKEN, host Scott Pollack welcomes Lewis Griffin, the owner and principal designer of Blackout Studios. Based in the UK, Blackout Studios specializes in creative media production, particularly vinyl record and CD packaging for independent artists. In this episode, Lewis shares insights into his creative process, discussing how he immerses himself in the music to craft distinctive designs emboldened with a DIY spirit. 

The conversation explores how Lewis built a strong creative relationship with the Austrian recording artist, AViVA, creating meticulous designs, including unique vinyl labels, limited edition packages, and handmade box sets, while emphasizing the value of bespoke, special-edition releases. Lewis also shares inspirational advice for emerging independent artists on releasing physical media and enhancing their work with DIY design elements.

For contact and more info, visit blackout-studios.com.

For 30 years, A to Z Media has been the choice manufacturing partner for artists and labels (major and independent), crafting high-quality vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, books, merch, and more. Ready to get started on your next project? Visit atozmedia.com.

In this episode of BESPOKEN, host Scott Pollack welcomes renowned Zoetrope animator and artist Drew Tetz.

Drew, known for his mesmerizing zoetrope artwork for vinyl records and slipmats, shares his journey from graphic design to becoming an influential figure in the field of zoetropes. The conversation delves into Drew's creative process, his notable projects, and his innovative experiments with animation and technology. Drew discusses collaborations with John Lennon (Grammy-winning Mind Games box set), Enjoy the Ride Records (Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles), and Sacred Bones (John Carpenter), and he offers insights into how the oldest form of motion pictures is being revitalized in modern art. Listen in to learn about Drew's unique approach to blending science and art to create visual magic.

To contact Drew Tetz, visit his website: drewtetz.com

For 30 years, A to Z Media has been the choice manufacturing partner for artists and labels (major and independent), crafting high-quality vinyl records, cassettes, CDs, books, merch, and more. Ready to get started on your next project? Visit atozmedia.com.

Welcome to BESPOKEN, a podcast that delves into the world of independent music and physical media culture. In each episode, we'll be talking with industry experts and dedicated creators who are bringing music to life in every format imaginable. I'm Scott Pollack, your host and the president of A to Z Media.

For 30 years, A to Z Media has been working with countless record labels and artists to meet their manufacturing and printing requirements. We hope that these conversations will educate, entertain, and inspire you.