Behind the Hits: Mike Baro on the REAL Music Business, Artist Development & Building Relationships

What does it really take to build a career in the music industry—and stay relevant as the business continues to change?

On this episode of In the Studio with J Haleem, J sits down with entertainment and marketing executive Mike Baro for an inside conversation about the business behind the music.

Mike's career didn't begin with a corner office or executive title.

It started with curiosity, education, carrying crates for DJs, passing out flyers, filming emerging artists, building relationships, accepting internships, and putting himself in rooms where he could learn.

Those early experiences eventually helped take him from the streets of Pittsburgh and New York to a major-label career spanning Republic Records, Capitol Records, Warner Records, and Universal Music Group, where he worked in marketing with artists across hip-hop, R&B, pop, and other genres.

Throughout the conversation, Mike shares lessons from working with artists including Drake, Nicki Minaj, The Weeknd, Migos, Lil Yachty, Rich Homie Quan, Zaytoven, Amy Winehouse, Nick Jonas, the Jonas Brothers, and many others.

But this episode isn't about celebrity stories.

It's about the business behind the success.