The Music Business Buddy

Imagine being at the centre of a musical universe, where every note and beat needs to align perfectly with the artist's vision, yet allow for spontaneity and magic. That's the everyday reality for Martin "Magic" Johnson, an extraordinary musical director whose journey from drummer to esteemed director has equipped him with unparalleled insights into the world of live musical performances. Join us as Magic lifts the curtain on the vital role of a musical director, sharing how he deftly navigates the challenges of working with artists and producers to create seamless live shows, all while ensuring that the groove takes center stage.
Discover the art of musical preparation and organization as Magic reveals his secrets for orchestrating unforgettable live performances. His philosophy of fostering musical flexibility among band members while managing technical intricacies like playback rigs and backup systems serves as a blueprint for aspiring musical directors. Magic's knack for "fixing" musicians by selecting the right talent underscores the complexity of his role, where quick decision-making and a deep understanding of musical dynamics are crucial. We explore how his extensive background as a drummer and engineer informs his executive decisions, often made without direct artist consultation.
The conversation extends beyond music, touching on the logistical hurdles of touring and the unique perspective drummers bring to leadership roles. Magic shares his experiences with travel logistics, technology, and the evolving music industry landscape, offering invaluable advice for those eager to follow in his footsteps. He champions the importance of balancing technical proficiency with emotional instinct, highlighting the unpredictable moments that make live music special. Through Magic's stories and experiences, we get a glimpse into the heart and soul that drives unforgettable performances, reminding us that the true magic of music lies in its ability to connect and inspire.

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Websites
www.jonnyamos.com
https://themusicbusinessbuddy.buzzsprout.com
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/themusicbusinessbuddypodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/jonny_amos/
Email
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Songwriters seeking to break into lucrative East Asian music markets face unique challenges and opportunities that differ dramatically from Western practices. This deep dive explores the mechanics behind getting your songs cut with artists in Japan, South Korea, and China – three powerhouse territories that consistently rank among the world's top 10 music markets.
The pathway to success requires navigating a specific chain: songwriters connect with publishers in their home country who partner with sub-publishers in Asia, who then pitch to entertainment agencies and record labels. Without these established relationships, Western songwriters face nearly insurmountable barriers to entry. China primarily operates as a "buyout market" where songwriters receive larger upfront payments but minimal backend royalties, while Japan and South Korea function more similarly to Western markets with performance and mechanical royalties flowing back to creators.
When your song is selected for an artist, prepare for translation considerations that maintain your melody while adapting lyrics to fit languages that are typically more syllabically rhythmic than English. This translation process affects song splits, with translators receiving portions of copyright – a standard practice that publishers manage. Production standards must be exceptional, as your instrumental tracks will likely be used in the final release with only vocals being replaced.
The physical music market remains extraordinarily strong in Japan and South Korea, with CDs and DVDs selling in significant numbers. Albums are frequently repackaged in special editions, meaning one placement might appear on multiple products, multiplying mechanical royalties through collection societies that often operate differently from Western PROs.
Success requires thorough research into local culture, song structures, and listener preferences. Though competition is fierce, these markets represent billions of potential listeners and substantial revenue opportunities for songwriters willing to adapt their approach and partner with the right publishers.
Ready to explore these exciting markets? Your next big hit could be waiting in the East.

Reach out to me !

Websites
www.jonnyamos.com
https://themusicbusinessbuddy.buzzsprout.com
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/themusicbusinessbuddypodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/jonny_amos/
Email
[email protected]

What does it take to spot star potential in today's crowded music landscape? Laurence Hobbs, platinum-selling producer and songwriter pulls back the curtain on artist development with refreshing honesty and decades of wisdom.
Lawrence's journey from songwriter to CEO of SAFO Music Group reveals the profound shifts reshaping how artists build sustainable careers. "Back in the day, you either got a record deal or you didn't. Now you can release however you want," he explains, highlighting how technology has democratized music creation while creating new challenges for those seeking to stand out.
Throughout our conversation, Lawrence challenges conventional industry wisdom with thoughtful observations. He describes spotting that elusive "it factor" in artists like Sam Smith and a 12-year-old singer who's now landing on New Music Friday playlists. Yet he passionately argues there's room for everyone: "Don't tell me in a population of billions you can't find 5,000 fans. You just haven't worked hard enough."
Our discussion takes a fascinating turn when examining how AI might reshape songwriting. Laurence draws from his extensive experience to provide context: "We both remember when samplers came in and musicians thought they were finished." While acknowledging AI's potential to write commercial hits, he maintains human creativity and connection will always have value – especially for artists who understand the business landscape they're navigating.
Perhaps most inspiring is Laurence's commitment to inclusivity across age groups. "Music should never be exclusively for 15, 18-year-olds," he insists, sharing stories of talented musicians discovering their creative voices in their 60s and 70s. His vision of the future prioritizes artist empowerment: "We're in the entrepreneur age. It's your business, your money, your gigs."
Discover the building blocks of a sustainable music career and why Lawrence remains optimistic about the future despite industry upheavals. What might your musical journey look like if you approached it with the right knowledge and community support?

https://safomusicgroup.com

https://www.instagram.com/safomusicgroup/

Reach out to me !

Websites
www.jonnyamos.com
https://themusicbusinessbuddy.buzzsprout.com
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/themusicbusinessbuddypodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/jonny_amos/
Email
[email protected]

Guitar virtuoso Rich Watson takes us on a fascinating journey through the evolving landscape of session musicianship. From touring with major artists to recording remotely for clients worldwide, Rich offers a masterclass in musical versatility and career adaptability.
The conversation explores Rich's work across multiple domains – from the technical demands of theatre pit work (where sight-reading is non-negotiable) to the efficient workflow of modern remote session platforms. Rich provides exceptional insights into Musiversal, an innovative platform where musicians undergo rigorous auditions to join a curated roster of session players, offering subscription-based access to high-quality recordings.
What makes this episode particularly illuminating is Rich's historical perspective on session musicians. He traces a fascinating lineage from the legendary Wrecking Crew through to the LA session wizards of the 80s and 90s, explaining how technological evolution has transformed the industry. His analysis of how Pro Tools changed the game – reducing the need for flawless first-take performances when multiple takes can be compiled – helps listeners understand why the golden age of session players has evolved into today's more democratized landscape.
For aspiring musicians, Rich offers invaluable advice balancing technical mastery with personal identity. Rather than trying to become a musical chameleon, he suggests embracing your unique characteristics while still developing comprehensive skills. His YouTube success exploring vintage session guitar techniques has become both creative outlet and client magnet – a perfect example of content creation serving dual purposes in today's digital music economy.
Whether you're a working musician looking to expand your opportunities, an artist wanting to collaborate effectively with session players, or simply fascinated by the business of music creation, this episode delivers profound insights wrapped in engaging stories from a true professional. Subscribe now and join our community of music creators seeking to understand both the craft and business of music!

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/richardwatson

Website: https://www.richardwatsonmusic.com/

Reach out to me !

Websites
www.jonnyamos.com
https://themusicbusinessbuddy.buzzsprout.com
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/themusicbusinessbuddypodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/jonny_amos/
Email
[email protected]

The music industry is rife with complexities, especially when it comes to rights management, and this episode is designed to unpack everything you need to know to ensure you're not leaving money on the table. Join us as we explore the intricate world of copyrights, neighbouring rights, and the pivotal role of collective management organisations (CMOs) in safeguarding your earnings.
We kick off by addressing the foundational concept of copyright and its significance for every music creator. Understanding who owns what is essential to navigating the music business and ensuring that you receive your rightful earnings. Our discussion moves on to neighbouring rights, an often-overlooked area that can represent a substantial revenue stream for many artists.
Ever wondered how performance royalties work? Or how sound recordings impact your earnings? We break these down clearly, providing you with actionable insights to maximize your income as a creator. The spotlight also shines on CMOs, the organizations responsible for collecting and distributing royalties—learn how to align with the right one to ensure you’re fully covered.
Each segment is packed with valuable takeaways and resources that prompt you to consider your own engagement with music rights. The knowledge shared here will help you become more autonomous in your craft. Subscribe now and arm yourself with the information that could make a significant difference in your music career! Are you ready to take charge of your music rights? Join the conversation and let’s dive in!

Reach out to me !

Websites
www.jonnyamos.com
https://themusicbusinessbuddy.buzzsprout.com
Instagram
https://www.instagram.com/themusicbusinessbuddypodcast/
https://www.instagram.com/jonny_amos/
Email
[email protected]