Music Industry Podcast | Almost Famous
By The Famous Company
Each episode answers the questions you’ve always wanted to ask and gives you tips and advice on how to succeed in your music industry journey.
Music Industry Podcast | Almost FamousNov 18, 2020
Attitude Is Everythng - Suzanne Bull MBE
Suzanne Bull MBE joins Zaid in the latest episode of Almost Famous. She is the founder of Attitude Is Everything, the charitable organisation that connects disabled people with the music industry to move as one and to improve accessibility to live events for performers and audiences.
In this episode, she talks about how she said she “fell” into the music industry being surrounded by creatives at Goldsmiths and through her first volunteering role in Deptford. From there she talks about how Attitude Is Everything came into existence and how it has continued to grow its reputability to the point where venues are approaching them to work with, and the public assumes AIE is working events that they are not- she notes the difficulties that this has created. We’re grateful to her for sharing her unique COVID story and telling us about how lockdown forced her to acknowledge the necessity of music in her life.
In the episode, you will learn about the barriers that disabled performers face that you might not already know about. Suzanne touches upon the controversies surrounding Wireless and tells us about what she wants promoters and managers to realise when booking disabled artists. We’re so thankful to Suzanne for coming on the show and speaking so honestly to us.
Almost Famous is a podcast produced by Digital Bulls.
Booking Agencies: 101 with Naomi Palmer, Managing Director of Earth Agency
We’re really excited to welcome onto this week’s show Naomi Palmer - the Managing Director of Earth Agency, the booking agency who’s roster includes the likes of Children Of Zeus, Chaos in the CBD, Erika De Casier and Kassa Overall. She was there at the birth of Brownswood Recordings with Gilles Peterson and has gone on to be an important player in the development of the beautiful Worldwide Festival in Sète.
This is an important podcast for artists and people who are looking to take a step into the booking agency world. Zaid asked the questions you have always wanted to ask and Naomi was there to break down exactly what we wanted to know: what do they do that artists can’t do themselves? What do they look for in artists? How do you choose a booking agency? How do festivals pick the line-up? She was also on hand to help newer artists with knowing your worth when having the awkward conversation of negotiating your gig fees.
In the episode, she talks about her own unique journey of entering the music industry, proving there’s no clear cut way of doing it. She discusses the importance of working as a team, how she discovered Portico Quartet and what she really thinks of the inimitable Gilles Peterson.
Almost Famous is a podcast produced by Digital Bulls.
No Music On A Dead Planet - Lewis Jamieson (Music Declares Emergency)
This week, Zaid was joined by the one and only, Lewis Jamieson - co-founder and communications manager of the environmental movement Music Declares Emergency, which has attracted interest from big names like Billie Eilish, Radiohead, The 1975, and many many more. He has been working in the music industry for over 30 years, across A&R, artist management, and PR, and has worked the press for some of the biggest UK names such as Oasis, Elbow, and Madness.
Zaid and Lewis chat about not only how he entered the industry, and the imprint he has left on the music industry but what it was that inspired him to take environmental action and form Music Declares Emergency. They talk about the unifying force of music, how it has been a vessel to carry the messages of MDE in order to trigger systemic change in the music industry, as well as Festival Republic being one of the latest organisations to work with movement which will inspire more to get involved.
In this episode, you will find out what “No Music On A Dead Planet” really means, and how the music industry can be working to combat climate change. Plus tune in to hear what happened when the incredible Billie Eilish got involved!
Almost Famous is a podcast produced by Digital Bulls.
Carl Loben on DJ Mag and Pitching Your Music To Publications
Carl Loben has been a chronicler of dance music since the 90s and for many of us has hugely shaped our taste in music. We were so excited to talk to the editor-in-chief of DJ Mag, and he didn’t let us down.
Zaid and Carl talk about what the editor-in-chief of a best-selling, globally successful magazine actually does and some misconceptions of what music journalism is about. They talk about the intertwining of dance music and drugs, what this means for “Generation Sobriety” and how the music industry is closing the gender gap in line-ups. He is full of sage advice- he has tips for aspiring music journalists and, in this episode, you will find out the best way to land an article in DJ Mag.
Listen in to hear Carl talk about the interview with Noel Gallagher that didn’t go to plan and his words of sincere encouragement to the music scene. Although he claims he still gets nervous before interviews, we’re pretty happy with this one… so thank you Carl!
Almost Famous is a podcast produced by Digital Bulls.
Leroy F. Moore Jr. (Founder of Krip-Hop Nation)
We’re honoured to welcome to the stage, Leroy F. Moore Jr. He is a poet, hip-hop artist, academic and co-founder of the Emmy-Award winning Krip-Hop Nation: the global association of disabled artists with the clear mission to connect, make great art and recognise the overlooked history of disability in music.
Leroy takes us back to when Hip-Hop was diverse and inclusive in the 70s, when you would see people breakdancing with crutches, and why this changed. Growing up in these times with a disability was hard but he talks about how this made him the person he is today.
We learn about how society is failing disabled artists - he is done with ridiculously good artists not being taken seriously by others with the “charity bullsh*t” mindset, and so are we. Leroy discusses the need to go deeper, and change the intrinsic structures that are keeping disabled artists from entering the mainstream arena. Krip-Hop Nation is actively dismantling them by continuously creating exceptional music and changing perceptions. One thing is for sure - our attention is squarely set on them and what they’re doing next.
Tune in to hear what an artist from the disabled community REALLY thinks about Lizzo’s controversial lyrics and Leroy’s hot takes on the music industry today - we think you’re going to like this one.
Almost Famous is a podcast produced by Digital Bulls.
Turning Ocean Plastic Waste Into Vinyl Records - Ralph Derksen (Founder of Re-Record)
This episode promises to inspire as we welcome onto the show Ralph Derksen, the founder of Re-Record, the revolutionary company that makes vinyl out of plastic waste from the ocean.
Tune in to hear about the very real impact that streaming our favourite songs has on the environment that needs to be spoken about more. You will learn about traditional vinyl pressing, its pitfalls, and how Re-Record, is changing the record (see what we did there). He forces you to confront the uncomfortable truth with the industry that we know and love and reminds us that we need to be making changes in the way we consume music.
Ralph talks about the sense of ownership you get from building your own business from the ground up and his predictions for the future of the music industry, and how the big old world of Web3 will fit into all of it.
https://rerecordvinyl.com/
https://costofmusic.com/
https://www.instagram.com/rerecordvinyl/
Almost Famous is a podcast produced by Digital Bulls.
Keeley Hudd aka sadsugar (Longthrow Radio co-founder, ESO, Noods Radio)
In this week’s “Almost Famous” music industry podcast episode we catch up with the amazing Keeley Hudd also known as sadsugar - the Bristol DJ, music educator, and co-founder of Longthrow radio.
In this episode, they talk about their nonlinear journey into the music world; it may or may not have started with a fruit platter, but they have developed their musical practice to tackle issues with intersectionality and accessibility in the club scene and changing perceptions of what being a talented DJ looks like, by being campy in a world of males in tiny roll-up hats.
They talk about their experiences with the grind; having to look like you’re doing stuff, promoters that are not good at their job, promoters that are good at their job, and Handbag House. Zaid agrees that it’s time the music industry threw down its handbag of outdated assumptions and had a dance to combat gender inequality.
https://www.instagram.com/_sadsugar_/
https://www.longthrow.live/
https://noodsradio.com/residents/sadsugar
The Famous Company is expanding its roster. If you are an artist, manager, or label looking to take your project to the next level, get in touch at thefamouscompany.com
Almost Famous is a podcast produced by Digital Bulls.
Nomine aka Outrage (Education & Bass, Backlash Records, Metalheadz, Tempa)
The ‘Almost Famous’ podcast returns for episode 24 with a fascinating interview with music producer, radio and touring DJ, and online music educator Andrew Ferguson (aka Nomine, aka Outrage).
A renowned name in the world of 140 and drum and bass, he sat down with us to talk about 25 years in the industry, his music education platform Education and Bass, getting signed to Goldie's label Metalheadz, sobriety and much more…
He told incredible stories from his career so far about how he got into music – and how he’s maintained a successful career in the industry ever since. He also gave his best advice for upcoming producers looking to get into the underground music scene.
https://www.instagram.com/nomine_sound/
https://www.educationandbass.online/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7uQ1qwQMMz3quYPqFsDgGS?si=jEizRvo2QKCYIeVdOtQFAw
The Famous Company is expanding its roster. If you are an artist, manager, or label looking to take your project to the next level, get in touch at thefamouscompany.com
Almost Famous is a podcast produced by Digital Bulls.
23. Tech & Blockchain Advisor - AJ (Help Me With Web3, Launch My NFT)
Metaverse? Blockchain? NFTs?? Why is this even relevant?? We invited AJ, songwriter & producer, founder of Help Me With Web3, and CCO of Launch My NFT, to illuminate the world of Web3 to us.
His message is clear: Web3 is not something creatives should be intimidated by, this is an exciting opportunity that will revolutionise the music industry for the better. He explains why blockchain will be empowering for the individual artist both financially and emotionally. Tune in to get ahead of the game and find out what the future of the music industry is predicted to look like in the not-so-distant future.
Almost Famous is a podcast produced by Digital Bulls.
22. DJ, broadcaster, radio and podcast producer - Milly Chowles (BBC Radio / Back 2 Life)
It’s Women’s History Month, and as promised we’re releasing a collection of episodes about ‘Women Who Inspire Us’ in music, events and the creative industries - featuring a host of enterprising, motivated and inspiring professional women.
Our second guest in this series is Milly Chowles. She’s a DJ, broadcaster, and radio and podcast producer who has made programmes for BBC Radio 1, BBC Radio 4, BBC 6 Music and more. She’s the creator of Back 2 Life, the podcast exploring addiction, mental illness and recovery with the help of music and creative spaces. An all round inspiration, Milly is a true example of the power that music, art and creativity has in healing difficult patches in people’s lives.
In this episode, she talks about how her own experiences with rehab shaped her successful music career, challenging the stigma around women and mental health in the industry and her experiences so far as a woman in music. It’s an honest and fascinating interview - and we’re very grateful to Milly for coming on.
To find out more about Milly’s work, her story and the Back 2 Life podcast, check out the links below.
For more information about our range of creative, promotional and mentoring services, or to sign up for a free consultation about your music career, visit The Famous Company.
Almost Famous is a podcast produced by Digital Bulls.
21. Event Producer - Lucy Caswell (Team Love)
Happy Women’s History Month!
To celebrate, we’re releasing a collection of episodes about ‘Women Who Inspire Us’ and have invited a selected group of talented women to chat with us about their experiences in the music, events and the creative industries. This series features a stellar lineup of enterprising, motivated and inspiring professionals.
Our first guest in this very special series is Lucy Caswell! She’s an Events Producer at Team Love, Media and Journalism graduate, Marketing Assistant for Aspiration Creation Elevation and has experience of journalism and digital marketing management in the charity sector. Lucy takes a leading role in producing ‘Elevate Us’, a series of industry events curated to connect 18-25 year olds with opportunities in the events and festivals industry. At just 22, she’s already achieved so much - not least for herself.
In this episode, she talks about the importance of putting yourself forward, making the industry more accessible and offers her wisdom to people who think networking isn’t for them. If you’re in need of a bit of motivation, this one’s definitely worth a listen.
To find out more about Elevate Us and Team Love, follow the links below - and remember to tell your mates!
https://www.instagram.com/elevate_us_bristol/
https://teamlove.org/
For more information about our range of creative, promotional and mentoring services, or to sign up for a free consultation about your music career visit https://www.thefamouscompany.com
Almost Famous is a podcast produced by Digital Bulls.
20. Christmas Special: Songwriter & Musician - Rob Davis (GRAMMY Award Winner, Kylie Minogue, Founding Member Of Mud)
In the lead up to Christmas, we had a conversation with GRAMMY award winning songwriter and founding member of glam rock band Mud (Lonely This Christmas, Tiger Feet, L-L-Lucy) to talk about all things songwriting, Christmas classics, working for Kylie Minogue and more.
Associated artists: Mud, Kylie, Fragma, Spiller, Rachel Stevens, Holly Valance, Klaxons.
19. Sync & Music Publishing - Danny Champion (Publisher & Music Supervision at DC Music / Music Podcast Host)
The world of commercial music can be confusing. But don't worry as we're joined by the host of Behind The Music Business podcast, Danny Champion, to dive into sync and music publishing.
Danny has over 15 years of music business experience, dealing with music and general intellectual property licensing, and is a supervision specialist currently freelancing at DC Music.
#AlmostFamous #podcastAF
18. Recovery Special: Record Label Director - Chris De Banks - We Are Not Saints
September was #NationalRecoverMonth so we sat down with the director of We Are Not Saints - the worlds first not-for-profit record label working exclusively with musicians in recovery from addiction.
For more info visit: https://www.wearenotsaints.co.uk/
For more exclusive content follow us @TheFamousCo
#AFpodcast
17. Artist Manager - Danny Angove (Red Light Management - Bonobo, Jordan Rakei, RY X)
Need an artist manager? Or, want to be an artist manager?
We're joined by the founder of One On One, and Red Light Management's own Danny Angove to discuss the dos and don'ts, and his journey to becoming a success in the music industry.
Associated Artists: Bonobo, Jordan Rakei, RY X
16. Booking Agent & Promoter - Ian Shaw (TKO Surprise You're Dead 3OH!3, INME, Danny Worsnop)
Ever wondered how to get a Booking Agent?
From starting his career as a local promoter, to working for one of the world’s biggest rock and alternative booking agencies. Ian Shaw is here to give you advice on how to go from local support slot to a full tour.
Associated artists: 3OH!3, INME, Danny Worsnop
15. Festival & Artist Logistics - Zaniah Carigiet (Festivals - Love Saves the Day, Summer of Love)
Want to perform or work at your favourite music festival?
From starting her music career at the age of 6, to making sure the wheels keep turning at Love Saves The Day Festival. We’re joined by Zaniah Carigiet and she breaks down all things festivals and dives deeper into the UK Governments introduction on Covid Passports.
Associated events: Love Saves the Day Festival, Summer of Love Festival
14. Club Promoter - Liam John (Bitch, Please! - Motion, Oasis Festival, Meadows In The Mountains)
Promoter, events manager and co-founder of Bitch, Please!
Liam John is here to talk pride and the future of the UK events industry.
Associated Venues/Events: Motion, Oasis Festival, Meadows in the Mountains
13. Music Marketing Manager - Jamie Ahye (Atlantic Records - Anne-Marie, Charlie XCX, Maisie Peters)
Senior Marketing Manager at Atlantic Records / Pride In Music
Jamie Ahye is here to talk about music marketing, education, and the future of Pride In Music.
Associated Artists: Anne-Marie, Charli XCX, Maisie Peters
12. Music Marketing Manager - Laura Bruneau (BMG - Joan Armatrading, Nakhane, Brooke Eden)
BMG and Pride In Music's Laura Bruneau, is here to talk about Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, also known as DE&I, and dive deeper into the LGBTQ+ music community.
Associated Artists: Joan Armatrading, Nakhane, Brooke Eden
11. LGBTQ+ Advocate & Marketing Director - Mark Fabish (Pride in Music - BMG - Sony Music)
We continue our Pride Month Specials with a familiar voice. Mr Mark Fabish is back!
This time we dive deeper into Pride in Music and the great things happening in the music industry for the LGBTQ+ community.
10. Social Media Expert - David Ashby (TikTok - 3D Artist - Bristol Pride)
Kicking off our special strand of Pride Cosound Podcast episodes with a freelance 3D Artist with over 7.2m Likes on TikTok.
Dave Ashby talks about his work with Bristol Pride Festival and how Pokemon took his social media to new heights.
9. Studio Engineer - Will Reeves (BRIT Certified - Wes Nelson, Will.i.Am, Bree Runway)
Flying over 5000 miles for a job interview ✈️
#BRITcertified Gold mixing engineer who went from bartending to working alongside Wes Nelson and Will.I.Am
Find out how Will Reeves approaches his dream artists, and the best way to get his attentions via his DMs.
Associated artists: Wes Nelson, Bree Runway, Will.I.Am
8. TV Talent Shows - We McDonald (NBC The Voice - Alicia Keys, Charlie Puth, Tony Bennett)
What really happens on a TV Talent show?
NBC The Voice finalist Wé McDonald shares her experience. From the ‘real audition’ to the Finals.
Associated artists: Alicia Keys, Charlie Puth, Tony Bennett
7. Marketing Director - Mark Fabish (BMG - Kylie Minogue, Fatboy Slim, Motorhead)
A lot of hard work, determination, and a lot of rejection”
From struggling to break into the music industry, to being the International Marketing Director at BMG. Mark Fabish talks about music marketing, an 80s popstar with TikTok success, and his work with Pride In Music - An LGBTQ+ collective that helps and guides young, up and coming queer musicians and industry professionals.
Associated artists: Kylie Minogue, Fatboy Slim, Motörhead
6. Social Media Marketing - Fabien Furst (Prince, Justin Bieber, Janet Jackson, Furst Agency, NRJ Radio)
Former radio station head of Social Media Marketing, turned entrepreneur and founder of Furst Agency, Fabien Furst talks about his time at NRJ Radio (France), promoting live streams in 2020 and the impact of Brexit on the music industry.
Associated artists: Prince, Justin Bieber, Janet Jackson
5. TV Talent Shows - Denise Beighton (X-Factor - ITV - Upside Records - Karen Harding)
With over 35 years experience in the music industry, Upside Records’ Denise Beighton talks about working alongside ITV and Warner, goes into detail about the real reality of shows like X-Factor, and explains how she helped Simon Cowell make his first £1m.
As the manager of the ‘infectious dancefloor slayer’ Karen Harding, Denise goes into detail about the rise of the UK singer-songwriter, and also explains why your own country may not be the right market for you music.
4. Club Promoter - Tracey Webb (Power Promotions - David Guetta, Calvin Harris, Ministry of Sound)
Missing clubs in 2020? You’re not alone! So is today’s guest, Director of Power Promotions (UK’s Leading Independent Club Promotions) Tracey Webb.
Tracey talks about the importance of remixes, why patience is key, and how she went from the mail room to being the top dog.
3. Social Media & Content Curation - Andy Gesner (MTV - BET - REVOLT - Johnny Cash, Maroon 5, 30 Seconds to Mars)
"Fighting the good fight since 2000" with helping emerging artists with music videos, social media and Spotify playlisting, president of HIP Video Promo, Andy Gesner is here to talk about building relationships in the music industry.
As well as being no stranger to MTV, BET and Revolt. Andy talks about his early days promoting video’s for Johnny Cash, Maroon 5 and 30 Seconds To Mars. He also gets real about 2020 artist's mistakes, and he explains why right now is the best time for up-and-coming artists to invest in music video promotions.
2. Music Law & Copyright - Luke English (BBC - Sony Music - Disney TV - One Direction)
With over 20 years of experience in the entertainment industry, working with artists and well know companies like the the BBC, Sony Music and even Disney Television, English Media's own Luke English is here to talk music and commercial law.
We discuss his time at Sony with One Direction, the actually law behind cover songs on YouTube and a fact about copyright that EVERY musician should know.
1. Music Educator & Artist - Hannah White Head of Creative Development at BIMM - UK Soul Chart Topper
Hannah White is Head of Creative Development at BIMM (British and Irish Modern Music), one of Europe's leading & largest music education providers. She’s a UK Soul Chart topping singer and writer who mentors up-and-coming artists into the music industry.