23 episodes

Interviews with top music industry professionals who share expert/insider knowledge and actionable advice.

Regardless of your role, career length, or level of expertise — you'll find value in these conversations.

We'll educate you on licensing, publicity, digital distribution, playlisting, podcasts, touring, radio promotion, label deals, social media management, advertising, marketing, booking, live streaming, live sessions, legal advice, and whatever else we can think of — and we'll introduce you to experts in these fields. We’ll give it to you straight and to the point with no filler.

Hosted by Rachel Hurley & Frank Keith IV, co-owners of the music publicity / consulting firm Sweetheart Pub.

You can learn more about us and subscribe to our newsletter at https://sweetheartpub.com/

Music Rookie Sweetheart Pub

    • Music
    • 5.0 • 12 Ratings

Interviews with top music industry professionals who share expert/insider knowledge and actionable advice.

Regardless of your role, career length, or level of expertise — you'll find value in these conversations.

We'll educate you on licensing, publicity, digital distribution, playlisting, podcasts, touring, radio promotion, label deals, social media management, advertising, marketing, booking, live streaming, live sessions, legal advice, and whatever else we can think of — and we'll introduce you to experts in these fields. We’ll give it to you straight and to the point with no filler.

Hosted by Rachel Hurley & Frank Keith IV, co-owners of the music publicity / consulting firm Sweetheart Pub.

You can learn more about us and subscribe to our newsletter at https://sweetheartpub.com/

    EP 22: David Macias of Thirty Tigers

    EP 22: David Macias of Thirty Tigers

    This week we're talking with David Macias, President and Founder of Nashville-based Thirty Tigers. We'll discuss the origins of the label, how their business model has changed over the years, how they approach A&R as well as artist development, and discuss independent release plans (label or not) ... and David will spill the tea on the current uproar over the streaming economy.
    Skip to ~22 minutes if you're only here for the Spotify/streaming talk.
    To read more of David's thoughts on Spotify and the streaming economy in general, check out this piece in Rolling Stone, as well as David's full written notes here.

    • 42 min
    EP 21: Daniel Kohn of SPIN Magazine

    EP 21: Daniel Kohn of SPIN Magazine

    This week on Music Rookie is an interview  with Daniel Kohn who is the editor at Spin Magazine.
     In this conversation from 2021, you’ll hear us talk about Daniel’s journey as a music journalist, what he looks for in a story, and his vision for Spin, now that it is under new ownership. 

    • 23 min
    EP 20: Justin Black of Saw Black, Crystal Pistol Records, Warhen Records

    EP 20: Justin Black of Saw Black, Crystal Pistol Records, Warhen Records

    A conversation with Justin Black, a Richmond, VA-based independent musician who runs his own label, Crystal Pistol Records, and also works regularly with another Virginia-based label, WarHen Records. 
    Justin’s primary vessel for musical output is under the moniker Saw Black, which I recommend you check out wherever you consume music. 
    Our conversation is based around the premise of independent labels — and answering common questions like...should you start your own label? Should you cut a deal with a small indie? What might that deal look like versus a traditional deal or a "bigger" label deal? We’ll also demystify a lot of the day-to-day of being an independent musician and the music industry at-large.

    • 25 min
    EP 19: J. Edward Keyes of BandCamp

    EP 19: J. Edward Keyes of BandCamp

    A conversation with J. Edward Keyes who is the Editorial Director for Bandcamp. We discuss the benefits of using Bandcamp as a direct to consumer platform for musicians. With their editorial arm, BandCamp, Daily, and their plethora of artists tools, the independent platform gives their users unique ways to connect with fans and allows them to actually make money form their art. We highlight allof the special features that users sometimes overlook.

    • 27 min
    EP 18: Joe Swank, Radio Promotor for Bloodshot Records

    EP 18: Joe Swank, Radio Promotor for Bloodshot Records

    A conversation with Joe Swank, a freelance radio promoter who previously worked in the radio space at Yep Roc Records and Bloodshot Records.
    Joe was also a touring musician in the '90s, hosts his own radio show, and co-founded the Alt-country Specialty Radio Chart — so he's got a LOT of wisdom to share not only on the radio side, but on building a music industry career in general.
    As we've heard on other episodes; be ready to stay in it for the long haul, don't bank on overnight success, and constantly (C O N S T A N T L Y) work on developing your network.
    Also, be nice to people.

    • 32 min
    EP 17: Joe Lynch of Billboard

    EP 17: Joe Lynch of Billboard

    A conversation with Joseph Lynch to get the inside scoop from him about Billboard's pivot during the pandemic to covering more industry news, music technology, and the types of stories he's looking for when covering smaller artists. 
    We also talk about misconceptions about the industry, the myth of the overnight success, and why musicians should just suck it up and get on TikTok.

    • 34 min

Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5
12 Ratings

12 Ratings

redshoefly ,

Awesome!

One of the best music podcasts out there!

bluesbaby1980 ,

Most informative music biz podcast

I look forward to every episode of Music Rookie. It cuts to chase, and it’s helping me further my brand in music!

EmchySF ,

Finally!

I am in love with this podcast. Straightforward and solid information given with charm and common language so that I can be entertained while learning new things I can do for my music right now to make it more successful- stars across the board!

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