Posts by Rhian Jones

‘A lot of people are advocating for changes in the models of existing streaming services. I feel like that ship has sailed.’

MBW's Inspiring Women series talks to Vickie Nauman about her career at the crossroads between music and technology, from Napster to Web3

Interviews

‘This is an industry where fast-talk is acceptable and double-talk is expected. But everything comes back around.’

MBW’s Inspiring Women series interviews Mari Davies, Live Nation Urban’s VP of Booking and Talent, about her career to date, and challenges in the live music business

Interviews

‘Being a publisher in 2023 is so different to what it was previously — you can’t just sit there and hope the song’s value will be appreciated, you’ve got to do the work.’

MBW's Inspiring Women series interviews Warner Chappell Music COO and Co-Chair Carianne Marshall

Interviews

‘A&R is not just about the music, it takes empathy and care and a desire to make things happen.’

Rima Tahini, Director of A&R for Nigeria-based label, Mavin Records, discusses lessons learned across her career and challenges in the African music market

Interviews

‘Streaming has unshackled us to compete and unshackled artists to be heard.’

Mom + Pop founders discuss the development of the label and the challenges that come with working in the independent market today

Interviews

Jane Third: What I Wish I’d Known

Jane Third recalls the lessons learned across her career…

Interviews

‘We’re trying to create an ecosystem that allows African artists to have long term careers in music.’

MBW's World Leaders series interviews the founders of Lagos, Nigeria and UK-based NATIVE Records

Interviews

‘Anytime you’re that artist who’s a bit disruptive, it makes people uncomfortable.’

Kane Brown manager Martha Earls discusses breaking down barriers in Nashville, lessons learned across her career and much more besides

Interviews

‘A one size fits all approach in music is holding back creativity.’

Corite COO Emelie Olsson discusses the future of the platform, the evolution of audience-power in music, Web3 and much more besides

Interviews

‘The more inclusive we become, the more successful we will be.’

Doreen Schimk, co-President of Warner Music Central Europe, discusses gender equality in music, bringing German hip-hop to the global stage, and much more besides

Interviews

‘Artists know best. Trust them and they will usually steer you in the right direction.’

Jacqueline Saturn discusses her ambitions for Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, lessons learned across her career, the evolution of the distribution space and much more besides.

Analysis Blog

‘Why the ‘tortured artist’ cliché needs to get in the bin.’

Rhian Jones challenges a well-worn music industry trope, and surveys the damaging effect it can have on creative careers...

Interviews

‘Music has always been my safe haven, it kept me off the streets and it kept me dreaming big.’

Swizz Beatz discusses growing up in the South Bronx, his approach to production, working with artists and much more besides.

Interviews

‘Your ambition for an artist has to match their ambition for themselves.’

Lanre Gaba was promoted to one of the most important positions at Atlantic Records – Co-President of Black Music – earlier this year. She's paid her dues to get there.

Interviews

‘In 2022, you have to be dynamic and good at everything.’

The co-founders of Frame Artists discuss what makes a good talent manager in the modern age – and how the music biz should evolve in the years ahead…