We break down how to pitch yourself as an artist — from telling your story and defining your “why” to stating your artistic pedigree. Next we also unpack Bob Brody’s piece “Stay True to Yourself – and Fly Closer to the Sun” and his lessons from 50 years of rejection. Then we look at how Portland’s music scene stood up to Live Nation–Ticketmaster, and dive into Spotify’s new ChatGPT integration that’s changing how artists get discovered. Finally, we briefly dunk on Drake for losing his lawsuit against Kendrick Lamar.

• ‘Stay true to yourself – and fly closer to the sun’: what I’ve learned from 50 years of rejection via The Guardian
• Musicians Against Live Nation–Ticketmaster via Jacobin
• Spotify Brings Music Recommendations to ChatGPT Via New Integration via Music Business Worldwide
• ‘KPop Demon Hunters’ Now Has Four Songs in Top 10, a Historic First via Variety
• Sir Lucian Grainge on UMG’s AI policy: ‘We will NOT license AI models that use an artist’s voice without their consent.’ via Music Business Worldwide
• Taylor Swift’s ‘The Life of a Showgirl’ shatters US sales records, dominates singles chart via Music Business Worldwide
• Drake lawsuit against UMG over Kendrick Lamar’s ‘Not Like Us’ dismissed by US court via Music Business Worldwide

Recorded live at Secret Spot DTLA http://secretspotdtla.com

Cameron Ljungkull https://www.cameronljungkull.com

Augustus Watkins https://augustuswatkins.com

Cocaine Opera - Music PR https://cocaineopera.com/

We discuss a marketing masterclass to help you cut through the noise and get your music heard. Then we look at the newest AI detection measures from Spotify, Universal, and Sony Music. We share Ed Sheeran's plan for his posthumous album. Then we deploy our dueling hot takes about ticket prices. Finally, we look at the new D4VD updates (with a CW for violence and grooming).

• Symphonic Masterclass Recap: Fueling Your Next Release with Marketing Drivers by Randi Zimmerman
• Spotify has deleted 75m+ ‘spammy tracks’ – as it unveils new AI music policies
  By Murray Stassen for Music Business Worldwide
• Universal and Sony Music partner with new platform to detect AI music copyright theft using ‘groundbreaking neural fingerprinting’ technology by Daniel Tencer for Music Business Worldwide
• Ed Sheeran Says Wife Cherry Will Help Him Select Songs for Posthumous Album Eject: 'It's Actually in My Will' By Marina Watts for People
• Spotify is Now in Serato DJ
• "Ticketmaster CEO says concert tickets are too cheap!"
• Justin Bieber has made history as the highest-paid performer in Coachella
• Even, direct to fan Platform expands

Recorded live at Secret Spot DTLA http://secretspotdtla.com

Cameron Ljungkull https://www.cameronljungkull.com

Augustus Watkins https://augustuswatkins.com

Cocaine Opera - Music PR https://cocaineopera.com/

We answer one of the most commonly asked questions in music: how do I legally cover other people's songs? Hint: it's easier than you think! Then we take a deep dive into all the agencies, labels, artists, and genres behind this year's Coachella, and what the data reveals about the state of the music industry. Next we discuss tools and strategies for avoiding burnout when it comes to the business side of your career. Then some news about Kate Hudson, Green Day, and songwriter Julia Michaels' new label, GFY Records. And an update on the D4VD story.

BONUS: We got through an entire episode without talking about AI!

• Who Booked Coachella? The companies & data behind 2026's lineup by Mark Williamson, CEO of The ROSTR Group
• How To Build a Scalable Music Business Without Selling Your Soul
  by Randi Zimmerman for Symphonic Blog
• Cops Search House for Near Tesla D4VD Location via TMZ
• Green Day References 'Boogie Nights' Dialog During Acceptance Speech at iHeartRadio Music Awards

Recorded live at Secret Spot DTLA http://secretspotdtla.com

Cameron Ljungkull https://www.cameronljungkull.com

Augustus Watkins https://augustuswatkins.com

Cocaine Opera - Music PR https://cocaineopera.com/