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Emily White is an entrepreneur, in-demand speaker and expert consultant in the music and sports industries.
She is in the middle of recording season 2 of her podcast, How to Build a Sustainable Music Career & Collect All Revenue Streams, which, has charted as #1 Music Business podcast on the planet. It has charted on six continents with listeners in 140+ countries.
The Podcast is being live streamed on volume.com and recorded in front of a live studio audience via Nō Studios in Milwaukee.
We had the chance to speak with Emily about her podcast and what listeners and fans can expect this season.
Congrats on season 2 of your podcast, How to Build a Sustainable Music Career & Collect All Revenue Streams. Why did you decide to do it live this time around, both in front of a studio audience and live streamed via volume.com?
Thanks! I wanted to solve musicians and music industry folks’ problems in real time. As well as make the information accessible globally by livestreaming the shows to support those who are unable to travel or be there in person.
What made you pick John Ridley’s Nō Studios as the location to do your podcast live?
John and his sister Lisa Caesar have built a collaborative work space and social community in our mutual hometown of Milwaukee that offers an environment for artists and art lovers to come together. Our missions are completely aligned in bringing creatives together and providing support with the tools and information they need to build, grow and thrive artistically for as long as they want. Which is ideally for the rest of their lives.
You have a lot of successful and knowledgeable guests featured in season 2. Is there anything new you’ve learned from them? If so, what?
Thank you and yes! One fact that stood out is that CD Baby’s rates are negotiable based on the size of the artist. That’s not something that’s advertised nor would I expect it from a digital distribution aggregator. But it actually makes total sense and I’m glad that info is now out there for all. I also love when the partners I’ve brought in on the podcast mention each other unprompted. I only work with and share companies that I feel deeply help artists. So it’s great to see the larger ecosystem tie together seamlessly in an authentic and genuine manner.
What prompted you to do this podcast initially?
My first book is called Interning 101. A podcast network asked me to create a show based on the book and I thought, “What a great idea!” As it’s not necessarily something I would have thought to do on my own. That podcast is good and used at some universities, but it ultimately taught me how to do it. So when I wrote How to Build a Sustainable Music Career & Collect All Revenue Streams, I had a clear vision to bring each chapter and topic to life through handpicked guests. Which is why I think it’s a hit and connected with people. It’s like any creative project – we get better and grow with each project as you learn more.
Why did you decide to live stream the podcast – it’s a cool and unusual idea and the streams on Volume.com look beautiful – we have loved watching them and participating in real-time.
I wanted to make sure the information was accessible to all. The podcast has charted on six continents with listeners in 140+ countries. For example, this week we’re charting in Tanzania. Not everyone can fly to SXSW, Nashville, etc to educate themselves. Volume has given the show a platform to reach musicians around the globe. At the same time, I want to hear from the audience to ensure we’re solving and covering everything that comes up for them. Which doesn’t happen when I’m recording on my own. And thanks! Huge props to the Nō Studios’ production team who have been working super hard on the episodes. I’m really grateful for their work.
Why did you get into the music business and what drives you in your career?
At a Thanksgiving dinner in high school, I remember going around the table and saying what we’re thankful for. I said “Music. And my family.” In which my uncle joked, “In that order.” I’ve always been a massive music fan, and took lessons growing up, but wasn’t necessarily a talented musician. But my passion for music grew from there by putting artists first, building businesses for and around their artistic visions and taking care of fans a very close second.
What has been the best part of season 2 thus far and why?
Watching the audience come together to create, build and grow a community. As that’s what it’s all about! Also, the questions the artists in the audience have been asking are powerful and emotional. It’s an incredibly inspiring experience to be a part of.
