Toptal’s Post

It’s hard to believe it's been almost two decades since I was at MTV’s VMAs 🎶 Since I was a young kid, music has been part of my passion and purpose. I remember going over to my grandmother’s house and turning on the television to watch MTV as a child. I’ve witnessed the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, as artists embraced new styles, broke norms, and crafted their unique identities.    MTV’s shift from just music to reality TV and other entertainment formats showcased the industry's desire to capture a wider audience and adapt to the digital era...not something I’m quite into but I do get it. One thing that’s always been important to me as a recording artist is that I get to own my artistry. With everything digital and videos being a necessity, I think the lines are getting very blurred. Part of my purpose is to ensure other artists truly own their voice and artistry, especially in a landscape where artists can easily become mere pawns of the industry. That’s part of the reason why I became Chairman of the Board for Accesr, a tech company that’s supporting artists to truly own their intellectual property and data. So, while we celebrate the artists on the big stages, let’s not forget to ask: Who owns the art truly?? 💬 #music #musicindustry #musicbusiness #entertainment #empowerment 

🎵🎧 Navigating the Music Industry: Experience vs. Fresh Perspective 🌟 With over two decades in the DJ business, I've gathered a treasure trove of stories and wisdom. But today, I want to celebrate the fresh talent entering the scene. If you're just starting, you're unburdened by the past, free to explore new directions. Your clean slate is a powerful asset, while I tread carefully to honor my legacy. In business, we can learn from both experience and innovation. Let's embrace these different strengths and create a harmonious industry. 🎶💼 #MusicIndustry #ExperienceMatters #FreshPerspective #Innovation #CareerJourney

I am a big Dua Lipa Fan, and when I heard about her own management company Radical 22, I was hopeful that something cool might come out of it. Radical22, the brainchild of Dua Lipa and her manager Dukagjin Dugi Lipa ( Father Daughter Duo, is making waves in the music industry with its recent global administration deal with Warner Chappell Music. This agreement is just the beginning for the dynamic duo, who are also behind the upcoming Disney+ documentary series, Camden. With Radical22 Productions and Service95 under its umbrella, the company is set to revolutionize the creative landscape. Dua Lipa's journey to owning her publishing rights has been a long one, but with Radical22 by her side, the future looks bright. Stay tuned for more exciting projects from this powerhouse team! I guess time is here where the future holds opportunities for artists to start their own ventures, such as artist-centric streaming services, to secure their publishing rights and royalties? #musicindustry #DuaLipa #Radical22 #WarnerChappellMusic #poll #excitingnews

Penske Media now owns or has invested in these media companies covering music and entertainment: - Variety - The Hollywood Reporter - Billboard - Rolling Stone - VIBE - Deadline - Music Business Worldwide - Sportico - Luminate - Sportico - SXSW - Gold Derby - Dick Clark Productions, and dozens of others. How have the acquisitions shaped these companies? How does this impact the coverage and the industries they cover? Pros and cons? Where would these businesses be as standalone entities? We covered all that and more in our latest episode of Trapital, "Why Penske Bought All The Media Companies." I'm joined by Bill Werde, former Billboard editorial director and author of Full Rate No Cap newsletter. You can listen to the episode here: https://lnkd.in/evmGNs_v What are your thoughts on Penske Media's strategy?

It's not just about the content. It's also deploying strategy and studying analytics. Yout favorite artist has a team who is most likely doing it. Record labels certainly are... Thus, its important to see what type of yours is truly working and doubling down on it. #creativestrategy #musicians #musicindustry #musicbusiness #musicmarketing

In the music industry, success relies not only on talent but also on cultivating relationships and fostering a strong team. Whether collaborating with artists, producers, or managers, or nurturing a supportive team behind the scenes, every connection is pivotal. #TheManagersPlaybook #MusicBusiness101

GQ Welcomes Pitchfork, A Fusion of Music and Style Pitchfork undergoes a major shift, merging with GQ amid layoffs and uncertainty, marking a significant transformation in its influential role in digital music journalism. Visit our article to Read MORE 👇 https://lnkd.in/d9w8Dy9v #musicjournalism #mediaindustry #pitchfork #gqmerger #aatarata #aatarx

In the ever-evolving landscape of the #musicindustry, we're witnessing significant shifts that signal a departure from the traditional model that has long defined the industry. Recent events, such as #Kanye West's independent album rollout for 'Vultures 1', highlight the changing dynamics and the growing importance of independence. #Vultures in fact has 500 MILLION+ streams and it is on the way to become one of Kanye's most successful albums, despite the bans and controversies. Kanye's #success as an #independentartist is undeniable. His album's commercial success, coupled with impressive numbers in merchandise sales and streaming revenue, underscores the power of retaining #ownership and creative control. Major #labels are currently undergoing restructuring, with announcements of staff layoffs and a focus on streamlining artist rosters. While this reflects industry-wide changes aimed at adapting to evolving market dynamics, it also prompts reflection on the balance between commercial viability and artistic integrity. As the industry navigates these shifts, independent artists are taking the opportunity to carve out their paths and assert greater control over their careers. Despite all the personal controversy, Kanye's journey as a business and artist serves as inspiration for artists seeking autonomy and creative freedom in an industry undergoing transformation. The music industry's future lies in embracing change and fostering #collaboration between artists, labels, and other stakeholders. It's a pivotal moment that requires a balance between tradition and innovation, commercial success, and artistic expression. What are your thoughts on the evolving music industry landscape? Share your insights in the comments below. #MusicIndustry #IndependentArtists #FutureOfMusic #KanyeWest #CreativeFreedom #Collaboration

How has the sync market evolved in 2023? We speak to experts at Hipgnosis Song Management, Riptide Music Group and Venice Music to find out #synclicensing #musiclicensing #musicindustry

In this episode I talk to one of my favorite collaborators, a top tier producer who has worked with Underarmor, Ea sports, Mcdonalds, Adidas and more, Jamie Shield We talk about important topics in the #sync & music game such as: - how long term relationships can be way more profitable than upfront paying gigs - the "formula" to make it in the music business - the importance of staying consistent - reality TV and exploring different genres - the importance of being easy to collaborate with, and peoples pet peeves in the industry #synclicensing #musicformedia