Summary

In this episode of The Record Lab Podcast, Nathan and Andre Kaden Black discuss the multifaceted journey of a music artist, from songwriting and production to navigating the business side of the industry. They explore the importance of artist development, the impact of streaming on music distribution, songwriting techniques, master ownership, and the evolving landscape of music awards. The conversation emphasizes the significance of networking, community, and the need for artists to think like entrepreneurs in today's music industry. Andre shares valuable insights and advice for aspiring artists, highlighting the importance of investing in oneself and the power of collaboration.

Takeaways

• Songwriting is a craft that improves with practice and collaboration.
• Understanding the business side of music is crucial for success.
• Artist development is often overlooked but essential for growth.
• Networking and building relationships with labels can open doors.
• Streaming has changed how music is distributed and consumed.
• Marketing is as important as the music itself in today's industry.
• Community support and collaboration can elevate an artist's career.
• Investing in oneself is key to long-term success in music.

Sound Bites

“You need to learn how to do both analog and digital production to be at the top of your game.”

“Honestly, I feel like songs whisper before they shout.”

“By the time I was thirteen, I think I’d written over a hundred songs.”

“ 'I think master ownership is one of the most important topics to be spoken about.

“I think music should bring people together.”

“You need to invest in yourself.”

Chapters

Introduction & Guest Welcome (00:00:00)

Andre’s Musical Journey (00:01:08)

Mentorship & Artist Guidance (00:03:08)

Songwriting Beginnings & Techniques (00:04:17)

Creative Process & Overcoming Writer’s Block (00:06:46)

Transition to Producing (00:08:13)

Learning Instruments & Hybrid Production (00:10:43)

Major Label Songwriting Experiences (00:11:17)

Artist Development & Working with Francesco Yates (00:13:33)

Decision-Making in Song Selection (00:15:16)

Networking & Building Industry Relationships (00:16:32)

Singles vs. Albums in Today’s Market (00:17:42)

Changing Music Consumption & Genre Evolution (00:20:02)

Songwriting & Production Balance in Pop (00:21:09)

Collaboration & Song Credits (00:23:11)

Owning Masters & Publishing Rights (00:25:04)

Streaming’s Impact on Independent Artists (00:30:17)

Creative Marketing & Physical Music Promotion (00:31:42)

Artists & Politics: (00:33:23)

Community & Live Music Experiences (00:39:20)

Relevance of Awards & The Grammys (00:40:18)

Advice for New Artists: First Steps (00:43:42)

Marketing & Branding for Artists (00:46:05)

Challenges of Modern Artist Promotion (00:48:03)

Quality vs. Quantity in Content (00:49:22)

Unionizing & Artist Rights in the Streaming Era (00:50:05)

Song Credits & Streaming Platform Issues (00:51:58)

Getting Music Heard: Live Shows & Networking (00:54:22)

Investing in Yourself as an Artist (01:00:00)

Marketing Budget & Building a Following (01:04:03)

Podcast Wrap-Up & Final Thoughts (01:06:45)