The Untold Battles Behind Indie Music's Rise—A2IM's Ian Harrison Exposes the Truth!
Independent music has never been more powerful. In this episode, Ian Harrison—President and CEO of A2IM and former Hopeless Records exec—pulls back the curtain on how indie advocacy is reshaping the industry. Discover how A2IM fights in Washington for rights you didn't even know were under threat, why independents now claim over 50% of Grammy nominations, and the crucial steps indie artists must take to survive and thrive in today's evolving music landscape. Learn the real story behind the HITS Act, AI policy, and the future of record deals. If you're an artist, label owner, or passionate about the future of the music business, don't miss this deep dive into the forces leveling the playing field for the next generation! 💥🎶 #IndieMusic #A2IM #MusicBusinessInsider
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🎙️ Music Business Insider Podcast: https://www.mubutv.com/podcast
The Music Business Insider Podcast is a deep dive for listeners like you who want to educate, empower & engage their music career. We take you inside behind the scenes through a series of in-depth conversations with today's leading experts in the Music Industry—including A&R, Music Supervision, Artist Management, Label Advocacy, Marketing, Publicity, Touring, and much more. You can find it by searching "Music Business Insider Podcast" on any podcast app or platform [ie: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, etc.].
📒 Show Notes and Resources 📒
LINK
⚡️What you'll learn in this episode⚡️
👉 What really happens in the hidden policy battles shaping indie music's future
👉 The shift: why over half of 2026 Grammy nominations are indie
👉 How organizations like A2IM give artists a seat at the table—and how you can get involved
👉 The indie label as the industry's innovation lab (and how you can benefit)
👉 The true meaning of the HITS Act and how it puts more money in indie pockets
👉 Questions every artist MUST ask before signing a record deal
👉 Survival strategies for artists in the age of AI—what to demand from tech companies
👉 Where to find proof your music is resonating (even when you don't chart)
👉 How to build community and tap into life-changing indie networks
👉 Hailey Williams, major label veterans, and why the future is independent
👉 and so much more...
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📒 All You Need To Know About the Music Business 11th Edition - https://amzn.to/3sdgrja
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Podcast Credits
Produced by: Ritch Esra & Eric Knight
Editor: Eric Knight
Shownotes & Transcriptions: Jermaine Shepherd
Get the real story behind the indie revolution—straight from the frontlines of label advocacy. Ian Harrison breaks down what shifts in music policy and artist empowerment mean for your next move. Whether you're an established artist, a manager, an indie label founder, or just starting out, the insights in this episode will help you navigate new opportunities—and fend off threats you didn't even see coming. Discover how to leverage community, master your craft, understand your data, and keep ownership at the heart of your career. Subscribe for up-to-the-minute music industry tips, and tell us: what's the biggest challenge you face as an indie today?
Join the MUBUTV Music Business Insider Podcast for expert conversations, essential music industry tips, and resources like our free guides on A&R, artist management, and music supervision. Our mission is to educate and empower you at every stage of your music career. 🔥🎧 #MusicBusiness #IndieMusic #A2IM #MusicCareer
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