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Ari's Take

**WEBBY AWARD FOR BEST MUSIC PODCAST**

“#1 music industry podcast to help keep you in the loop” -Spotify

“The 10 Best Music Business Podcasts of 2022" – Variety

Ari Herstand is the best-selling author of How To Make It in the New Music Business. Forbes calls him “The poster child of DIY music.” In this show, he deconstructs the brightest minds in the music industry, digging deep to find the tools, tactics, and strategies that listeners can use to run successful careers of their own. Ari offers straight talk with no fluff and doesn’t let his guests off easy. If there is a way, Ari will find it.

To learn more follow @aristake_ and @ariherstand

Visit aristake.com to join the newsletter.

--

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The New Music Business with Ari Herstand

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Nicole Zuraitis, a GRAMMY-winning, New York–based jazz singer, songwriter, pianist, and arranger. Her 2023 album How Love Begins—co-produced with Christian McBride—won Best Jazz Vocal Album at the 66th GRAMMY Awards (2024). She’s performed widely from Birdland and Dizzy’s Club to symphony halls, and first earned GRAMMY attention in 2019 for her arrangement of Dolly Parton’s “Jolene” with the Dan Pugach Nonet. Recent projects include the concert release Live at Vic’s and international touring, with additional 2025 GRAMMY nominations connected to her work with husband, Dan Pugach. 

In this episode, Nicole traces her path from early days hustling in New York’s scene to recording a live album, collaborating with Christian McBride, touring in China with Jazz at Lincoln Center partners, and navigating the realities of indie artistry. She digs into the power of networking, the pandemic’s impact on jazz rooms, why physical formats still matter, and how grants and private donors help fund albums—before previewing what’s next on her creative slate. 

https://www.nicolezmusic.com/

4:53 - Introduction and Nicole's new live album

9:23 - The decision to record live at VIXX

15:53 - Collaborating with Christian McBride

22:38 - Touring in China and working with Jazz at Lincoln Center

29:08 - The Grammy experience and independent artist challenges

36:33 - The role of networking in New York's music scene

44:13 - The impact of the pandemic on jazz clubs

51:43 - The importance of physical music products in the digital age

59:23 - Funding albums through grants and private donors

1:05:53 - Nicole's upcoming projects and future plans

Edited and mixed by Peter Schrupp

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

GRAMMY Winning NYC Jazz Singer/Songwriter/Arranger Makes It Work

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Sol Rising, a producer and DJ whose eclectic blend of electronic, downtempo, and lo-fi has inspired millions. Born in Vancouver and raised in Iowa, he went from a childhood rooted in meditation to becoming one of America’s top scratch DJs before evolving into a prolific producer. With over 20 albums, 225M+ streams, and international tours across the US, Canada, Europe, Asia, and Australia, Sol Rising shares his journey of artistry and growth.

Sol shares his journey from a turntablist to a successful artist with millions of streams, discussing the challenges and triumphs of navigating the music world independently. They delve into the impact of streaming platforms, the role of AI in music, and the importance of staying true to one's artistic vision. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about creativity, perseverance, and the evolving landscape of the music business.

05:40 – Introduction and Niche

11:10 – Early Journey

17:40 – Shift to Yoga Music

24:25 – Streaming Platforms

30:55 – AI in Music

37:40 – Creativity and Motivation

45:40 – Future Plans

53:10 – Reflections and Advice

https://www.instagram.com/solrising

Edited and mixed by Peter Schrupp

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finding Accidental Streaming Success in a Niche Market

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Fede Petro to discuss Open Folk, a community driven, international live event series. Fede Petro is an Argentine-born producer, songwriter, and event creator whose work bridges continents and artistic disciplines. He was the tour manager and show producer for two-time Oscar winner Gustavo Santaolalla, leading tours across the Americas and overseeing every detail from stage to logistics. He’s also the founder and artistic director of Open Folk, a grassroots music movement that began over a decade ago and now operates in Argentina, Spain, and the United States, curating intimate showcases and conceptual tribute nights that spotlight independent songwriters and community-driven artistry.

In this episode, Ari and Fede dive into the story behind Open Folk—how it grew from living-room gatherings in Buenos Aires to a global community of stages. Fede reflects on the obstacles of sustaining independent events, the philosophy of keeping lineups unannounced, and the balance between financial survival and artistic integrity. The conversation widens into the larger live music ecosystem, examining the evolving role of promoters and the value of cultivating meaningful, immersive experiences for both artists and audiences.

https://www.theopenfolk.org/

0:00 Introduction and Background

5:01 Starting Open Folk in Buenos Aires

15:01 Transition to Los Angeles

25:01 Philosophy and Impact of Open Folk

35:01 Financial Aspects and Challenges

45:01 Creating Immersive Experiences

55:01 Final Thoughts and Reflections

Edited and mixed by Peter Schrupp

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How To Produce Live Music Events That Make Community

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Top Music Attorney, Miss Krystle. Miss Krystle is an entertainment attorney, independent artist, musician, and CEO of Delgado Entertainment Law. She hosts the Top Music Attorney podcast and popular YouTube channel, and has sold tens of millions of dollars in music catalogs. As leader of the class action lawsuit against A.I. generative companies Suno and Udio on behalf of independent artist, producers, & songwriters; she continues to champion creators’ rights while teaching artists how to think like major labels and build six-figure careers on their own terms.

In this insightful episode, Ari and Krystle, delve into the complexities of the music industry, focusing on the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in music creation. They discuss the ongoing legal battles against AI music platforms, the importance of copyright registration, and the evolving landscape of music licensing. Tune in to learn how independent artists can navigate these changes and protect their creative rights.

https://www.instagram.com/misskrystlelive

00:00 - Introduction and AI's Impact on Music

03:00 - Legal Challenges and Copyright Issues

06:00 - Class Action Lawsuits Against AI Platforms

09:00 - Independent Artists and AI

12:00 - The Role of Copyright Registration

15:00 - Spotify's Approach to AI Music

18:00 - Fair Use in AI Music

21:00 - Future of the Music Industry

24:00 - Strategies for Artists to Protect Their Work

27:00 - Closing Thoughts and Takeaways

Edited and mixed by Peter Schrupp

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suno and Udio SUED By Indie Musicians - The Lead Attorney Tells All

Enrollment for Ari’s Take Academy CLOSING SOON: https://aristakeacademy.com (use code NMB for 10% off!)

Order THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business here: https://book.aristake.com

This week on the New Music Business, Ari is joined by the founder of Purple Bite PR, Mikel Corrente. In the last few years Corrente adapted a “Zero-Risk” guaranteed or money back system that is very uncommon in the PR industry but it’s more transparent and fairer than the traditional PR system. Some examples of artists and companies that Corrente has worked with are: Sony Music, Kat Graham, Red Light Management, Mix Master Mike, Elohim, Jesse Jo Stark, Lauren Ruth Ward, BIIANCO, and many more.

05:52 Welcome / background

10:20 PR model ten years ago, shifting from publications to playlists

15:55 What PR is and what a publicist does

25:21 Evolution of press rates and artist feedback

31:24 Relationship with fashion and music publication Lady Gun

41:58 Pay-to-play PR model

47:03 What is the point of music press right now?

53:21 Purple Bite’s business model

01:05:03 How Purple Bite guarantees placements

01:09:50 What it means to make it in the New Music Business

Subscribe to The New Music Business: https://aristake.com/nmb

Watch more discussions like this: https://bit.ly/3LavMpa

Connect with Ari’s Take:

Website: https://aristake.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/aristake_

TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@aris.take

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArisTake

YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/aristake1

Connect with Ari Herstand:

Website: https://ariherstand.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ariherstand

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ariherstand

YouTube: https://youtube.com/ariherstand

Connect with Mikel Corrente:

Website: http://purplebite.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/mikelcorrente

TikTok: https://.tiktok.com/@mikelcorrente

Twitter: https://twitter.com/MikelCorrente

Edited and mixed by Maxton Hunter

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

#MusicPR #MusicPress #MusicMarketing

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

​This Music Publicist Has Upended the Entire PR Model

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA), which represents over 1,500 venues nationwide. Together, they discuss the Federal Trade Commission’s lawsuit against Live Nation and Ticketmaster, which alleges deceptive pricing practices that have enabled scalpers to exploit both artists and fans for billions of dollars.

Ari and Stephen break down the logistics of the case, its potential impact on the future of ticketed events, and the incriminating evidence pointing to Live Nation and Ticketmaster’s complicity. They also explore the broader issue of monopoly power in the live music industry, the push to separate the two companies, and the policy and legal strategies that could protect venues, artists, and consumers moving forward.

https://www.nivassoc.org/

https://www.nivassoc.org/fixthetix/model-legislation

5:10 Introduction and Overview of Live Nation's Situation

10:10 FTC Lawsuit Against Live Nation and Ticketmaster

15:10 History of Live Nation and Ticketmaster Merger

20:10 Role of NIVA and Its Advocacy Efforts

25:10 Impact of Ticket Scalping and Resale Practices

30:10 Discussion on Ticketing Reform and Legislative Efforts

35:10 Challenges Faced by Independent Venues

40:10 Artists' Perspectives on Ticketing Issues

45:10 Future of Ticketing and Live Events

50:10 Closing Remarks and Call to Action

Edited and mixed by Peter Schrupp

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The FTC Sues Live Nation and Ticketmaster - NIVA Responds

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Seamus Menihane, CEO and Co-Founder of the merch company, Downright Merch (now known as Armada). This merch company has paid out over $30 million to clients and they currently manage over 250 merch stores for artists including Thrice, Tom Morello and Death Row Records, as well as clients such as Grillo’s Pickles, Every Day Astronaut and Matty Matheson. 

In this episode, Ari and Seamus dig into all things merch. They discuss online versus touring merch sales, fanclubs, pre-sale campaigns, and large-scale transparency issues that come up between venues and promoters. Seamus and Ari also discuss which merch platforms work best for musicians, how to ‘merchandize’ your audience, and the importance of superfans. You’ll also get the inside scoop on Downright’s recent merger with Overcast to create their new brand Armada, and the exciting new ways they plan to operate. 

https://www.poweredbyarmada.com/about

04:14 – Intro

05:29 – Indie Merch Merger

09:44 – Impact of Merger

15:59 – Brand Management

19:14 – Case Examples

24:44 – Online vs. In-Person

29:14 – Online Strategies

35:59 – Tech in Merch

39:14 – Future of D2C

44:14 – Closing

Edited and mixed by Peter Schrupp

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Merch Company Has Paid Artists $30+ Million

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with sisters Jahan and Yasmine Yousaf of the groundbreaking electronic duo, Krewella. Krewella has earned billions of streams, a devoted global fanbase, and a place among the first women in EDM to reach major milestones. Featured on Forbes’ 30 Under 30 and performing at Coachella, Lollapalooza, EDC, Tomorrowland, and beyond, Krewella has left an undeniable mark on the scene. After time with Columbia Records and a brief hiatus, they’ve returned with a new single, “Crying on the Dancefloor.”

Jahan and Yasmine dive deep into the business of music—covering collaborations, royalty splits, AI tools, and the ever-changing industry landscape. They reflect on how much has shifted over the past nine years, offering candid insights on balancing algorithm demands with authentic artistry. Most importantly, they share their perspective on staying true to yourself as an artist—creatively, spiritually, and personally—in an era of constant external pressure.

https://www.instagram.com/krewella/

04:37 – Intro

06:31 – Slower, intentional process

11:18 – Indie team setup

13:49 – Indie vs. major

19:35 – Grow vs. nurture fans, algorithms

31:09 – song death/rebirth, reviving old songs 

35:11 – Collabs & producer roles; splits

45:05 – Remixes/AI/Splice; self-sampling

1:01:05 – Live show: safe, sober, caring

1:08:13 – Making it

Edited and mixed by Peter Schrupp

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Krewella on Collabs in EDM, Going Indie and New Fandom

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Henry Donahue, Executive Director of Save the Music Foundation which focuses to provide equitable access to music education for millions of students nationwide. They do so by donating instruments and music technology to schools, providing resources for music educators and advocating for them on a national level. 

In this episode, Ari and Henry explore the future of music education in 2025 and how to support Save the Music Foundation. Henry shares the history of the J. Dilla Music Technology Grant—launched with Pharrell’s support—and its impact in classrooms nationwide. They discuss the shift from band and theory toward production and technology, the inequities faced by schools of different socio-economic backgrounds, and how we can all help ensure students have access to music today and in the future

https://www.savethemusic.org/

3:19 Introduction

4:19 Role of Music Education in the Industry

8:19 Ari & Henry’s Personal Journeys

13:19 Save the Music Foundation Mission & impact

23:19 Issues in schools

33:19 Cultural Influence: Local culture’s role

43:19 Modern Trends in Tech & Production

53:19 Future: Where music education is headed

58:19 Wrap-up & Call to Action

Edited and mixed by Peter Schrupp

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Save the Music Brings Music Education To Schools in Need

This week on the New Music Business podcast, Ari sits down with Dr. Chayim Newman and Zack Borer, co-founders of Amber Health, an organization dedicated to improving mental health in the music industry. Zack and Dr. Chayim discuss their experience supporting tours for artists like Billie Eilish, Green Day, Olivia Rodrigo, Beyoncé, and more. Their work is reshaping the way the music industry supports the well-being of artists, crew members, and even label teams.

In this candid conversation, Dr. Chayim, Zack, and Ari explore the mental health challenges that come with life on the road, the pressures of performance, and the lack of traditional support systems in music. They also share how Amber Health is working to change that—embedding mental health professionals directly into tours and collaborating with labels to build long-term wellness infrastructure. Dr. Chayim and Zack discuss the specific services offered by Amber Health, their impactful work on Olivia Rodrigo's tour, and the broader implications of mental health support in the industry. This conversation underscores the need for sustainable practices and proactive mental health care to ensure the well-being of everyone in the music business.

www.amber.health

3:34 Introduction and Welcome

4:04 Importance of Mental Health in the Music Industry

8:34 Dr. Chayim Newman's Background and Journey

13:34 Zack Borer's Experience and Transition to Therapy

18:34 Founding and Mission of Amber Health

23:34 Challenges and Mental Health Issues in the Music Industry

28:34 Amber Health's Approach and Services

33:34 Case Study: Olivia Rodrigo's Tour

38:34 Future of Mental Health Support in Music

43:34 Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks

Edited and mixed by Ari Davids

Music by Brassroots District

Produced by the team at Ari’s Take

Order the THIRD EDITION of How to Make It in the New Music Business: https://book.aristake.com

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Who Olivia Rodrigo, Green Day and Beyonce Turn to for Mental Health Services for Their Tours

Michael Walker is a keyboardist for the band Paradise Fears, who made headlines years ago for a thing they called "tour hacking." What they did was sold 24,000 CDs at around $10 in just a few months to fans standing in line for concerts. Not their concerts. This is the DIY method of DIY'ers.

Obviously this tactic doesn't really work anymore, so we talk about the evolution and what that turned into, what his ideas are now, and how you can turn those tour hacking ideas into something that works today. We went deep into marketing concepts, tactics, and human psychology.

4:15 - Selling CDs to people in line at other bands' shows and making more than $100k

13:12 - Going on tour with All Time Low

18:12 - Selling merchandise and building fans through social media

33:24 - Making money and just to make money + the super fan concept

39:10 - What has Michael learned by working with this grassroots band over the past few years? 

47:55 - Facebook Messenger and paid traffic and goals

56:40 - Building effective funnels

1:07:45 - What it means to Michael Walker to make it in the new music business

Connect with Ari’s Take:

Website: https://aristake.com

Academy: https://aristakeacademy.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/aristake_/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@aris.take

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ArisTake

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/aristake1

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/aristake/

Connect with Ari Herstand:

Website: https://ariherstand.com

Instagram: https://instagram.com/ariherstand

Twitter: https://twitter.com/ariherstand

YouTube: https://youtube.com/ariherstand

Facebook: https://facebook.com/ariherstand

Connect with Michael Walker:

Website: https://www.modern-musician.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/themodernmusician/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mjwalker0

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/michaelmodernmusician/

 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They Hacked Their Way on Tour With their Favorite Band by Selling CDs to Fans in Line

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