Rick Barker helped launch Taylor Swift's career — and he's spent the last decade showing artists how to build their own. In this conversation, we talk about the truth behind artist development, what labels really look for in 2025, and why 99% of musicians are still marketing the wrong way. Rick explains how he discovered Taylor, what made her different, and the mistakes he sees new artists repeat over and over. He breaks down algorithms, release strategy, and what it actually takes to build a sustainable career in today's music industry.

Follow Rick Barker: Website: https://www.rickbarker.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rickbarkermusic X: https://twitter.com/rickbarkermusic YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@rickbarkermusic Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MusicIndustryBlueprint Join my newsletter, AP | Unsent: https://unsent.asapark.co Text me if you have ideas for guests or topics: I'm @asaparked, everywhere. Snapchat: https://www.snapchat.com/add/asaparked YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@asaparked Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asaparked TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@asaparked X: https://x.com/asaparked Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asaparked Website: https://www.asapark.co In this episode: Rick Barker interview, Taylor Swift story, how Taylor Swift made it, artist development secrets, music industry exposed, music business in 2025, independent artist strategy, Spotify and TikTok marketing, breaking artists today, viral hit blueprint, record label secrets, music manager advice, content strategy for artists, algorithm truth, music industry behind the scenes, how to make it as an artist, artist branding, music business reality