x

75% of people globally want unbiased news (Pew Research) but are concerned they're not getting that.

Get balanced coverage with Symby. See how stories are covered across diverse outlets and spot when one side covers a story the other skips.

PODCAST

The Wholesome Music Podcast

Cameron Ljungkull & Augustus Watkins

A DIY podcast about DIY music. Hosts Cameron Ljungkull and Augustus Watkins meet at Secret Spot DTLA to talk shop about indie music, the creative process, and the music industry.

music music commentary

All Episodes

76:08

How Performers Get Paid / TIDAL's New Upload Feature...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/11/20

Part three of our "How Musicians Get Paid" series zeroes in on how performers get paid, including the ins and outs of distribution, SoundExchange, and a couple little-known revenue sources for session musicians. We look at TIDAL's new direct upload feature and what this means for indie musicians and the culture. We profile a recent Spotify acquisition and their new efforts to offer more robust credits and discuss SUNO's new fundraising. Finally, we react to "Walk My Walk," the new AI-generate...

en-us

61:52

How Songwriters Get Paid / Publishing Deals /...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/11/13

Part two of our "How musicians get paid" series dives into how songwriters make money, followed by a discussion on publishing deals. Then we break down Spotify’s new “payola” lawsuit, look at Ireland’s universal basic income for musicians, and talk about Kanye West’s recent public apology. A lil’ music-biz, a lil’ legal tea, and a whole lot of game for songwriters trying to level up. LinksHow Songwriters, Composers, and Performers Get Paid by Copyright.gov Class Action Lawsuit Ac...

en-us

66:52

Origins of Music Copyright / No Rap In Top 40 / PRO's...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/11/05

For months we've been promising you a breakdown on how to get paid in the music industry, and we launch part one of this discussion with a quick overview on the history of music copyright, to help us understand why music copyright is so convoluted. After that, we look at why there are no rap songs in the Billboard Top 40 — the first time since 1990. In AI news, ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN have announced new plans to accept some kinds of AI authorship. Next, we cheer on Billie Eilish for calling out...

en-us

58:33

Creative Restrictions / Billboard Tweaks / Lizzo Sued...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/10/30

Can you place creative restrictions on yourself and actually grow as an artist? We use a fun blog post as a jumping off point to discuss how "doing less" can actually fuel your process. Next, we look at how Billboard is tweaking its "Hot 100" charts, and what that means for who will chart (or not). Lizzo—no stranger to lawsuits—is facing another one about an unreleased song, presenting an interesting wrinkle in how samples are monetized. We celebrate Chappell Roan's Midwest Princess Project w...

en-us

62:23

Crushing It On Gig Day / SoundExchange AI Registry /...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/10/22

Finally it's gig day! After all the rehearsals and promotion, it's time to jump on stage and show the crowd what you've got. How do you make the best of this day, make sure it goes smoothly, and get the most of your opportunity? We'll share some hard-earned experiences and lessons. Next, we look at SoundExchange's new global AI registry, what it does (and doesn't) do. Then, our first villain Timbaland (see ep. 3 for more) returns with a new AI artist called Tata Taktumi, and we react to "her"...

en-us

85:57

Pitching Yourself / Handling Rejection / Live Nation...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/10/15

We break down how to pitch yourself as an artist — from telling your story and defining your “why” to stating your artistic pedigree. Next we also unpack Bob Brody’s piece “Stay True to Yourself – and Fly Closer to the Sun” and his lessons from 50 years of rejection. Then we look at how Portland’s music scene stood up to Live Nation–Ticketmaster, and dive into Spotify’s new ChatGPT integration that’s changing how artists get discovered. Finally, we briefly dunk on Drake for losing his lawsuit...

en-us

72:05

Marketing Masterclass / AI Music Detection /...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/10/09

We discuss a marketing masterclass to help you cut through the noise and get your music heard. Then we look at the newest AI detection measures from Spotify, Universal, and Sony Music. We share Ed Sheeran's plan for his posthumous album. Then we deploy our dueling hot takes about ticket prices. Finally, we look at the new D4VD updates (with a CW for violence and grooming). LinksSymphonic Masterclass Recap: Fueling Your Next Release with Marketing Drivers by Randi ZimmermanSpotify has delete...

en-us

58:38

Cover Songs / Coachella Booking / Avoiding Burnout /...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/10/02

We answer one of the most commonly asked questions in music: how do I legally cover other people's songs? Hint: it's easier than you think! Then we take a deep dive into all the agencies, labels, artists, and genres behind this year's Coachella, and what the data reveals about the state of the music industry. Next we discuss tools and strategies for avoiding burnout when it comes to the business side of your career. Then some news about Kate Hudson, Green Day, and songwriter Julia Michaels' n...

en-us

52:33

Reaching Gatekeepers / Bad Bunny Skips America / 21...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/09/25

Like it or not, gatekeepers are a part of the music industry. We talk about some ways to connect with gatekeepers, and help you get a "Yes!" Next, we discuss how Bad Bunny is protecting his audience from ICE by skipping America on his upcoming world tour. We look at 21 Pilots' lawsuit against Temu, what King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard are doing on Bandcamp, get juicy with the D4VD gossip, and round it out with a Kanye West's Donda Academy — who could have possibly expected Ye wasn't up to ...

en-us

41:28

Beating the Algorithm Blues / Musicians Unions /...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/09/18

Everyone's talking about AI and algorithms but there are still plenty of people and places to find human-curated music, so we highlight a few places to look. Next we profile UMAW — United Musicians and Allied Workers — who have been doing great work to support indie and DIY musicians. We talk about some tools designed to automate your music marketing, and go over the latest on tariffs and vinyl. LinksWhy Local Radio Is The Antidote To Your Algorithm Blues by Elliott Nielson for Mixcloud Blo...

en-us

72:46

Running a DIY Space / SEO for Musicians / Fully...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/09/11

We talk about what we've learned from years of running DIY spaces, events, and groups, and how you can apply these lessons to your own career. Then we go over some great tips for SEO and discoverability for musicians. On the AI front, we discuss a new generative AI model that claims to be fully licensed (and how we might be wrong about AI slop), look at the latest developments on Suno's indie artist lawsuit, and how a lawsuit in the book publishing industry could impact musicians. Finally we ...

en-us

74:56

Email vs Social Media / Monetizing Superfans /...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/09/04

We discuss the the pros and cons of email marketing vs social media. Then we highlight an artist who has quit social media and streaming entirely. We discuss the new ASCAP and BMI rate increases for radio, go over a service to promote live events on YouTube, and discuss how the streaming economy is unflattening as streaming services look to capitalize on superfans. We talk about Lil Nas X, Taylor and Travis, Chance The Rapper's comeback, and finally Apple Music's new LA studios. LinksPromotin...

en-us

61:59

Music Lawyers / The Truth About Recoupment / Fair Use...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/08/27

Are music lawyers the biggest secret in the music industry? How do major labels ACTUALLY recoup your money — the math is worse than you think! What is "Fair Use" and how is it impacting YouTube? How songwriters are adapting to the new rules of the music industry. Also, Cameron drops his Chappell Roan hot take. LinksFair Use: https://copyright.wp.musiclibraryassoc.org/statement-on-the-copyright-law-and-fair-use-in-music/More Fair Use: https://digitalpromise.org/initiative/360-story-lab/360-p...

en-us

63:04

Artists Leaving Spotify / Standing Up Against the...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/08/20

A number of established artists are leaving Spotify. Should you? Should we? How artists support each other as they stand up against the genocide in Gaza. Yung Thug and the RAP act. The collective building the next Bandcamp. We have an update on Super Fans. We spotlight ONErpm. What's YouTube doing to combat AI slop on their platform? And how can artists use AI to help their careers — without generating songs? LinksMassive Attack, Kneecap, Brian Eno, Fontaines D.C. announce formation of musici...

en-us

66:25

DIY Music Videos pt. 2 / Music Management / Superfans...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/08/13

We got so excited to talk about DIY music videos that we came back around for another round. When should you shoot vertical or horizontal? How can you find great locations? What video editing software is best? After that, we look at the proliferation of music business education. How does a degree stack up against real-world experience? We talk about superfans, their importance, and caveats when promoting to them. What kinds of communities will develop as a backlash against AI music? And a l...

en-us

43:47

DIY music videos / New tax breaks for musicians /...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/08/06

What's it take to make a DIY music video? Also, some rare good news from the government in 2025: the HITS act is a new tax break for indie musicians! We discuss layoffs at Warner Music Group. And what's the latest news for TikTok, and what does it mean for musicians? LinksSoundCloud Still Matters for Emerging Artists - Here’s Why by Ben Jolley on Chartmetric.com https://hmc.chartmetric.com/soundcloud-trends-2025-josh-baker-electronic/HITS Act becomes law in a Big Win For Independent Artists...

en-us

60:09

Activism! Fake AI bands! Social media! Compilations!...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/08/03

What is “adding value” on social media? How can musicians use their platform to help others? Zines and other forms of physical media are making a comeback. The co-founder of Kickstarter introduces artist corporations. The death of the middle class musician. We also wade into the fake AI bands controversy, including Velvet Sundown. LinksSocial Media Replaced Zines. Now Zines Are Taking the Power Back by C. Brandon Ogbunu for Wired https://www.wired.com/story/zines-social-media-power/The ...

en-us

46:48

Money! Day Jobs! Vinyl Costs! Tariffs! AI Brainrot!

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/07/31

Everyone in the music industry has a day job. The people who make a living in the music industry serve others. Most of us are actually consumers and hobbyists — and that’s okay. Meanwhile, Project 2025 and the administration is coming for your vinyl. Finally, is ChatGPT cooking your brain? LINKS Why Tariffs Are Quitely Undermining The American Vinyl Comeback by Chris Castle for Music Technology Policy https://musictechpolicy.com/2025/06/19/why-tariffs-are-quietly-undermining-the-american-viny...

en-us

77:42

Analytics, Failed Promo Tactics, AI + Record Labels,...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/07/24

Let's talk about analytics and dashboards! What music promo tactics are cooked in 2025? And what works, according to indie music executives? Suno and Udio's potential licensing deal with major labels could be a major shift in creators rights. New Grammy category. We also explore previously unheard of rhyme schemes. LinksWhat Music Promo Tactics Don't Work Anymore? by Yona Marie https://www.indieonthemove.com/blog/2025/6/what-music-promo-tactics-dont-work-anymoreWhat Suno And Udio’s AI L...

en-us

60:36

Good Collaboration, What's Going on in LA in 2025,...

The Wholesome Music Podcast ·

2025/07/16

What makes a good recording session or a good collaborator? What's really going on in LA in 2025? (Spoiler: it's not an urban hellscape warzone). We'll also share some artist mental health resources, discuss TikTok's new artist tools, and stare deeply at Timbaland's very weird take on AI. A Goldman Sachs report gets reviewed — shout out to global banking, we love you. Oh, and our transition game is impeccable. LinksArtists Often Pay For Their Own Health Care — This Is Their Biggest Expense ...

en-us

22 results

Similar Podcasts

Pasquale Maassen Soundcloud

Pasquale Maassen

Marian Klose

Marian Klose

sevenism

sevenism

Dean Delray"s LET THERE BE TALK

Cactus Radio Network

Word In Your Ear

Mark Ellen, David Hepworth and Alex Gold