Essential Podcasts for Musicians

By NationWide Source - Jan 24, 2014 Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

As a musician, you probably spend a large part of your time listening to music: in rehearsal, at your gigs, attending other concerts, relaxing, looking for inspiration, and so on. At some point, though, you might need a little break. A great alternative is to download some podcasts. Not only do these provide a break from music, but they might help you grow as a musician. Here are a few to check out:

Music Biz Weekly

Hosts Micheal Brandvold and Brian Thompson have a good bit of industry experience. Micheal is a freelance music industry consultant who has worked with KISS, Motley Crüe, Britney Spears, Rod Stewart, Ozzy Osbourne, Madonna, and many more. Brian is a managing partner for Thorny Bleeder Records and formerly was the corporate head of music buying and marketing for a national music retail chain. The two put out this weekly podcast covering the latest news in the music business, music marketing events, and music marketing techniques.

Upward Spiral

This podcast is mostly about what is happening in the music industry, so you won’t hear as much about marketing. It will give you a good sense of rising trends or upcoming changes, which should help you stay ahead of the curve.

Music Business Radio

Music Business Radio offers a lot of information straight from the mouths of some of the biggest names in the industry. They certainly know what is going on, and the best way to learn in this industry is to talk to people that have experience in it. Like the other aspects of this businesses, experience trumps book smarts.

Music Gear Junkies

If you aren’t a top level professional, this is a great podcast. The show is geared towards the “Joe Songwriter/Musician” learning how to record their own songs on a budget.

NPR’s All Songs Considered

Hosted by Bob Boilen, this show plays music from emerging bands and musical icons, as well as interview musicians, DJs, songwriters, and so on. Concepts and the general state of music are considered and discussed in true NPR fashion.

You don’t have to limit yourself to music industry podcasts, either. General marketing podcasts may be really helpful and translate well to the music industry. Find what you like and get learning!

When you need a break from your music, what do you listen to? Are there other podcasts you could recommend?