MMBC Presents… B Major

Building An Entertainment Empire | Peter Benedek | The Career of UTA's Co-Founder & Industry Legend

Mon, 21 Oct 2024 18:00:00 GMT

In this very special Season 3 premiere, we sit down with one of Hollywood’s most powerful and influential agents and executives: Peter Benedek, Co-founder of United Talent Agency (UTA). Benedek has played a crucial role in steering UTA’s development over the last twenty years, pushing the company to become one of the premier global talent and literary agencies.

Over the years, Benedek established himself as a top representative of television writers and creators, packaging a handful of critically acclaimed series such as The Sopranos and Girls.

In this episode, we’ll learn about Benedek’s journey, beginning at his alma mater, the University of Michigan. Join us as we learn what it takes to dominate one of the world’s most prominent social industries.

Socials:

Instagram: @themmbc

TikTok: @themmbc

X: @TheMMBC2019

Credits:

Director: Jonah Hart

Director of Photography / Editor: Oli Garret

Camera Operator: Gokul Madathil

Sound Engineer: Adithya Sastry

Hosted By: Jonah Hart & Jake Friedman

Producers: Oli Garret, Jake Friedman, Jonah Hart

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Managing a Popstar 101 | Liz Eason | Building Relationships, Coming up in the Industry, and more...

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 20:30:00 GMT

Reigning from Dallas, Texas, Liz Eason has excelled as a professional in music distribution and rights, paving the way for icons such as French Montana & Usher and guiding rising stars at Lava / Republic Records.

Currently, Eason Manages the rising popstar Haiden Henderson and has pursued an MBA degree at Vanderbilt Owen School of Management, recently graduating this past May.  

In this MMBC Conference episode, get some insight into the busy life of Liz as she discusses the importance of relationships, management, and her future hopes for Haiden’s career.

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Socials:

Instagram: @themmbc

Twitter: @TheMMBC2019

Credits

Director: Jake Friedman

Assistant Director: Gokul Madathil

Producers: Jake Friedman, Gokul Madathil, Oli Garret

Sound Engineer and Editing: Harrison Mazlish and Adithya Sastry

Filming and Video Editing: Oli Garret and Gokul Madathil

Host: Asher Herbstman, Jonah Hart, Jake Fridman, AJ Das , Emery Swirbalus

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Conversation with the Industries' Jack of All Trades | Charley Greenberg | Music, Family & More...

Fri, 28 Jun 2024 20:30:00 GMT

Charley Greenberg, the visionary behind Blac Noize Recordings and managing dynamo at 740 Project, is a story of passion, innovation, and unwavering commitment.

Born and bred in Philadelphia, now a Los Angeles staple, Charley has been at the forefront of the digital music revolution since the mid-2000s. From spinning records as a DJ to pioneering an indie label that championed the likes of Kurupt, Camp Lo, and Wu-Tang Clan's Killah Priest, his journey is a testament to his deep-rooted love for music.

In this fascinating MMBC Conference episode, learn about Charlie's proudest industry moments and how he has learned to balance his work and family life.

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Socials:

Instagram: @themmbc

Twitter: @TheMMBC2019

Credits

Director: Jake Friedman

Assistant Director: Gokul Madathil

Producers: Jake Friedman, Gokul Madathil, Oli Garret

Sound Engineer and Editing: Harrison Mazlish and Adithya Sastry

Filming and Video Editing: Oli Garret and Gokul Madathil

Host: Asher Herbstman, Jonah Hart, Jake Fridman, AJ Das , Emery Swirbalus

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MMBC Tiny Desk Ep.1 - JBR

Sat, 01 Jun 2024 17:00:02 GMT

Introducing MMBC’s 1st ever TinyDesk! As a club this is one of the projects we are the most proud of. So many people spent countless hours making this possible. We want to give a huge shoutout to the musicians, audio engineers, producers, cinematographers, creative directors, editors, and everyone else who contributed. This is proof that anything is possible when you get the right team together!!

JBR, formerly known as Janssen Rhea, is a 21-year-old singer/songwriter hailing from New York City. His sound is a mix of R&B, Pop, and Melodic Rap with influences ranging from Frank Ocean and Andre 3000 to production geniuses such as Pharrell Williams and Dr. Dre (Andre Young). JBR has spent years cultivating and evolving his sound and building a creative network around him to produce not only high quality, but meaningful music.

Credits:

Director: Jake Friedman

Assistant Director: Gokul Madathil

Cinematography and Editing: Gokul Madathil

Creative Director: Emery Swirbalus

Recording Engineer: Harrison Mazlish

Assistant Recording Engineer: Ashton touzeau

Mixing engineer: Ashton touzeau

Artist: JBR (Janssen Rhea )

Guitarist: Jackson Manfredi

Bassist: Jack Merucci

Pianist : Joey Karz

Drummer: Adithya Sastry

Saxophonist: Cyrus Redjaee

Trumpeters: Josh Cussen

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

A Conversation With CMO of Yeezy | Punch Edwards | Working with Kanye, Tyler, and more...

Thu, 23 May 2024 19:30:00 GMT

Milwaukee native Jesse "Punch" Edwards has risen to a level of success most aspire to. Through his work at 740 Project, he and his partners have innovated marketing within the music industry for both artists and brands.

In this exciting MMBC Conference episode, we learn more about Punch's new position as Yeezy's CMO and what it's truly like to work with superstars in the music industry.

With an impressive resume creating campaigns for HBO, Travis Scott, McDonald's, and Playstation, to name a few, Punch brings forth a refreshing take on Hip-Hop and music culture marketing that results in success.

Join us as we delve into the life of Punch, and how he's become the marketing genius he is today.

Socials:

Instagram: @themmbc

Twitter: @TheMMBC2019

Credits

Director: Jake Friedman

Assistant Director: Gokul Madathil

Producers: Jake Friedman, Gokul Madathil, Oli Garret

Sound Engineer and Editing: Harrison Mazlish and Adithya Sastry

Filming and Video Editing: Oli Garret and Gokul Madathil

Host: Asher Herbstman, Jonah Hart, Jake Fridman, AJ Das , Emery Swirbalus

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Beyond the Beat: Haiden Henderson's Creative Journey at The MMBC Conference | S2 E7

Tue, 09 Apr 2024 16:00:48 GMT

Dive deep into the captivating journey of Haiden Henderson, a Northern California native with a story that's anything but ordinary. Raised by a determined single mother, Haiden's early ambitions leaned toward the stars as he pursued Aerospace Engineering. However, the call of music was one he couldn't ignore, leading him to the prestigious USC Thornton School of Music.

In this episode, we'll explore Haiden's remarkable path through adversity and ambition. Discover how he overcame significant challenges, including a period of homelessness and a debilitating hand condition that threatened his guitar playing, to find his voice as a songwriter. Haiden's story is a testament to resilience, with his early online song shares capturing hearts worldwide. An acoustic teaser of his track "Can’t Hurt Me" exploded with nearly 7 million views, setting the stage for his debut EP, “Good Grief!”, to soar past 26 million global streams.

The journey didn't stop there. Haiden's follow-up EP, “Choke on My Heart,” introduced anthems like “Fresh Blood” and “Pretty Little Addict,” securing his place in the music industry with a deal from LAVA/Republic Records. Now, as we step into 2024, Haiden Henderson is on the brink of releasing his most upbeat tracks yet, embodying a 'one man boy band' and riding the wave of sold-out shows in LA and NYC.

Join us as we sit down with Haiden to discuss his evolution as an artist, the stories behind his viral hits, and what it means to truly follow your passion against all odds.

Socials:

Instagram: @themmbc

Twitter: @TheMMBC2019

Credits:

Director: Jake Friedman

Assistant Director: Gokul Madathil

Producers: Jake Friedman, Gokul Madathil, Oli Garret

Sound Engineer and Editing: Harrison Mazlish and Adithya Sastry

Filming and Video Editing: Oli Garret and Gokul Madathil

Host: Asher Herbstman, Jonah Hart, Jake Fridman, AJ Das , Emery Swirbalus

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Clothing Store Owner Explains How Artist Meet and Greets Changed His Life (Feat. Mike Moeller) | S2 E6

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 16:00:08 GMT

In this podcast, the owner of Motivation in Ann Arbor discusses his initial strategy for attracting customers by hosting meet-and-greets with famous artists. He delves deep into his experiences with artists like Asap Mop, Mac Miller, and Lupe Fiasco, as well as his past relationship with Atlantic Records. Although he discontinued meet and greets 8-10 years ago, he delves into the methods he now employs to maintain consistently high sales levels.

Socials:

Instagram: @themmbc

Twitter: @TheMMBC2019

Credits:

Director: Jake Friedman - Instagram: @jaketfriedman

Assistant Director: Gokul Madathil - Instagram: @madlight.productions

Producers: AJ Das (Instagram:@aj.das33), Jake Friedman, Gokul Madathil, Harrison Mazlish, and Asher Herbstman (Instagram: @ashrayo3)

Sound Engineer and Editing:

Harrison Mazlish - Instagram: @harrisonmazlish

Adithya Sastry - Insta @adithyasastry

Filming and Video Editing:

Gokul Madathil - Instagram: @madlight.productions

Oli Garret - Insta @oli_garrett

Host: Jake Friedman and Jonah Hart

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Starting Michigan Kicker Talks National Championship Season And Music | S2 E5

Sat, 09 Mar 2024 21:41:04 GMT

Tommy Doman, the starting punter for the University of Michigan Football team, holds an impressive record with three Big Ten Championships and a 2024 National Championship. In this episode, he discusses the meticulous preparation leading up to the Rose Bowl Game and the National Championship, delving into pre-game rituals and the curated playlist during the College Football Playoffs. Tommy Doman also highlights the diverse talents within the team, sharing anecdotes about athletes who, beyond their on-field prowess, have a profound passion for music.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Multi Medium Artist Emery Swirbalus talks about how she landed a project with Jack White

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:23:59 GMT

Emery Swirbalus is a multi medium artist that has worked with almost every musician on campus (University of Michigan) as well as with big names like Jack White, who has won 12 grammy awards and is a legend in the rock world, her sculpture was featured next to Jack White on the cover of a DC Comics World’s Finest. She is crucial to the success of the Michigan Music Business Club and the club wouldn't be what it is without her. She is the go to person at The University of Michigan for any musician looking to build their brand.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sculpting Success: Emery Swirbalus on Her Artistic Journey with Jack White | S2 E4

Wed, 14 Feb 2024 00:23:56 GMT

In this captivating episode, we sit down with the exceptionally talented Emery Swirbalus, a multi-medium artist whose innovative work has not only dominated the University of Michigan's music scene but also caught the attention of rock royalty, Jack White. Emery shares her exhilarating journey from collaborating with campus musicians to her groundbreaking project with the 12-time Grammy Award-winning legend, culminating in her sculpture being featured alongside Jack White on the cover of a DC Comics World’s Finest edition.

Emery's story is a testament to the power of creativity, networking, and the relentless pursuit of one's passion. As a pivotal figure in the Michigan Music Business Club, her influence and contributions have been instrumental in shaping the club's success, making it an indispensable platform for aspiring musicians and artists at the University of Michigan. Through her narrative, listeners will discover the intricacies of brand building in the music industry, the importance of cross-disciplinary artistry, and the potential for university talents to make their mark on the global stage.

Whether you're an artist, a musician, or anyone with an appreciation for the arts and music, Emery's insights and experiences provide invaluable lessons on collaboration, innovation, and the journey to recognition in the competitive creative world. Join us as Emery Swirbalus unravels the story of her artistic evolution and the landmark achievement of working with a music industry icon.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Charting the Course: Landing Your Dream Job in Music with Megan Burdick | S2 Ep. 3

Thu, 01 Feb 2024 04:49:00 GMT

Unlock the secrets to forging a successful career in the music industry with insights from Megan Burdick, a key member of 1824, Universal Music Group's Creative Solutions team. This episode is a goldmine for anyone dreaming of working in the music business, offering firsthand advice on how to get noticed, hired, and excel within this dynamic field.

Megan Burdick shares invaluable tips on navigating the hiring landscape at prestigious music companies, with a special focus on 1824, where storytelling and creating unique fan experiences are at the heart of their mission. Whether you're aiming for a role in creative solutions, marketing, production, or any area within the music industry, Megan's guidance provides a roadmap for what companies look for in potential hires and how to stand out in a competitive job market.

Episode Credits:

Director: Jake Friedman (@jaketfriedman)
Assistant Director: Gokul Madathil (@madlight.productions)
Producers: AJ Das (@aj.das33), Jake Friedman, Gokul Madathil, Harrison Mazlish, and Asher Herbstman (@ashrayo3)
Sound Engineer and Editing: Harrison Mazlish (@harrisonmazlish)
Filming and Video Editing: Gokul Madathil (@madlight.productions)
Hosts: Asher Herbstman, AJ Das, and Jake Friedman

Dive into this episode for a comprehensive guide on making your mark in the music industry, from preparing your application to acing the interview and beyond. Megan Burdick's expert advice offers a clear path to not just landing a job at 1824 but thriving in the broader music business landscape.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Sonic Journeys: JBR on Crafting the Future of R&B and Pop | S2 Ep. 2

Wed, 03 Jan 2024 23:28:14 GMT

This episode welcomes the talented JBR, formerly known as Janssen Rhea, a 21-year-old singer/songwriter from New York City, whose unique sound blends R&B, Pop, and Melodic Rap. Influenced by iconic artists and producers like Frank Ocean, Andre 3000, Pharrell Williams, and Dr. Dre, JBR has meticulously honed his craft over the years, creating music that resonates on a deeply personal and universal level.

With a fresh single released in collaboration with OVVR on November 17th and more exciting projects on the way, JBR is an artist to keep an eye on. This episode delves into his artistic journey, exploring the early challenges he faced, the breakthroughs that have marked his career, and the aspirations that fuel his creative vision.

Listeners will gain insights into what it takes to start and sustain a career in the fiercely competitive music industry, from building a supportive creative network to producing meaningful music that stands the test of time.

Stay connected and join the conversation on our socials:

Instagram: @themmbc
Twitter: @TheMMBC2019

Credits:

Director: Jake Friedman (@jaketfriedman)
Assistant Director: Gokul Madathil (@madlight.productions)
Producers: AJ Das (@aj.das33), Jake Friedman, Gokul Madathil, Harrison Mazlish, and Asher Herbstman (@ashrayo3)
Sound Engineer and Editing: Harrison Mazlish (@harrisonmazlish)
Filming and Video Editing: Gokul Madathil (@madlight.productions)
Hosts: Asher Herbstman, AJ Das, and Jake Friedman

Dive into "Sonic Journeys: JBR on Crafting the Future of R&B and Pop" for an intimate look at the art and heart of making music that moves generations.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Insider Beats: Tyler Eilenberg Unveils Music Industry Secrets at Republic Records | S2 Ep. 1

Fri, 08 Sep 2023 19:00:18 GMT

Dive into an immersive conversation with Tyler Eilenberg, the visionary Director of Creative Innovation at Republic Records. With a passion for storytelling and enhancing the fan experience through cutting-edge technologies, platforms, and mediums, Tyler is at the forefront of shaping how we interact with music in the digital age. His journey from a creative role at Universal Music Group to an assistant in WME’s music department has paved the way for his current groundbreaking work at Republic Records.

In this episode, Tyler shares insights into the evolving landscape of the music industry, the power of innovation in creating unforgettable fan experiences, and the future of music consumption. Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a music industry professional, or simply a fan eager to know what goes on behind the scenes, this discussion offers a unique glimpse into the future of music through the lens of one of its most forward-thinking executives.

Stay Connected with MMBC:

Instagram: @themmbc
Twitter: @TheMMBC2019

Episode Credits:

Director: Jake Friedman (@jaketfriedman)
Assistant Director: Gokul Madathil (@madlight.productions)
Producers: Jake Friedman, Gokul Madathil, Harrison Mazlish, Asher Herbstman (@ashrayo3), and AJ Das (@aj.das33)
Sound Engineer and Editing: Harrison Mazlish (@harrisonmazlish)
Filming and Video Editing: Gokul Madathil (@madlight.productions) and AJ Das (@aj.das33)

Join us for a captivating exploration of how Tyler Eilenberg is redefining the boundaries of music and fan engagement, setting new standards for the industry's future.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Post Malone's International Agent Talks Navigating the Music Industry: Tips from Noah Simon | S1 Ep. 6

Wed, 17 May 2023 21:12:45 GMT

Noah Simon is a global music agent for the leading talent and entertainment company United Talent Agency. He spearheads international tours for Post Malone, The Kid Laroi, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Jacob Collier, Jamiroquai, Masego among many others. He is passionate about Artist development and takes a creative hands-on role in establishing the foundations for young artists to build prosperous careers. Take a close listen to the last 5 minutes of the interview for some of the best career advice we have heard.

Socials:

Instagram: @themmbc

Twitter: @TheMMBC2019

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

UTA Partner/Agent Rob Gibbs talks booking the largest tours in the world | S1 Ep. 5

Wed, 17 May 2023 20:45:48 GMT

Join us for a groundbreaking episode of the Michigan Music Business Club Podcast as we sit down with Rob Gibbs, the highest-ranked Black music executive in the agency business. In this revealing conversation, Rob shares his experiences working with some of the music industry's luminaries, such as J.Cole, J.I.D, EARTHGANG, PARTYNEXTDOOR, Ari Lennox, and many others, offering listeners an unparalleled glimpse into the workings of music's biggest names.

Rob delves into the intricacies of booking some of the world's largest tours, providing a behind-the-scenes look at the challenges and triumphs of bringing live music to fans globally. His journey is not just a testament to his dedication and skill but also a powerful narrative about leadership, innovation, and the importance of representation in the music industry.

Whether you're an aspiring music executive, an artist looking to understand the dynamics of touring, or simply a fan curious about how your favorite concerts come to life, this episode is packed with insights, stories, and advice from one of the industry's most influential figures.

Stay connected with us and join the conversation on our socials:

Instagram: @themmbc
Twitter: @TheMMBC2019

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Crafting Hits on Campus: The Producer's Journey with Aryan and Neel | S1 Ep. 4

Mon, 13 Feb 2023 20:00:36 GMT

In the fourth episode of the Michigan Music Business Club Podcast, we dive into the inspiring stories of Aryan and Neel, two of the most talented producers at the University of Michigan. Starting with sharing their beats for free on YouTube to collaborating with world-renowned producers and artists, their journey encapsulates the essence of growth, passion, and perseverance in the music industry.

This episode offers an intimate look at Aryan and Neel's journey, their creative process, and how they've managed to stand out in one of the most competitive arenas in music. We discuss the challenges they've faced, the milestones they've achieved, and their vision for the future. It's a narrative that not only musicians but anyone with an aspiration can draw inspiration from.

Listeners will get a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to grow as a producer in today's music landscape, along with practical advice from Aryan and Neel's firsthand experiences. Their story is a testament to the power of dedication and the importance of community support in the journey to success.

Follow the journey and join the community on Instagram:

Michigan Music Business Club: @themmbc
Neel: @leenington
Aryan: @arysxnha

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Web 3 Revolution & Coachella Controversies with Karthik Ganesh | S1 Ep. 3

Tue, 24 Jan 2023 22:30:18 GMT

In this enlightening third episode of the Michigan Music Business Club Podcast, we're joined by the insightful Karthik Ganesh to unpack the burgeoning influence of Web 3 on music licensing and delve into the heated debates surrounding the Coachella 2023 lineup. Karthik, with his deep understanding of the music industry's latest trends, sheds light on how Web 3 technologies are reshaping the way artists license their music, offering unprecedented opportunities and challenges.

The conversation then pivots to the much-discussed Coachella lineup for 2023, examining the controversies that have arisen and what they signify for the music community and festival culture at large. From groundbreaking shifts in music distribution and copyright to the dynamics of festival lineups and audience expectations, this episode covers ground that's crucial for anyone keen on understanding the future of music business.

Tune into this week's episode for a compelling discussion that bridges the gap between traditional music industry practices and the new horizons opened by technology, along with a candid look at the debates defining today's music festivals.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Art of Audience Building with Jess Yaffa | S1 Ep. 2

Mon, 09 Jan 2023 21:51:24 GMT

Join us for the second episode of B-Major, where we delve into the fascinating journey of young artist Jess Yaffa. In this engaging session, Jess shares her experiences and strategies in building a dedicated following in today's ever-evolving music industry. From her initial steps to her current successes, Jess provides insight into the creative process, the importance of engaging with fans, and navigating the challenges of making a mark in the competitive music landscape.

Listeners will gain an understanding of the persistence, creativity, and connection required to thrive as an artist. Whether you're an emerging musician looking to grow your audience or a music enthusiast curious about the behind-the-scenes of artist development, this episode offers valuable perspectives on making a lasting impact.

Discover the keys to developing a personal brand and a loyal audience in the music world with B-Major.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mastering Your Audience with Janssen Rhea | S1 Ep. 1

Sun, 11 Dec 2022 19:33:21 GMT

Dive into the essentials of becoming a successful artist with our special guest, Janssen Rhea aka JBR. In this episode, we explore how to captivate and secure your specific audience within the music industry. Janssen shares his expert insights on connecting with fans, navigating the music business, and crafting music that resonates. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a music lover, this discussion offers valuable lessons in building a meaningful connection with your listeners.

Listen to Janssen Rhea's Music: Explore his work and get inspired by visiting Janssen Rhea's Linktree.

Join us on B-Major as we uncover the keys to music success with insights from industry insiders.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.