Josh Simons is the CEO of Vinyl Group and founder of Vampr, a professional network for musicians and creatives with 1.6 million users across 190 countries. A former musician, songwriter, and producer, Josh has built companies across music, technology, media, and culture, raising over $50 million across his ventures. He has worked with artists including Travis Scott, Troye Sivan, and Kanye West, and has helped grow Vinyl Group through acquisitions spanning media, music technology, e-commerce, and culture.

In this episode, Josh Simons shares what it takes to build a successful career in music and technology while navigating constant industry change, from the rise of digital platforms to the coming revolution in AI.

Key Takeaways

• Turn industry expertise into opportunity: Learn why deep domain knowledge can give entrepreneurs an edge when building products and businesses for the music industry.
• Adapt to constant technological change: Discover how artists can stay relevant as new platforms, technologies, and expectations continue reshaping the music business.
• Use AI without losing creativity: Explore how AI can become another creative tool, helping artists bridge the gap between their ideas and what they’re able to create.

---

→ Learn more about Josh Simons and his work at: vampr.me

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://streetteam.fm/masterclass

The AI debate just became policy.

For years, the music industry argued about whether AI music was “real music.” Now platforms, charts, publishers, and courts are starting to draw actual lines.

Australia introduced a “substantially human-made” requirement for chart eligibility. Apple, Spotify, and Tidal are taking three different approaches to identifying AI music. Meanwhile, publishers are fighting Suno and Anthropic over what the music that trained these systems is actually worth.

Along the way, we ask:

• What does “substantially human-made” actually mean?
• Should AI music compete on the same charts as human artists?
• Is creative agency more important than which tools were used?
• Are songwriters settling before anyone knows what AI training is really worth?
• What happens when machines become technically better than humans?

In this episode, we explore the evolving rules around AI music, artist and songwriter rights, fan-powered remixing, new release models, and what AI and robotics mean for the future of human creativity.

Key Takeaways

• Don’t bet your career on AI staying bad: The technology will only keep improving.
• Use AI without giving up your creative agency: Keep what makes your work uniquely yours.
• Protect your identity and relationships: Your story, voice, and connections still matter.
• Build real community and human connection: As music becomes easier to generate, genuine connection may become more valuable.
• Bet on humans continuing to care about humans: Machines will get better, but human connection is what makes art meaningful.

---

→ Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://streetteam.fm/masterclass

Eli Atkins is the co-founder of Solo.to, a leading link-in-bio platform helping creators, entrepreneurs, and brands bring their digital presence together in one customizable page. Since launching Solo.to in 2020, Eli has taken a hands-on role across product design, user experience, marketing, and day-to-day operations. With a significant portion of Solo.to’s users coming from the music community, he has developed a close understanding of the needs of independent artists and music creators. Eli brings firsthand insight into building creator-focused technology, growing a lean startup, and balancing simplicity, innovation, and user trust.

In this episode, Eli Atkins reveals how Solo.to is evolving the link-in-bio experience for music creators while sharing lessons on product design, AI, and building technology users can trust.

Key Takeaways

• Build a stronger digital presence: Learn how thoughtful design, customization, and simplicity can help creators turn a link-in-bio page into a more effective fan connection point.
• Let users drive your product: Discover how Solo.to uses feedback and user behavior to shape features, integrations, and platform improvements.
• Adapt to AI without losing creativity: Explore how creators can use AI for music and marketing while continuing to develop their own skills, judgment, and creative voice.

---

→ Learn more about Eli and his work at: solo.to

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://streetteam.fm/masterclass

This is the week consent got delegated.

This week on The Artist Economy, Michael Walker, Chris Saunders, Sol Gold, and Jared Christianson break down what happens when labels, publishers, platforms, lawmakers, and AI companies start making decisions on behalf of artists.

BMG licensed more than three million songs into Suno while settling the platform's prior use. Suno launched a more powerful AI-first studio. Kobalt became the third catalog to join Spotify's coming AI remix ecosystem. And two different fights against ticket resale showed just how difficult it is for independent artists and venues to challenge the platforms between them and their fans.

Along the way, we ask:

• Who actually gets to negotiate on behalf of artists?
• Is Suno evolving from an AI toy into a legitimate instrument?
• What happens when songs become worlds fans can remix and play inside?
• Who deserves the extra value when a $50 concert ticket resells for $300?
• What happens when AI assistants—not search engines—decide which concerts fans discover?

In this episode, we break down BMG’s Suno deal, the shift from AI slop to AI musicianship, Spotify’s AI remix ecosystem, the evolving role of artists and fans, and the latest battles over ticket resale, deceptive pricing, and AI-powered concert discovery.

Key Takeaways

• Own your audience: Build a direct relationship with your fans.
• Know your fans: Understand who they are and what they respond to.
• Build direct channels: Don’t rely entirely on platforms to reach your audience.
• Protect your leverage: Platforms, labels, and publishers can control parts of your career.
• Control the relationship: The more direct your connection with fans, the more independence you have.

---

→ Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://streetteam.fm/masterclass

Aurelie Couble is a Canadian music producer and online educator who built a six-figure business teaching self-taught music creators how to turn their skills into real income without relying on streaming royalties or a record label. With 44K YouTube subscribers and 43K Instagram followers, both grown organically, she helps music creators land high-paying clients and build sustainable businesses through content creation, audience growth, personal branding, and organic marketing.

In this episode, Michael sits down with Aurelie to explore how music creators can build profitable businesses beyond streaming through organic content, audience engagement, personal branding, and strategic client acquisition.

Key Takeaways

• Build income beyond streaming by turning your music skills into a client-based business that attracts high-paying customers.
• Create content that converts by remixing proven ideas, sharing authentically, and consistently communicating your offer.
• Grow without chasing follower counts by building trust, engaging your community, and turning a small, loyal audience into sustainable income.

---

→ Want to take your music business to the next level?

Follow @musicbyplv on Instagram and DM “READY MM” to connect with Aurelie.

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://streetteam.fm/masterclass

What happens when the music industry starts deciding what counts as human?

This week on The Artist Economy, Michael Walker, Chris Saunders, Sol Gold, and Jared Christianson explore a new phase of AI music: platforms aren't just detecting AI anymore—they're starting to label it, watermark it, restrict it, and decide how it gets distributed.

Spotify is introducing badges for AI personas. Suno is embedding invisible watermarks into generated music. Licensed AI fan remixes are coming to independent catalogs. And YouTube is raising the barrier for creators to monetize.

Along the way, we ask:

• Who gets to decide what counts as an AI artist?
• Could transparency eventually make human-made music more valuable?
• What happens when artists invite fans to remix and reinvent their songs?
• Are artists building another business on rented land?
• Should musicians even care about platform monetization—or focus on owning their audience?

In this episode, we explore Spotify’s new AI Persona badge, Suno’s invisible AI watermarks, AI-powered fan remixes, platform ownership, YouTube’s monetization changes, Spotify’s 300 million Premium subscribers, Warner’s AI licensing revenue, and our first Moment Spotlight winner, Jared Rogerson.

Key Takeaways

• Embrace AI: Use new tools, experiment, and let fans participate in the creative process.
• Protect your ownership: Don’t confuse access to platforms with ownership of your career, audience, or relationships.
• Keep artists at the center: Build worlds, own your relationships, and make sure the artist gets paid.

---

→ Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://streetteam.fm/masterclass

Cathy Pellow is the founder of Sargent House, one of the most influential independent record labels in alternative, experimental, and heavy music. For more than two decades, she has championed innovative artists and helped them build sustainable careers while preserving their creative independence. She is also the founder of Riverwood Arts, a creative consultancy focused on artist development, leadership, and long-term career strategy. Known for her artist-first approach, Cathy brings a wealth of experience navigating the evolving music industry, from touring and contracts to community building and independent success.

In this episode, Cathy Pellow breaks down how artists can build sustainable careers by embracing creativity, community, adaptability, gratitude, and a clear understanding of the business behind their music.

Key Takeaways

• Build a career on your own terms by understanding that success doesn't require following the traditional major-label path.
• Protect your future as an artist by understanding your rights, the economics of deals, and why desperation can lead to costly decisions.
• Create sustainable momentum by focusing on community, kindness, creativity, and positivity instead of getting trapped by negativity or self-pity.

---

→ Learn more about Cathy Pellow and her work at: https://riverwoodarts.com/

→ Learn more about Fabiana and her work at Musicians Creating Prosperity here: https://musicianscreatingprosperity.com/

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://streetteam.fm/masterclass

The AI fight is moving from permission to money.

This week on The Artist Economy, Michael Walker, Chris Saunders, Sol Gold, and Jared Christianson break down what happens once AI companies, labels, artists, and musicians stop arguing about whether AI can use music—and start arguing about who gets paid.

We look at Universal testing paid-only release windows, musicians challenging labels over AI licensing revenue, Germany moving faster on Suno regulation, Universal’s massive quarterly revenue, and why so many independent songwriters are still leaving royalties unclaimed.

Along the way, we ask:

• Should artists optimize releases for reach or intent?
• If labels get paid by AI companies, how much should performers receive?
• Can Europe set the rules for AI music before the U.S. does?
• Should independent artists try to compete with superstar economics at all?
• How much money are artists missing simply because they never registered their publishing?

In this episode, we expore how major-label strategies, AI lawsuits, and evolving licensing rules are reshaping the music industry—and what these changes mean for independent artists. It also covers overlooked royalty opportunities, why artists should build their own lane, and the debut of The Final Five, featuring real submissions from the StreetTeam community.

Key Takeaways

• Own your relationships: Build direct connections with your fans and audience.
• Know your rights: Understand what you own and what you’re entitled to.
• Collect the money you’re already owed: Don’t leave royalties or revenue on the table.
• Don’t play the majors’ game: You don’t have to compete on their terms.
• Build your own lane: Create a career and business model that works for you.

---

→ Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://streetteam.fm/masterclass

Theresa Wolters is the Executive Director of MusiCares, leading efforts to provide health, mental health, addiction recovery, financial, and emergency support to music professionals. She brings more than 20 years of global health and humanitarian leadership, including 12 years with the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation, where she helped expand life-saving programs reaching tens of millions worldwide. Since joining MusiCares in 2022, Theresa has focused on making critical resources more accessible to artists and music professionals while addressing the unique health, financial, and emotional challenges of working in the music industry.

In this episode, Theresa shares how MusiCares supports music professionals through mental health, financial, healthcare, and recovery resources—and why asking for help can be a crucial part of building a sustainable career.

Key Takeaways

• Discover how MusiCares provides a crucial safety net for music professionals facing financial, health, and emergency challenges.
• Learn why preventive healthcare and financial coaching can help artists build greater long-term stability.
• Understand how breaking the stigma around asking for help can empower more musicians to access the support they need.

---

→ To learn more about MusiCares and to explore support and resources for music professionals, visit: www.musicares.org

→ Learn more about Fabiana and her work at Musicians Creating Prosperity here: https://musicianscreatingprosperity.com/

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://streetteam.fm/masterclass

When a song becomes part of culture, who actually owns it?

This week on The Artist Economy, Michael Walker, Chris Saunders, Sol Gold, and Jared Christianson explore how music, culture, AI, ownership, and technology are reshaping the economics of being an artist. We look at the resurgence of Oasis' "Wonderwall" and what it teaches us about creating cultural moments, before diving into the growing debate around AI music, training data, ownership, and artist compensation. For independent artists, the bigger takeaway is to build direct relationships with fans, understand where their value comes from, and create a career that isn't entirely dependent on someone else's platform.

Along the way, we ask bigger questions:

• Can artists intentionally create cultural moments, and when does a song become part of culture?
• What does AI owe the artists whose work helps train its models, and where is the line between influence and theft?
• Should artists own their audience data and digital relationships instead of renting access through platforms?

In this episode, we explore how songs become cultural moments, using "Wonderwall" as a case study, before diving into the growing debate around AI, music ownership, training data, and artist compensation. We also unpack why artists should focus on owning their fan relationships, building digital sovereignty, and creating diversified revenue streams.

Key Takeaways

• Platforms, algorithms, and AI will continue to change how music is created, discovered, and monetized.
• The most durable asset is the relationship between an artist and their audience.
• Build an audience—and create direct ways to reach them.
• Create meaningful moments, not just content, and understand your rights beyond your streams.
• Wherever possible, own the relationship with your fans instead of renting it from a platform.

---

→ Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://streetteam.fm/masterclass

Dr. Fabiana Claure is a concert pianist, music business strategist, and AI innovation leader who helps music educators turn their expertise into scalable, profitable businesses. A doctoral-level pianist, university professor, and co-founder of a nationally recognized music academy, she has generated over seven figures through her own online education programs. Fabiana has also helped music educators build six- and seven-figure businesses while cutting their teaching hours by 50% or more. She is the creator of The Musician's Profit Umbrella® and Musician's Marketing Maestro™, combining entrepreneurship, education, and AI to help musicians build sustainable careers.

In this episode, Fabiana reveals how musicians can turn their expertise into scalable businesses, use AI strategically, and create more income and impact without simply teaching more hours.

Key Takeaways

• Learn how to move beyond trading hours for income by developing a signature methodology and education business around what you already know.
• Discover how musicians can leverage AI for marketing, content, and business growth without losing the expertise and authenticity that make their work unique.
• Explore strategies for increasing revenue while reducing teaching hours, allowing you to serve more students without sacrificing your time.

---

→ Access Fabiana’s Free Musicians Profit Masterclass here: https://musiciansprofitmasterclass.com/

→ Learn more about Fabiana and her work at Musicians Creating Prosperity here: https://musicianscreatingprosperity.com/

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://streetteam.fm/masterclass

What happens when AI starts rewriting the rules of the music industry?

On the first episode of The Artist Economy, Michael Walker, Chris Saunders, Sol Gold, and Devin Mooers break down the biggest stories shaping the future of independent artists. We dive into prediction markets manipulating Spotify charts, the multi-billion-dollar rise of AI music company Suno, the legal battle over AI training data, the collapse of the traditional touring ladder, and why governments are now treating frontier AI models like strategic technology.

Along the way we ask bigger questions:

• Who really owns music once it becomes culture?
• Can AI companies profit from music they didn't create?
• Why are artists still chasing streams instead of owning relationships?
• What happens when every algorithm becomes a game?
• Is AI replacing artists... or forcing them to become more human?

If you're trying to build a sustainable music career over the next decade, this conversation is about much more than headlines—it's about understanding where the industry is going before everyone else does.

In this episode, Michael, Chris, Sol, and Devin unpack the forces reshaping music, technology, and the economics of being an independent artist—and what these changes could mean for the future of creativity, ownership, and artist careers.

Key Takeaways

• How prediction markets created incentives to manipulate Spotify's charts—and what that teaches us about every algorithm.
• Why Suno's $5.4 billion valuation changes the conversation around AI music forever.
• The legal battle over AI training data, copyright, and who should benefit from the next generation of music technology.
• Why millions of songs being used to train AI may become one of the defining copyright questions of our generation.
• "Blue Dot Fever" and what shrinking concert attendance means for the future of touring.
• Why governments briefly treated frontier AI models like strategic national assets—and why artists should care.

---

→ Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://streetteam.fm/masterclass

Diamond Johnson is a world-class drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and music director whose career has taken him from church stages to the world's biggest arenas. Best known as Beyoncé's drummer on the Renaissance World Tour, Diamond has also worked with artists including Teyana Taylor and Michelle Williams while building a reputation as one of the industry's most trusted first-call musicians. Beyond performing, he's passionate about mentoring the next generation of creatives, teaching the mindset, relationships, and professionalism required to build a lasting career in the music industry.

In this episode, Diamond tackles what it really takes to become the musician everyone calls first—and stay there.

Key Takeaways

• Learn how relentless preparation and consistency can create career-changing opportunities long before anyone knows your name.
• Discover why trust, integrity, and authentic relationships often open more doors than talent alone in the music industry.
• Understand the mindset that helped Diamond overcome setbacks, embrace uncertainty, and build a career touring the world with some of music's biggest artists.

---

→ Learn more about Diamond Johnson and follow his journey at: https://www.instagram.com/_diamond_johnson_/?hl=en.

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Max Wild is the CEO and co-founder of 343 Labs, a leading music production and DJ school with campuses in New York City and Berlin. An electronic musician, producer, educator, and saxophonist, Max combines real-world music industry experience with a passion for helping artists build sustainable careers. Through 343 Labs, he has created a global community offering training in music production, DJing, sound design, mixing, mastering, live performance, and artist development. His work focuses on helping producers develop their skills, finish their music, build confidence, connect with others, and turn their creativity into a professional path.

In this episode, Max Wild shares the practical playbook for turning music from a hobby into a career by finishing more music, building accountability, developing your network, and treating your artistry like a business.

Key Takeaways

• Finish more music and break through perfectionism by using deadlines, accountability, and consistent creative habits to turn ideas into completed tracks.
• Build a stronger music career through community and connections by surrounding yourself with people who can provide feedback, support, opportunities, and collaboration.
• Treat your music like a business by developing a marketing strategy, consistently promoting your work, and taking ownership of the professional side of your career.

---

→ Explore free music production and DJ workshops from 343 Labs: https://www.343labs.com/events/.

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Dr. Chelsey Green is a No. 1 Billboard-charting recording artist, internationally acclaimed violinist, educator, and cultural leader. She serves as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Recording Academy®, making history as the first Black woman and youngest person ever elected to lead the organization's governing body. An Associate Professor at Berklee College of Music, she also serves on the boards of the Latin Recording Academy®, the GRAMMY Museum®, and MusiCares®. Through her artistry, leadership, and advocacy, Dr. Green is helping shape the future of music, creator rights, and the global music industry.

In this episode, Dr. Chelsey Green shares her journey to leading the Recording Academy and discusses AI, artist advocacy, and how independent musicians can build sustainable careers.

Key Takeaways

• Learn how AI is changing the music industry and discover practical ways to protect your music, ownership, and artistic integrity.
• Get an inside look at the Recording Academy and MusiCares to understand how these organizations support creators and advocate for artists worldwide.
• Discover why mentorship, community, and live performance remain the biggest competitive advantages for independent artists building sustainable careers.

---

→ Learn more about Dr. Chelsey Green and her work at: https://www.chelseygreen.com/.

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Oskar Eichler is the Founder & CEO of Songstats, the leading music analytics platform trusted by more than 10,000 artists, labels, and industry professionals to track real-time performance across 14 major streaming and social platforms. A serial entrepreneur and music producer, Oskar previously founded and sold Arcane, served as COO of 1001Tracklists, and built a YouTube channel with over one million subscribers. Today, he's helping creators leverage data, AI, and social insights to make smarter marketing decisions while building sustainable careers in music.

In this episode, Oskar joins Michael Walker to explore how independent artists can use music data, social media analytics, and AI to make smarter marketing decisions, build stronger brands, and create authentic connections with fans.

Key Takeaways

• Learn how to use streaming and social media analytics to make smarter release, marketing, and audience growth decisions.
• Discover why authenticity, storytelling, and branding are becoming the biggest competitive advantages in an AI-driven music industry.
• Gain practical strategies for building a recognizable artist brand, growing your community, and turning data into long-term career growth.

---

→ Learn more about Oskar and Socialstats at: https://socialstats.com/

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Chris Boshuizen, better known as Dr. Chrispy, is a physicist, entrepreneur, musician, and former astronaut whose career bridges the worlds of science and creativity. As the co-founder of Planet Labs, he helped revolutionize Earth observation through satellite technology before flying to space aboard Blue Origin's NS-18 mission, becoming Australia's third astronaut. Alongside his work in aerospace, Chris creates music inspired by exploration, innovation, and the human experience, producing under the name Dr. Chrispy while encouraging others to pursue bold dreams with persistence, curiosity, and purpose.

In this episode, discover how an astronaut, physicist, and musician found a way to merge science, creativity, and purpose—and why pursuing your biggest dreams is always worth the journey.

Key Takeaways

• Why perseverance matters more than perfect timing when chasing ambitious goals.
• How the "overview effect" changes the way astronauts see Earth—and what creatives can learn from that perspective.
• What the future of space travel could mean for music, creativity, and live experiences like concerts in space.

---

→ Learn more about Chris and his work at: https://drchrispy.com/.

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

David Andrew Wiebe is an award-winning composer, bestselling author, and music marketing strategist dedicated to helping independent artists build sustainable careers. As the founder of Content Marketing Musician, he teaches musicians how to combine creativity with proven business systems that generate consistent growth. David has authored more than 13 books on music, creativity, and entrepreneurship, composed the acclaimed work The Nobody Prayer, and hosts a popular podcast where he shares practical insights on marketing, monetization, and personal development for today's independent artists navigating an ever-changing music industry.

In this episode, you’ll learn what it actually takes to build a profitable, sustainable music career without relying on luck or chasing every trend.

Key Takeaways

• How to build multiple income streams that create long-term financial stability instead of depending solely on streaming revenue or gigs.
• The mindset shifts and decision-making frameworks that help successful independent artists grow faster and avoid common career mistakes.
• How to systemize your music business so you can spend less time feeling overwhelmed and more time creating meaningful work.

---

→ Learn more about David Andrew Wiebe and his work at: https://davidandrewwiebe.com/.

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Igor Alpatov is the Strategic Partnerships Lead at FreshTunes, a fee-free digital music distribution platform helping independent artists release music worldwide while keeping full ownership of their work. With a lifelong passion for music and technology, Igor works at the intersection of distribution, artist growth, and the evolving digital music ecosystem. He collaborates with global partners to expand opportunities for creators and make professional distribution accessible to everyone. Through FreshTunes, he supports the democratization of the music industry by giving indie artists the tools they need to release, market, and scale their music careers independently.

In this episode, Igor Alpatov explains how free music distribution is changing the industry, why authentic fan connections matter more than ever in the age of AI music, and how indie artists can grow sustainable careers without giving up ownership.

Key Takeaways

• Learn how free music distribution platforms can help indie artists release music globally while maintaining full ownership and royalties.
• Discover why authentic fan relationships and community building matter more than ever in a world increasingly filled with AI-generated music.
• Understand how independent artists can balance music creation, marketing, and distribution to build a sustainable career in today’s music industry.

---

→ Learn more about Igor and his work at: https://freshtunes.com/.

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast

Luke Justin Roberts (LJR) is a nostalgic alternative rock artist and filmmaker from Laurel, Maryland who blends ’80s pop energy with soaring alt-rock and cinematic storytelling. After pursuing engineering and a PhD track at the University of Maryland, he pivoted into full-time video production—first to elevate his own music videos, then to help other artists create pro content on any budget. Today he runs LJR Creative, teaches artists how to shoot high-quality videos (even on iPhone), and builds sustainable content systems that grow audiences and fund the music long-term.

In this episode, LJR talks about how independent artists don’t need “perfect” videos—they need a repeatable content system that connects and converts.

Key Takeaways

• Create scroll-stopping videos fast by mastering simple lighting + positioning that instantly upgrades your look on any camera.
• Stop wasting money on one-off music videos and build a sustainable content pipeline that fuels bookings, growth, and income.
• Make your story the strategy so your videos resonate emotionally, drive shares, and turn viewers into real fans.

---

→ Get a chance to apply to work directly with Luke here: https://ljrcreative.com/ultimate-indie-artist-package-mm

→ Learn more about Luke and his work at: https://lukejustinroberts.com/.

Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: 

https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast