Time: ~31 min

It’s Episode 87! This week covering a wide range of music industry news, indie music, and marketing insights for artists and creators.

I chat about the Super Bowl’s music spotlight, including reactions to the halftime show and a musician’s response to lip-sync accusations. I also break down why TikTok Shop is ending independent seller shipping, what that means for brands and creators, and how Spotify’s removal of millions of streams from a major album raises ongoing concerns about bots, AI, and streaming integrity, especially for independent artists.

Along the way, I’m sharing new music from independent musicians in New England and Ireland, plus a look back at key moments in music history and a marketing tip on building consistency that goes beyond posting frequency.

I wrap things up with some nerdy good news about The Wizard of Oz (yes, the original film). 

LINKS:

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER!  http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533 

Kid Rock swears he didn't lip sync, it's just the video was off https://consequence.net/2026/02/kid-rock-swears-he-wasnt-lip-syncing/

TikTok ending independent shipping on site https://www.adweek.com/media/tiktok-shop-to-end-independent-shipping-us-logistics/

Spotify removes 25 million streams from tracks https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/02/03/spotify-removes-streams-21-savage/

The Wizard of Oz coming back to broadcast TV after ~30 years https://nerdist.com/article/the-wizard-of-oz-returns-to-broadcast-tv-after-28-years/

Montapalooza Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montapalooza

Montapalooza Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montapalooza.ma

MUSIC: 

Hotel Saturn – As Long As It Lasts  https://hotelsaturn.bandcamp.com/

Jennifer Tefft and the Strange – A Little More https://jennifertefft.com/

Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures – Hollow Choir https://linktr.ee/TheCosmicVultures

Arrows of Athena – You & Me https://arrowsofathena.bandcamp.com/

Martin Moran – The River https://linktr.ee/soy.martino

Feedback: [email protected]

Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz

Time: ~30 min.

It’s Episode 86! This week I dive into the latest music industry shifts, starting with Bandcamp's bold new policy to officially ban music generated by artificial intelligence to "keep Bandcamp human". We recap the historic wins from the 68th Grammy Awards, where Bad Bunny made history with the first Spanish-language Album of the Year, and discuss why artists should—and do—use their platforms to speak on social issues.

The episode also covers why the Red Hot Chili Peppers are distancing themselves from a new Netflix documentary and provides an update on the Mesa Music Festival's new dates in October. For the creators, I offer a marketing tip on why avoiding "rage-bait" is essential for a sustainable brand. Finally, we wrap up with a positive story about an artist turning a French wheat field into a giant photographic image using nothing but photosynthesis.

LINKS:

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER!  http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533 

Montapalooza Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montapalooza

Montapalooza Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montapalooza.ma

Bandcamp bans AI music with strict new rules https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/01/26/bandcamp-banned-ai-music-rules/

2026 Grammy winner breakdown https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/grammys-2026-winners-list/story?id=129680335

Red Hot Chili Peppers don't want to give it away now https://consequence.net/2026/01/red-hot-chili-peppers-distance-themselves-from-new-netflix-documentary/

A field of wheat becomes world's largest living photograph https://thelaughingotter.com/2026/02/02/a-field-of-wheat-becomes-the-worlds-largest-living-photograph/

MUSIC:

The Maladapative – Used To It https://themaladaptive.bandcamp.com/

The Grownup Noise – Change Your Mind https://www.thegrownupnoise.com/

The Darts – Apocalypse https://linktr.ee/thedartsus

Paper Foxes – Exodus https://linktr.ee/paperfoxes

Palais Ideal – Here and Now https://palaisideal.bandcamp.com/

Feedback: [email protected]

Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz

Time: ~29 min.

It’s Episode 85! No music again this week but I’ve got the second half of my interview with my good friend, Mike Zimmerlich from Omelet Prevail and Creatives Prevail Podcast. We talk about why diversification is no longer optional, how relying on a single platform or revenue stream puts artists at risk, and what the rise of AI-generated music means for streaming payouts and long-term sustainability. Mike also shares his perspective on using AI ethically, not as a replacement for creativity, but as a tool for saving time, improving marketing, and working smarter.

We wrap up by coming back to the most important thing of all: Craft. In a world flooded with low-quality content, intentional, human-made work still stands out, and audiences are actively searching for it.

If you’re an independent musician trying to balance creativity with sustainability, this episode is a must-listen! Before the chat I finally share with you a big announcement I've been teasing for several months now. It's such a relief to get Montapalooza Music Festival out in the world! 

LINKS:

Montapalooza Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montapalooza

Montapalooza Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montapalooza.ma

Omelette Prevail Website https://www.oprevail.com/

Creatives Prevail Podcast https://www.oprevail.com/podcast

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER!  http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533 

Content Calendar Special! 

Feedback: [email protected]

Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz

Time: ~26 min.

It’s Episode 84! No music this week but I’ve got an interview for you with my good friend, Mike Zimmerlich from Omelette Prevail and Creatives Prevail Podcast. In this first part, we are diving into the world of marketing and promotion for independent artists. With AI music flooding streaming platforms, it is harder than ever to be heard, so we are focusing on three specific things you can do right now to get more eyes and ears on your music.

We cover auditing and updating your profiles, short vs. long form video, and ways to collaborate that you might not be thinking about.

Next week will be the second part of our interview, discussing deeper business topics such as diversifying your income, and a more ethical uses of AI. Enjoy!

LINKS:

Omelette Prevail Website https://www.oprevail.com/

Creatives Prevail Podcast https://www.oprevail.com/podcast

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER!  http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533 

Content Calendar Special! 

Feedback: [email protected]

Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz

Time: ~30 min.

It’s Episode 83! This week I dive into some of the biggest issues facing artists and creators right now. There’s an increase in trends that could hurt independent artists: Rising digital ticket scams and what they mean for indie shows, major lawsuits over unpaid streaming royalties, and the growing flood of AI-generated music and podcasts hitting streaming platforms. I break down why these trends matter, how they impact discovery and trust, and why direct fan support is more important than ever for independent artists.

Plus, I share new indie music, key moments in music history, a practical marketing reminder for creators, and a bit of nerdy news. Always grateful for your support!

LINKS:

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER!  http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533 

Content Calendar Special! 

Digital ticket scams are getting worse https://www.fastcompany.com/91471653/digital-ticketing-was-supposed-to-stop-fraud-but-ticket-scams-have-gotten-worse-just-ask-taylor-swift

Los Lobos suing Sony https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/01/09/los-lobos-lawsuits-sony-music-sony-pictures/

~400,000 people are subscribed to AI podcasts https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/12/14/audio-startup-podcast-ai-churn/

97% of listeners can't tell AI music from the real thing https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/11/12/deezer-ai-music/

Betty Boop and more enter the public domain in 2026 https://www.npr.org/2025/12/26/nx-s1-5649395/public-domain-2026-copyright-betty-boop-pluto

MUSIC:

Prince Mirth – Sometimes A Thief  https://princemirth.com/

The Darts – Midnight Creep https://linktr.ee/thedartsus

Emby Alexander – Coin https://embyalexander.bandcamp.com/

(Call 244-255-EMBY!)

MRCH – Escape the Dark https://www.mrchmusic.com/

Glass Apple Bonzai – Love & Hatred in MegaWave City https://glassapplebonzai.bandcamp.com/

Feedback: [email protected]

Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz

Time: ~31 minutes

It’s Episode 82! In this episode I break down how the Stranger Things series finale sparked a massive streaming surge for Prince. I also talk about Bandcamp Fridays and how fans delivered millions directly to indie artists, plus YouTube’s decision to stop providing streaming data to Billboard and what that could mean for independent musicians going forward. I also share 5 indie tunes, a quick marketing tip, music history, and some inspiring news to start the year.

LINKS:

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER!  http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533 

Content Calendar Special! 

How Stranger Things scored a couple of big Prince hits for the finale https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/how-stranger-things-scored-prince-biggest-hits-series-finale-1236148209/

YouTube no longer providing data for Billboard https://stereogum.com/2483233/youtube-will-no-longer-provide-data-for-billboards-outdated-chart-formula/news

Bandcamp Fridays in 2025 has huge payout for Indie Artists https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/12/22/bandcamp-fridays-2025-total/

Father saves 10 from Swiss Bar Fire https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/father-saves-10-from-bar-fire-at-swiss-new-years-party-after-frantic-call-from-his-daughter/

MUSIC:

Carol Pacey and the Honey Shakers – Lucky You

The Modern Era – Dear Anyone

Thrift Bakery- Remote Access

The Hourglass Cats – I’ll Never Forget

Battlemode – Sw33ttooth

Feedback: [email protected]

Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz

Time: ~35 min.

In this 81st episode of Scene Mom Says, I’m digging into some major music industry news, including why StubHub is under fire for holding seller payments, how New York’s new AI transparency laws will impact advertising and performers, and what the latest Edison Research 2025 findings reveal about podcast and music discovery. I’m also sharing five new indie tracks, holiday favorites, and key moments in music history, plus my marketing tip of the week on why reach isn’t the goal and how posting intentionally matters more than chasing algorithms. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

LINKS:

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER!  http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533 

Content Calendar Special! 

StubHub earning tens of millions in interest income in a shady way https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/12/10/stubhub-cfo-cash-flow-strategy-comments/

New York passes law requiring ads to disclose use of AI performers https://www.engadget.com/ai/new-york-passes-law-requiring-ads-to-disclose-the-use-of-ai-performers-202619826.html

Top 10 findings from Edison Research in 2025 https://www.edisonresearch.com/top-10-findings-of-2025-from-edison-research/

Frank Turner thoughts on saving Britain's grassroot music venues https://www.positive.news/society/i-found-my-people-frank-turner-on-saving-britains-grassroots-music-venues/

MUSIC:

Steve Conte – Father Christmas

Joey Gutos – Life On Cruise

The Grownup Noise – See you In The Hall

Aaron Noble – Arising and Passing Away

The Bellwethers - New Year’s Eve

Feedback: [email protected]

Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz

Time: ~33 min.

It’s Episode 80! This week I'm diving into the biggest news shaking up the music world, and I'm sharing some great independent music with you. First, the good news: the UK government has cracked down on ticket scalping, making it illegal to profit from reselling tickets. But there's drama, too: the rise of AI music clones hit Spotify hard when a fake account copied King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's music, and I discuss what this means for independent artists. On a more positive AI note, I cover how rapper Beanie Sigel is using AI technology to bring back his classic voice. Plus, I talk about Billy McFarland's latest, the PHNX Festival, which actually happened, and I share my top Instagram marketing tips for musicians!

LINKS:

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER!  http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533 

Content Calendar Special! 

Ticket Resales for profit to be banned in the UK

King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard has AI Clone go unchecked on Spotify

AI helps musician with damaged vocal chords create music in his voice

Billy McFarland's PHNX fest happens, but it's not great

Band opens $35,000 bar tab for fans after gig canceled 

MUSIC:

Jesika Von Rabbit – Blue Christmas

Austel – The Beach In December

Samuel Campoli – Every Time

Lucia Dostal – I Want My Secrets Back

Matthew Frederick – Obsolete

Feedback: [email protected]

Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz

Time: ~30 min. 

It’s Episode 79! I’m back! This week I’m diving into the final Bandcamp Friday of 2025, breaking down the latest indie music news, and sharing a content strategy tip that every independent artist should be using. I’m also playing new music from Girl With a Hawk, Arrows of Athena, The Fabulous Boring Brothers, and Martin Moran.

I talk about how indie labels invested in artists this past year, what the newest 2025 social media trends mean for musicians, and why spreading out your content can make a huge difference for your reach and engagement. I also touch on PETA’s request for Alice in Chains to amplify their campaign for Betty the Elephant, share a few key music history moments, and wrap up with some good news about the health benefits of singing.

LINKS:

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER!  http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533 

Content Calendar Special! 

Indie Labels Study

Pew Research social media survey

PETA wants Alice in Chains to help save an elephant

Singing (even badly) can improve your health

MUSIC:

Girl With A Hawk – I’m In Love With My Friends

Arrows of Athena – Abandoned Love

The Fabulous Boring Brothers – Sapphire Girl

Martin Moran – You and I (Belong Together)

Feedback: [email protected]

Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz

Time: ~33 min.

It's Episode 78! Live shows are booming and indie buzz is real. This week, I break down the TikTok Podcast move, the latest Spotify “Discovery Mode” drama, and why small venues still matter- plus a handful of fresh tracks from rising artists. I've got your music history with a few classics, the Marketing Tip keeps it real (don’t chase trends, build fans), and we end with some good news for your heart: art really does help you breathe easier. Tune in and support your local scene.

LINKS:

SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER!  http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533 

Spotify accused of payola https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/11/05/spotify-accused-of-payola-in-class-action-lawsuit/

TikTok launches podcast network with iHeart https://www.adweek.com/media/tiktok-launches-podcast-network-with-iheartmedia/

Live Nation global survey on live music https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/11/11/live-nation-global-survey-live-music/

Visiting an art gallery could reduce your risk of heart problems https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/why-would-visiting-an-art-gallery-reduce-your-risk-of-heart-problems-and-disease/

MUSIC:

Paper Foxes - Blood Drug https://paperfoxesband.com/

Captain Easychord - Happy Times (via Rock Garden Records) https://www.rockgardenrecords.com/

Rachael Plays Guitar - Cool Kids https://www.instagram.com/rachaelplaysguitar/

The Grownup Noise - We Become Roses (Pick of the Week!) https://www.thegrownupnoise.com/

John Gerard - Fold https://johngerard.com/

Feedback: [email protected]

Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz