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  • Stop Chasing Virality with Mark Roberge

    Stop Chasing Virality with Mark Roberge
    Apr 1 2026
    In this episode, host Max Bernstein sits down with Mark Roberge, a musician, founder of FanFlowy, to break down the systems-driven approach behind building a sustainable music career in today’s industry. He is also the co-founder of Make Our Music and serves as CEO of Bamrock Entertainment and Prospect Hill Entertainment.Mark shares how artists can move beyond chasing virality and instead build predictable, scalable growth using marketing funnels, fan acquisition strategies, and automation. Drawing from his experience as both a touring musician and tech founder, he explains why Spotify followers, not just monthly listeners, are the key metric for long-term revenue, and how independent artists can realistically generate six-figure incomes through a combination of streaming, merch, and live shows.Together, Max and Mark explore how to treat music like an e-commerce business, why owning your audience is critical, and how to turn casual listeners into lifelong superfans through intentional systems and storytelling.Key TakeawaysWhy Spotify followers matter more than monthly listeners for long-term incomeHow to build a full-funnel marketing system for music (ads → fans → superfans)The role of merch, live shows, and community in maximizing fan lifetime valueHow automation and tools like FanFlowy reduce workload while scaling growthWhy consistency, not virality, is the foundation of a sustainable music careerKey Timestamps00:00 – Followers vs. monthly listeners: the metric that actually drives revenue01:24 – How 50K Spotify followers can translate into $100K+ annual income04:20 – Building real fans vs. chasing viral moments06:46 – Applying e-commerce funnels to music marketing19:29 – What high-converting ads for artists actually look like23:18 – Inside the fan journey: from signup to superfandom31:26 – Using SMS, email, and automation to nurture fans37:55 – How much work artists actually need to put in41:26 – Final thoughts - where to connectFollow Our Guest, Mark RobergeMake Our Music website: https://www.makeourmusic.com/ Make Our Music LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/make-our-music/FanFlowy Website: https://fanflowy.com/Mark Roberge LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-roberge/Prospect Hill Entertainment LLC Website: https://prospecthillband.com/Bamrock Entertainment LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bamrock-entertainment/Make Our Music Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makeourmusicMake Our Music Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/makeourmusicMake Our Music Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@makeourmusicFollow the Host Max Bernstein:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mberns01/X: https://x.com/relationlcoFollow RELATIONL:Website: https://www.relationl.co/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@relationlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relationl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relationlco/
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    39 Min.
  • The Team Energy Fix for Music Leaders to Stop Burnout Fast with Marni Wandner

    The Team Energy Fix for Music Leaders to Stop Burnout Fast with Marni Wandner
    Mar 13 2026
    In this episode, host Max Bernstein sits down with Marni Wandner, founder of Future Present, to explore how leadership, burnout prevention, and human-centered systems can reshape the way the music industry works.Drawing from her journey through artist management, running a successful marketing agency, experiencing burnout, and ultimately building a coaching and consulting practice, Marni introduces the Five Archetypes framework, based on the Chinese elements, as a practical tool for understanding behavior, communication styles, and stress responses.Together, Max and Marni unpack how self-awareness improves collaboration, why energy management is more important than time management, and how companies can scale sustainably by designing systems that support people, not just output.Key TakeawaysWhat the Five Archetypes (Wood, Fire, Earth, Metal, Water) reveal about leadership and decision-makingHow burnout shows up differently depending on personality and stress responseWhy self-awareness is the foundation of better collaboration and communicationHow to manage energy sustainably in high-pressure creative environmentsWhy healthy systems, not hustle are the key to long-term success in musicKey Timestamps00:00 – What is Future Present and the philosophy behind the work02:08 – How Marni works with music companies and creative teams04:31 – Integrating neuroscience, leadership, and the Five Archetypes12:00 – Inside the Five Archetypes assessment and group sessions15:08 – Live archetype analysis of Max’s leadership style23:22 – Using archetypes to make better decisions under pressure26 24 – Can archetypes change over time? Nature vs. nurture35:04 – Burnout risk, stress tolerance, and resilience46:56 – Energy management, systems, and avoiding constant fire drills56:32 – Real-world company transformation case study59:08 – Mergers, acquisitions, and human-centered integrationFollow Our Guest, Marni WandnerFuture Present website: https://www.futurepresentco.com/Marni Wandner LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marniwandner/Marni Wandner Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marniwandner/Future Present Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurepresentco/Follow the Host Max Bernstein:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mberns01/X: https://x.com/relationlcoFollow RELATIONL:Website: https://www.relationl.co/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@relationlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relationl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relationlco/
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    1 Std.
  • Your Lost Music Royalties with Jamie Hart

    Your Lost Music Royalties with Jamie Hart
    Feb 26 2026
    In this episode, host Max Bernstein sits down with Jamie Dee Hart founder of Hart & Songs, a music rights management expert who helps artists, writers, and management teams clean up registrations and collect the royalties they’re owed. Jamie breaks down the real-world consequences of skipping “boring admin” from unclaimed royalties that can expire after a limited retroactive window to situations where someone else claims your work in YouTube Content ID.Together, they walk through what actually needs to happen once a song is finished and released, collecting writer info and IPI numbers, locking in splits, registering songs with PROs and the MLC, setting up YouTube publishing monetization, and making sure sound recording royalties like SoundExchange aren’t missed. They also discuss how independent artists and managers can keep their catalog clean, avoid royalty delays, and be better positioned when opportunities and deals come along.Key Takeaways:Unregistered songs can forfeit past royalties after a limited retroactive windowSplit discrepancies can pause payouts until all parties agree to amendmentsPub admins help collect key royalties you can’t easily collect yourself (incl. YouTube publishing-side)Proper metadata (IPI, publisher info, ISRC) is essential for tracking and matchingManager checklist: PRO + pub admin + YouTube/Content ID coverage + SoundExchange performer setupKey Timestamps:00:00:00 - Jamie’s background in rights management00:04:57 - What artists lose when they don’t register00:07:10 - The retroactive window (why older streams can be gone)00:10:54 - Why a publishing admin is critical00:17:47 - Top-to-bottom workflow: splits, PRO, admin, ISRC00:21:06 - How split disputes delay royalties00:32:35 - YouTube, Music Reports/Peloton, SoundExchange, neighboring rights58:08:07 - Jamie’s 3-month cleanup + training approach01:01:00 - notes.fm and the “catalog health check” ideaFollow our guest, Jamie Dee Hart:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamiedhart/Hart & Songs LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/hart-and-songs/Hart & Songs Website: https://www.hartandsongs.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jamiedeehart/?hl=enFollow the Host Max Bernstein:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mberns01/X: https://x.com/relationlcoFollow RELATIONL:Website: https://www.relationl.co/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@relationlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relationl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relationlco/
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    1 Std. und 4 Min.
  • The One Person Record Company with Alexander Ciccimarro

    The One Person Record Company with Alexander Ciccimarro
    Feb 12 2026
    In this episode, host Max Bernstein welcomes Alexander Ciccimarro, Vice President of Marketing at RCA Records, to talk about the evolution of music marketing, artist branding, and the operational systems powering today’s record labels. From orchestrating viral blog-era moments to championing AI-driven label workflows, Alexander unpacks how he navigated a career from mixtape culture to music executive leadership.Together, they explore the critical role of systems design in the modern music business, the future of small, agile record labels, and why the labels of tomorrow will be built on a single source of truth. This episode is essential for marketers, artists, and operators rethinking how the industry can scale human creativity through smart infrastructure.Key Takeaways:How early message boards and viral rap moments launched Alexander into music marketingThe story behind launching Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” and other early Atlantic Records winsWhy “Same Plate” focused on fair, profit-sharing deals and the ethos of “Everyone Eats”How AI, no-code tools, and centralized systems are transforming label operationsWhy the future of music will be run by “rainmakers” empowered by lean teams and AIKey Timestamps:00:00 - Introduction to Alexander Ciccimarro04:40 - Hustling between NYC and ATL with Two-9 and Fatman Key13:10 - Launching Same Plate with a mission-driven label model19:00 - Fair deal structures and building the “Everyone Eats” ethos27:00 - Evolving personal branding and leadership in the digital age34:00 - Vision for the future: systems over chaos in label operations41:40 - Why AI won’t replace people, but systems will empower them47:00 - The single source of truth as the foundation of future labels49:00 - Final thoughts on systems, training, and the human-AI bridgeFollow our guest, Alexander Ciccimarro:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-ciccimarro-4185ba80/RCA Records LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rca-records/RCA Records Website: https://www.rcarecords.com/Follow the Host Max Bernstein:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mberns01/X: https://x.com/relationlcoFollow RELATIONL:Website: https://www.relationl.co/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@relationlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relationl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relationlco/
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    49 Min.
  • How The GRAMMYS Work with Dr. Chelsey Green

    How The GRAMMYS Work with Dr. Chelsey Green
    Jan 29 2026
    In this episode, host Max Bernstein sits down with Dr. Chelsey Green, a genre-crossing violinist, educator, and now Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Recording Academy. Known for her work as a classical and contemporary musician, Dr. Chelsey shares how a spontaneous open-mic performance led her down a transformative path, from performing with a touring R&B band to shaping the future of the music industry.This episode provides an inside look at what the Recording Academy does beyond the Grammy Awards, encompassing music education, professional development, advocacy, and global outreach. Dr. Chelsey also examines the Academy's stance on AI in music, the impact of peer-voted recognition, and why this moment is critical for community building and connectivity in the industry.Key Takeaways:How Chelsey Green transitioned from classical violinist to Chair of the Recording Academy BoardWhat the Recording Academy really does beyond the Grammy AwardsHow independent artists can submit music and earn nominationsWhy ethical AI and global connection are central to the Academy’s future visionHow creators and industry executives alike can plug into their local Recording Academy chaptersKey Timestamps:00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Chelsey Green02:37 – From open mic surprise to R&B bandleader05:21 – The Recording Academy’s mission beyond the Grammys10:15 – How creators can join and participate15:19 – How Chelsey's Grammy perspective has evolved19:12 – Demystifying the Grammy voting process22:07 – Grammy wins and the independent artist career boost30:36 – The potential and pitfalls of AI in music34:06 – Final thoughts for industry leaders and creatorsFollow our guest, Dr. Chelsey Green:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchelseygreen/Website: https://www.chelseygreen.com/, https://www.recordingacademy.com/, https://www.grammy.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchelseygreen/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenProjectTGP/Follow the Host Max Bernstein:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mberns01/X: https://x.com/relationlcoFollow RELATIONL:Website: https://www.relationl.co/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@relationlLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relationl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relationlco/
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    37 Min.
  • Airtable vs Notion with Alessandro Viola

    Airtable vs Notion with Alessandro Viola
    Jan 21 2026

    In this episode, host Max Bernstein talks with Alessandro Viola, a classically trained percussionist turned low-code systems architect at Warner Classics. Alessandro shares his unique journey from growing up immersed in classical music to building internal software systems that are transforming the way classical record labels operate.

    He offers a rare look behind the curtain of the classical music industry, discussing how rights management and marketing works in the Classics genre. The conversation also dives deep into the no-code/low-code world, comparing tools like Notion and Airtable, and exploring how tech-savvy creatives can build impactful tools within their companies, often without writing a single line of code.

    Key Takeaways:

    1. How Alessandro transitioned from performer to tech lead at a major label
    2. What it means to manage 400+ years of music in the modern recording industry
    3. The role of classical music in today’s streaming and performance landscape
    4. How Airtable and Notion stack up for internal system building and knowledge management
    5. Why low-code tools are becoming essential infrastructure across creative industries

    Key Timestamps:

    00:00 - Introduction to Alessandro Viola

    03:30 - Ownership and public domain of classical music catalogs

    09:00 - Classical music and pop music crossovers (Rosalía)

    13:00 - The future of classical music and modern trends

    17:26 - Building tools with Airtable and no-code platforms at Warner

    32:36 - setting-up tools with extra functionalities

    45:00 - Closing thoughts on the future of low-code/no-code tools like notion and airtable

    Follow our guest, Alessandro Viola:

    1. Alessandro’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ale-viola/
    2. Warner Music Group’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warner-music-group/
    3. Warner Music Group Website: https://www.wmg.com/

    Follow the Host Max Bernstein:

    1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mberns01/
    2. X: https://x.com/relationlco

    Follow RELATIONL:

    1. Website: https://www.relationl.co/
    2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relationl/
    3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relationlco/
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    44 Min.
  • AI vs Human Creativity with Jack Guppy

    AI vs Human Creativity with Jack Guppy
    Jan 14 2026
    In this episode, host Max Bernstein talks to Jack Guppy, a former musician turned data analyst at Spinnin' Records. Jack’s journey from producing music in his bedroom to working with one of the most recognized dance labels in the world is both fascinating and insightful. Jack shares how his early passion for computer science and music production eventually led him to discover a career in data analytics.At Spinnin', Jack works on streamlining A&R processes using data tools, scraping Spotify and TikTok data to discover new trends and artists. He explains how AI is helping uncover opportunities in the music business, but also stresses the importance of human creativity in driving innovation in the industry. Jack gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how the music business has evolved in the digital age and offers tips for creatives on how to adapt, persevere, and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.Key Takeaways:Jack’s career transition from a recording artist to a data analyst at Spinnin’ RecordsThe role of data analytics in discovering emerging music trends and artistsHow AI is shaping the future of music production, but the enduring importance of human creativityJack’s experiences working with major dance music labels and how they balance agility with major-label infrastructureThe story behind Jack’s friend's success with "Wellerman" and its viral rise on TikTokPractical advice for aspiring creatives on navigating the music industry and the power of persistence and reinventionKey Timestamps:[00:00] – Jack’s unique transition from creative music to data analytics[01:00] – Advice for creatives looking to break into the music industry[02:25] – Jack’s career evolution from artist to business degree holder[06:15] – Opportunities and experimentation at Spinnin' Records[10:50] – what big break means to Jack[19:58] – Airtable’s influence on team collaboration and data management[23:51] – The future of AI in music discovery and production[27:21] – AI’s role in solving problems and creating opportunities[31:10] – Final thoughts on balancing AI and human creativity[36:46] – The importance of iterating and adapting to find success[37:53] – Success compounds over time through growth and learningFollow our guest, Jack Guppy:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackguppy/Spinnin' Records LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spinnin-records/Spinnin' Records website: https://www.spinninrecords.com/Follow the Host Max Bernstein:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mberns01/X: https://x.com/relationlcoFollow RELATIONL:Website: https://www.relationl.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relationl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relationlco/
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    39 Min.
  • The Digital Marketing Gatekeeper with Charlie Buffin

    The Digital Marketing Gatekeeper with Charlie Buffin
    Jan 7 2026
    In this episode, Max Bernstein sits down with Charlie Buffin, founder of Spark Media, for a conversation that spans the explosive rise of influencer marketing, the business of digital creators, and launching an animated YouTube IP with global impact. Charlie shares his journey from a college entrepreneur managing teenage creators during the Musical.ly era to becoming a multi-platform creator agency leader and children’s content executive. He discusses how Spark Media supports brands and creators alike with end-to-end campaign services, why creator autonomy is non-negotiable, and how his Nigeria-based animation team helped build OmoBerry, a kids' edutainment YouTube channel that just crossed a billion views.Charlie also opens up about entrepreneurship, risk-taking, the importance of long-term thinking, and the core value that drives all his ventures: kindness. This is a masterclass in scaling creator businesses while staying grounded in values and vision.Key TakeawaysThe Evolution from Musical.ly to TikTok: How Charlie spotted early signals of TikTok’s potential and built Spark Media into a premier creator agency.Creator-Led Campaigns Drive Results: Why letting creators lead content strategy yields more authentic and effective brand integrations.Case Study: Skechers on TikTok: Behind-the-scenes of one of Spark’s most successful influencer campaigns during COVID.Building OmoBerry from Scratch: How Charlie co-founded a billion-view kids’ YouTube channel with a Nigerian animation team.Real Talk on Entrepreneurship: Lessons on risk, patience, and trusting your gut from someone who’s never had a boss.Key Timestamps00:00 – "Welcome to the show! Today, Charlie Buffin shares how he helped grow Addison Rae and Charli D'Amelio's TikTok accounts to 200K followers in just weeks."02:20 – The early days of Musical.ly and working with young influencers.08:05 – Spark Media now manages a diverse roster of 50 creators across platforms.16:00 – How aspiring creators can still break through if they’re creative.19:43 – Revenue through YouTube AdSense and merchandise for Omo Berry.25:50 – The importance of kindness in building long-term success.33:50 – Final thoughts on building a business and compounding skills.34:44 – Best way to get in touch with Charlie.Follow Our Guest, Charlie BuffinCharlie’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/charlesbuffin/Charlie’s X: https://x.com/charlie_buffinLinkedIn Spark Media: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sparkmediala/OmoBerry - https://www.youtube.com/@OmoBerryCharlie’s Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/charlie_buffin/?hl=enChasing Clout Podcast Aug 14, 2019 - Are CGI Influencers the Real Thing?https://open.spotify.com/episode/3BLupLMYjYTi6yiWVpThys?si=75ae3f38f0d44baaFollow the Host Max Bernstein:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mberns01/X: https://x.com/relationlcoFollow RELATIONL:Website: https://www.relationl.co/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relationl/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/relationlco/
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    35 Min.