Breaking Down the Biz
Business & Finance
About
On Breaking Down the Biz, we simplify the big stuff in the business of music , entertainment, and technology. Industry insider Seth Schachner (ex Sony Music, Microsoft, AOL, Universal Music) brings you a bite-sized, insider’s guide to how the industry really works. Each week Seth is joined by the insiders who are making culture happen - the brains behind your favorite artists, movies, and media companies. Ever wondered how Apple helped save the music industry? What actually happened with those Taylor Swift tickets? And how did Bad Bunny go from unknown to global superstar? From timely breakdowns to the biggest ind...
Episodes
- Do We Have A 4th Major Label? Inside the BMG/Concord Merger with Tom Truitt
The BMG and Concord merger creates a potential fourth major music label, prompting analysis of its impact on competition, artists, and the ownership of music catalogs. Consultant Tom Truitt and Seth Schachner discuss the differences betwee…
- What Does A Music Manager Do? With the Legendary Ron Stone
Ron Stone, a music manager with five decades of experience representing artists like Bob Dylan, Nirvana, and The Eagles, shares insights on the evolving music industry, from vinyl to streaming, and discusses strategies for success. The epi…
- MIchael Jackson, Noah Kahan, & AI In Hollywood
This episode covers a Michael Jackson biopic, new music from Noah Kahan, Foo Fighters, and U2, and examines AI's role in entertainment, particularly concerning talent interests.
- Why Apple Made A Song 99 Cents, with Paul Vidich
Paul Vidich discusses the strategy behind Apple
- A Verdict On Ticketmaster, with John Chu
Legal expert John Chu discusses the recent settlement between the DOJ, states, and Live Nation/Ticketmaster. The discussion covers how this settlement may reshape the live entertainment industry and ticketing ecosystem.
- Kerry Gordy on Motown, Major Labels, and Sunday Best
Kerry Gordy shares his experiences growing up at Motown and navigating the modern music industry, including discussions on major labels, distribution, and the Netflix documentary 'Sunday Best'. Seth Schachner hosts this episode of Breaking…
- Paramount Merger, UMG Music, & Coachella, with Michelle 'Bizzy' Bell
Seth Schachner and brand strategist Michelle Bell explore how brands are turning festivals into marketing zones, impacting the music industry and fan experience. They also briefly discuss the Paramount merger and a potential WMG takeover.
- The Power of Emerging Music Markets, with Alfonso Perez Soto
Alfonso Perez Soto and host Seth Shachner explore the impact of local competitors and digital giants on emerging music markets. They discuss YouTube's role in India, Africa, and the Middle East, the rise of platforms like Boomplay, and the…
- Live Nation & Social Media Trial
This episode covers the Live Nation antitrust lawsuit, with 33 states pursuing claims of monopoly practices. It also discusses trial verdicts that may require social media platforms like Meta and YouTube to increase content moderation.
- The Rise and Fall of Music Journalism | Ira Robbins
This episode features Ira Robbins, founder of Trouser Press, discussing the shift in music journalism from print to digital. They explore how the industry has adapted, the influence of DIY ethics from the 70s punk scene, and the role of cr…
- Ivy on Music, Loss, & Legacy
This episode features Ivy discussing their musical journey, from analog to digital, navigating the industry, and facing personal loss. Insights on resilience, creativity, and the future of music are shared.
- How iTunes Saved The Music Industry
This episode of Breaking Down the Biz discusses the music industry's shift from physical to digital, highlighting the crucial role of iTunes in combating piracy and transforming revenue models. Industry veteran Thomas Hesse shares insights…
- Why Latin Music Grew to Dominate Streaming
This episode of Breaking Down the Biz features Bruno Del Granado discussing the global rise of Latin music on streaming platforms. It covers how artists like Ricky Martin and Bad Bunny achieve success through cultural authenticity and digi…
- Breaking Down the Biz Trailer
This is a trailer for the podcast "Breaking Down the Biz" with host Seth Schachner. The podcast aims to simplify the business of music, entertainment, and technology by featuring industry insiders and discussing major industry events.