Music Industry Insights Worldwide: Shaping Equality & Diversity in Music & Entertainment
Harmonizing Voices: Global Perspectives on Equality & Diversity in the Music and Entertainment Industries with Saskhia Menendez & Special GuestsHosted by Saskhia Menendez, award-winning advocate and music industry leader, Music Industry Insights Worldwide dives deep into the evolving world of equality and diversity in the music and entertainment industries. Through candid conversations with special guests, including trailblazing artists, producers, and industry experts, this podcast explores the stories, struggles, and successes of those dedicated to creating a more inclusive and equitable industry.Whether you're an artist, industry professional, or music enthusiast, you’ll gain unique insights into the challenges faced by marginalized communities and...
From Audio Engineer to Global A&R: Frank Demilt on Discovering Talent and Building Music Markets
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In this episode of Music Industry Insights Worldwide: Shaping Equality & Diversity in Music & Entertainment, Saskhia Menendez speaks with Frank Demilt, a music industry professional whose career spans audio engineering, artist development, A&R and international publishing.
Frank began his career as an audio engineer, working with artists including Elle Varner, Rapsody, Kid Ink and Sean Paul. In 2020, he transitioned into A&R, focusing on discovering and developing emerging talent across New Jersey. He later joined PAQ Publishing in 2022, where he leads the company’s expansion into India and Southeast Asia, building pa...
Beyond Fame: Authenticity, Creativity & Finding Wholeness with Ezra Vancil
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In this episode of Music Industry Insights Worldwide, Saskhia Menendez speaks with artist and songwriter Ezra Vancil about creativity, authenticity and what it really means to build a meaningful artistic life.
Ezra shares his journey through music, his latest 20-song double album Morning & Midnight, and the experience of creating music alongside his daughter Cozi. Together, they explore the pressures of seeking validation in the music industry, the difference between building a career and building an image, and why artists can sometimes benefit from focusing less on fame and more on becoming...
Williams Ayotomiwa: Building Africa’s Creative Economy & the Future of Music
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This week on Music Industry Insights Worldwide, we’re joined by Williams Ayotomiwa — Project Manager at the Creative Industries Initiative for Africa (CIIFA), working at the intersection of music, business, creativity and the wider African creative economy.
Based in Lagos, Nigeria, Williams brings a valuable perspective on the opportunities and challenges facing Africa’s rapidly evolving creative industries. His work focuses on supporting the development of stronger creative ecosystems and creating pathways for artists and creative professionals to grow both locally and internationally.
In this conversation, we explore the growth...
Mindset, Ownership & the Independent Artist: Building Your Own Path in Music - Kenneth Johnson
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This week on Music Industry Insights Worldwide, we’re joined by Kenneth “Munir Vibes” Johnson independent artist, entrepreneur and founder of Vibes Up Entertainment.
Kenneth brings together music, mindset and digital strategy to help independent artists navigate today’s rapidly changing music industry with greater clarity, intention and ownership.
In this conversation, we explore what it really means to build an independent career in music, from developing a strong mindset and using positive self-talk to embracing creative freedom and making strategic decisions that can create long-term sustainability.
Kenneth...
From Peruvian Rhythms to London: A Journey Through Music, Theatre & Sound - Bettine Solf
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This week on Music Industry Insights Worldwide, we’re joined by a Peruvian musician, performer and sound producer whose creative journey spans classical piano, theatre, live performance and contemporary music production.
Starting classical piano at just five years old, our guest went on to train as an actor at CSSD and Mountview before graduating from Abbey Road Institute with an Advanced Diploma in Music Production & Sound Engineering. During their studies, they produced their third album and recorded live performances for their own solo project as well as artists including Evolution Of Fi...
R J Deamer: The Deamer Model & Disrupting the Music Industry
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This week on Music Industry Insights Worldwide, we’re joined by R J Deamer — creator of the Deamer Model and a driving force behind the emerging cross-Atlantic country-rap movement.
Described as the “architect” behind a sound that combines the grit of the outlaw with the rhythm of the street, Deamer has developed a distinctive cinematic identity through his music and the HOLOGRAM album — music created for the high-stakes, the ambitious and the lonely.
In this conversation, we explore the Deamer Model — an ambitious approach to artist development designed to challenge th...
From Electronic Music to Visual Art: Mr. Statik on Creativity, Transformation & the Power of Reinvention
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In this episode of Music Industry Insights Worldwide, Saskhia Menendez is joined by Stathis Kalatzis, aka Mr. Statik, a pioneering figure in the Greek electronic music scene whose two-decade career has taken him from DJ booths and record labels to global music curation, experimental audiovisual projects and the world of contemporary painting.
Known for his hypnotic, energetic and storytelling-driven approach to DJing and production, Stathis has built a reputation as a true "DJs' DJ", releasing music through influential labels including BPitch Control, while performing and...
Fighting for the Future of Live Music: Tommy Dorfman on Power, Representation, Monopolies & Industry Change
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In this powerful episode of Music Industry Insights Worldwide, Saskhia Menendez is joined by Tommy Dorfman, a pioneering figure in the live music and EDM world whose extraordinary journey is rooted in creativity, resilience, advocacy and a fight for greater equity within the music industry.
Tommy's story began at just 16, when he moved out on his own and went on to become a major force in the New Jersey and New York EDM scene. As the founder of Juice Entertainment and creator of the iconic <...
Building Global Music Communities: Chyna Brackeen on Live Experiences, Artist Empowerment & Booking More Women
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In this episode of Music Industry Insights Worldwide, Saskhia Menendez is joined by Chyna Brackeen, Vice President of Experiences at Sofar Sounds, to explore the power of live music, global communities and creating meaningful opportunities for artists around the world.
Chyna leads Sofar Sounds' global live events and experiences business, working across a worldwide ecosystem of promoters and partners to bring music and human connection to audiences in cities including Jakarta, Rio de Janeiro, Chicago, Miami, Berlin, Madrid and Paris.
With a career...
The Superfan Economy: How Artists Can Rethink Touring, VIP & Direct-to-Fan Revenue with Cody DeLong
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n this episode of Music Industry Insights Worldwide, Saskhia Menendez is joined by Cody DeLong, CEO and co-founder of Sound Rink, to explore how artists are rethinking the economics of touring and unlocking new opportunities through superfans, VIP experiences and direct-to-fan strategies.
With more than a decade of experience across touring, ticketing and artist operations, Cody has helped generate millions in incremental revenue for artists while enabling them to retain ownership of their valuable fan data. As a 3x Inc. 5000 founder and co-founder of Armada...
Building Global Music Partnerships with Arielle Fischer | From Spotify to Virgin Music and Beyond
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How do artists, labels, streaming platforms, and music technology companies work together to shape the future of the global music industry?
In this episode of Music Industry Insights Worldwide, host Saskhia Menendez is joined by Arielle Fischer, a music industry professional with more than 15 years of experience spanning artist and label relations, digital streaming, music technology, and international marketing.
Having held influential roles at Spotify, INgrooves (now Virgin Music Group), Native Instruments, and Endel, Arielle...
Autism Rocks and Rolls America With Sam Mitchell
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What does it mean to thrive as an autistic entrepreneur, broadcaster, and advocate in a world that often misunderstands neurodiversity?
In this inspiring episode of Music Industry Insights Worldwide, host Saskhia Menendez is joined by Sam Mitchell, founder and host of the award-winning Autism Rocks and Rolls podcast. Diagnosed with autism, Sam has built an internationally recognised platform dedicated to celebrating autistic success stories, challenging stereotypes, and proving that autism is not a limitation—it's a different way of experiencing the world.
...
Designing Inclusive, Sensory-Friendly Events for a Calmer Future with Nika Brunet Milunović
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What if events, festivals, and workplaces were designed to support human wellbeing first?
In this episode of Pink Nest, host Nika Brunet Milunović explores the future of inclusive, sensory-friendly, and sustainable event design, drawing on over a decade of experience in international festivals and sustainability programmes.
Nika is a social worker, MBA graduate, and PhD candidate researching mental health and neurodiversity in events. After more than 11 years working in large-scale international festival environments and corporate sustainability, she made a bold shift away from traditional industry s...
Kith The Kid: From Iran to London – The Untold Story
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In this episode of Music Industry Insights Worldwide, we sit down with Kith The Kid, the Iranian rapper born in Ahvaz who transformed adversity into an international music career.
Known professionally as Kith The Kid, Marco Polo Mahan shares his powerful journey from discovering hip-hop at a young age through artists like Eminem and 50 Cent to teaching himself four languages and moving to the United Kingdom at just 19 years old to pursue his passion for music.
After facing significant challenges in Iran that forced him to leave his home...
From Journalism to Live Music Powerhouse | Rob Duguay on Writing, Radio & Building Scenes
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In this episode, we’re joined by Rob Duguay — a freelance arts and entertainment journalist, radio producer, and live music promoter based in Providence, Rhode Island.
Rob shares his unique journey working across multiple sides of the music and media world, from writing for respected publications such as New Noise Magazine, Treble, and the Providence Journal, to founding his own culture platform, Culture Beat, on Medium.
We also dive into his decade-long experience behind the scenes at the WEEI Sports Radio Network in Boston, where he works as a boar...
From DistroKid to Independent Tools: Rethinking Music Distribution, Support & Artist Ownership With Jasen Samford
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In this episode, we’re joined by Jasen Samford, founder of Gatefolded a link-in-bio platform built for musicians to share music that actually plays — and a long-time music industry operator with deep experience in artist support and distribution systems.
Jasen spent a decade as employee #2 at DistroKid, where he helped build out artist support and education operations, gaining first-hand insight into the challenges independent musicians face when navigating digital distribution platforms. Today, he continues that work through Gatefolded and a consulting practice that supports artists dealing with distribution disputes, platform issues, and t...
OB3Y: Turning Life, Love & Struggle into Music That Moves the Culture
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In this episode, we sit down with OB3Y, a Cameron artist transforming lived experience into powerful music and movement.
Life, in all its chaotic beauty, becomes the muse. Through love, struggle, resilience, and ambition, OB3Y channels raw human experience into sound — creating music that feels honest, emotional, and deeply connected to real life.
This conversation explores how personal journey shapes artistic identity, and how music becomes a way to process, express, and push beyond boundaries.
We discuss:
• Turning life experience into creative expr...
Beyond Streaming: Rebuilding How Artists Create, Collaborate & Own Music with Alex Greco
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In this episode, we’re joined by Alex Greco, founder of Leep, a collaboration-first platform designed to transform how music is created long before it reaches streaming services.
Leep is built around a simple but powerful idea: artists need space to develop music together, not just release it into algorithms. Instead of focusing solely on finished tracks and streaming performance, the platform allows creators to share works-in-progress, exchange structured feedback, and co-create in real time with collaborators, producers, and even fans.
Alex brings a background spanning product leadership, partnerships, an...
How Emilie Thorsby Took Her Music to 15 Countries | Awards, Radio & Breakthrough Story
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In this episode, we sit down with Emilie Thorsby, an award-winning Danish artist whose music career has rapidly grown into an international success story.
Emilie has released 7 songs, with 4 receiving radio rotation across 7 stations in the USA, including interviews on NBC Radio (11 appearances).
Her growing impact has also been recognised in the media, including being featured as a front story on Instagram by EGW (Elle Global Woman) Magazine (USA).
Over the past few years, Emilie has built an impressive list of achievements, including:
• Nominated Female Artist of...
From EMI to Independent: Rebuilding the Music Industry for Artists With Nat Cummins
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In this episode of Music Industry Insights Worldwide, we sit down with Nat Cummins (she/they) Berlin-based artist manager, music consultant, and founder of Red Tape Music.
With over 15 years of experience spanning EMI Records, Ministry of Sound, and SoundCloud, Nat has worked across copyright, licensing, touring, business affairs, and artist development at every level of the industry.
Now running an independent, artist-first label, Nat is challenging traditional industry structures and building a more transparent, sustainable model for emerging punk, alternative, and heavy artists.
We talk about:
The Hidden Cost of Touring: Burnout, Energy & Survival in Music | Izzy Naud
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In this episode, we sit down with Izzy Naud, a health and performance coach specialising in electronic music artists and high-performing professionals working in high-pressure environments.
With over 30 years immersed in electronic music culture and more than a decade working directly in the industry, Izzy brings a rare insider understanding of touring life, creative pressure, and the physical and mental demands placed on artists today.
Her work focuses on one core mission: helping creatives and professionals build the internal capacity to sustain performance, creativity, and...
Composing a Lifetime: Music, Business & Legacy with Anthony Prezio
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In this episode, we’re joined by Anthony Prezio — a lifelong creator whose career in music spans over five decades.
From Troy, New York, Anthony has been composing and performing since 1970, building a rich legacy as a musical composer, publisher, business agent, and music consultant. As a member of both ASCAP and BMI, his work sits at the intersection of creativity and the business of music, offering a rare perspective on how the industry has evolved over time.
In this conversation, we explore:
The journey of a comp...
UNBECOMING : Healing Through Sound with Caleigh Rose
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In this deeply moving episode, we sit down with Nashville-based singer-songwriter Caleigh Rose, an artist whose work is rooted in somatics, poetic lyricism, and raw emotional truth.
Caleigh’s journey is anything but conventional—trading spreadsheets for songwriting, she stepped away from a corporate path to fully embrace her calling in music. Through studying somatics, she has developed a unique approach to songwriting that transforms her music into a powerful tool for mental health, healing, and self-discovery.
We explore her concept album “UNBECOMING”, a beautifully layered body of work that tak...
Inside the Music Machine: Rethinking the Industry with Brad Stewart
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In this episode, we sit down with Brad Stewart, veteran music executive, international tour booker, and founder of Stewart Entertainment and Music Mogul AI—to unpack what’s really broken inside the modern music industry.
With nearly two decades of experience working with legendary artists including Leon Russell, Ten Years After, Walter Trout, and many more, Brad brings a rare, ground-level perspective on how the industry actually operates behind the scenes.
From outdated royalty structures and streaming economics that leave artists underpaid, to deeply entrenched systems resistant to change, Brad brea...
Vibes Up: Mindset, Independence & Ownership in Music with Kenneth “Munir Vibes” Johnson
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In this episode, we’re joined by Kenneth “Munir Vibes” Johnson, a creative force dedicated to empowering independent artists through music, mindset, and strategy.
As the founder of Vibes Up Entertainment, Munir Vibes blends artistry with digital innovation—helping artists navigate the modern music landscape with clarity, intention, and true ownership. His approach goes beyond just releasing music; it’s about building sustainable careers rooted in positive self-talk, creative freedom, and smart, long-term thinking.
Through his work, he champions a new kind of artist ecosystem—one where independence is protected, s...
From Meta to Music: Rebuilding Creative Ownership with AI & Blockchain With Philip Rather
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What happens when a former Meta product and growth leader steps away from Big Tech to reimagine the future of creativity itself?
In this episode, we sit down with Phillip Rather—founder of Guild, an AI and blockchain-native platform designed to transform how creators collaborate, share ownership, and build communities. Drawing on years of experience inside one of the world’s most powerful tech ecosystems, Phillip breaks down why traditional creative infrastructure is broken—and how new models powered by AI and decentralised systems can unlock a fairer, more connected future for ar...
Crafting the Music Industry: Jazz, Business & Education with May Yu
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In this episode, we speak with May Yu — a classical and jazz violinist, music business professional, and educator based in New York City.
May’s work sits at the intersection of performance, industry, and education. She performs across genres and prestigious stages, including Dizzy’s Club and the Apollo Theater, while also engaging in collaborative, improvisational projects that centre storytelling and artistic expression.
Alongside her performance career, May is completing her second Master’s degree in Music Business at New York University, where she serves as Student Co-President of the grad...
Blue Champagne: Fierce, Fabulous & Unapologetically Hers from Northern Ireland
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Meet Blue Champagne (@xxblue.champagnexx) — a proud trans woman from Northern Ireland who kicked the closet door off its hinges in 2020 after 25 years of internal wrestling, and honey, she won.
For the past 4 years, she’s been lighting up the pole scene with moves so fierce they should come with a fire warning 🔥. In this episode, Blue Champagne shares her journey of joy, strength, and unapologetic self-expression. Expect laughs, life lessons, and a whole lot of sparkle.
💫 Follow her on Instagram: @xxblue.champagnexx
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From Abuja to the Algorithm: Motorola Bhadmos on Building Your Own Sound
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In this episode, we sit down with Motorola Bhadmos (Torola) — an emerging artist from Abuja, Nigeria, who is proving that limitations can become launching pads.
Starting his music journey in 2019, Torola began as a singer but quickly realised the high cost of production could hold him back. Instead of giving up, he made a bold decision: teach himself music production and beat-making.
From unreleased early tracks to navigating failed social media attempts, this conversation explores resilience, self-belief, and building a unique sound from the ground up. Now focused on gr...
Resilience, Ritual & Revolution: Emmanuel Vukovich on Reimagining Music for Humanity
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In this powerful episode of Music Industry Insights Worldwide, Saskhia Menendez sits down with Montreal-based violist, curator, and visionary creator Emmanuel Vukovich to explore how music can become a living force for resilience, intercultural dialogue, and social transformation.
From his groundbreaking PARZIVAL & FEIREFIZ – A New Musical Grail Narrative for Diversity to the deeply research-driven RESILIENCE Project, Emmanuel is reshaping how classical music speaks to contemporary humanity.
Together, they explore:
How medieval narratives inspire modern conversations about diversity
The creation of a “new musical grail” for inclusion and un...
Tara Formosa: From Musical Theatre to Electropop Storytelling
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Meet Tara Formosa (@tara.formosa) — a rising singer-songwriter originally from Melbourne, Australia, now making waves from Malta. Blending heartfelt lyricism with pop-inspired beats, Tara’s music captures the beauty and intensity of human emotion.
After starting her journey in musical theatre, Tara transitioned into songwriting in 2017 and has since released multiple singles and her debut EP, ‘Confessional’. In 2026, she’s set to release 5 new singles every 6–8 weeks, starting with ‘Monster’ dropping on Friday the 13th.
Join us as we dive into her creative process, storytelling, and what it takes to thrive as an...
Robert Frezza: Behind the Stories of Music & Fashion Icons
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Meet Robert Frezza (@robertfrezza) — a renowned music and fashion journalist who has interviewed legends like Lady Gaga, Kings of Leon, Garbage, Nine Inch Nails, The Strokes, Slash, and many more.
With bylines in CMJ, The Aquarian, and Ones To Watch, and as the founder of ModernFrequency.com, Robert shares insider perspectives on the intersection of music, culture, and style. In this episode, we dive into his journey, favorite interviews, and what it takes to stay ahead in the fast-paced worlds of music and fashion journalism.
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Funmi Oke: Shaping Global Sounds & Artist Identity
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Meet Olufunmilayo “Funmi” Oke (@Studio.olu) — a music executive and A&R powerhouse dedicated to building a global presence for artists. With over seven years of experience, she has worked with talents like Ludacris, Syd, Sasha Keable, Blood Civilian, Adekunle Gold, and Stonebwoy, and has previously served as Associate Director of A&R at Def Jam Recordings.
Funmi began her career collaborating with Steve Lacy, The Internet, and Jesse Boykins III, and has contributed to publications including Saint Heron, Pigeons & Planes, EARMILK, and The FADER. As the founder of Studio Olu, she he...
Blasko: Heavy Metal, Branding & the Future of Music
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Meet Blasko — a rare music industry veteran who has experienced every angle of the business. From rocking global stages with Ozzy Osbourne and Rob Zombie, to managing Grammy-winning artists and building culture-shifting brands like Liquid Death, Blasko’s career is defined by his passion for heavy metal and creativity.
In this episode, we dive into his insights on music, branding, and the new wave of AI tools reshaping the industry, offering guidance for artists, managers, founders, and creators navigating 2026 and beyond.
💫 Learn more about Blasko: LinkedIn
https://www.link...
Robin Che: From Artist Management to AI – Navigating Music and Tech
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In this episode, we chat with Robin, who spent nearly two years in the music industry managing artists like VGMB Jestik and Volatile Innovator, running the popular rap showcase OPACZA, and building an online community for artists called Performers’ Lab.
Robin shares insights on the challenges and triumphs of artist management, fostering up-and-coming talent, and creating online spaces for musicians to connect and grow. Recently, Robin transitioned into the tech world, joining an AI company, bringing a unique perspective on the intersection of music, innovation, and technology.
Tune in fo...
Becky Raisman: From Highland Park to Harmony – A Queer Singer-Songwriter’s Journey
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Join us as we chat with Becky Raisman, an accomplished singer, songwriter, and keyboardist originally from the Chicagoland area. A Columbia College Chicago alum (Class of 2007), Becky has honed her craft with renowned voice teachers, performed at open mics and contests, and recorded at top studios from Nashville to Memphis to Charleston.
With five EPs under her belt—including Earth Goddesses and Peace, Love, and Harmony—
Becky shares the stories behind her music, her collaborations with artists like Matt Robinson (Old Shoe) and Annie Lesser, and her experiences navigating the...
100 Songs. 18 Months. Total Control: Inside Jody Whitesides’ Sonic World
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In this episode of Music Industry Insights Worldwide, we dive into the hypnotic, intentional world of Jody Whitesides a truly independent artist redefining what it means to build a sustainable, self-directed music career.
Writing, performing, producing and engineering his work as one continuous creative process, Jody creates pop-leaning music with depth, songs built on groove, restraint and emotional tension that linger long after they end.
With a catalog spanning ten albums (1997–2026), film, television and video game placements, and early digital distribution milestones including becoming one of the first non-signed ar...
International Publishing, Platinum Success & The Next Generation of Creators With Nick Green
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In this global industry deep dive, we’re joined by Nick Green, co-founder of Next Play Music Group and an international music executive with over a decade of experience in publishing, A&R, and artist development.
Nick has collaborated with some of the biggest names in music, including Drake, Sean Paul, Migos, Young Thug, Rita Ora, Akon and Monsta X, with placements spanning the US, UK, France, Korea, and Latin America.
With over 50+ platinum-certified records, major sync placements with organisations like the NBA, Netflix, and global brands in...
David Sosa: From #3 on iTunes to Genre-Bending Soul | Reinventing R&B for a New Generation
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In this episode of Music Industry Insights Worldwide, Saskhia Menendez sits down with New York-based singer and songwriter David Sosa, an artist redefining what it means to be genre-fluid in today’s music industry.
With influences spanning opera, jazz standards, Broadway, 90s R&B, and the soulful sounds of the 60s and 80s, David has crafted a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. His debut album Journey to Love climbed to #3 on the iTunes Top 100 a powerful milestone for an independent artist carving his own lane.
No...
Voice Reclaimed: A Hip Hop Story from Kenya with JBA Mutethia
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In this episode of Music Industry Insights Worldwide, Saskhia Menendez sits down with JBA Mutethia, a 22-year-old emcee from Ruiru, Kenya, whose story proves that hip hop is more than music it’s liberation.
Born Anold Mutethia and currently studying Theatre Arts and Film Technology at Kenyatta University, JBA represents a new generation of African creatives redefining narrative, voice, and identity.
JBA stands for Justifiably Beyond Average and that philosophy runs through everything he creates.
Having released two studio albums, including his latest project Welcome Hom...
