Thierry Ascarez is a seasoned music industry executive with nearly two decades of experience across major labels, music-tech startups, and AI innovation. He began his career at EMI Music before launching his own company in San Francisco, where he spent six years driving music and technology initiatives. Now based in Belgium, Thierry leads Business & Corporate Development at Winamp, where he's helping shape the future of digital music.

In this episode, Thierry dives into how artists can thrive in the modern music landscape by embracing technology, community, and innovative monetization models.

Key Takeaways:

• Why relying solely on streaming isn’t sustainable—and how to unlock new revenue streams.
• How Winamp is empowering artists to own their audience and monetize through digital collectibles and NFTs.
• What the future holds for AI in music and how it can enhance, not replace, creativity.

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→ Learn more about Thierry and Winamp at https://www.winamp.com

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Ronan Mullins is the Co-Founder of Boost Collective, one of the top music marketing platforms supporting over 4,000 artists each month. With deep expertise in organic Spotify playlisting and digital promotion, Ronan has helped independent artists reach real audiences through impactful campaigns. His work doesn’t stop at playlisting—he partners with artists and labels to strategize holistic growth and fan engagement. Through Boost Collective, Ronan empowers creators with the tools, insights, and visibility needed to thrive in today’s competitive music industry.

In this episode, Ronan Mullins shares how artists can break through the noise with better music, smarter marketing, and stronger fan relationships.

Key Takeaways:

• Discover the importance of refining your sound and testing your music to build real traction with fans.
• Learn how Boost Collective scales organic Spotify playlisting campaigns that drive actual engagement.
• Explore actionable monetization strategies to generate income while building your long-term music career.

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→ Learn more about Ronan and Boost Collective at: https://boostcollective.ca

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Guenter Loibl is the CEO of Rebeat and the visionary founder behind HD Vinyl. Hailing from Tulln, Austria, Guenter saw early on how digital technology—particularly streaming data—would reshape the music business. Today, he's helping lead the charge toward a more artist-friendly, tech-enabled music future by combining insights from analog and digital realms. His forward-thinking work bridges innovation with tradition, exploring the roles of AI, collectibles, and audience relationships in music’s next era.

In this episode, Guenter breaks down how technology—especially AI and tools like StreetTeam—will reshape music monetization and elevate artists in the coming decade.

Key Takeaways:

• Why understanding your audience is the new superpower for music success—and how StreetTeam delivers it.

• How AI and scarcity will fuel a renaissance for both music creators and collectors.

• Why the future of music isn’t about streaming more—it’s about connecting deeper.

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→ Learn more about Guenter and HD Vinyl at: https://www.rebeat.com/

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Mike Fiebach is a veteran entrepreneur in the music and e-commerce industries, having worked with legendary artists. He founded FameHouse, a pioneering e-commerce and digital marketing firm acquired by Universal Music Group, and now leads MainFactor, helping brands and artists drive direct-to-consumer revenue. With decades of experience at the intersection of music, technology, and business, Mike is passionate about helping artists monetize authentically and sustainably.

In this episode, Mike Fiebach shares insider strategies for artists to thrive in today's music and e-commerce landscape by focusing on quality music, building a brand beyond their songs, and creating meaningful connections with fans.

Key Takeaways:

• Why focusing on creating one truly great song can transform your career.

• How to approach merchandise as a business within your music business.

• Proven ways to directly connect with fans and monetize beyond streaming.

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Learn more about Mike and his work by visiting: https://www.mainfactor.com/

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team:

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Jacob Edgar is an ethnomusicologist, global music expert, and cultural explorer. As President of the acclaimed world music label Cumbancha, the main A&R consultant for Putumayo World Music, and host of the PBS/National Geographic series Music Voyager, Jacob has traveled the globe uncovering the rich cultural stories behind music. His passion lies in helping artists turn their heritage and voice into powerful, authentic brands that resonate deeply with audiences.

In this episode, Jacob shares how culture, storytelling, and branding converge to help musicians stand out and build lasting careers.

Takeaways:

• Discover how music reflects and preserves culture across the globe.

• Learn to craft an authentic brand rooted in your personal and musical story.

• Explore practical ways to grow, engage, and monetize a loyal fanbase.

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👉 Learn more about Jacob Edgar at: https://www.putumayo.com/playlists

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Anto Dotcom & Michael Ghannoum are the co-founders of Music Promo Today, a cutting-edge music marketing agency that bridges Web2 and Web3 to help artists grow, monetize, and future-proof their careers. With a passion for building long-term artist legacies and deep expertise in tech, branding, and promotion, they’ve helped thousands of musicians amplify their reach while staying true to their creative vision.

In this episode, we explore how artists can stay ahead of trends, build a legacy, and thrive in the new era of music shaped by blockchain, social media, and fan engagement.

Key Takeaways:

• How to blend authenticity and experimentation for long-term artistic success

• Why fans are the most valuable asset in an artist’s career

• How Web3 and legacy planning can redefine music as a long-term investment

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Learn more about Michael and Anto at https://musicpromotoday.com

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Paul Goldman is the founder and CEO of Muserk, a global rights management company using technology to help artists recover lost royalties. A former musician turned entrepreneur, he’s on a mission to bring transparency to music publishing and help artists take control of their earnings.

In this episode, Paul reveals how artists are leaving money on the table, why the current system is broken, and what independent musicians can do to secure their rightful royalties.

• Why understanding copyrights and royalties is crucial for every artist.
• How technology helps recover unclaimed earnings and streamline rights management.
• The importance of perseverance and a business mindset in the modern music landscape.

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Learn more about Paul Goldman and Muserk at: https://muserk.com/

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Michael Tolle is the founder of Mello Music Group, a leading independent rap label that has thrived in the digital era. With a deep understanding of the evolving music industry, Tolle has built a brand that champions creativity, adaptability, and artistic integrity. His expertise spans music production, label management, and the impact of technology. Through his work, he continues to support artists in navigating the complexities of an ever-changing landscape.

In this episode, Michael sits down with Michael Tolle to discuss the evolution of the music industry, the role of AI as a creative tool, and the importance of consistency and long-term vision for success.

• How Mello Music Group became a leading indie rap label.
• Why AI should be seen as a tool, not a threat to musicians.
• The importance of long-term vision, consistency, and self-reflection in building a music career.

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Learn more about Michael Tolle and Mello Music Group by visiting: https://www.mellomusicgroup.com/

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Niklas Brantberg and Alex Papaconstantinou are the visionaries behind Overtone Studios, a pioneering company that is transforming music curation through data-driven insights. With a commitment to supporting independent artists, Overtone Studios offers a 50-50 revenue split model that empowers musicians in the streaming era. Following their acquisition by Epidemic Sound, they continue to push boundaries in how mood-based music is curated and consumed. Their expertise spans music technology, artist partnerships, and the evolving role of AI in creative processes.

In this episode, Michael Walker sits down with Niklas and Alex from Overtone Studios to explore how data, AI, and strategic partnerships are shaping the future of music curation and artist success.

Key Takeaways:

• How Overtone Studios is using data to revolutionize music curation and discovery.
• Why AI is an essential tool for music creation but should never replace human creativity.
• The opportunities and challenges independent artists face in monetizing their music in the streaming age.

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Learn more about Niklas, Alex, and Overtone Studios by visiting their website: https://www.overtone-studios.com/

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Mark Samuels is the founder of Basin Street Records, a label he started in 1997 as a passion project that grew into a staple of the New Orleans music scene. With decades of experience in the industry, Mark has worked with Grammy-winning artists and witnessed the transformation of music distribution, technology, and live performance. His insights into the challenges artists face today, the impact of AI on creativity, and the future of music make this episode a must-listen for musicians and industry professionals alike.

In this episode, Michael Walker and Mark Samuels discuss the evolution of the music industry, the impact of technology, and the future of artistic expression.

• How the rise of digital platforms and AI is reshaping the music industry.
• The biggest financial and creative challenges artists face today.
• Why live performance and musicianship still matter in an increasingly digital world.

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Learn more about Mark Samuels and Basin Street Records at: https://www.basinstreetrecords.com/

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast