#325 - Ray Hamilton, Addis Luv & Kris Heaton: Insider Secrets to Landing Major Label and Sync Deals
Ray Hamilton is the founder and CEO of Merf Music Group and Song Placement Pros, renowned for connecting songwriters with major-label artists and sync opportunities across film, TV, and streaming. His development work has led to placements with Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Trisha Yearwood, and Eric Church. Joining him are two of his standout collaborators—Addis Luv, a Trinidad-born artist blending Caribbean roots with modern country flair, and Kris Heaton, a veteran rock/pop songwriter whose charting hits and heartfelt storytelling define his decades-long career.In this episode, Ray Hamilton, Addis Luv, and Kris Heaton share how collaboration, mentorship, and persistence can take a song from an independent idea to major placements and global audiences.Key Takeaways:How Merf Music Group and Song Placement Pros turn songwriting potential into placement-ready success stories.The artist’s journey—from Addis Luv’s Caribbean-country sound to Kris Heaton’s rock storytelling—and how authentic expression attracts industry attention.Actionable advice on pitching songs, navigating sync and label placements, and building career momentum through mentorship.---→ Learn more about Ray, Addis and Kris at: SongPlacementPros.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
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#324 – Andy Baker: Crowdfunding, Community, and Creative Freedom
Andy Baker is the founder of Sound Consultancy, a UK-based artist development agency under Resound Media. Since 2010, he’s been helping independent musicians craft great records, strengthen their brands, and promote their music on their own terms. As the creator of Rocket Fuel, Andy has helped artists raise over $1 million to fund albums, tours, and creative projects—empowering them to build sustainable careers without relying on traditional labels.In this episode, Andy shares how independent artists can take back control of their careers through ownership, planning, and community-building.Key Takeaways:How to design a crowdfunding campaign that actually converts fans into supportersWhy having a clear mission, offer, and audience is essential for long-term successThe proven framework that helps artists stay “in the driver’s seat” of their music career---→ Learn more about Andy and Rocket Fuel, visit rocketfuelhq.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
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#323 - Sara Campbell: Goal Setting and Mindset Shifts for Music Entrepreneurs
Sara Campbell is a business, marketing, and mindset coach dedicated to empowering independent music educators and creatives. As the founder of Savvy Music Studio, she helps musicians and teachers build thriving, sustainable businesses rooted in authenticity and balance. With her signature BravePants Branding program, Sara equips her clients to grow visibility, income, and confidence—without the burnout. Drawing from her years of experience as both a performer and educator, she’s passionate about helping music professionals design a life and career that truly align with their values.In this episode, Sara Campbell joins Michael Walker to reveal how music educators and creators can blend business strategy with authenticity to build a sustainable career doing what they love.Key Takeaways:Discover how aligning your teaching style with your personal “why” leads to authentic growth and fulfillment.Learn how to design a sustainable plan for income and audience growth through goal setting and multiple revenue streams.Understand why building a community you own is key to long-term success in today’s music landscape.---→ Learn more about Sara’s work at SavvyMusicStudio.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
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#322 - Jesse Kirshbaum: Turning Cultural Trends into Career Momentum
Jesse Kirshbaum is the powerhouse founder and CEO of Nue Agency, a creative firm redefining the intersection of music, branding, and technology. Known for shaping cultural movements through platforms like SoundCtrl and CRWN, Jesse has championed artist-driven storytelling that bridges creators, culture, and brands. With his acclaimed newsletter Beats + Bytes, he’s become one of LinkedIn’s most influential voices in music-tech, offering deep insights into where the creator economy is headed. His work continues to empower artists to innovate, collaborate, and stand out in a noisy digital world.In this episode, Jesse Kirshbaum shares how indie artists can break through the noise by thinking like brands, building authentic communities, and harnessing cultural trends to create lasting impact.Key Takeaways:Discover how to position yourself as a brand that attracts opportunities, not just streams.Learn how to leverage storytelling, partnerships, and context to create career-defining moments.Understand why curiosity, consistency, and collaboration are essential in the evolving creator economy.---→ Learn more about Jesse and his work at Nue Agency at nueagency.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
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#321 - Aël Guégan: The Art of Smart Growth for Indie Artists
Aël Guégan is the Partnerships Executive at Soundcharts, where he blends design and data to empower artists with clear, actionable insights. A former radio professional turned analytics innovator, Aël helps artists, labels, and managers make smarter creative and business decisions using real-time performance tracking. From radio spins to social trends, he transforms complex data into meaningful strategy. When not building dashboards that decode the industry, Aël can be found singing operettas in Paris or spearfishing along the Brittany coast.In this episode, learn how to use data as a creative ally—not a burden—to grow your music career with confidence.Key Takeaways:How indie artists can use analytics to plan smarter releases and reach new audiences.Why understanding your data helps you pitch more effectively to labels and media.How tools like Soundcharts simplify complex metrics into actionable growth strategies.---→ Learn more about Aël and explore Soundcharts at soundcharts.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
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.
New Zealand