In this episode of The Only Way Is Music, Oisin Browne is joined by Dr Michael Mary Murphy, one of Ireland’s leading music industry thinkers and a former A&R executive in London and New York. Michael has worked across Dublin’s independent scene, major record labels, and artist management, and is the co-author of Sounds Irish, Acts Global and Pop Music Management: Lessons from Managers of Number One Albums.

Michael breaks down the realities of the modern music landscape and explains why the fundamentals of artist development have not changed, despite TikTok, streaming and digital culture. His insights come from decades of practical experience, from DIY punk roots to working alongside major artists, managers and executives.

In this episode you’ll hear about:
• Michael’s journey from Dublin’s DIY scene into international A&R
• The early influence of Bowie, punk and the culture of self-reliance
• Why DIY thinking still outperforms algorithms and metrics
• How the Hope Collective brought Green Day and Fugazi to Dublin with no money
• The shift from underground culture to working at Virgin Records with Richard Branson
• Lessons learned from artists connected with Jeff Buckley, Nirvana, Henry Rollins and more
• How great artists are actually discovered and developed
• Why TikTok and streaming haven’t changed the core rules of success
• The importance of craft: becoming exceptional before promoting yourself
• How DIY strategies helped his artists secure major deals
• The difference between hobbyists and artists prepared for a professional career
• The business mindset every artist must learn to survive
• Why “never compromise” is the foundation of a long-term music career
• What “making it” in music realistically means today

About Dr Michael Mary Murphy
He is a leading academic and lecturer in cultural studies and the music industry, a former A&R executive in London and New York, and the author of two foundational books on global Irish music and artist management. His career spans DIY culture, major label strategy and the development of breakthrough artists.

This conversation is essential for emerging artists, managers, songwriters and anyone trying to navigate today’s fast-changing industry. Michael offers clarity, grounded insight and a blueprint that remains relevant regardless of trends or platforms.

In this episode of The Only Way Is Music, host Oisin Browne speaks with Joachim Garraud, producer, DJ and architect of modern electronic music.

From classical music training in France to becoming a teenage DJ and later shaping the early sound of David Guetta, Joachim’s career spans more than four decades at the forefront of electronic music. His work bridges underground club culture and mainstream pop, with collaborations and remixes including David Bowie and Kylie Minogue.

Joachim shares deep insight into how technology, sound design and silence shape his creative process, why live performance and human connection remain essential, and how the music industry is changing in the age of AI.

In this episode
• Growing up in France and discovering music through classical training
• From vinyl and MIDI to modern production and AI
• Shaping the early sound of David Guetta
• The true story behind the David Bowie Heroes remix
• Why silence is one of the most powerful tools in music
• Live performance, innovation and audience connection
• Advice for producers, DJs and artists building long-term careers

In this episode of The Only Way Is Music, Oisin is joined by Paul Charles, one of the most influential figures in the modern live music industry. Paul’s career began in Magherafelt, Northern Ireland, where pure passion and persistence launched him into a life that would see him manage and promote artists such as Van Morrison, Ray Davies, Gerry Rafferty, Gilbert O’Sullivan, The Undertones, The Buzzcocks, Robert Plant and many more.

Paul reflects on how a lack of musical ability led him into management, how caring for artists became the core of his philosophy, and how the early days of the industry demanded creativity, instinct and relentless self-belief. He explains the professionalism of the great 60s artists, the evolution of management structures, and why love for the work—not shortcuts—creates long-term careers.

We explore his 30-year tenure as booker of the Glastonbury Acoustic Stage, his relationship with festival founder Michael Eavis, and the importance of giving young artists spaces where authenticity thrives. Paul also speaks candidly about the power of live performance in an era dominated by TikTok, AI and short-form content, arguing that the artists who endure are the ones who connect with an audience in the room.

For new artists, Paul offers vital guidance:
• Make the music you want to make.
• Believe in it fully.
• Be persistent.
• Surround yourself with people who genuinely care, not people chasing shortcuts.

His stories from five decades in the business, including the remarkable tale of how he first connected with Van Morrison, make this a deeply personal and inspiring listen.

Paul’s memoir, Adventures in Wonderland, captures much of the extraordinary world behind these stories and is available through major booksellers.

Chris Willis joins Oisin Browne for the first episode of The Only Way Is Music.From gospel roots and 200-show touring years to global dance hits with David Guetta, Chris shares the moments that shaped his journey, the realities of a changing industry and the lessons every artist needs today. A powerful conversation on craft, intention and building a sustainable career.

Key Topics:

• Chris’s musical upbringing and early influences

• Touring 200 nights a year and learning discipline on the road

• His first major studio experiences and career setbacks

• How “Just A Little More Love” launched his international success

• Performing for massive festival crowds

• The impact of streaming on artist income

• Balancing old-school work ethic with new-school tools

• The importance of intention, niche, and craft for today’s artists

• Advice for musicians at any stage of their career

  Connect with Chris Willis:

Instagram: @chriswillismusic

Twitter: @chriswillistwit

Facebook: Chris Willis Music

Streaming: Chris Willis on all major platform

Website: chrisworldentertainment.com

The Only Way Is Music is a monthly podcast hosted by Oisin Browne, created for artists and industry professionals who want to understand how real careers are built in today’s music world. Each episode features in-depth conversations with managers, producers, writers, executives and creatives who have lived the industry from the inside out.

Together we explore their backgrounds, their defining achievements and the lessons they learned navigating both the old music industry and the new. You will hear practical insights on identity, strategy, visibility, sustainability and the realities of building a long-term career in a fast-changing environment.

Whether you are an artist, songwriter, band member, topliner, sound engineer, publisher, label manager, distributor, music journalist or simply someone who wants to turn a passion for music into a profession, this podcast gives you clear, grounded guidance to help you move the needle on your goals.

If your ambition is to build a future in music, you are in the right place.