Jesse Cannon, Matt Bacon, Andrew Southworth, and Dustin Boyer are joined by special guest Matthew Molnar, a longtime music industry insider who currently books for Brooklyn venues Market Hotel and Trans-Pecos. The group dives into a spirited discussion about the ongoing debate surrounding waterfall release strategies in music marketing, questioning a viral social media claim that such methods are now ineffective. They dissect the data behind Spotify’s algorithm and popularity score, with experts like Glenn McDonald and Luke Mansell weighing in to debunk misinformation. The episode also explores techniques for promoting music releases, the pros and cons of pre-saves and countdown pages, and strategies for targeting international markets through advertising. Later, Molnar shares his journey through the industry and explains how independent artists can get booked at top venues by being an active part of the scene and delivering unique, community-oriented performances. Throughout, the hosts emphasize the importance of critical thinking, transparency, and data-driven decision-making in a rapidly evolving music landscape.

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Brian Zisook, co-founder of AudioMack, shares the origin, mission, and evolution of the music streaming platform. He discusses how AudioMack carved out a niche as a discovery-focused service initially rooted in hip hop and now with a major presence across Africa, Latin America, and multicultural youth markets worldwide. By providing free tools and empowering independent artists through human curation, education, and innovative features like geo-targeted playlists and in-app messaging, AudioMack has democratized music access globally. Brian also tackles broader themes around music marketing, fan engagement, the importance of community and regional identity in music, and the current shortcomings in artist management and industry practices—all while offering thoughtful insight and practical advice for creators navigating today’s music landscape.

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00:00 - Introducing Brian Zisook from Audiomack

00:22 - What Is Audiomack?

01:02 - The Genesis of Audiomack in 2012

02:17 - Early Days and DJBooth Crossover

02:43 - Shaping a Platform for Independent Artists

03:43 - Audiomack’s Focus on Hip-Hop and Global Growth

05:19 - Why Africa Chose Audiomack

07:27 - Building Communities Through Localization

09:39 - Regional Music Curation in the U.S.

10:54 - Global Misconceptions About African Music

13:01 - Where Audiomack Fits in the Artist Marketing Mix

14:53 - Investing in Human Curation

16:49 - The Audiomack Tastemaker Program

20:10 - Solving Artist Discovery and Engagement Problems

22:38 - The Future of Audiomack and Global Expansion

25:32 - Audiomack vs Full-Catalog Streaming Giants

27:39 - Favorite Emerging Music Marketing Tactics

30:12 - The Power of Fan Clubs and Direct Artist Access

36:13 - Marketing Advice for Artists in Emerging Markets

38:42 -

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In this episode of “My Point Four Cents,” the hosts—Jesse Cannon, Dustin Boyer, Andrew Southworth, and Matt Bacon—engage in a detailed conversation on music marketing and platform strategies, featuring special guest Brian Zisook, co-founder and EVP of AudioMack. The discussion dives into platform trends, contrasting how artists often perform differently across TikTok, Instagram Reels, and YouTube Shorts due to algorithmic preferences, content suitability, and user behavior. They explore the nuances of platform-native content, engagement impact, the significance of “profile scores,” and tactics like the $1.80 comment strategy for growth. Brian Zisook provides an in-depth overview of AudioMack’s unique position in music streaming, its international growth—particularly across Africa and the diaspora—and the platform’s focus on discovery, curation, and accessibility for independent artists. They also tackle how platforms like Bandsintown help artists promote tours through free and paid tools. The episode blends real-world examples with strategic advice, emphasizing experimentation, audience alignment, and adapting to varied digital environments.

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My .4 Cents host Andrew sits down with Chris Greenwood, also known as the artist "Manafest", to dive deep into his journey as an independent musician and music entrepreneur. Chris shares his evolution from touring artist to Spotify success, discussing his wins in sync licensing, including a six-figure Olympics placement, and the shift from active to passive income through streaming. He opens up about the strategic use of Facebook ads, merch funnels, and catalog sales to sustain a thriving music business. The conversation also explores the pros and cons of the modern music industry, offering insights for up-and-coming artists on building a sustainable career, maximizing revenue streams, and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether navigating streaming platforms or leveraging digital marketing, Chris provides a wealth of real-world lessons based on his experience as both a successful artist and a mentor through his Smart Music Business platform.

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This episode of "My Point Four Cents" features a deep dive into the Spotify algorithm with musical artist and educator Chris Greenwood, also known as Manafest. Hosts Dustin Boyer, Matt Bacon, Jesse Cannon, and Andrew Southworth explore the metrics behind Spotify's Popularity Index and share insights from a data-driven study that analyzed the streaming behavior of hundreds of artists. Andrew explains findings from their research, revealing surprisingly simple correlations between streams and algorithmic playlist placements such as Release Radar and Discover Weekly. The conversation also covers artist development strategies, sync licensing, the economics of digital and physical music sales, and the realities of modern streaming income. Greenwood shares his journey from major label deals to independent success, including stories of high-value sync placements and how he leveraged digital marketing and sales funnels to sustain a thriving music career.

Watch Andrew's video on the Spotify Algorithm here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-w3hk2KtKXo&t=603s

Help us crack the algorithm for part 3 here: https://forms.gle/Yiffp3CjMiJf8nvT6

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Andrew Southworth, Matt Bacon, Jesse Cannon, and Dustin Boyer delve into the complex dynamics of “personality content” in the evolving world of music marketing. They engage in a candid roundtable discussion on how artists balance showcasing their music with sharing personal, often unrelated content online, and explore the risks and rewards of merging personality and artistry on platforms like TikTok and Instagram. The episode also features a deep-dive interview with James Rhodes, President and CEO of independent label FiXT Music, who discusses their mission to empower artists through fair 50/50 deals, their successes in sync licensing, and building sustainable, long-term careers for niche acts in rock and electronic genres. The conversation touches on trends in artist-label relationships, predatory deals, the value of streaming services like Spotify, and the challenges of the live music economy, particularly in major cities like New York.

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Jesse Cannon sits down with Victor, also known as Goshfather, to explore his journey into the vibrant world of Disco House—a high-energy subgenre of electronic dance music blending vintage sounds with modern flair. Victor shares how he went from nearly quitting music to experiencing a career renaissance through a bold commitment to releasing one song every week for a year, redefining his personal brand with a unique Soviet-inspired aesthetic, and creating authentic content that resonates across social platforms. He also touches on mentoring new artists, building community through Instagram group chats, and the power of finishing and sharing music as a key to growth. Packed with practical advice, inspiring stories, and a dash of humor, this conversation reveals what it really takes to break through as a modern independent artist.

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Jesse Cannon, Dustin Boyer, Andrew Southworth, and Matt Bacon engage in a deep discussion on the mechanics of music algorithms—especially those used by apps like Spotify—and how they interact with the artistic process. They explore whether algorithms influence or dilute artistic integrity, unpacking concepts such as collaborative filtering, user behavior, and track metadata. Throughout the conversation, they emphasize the importance of matching music with the right listeners to trigger better algorithmic performance. The episode also features a compelling interview with Goshfather, a Disco House DJ who nearly stepped away from music but now enjoys streaming success and festival gigs. Goshfather shares his insights into genre branding, visual identity, and content strategy, offering practical guidance and inspiration for both emerging and experienced artists navigating today’s digital landscape. The conversation closes with an in-depth analysis of third-party playlisting—its risks, advantages, and strategic value—highlighting the nuanced decisions artists must make in growing their careers.

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Hallowood Media, a relatively obscure label, is signing ImOliver, the top user of the AI music generation platform Suno. This move has sparked debate, as it raises questions about the value of AI-generated music versus human creativity. Suno allows users to create full songs from text prompts, making it easy for those without traditional musical skills to produce listenable music. While “I’m Oliver” has amassed over 3 million streams, critics argue that signing an AI music user overlooks real artists and dilutes emotional depth in music. Supporters contend that writing effective prompts and assembling tracks still require a unique, if nascent, skill set. The discussion reflects a broader conversation about AI as a tool in music production, its role in songwriting, and the nature of audience engagement, with some seeing it as a valuable step in the creative process and others labeling it as a passing novelty comparable to the short-lived NFT hype.

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Music Marketer Matt Bacon talks with longtime friend Scotty Heath of Tankcrimes Records about his journey through underground music and the evolution of his DIY label. Scotty shares his early influences, from discovering punk at a Rancid show to immersing himself in San Francisco’s vibrant DIY scene. He recounts how his entrepreneurial spirit and experience at grassroots shows led to launching Tankcrimes, which has grown from selling seven-inches out of a shopping cart to running a full-fledged label. They discuss how the changing economy and digital landscape have transformed the way independent artists and labels promote themselves, emphasizing the role of direct-to-fan engagement and sustainability. Scotty also reflects on the future of DIY, staying authentic, and maintaining mental health in a digital age, while continuing to build a label rooted in community, passion, and perseverance.

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