Episodes

  • Scene Mom Says: Navigating the Music Industry in 2026 with Michael Zimmerlich of Creatives Prevail
    Jan 22 2026

    Time: ~26 min.

    It’s Episode 84! No music this week but I’ve got an interview for you with my good friend, Mike Zimmerlich from Omelette Prevail and Creatives Prevail Podcast. In this first part, we are diving into the world of marketing and promotion for independent artists. With AI music flooding streaming platforms, it is harder than ever to be heard, so we are focusing on three specific things you can do right now to get more eyes and ears on your music.

    We cover auditing and updating your profiles, short vs. long form video, and ways to collaborate that you might not be thinking about.

    Next week will be the second part of our interview, discussing deeper business topics such as diversifying your income, and a more ethical uses of AI. Enjoy!

    LINKS:

    Omelette Prevail Website https://www.oprevail.com/

    Creatives Prevail Podcast https://www.oprevail.com/podcast

    SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

    Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

    Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533

    Content Calendar Special!

    Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com

    Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

    All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz

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    26 mins
  • Scene Mom Says: Ticket Scams, AI Music and Podcasts, & Costs of Convenience
    Jan 15 2026

    Time: ~30 min.

    It’s Episode 83! This week I dive into some of the biggest issues facing artists and creators right now. There’s an increase in trends that could hurt independent artists: Rising digital ticket scams and what they mean for indie shows, major lawsuits over unpaid streaming royalties, and the growing flood of AI-generated music and podcasts hitting streaming platforms. I break down why these trends matter, how they impact discovery and trust, and why direct fan support is more important than ever for independent artists.

    Plus, I share new indie music, key moments in music history, a practical marketing reminder for creators, and a bit of nerdy news. Always grateful for your support!

    LINKS:

    SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

    Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

    Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533

    Content Calendar Special!

    Digital ticket scams are getting worse https://www.fastcompany.com/91471653/digital-ticketing-was-supposed-to-stop-fraud-but-ticket-scams-have-gotten-worse-just-ask-taylor-swift

    Los Lobos suing Sony https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/01/09/los-lobos-lawsuits-sony-music-sony-pictures/

    ~400,000 people are subscribed to AI podcasts https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/12/14/audio-startup-podcast-ai-churn/

    97% of listeners can't tell AI music from the real thing https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/11/12/deezer-ai-music/

    Betty Boop and more enter the public domain in 2026 https://www.npr.org/2025/12/26/nx-s1-5649395/public-domain-2026-copyright-betty-boop-pluto

    MUSIC:

    Prince Mirth – Sometimes A Thief https://princemirth.com/

    The Darts – Midnight Creep https://linktr.ee/thedartsus

    Emby Alexander – Coin https://embyalexander.bandcamp.com/

    (Call 244-255-EMBY!)

    MRCH – Escape the Dark https://www.mrchmusic.com/

    Glass Apple Bonzai – Love & Hatred in MegaWave City https://glassapplebonzai.bandcamp.com/

    Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com

    Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

    All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz

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    31 mins
  • Scene Mom Says: Stranger Things, Bandcamp gives Indie Artists Huge Payout, & YouTube drops Billboard
    Jan 8 2026

    Time: ~31 minutes

    It’s Episode 82! In this episode I break down how the Stranger Things series finale sparked a massive streaming surge for Prince. I also talk about Bandcamp Fridays and how fans delivered millions directly to indie artists, plus YouTube’s decision to stop providing streaming data to Billboard and what that could mean for independent musicians going forward. I also share 5 indie tunes, a quick marketing tip, music history, and some inspiring news to start the year.

    LINKS:

    SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

    Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

    Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533

    Content Calendar Special!

    How Stranger Things scored a couple of big Prince hits for the finale https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/how-stranger-things-scored-prince-biggest-hits-series-finale-1236148209/

    YouTube no longer providing data for Billboard https://stereogum.com/2483233/youtube-will-no-longer-provide-data-for-billboards-outdated-chart-formula/news

    Bandcamp Fridays in 2025 has huge payout for Indie Artists https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/12/22/bandcamp-fridays-2025-total/

    Father saves 10 from Swiss Bar Fire https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/father-saves-10-from-bar-fire-at-swiss-new-years-party-after-frantic-call-from-his-daughter/

    MUSIC:

    Carol Pacey and the Honey Shakers – Lucky You

    The Modern Era – Dear Anyone

    Thrift Bakery- Remote Access

    The Hourglass Cats – I’ll Never Forget

    Battlemode – Sw33ttooth

    Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com

    Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

    All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz

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    31 mins
  • Scene Mom Says: StubHub Delays Refunds To Make More Money, New York Cracks Down On AI, and Promoting With Purpose
    Dec 18 2025

    Time: ~35 min.

    In this 81st episode of Scene Mom Says, I’m digging into some major music industry news, including why StubHub is under fire for holding seller payments, how New York’s new AI transparency laws will impact advertising and performers, and what the latest Edison Research 2025 findings reveal about podcast and music discovery. I’m also sharing five new indie tracks, holiday favorites, and key moments in music history, plus my marketing tip of the week on why reach isn’t the goal and how posting intentionally matters more than chasing algorithms. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!

    LINKS:

    SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

    Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

    Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533

    Content Calendar Special!

    StubHub earning tens of millions in interest income in a shady way https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/12/10/stubhub-cfo-cash-flow-strategy-comments/

    New York passes law requiring ads to disclose use of AI performers https://www.engadget.com/ai/new-york-passes-law-requiring-ads-to-disclose-the-use-of-ai-performers-202619826.html

    Top 10 findings from Edison Research in 2025 https://www.edisonresearch.com/top-10-findings-of-2025-from-edison-research/

    Frank Turner thoughts on saving Britain's grassroot music venues https://www.positive.news/society/i-found-my-people-frank-turner-on-saving-britains-grassroots-music-venues/

    MUSIC:

    Steve Conte – Father Christmas

    Joey Gutos – Life On Cruise

    The Grownup Noise – See you In The Hall

    Aaron Noble – Arising and Passing Away

    The Bellwethers - New Year’s Eve

    Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com

    Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

    All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz

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    35 mins
  • Scene Mom Says: UK Fixing Ticket Scalping, More AI Cloning Drama & Good ‘ol Fyre Fest Happens (Sort Of)
    Dec 11 2025

    Time: ~33 min.

    It’s Episode 80! This week I'm diving into the biggest news shaking up the music world, and I'm sharing some great independent music with you. First, the good news: the UK government has cracked down on ticket scalping, making it illegal to profit from reselling tickets. But there's drama, too: the rise of AI music clones hit Spotify hard when a fake account copied King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's music, and I discuss what this means for independent artists. On a more positive AI note, I cover how rapper Beanie Sigel is using AI technology to bring back his classic voice. Plus, I talk about Billy McFarland's latest, the PHNX Festival, which actually happened, and I share my top Instagram marketing tips for musicians!

    LINKS:

    SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

    Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

    Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533

    Content Calendar Special!

    Ticket Resales for profit to be banned in the UK

    King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard has AI Clone go unchecked on Spotify

    AI helps musician with damaged vocal chords create music in his voice

    Billy McFarland's PHNX fest happens, but it's not great

    Band opens $35,000 bar tab for fans after gig canceled

    MUSIC:

    Jesika Von Rabbit – Blue Christmas

    Austel – The Beach In December

    Samuel Campoli – Every Time

    Lucia Dostal – I Want My Secrets Back

    Matthew Frederick – Obsolete

    Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com

    Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

    All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz

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    33 mins
  • Scene Mom Says: Indie Label Insights, Social Media Trends, and Smart Promotion
    Dec 4 2025

    Time: ~30 min.

    It’s Episode 79! I’m back! This week I’m diving into the final Bandcamp Friday of 2025, breaking down the latest indie music news, and sharing a content strategy tip that every independent artist should be using. I’m also playing new music from Girl With a Hawk, Arrows of Athena, The Fabulous Boring Brothers, and Martin Moran.

    I talk about how indie labels invested in artists this past year, what the newest 2025 social media trends mean for musicians, and why spreading out your content can make a huge difference for your reach and engagement. I also touch on PETA’s request for Alice in Chains to amplify their campaign for Betty the Elephant, share a few key music history moments, and wrap up with some good news about the health benefits of singing.

    LINKS:

    SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

    Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

    Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533

    Content Calendar Special!

    Indie Labels Study

    Pew Research social media survey

    PETA wants Alice in Chains to help save an elephant

    Singing (even badly) can improve your health

    MUSIC:

    Girl With A Hawk – I’m In Love With My Friends

    Arrows of Athena – Abandoned Love

    The Fabulous Boring Brothers – Sapphire Girl

    Martin Moran – You and I (Belong Together)

    Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com

    Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

    All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz

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    29 mins
  • Scene Mom Says: TikTok Podcasts, Live Show Fever, & Art For Your Heart
    Nov 13 2025

    Time: ~33 min.

    It's Episode 78! Live shows are booming and indie buzz is real. This week, I break down the TikTok Podcast move, the latest Spotify “Discovery Mode” drama, and why small venues still matter- plus a handful of fresh tracks from rising artists. I've got your music history with a few classics, the Marketing Tip keeps it real (don’t chase trends, build fans), and we end with some good news for your heart: art really does help you breathe easier. Tune in and support your local scene.

    LINKS:

    SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U

    Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/

    Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533

    Spotify accused of payola https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/11/05/spotify-accused-of-payola-in-class-action-lawsuit/

    TikTok launches podcast network with iHeart https://www.adweek.com/media/tiktok-launches-podcast-network-with-iheartmedia/

    Live Nation global survey on live music https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/11/11/live-nation-global-survey-live-music/

    Visiting an art gallery could reduce your risk of heart problems https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/why-would-visiting-an-art-gallery-reduce-your-risk-of-heart-problems-and-disease/

    MUSIC:

    Paper Foxes - Blood Drug https://paperfoxesband.com/

    Captain Easychord - Happy Times (via Rock Garden Records) https://www.rockgardenrecords.com/

    Rachael Plays Guitar - Cool Kids https://www.instagram.com/rachaelplaysguitar/

    The Grownup Noise - We Become Roses (Pick of the Week!) https://www.thegrownupnoise.com/

    John Gerard - Fold https://johngerard.com/

    Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com

    Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

    All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz

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    33 mins
  • Scene Mom Says: SoundCloud’s Big Changes, Music Boosting Brain Health & New Indie Tracks
    Nov 6 2025

    Time: ~37 min.

    It's Episode 77! I’m diving into some big shifts in the music world. SoundCloud’s new “All-In-One Artist” subscription that gives creators more control, and TikTok’s first-ever U.S. Creator Awards coming this December.

    But the hot topic I couldn’t stay quiet about? An AI “artist” named Xania Monet just debuted on the Billboard radio charts, and I’ve got a few things to say about that. (Spoiler: not all of them are nice!)

    I’m also sharing new music from some fantastic independent artists- Jennifer Tefft, Aluminum Brain, Joey Wit, The Maladaptive, and Ali A & The Agency. Plus a look back at some fun music history, a marketing tip for fellow creatives, and some good news about how music can actually help your brain health.

    So grab your coffee (and your headphones) and let’s talk about the real world of music, creativity, and why authenticity still matters.

    LINKS:

    SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER!

    Get your merch! Thank you for supporting the show and indie artists

    Join the exclusive group on Facebook!

    SoundCloud's New All-In-One Subscription Feature https://www.youredm.com/2025/11/04/soundcloud-launches-new-all-in-one-artist-subscription-feature/

    TikTok Creator Awards https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/11/03/tiktok-us-creator-awards-launch-2025/

    AI Creation Charting on Billboard https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/01/entertainment/xania-monet-billboard-ai

    People Ages 70+ who listen to music slash dementia risk https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/seniors-who-listen-to-music-often-slash-their-dementia-risk-by-over-a-third/

    MUSIC:

    Jennifer Tefft – Salt and the Sea https://jennifertefft.com/

    Aluminum Brain – Fallen Off The Map https://aluminumbrain.com/

    Joey Wit – Leave It To Me https://joeywit.com/

    Song of the Week: The Maladaptive – Used To It https://themaladaptive.bandcamp.com/

    Ali A and the Agency – Transmogrification https://aliaandtheagency.com/

    Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com

    Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/

    All Things Dani

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    37 mins