In this episode, host Max Bernstein interviews Ryan Hamilton, Founder of Catalog Management Services, who discusses his transition to working for himself in the dynamic world of music tech and catalog optimization. With nearly 20 years in the music business, from A&R and Live Nation to publishing, Ryan offers an insider's perspective on managing client acquisition and creative work, the value proposition of working in the music tech community, and the intricacies of music licensing for digital platforms. He unpacks his job description, which involves digital strategy and ensuring rightsholders (publishers and labels) get top-notch royalties and fair deals.

🔑 Key Topics:

1. Self-Employment Balance: Juggling client acquisition/business development with providing creative value for current clients.
2. Music Tech's Role: Ryan's "digital strategy" work grows revenue streams by clearing songs for platforms (gaming, e-learning, Spotify) and protecting clients' interests.
3. Digital Licensing: Compulsory platforms like Spotify are handled by the MLC; platforms like TikTok or Facebook/Instagram require direct deal negotiation with advances.
4. Frontline vs. Backline Catalogs: Frontline involves new release support and marketing; backline (acquired catalogs) focuses on optimization, as no catalog is "passive".
5. Metadata Failure: The industry's biggest mistake is the lack of a centralized, one-fix-all metadata solution.
6. Independent Artist Checklist: Register your works by getting a PRO license (ASCAP or BMI) and registering with the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC).

⌛ Episode Highlights and Timestamps:

[00:00] - Trailer and introduction

[02:43] - Ryan's 20-year career trajectory in the music business.

[04:12] - Explaining the job: Clearing catalogs and protecting rightsholders on new platforms.

[05:08] - Client split between publishing and sound recording (masters).

[06:57] - Negotiation for non-compulsory platforms like TikTok, Facebook, and Instagram.

[08:24] - Advice to a tech founder on licensing strategy.

[12:52] - Deal size threshold: From zero to "multiple six-figure deals".

[14:09] - The difference between working with the frontline (timely releases) and the backline (acquired catalogs).

[16:43] - Selling a catalog: Strategic vs. non-strategic (private equity) buyers.

[23:04] - Strategy when a song has a cultural moment/goes viral (e.g., Fleetwood Mac/Ocean Spray).

[28:20] - Are private equity companies making money on catalog investment? Yes, with optimization.

[29:39] - What the music industry is getting right: Embracing new tools and technology.

[32:38] - What the music industry is getting wrong: The continued failure to fix metadata and rights matching.

[36:07] - The independent artist checklist for registering music.

[38:43] - Current target clients: Bankers and private equity funds investing in music rights.

📱 Follow our guest, Ryan Hamilton:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryanaham/

👉 Website: https://www.catalogmgmt.com/

📱 Follow the Host Max Bernstein:

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mberns01/

👉 X: https://x.com/relationlco

📱 Follow RELATIONL:

👉 Website: https://www.relationl.co/

👉 LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relationl/

👉 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relationlco/