An educational podcast for musicians looking to grow their audience online and make a sustainable income. The host, Michael Walker provides artists with the tools necessary to create a lasting career in the music industry.

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/9/15/0059eb3a-1b17-43f7-87ee-0a68d1337aa9_349_-_david_baird.mp3

David Baird is the founder and CEO of Gigmor, a platform connecting musicians with live performance opportunities and helping independent artists monetize their talent. A serial entrepreneur, technology executive, and musician, David previously led America Online’s E-Commerce group, growing it to over $1 billion in revenue. He also founded Troubadour Digital Media, serving notable clients including music legend David Foster and Iron Chef star Cat Cora. With degrees from the University of Toronto and École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussées in Paris, David continues performing with his soul band, Mojo Soul, and jazz ensemble, The Sultans of Swing.In this episode, David Baird explores how musicians can leverage AI, monetize their talent, and build sustainable careers without sacrificing their creativity and authenticity.Key Takeaways<ul><li>Turn your music into sustainable income: Discover how platforms like Gigmor help independent artists access live performance opportunities and explore new monetization strategies.</li><li>Use AI to enhance your creativity, not replace it: Learn why embracing emerging technology can help musicians save time, experiment with new ideas, and adapt to a rapidly changing industry.</li><li>Build a loyal community beyond streaming: Understand why authentic fan connections, live performances, and community support are essential to building a sustainable music career.</li></ul>---→ Learn more about David and his work at: <a href="https://gigmor.com/" rel="nofollow">gigmor.com</a>﻿Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

#349 - David Baird: The AI Music Revolution—Protecting Creativity While Embracing Innovation

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/5/17/2ce953a7-685b-4b8a-9a33-07a213599309_episode_09_-_the_artist_economy.mp3

AI music is getting licensed. Now the harder question begins.Suno says its new model was trained on licensed music. Universal is building AI-powered fan remixes. Distributors are introducing new AI and fraud checks. The fight is moving beyond whether AI belongs in music toward who controls it, who gets paid, and what artists should actually consent to.Meanwhile, Ella Langley proves that release calendars don&#39;t matter when audiences keep listening—and somehow that conversation led us to create an AI surf anthem about cows.Along the way, we ask:<ul><li>What is your music actually worth as AI training data?</li><li>Would you license your voice for fans to remix?</li><li>Should artists own their own AI models?</li><li>Are release calendars putting artists on a hamster wheel?</li><li>Where&#39;s the line between using AI creatively and deceiving an audience?</li></ul>In this episode, we dive into AI’s impact on music, from Suno’s licensed models and AI voices to new industry rules, artist strategies, superfans, Spotify’s music video push, and featured artist Tyler Herwig’s “Romcom Gone Wrong.”Key Takeaways<ul><li>AI isn’t going away, but artists don’t have to accept the first deal they’re offered.</li><li>Permission, compensation, and ownership are three different things.</li><li>Listen to your audience and test songs with your real fans to see what truly connects.</li><li>Don’t rush to your next release—keep building new contexts around a song that’s working.</li><li>Ride the wave: your next hit doesn’t always need to be your next release. Sometimes, you just need to ride the wave till the cows come home.</li></ul>---→ Build your fanbase and music career with<a href="https://modernmusician.me?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://modernmusician.me?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="nofollow">Modern Musician</a>.→ Ready to build your audience?<a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="nofollow">Book Your Breakthrough Session</a>.→ Want your music featured on The Artist Economy?<a href="https://streetteam.fm/moments?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="nofollow"> </a><a href="https://streetteam.fm/moments?utm_source=chatgpt.com" rel="nofollow">Submit your Music Moment</a>.

The Artist Economy: Episode 09 — Ride the Waves Till the Cows Come Home

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/10/2/16/eebc43df-ed51-4328-a2d8-05beabadfdf5_348_-_robina_ritchie-barker.mp3

Robina Ritchie-Barker is the co-founder of TrackStage, a music management platform built to help independent music creators organize their catalogs, manage the business behind their music, and get their tracks opportunity-ready. As a composer and music creator herself, Robina experienced firsthand the growing administrative burden of managing files, versions, metadata, collaborators, and pitches. That experience inspired TrackStage, which helps creators reduce the “Administrative Tax” of making music so they can spend less time managing their catalogs and more time creating, pursuing opportunities, and getting their work heard.In this episode, Robina Ritchie-Barker shares her journey from music creator to co-founder of TrackStage, exploring how the platform helps indie artists organize their catalogs, streamline metadata and administrative tasks, prepare music for sync opportunities, and navigate the evolving role of AI in music creation and licensing.Key Takeaways<ul><li>Reduce the administrative burden: Learn how TrackStage helps indie artists organize their music, files, metadata, and catalog information in one streamlined workflow.</li><li>Make your music easier to pitch: Discover why complete metadata and organized catalogs matter to music supervisors and how better preparation can help artists capitalize on opportunities.</li><li>Understand AI’s role in music: Explore how AI can enhance music-management workflows while creating important copyright considerations, particularly in sync licensing.</li></ul>---→ Learn more about Robina and her work at: <a href="https://trackstagepro.com/" rel="nofollow">trackstagepro.com</a>﻿Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

#348 - Robina Ritchie-Barker: TrackStage and the Hidden Administrative Work Holding Artists Back

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/29/15/8747da85-8654-43d5-ba3b-170352b1202e_episode_08_-_the_artist_economy.mp3

What happens when music becomes infinite?TuneCore artists can now opt in to let Suno train on their music. Suno is limiting downloads. CDs are somehow booming again. And a Katy Perry song from 2011 just became TikTok’s biggest song of the summer.This week, we’re asking what actually becomes valuable when music itself is abundant: ownership, scarcity, physical artifacts, fan relationships—or simply giving a great song enough chances to be discovered.Along the way, we ask:<ul><li>Would you let AI train on your music—and for how much?</li><li>Do download limits reduce AI slop or just put creativity behind a paywall?</li><li>Would 50 paying fans change your career more than 50,000 streams?</li><li>Why are CDs coming back in a streaming world?</li><li>Are artists abandoning great songs way too quickly?</li></ul>In this episode, we explore AI and music, Suno and TuneCore’s evolving relationship, the resurgence of CDs and physical music, the value of direct fan connections, the power of catalog rediscovery, and how Jason Dmore’s “Breeze” is inspiring a new wave of connection through music and dance.Key Takeaways<ul><li>Don’t treat releases as having an expiration date.</li><li>Give your catalog multiple chances to be discovered—a song can find its audience years later.</li><li>Build systems that keep your best work discoverable instead of focusing only on creating more.</li><li>As digital music becomes infinite, scarcity shifts toward physical products, access, identity, community, and direct fan relationships.</li><li>Your next breakthrough might already exist—sometimes, you just need to find a new context for an older song.</li></ul>---→ Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

The Artist Economy: Episode 08 — Songs Don’t Have Release Dates, They Have Discovery Dates

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/25/14/5c5ad66b-f46f-47b3-89f0-6efd2a9b6b98_347_-_jesse_cannon.mp3

Jesse Cannon is a music marketing expert, producer, author, and educator who helps independent artists navigate the modern music industry. He hosts Musformation and is the author of Get More Fans: The DIY Guide to the New Music Business and Processing Creativity. Jesse has worked with artists including The Cure, Animal Collective, Laufey, and Weird Al Yankovic, while also building expertise in music production, artist development, podcasting, and education. Through his work, he shares practical insights on audience growth, creative careers, music marketing, and building a sustainable path forward for independent artists.In this episode, Michael Walker and Jesse Cannon explore how independent artists can build sustainable careers in a rapidly changing music industry, from growing a loyal fan base and fighting for fair compensation to navigating AI, music rights, and the future of human creativity.Key Takeaways<ul><li>Build a stronger fan base: Learn why audience growth and direct relationships with fans are increasingly important for independent artists.</li><li>Understand your rights and compensation: Discover the challenges artists face around streaming, rights management, and fair compensation—and why awareness matters.</li><li>Protect the human side of creativity: Explore where AI can support the creative process while understanding why emotional authenticity and human connection remain essential to music.</li></ul>---→ Learn more about Jesse and his work at: <a href="https://musicmarketingtrends.beehiiv.com/" rel="nofollow">musicmarketingtrends.beehiiv.com</a>﻿Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

#347 - Jesse Cannon: Why There’s No Money in Music Anymore

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/21/17/5eaf4a16-57fd-4cc3-875e-1e2ca827687d_episode_07_-_the_artist_economy.mp3

The technology changed. The strategy didn’t.Dolly Parton spent her career protecting ownership. This week, the rest of the music industry showed exactly why that matters.Sony and Warner sued Anthropic. Universal built an AI patent portfolio. All three majors bought equity in Stability AI. And session musicians went to court arguing that the AI economy is being built on work they were never compensated for.Meanwhile, one DIY artist showed another path entirely: let the audience take your music, mutate it, and help distribute it.Along the way, we ask:<ul><li>What would you be willing to give up for the opportunity of a lifetime?</li><li>If AI learns from your work, what do you actually deserve?</li><li>What happens when labels own the music and the machinery?</li><li>Can contracts written before AI still protect musicians from AI?</li><li>Should artists protect their music—or make it easier for fans to transform?</li></ul>In this episode, we explore Dolly Parton’s $150M lesson in ownership, the music industry’s legal battle with AI, major labels investing in AI, musicians fighting for compensation, the philosophy of AI and creativity, and why making art “forkable” could be the future of music.Key Takeaways<ul><li>Protect future opportunities: The most valuable rights may be tied to uses that haven’t been invented yet.</li><li>Learn from Dolly Parton: You can’t predict how your music may be used or transformed in the future.</li><li>Think beyond today’s technology: Session musicians couldn’t anticipate AI training, and today’s artists can’t predict what their catalogs might power years from now.</li><li>Own what you can: Understand what rights you’re keeping, licensing, or giving away.</li><li>Make your art forkable: When it comes to your audience, giving people room to remix and build on your work can create new possibilities.</li></ul>---→ Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

The Artist Economy: Episode 07 — Who Owns the Future of Music?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/18/17/1803e46f-0da9-4296-a64b-ff2165d7ae26_346_-_josh_simons.mp3

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<ul><li>Turn industry expertise into opportunity: Learn why deep domain knowledge can give entrepreneurs an edge when building products and businesses for the music industry.</li><li>Adapt to constant technological change: Discover how artists can stay relevant as new platforms, technologies, and expectations continue reshaping the music business.</li><li>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.</li></ul>---→ Learn more about Josh Simons and his work at: <a href="https://vampr.me/" rel="nofollow">vampr.me</a>﻿Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

#346 - Josh Simons: Why Domain Expertise Is Your Biggest Business Advantage

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/14/14/46f4213a-960e-4fc3-aa2c-f93f05c956a1_episode_06_-_the_artist_economy.mp3

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:<ul><li>What does “substantially human-made” actually mean?</li><li>Should AI music compete on the same charts as human artists?</li><li>Is creative agency more important than which tools were used?</li><li>Are songwriters settling before anyone knows what AI training is really worth?</li><li>What happens when machines become technically better than humans?</li></ul>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<ul><li>Don’t bet your career on AI staying bad: The technology will only keep improving.</li><li>Use AI without giving up your creative agency: Keep what makes your work uniquely yours.</li><li>Protect your identity and relationships: Your story, voice, and connections still matter.</li><li>Build real community and human connection: As music becomes easier to generate, genuine connection may become more valuable.</li><li>Bet on humans continuing to care about humans: Machines will get better, but human connection is what makes art meaningful.</li></ul>---→ Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

The Artist Economy: Episode 06 — Where Do We Draw the Line on AI Music?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/11/14/c7d20b4e-97ad-40d9-af55-cbcfdb5127b9_345_-_eli_atkins.mp3

Eli Atkins is the co-founder of <a href="http://Solo.to" rel="nofollow">Solo.to</a>, a leading link-in-bio platform helping creators, entrepreneurs, and brands bring their digital presence together in one customizable page. Since launching <a href="http://Solo.to" rel="nofollow">Solo.to</a> 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 <a href="http://Solo.to" rel="nofollow">Solo.to</a>’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 <a href="http://Solo.to" rel="nofollow">Solo.to</a> 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<ul><li>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.</li><li>Let users drive your product: Discover how <a href="http://Solo.to" rel="nofollow">Solo.to</a> uses feedback and user behavior to shape features, integrations, and platform improvements.</li><li>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.</li></ul>---→ Learn more about Eli and his work at: <a href="http://solo.to/" rel="nofollow">solo.to</a>﻿Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

#345 - Eli Atkins: How Solo.to Is Changing the Link-in-Bio Game for Musicians

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/7/13/2883c642-e10a-48e9-885b-870519a418b7_the_artist_economy_-_episode_05.mp3

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&#39;s prior use. Suno launched a more powerful AI-first studio. Kobalt became the third catalog to join Spotify&#39;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:<ul><li>Who actually gets to negotiate on behalf of artists?</li><li>Is Suno evolving from an AI toy into a legitimate instrument?</li><li>What happens when songs become worlds fans can remix and play inside?</li><li>Who deserves the extra value when a $50 concert ticket resells for $300?</li><li>What happens when AI assistants—not search engines—decide which concerts fans discover?</li></ul>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<ul><li>Own your audience: Build a direct relationship with your fans.</li><li>Know your fans: Understand who they are and what they respond to.</li><li>Build direct channels: Don’t rely entirely on platforms to reach your audience.</li><li>Protect your leverage: Platforms, labels, and publishers can control parts of your career.</li><li>Control the relationship: The more direct your connection with fans, the more independence you have.</li></ul>---→ Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

The Artist Economy: Episode 05 — Who Gets to Speak for the Artist?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/4/9/63f55c60-010c-4e8a-8458-086177c14ecc_344_-_aurelie_couble.mp3

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<ul><li>Build income beyond streaming by turning your music skills into a client-based business that attracts high-paying customers.</li><li>Create content that converts by remixing proven ideas, sharing authentically, and consistently communicating your offer.</li><li>Grow without chasing follower counts by building trust, engaging your community, and turning a small, loyal audience into sustainable income.</li></ul>---→ 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: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

#344- Aurelie Couble: From Music Producer to Six-Figure Business Owner

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/9/1/16/b9af612f-4acd-488e-8167-f8177e5279b8_episode_04_-_the_artist_economy.mp3

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&#39;t just detecting AI anymore—they&#39;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:<ul><li>Who gets to decide what counts as an AI artist?</li><li>Could transparency eventually make human-made music more valuable?</li><li>What happens when artists invite fans to remix and reinvent their songs?</li><li>Are artists building another business on rented land?</li><li>Should musicians even care about platform monetization—or focus on owning their audience?</li></ul>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<ul><li>Embrace AI: Use new tools, experiment, and let fans participate in the creative process.</li><li>Protect your ownership: Don’t confuse access to platforms with ownership of your career, audience, or relationships.</li><li>Keep artists at the center: Build worlds, own your relationships, and make sure the artist gets paid.</li></ul>---→ Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

The Artist Economy: Episode 04 — The Week the Music Industry Started Checking IDs

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/28/13/c52dd714-7f51-4f8d-a598-66f01b4871b4_343_-_cathy_pellow.mp3

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<ul><li>Build a career on your own terms by understanding that success doesn&#39;t require following the traditional major-label path.</li><li>Protect your future as an artist by understanding your rights, the economics of deals, and why desperation can lead to costly decisions.</li><li>Create sustainable momentum by focusing on community, kindness, creativity, and positivity instead of getting trapped by negativity or self-pity.</li></ul>---→ Learn more about Cathy Pellow and her work at: <a href="https://riverwoodarts.com/" rel="nofollow">https://riverwoodarts.com/</a>→ Learn more about Fabiana and her work at Musicians Creating Prosperity here: <a href="https://musicianscreatingprosperity.com/" rel="nofollow">https://musicianscreatingprosperity.com/</a>Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

#343 - Cathy Pellow: The Artist Development Lessons That Still Matter After 20 Years

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/24/15/55869cfa-7ab0-4b39-b280-0fbd2fefa50e_episode_03_-_the_artist_economy.mp3

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:<ul><li>Should artists optimize releases for reach or intent?</li><li>If labels get paid by AI companies, how much should performers receive?</li><li>Can Europe set the rules for AI music before the U.S. does?</li><li>Should independent artists try to compete with superstar economics at all?</li><li>How much money are artists missing simply because they never registered their publishing?</li></ul>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<ul><li>Own your relationships: Build direct connections with your fans and audience.</li><li>Know your rights: Understand what you own and what you’re entitled to.</li><li>Collect the money you’re already owed: Don’t leave royalties or revenue on the table.</li><li>Don’t play the majors’ game: You don’t have to compete on their terms.</li><li>Build your own lane: Create a career and business model that works for you.</li></ul>---→ Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

The Artist Economy: Episode 03 — Who Gets Paid When AI Uses Music?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/21/15/ab4d7a2d-fb63-45d1-9ec7-c87397c49034_342_-_theresa_wolters.mp3

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<ul><li>Discover how MusiCares provides a crucial safety net for music professionals facing financial, health, and emergency challenges.</li><li>Learn why preventive healthcare and financial coaching can help artists build greater long-term stability.</li><li>Understand how breaking the stigma around asking for help can empower more musicians to access the support they need.</li></ul>---→ To learn more about MusiCares and to explore support and resources for music professionals, visit: <a href="http://www.musicares.org/" rel="nofollow">www.musicares.org</a>→ Learn more about Fabiana and her work at Musicians Creating Prosperity here: <a href="https://musicianscreatingprosperity.com/" rel="nofollow">https://musicianscreatingprosperity.com/</a>Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

#342 - Theresa Wolters: The Safety Net Every Musician Needs

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/17/16/864d540d-9b91-428e-a12e-7293ef92eb90_episode_02_-_the_artist_economy.mp3

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&#39; &#34;Wonderwall&#34; 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&#39;t entirely dependent on someone else&#39;s platform.Along the way, we ask bigger questions:<ul><li>Can artists intentionally create cultural moments, and when does a song become part of culture?</li><li>What does AI owe the artists whose work helps train its models, and where is the line between influence and theft?</li><li>Should artists own their audience data and digital relationships instead of renting access through platforms?</li></ul>In this episode, we explore how songs become cultural moments, using &#34;Wonderwall&#34; 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<ul><li>Platforms, algorithms, and AI will continue to change how music is created, discovered, and monetized.</li><li>The most durable asset is the relationship between an artist and their audience.</li><li>Build an audience—and create direct ways to reach them.</li><li>Create meaningful moments, not just content, and understand your rights beyond your streams.</li><li>Wherever possible, own the relationship with your fans instead of renting it from a platform.</li></ul>---→ Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

The Artist Economy: Episode 02 — Who Owns Music in the Age of AI?

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/14/18/86a5ae32-0778-4e55-9219-216a1c03fac9_341_-_fabiana_claure.mp3

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&#39;s Profit Umbrella® and Musician&#39;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<ul><li>Learn how to move beyond trading hours for income by developing a signature methodology and education business around what you already know.</li><li>Discover how musicians can leverage AI for marketing, content, and business growth without losing the expertise and authenticity that make their work unique.</li><li>Explore strategies for increasing revenue while reducing teaching hours, allowing you to serve more students without sacrificing your time.</li></ul>---→ Access Fabiana’s Free Musicians Profit Masterclass here: <a href="https://musiciansprofitmasterclass.com/" rel="nofollow">https://musiciansprofitmasterclass.com/</a>→ Learn more about Fabiana and her work at Musicians Creating Prosperity here: <a href="https://musicianscreatingprosperity.com/" rel="nofollow">https://musicianscreatingprosperity.com/</a>Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

#341 - Fabiana Claure: The Business Model That Helps Musicians Escape the One-to-One Trap

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/10/19/604ee52c-8947-4496-874b-da8f8163fab7_episode_01_-_the_artist_economy.mp3

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:<ul><li>Who really owns music once it becomes culture?</li><li>Can AI companies profit from music they didn&#39;t create?</li><li>Why are artists still chasing streams instead of owning relationships?</li><li>What happens when every algorithm becomes a game?</li><li>Is AI replacing artists... or forcing them to become more human?</li></ul>If you&#39;re trying to build a sustainable music career over the next decade, this conversation is about much more than headlines—it&#39;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<ul><li>How prediction markets created incentives to manipulate Spotify&#39;s charts—and what that teaches us about every algorithm.</li><li>Why Suno&#39;s $5.4 billion valuation changes the conversation around AI music forever.</li><li>The legal battle over AI training data, copyright, and who should benefit from the next generation of music technology.</li><li>Why millions of songs being used to train AI may become one of the defining copyright questions of our generation.</li><li>&#34;Blue Dot Fever&#34; and what shrinking concert attendance means for the future of touring.</li><li>Why governments briefly treated frontier AI models like strategic national assets—and why artists should care.</li></ul>---→ Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://streetteam.fm/masterclass" rel="nofollow">https://streetteam.fm/masterclass</a>

The Artist Economy: Episode 01 — AI, Prediction Markets & The Future of Music

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/8/7/20/436f7483-ca8f-4ac5-b0e1-21ba32ae63c8_340_-_diamond_johnson__in-studio_.mp3

Diamond Johnson is a world-class drummer, multi-instrumentalist, and music director whose career has taken him from church stages to the world&#39;s biggest arenas. Best known as Beyoncé&#39;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&#39;s most trusted first-call musicians. Beyond performing, he&#39;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<ul><li>Learn how relentless preparation and consistency can create career-changing opportunities long before anyone knows your name.</li><li>Discover why trust, integrity, and authentic relationships often open more doors than talent alone in the music industry.</li><li>Understand the mindset that helped Diamond overcome setbacks, embrace uncertainty, and build a career touring the world with some of music&#39;s biggest artists.</li></ul>---→ Learn more about Diamond Johnson and follow his journey at: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/_diamond_johnson_/?hl=en" rel="nofollow">https://www.instagram.com/_diamond_johnson_/?hl=en</a>.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast" rel="nofollow">https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast</a>

#340 - Diamond Johnson: How Beyoncé's Tour Drummer Became the Industry's First Call

https://s3.us-east-2.amazonaws.com/pod-public-media-files/2026/7/31/14/9e942507-91ca-4f09-a29b-50a3f2f5e721_339_-_max_wild.mp3

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<ul><li>Finish more music and break through perfectionism by using deadlines, accountability, and consistent creative habits to turn ideas into completed tracks.</li><li>Build a stronger music career through community and connections by surrounding yourself with people who can provide feedback, support, opportunities, and collaboration.</li><li>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.</li></ul>---→ Explore free music production and DJ workshops from 343 Labs: <a href="https://www.343labs.com/events/" rel="nofollow">https://www.343labs.com/events/</a>.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: <a href="https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast" rel="nofollow">https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast</a>

#339 - Max Wild: Done Is Better Than Perfect: The Secret to Finishing More Tracks

An educational podcast for musicians looking to grow their audience online and make a sustainable income.

An educational podcast for musicians looking to grow their audience online and make a sustainable income. The host, Michael Walker provides artists with the tools necessary to create a lasting career in the music industry.