In this episode, Molly Neuman joins Michael Nevins to share how CD Baby has changed (and what’s coming next), why the artist “DIY” journey is way more complex than people think, and how platforms earn trust when the experience is intuitive and fair. They also get into the pressure artists feel to do everything (music, content, business), and why it’s worth being honest about what success can look like.

Along the way: Riot Grrrl, music scenes, and community-building; drumming as both craft and metaphor (multiple limbs / multiple priorities); and the mindset Molly uses to navigate a long, evolving career in music and tech.

00:00 - Kick & Snare intro

00:18 - Meet Molly Neuman (CD Baby President)

02:43 - Squiggly careers

04:53 - What CD Baby does today (and why “DIY” is more complex than it sounds)

06:59 - Molly’s Downtown journey: Songtrust → CMO → CD Baby

08:58 - Repositioning CD Baby: infrastructure, operations, and competing in a crowded market

11:24 - “By artists, for artists” + modern artist needs (global scale, new expectations)

12:38 - UX is the brand: why product experience beats logos

14:05 - Labels as filters: identity, taste, and trust (Discord, scenes, discovery)

18:26 - Labels as filters: identity, taste, and trust (Discord, scenes, discovery)

22:40 - Scenes, movements, and Riot Grrrl: how it grew (and what it wasn’t)

37:15 - Representation and visibility: why it changes people’s lives

42:12 - Career growth via new environments (Kickstarter lessons, scaling Songtrust)

44:36 - Untapped opportunity: supporting more women creators

45:51 - Getting her start as a drummer: learning by watching the kick drum

52:28 - Getting better in your 50s

53:51 - Drumming and leadership: multitasking, anticipation, staying in time

55:36 - Artist tools: being real about what artists need now

58:05 - What Molly’s listening to right now + closing

Cliff Fluet (partner at Louis Silkin, joint head of Media & Entertainment; Chair of Music Technology UK; founder of Eleven Advisory) joins Michael Nevins to unpack how music, tech, and IP are colliding in the age of AI.

We cover: why MusicTechnology UK focuses on funding + ecosystem building, why Cliff believes AI is a paradigm shift on the scale of electricity, and his core argument: “Copyright isn’t the problem. Licensing is the answer.”

Plus: the case for focusing on outputs vs inputs, the music industry’s data problem, and practical advice for founders and people breaking into music tech.

• ​Cliff Fluet (Louis Silkin): #MusicTech #AI #Copyright #Licensing #MusicIndustry #startups

  00:00 - Start

  00:23 - Intro: Cliff Fluet (Louis Silkin, MusicTech UK, Eleven Advisory)

  01:54 - From hi-fi salesman to Warner Music: Cliff’s origin story

  04:00 - Warner Music in the CD boom → internet flips the industry

  04:47 - New media at Warner: early streaming + disruption

  05:51 - The jump to radio: “I’ve got to go on the other side and get some rights from you.”

  06:57 - Private practice: advising mobile + early streaming (Pandora → DSPs)

  07:58 - Why “legal + strategic” (and founding Eleven Advisory)

  09:22 - Building MusicTech UK: the what and the why

  12:56 - The #1 problem for music tech startups

  16:03 - Community + “space & place”: H.O.M.E. + Tileyard Studios ecosystems

  19:48 - Does the UK get enough credit for music innovation?

  23:58 - AI as a revolution (not an evolution)

  33:47 - AI training data + copyright: can we “unscramble the egg”?

  34:23 - Key thesis: “Licensing is the answer” (outputs vs inputs)

  38:13 - Flying the plane while building it: contracting in uncertainty

  44:13 - The music industry’s biggest blind spot: data

  48:16 - Disruption vs curiosity: what founders get wrong

  51:56 - Career advice: curiosity wins

  54:25 - What Cliff is listening to now

  56:23 - Cool tech: Bria & Uhmbrella

  57:07 - Closing: “help write music’s next verse.”

Michael Nevins welcomes guest Alan Chappell, President of Chappell and Associates, ad tech privacy expert, and multifaceted musician. Alan shares insights into balancing a demanding legal career with his passion for music, discussing his songwriting process, the impact of AI on the creative industry, and experiences working with renowned producers like Jimmy Einer and Jerry Harrison. The conversation explores the evolution of music technology, incorporating personal anecdotes about Alan's musical journey and his perspectives on the integration of creativity and business. Alan also offers advice for aspiring creatives, emphasizing the importance of embracing chaos in the creative process.

​

More about Alan and his music: https://thisischapell.com/

And More about Chappell & Associates: https://thisischapell.com/chapellassociates/

In this episode of The Kick & Snare Podcast, host Michael Nevins talks with Richard James Burgess, President & CEO of A2IM (American Association of Independent Music). They explore what defines “independent,” how A2IM supports its member labels, the challenges of streaming payouts, the battle for fair compensation from platforms like TikTok, and what’s next for music and AI. Richard also shares stories and insights from his varied music career as a drummer, signed artist, producer, artist manager, label exec, and his current role at A2IM.

Fun facts: Richard coined the term “EDM” (Electronic Dance Music), produced Spandau Ballet, and was an innovator and early adopter in music tech, He contributed to the development of the the first Simmons electronic drum kits and championed the The Fairlight CMI, a ground breaking digital synthesizer, music sampler, and digital audio workstation, This episode is an essential listen for anyone passionate about independent music, digital rights, music tech, and innovation in the music industry.

🌐 Learn more about A2IM: https://a2im.org/

00:00 - Intro: Meet Richard Burgess 01:16 - Discussion Outline and Topics 03:12 - Understanding A2IM and A Definition of “Independent” in Music 05:27 - History and Mission of A2IM and Digital Disruption 11:01 - Indies vs Majors: A Complicated Relationship 13:25 - Misconceptions About Independent Labels 14:31 - The Critical Role of Independent Labels in Music Innovation 17:05 - Support and Advocacy for Independent Labels and Artists 20:51 - Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Music Landscape 25:08 - The Impact of AI on Independent Music 27:45 - Supporting Artist Well-Being Through A2IM Programs 30:48 - Health Insurance for Artists 34:10 - Reflecting on a Decade at A2IM 38:34 - Transitioning Leadership at A2IM 41:55 - A Journey Through Music: From Drummer to Producer 43:38 - From Drummer to Studio Musician 44:40 - From Drummer for Hire to Signed Artist 46:29 - Transition to Producing, Including Producing Spandau Ballet 47:06 - Coining The Terms “EDM” and “New Romantic Movement” 48:24 - Why Drummers Are Often Great Producers 49:52 - The Move To Artist Management, Smithsonian Folkways, And How Lead Belly Played A Role 50:53 - Getting Involved With A2IM 51:20 - Studying at Berklee with Alan Dawson 53:45 - Advice for Artists & Labels: Finding Your Audience

🎙️ In this episode of The Kick and Snare Podcast, Michael Nevins speaks with Chantal Epp, founder and CEO of ClicknClear, a music rights tech company solving licensing issues for choreographed sports like cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics.

Chantal shares her journey from music licensing at a Peter Gabriel startup to becoming a two-time world champion cheerleader and creating a solution to a widespread problem in the sports and performing arts world.

We dive into:

✅ How ClicknClear helps athletes and teams license music legally ✅ The unique challenges of music rights for sports routines ✅ Building inclusive cheerleading programs & Paralympic initiatives ✅ The role of Music Technology UK in supporting founders ✅ Challenges facing music tech startups today

🔔 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of music, technology, and business.

👉 For more on Click n Clear: https://www.clicknclear.com 👉 Follow Kick & Snare Podcast: https://kickandsnare.com

00:00 - Introduction to Chantal Epp & ClicknClear 03:50 - The Challenge of Music Licensing in Sports 05:47 - The Role of Education in Music Licensing 07:22 - Chantal’s Journey as a World Champion Cheerleader 09:15 - Advocacy for Inclusive Cheerleading And Other Sports 15:01 - Navigating Language and Inclusion 19:15 - The Importance of Community and Music Technology UK 21:04 - Key Challenges Facing Music Tech Startups 24:14 - Women in Male-Dominated Industries 30:06 - Chantal’s Personal Connection to Music 33:17 - The Therapeutic Power of Music

#MusicTech #ChantalEpp #ClicknClear #MusicLicensing #Cheerleading #AdaptiveSports #MusicTechnologyUK #KickAndSnarePodcast #FounderStories

In this episode of the Kick & Snare podcast, Michael interviews Katie Debrah, founder of Halo and Echo, a creative advertising consultancy for music, culture, and platforms. Katie shares her journey from YouTuber to marketing professional, recounting her years at Google in product and marketing, as well as her transition to becoming an independent consultant. She discusses her new venture, the HypeMuse app, which is designed to help independent artists focus more on their music than on self-promotion. Katie also discusses her involvement with Music Technology UK and the challenges currently facing music tech startups. Tune in to explore Katie's insights on the evolving relationship between tech and the music industry, her personal experiences, and her exciting new projects.

#AIinMusic #MusicProduction #HypeMuse #MusicTechnology #google

🌐 Learn more about Katie Debrah and Halo And Echo: https://www.katiedebrah.com

00:00 - Introduction to Kick & Snare Podcast

00:18 - Meet Katie Debrah: Founder of Halo and Echo

00:43 - Katie’s Journey in Marketing and Tech

01:24 - Transition to Entrepreneurship and developing HypeMuse

01:49 - Challenges and Opportunities for Independent Artists

02:33 - Katie’s Experience at Google

04:15 - The Decision to Go Independent

08:31 - Developing Marketing Tech for Artists: More about HypeMuse

21:07 - The Role of Music Tech UK

25:46 - Challenges in Music and Tech Startups

32:30 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🎧 In this episode of The Kick & Snare Podcast, host Michael Nevins sits down with David Ronan, founder and CEO of RoEx, to explore how AI is reshaping music production. RoEx is building powerful, intuitive tools that make high-quality music creation faster, easier, and more accessible, especially for emerging artists and bedroom producers.

We dig into the mission behind RoEx, how user feedback drives smarter design, and what makes their approach to AI in audio production unique. David also shares how Music Technology UK and Innovate UK are helping UK-based startups like his tackle challenges in visibility, funding, and industry trust.

🚀 Highlights include: – How RoEx simplifies music mixing with AI – Why control, privacy, and creativity still matter – The challenges of raising investment in music tech – RoEx’s plans to expand into film & TV post-production

Whether you're a producer, tech enthusiast, or curious about the future of music creation, this conversation delivers.

#AIinMusic #MusicProduction #RoEx #MusicTechnology #AudioInnovation

#kickandsnare

​In this second episode of our Music Technology UK Member Spotlight Series, Michael Nevins speaks with Hazel Savage, CEO of Syntho and a music tech pioneer whose journey spans founding the AI startup Musio (later acquired by SoundCloud). Hazel discusses working across global music companies and now leading one of the UK’s most exciting startups. Hazel opens up about her fast-track return from “retirement,” what makes Syntho different in a world flooded with online music education, and how community insights drive product innovation. They explore themes of gender equity in tech, IP in the age of AI, what makes a startup fundable, and the role of organizations like Music Technology UK in elevating early-stage companies. Whether you're into music, startups, or the business of innovation, this one’s packed with sharp insights and fun stories.​

00:00 - Introduction to Hazel Savage and Syntho

01:50 - Hazel’s Role at Syntho and Rapid Return from Retirement

06:13 - Community Engagement and User Feedback at Syntho

09:16 - Lessons Learned About Demonstrating Value

13:56 - Trust And The Importance of The People Behind The Tech

14:43 - The Challenges of IP in Music Tech

15:57 - The Widening Attitude Gap: Tech vs IP

17:38 - What Sets Syntho Apart in the Market

19:28 - Syntho’s Unique Value Proposition in a Crowded Market

20:41 - Production Value Matters - Does It Scream Professional?

23:37 - Hazel’s Squiggly Career Path in Music & Music Tech

25:22 - Getting Her Start At HMV

25:51 - Early Days At Shazam & Learning to Love Working In Tech

27:39 - Headehunted Out By Universal Music

28:39 - The Importance of Executive Sponsorship to Support Innovation

32:01 - On Being The Only Woman In The Room

35:06 - Music Tech UK and Building Industry Community

38:14 - Startup Investment Challenges in the UK

41:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts

🎙️ Subscribe for more candid convos with leaders shaping the future of music and media.

📌 Learn more about Hazel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazelsavage/

​📌 Learn more about Syntho: https://www.synthohub.com

​​Stay tuned for follow-up conversations with more leaders from a variety of MTUK's membership.