#300 - Dan Melnick: Leveraging Tech Without Losing the Heart of Music
Dan Melnick is the General Manager of Bandcamp, a platform empowering artists to sell their music and connect directly with fans. Before joining Bandcamp, Dan co-founded Reverb, the leading online marketplace for musical instruments. A lifelong musician and entrepreneur, Dan is deeply passionate about artist empowerment, music technology, and community-building in the evolving landscape of the music industry.In this episode, Dan shares how artists can build sustainable careers by connecting directly with their fans and embracing the tools of the modern music industry.Key Takeaways:Learn how to cultivate genuine fan relationships that drive long-term success.Discover how Bandcamp’s artist-first model helps musicians thrive in today’s landscape.Gain insight into music marketing strategies that actually work—from merchandise to messaging.---→ Explore Dan’s work and Bandcamp’s artist tools at https://bandcamp.comBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
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#299 - Tom Rogers: Transforming Music Education Through Interactive Technology
Tom Rogers is the Co-founder and CEO of MusicGurus, an innovative online music education platform that partners with world-class musicians to deliver interactive lessons to learners worldwide. With a background in economics from the University of Oxford and experience in strategy and management consulting, Tom has fused his passion for music and technology to make high-quality music education accessible to everyone. Under his leadership, MusicGurus has become a trusted destination for musicians looking to grow their skills and connect through engaging and effective learning experiences. In this episode, Tom shares how MusicGurus is transforming online music education through interactive technology, personalized learning, and new opportunities for artists.Key Takeaways:How MusicGurus uses AI and interactive tools to create personalized learning paths for musiciansWhy artists should leverage educational content to connect more deeply with their audienceThe surprising role of sheet music and community in modern music learning habits---→ Explore MusicGurus and connect with Tom at www.musicgurus.comBook an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
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#298 - Adam Stark: Turning Movement into Music with MiMU Gloves
Adam Stark is the Managing Director and Head of Technology at MiMU Gloves, the groundbreaking wearable tech company he co-founded with Grammy-winning artist Imogen Heap. With a background as a computer scientist, researcher, and musician, Adam's work focuses on bridging human movement and digital sound, enabling artists to control music and visuals using expressive hand gestures. MiMU Gloves have been used by performers around the world—from global pop stars to avant-garde creators—revolutionizing the way music is performed and experienced.In this episode, Adam shares how wearable gesture-controlled tech is reshaping musical performance and expression.Key Takeaways:Discover how MiMU Gloves turn physical gestures into precise musical and visual control.Learn why transparency and expressiveness in tech-driven performances matter more than ever.Explore the exciting potential of neural interfaces, AR/VR, and the future of immersive music creation. ---→ Learn more about Adam Stark and MiMU Gloves at mimugloves.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
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#297 - Brianna DeMayo: The Artist Development Blueprint No One Talks About
Brianna DeMayo is an artist development and music marketing expert with over a decade of experience helping independent artists build sustainable careers. As the founder of Taste Creators, she empowers artists to take ownership of their platforms, deepen fan engagement, and treat their careers like businesses. Brianna's hands-on approach includes branding, community building, and data-driven strategies that put artists in control of their growth and income. Her mission is to guide artists beyond short-term hype and into long-term success through smart, foundational planning.In this episode, Brianna DeMayo shares why genuine fan relationships, brand clarity, and owning your audience are the pillars of a sustainable music career.Key Takeaways:Discover why most artists misunderstand what they really need to grow—and how to fix it.Learn the essential elements of a fan funnel that leads to lasting income and deeper engagement.Understand why branding and data ownership aren't optional—they're foundational for long-term success.---→ Learn more about Brianna and Taste Creators at tastecreators.com.Book an Artist Breakthrough Session with the Modern Musician team: https://apply.modernmusician.me/podcast
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#296 - Mark Meharry: Own Your Data, Own Your Career
Mark Meharry is the founder and CEO of Music Glue, a global direct-to-fan e-commerce platform empowering artists to sell music, merch, and tickets while maintaining full control over their brand, data, and revenue. With over two decades of experience at the intersection of music and tech—and a background as a musician himself—Mark has helped thousands of artists, including Metallica, Idles, and Lauv, build sustainable, independent careers by connecting directly with their fans.In this episode, Mark breaks down how artists can future-proof their careers by owning their fan relationships.Key Takeaways:Why owning your fan data is essential to building a thriving, independent music career How direct-to-fan platforms like Music Glue create freedom and control for artists The irreplaceable value of human connection in an increasingly AI-driven music industry---→ Learn more about Mark and MusicGlue at www.musicglue.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.