Whether you’re listening to true crime stories, talk shows with your favorite celebrities, or just passing the time with stories while stuck in traffic; there’s no denying that Podcasts have become huge recently. I’m not generally a large Podcast person, but I too have recently found some gems that I’ve become a regular listener of. Personally, I love listening to podcasts for informational purposes and for inspiration in the music and creative industries.

Here are 5 podcasts (in no particular order) that you should definitely check out if you’re wanting to learn more about the music/entrepreneur industry and find some inspiration.

1.) DIY MUSICIAN PODCAST (http://cdbabypodcast.com/) The DIY Musician Podcast is created by CDBaby and hosted by a few of their super knowledgeable employees. This podcast shares TONS of useful tips and ideas on how musicians and bands can further their careers on all sorts of topics in the music industry. From “Marketing Trends to Watch in 2019” to “The Truth About Spotify Playlists”, and even “Creating a Livestream experience with your fans”. What I like about this podcast is that the hosts were either in bands previously, or currently still in bands. So, they often share ideas that they’ve tried and then talk about how it went. For example, Episode #212 “Promoting a new release - What We Tried!”

2.) BUSINESS OF HYPE - Hosted by Jeff Staple (https://anchor.fm/businessofhype) ”Business of HYPE with host Jeff Staple is a weekly interview series that dives into the successful careers of well-known creatives, brand-builders and entrepreneurs from various corners of youth culture. We learn about the realities behind the dreams they’ve built with encouraging words of advice peppered along the way.” Okay, this one isn’t focused on the music industry as much as it is focused on entrepreneurs. As a small business owner myself, I love listening to this podcast because it expands my horizon beyond music and into other avenues of business and culture, and therefore inspires me to think outside of the box when it comes to my own business and ideas. I highly recommend browsing the different episodes. I always learn something new here, even if it’s one sentence in a conversation or the entire episode.

3.) WALDMAN’s WORDS w/ Scott Waldman (https://idobi.com/show/waldmans-words/) “A former touring musician turned artist manager wants to advise the up-and-coming music community on the rapidly changing environment of the industry. Scott Waldman will spitball for 60 minutes with whoever is willing to do so, from artists to managers (and everyone in between.) He doesn’t claim to know it all, but he does know a lot—so make sure you’re listening.” Waldman’s Words is great because, host, Scott Waldman interviews everyone in the music industry from Booking Agents, Artist Mangers, Musicians, and even Record Label owners….like me ;) It’s current and definitely appeals to the current generation of music industry enthusiasts and musicians alike. Lots to learn here about the industry. Oh, and you can replay my episode #58 HERE

4.) PROMOTER 101 (http://www.promoter101.net) Just as soon as I found this podcast, I’ve learned that it is unfortunately coming to an end…or has already ended. Not sure. BUT, either way, you can still listen to ALL their past episodes on their website listed above as well as on Spotify. This podcast is really amazing and explores the world of Booking Agents and Management, as well as…Concert Promoters. I love this podcast because these are all areas of the industry that I like to learn more about since I’m not as involved with these roles personally as I am with others. The hosts also interview current industry employees, as well as old school veterans giving the show a wide range of stories and experience from the music business world.

5.) HOW I BUILT THIS (https://www.npr.org/podcasts/510313/how-i-built-this) Okay, this one isn’t really a “music industry” podcast, but if you own a company or have ever thought about starting a company, this podcast features a ton of successful business owners / entrepreneurs. It dives in to how they started their companies, the struggles they faced, and how they were able to become successful. Super inspiring! ”Have you ever built something you really care about — or even just dream about it? You're not alone. Some say we're living through a golden age where the spirit of entrepreneurship is all around us.

How I Built This is a podcast that captures this spirit. It's about innovators, entrepreneurs, and idealists, and the stories behind the movements they built. Each episode is a narrative journey marked by triumphs, failures, serendipity and insight — told by the founders of some of the world's best known companies and brands.

Check out this amazing article The Odyssey wrote on Grayscale. A unique band that is  "taking the Philadelphia music scene by storm." 

Anchor Eighty Four Records is proud to announce a new digital split EP from Los Angeles' M I N N O W, and Oakland's Unconditional Arms. The EP will be released on March 25th, and consist of a brand new song from each artist which will be bundled with a Limited Edition Download Card, Travel Notebook, Pen, and 12oz bag of Stumptown Coffee. We've also teamed up today with Buzzbands.la to bring you an exclusive first listen of M I N N O W ' s new song "Vacation Forever". Stream "Vacation Forever" at: www.Buzzbands.la Pre-Orders are now available at: www.UAxMINNOW.com

Jeffrey Wright, of Unconditional Arms, shares his thoughts on Minnow's "Vacation Forever"  -  "Minnow is a group of people who are committed to the artistry of creation. Aside from the fact that we discuss literally everything on a daily basis in our infamous group text, getting to know the members of the band on a personal note has brought all of us so much joy. They're truly just on the same wavelength as us in many aspects of music, life and love. 'Vacation Forever' is a slight departure from their earlier released music, but the discordant instrumentation blooms into a true "minnow-feel" when Onate adds his Broken Social Scene flair and the 2nd guitar slides it's way into the composition. As O'Hara belts some of his most intelligible and intriguing prose yet, I'm left to feel really only one thing - a warm sense of happiness and joy, like I've been on Vacation Forever. It's some of their best work and I'm sure it's just a taste of what they have planned for the future. 

We feel privileged to share this a moment with Minnow and hope to stay in each other's lives for a great while - musically and personally. Very thankful to A84 for making it happen in such a unique way."

Track List:

Vacation Forever (Minnow)

Feud (Unconditional Arms)

SPLIT RELEASE CREDITS "Vacation Forever" - Guitars, Vocals, Bass, Piano, Percussion engineered by Minnow / Drums engineered by Roger Camero @ Bright Lights Studios / Mixed by Roger Camero / Mastered by Paul Miner @ Buzzbomb Sound Labs

"Feud" -  All instruments Engineered, Mixed, and Mastered by Jeffrey Wright of Unconditional Arms. Drums were tracked @ Secret Bathroom Studio in Oakland.