IN FOCUS Transistor (https://transistor.fm) https://feeds.transistor.fm/infocus-72a6b007-6bc2-4c3f-b9c6-32124e57ec68 IN FOCUS is a short-form podcast and fireside chat series presented by Downtown, spotlighting industry leaders, music technology trends, and data-driven strategies for artists, labels, and music professionals. Listen for actionable insights, behind-the-scenes perspectives, and deep dives into the ideas transforming the future of music. Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@DowntownMusic Subscribe to the Downtown Newsletter for updates on new episodes and exclusive insights. © 2025 Downtown Music 0037f04c-a1e6-5368-92bc-c272884bbfb2 no [Ep. 00] IN FOCUS - Intro en Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:58:30 -0700 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:59:09 -0700 http://downtownmusic.com https://img.transistorcdn.com/9GNkqfxYd4dJPqvQC49QXnTLiF7Q-_jSXvbVHjjKxNo/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:1400/h:1400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS84ZjJh/MDkzZjMyNjI0NTg4/YmVlY2M5MzVlYjlj/OTFjZS5qcGc.jpg IN FOCUS http://downtownmusic.com episodic Downtown Music IN FOCUS is a short-form podcast and fireside chat series presented by Downtown, spotlighting industry leaders, music technology trends, and data-driven strategies for artists, labels, and music professionals. Listen for actionable insights, behind-the-scenes perspectives, and deep dives into the ideas transforming the future of music. Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@DowntownMusic Subscribe to the Downtown Newsletter for updates on new episodes and exclusive insights. IN FOCUS is a short-form podcast and fireside chat series presented by Downtown, spotlighting industry leaders, music technology trends, and data-driven strategies for artists, labels, and music professionals. music business, music industry, music industry insights, behind the music, artist interviews, music production, record labels, music marketing, songwriting process, touring and live shows, streaming platforms Downtown Music No No [Ep. 16] IN FOCUS: Partnerships - In Conversation with ESEA 17 17 [Ep. 16] IN FOCUS: Partnerships - In Conversation with ESEA full 7eb3ef57-4b2b-4f39-b9a0-1b81c89c3365 https://share.transistor.fm/s/8f465b55 Mon, 23 Mar 2026 04:58:06 -0700 Downtown Music Downtown Music 1353 music business, music industry, music industry insights, behind the music, artist interviews, music production, record labels, music marketing, songwriting process, touring and live shows, streaming platforms No [Ep. 15] IN FOCUS: Fandom – Switching Genres 16 16 [Ep. 15] IN FOCUS: Fandom – Switching Genres full 9fc000a0-d910-492b-a2d5-b0a4feeda3c1 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3791dbb3 Episode fifteen sees Karma Bertelsen, Marketing Strategy Director (EMEA) at FUGA, in conversation with Scottish artist and songwriter Nina Nesbitt, exploring what it means to evolve creatively, switch genres, and bring fans along on new musical journeys.

]]> Episode fifteen sees Karma Bertelsen, Marketing Strategy Director (EMEA) at FUGA, in conversation with Scottish artist and songwriter Nina Nesbitt, exploring what it means to evolve creatively, switch genres, and bring fans along on new musical journeys.

]]> Mon, 16 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0700 Downtown Music Downtown Music 1221 Episode fifteen sees Karma Bertelsen, Marketing Strategy Director (EMEA) at FUGA, in conversation with Scottish artist and songwriter Nina Nesbitt, exploring what it means to evolve creatively, switch genres, and bring fans along on new musical journeys.

]]> Fandom, switching genres, artist evolution, Nina Nesbitt, creative reinvention, fan communities, storytelling, world-building, independent artists, marketing strategy, music identity, long-term careers, music industry insights No [Ep. 14] IN FOCUS: Fandom – Finding Communities That Matter 15 15 [Ep. 14] IN FOCUS: Fandom – Finding Communities That Matter full 79d71555-4b7b-412a-b912-36ce9b0b7dc4 https://share.transistor.fm/s/e287316f Episode fourteen sees Cabrea Casey, A&R and Sync Marketing Director at Downtown Music Publishing, in conversation with songwriter, recording artist, and producer Madge, exploring how fandom, gaming, and music intersect to create deeply engaged, authentic communities.

]]> Episode fourteen sees Cabrea Casey, A&R and Sync Marketing Director at Downtown Music Publishing, in conversation with songwriter, recording artist, and producer Madge, exploring how fandom, gaming, and music intersect to create deeply engaged, authentic communities.

]]> Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0700 Downtown Music Downtown Music 1088 Episode fourteen sees Cabrea Casey, A&R and Sync Marketing Director at Downtown Music Publishing, in conversation with songwriter, recording artist, and producer Madge, exploring how fandom, gaming, and music intersect to create deeply engaged, authentic communities.

]]> Fandom, community building, gaming, video games, Valorant, music and gaming, sync, artist communities, fan engagement, immersive experiences, authenticity, global audiences, creative collaboration, music industry insights No [Ep. 13] IN FOCUS: Sustainable Careers – The Long Game 14 14 [Ep. 13] IN FOCUS: Sustainable Careers – The Long Game full ed4905b6-eee2-4211-a41e-4a96254ded8c https://share.transistor.fm/s/260e46ce Episode thirteen sees Ben Patashnik, Senior Strategy Manager at Downtown, in conversation with Dexter Hubbard, Consultant at Badhead Music and Label Manager at SADCØRE Records, exploring what it truly means to build a sustainable career in music — and why time is one of an artist’s greatest assets.

]]> Episode thirteen sees Ben Patashnik, Senior Strategy Manager at Downtown, in conversation with Dexter Hubbard, Consultant at Badhead Music and Label Manager at SADCØRE Records, exploring what it truly means to build a sustainable career in music — and why time is one of an artist’s greatest assets.

]]> Mon, 02 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0800 Downtown Music Downtown Music 541 Episode thirteen sees Ben Patashnik, Senior Strategy Manager at Downtown, in conversation with Dexter Hubbard, Consultant at Badhead Music and Label Manager at SADCØRE Records, exploring what it truly means to build a sustainable career in music — and why time is one of an artist’s greatest assets.

]]> Sustainable careers, artist development, long-term strategy, independent artists, career longevity, fan community, financial planning, artist teams, music business strategy, creative independence, growth over time, music industry insights No [Ep. 12] IN FOCUS: Life of a Label – Talent Discovery & Development 13 13 [Ep. 12] IN FOCUS: Life of a Label – Talent Discovery & Development full fdfed639-6e81-4e85-b1c0-1f63f37a4745 https://share.transistor.fm/s/208a84de Episode twelve sees Tim Cronin, Director of Business Development (UK & Ireland) at FUGA, in conversation with Kwabz, Co-Founder and Director of Mixtape Madness, exploring how labels discover, develop, and support artists in an increasingly saturated and fast-moving music landscape.

]]> Episode twelve sees Tim Cronin, Director of Business Development (UK & Ireland) at FUGA, in conversation with Kwabz, Co-Founder and Director of Mixtape Madness, exploring how labels discover, develop, and support artists in an increasingly saturated and fast-moving music landscape.

]]> Mon, 23 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0800 Downtown Music Downtown Music 1316 Episode twelve sees Tim Cronin, Director of Business Development (UK & Ireland) at FUGA, in conversation with Kwabz, Co-Founder and Director of Mixtape Madness, exploring how labels discover, develop, and support artists in an increasingly saturated and fast-moving music landscape.

]]> Talent discovery, artist development, independent labels, Mixtape Madness, FUGA, music data, virality, long-term careers, label strategy, music entrepreneurship, audience growth, fan engagement, modern labels, music industry insights No [Ep. 11] IN FOCUS: Marketing – From Spend to Story 12 12 [Ep. 11] IN FOCUS: Marketing – From Spend to Story full aaea6219-d54b-4d7b-af22-7bebab19da53 https://share.transistor.fm/s/dfdd7739 Episode eleven sees Tim Huang, Director of Audience Strategy at Downtown Music, in conversation with Brian Popowitz, General Manager of Black Box, exploring how music marketing is evolving from pure media spend toward storytelling, intention, and long-term fan development.

]]> Episode eleven sees Tim Huang, Director of Audience Strategy at Downtown Music, in conversation with Brian Popowitz, General Manager of Black Box, exploring how music marketing is evolving from pure media spend toward storytelling, intention, and long-term fan development.

]]> Mon, 16 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0800 Downtown Music Downtown Music 1189 Episode eleven sees Tim Huang, Director of Audience Strategy at Downtown Music, in conversation with Brian Popowitz, General Manager of Black Box, exploring how music marketing is evolving from pure media spend toward storytelling, intention, and long-term fan development.

]]> Music marketing, paid media, advertising strategy, storytelling, fan development, audience growth, digital marketing, social ads, Spotify Showcase, campaign strategy, content amplification, organic growth, creative marketing, music industry insights No [Ep. 10] IN FOCUS: Physical – The German Landscape 11 11 [Ep. 10] IN FOCUS: Physical – The German Landscape full 24171b8b-8b19-46fe-bc11-5bf20888cfc8 https://share.transistor.fm/s/5dca8337 Episode ten sees Desiree Vach, General Manager at Downtown in Berlin, in conversation with Björn Meyer, Co-Owner and Managing Director of Odyssey Music Network, exploring the unique role physical music continues to play in Germany’s largely digital-first market.

]]> Episode ten sees Desiree Vach, General Manager at Downtown in Berlin, in conversation with Björn Meyer, Co-Owner and Managing Director of Odyssey Music Network, exploring the unique role physical music continues to play in Germany’s largely digital-first market.

]]> Mon, 09 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0800 Downtown Music Downtown Music 1255 Episode ten sees Desiree Vach, General Manager at Downtown in Berlin, in conversation with Björn Meyer, Co-Owner and Managing Director of Odyssey Music Network, exploring the unique role physical music continues to play in Germany’s largely digital-first market.

]]> Physical music, vinyl, CDs, German music market, direct-to-fan, direct-to-consumer, rock music, metal, alternative, chart strategy, bundling, limited editions, Record Store Day, fan engagement, physical formats, music industry insights No [Ep. 09] IN FOCUS: Storytelling – Legacy Catalog & Sync 10 10 [Ep. 09] IN FOCUS: Storytelling – Legacy Catalog & Sync full bc0d714e-bc04-4f20-936a-f189952c4e48 https://share.transistor.fm/s/9492c33b Episode nine sees Jason Taylor, Vice President of Business Development at Downtown Music Publishing, in conversation with Damon Booth, General Manager of Notable Music Company, exploring how storytelling plays a vital role in keeping legacy catalogs culturally relevant through sync, reinterpretation, and creative collaboration.

]]> Episode nine sees Jason Taylor, Vice President of Business Development at Downtown Music Publishing, in conversation with Damon Booth, General Manager of Notable Music Company, exploring how storytelling plays a vital role in keeping legacy catalogs culturally relevant through sync, reinterpretation, and creative collaboration.

]]> Mon, 02 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0800 Downtown Music Downtown Music 1243 Episode nine sees Jason Taylor, Vice President of Business Development at Downtown Music Publishing, in conversation with Damon Booth, General Manager of Notable Music Company, exploring how storytelling plays a vital role in keeping legacy catalogs culturally relevant through sync, reinterpretation, and creative collaboration.

]]> Legacy catalog, music publishing, sync licensing, storytelling, Great American Songbook, Broadway, classic songwriting, catalog management, reinterpretation, covers, cross-genre collaboration, film and television sync, advertising, music supervision, cultural longevity, music industry insights No [Ep. 08] IN FOCUS: Sustainable Careers - Having a business mindset 9 9 [Ep. 08] IN FOCUS: Sustainable Careers - Having a business mindset full 16536556-6040-4c98-90e9-3c80a84d06df https://share.transistor.fm/s/d3e56820 Episode eight sees Downtown’s Director of A&R, Jeanette Porcello, in conversation with Nashville-based artist and songwriter Erin Kinsey, exploring how understanding your audience and approaching artistry with a business mindset can empower artists to build sustainable, global careers.

]]> Episode eight sees Downtown’s Director of A&R, Jeanette Porcello, in conversation with Nashville-based artist and songwriter Erin Kinsey, exploring how understanding your audience and approaching artistry with a business mindset can empower artists to build sustainable, global careers.

]]> Tue, 27 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0800 Downtown Music Downtown Music 1253 Episode eight sees Downtown’s Director of A&R, Jeanette Porcello, in conversation with Nashville-based artist and songwriter Erin Kinsey, exploring how understanding your audience and approaching artistry with a business mindset can empower artists to build sustainable, global careers.

]]> Artist development, audience insights, fan data, analytics, business mindset, independent artists, Nashville, songwriting, touring strategy, international audiences, DSP tools, Spotify for Artists, community, mentorship, sustainable careers, creativity and strategy, music industry insights No [Ep. 07] IN FOCUS: Genre Evolution - The Hip-Hop Landscape 8 8 [Ep. 07] IN FOCUS: Genre Evolution - The Hip-Hop Landscape full e7e80c04-5a12-461d-b6c1-e66676b7eea7 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3979377c Episode seven sees FUGA’s Director of Business Development (UK & Ireland), Tim Cronin, in conversation with Mixtape Madness co-founder and director, Kwabz, exploring how hip-hop continues to evolve culturally, creatively, and commercially, and why authenticity and community remain at its core.

]]> Episode seven sees FUGA’s Director of Business Development (UK & Ireland), Tim Cronin, in conversation with Mixtape Madness co-founder and director, Kwabz, exploring how hip-hop continues to evolve culturally, creatively, and commercially, and why authenticity and community remain at its core.

]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2026 09:00:00 -0800 Downtown Music Downtown Music 1240 Episode seven sees FUGA’s Director of Business Development (UK & Ireland), Tim Cronin, in conversation with Mixtape Madness co-founder and director, Kwabz, exploring how hip-hop continues to evolve culturally, creatively, and commercially, and why authenticity and community remain at its core.

]]> Hip-hop, UK rap, Mixtape Madness, culture, lyricism, authenticity, genre evolution, streaming, playlists, cross-genre collaboration, artist development, long-term teams, community, creativity, global discovery, culture shift, music industry insights No [Ep. 06] IN FOCUS: Genre Evolution - The Changing Classical Landscape 7 7 [Ep. 06] IN FOCUS: Genre Evolution - The Changing Classical Landscape full 91ca18ae-c7d7-49f0-93d4-0d4656eec9f6 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3da10fc8 Episode six sees FUGA’s Senior Marketing Strategy Manager for Classical & Jazz, Amy Nelson, in conversation with Naxos Music Group’s Sales & Label Marketing Manager, Sascha Braunreuther, exploring how classical audiences are evolving, how artists are adapting, and what the wider industry can learn from the genre’s shifting landscape.

]]> Episode six sees FUGA’s Senior Marketing Strategy Manager for Classical & Jazz, Amy Nelson, in conversation with Naxos Music Group’s Sales & Label Marketing Manager, Sascha Braunreuther, exploring how classical audiences are evolving, how artists are adapting, and what the wider industry can learn from the genre’s shifting landscape.

]]> Mon, 15 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0800 Downtown Music Downtown Music 1051 Episode six sees FUGA’s Senior Marketing Strategy Manager for Classical & Jazz, Amy Nelson, in conversation with Naxos Music Group’s Sales & Label Marketing Manager, Sascha Braunreuther, exploring how classical audiences are evolving, how artists are adapting, and what the wider industry can learn from the genre’s shifting landscape.

]]> Classical music, genre evolution, audience development, passive listening, classical fandom, TikTok classical, digital storytelling, DSP strategy, classical artists, Naxos, FUGA, audience segmentation, classical marketing, personal branding, classical discovery, music industry insights No [Ep. 05] IN FOCUS – Partnerships: In Conversation with War Child 6 6 [Ep. 05] IN FOCUS – Partnerships: In Conversation with War Child full f9deed5b-5d20-4401-a75b-555056c57050 https://share.transistor.fm/s/360ef2f2 Episode five sees Downtown’s Director of Media & Partnerships, Emma Cordell, in conversation with War Child UK’s Music Projects & Events Manager, Feedy Frizzy exploring how artists, labels, and music companies can meaningfully support humanitarian work and build creative, values-driven partnerships.

]]> Episode five sees Downtown’s Director of Media & Partnerships, Emma Cordell, in conversation with War Child UK’s Music Projects & Events Manager, Feedy Frizzy exploring how artists, labels, and music companies can meaningfully support humanitarian work and build creative, values-driven partnerships.

]]> Mon, 08 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0800 Downtown Music Downtown Music 1170 Episode five sees Downtown’s Director of Media & Partnerships, Emma Cordell, in conversation with War Child UK’s Music Projects & Events Manager, Feedy Frizzy exploring how artists, labels, and music companies can meaningfully support humanitarian work and build creative, values-driven partnerships.

]]> War Child UK, partnerships, music & charity, humanitarian support, artist fundraising, nonprofit collaboration, music community, values-driven partnerships, creative fundraising, charity activations, events, merch fundraising, ticket donations, social impact, music industry insights No [Ep. 04] IN FOCUS - Storytelling: Catalog Marketing 5 5 [Ep. 04] IN FOCUS - Storytelling: Catalog Marketing full 42a2a24f-c7e6-43da-b887-2f8ddaee6242 https://share.transistor.fm/s/2e6db2d8 Episode four sees FUGA’s Senior Marketing Director, Matthew D’Amico, in conversation with Mountain Apple Company’s Digital Marketing Manager, Mike Pooley, as they explore the iconic catalog of the late Hawaiian musician and singer, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole and how to preserve an artist’s legacy with authenticity in a digital-first world.

]]> Episode four sees FUGA’s Senior Marketing Director, Matthew D’Amico, in conversation with Mountain Apple Company’s Digital Marketing Manager, Mike Pooley, as they explore the iconic catalog of the late Hawaiian musician and singer, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole and how to preserve an artist’s legacy with authenticity in a digital-first world.

]]> Mon, 01 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0800 Downtown Music Downtown Music 1258 Episode four sees FUGA’s Senior Marketing Director, Matthew D’Amico, in conversation with Mountain Apple Company’s Digital Marketing Manager, Mike Pooley, as they explore the iconic catalog of the late Hawaiian musician and singer, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole and how to preserve an artist’s legacy with authenticity in a digital-first world.

]]> Catalog marketing, legacy storytelling, Israel Kamakawiwoʻole, Mountain Apple Company, archival content, cultural preservation, restoration, audience insights, emerging markets, catalog growth, YouTube strategy, TikTok strategy, music heritage, rights management, catalog strategy, industry insights No [Ep. 03] IN FOCUS - Life of a Label: Starting a Label 4 4 [Ep. 03] IN FOCUS - Life of a Label: Starting a Label full cecd899b-7478-4dbd-bf95-8169db2b115b https://share.transistor.fm/s/a3590941 Episode three looks at the life of a label and welcomes artist and songwriter, Nina Nesbitt in conversation with FUGA’s Marketing Strategy Director, EMEA, Karma Bertelsen as they explore how to start a label from the ground up.

]]> Episode three looks at the life of a label and welcomes artist and songwriter, Nina Nesbitt in conversation with FUGA’s Marketing Strategy Director, EMEA, Karma Bertelsen as they explore how to start a label from the ground up.

]]> Mon, 24 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0800 Downtown Music Downtown Music 1421 Episode three looks at the life of a label and welcomes artist and songwriter, Nina Nesbitt in conversation with FUGA’s Marketing Strategy Director, EMEA, Karma Bertelsen as they explore how to start a label from the ground up.

]]> FUGA, Downtown, record label, starting a label, DIY label, music start-up, music label start-up, Nina Nesbitt, Appletree Records, marketing, music marketing, indie label, music business, music industry, self-release, founder, entrepreneur, distribution, artist tools, No [Ep. 02] IN FOCUS - Fandom: Finding Community through Authenticity 3 3 [Ep. 02] IN FOCUS - Fandom: Finding Community through Authenticity full 6b261cc1-861f-401a-9395-1be01b39769f https://share.transistor.fm/s/b6426912 Episode two looks at the theme of Fandom and welcomes Mark Walker, Managing Director at Free Focus in conversation with FUGA’s Marketing Strategy Manager, Rock, Ben Patashnik as they explore how to find your authentic community

]]> Episode two looks at the theme of Fandom and welcomes Mark Walker, Managing Director at Free Focus in conversation with FUGA’s Marketing Strategy Manager, Rock, Ben Patashnik as they explore how to find your authentic community

]]> Mon, 17 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0800 Downtown Music Downtown Music 1137 Episode two looks at the theme of Fandom and welcomes Mark Walker, Managing Director at Free Focus in conversation with FUGA’s Marketing Strategy Manager, Rock, Ben Patashnik as they explore how to find your authentic community

]]> Fandom, finding your fans, artist-fan connection, audience strategy, fanbase, community, music community, artist manager interview, music fandom, fan engagement, building fan communities, music community, artist-fan community, Ben Patashnik, Mark Walker, RØRY, singer-songwriter, independent artists, music industry insights, fan loyalty, music marketing, fan first approach, music fan strategy, FUGA, Downtown No [Ep. 01] IN FOCUS - Sync: Writing for games 2 2 [Ep. 01] IN FOCUS - Sync: Writing for games full a54a925a-7bfc-47f8-bad4-8265de7f2cb0 https://share.transistor.fm/s/86e021b4 Episode one sees Cabrea Casey, Downtown Music Publishing’s Director, Sync and A&R in conversation with artist, songwriter, and producer, Madge, to explore the process of writing for games.

]]> Episode one sees Cabrea Casey, Downtown Music Publishing’s Director, Sync and A&R in conversation with artist, songwriter, and producer, Madge, to explore the process of writing for games.

]]> Mon, 10 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0800 Downtown Music Downtown Music 1106 Episode one sees Cabrea Casey, Downtown Music Publishing’s Director, Sync and A&R in conversation with artist, songwriter, and producer, Madge, to explore the process of writing for games.

]]> Sync, Writing for games, Downtown Music Publishing, Cabrea Casey, Madge, artist interview, songwriter interview, music for video games, game soundtrack, sync licensing, creative process, narrative translation, artistic voice, game developers, studio collaboration, creative partnership, music business, sync strategy, music technology, rights management, independent artists, music industry insights No [Ep. 00] IN FOCUS - Intro 1 1 [Ep. 00] IN FOCUS - Intro trailer 59467dae-5886-488c-b517-3e3237f49a93 https://share.transistor.fm/s/3fb8b058 Introducing Downtown Music's IN FOCUS Podcast, launching Monday November 10th 2025

Welcome to IN FOCUS, a new online series presented by Downtown, exploring the ideas shaping the future of music and technology.Each episode spotlights a key theme and features short, candid conversations between our team and our clients or partners - deep diving into the questions, trends, and insights driving change across the industry. We share key takeaways from each conversation to help shed light on different areas of the music business and spark new ways of thinking about its future.

]]> Introducing Downtown Music's IN FOCUS Podcast, launching Monday November 10th 2025

Welcome to IN FOCUS, a new online series presented by Downtown, exploring the ideas shaping the future of music and technology.Each episode spotlights a key theme and features short, candid conversations between our team and our clients or partners - deep diving into the questions, trends, and insights driving change across the industry. We share key takeaways from each conversation to help shed light on different areas of the music business and spark new ways of thinking about its future.

]]> Fri, 07 Nov 2025 05:13:26 -0800 Downtown Music Downtown Music 42 Introducing Downtown Music's IN FOCUS Podcast, launching Monday November 10th 2025

Welcome to IN FOCUS, a new online series presented by Downtown, exploring the ideas shaping the future of music and technology.Each episode spotlights a key theme and features short, candid conversations between our team and our clients or partners - deep diving into the questions, trends, and insights driving change across the industry. We share key takeaways from each conversation to help shed light on different areas of the music business and spark new ways of thinking about its future.

]]> music business, music industry, music industry insights, behind the music, artist interviews, music production, record labels, music marketing, songwriting process, touring and live shows, streaming platforms No