Richard L'Hommedieu

About Richard L'Hommedieu

Posts by Richard L'Hommedieu:

Your Recording Studio’s Next Revenue Revolution

Richard L'Hommedieu AI music production tools, AI recording studio, AI stem separation, ai tools for independent musicians, alternate mix production, artist owned music, audio restoration services, backing tracks for live musicians, direct-to-fan music sales, Dolby Atmos music production, home recording studio business, home studio income ideas, how to make money with a recording studio, immersive audio services, independent music business, independent recording engineer, instrumental mix services, interactive game audio production, iZotope Photon, making a Scene, music asset preparation, music catalog monetization, music catalog restoration, music industry middle class, music licensing for indie artists, music metadata management, music producer revenue streams, music production side hustle, music stem separation services, podcast audio editing, Pro Tools Extensions, recording engineer income, recording studio business ideas, recording studio entrepreneurship, recording studio revenue streams, Smart Media music, studio income diversification, sync licensing preparation, video game music stems 0 Comments November 13, 2026

AI-driven tools, stem separation, restoration, sync preparation, catalog organization, backing tracks, podcast editing, and interactive audio offer recording studios new revenue beyond traditional session work. By transforming existing recordings into usable assets, studios can serve artists, filmmakers, podcasters, and game developers remotely. Success depends on expertise, realistic pricing, rights management, and customer-focused solutions.

Global Creator Royalties in Focus Banner

Future of the Music Business/ Music Biz News/ Music Business1

Global Creator Royalties Reach $17.52 Billion, but the Numbers Tell a More Complicated Story

Richard L'Hommedieu $17.52 billion creator royalties, AI music metadata, AI music royalty tracking, artist revenue streams, ASCAP OnStage, BMI Live, CISAC Global Collections Report 2026, CISAC royalty growth, digital music royalties, direct to fan music business, global music royalties 2026, independent artist ownership, independent musician royalties, ISRC and ISWC, live performance royalties, making a Scene, mechanical royalty collection, missing music royalties, MLC royalties 2027, music business for independent artists, music copyright ownership, music industry middle class, music industry royalty collections, music industry transparency, music metadata, music publishing royalties, music royalty accounting, music royalty distribution, songwriter publishing income, songwriter royalties 2026, songwriter royalty audit, SoundExchange royalties, streaming royalties for songwriters, The Mechanical Licensing Collective, unclaimed music royalties, Web3 music rights 0 Comments November 12, 2026

Global creator royalties reached $17.52 billion in 2025, but accounting changes and unresolved payments complicate the headline. Music generated $15.90 billion, while digital and live royalties grew significantly. The report emphasizes accurate metadata, ownership records, registrations, and diversified income, urging independent musicians to actively manage rights, royalties, and fan relationships.

Future of the Music Business/ Music Biz News/ Music Business1

The Music Industry Has Discovered Another Gold Mine. Somebody Should Tell the Musicians.

Richard L'Hommedieu $17.52 billion creator royalties, AI music licensing, AI music metadata, AI music production, AI music royalty tracking, artificial intelligence music industry, artist fan engagement, artist revenue streams, artist rights, ASCAP OnStage, blockchain music rights, BMI Live, CISAC Global Collections Report 2026, CISAC royalty growth, digital music royalties, direct to fan music business, direct-to-fan marketing, fan data ownership, global music royalties 2026, global music royalty collections, home recording studio, independent artist ownership, independent artist revenue, independent music business, independent music venues, independent musician royalties, independent musicians, Independent Recording Engineers, ISRC and ISWC, live music business, live performance royalties, making a Scene, Making A Scene magazine, Mechanical Licensing Collective, mechanical royalty collection, missing music royalties, MLC royalties 2027, music business for independent artists, music business November 2026, music business strategies, music copyright ownership, music festival booking, music industry middle class, music industry news 2026, music industry royalty collections, music industry transparency, music industry weekly wrapup, music licensing opportunities, music merchandise sales, music metadata, music monetization, music production tools, music publishing income, music publishing royalties, music royalties 2026, music royalty accounting, music royalty administration, music royalty distribution, own your masters, recording studio revenue, recording technology 2026, regional touring, songwriter publishing income, songwriter royalties, songwriter royalties 2026, songwriter royalty audit, SoundExchange royalties, Splice Create AI DAW, Splice Rheo AI assistant, streaming royalties for songwriters, sustainable music careers, sync licensing, The Mechanical Licensing Collective, unclaimed music royalties, web3 music ownership, Web3 music rights 0 Comments November 11, 2026

Making a Scene’s weekly review examines music’s growing revenues, AI tools, licensing, live partnerships, venues, and direct-to-fan commerce. It urges independent musicians to focus on ownership, accurate royalty administration, sustainable regional careers, and practical technology. The central message: innovation matters only when it improves artists’ control, income, and long-term business stability.

Artist Interviews/ Bluegrass Artist/ Indie Rock Artist

Beet the System Is Making a Scene

Richard L'Hommedieu alternative roots music, Avidan Rose, Baba Ndjhoni, Bay Area independent music, Bay Area music, Bay Area roots rock, Beet the System, Beet the System band, bluegrass influence, Chemystry Set, community music, Dan Bonnin, eclectic rock band, folk rock, genre bending band, global roots music, groove music, groovegrass, independent roots band, live roots music, mandolin rock, message driven music, Obadiah Butterworth, organic rock, punk roots, roots rock, San Francisco Bay Area band, socially conscious music, Sven Eberlein, Tim Kelly, world beat, world music fusion 0 Comments November 8, 2026

Beet the System, a Bay Area roots-rock collective formed from Chemystry Set’s creative legacy, blends mandolin, guitar, rock, global rhythms, groove, bluegrass textures, and punk energy. Founded by Baba Ndjhoni and Sven Eberlein, the band creates danceable, socially conscious music emphasizing experimentation, collaboration, community, humor, and freedom from genre boundaries.

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Gear Reviews/ Software Reviews

Fender Studio Pro 8.2: The DAW Gets Serious About Mixing, AI, and the Working Musician

Richard L'Hommedieu affordable recording software, AI music production, AI stem separation, audio mixing software, best DAW for independent musicians, DAW software review, digital audio workstation, dim solo mode, Fender recording software, Fender Studio Pro 2026, Fender Studio Pro 8.2, Fender Studio Pro 8.2 review, Fender Studio Pro new features, Fender Studio Pro perpetual license, Fender Studio Pro pricing, Fender Studio Pro review, Fender Studio Pro update, Fender Studio Pro vs Studio One, Fender Vocal Tune, guitar stem separation, home recording studio, independent music production, low latency vocal tuning, Making a Scene music magazine, MIDI 2.0, music production for indie artists, music production software, music production technology, music production workflow, piano stem separation, PreSonus Studio One, professional recording software, recording engineer tools, recording studio technology, Studio One Pro, trim automation 0 Comments November 7, 2026

Making a Scene Presents – Fender Studio Pro 8.2: The DAW Gets Serious About Mixing, AI, and the Working Musician A New Name on the Door, but Who Is Running the Studio? Somewhere in the great history of the recording business, musicians learned that every new piece of equipment arrives with a very impressive promise. […]

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Marketing/ Music Business1

Your Song Is Registered. But Is It Getting Paid? AI Uncovers a Hidden Problem in Music Royalties

Richard L'Hommedieu ai music industry, AI music rights technology, AI music royalties, AI royalty investigation, AI royalty tracking, AIMi Labs, artist ownership, artist-owned music catalog, blockchain music royalties, digital mechanical royalties, direct to artist revenue, incorrect song matching, independent music business, independent musician royalties, ISRC matching errors, ISWC music identification, making a scene music, Mechanical Licensing Collective, missing music royalties, MLC royalties, music business automation, music catalog audit, music copyright ownership, music industry middle class, music industry technology, music metadata errors, music metadata management, music publishing administration, music publishing royalties, music rights database, music rights management, music rights verification, music royalty audit, music royalty discrepancies, music royalty recovery, music royalty transparency, recording metadata errors, songwriter income, songwriter royalty protection, unclaimed music royalties, Web3 music rights 0 Comments November 6, 2026

An AI investigation revealed that iconic recordings by artists like Fleetwood Mac and Michael Jackson were mismatched with incorrect musical compositions in royalty data, raising concerns about royalty payments. This issue disproportionately affects independent musicians, who often lack resources to ensure proper metadata management and risk losing out on earnings due to administrative errors.

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Marketing/ Music Biz News/ Music Business1

You Built Your Own Artist Website. Does Facebook Think It Can Use What’s On It?

Richard L'Hommedieu AI and creative rights, AI licensing for musicians, ai music copyright, AI training consent, AI web scraping, artist data ownership, artist intellectual property rights, artist owned fan relationships, artist revenue protection, artist website copyright, artist-owned websites, copyright licensing, digital music ownership, direct-to-fan marketing, Facebook AI scraping, Facebook business terms, Facebook Instagram business accounts, independent artist protection, independent music business, independent musician rights, Instagram AI training, making a Scene, Meta AI copyright, Meta commercial terms 2026, Meta terms of service, Meta website scraping controversy, music business technology, music copyright law, music industry AI, music industry independence, music industry middle class, music rights management, musician intellectual property, protecting music copyrights, social media and copyright, social media content ownership, website content licensing 0 Comments November 5, 2026

Meta’s proposed changes to its business terms have ignited controversy over copyright and AI usage related to artists’ websites. Independent musicians face potential risks concerning ownership rights as these terms could allow Meta to scrape and use their website content. This highlights the importance of clarity in contracts and understanding ownership, as artists strive for sustainable income and control over their creative work.

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Artist Interviews/ Indie Rock Artist

Exploring BEV: Indie Rock’s Emotional Journey

Richard L'Hommedieu 90s alternative influence, alternative guitar music, alternative rock, Bart Boutwell, bev, BEV band, BEV Minneapolis, Cloudland Theater, Crusher album, Dan Elston-Jones, Doc guitarist, emotional songwriting, Expectations album, female singer songwriter, female-fronted indie rock, guitar pop, Holly Hansen, independent Minnesota artist, indie pop rock, Jacques Wait, JT Bates, Megan Mahoney, melodic indie rock, Mid West Music Fest, Minneapolis indie rock, minneapolis music scene, Minnesota indie rock, Minnesota power pop, modern indie rock, Niki Beverly, Palmer’s Bar, power pop, Static Elastic, The Terrarium Minneapolis, Turf Club, Twin Cities music, Zhora Darling 0 Comments November 1, 2026

BEV, an indie rock project led by Niki Beverly, explores themes of identity and relationships through melodic music. With influences spanning power-pop to ’90s alternative rock, their evolution reflects personal transformation. The upcoming album “Expectations,” set for release in November 2026, will delve into the tension between anticipated and actual experiences in love and life.

Gear Reviews/ Recording, Mixing & Gear/ Software Reviews

Beyond the Stereo Master: How Loopsmith Opens a New Revenue Door for Independent Musicians

Richard L'Hommedieu adaptive music systems, adaptive video game soundtracks, AI music production tools, direct to artist revenue, FMOD Studio, game audio middleware, game audio software, game music composition, game music integration, game soundtrack licensing, game soundtrack production, GameMaker audio, Godot game audio, home studio revenue, horizontal re-sequencing, independent game composers, independent music business, Independent Recording Engineers, indie game developer music, indie musician revenue, interactive audio production, interactive game music, interactive music transitions, Loopsmith, Loopsmith 1.21.0, making a Scene, music copyright ownership, music industry middle class, music licensing for video games, music synchronization licensing, musician entrepreneurship, seamless audio loops, synchronized audio stems, Unity game audio, Unreal Engine music, vertical music layering, video game music licensing, video game scoring, video game sound design, Wwise 0 Comments October 31, 2026

The article discusses how Loopsmith 1.21.0 empowers independent musicians to pivot into the interactive audio market, transforming conventional recording skills into adaptive, game-ready soundtracks. It emphasizes the importance of understanding game audio requirements and offers insights into pricing and contract structures, ultimately encouraging musicians to explore this lucrative opportunity beyond traditional streaming.

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Music Business1/ Touring

The Most Valuable Thing You Take Home From a Show Might Not Be the Money at the Door

Richard L'Hommedieu ai fan engagement, ai music marketing, artist audience development, artist owned fan data, artist-owned music business, building a music industry middle class, concert audience data, concert fan conversion, concert marketing strategies, concert merchandise marketing, concert ticket buyer data, direct music sales, direct-to-fan marketing, fan data ownership, fan engagement strategies, fan lifetime value, fan loyalty programs, fan passport, fan relationship management, fan retention strategies, Hive live event marketing, independent artist income, independent music business, independent musician business, live music marketing, live music revenue, Making a Scene Artist Ecosystem, merchandise sales strategies, music audience analytics, music business independence, music business technology, music fan acquisition, music fan CRM, music industry middle class, music marketing automation, music marketing software, music touring strategy, music venue marketing, musician email marketing, musician fan database, permission-based fan marketing, regional music touring, repeat concert attendance, show business workflow, sustainable music careers, ticketing data integration 0 Comments October 30, 2026

The article emphasizes the importance of independent musicians cultivating direct relationships with their audiences instead of relying solely on ticket sales and social media. It discusses a $27 million investment in technology that helps artists and venues learn about their ticket buyers, advocating for musicians to proactively engage fans and harness valuable data for future gigs.

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Marketing/ Music Business1/ Touring

Stop Selling Things to Your Fans. Start Building Things With Them.

The article discusses transforming the relationship between independent musicians and their fans by encouraging collaboration in creating merchandise rather than solely selling to them. By recognizing fans as valuable partners with creative skills, artists can build unique products and experiences that reflect their community, fostering sustainable business opportunities and deeper connections within the music scene.

From Streaming Loss to Artist Control Banner

Marketing/ Music Biz News/ Music Business1

You Own Your Masters. So Why Can Someone Else Make Your Music Disappear?

Richard L'Hommedieu ai music copyright, artist catalog portability, artist independence, artist owned fan data, artist-owned music catalog, digital music ownership, direct to fan music marketing, distributor takedown appeals, DistroKid takedowns, DistroKid Universal Music Group lawsuit, fan passport, independent artist rights, independent music distribution, ISRC codes, Making a Scene Artist Ecosystem, music business for independent artists, music business technology, music catalog protection, music copyright enforcement, music copyright infringement, music distribution agreements, music distribution alternatives, music distribution recovery, music distributor copyright claims, music industry middle class, music ownership vs distribution control, music release metadata, music removed from Spotify, music rights management, own your masters, protect your music masters, streaming royalty protection Copy keywords, switching music distributors, UMG DistroKid dispute 0 Comments October 28, 2026

The DistroKid and Universal Music Group dispute highlights a critical issue in independent music ownership. While artists may own their recordings, they often lack control over distribution. This situation underscores the importance of establishing portable business systems and direct fan relationships to ensure sustainable careers in music, despite potential disruptions.

Artist Interviews/ INDIE Blues Artist

Exploring Sunjay’s New Album: Split The Sheets

Richard L'Hommedieu acoustic blues, Americana UK, BBC Radio 2, BBC Radio 2 Young Folk Award finalist, Black & Blues Revisited, blues and folk singer, bo diddley, British blues artist, British folk artist, Buddy Holly, Cerys Matthews Blues Show, chris Smither, Chris Smither tribute, contemporary roots music, Curved Air, European touring artist, Fairport Convention, Get Real Studios Bath, guitar singer songwriter, I’m Just Like You, independent singer songwriter, Jimmy Reed, Josh Clark producer, Lyle Lovett, Mighty Tight Records, Mud Morganfield, roots music, Split The Sheets, Split The Sheets album, Stan Rogers, Steeleye Span, Stephen Bruton, Sunjay, Sunjay musician, Take Out Some Insurance, That’s Love, Townes Van Zandt, UK live music, UK singer songwriter 0 Comments October 25, 2026

Sunjay’s tenth album, “Split The Sheets,” marks a culmination of his creative journey while exploring themes of love’s complexities across fourteen tracks. The album showcases his interpretation of influential songs, combining emotional depth with diverse arrangements. Scheduled for release on September 18, it signals a new chapter in his musical evolution.

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Marketing/ Music Biz News/ Music Business1

Your Music Catalog Is Becoming a Financial Asset

Richard L'Hommedieu AI music royalty analytics, artist owned music rights, artist source of truth, beatBread artist funding, copyright ownership, direct to fan revenue, financial independence for musicians, funding without selling masters, independent artist funding, independent music business, independent musician financing, music business ai, music business financial planning, music catalog as financial asset, music catalog financing, music catalog investment, music catalog valuation, music financing for independent artists, music industry middle class, music intellectual property, music metadata management, music revenue forecasting, music rights management, music royalties as collateral, music royalty advances, music royalty data, Pipeline music financing, retain music copyright ownership, royalty income financing, royalty-backed financing 0 Comments October 23, 2026

The music industry is evolving to recognize music catalogs as financial assets, allowing independent musicians access to funding without losing ownership of their masters. Companies like Pipeline are developing financing options based on future royalties, but many small artists remain excluded from these opportunities. Accurate data on rights and relationships is essential for accessing this new financing landscape and building a sustainable independent music economy.

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Marketing/ Music Business1/ Touring

The Music Industry Has Been Collecting Royalties. But Does It Know What Songs Are Actually Being Played?

Richard L'Hommedieu AI music recognition, artist-owned music data, ASCAP OnStage, Audoo music recognition, BMI Live, direct to fan music business, fan passport, grassroots music venues, grassroots venue study 2026, independent artist revenue, independent musicians, live music royalties, live music setlists, live performance reporting, live performance royalty tracking, Making a Scene Artist Ecosystem, music business technology, music catalog management, music copyright ownership, music industry AI, music industry middle class, music metadata, music publishing royalties, music rights management, music royalty accounting, music royalty distribution, music royalty reporting, Music Venue Trust, performance royalties, performing rights organizations, royalty transparency, SESAC, songwriter compensation, songwriter royalties, unclaimed music royalties 0 Comments October 22, 2026

New research highlights significant gaps in how live-performance royalties are measured in the music industry, particularly in grassroots venues. A study using audio-recognition technology found that only 21% of songs played could be accurately identified. This raises concerns about fair compensation for independent songwriters and the need for improved reporting systems.

Future of the Music Business/ Marketing/ Music Biz News/ Music Business1

When the Streams Lie: Washington Is Finally Looking at the Real Cost of Music Streaming Fraud

Richard L'Hommedieu ai music copyright, AI streaming bots, AI-generated music fraud, artificial streaming, artist owned fan data, artist royalty protection, blockchain music provenance, Copyright Office music streaming fraud inquiry, direct to fan music business, fake music streams, fake Spotify listeners, fan data ownership, federal streaming fraud investigation, fraudulent music marketing, fraudulent playlist promotion, independent music business, independent musician rights, indie artist revenue, making a Scene, music business transparency, music copyright protection, music distribution fraud, music industry fraud, music industry middle class, music industry regulation, music metadata standards, music royalty theft, music streaming fraud, music streaming manipulation, playlist manipulation, Spotify artificial streams, streaming analytics manipulation, streaming bot farms, streaming platform accountability, streaming royalty fraud, U.S. Copyright Office, web3 music ownership 0 Comments October 21, 2026

The U.S. Copyright Office is investigating music streaming fraud, acknowledging its significant impact on independent artists’ careers beyond mere royalty theft. The inquiry aims to understand the broader economic effects, such as misleading data influencing tour decisions and advertising. Independent musicians are encouraged to share experiences and evidence before the comment deadline.

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In The Studio/ Recording Techniques/ Recording, Mixing & Gear

Proximity Effect and Vocal Tone

Richard L'Hommedieu acoustic recording techniques, best mic distance for vocals, cardioid microphone proximity effect, condenser microphone techniques, DIY music production, dynamic microphone techniques, home recording academy, home recording studio, home studio vocal recording, how to record vocals, indie musician recording tips, intimate vocal recording, making a Scene, microphone bass response, microphone distance, microphone polar patterns, microphone positioning, microphone proximity effect, microphone technique for singers, plosive prevention, pop filter placement, professional vocal sound, proximity effect, proximity effect explained, recording studio tips, recording vocals at home, reducing muddy vocals, singer microphone technique, vocal clarity, vocal microphone placement, vocal production techniques, vocal recording techniques, vocal recording tips, vocal tone, vocal warmth 0 Comments October 17, 2026

The article discusses the critical impact of microphone distance on vocal recordings, emphasizing the proximity effect, which alters bass response as the singer moves closer. Independent musicians can improve recording quality without costly equipment by understanding these dynamics. Proper technique, including ideal distances and microphone angle, enhances emotional expression and tonal clarity.

Marketing/ Music Business1/ Performance/ Touring

The Smart Tour Starts at Home

Richard L'Hommedieu ai music business tools, artist owned fan data, artist revenue strategies, building a local fanbase, concert merchandise sales, direct-to-fan marketing, DIY music touring, fan passport, grassroots music marketing, independent artist marketing, independent band promotion, independent musician touring, indie artist touring strategy, live music business, local concert promotion, local music scene, making a Scene, music business strategy, music industry middle class, music venue partnerships, musician fan acquisition, musician financial sustainability, profitable music touring, regional concert booking, regional music circuits, regional touring for musicians, sustainable music career, touring economics, touring on a budget, touring without hotels 0 Comments October 16, 2026

The content discusses the advantages of independent musicians focusing on building a local music economy instead of the traditional touring model. It emphasizes the importance of cultivating relationships within the community, reducing travel expenses, and developing sustainable income through repeat performances and community engagement. This strategic approach ultimately promotes long-term success and stability in a musician’s career.

Future of the Music Business/ Marketing/ Music Business1

The Next Music Industry Middle Class Will Be Built Around Relationships That Survive the Platform

Richard L'Hommedieu ai for independent musicians, ai music marketing, artist CRM, artist data ownership, artist owned fan relationships, artist ownership, artist rights management, blockchain music payments, direct music sales, direct to fan music marketing, fan data portability, fan loyalty programs, fan ownership, fan passport, fan relationship management, Future of the Music Industry, independent artist revenue, independent music business, independent music entrepreneurship, independent musician marketing, Making a Scene Artist Ecosystem, music business strategies, music business technology, music career sustainability, music fan engagement, music industry gatekeepers, music industry innovation, music industry middle class, music marketing automation, music merchandise strategy, music monetization, music royalties, music subscriptions, NFC music merchandise, recurring music revenue, Smart Media Albums, streaming platform dependency, sustainable music careers, Web3 music industry 1 Comment October 15, 2026

The evolving music industry emphasizes the importance of building direct relationships between independent artists and their fans. As streaming and technology transform music consumption, artists have opportunities to foster meaningful connections that drive revenue beyond traditional platforms, creating sustainable careers. Independence now hinges on controlling these relationships and maintaining valuable fan interactions.

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Future of the Music Business/ Making A Local Scene/ Marketing/ Music Biz News/ Music Business1

The American Music Tourism Act Is Now Law.

Richard L'Hommedieu ai music marketing, American music destinations, American Music Tourism Act 2025, American Music Tourism Act signed into law, artist owned fan data, artist owned revenue, cultural tourism and music, direct to fan music marketing, federal music tourism policy, independent artist business models, independent music festivals, independent music venues, independent musician revenue, live music economic development, local music economies, local music scene development, making a Scene, music industry legislation, music industry middle class, music tourism and independent artists, music tourism business opportunities, music tourism destinations, music tourism economic impact, music tourism fan engagement, music tourism Georgia, music tourism legislation 2026, music tourism marketing, music tourism opportunities, music tourism strategy, NFC music merchandise, President Trump music tourism law, recording studio tourism, regional music tourism, S 195 music tourism, Smart Media Albums, tourism partnerships for musicians, web3 music ownership 0 Comments October 14, 2026

The American Music Tourism Act, signed into law on October 9, 2026, formally integrates music tourism into federal policy, promoting domestic and international travel related to music. While it doesn’t provide direct funding or guarantees, it encourages independent artists and venues to harness tourism potential and explore collaborative economic opportunities within their communities.

Artist Interviews/ INDIE Blues Artist

Reverend Raven is Making a Scene

Richard L'Hommedieu B B King, Benny Rickun, billy branch, Billy Flynn, blues bandleader, blues singer guitarist, Bobby Lee Sellers Jr., Bryan Lee, Buddy Guy’s Legends, Cadillac Pete Rahn, Chicago blues guitarist, Chicago blues tradition, Chief Raven, Chief Raven blues, Duke Robillard, electric blues, Elvin Bishop, Englewood Chicago musician, Freddie King influence, Jim Liban, Jimmy Rogers, Junior Wells, live blues music, Lonnie Brooks, Madison Slim, Magic Slim, mike zito, Milwaukee blues guitarist, Milwaukee blues scene, Nick Moss, P.T. Pedersen, Perry Weber, R.J. Mischo, rod piazza, South Side Chicago blues, sugar blue, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, tommy castro, traditional blues 0 Comments October 11, 2026

Reverend Raven, a Chicago South Side native turned blues musician, found his calling in 1971 after witnessing a Freddie King performance. Following a Navy career, he established himself in Milwaukee, collaborating with notable artists. With gratitude for his musical journey, Raven emphasizes the joy of connecting with audiences and fellow musicians, aiming to uplift others through his performances.

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Gear Reviews/ Hardware Reviews/ Recording, Mixing & Gear

Universal Audio Volt Gen 2 Review

Richard L'Hommedieu 32-bit 192 kHz interface, 32-bit audio interface, affordable professional audio interface, audio interface for guitar, audio interface for touring musicians, audio interface for vocals, audio interface review, Auto-Gain audio interface, best audio interface for musicians, best home studio audio interface, Clip Protection audio interface, home recording interface, home studio gear, home studio recording gear, independent music business, independent musician recording, indie musician recording gear, LUNA DAW, making a Scene, mobile recording studio, music production gear, portable recording interface, recording gear 2026, recording studio technology, singer songwriter audio interface, smart recording technology, studio workflow, Tone Shaping Preamps, UA Volt Gen 2, UAD plugins, Universal Audio LUNA, Universal Audio recording interface, Universal Audio UAD, Universal Audio Volt 2 Gen 2, Universal Audio Volt 2 Max, Universal Audio Volt 4 Gen 2, Universal Audio Volt 4 Max, Universal Audio Volt 4P Max, Universal Audio Volt Gen 2, Universal Audio Volt Gen 2 review, USB audio interface, Volt 2 Gen 2 review, Volt 2 Max review, Volt Gen 2 review, Volt Max Processing, Volt Tone Shaping 1 Comment October 10, 2026

Universal Audio’s Volt Gen 2 review highlights its innovative features that integrate essential engineering tasks within the interface, aiming to assist independent musicians. Key functionalities include Auto-Gain, Clip Protection, and Tone Shaping, allowing for easier recording and improved musical focus. The range supports a streamlined workflow, enhancing the recording experience significantly.

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Future of the Music Business/ Marketing/ Music Business1

25 Smart Media Products You Can Actually Build for Your Merch Table

Richard L'Hommedieu album merchandise ideas, artist ecosystem, artist fan engagement, artist owned fan relationships, artist revenue streams, Billboard chart eligible albums, Billboard Smart Media, connected merchandise, connected music merchandise, creative band merch, digital physical music products, direct to fan merchandise, direct-to-fan music, fan engagement technology, fan ownership music industry, fan passport, independent artist revenue, independent musician merch ideas, indie artist merchandise, interactive album experience, interactive music merchandise, KiTbetter KiTalbum, limited edition music merch, Luminate approved smart media, Luminate Smart Media, making a Scene, merch table ideas for bands, merch table products, music collectibles, music fan collectibles, music industry 2026, music industry technology, music marketing for independent artists, music marketing ideas, music merch ideas 2026, music merchandising strategy, NFC album, NFC collectibles, NFC fan experience, NFC merch for musicians, NFC music merchandise, NFC products for artists, NFC trading cards, NFC vinyl, phygital music merchandise, physical digital collectibles, profitable band merchandise, Serenade Smart Formats, Smart Media Album Billboard, Smart Media Albums, smart media collectibles, smart media products, smart merchandise for musicians, tour merchandise ideas 0 Comments October 9, 2026

The content discusses 25 innovative Smart Media products that independent artists can create for their merchandise tables, emphasizing the combination of physical and digital experiences to enhance fan relationships. These products allow artists to offer collectibles that unlock exclusive content and foster meaningful connections, transforming ordinary merchandise into valuable fan experiences.

Future of the Music Business/ Marketing/ Music Business1

The Album Is Not the Object Anymore

The article discusses how independent musicians can utilize Smart Media to transform physical merchandise into dynamic media collectibles. By integrating NFC technology and QR codes, items like guitar picks, patches, and backstage passes can unlock ongoing digital experiences, deepening the artist-fan relationship beyond simple transactions. This approach enhances perceived value and creates meaningful connections over time.

Future of the Music Business/ Marketing/ Music Business/ Music Business1

We Solved Music Distribution. We Forgot to Solve Making a Living.

Richard L'Hommedieu AI for musicians, ai music business tools, artist business tools, artist data ownership, artist entrepreneurship, artist fan relationships, artist income crisis, artist owned business, artist revenue streams, concert revenue, direct fan relationships, direct-to-fan music, Ditto Music 2026 report, fan data, independent artist income, independent artist touring, independent music business, independent music technology, independent musicians, indie artist revenue, making a Scene, merchandise revenue, music business technology, music career sustainability, music distribution, music industry economics, music industry middle class, music industry sustainability, music licensing, music marketing, music publishing, music rights ownership, music streaming income, streaming royalties, sustainable music career, sync licensing, touring costs musicians 0 Comments October 7, 2026

The Ditto Music report reveals that while independent musicians can easily distribute their music, many struggle with financial sustainability. Seventy-four percent earned less than $1,000 last year, and 82% find touring unaffordable despite it being a significant income source. The challenge lies in converting visibility into viable revenue and building meaningful fan relationships.

Americana Artist/ Artist Interviews

Meet Wren + Wilde: A Voice of Hope in Americana

Richard L'Hommedieu acoustic roots music, Americana band, contemporary americana, Emmylou Harris influence, female-fronted Americana, Fleetwood Mac influence, folk rock, heartfelt harmonies, Hilary Yoder, Hilary Yoder singer songwriter, independent folk band, independent Minnesota artist, indie folk band, Laurel Canyon rock, Midwest Americana, Midwest music, Minnesota Americana, Minnesota folk band, Minnesota roots music, Minnesota singer songwriter, modern folk music, roots music, Serial Dreamers, smoke folk, songs about love and loss, songs about resilience, Southern gothic music, The Civil Wars influence, vintage country soul, Wren + Wilde, Wren + Wilde Minnesota, Wren and Wilde 0 Comments October 4, 2026

Wren + Wilde, a Minnesota folk band led by Hilary Yoder, creates a unique “smoke folk” sound blending emotional honesty with roots-driven storytelling. Their debut album, Serial Dreamers, explores themes of love, loss, and resilience, featuring rich harmonies and earthy instrumentation. The music captures both hope and heartbreak, offering listeners profound emotional connections.

In The Studio/ Recording Techniques

Great Performances Beat Great Equipment

Richard L'Hommedieu artist development, better vocal recordings, great performances beat great equipment, home recording academy, home recording tips, home studio musicians, home studio recording, improve studio performance, independent artist development, independent musician recording, indie artist recording tips, Indie music business, making a Scene, music performance tips, music production advice, music production for beginners, music recording education, musical timing, musician preparation, performance consistency, preparing for a recording session, professional recording techniques, recording better guitars, recording better performances, recording better vocals, recording emotion, recording musicianship, recording on a budget, recording session preparation, recording studio techniques, studio performance techniques 0 Comments October 3, 2026

The content emphasizes that great performances outweigh superior recording equipment in music production. While high-quality tools can enhance sound capture, the artist’s emotional connection and preparation are vital for an impactful recording. Improving musicianship leads to better recordings, saving time and resources, ultimately fostering a sustainable career in the music industry.

Future of the Music Business/ Marketing/ Music Business1

Smart Media Albums Enter the U.S. Billboard Charts Today

Richard L'Hommedieu ai for independent artists, artist CRM, artist fan relationships, artist owned audience, artist owned data, Billboard album charts, Billboard eligible albums, Billboard Smart Media Albums, connected albums, connected music products, digital album experience, direct music sales, direct-to-fan music, fan data, fan engagement technology, fan ownership, fan passport, independent artist revenue, independent musician marketing, indie artist business, Luminate chart reporting, Luminate Smart Media, making a Scene, merch table strategy, music business strategy, music industry future, music industry middle class, music industry technology, music merchandise innovation, NFC music albums, physical digital music, physical music formats, Smart Media Album chart eligibility, Smart Media Albums, Smart Media music, web3 music ownership 0 Comments October 2, 2026

Smart Media Albums have officially entered the Billboard charts, merging physical music with digital engagement. Luminate now tracks these albums as new physical formats, allowing sales to contribute to Billboard metrics. While artists can pursue chart eligibility, the technology primarily aims to enhance direct fan relationships and create ongoing value beyond initial sales.

Future of the Music Business/ Marketing/ Music Business1

When AI Becomes the Music Fan’s Personal Shopper

Richard L'Hommedieu AAO, AAO for musicians, AI Agent Optimization, AI Agent Optimization for musicians, ai agents for musicians, AI agents music industry, AI Music Business, AI music discovery, AI recommendation algorithms, artist discoverability, artist fan relationships, artist metadata, artist owned data, artist owned platform, artist source of truth, artist website, artist website SEO, artist website structured data, conversational music discovery, direct-to-fan music, fan data ownership, fan ownership, future of music discovery, future of music industry, independent artist marketing, independent music business, independent musician marketing, machine discoverability, machine-readable artist data, making a Scene, Meta Muse AI agent, Meta Muse Spotify, music business technology, music discovery AI, music industry AI, music industry middle class, music industry technology, music marketing 2026, music metadata, SEO for musicians, SEO vs AAO, Spotify AI, Spotify AI integration, Spotify for independent artists, Spotify Meta Muse, Spotify music discovery, Spotify recommendations, Spotify Taste Profile, structured data for musicians 0 Comments October 1, 2026

The content discusses the emergence of AI agents, specifically Meta’s Muse and Spotify’s integration, revolutionizing how music fans discover artists. It introduces the concept of AI Agent Optimization (AAO), essential for independent musicians to enhance their visibility to AI systems. The importance of accurate information and artist-controlled platforms in fostering fan relationships and sales is emphasized, marking a shift from traditional browsing to agent-driven discovery.

Future of the Music Business/ Marketing/ Music Business1

What Independent Musicians Can Learn from Netflix, Disney, and the Streaming Wars

Richard L'Hommedieu AI for musicians, artist content strategy, artist entrepreneurship, artist memberships, artist ownership, artist-controlled platforms, direct-to-fan music, Disney entertainment business, entertainment business models, fan engagement, fan passport, fan relationships, independent artist revenue, independent music business, independent music economy, indie musician business strategy, making a Scene, music business ai, music business technology, music catalog management, music catalog monetization, music industry innovation, music industry middle class, music intellectual property, music licensing, music marketing strategy, Music Streaming Alternatives, musician income streams, Netflix music business lessons, recurring music revenue, Smart Media Albums, streaming wars, sync licensing 0 Comments September 30, 2026

Independent musicians can learn from the entertainment industry’s model, which emphasizes building ongoing relationships with audiences rather than simply releasing content. By treating their music assets as a broader business, artists can leverage recordings, performances, and stories into diverse revenue streams. This approach encourages sustainable income beyond a single release and fosters deeper fan connections.

Americana Artist/ Artist Interviews

Teni Rane is Making a Scene

Richard L'Hommedieu acoustic Americana, alternative Americana, americana highways, Americana singer songwriter, Appalachian folk music, Appalachian songwriter, Armenian American musician, botanical garden concerts, Chattanooga musician, Chattanooga Tennessee music, contemporary folk music, Dave Eggar, female folk singer, folk radio chart, folk singer songwriter, Glide Magazine, Goldenrod album, Heart in Tennessee EP, independent folk artist, indie folk artist, Jonathan Shumaker, Kneippbyn Resort Visby, Meet Me in Stockholm, nature inspired songwriting, Never Turning Back, Phil Faconti, Roger Gustafsson, songs about belonging, songs about homesickness, songs about identity, Southern roots music, Swedish artist residency, Teni Rane, Teni Rane singer songwriter, Tennessee Americana, Tennessee River music, women in Americana 0 Comments September 27, 2026

Teni Rane, a Chattanooga-based Americana and folk singer-songwriter, explores themes of belonging and identity through her music, inspired by her Southern upbringing and Armenian heritage. Her albums, including “Goldenrod” and “Never Turning Back,” blend personal experiences with nature, addressing universal human emotions. Rane’s intimate performances and storytelling solidify her unique artistic voice.

In The Studio/ Recording Techniques

Move the Microphone Before You Buy Another Plugin

Richard L'Hommedieu acoustic guitar microphone placement, acoustic guitar recording, better guitar recordings, better vocal recordings, choosing a vocal microphone, comb filtering, DIY recording studio, electric guitar recording, guitar amp microphone placement, guitar speaker mic positioning, home recording techniques, home studio recording, independent musicians, indie artist recording, making a Scene, microphone angle, microphone distance, microphone frequency response, microphone placement, microphone placement before EQ, microphone placement techniques, microphone polar patterns, mono acoustic guitar recording, music production techniques, off axis microphone response, ORTF stereo recording, professional home recordings, proximity effect, recording engineering for beginners, recording fingerstyle guitar, recording guitar amplifiers, recording phase cancellation, recording strummed acoustic guitar, recording studio techniques, recording tips for musicians, recording vocals at home, recording without expensive equipment, room acoustics, room reflections, science of microphone placement, stereo acoustic guitar recording, stereo microphone techniques, vocal microphone placement, X-Y microphone technique 0 Comments September 26, 2026

The podcast emphasizes the importance of proper microphone placement for achieving superior recordings in home studios. It discusses how distance, angle, and room acoustics can significantly improve the quality of guitar and vocal recordings without needing expensive equipment. Understanding these concepts can lead to more efficient sessions and better music production overall.

Future of the Music Business/ Marketing/ Music Business1

Facebook Just Gave Independent Musicians the Best Argument Yet for Owning Their Fan Relationships

Richard L'Hommedieu ai music marketing, artist CRM, artist independence, artist owned fan data, artist owned website, artist-owned music business, concert ticket marketing, digital music marketing, direct-to-fan marketing, direct-to-fan music sales, Facebook creator subscriptions, Facebook link restrictions, Facebook Meta One, Facebook music promotion, Facebook Pages, Facebook paid links, Facebook two link limit, fan community building, fan engagement, fan passport, fan relationship ownership, independent artist revenue, independent musicians, indie artist marketing, making a Scene, MAS Artist Ecosystem, Meta One for Business, music business, music business ownership, music business strategy, music industry middle class, music industry technology, music marketing strategies, music merchandise sales, musician email marketing, musician fan database, Smart Media music, social media algorithm, social media gatekeepers, Web3 music industry 0 Comments September 25, 2026

Meta’s new subscription plans and limitations on outbound links illustrate the challenges independent musicians face in owning their fan relationships. After years of building audiences on platforms like Facebook, artists now realize control over their business is compromised. Musicians need to establish direct connections with fans, shifting focus from solely social media to a more sustainable business model.

Future of the Music Business/ Marketing/ Music Business1

The Great Engagement Lie

Richard L'Hommedieu artist controlled music business, artist CRM, artist independence, artist owned audience, artist owned data, build a music fanbase, direct to fan revenue, direct-to-fan marketing, Facebook organic reach, fan data ownership, fan engagement vs revenue, fan ownership, fan passport, free music marketing tools, independent artist empowerment, independent artist revenue, independent music business, independent musician income, indie musician marketing, Instagram music marketing, Making a Scene Artist Ecosystem, music business ai, music business technology, music career sustainability, music industry economics, music industry engagement lie, music industry future, music industry gatekeepers, music industry middle class, music marketing strategies, music streaming royalties, musician fan relationships, musician mailing lists, own your fanbase, QR code fan capture, social media advertising, social media algorithms, social media exploitation, spotify for artists 0 Comments September 24, 2026

The Great Engagement Lie critiques the notion that social media engagement equates to success for indie musicians. It highlights how artists have become free labor for platforms focused on advertising, compromising their financial sustainability. The piece urges musicians to foster direct relationships with fans, valuing meaningful connections over superficial metrics.

Future of the Music Business/ Marketing/ Music Business1/ Performance

Your Song May Already Have Made Money You Never Collected

Richard L'Hommedieu AI royalty management, artist owned music, artist revenue streams, artist source of truth, digital performance royalties, how to collect music royalties, how to find unclaimed music royalties, independent artist royalties, independent music business, international music royalties, ISRC codes, ISWC codes, live performance royalties, lost music royalties, Making a Scene Artist Ecosystem, Mechanical Licensing Collective, missing music royalties, missing songwriter royalties, music business education, music catalog management, music copyright ownership, music industry middle class, music licensing income, music metadata, music publishing administration, music publishing royalties, music rights management, music royalty audit, music royalty prevention, music royalty recovery, music royalty tracking, neighboring rights royalties, royalty collection for independent artists, songwriter registration, songwriter royalties, SoundExchange royalties, Source of Truth Health Center, The MLC, unclaimed mechanical royalties, unclaimed music royalties 0 Comments September 23, 2026

Many independent musicians struggle to collect all the royalties owed to them due to fragmented systems and misunderstandings about copyrights. Notes.fm, a new tech company, aims to resolve these issues by identifying unclaimed royalties and providing better tracking solutions. Understanding ownership and registration is crucial for successful royalty collection.

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Americana Artist/ Artist Interviews/ Indie Rock Artist

The Spirit of Indie: Cassandra Cole’s Latest EP

Richard L'Hommedieu acoustic driven music, alternative singer songwriter, alternative soul, atmospheric indie music, Big Turn Music Festival, California born musician, Cassandra Cole, Cassandra Cole singer songwriter, contemporary americana, emotional songwriting, female singer songwriter, Fiona Apple influence, independent singer songwriter, indie folk, indie soul, Madison Cunningham influence, Mall of America music, Midwest indie artist, Minneapolis music, Minnesota based artist, Minnesota music, phoebe bridgers influence, Rivertown Fall Art Festival, songs about love, songs about resilience, songs about self discovery, soulful vocals, Steps album, The Grey EP, Twin Cities independent music, Twin Cities singer songwriter 0 Comments September 20, 2026

Cassandra Cole, a Minnesota-based singer-songwriter, blends alternative soul and indie folk in her music. Her latest EP, The Grey, reflects her journey through personal upheaval, emphasizing themes of vulnerability and emotional honesty. Cole’s performances foster deep connections with audiences, illustrating her belief in the power of shared experiences through music.

Artist Interviews/ INDIE Blues Artist

Gerry Casey Interviews Austin Walking Cane

Richard L'Hommedieu A World of Blues, acoustic blues, american roots music, Austin Walkin’ Cane, Bentonia blues, blues harmonica, blues singer songwriter, Chicago blues influence, Chris Allen songwriter, clarksdale blues, Cleveland blues artist, Damn Fine Blues, delta blues, Don Dixon producer, Dr. Z Amplifiers, electric blues, Ernie Ball Strings, gospel blues, Highway 61 blues, independent blues musician, international blues artist, Mississippi Delta blues, Murder of a Blues Singer, National Reso-Phonic Guitars, New Orleans blues, One Heart Walkin, Robert Johnson, Robert Jr. Lockwood, Roots Blues, roots music, slide guitarist 0 Comments September 19, 2026

Austin Walkin’ Cane, a slide guitarist and blues artist, creates “Damn Fine Blues,” a mix of original and classic Delta blues. Over decades of touring worldwide, his resilience and personal journey shape his music. His albums, like “Murder of a Blues Singer” and “One Heart Walkin’,” reflect a deep connection to blues tradition and storytelling.

In The Studio/ Recording Techniques

How Microphones Hear

Richard L'Hommedieu audio engineering basics, better vocal recordings, condenser microphone techniques, dynamic microphone techniques, home recording studio, home studio recording, how microphones hear, how microphones work, independent musician home studio, indie artist recording, making a Scene, microphone angle, microphone diaphragm, microphone distance, microphone frequency response, microphone maximum SPL, microphone placement, microphone proximity effect, microphone recording techniques, microphone room pickup, microphone selection, microphone self noise, microphone sensitivity, music recording education, off axis microphone response, polar patterns microphones, recording engineer techniques, recording vocals at home, room acoustics recording, transient response microphones, vocal mic placement, vocal microphone techniques, vocal recording tips, why vocals sound harsh, why vocals sound muddy, why vocals sound thin 0 Comments September 19, 2026

This content discusses the significant differences between how microphones capture sound versus human hearing. It emphasizes the importance of microphone placement, understanding frequency response, and room acoustics in achieving quality recordings. The article also highlights how factors like proximity effect, off-axis response, and microphone technique impact the final sound, urging engineers to gain practical knowledge to enhance their recording skills effectively.

Future of the Music Business/ Marketing/ Music Business1

Five Things You Can Sell and the One Thing You Should Keep

Richard L'Hommedieu AI and music rights, AI music licensing, alternate mixes for sync, artist controlled revenue, artist identity rights, artist ownership, artist revenue streams, artist voice licensing, artist-owned music catalog, digital replica rights, direct fan relationships, direct to fan music business, fan relationship ownership, first party fan data, independent artist income, independent music business, independent musician business, license your music, making a Scene, master recording ownership, music asset management, music business education, music business strategy, music catalog value, music copyright, music industry middle class, music industry ownership, music intellectual property, music licensing for artists, music licensing strategy, music monetization, music publishing rights, music revenue diversification, music rights for independent artists, music rights management, music stems licensing, retain your masters, songwriter rights, sustainable music career, sync licensing 0 Comments September 18, 2026

The article emphasizes the importance for independent artists to understand the multiple economic assets created during music production, such as master recordings and compositions. By keeping control over their rights, artists can monetize these assets in various ways without surrendering ownership. This approach fosters sustainable income streams and supports the development of a stable music industry middle class.

Marketing/ Music Business1/ Touring

You Finished the Record Now Build the Smart Media Album

Richard L'Hommedieu ai music business tools, album release strategy, Artist Ecosystem Smart Media workflow, artist fan relationship, artist owned fan data, artist-owned music business, Billboard chart eligible album, Billboard Smart Media Album, connected music merchandise, digital album collectible, direct to fan merchandise, direct-to-fan music, fan data for musicians, fan engagement technology, fan passport, future music formats, future of physical music, how to create a Smart Media Album, independent artist merchandise, independent music marketing, indie artist revenue, interactive album experience, interactive music album, Luminate Smart Media, MAS Artist Ecosystem, MAS Fan Passport, music album NFC chip, music collectible ideas, music CRM, music industry middle class, music merch ideas, music merch table ideas, music metadata management, music NFC collectibles, music release workflow, music Source of Truth, NFC album, NFC card music, NFC merch for musicians, NFC music album, NFC music merchandise, NFC trading card album, phygital music album, physical digital album, physical music collectible, smart album hosting, Smart Media Album, Smart Media Albums, Smart Media chart reporting, smart music merchandise, web3 music ownership 0 Comments September 17, 2026

The article outlines a practical guide for independent artists on creating Smart Media Albums, a blend of physical and digital formats. It emphasizes structuring the product around the finished record, considering Billboard eligibility, and designing engaging fan experiences. The goal is to enhance artist monetization while fostering direct fan relationships through thoughtful packaging and digital engagement strategies.

Marketing/ Music Biz News/ Music Business1

You Can Hold Music Again: How Smart Media Could Reconnect a Digital Generation With the Album

Richard L'Hommedieu ai music business tools, album collectibles, album release strategy, artist data ownership, artist ecosystem, artist fan data, artist merchandise, artist owned ecosystem, artist owned fan relationships, Billboard Smart Media Albums, CD revival, collector editions, connected albums, connected music experiences, digital music collectibles, digital native music fans, direct music sales, direct-to-fan music, fan engagement, fan passport, fan relationship management, future of albums, future of music consumption, future of physical music, Gen Z music fans, independent artist business, independent musicians, indie artist revenue, indie music marketing, KiTalbum, KiTbetter, Luminate Smart Media Albums, Making a Scene Fan Passport, merch table revenue, music collectibles, music CRM, music fan community, music fan experience, music industry middle class, music industry trends, music marketing, music merchandise, music nostalgia, music ownership, music revenue streams, music technology, physical album sales, physical digital albums, physical media nostalgia, physical music, physical music revival, premium music products, Smart Media Albums, superfans, tactile media, tactile music experience, vinyl revival, web3 music ownership 0 Comments September 16, 2026

The post discusses the evolution of music consumption, highlighting how physical albums created tangible connections that digital formats lack. It introduces Smart Media Albums, merging physical collectibles with digital content, appealing to younger audiences. This format revitalizes the tactile experience, fosters emotional connections, and supports independent artists in maintaining relationships with fans.

Artist Interviews/ INDIE Blues Artist

JP Soars is Making a Scene

Richard L'Hommedieu Albert King Guitar Award, american blues, Americana blues, anne harris, Anne Harris violinist, B.B. King Entertainer of the Year nominee, B.B. King influence, Big Blues Bender, Billboard Blues Top 10, Blind pig records, Blues Blast Music Awards, blues guitarist, Blues Music Award nominee, blues rock, blues violin, Chicago violinist, Chris Peet, Cleveland Frederick, contemporary blues, Django Reinhardt influence, Full Moon in Memphis, Goin’ To South Carolina, Gypsy Blue Revue, gypsy jazz, International Blues Challenge winner, Jessie Mae, Jessie Mae Hemphill, JP Soars, JP Soars and Anne Harris, JP Soars Gypsy Blue Revue, Keb Mo, Let Go of the Reins, live blues band, Otis Taylor, roadhouse blues, roots music, roots rock, South Florida blues artist, Southbound I-95, southern soul, Tab Benoit producer, Taj Mahal, Viper 0 Comments September 13, 2026

JP Soars, a seasoned musician, teams up with violinist Anne Harris in the album “Gypsy Blue Revue,” blending diverse music styles like blues, rock, and folk. Recorded live, the project captures their immediate chemistry, showcasing authentic storytelling and musicianship. The collaboration results in a vibrant, adventurous sound rooted in the blues tradition.

In The Studio/ Recording Techniques

Harmonics Without the Math: What “Warmth,” Saturation, Tubes and Transformers Are Really Doing to Your Music

Richard L'Hommedieu analog distortion, analog gear myths, analog sound explained, analog warmth, audio distortion explained, audio engineering for musicians, audio harmonics explained, audio saturation, digital saturation, even harmonics, harmonic distortion, harmonic saturation, harmonics in music, home recording academy, home recording techniques, home studio recording, independent artist education, independent musician recording, indie artist home studio, making a Scene, music production education, music production for beginners, music production technology, nonlinear audio processing, odd harmonics, professional home studio, recording better bass, recording better drums, recording better vocals, recording engineer tips, recording harmonics, recording studio basics, saturation explained, saturation vs distortion, transformer coloration, transformer preamp sound, transformer saturation, tube preamp sound, tube saturation, tube sound, tube vs transformer sound 0 Comments September 12, 2026

The podcast “Harmonics Without the Math” explores misconceptions in audio terminology, such as “warmth” and “saturation,” and emphasizes the importance of understanding harmonics in music production. By clarifying these concepts, artists can make informed decisions in building home studios, enhancing recordings, and ultimately controlling their music careers, rather than following marketing myths.

Marketing/ Music Biz News/ Music Business1

You Own the Music. But Who Owns the Pipes?

Richard L'Hommedieu AI music licensing, artificial intelligence music industry, artist business strategy, artist data ownership, artist ecosystem, artist identity, artist independence, artist ownership, artist revenue, artist source of truth, artist websites, creator economy, DDEX, decentralized music, direct-to-fan, fan data ownership, fan passport, fan relationships, independent artists, independent labels, independent music, independent music distribution, Indie music business, major labels, making a Scene, master ownership, music business, music catalog management, music copyright, music data portability, music distribution, music distribution companies, music industry, music industry consolidation, music industry infrastructure, music industry middle class, music industry technology, music infrastructure ownership, music licensing, music metadata, music provenance, music publishing, music rights, music rights management, music streaming, music tech, portable independence, private equity music industry, sync licensing, Web3 music 0 Comments September 11, 2026

The post discusses how independent artists, while advised to own their music, increasingly depend on corporate frameworks for distribution and infrastructure. It emphasizes the need for “portable independence,” where artists retain control over essential business data and relationships, enabling them to adapt if service providers change. This evolution reflects the music industry’s shift toward corporate consolidation and highlights the importance of navigating these dependencies for long-term success.

Music Biz News/ Music Business1/ Recording, Mixing & Gear

Your Studio Has New Landlords: Native Instruments, iZotope and the Price of Trusting an Ecosystem

Richard L'Hommedieu audio plugin ownership, audio software ecosystem, Boris FX buys iZotope, DAW session compatibility, future proof recording studio, independent artist ownership, independent musician technology, inMusic buys Native Instruments, iZotope acquisition, iZotope Boris FX, iZotope customers, iZotope Product Portal, izotope rx, Komplete 26, Kontakt 8, legacy plugin support, making a Scene, music industry acquisitions, music industry middle class, music production software, music production workflow, music software acquisition, music software subscriptions, music technology business, Native Access, Native Instruments 2026, Native Instruments acquisition, Native Instruments customers, Native Instruments inMusic, native instruments insolvency, Neutron 5, NI 360, NI 360 iZotope, offline plugin installers, Ozone 12, perpetual plugin licenses, perpetual vs subscription software, plugin authorization, plugin license protection, producer software ownership, producer tools 2026, protect music software investment, recording studio software, studio archive strategy, studio backup strategy, studio software licensing 0 Comments September 10, 2026

The restructuring of Native Instruments and iZotope has created a split in the music software ecosystem, as Native Instruments is now part of inMusic and iZotope belongs to Boris FX. While existing licenses remain active, users must adapt to new corporate realities, emphasizing the importance of maintaining control over their software investments and production assets.

Music Biz News/ Music Business1

Washington Just Changed the AI Music Fight

Richard L'Hommedieu AI copyright lawsuits music, AI generated music rights, AI licensing for musicians, AI Music Business, AI music contracts, ai music copyright, AI music fair use, AI music legal issues, AI music licensing, AI training copyrighted music, AI training fair use, AI training royalties, AI voice licensing, AI voice rights musicians, artist controlled revenue, artist identity rights, artist likeness rights AI, artist ownership music industry, artist rights AI music, artist voice cloning rights, commercial AI music licensing, copyright fair use AI training, digital replica rights artists, direct to fan music business, future of music licensing, generative AI music copyright, human created music provenance, independent artist business, independent artists AI rights, independent musician revenue, Jason Isbell Suno lawsuit, licensed AI music, Making a Scene music business, music copyright and artificial intelligence, music copyright strategy, music industry AI policy, music industry middle class, music licensing future, music metadata provenance, music provenance AI, music rights portfolio, music stems licensing, Song Source of Truth, Suno artist rights lawsuit, U.S. government AI fair use, Udio Sony lawsuit, Washington AI copyright policy 0 Comments September 9, 2026

The ongoing debate over AI music training and copyright sees Washington leaning towards allowing AI companies considerable freedom in using copyrighted material. Independent artists are urged to focus on owning a broader array of rights surrounding their work, as traditional royalty structures may not materialize, leading to new licensing opportunities and market dynamics.

Artist Interviews/ INDIE Blues Artist

Donna Herula is Making a Scene

Richard L'Hommedieu acoustic blues, Bang at the Door, Best AAA Alternative Song, Best Acoustic Blues Album, Best Traditional Blues Artist, blues fingerstyle guitar, blues singer songwriter, buddy guy, Buddy Guy’s Legends, Chicago blues artist, Chicago Blues Festival, Chicago Blues Hall of Fame, Cold Feet album, contemporary blues artist, country blues, delta blues, donna herula, Donna Herula Band, Donna Herula Trio, Downtown Charlie Brown, early Chicago blues, electric blues band, female blues guitarist, folk blues, independent blues awards, International Acoustic Music Awards, john primer, King Biscuit Blues Festival, Living Blues Magazine, Lucerne Blues Festival, Old Town School of Folk Music, resonator slide guitarist, Roots Music Report, slide guitar teacher 0 Comments September 6, 2026

Donna Herula is an acclaimed blues artist known for her resonator slide guitar skills and emotional songwriting. Inducted into the Chicago Blues Hall of Fame, her 2021 album “Bang at the Door” gained significant recognition, winning multiple awards. An educator and performer, she actively contributes to the blues tradition while evolving her music.

Marketing/ Music Business1

The Fan the Brand and the Music

Richard L'Hommedieu AI for artist branding, ai music marketing, artist audience ownership, artist brand blueprint, artist brand development, artist brand identity, artist brand questionnaire, artist community building, artist ecosystem, artist email marketing, artist fan engagement, artist fan relationships, artist identity development, artist owned audience, artist owned platform, artist revenue streams, artist storytelling, authentic artist brand, authentic music marketing, build a loyal fanbase, building music superfans, chatgpt for musicians, direct music sales, direct to fan music marketing, direct to fan revenue, fan community building, fan data ownership, fan engagement for musicians, fan journey marketing, fan loyalty in music, fan passport, fan relationship journey, fan retention strategy, first party fan data, independent artist branding, independent artist revenue, independent music marketing, independent musician business, music artist branding, music audience development, music branding tips, music business strategy, music community marketing, music fan CRM, music fan data, music industry middle class, music marketing 2026, music marketing strategy, music merchandise strategy, musician branding strategy, musician business strategy, musician email list, musician entrepreneurship, musician fanbase strategy, superfan development, Taylor Swift branding strategy, Taylor Swift fan engagement, Taylor Swift fan strategy 0 Comments September 5, 2026

The modern independent music landscape emphasizes the importance of building relationships over merely increasing listener counts. Artists can reach global audiences from home, but many lack genuine connections with fans. Understanding and nurturing these relationships can transform casual listeners into committed community members, enhancing both artistic and economic sustainability for musicians.

Marketing/ Music Biz News/ Music Business1

SoundCloud Put the Sale Next to Discovery. That Could Change the Indie Music Business

Richard L'Hommedieu AI music licensing, artist fan relationships, artist independence, artist owned ecosystem, artist owned fan data, artist revenue streams, artist website strategy, artist-owned music business, audio fingerprinting, creator economy music, decentralized music industry, digital music sales, direct fan commerce, direct music sales, direct-to-fan music, fan data ownership, fan monetization, fan passport, future of music business, independent artist revenue, independent music distribution, independent musician income, indie artist marketing, Indie music business, making a Scene, master recording ownership, music business middle class, music catalog monetization, music catalog strategy, music download sales, music industry 2026, music industry technology, music licensing revenue, music metadata, music monetization, music ownership, music provenance, music rights management, Music Streaming Alternatives, sell music directly to fans, sell music on SoundCloud, SoundCloud Artist Pro, SoundCloud artist tools, SoundCloud direct music sales, SoundCloud direct purchases, SoundCloud direct-to-fan, SoundCloud Fan Support, SoundCloud music downloads, SoundCloud zero commission, sync licensing for indie artists, Web3 music 0 Comments September 4, 2026

SoundCloud’s 2026 beta allows selected artists to sell downloadable music directly from their profiles, integrating commerce with discovery. This model enhances the connection between fan engagement and financial support, shortening the transaction process. By eliminating commission fees, SoundCloud encourages independent artists to transform listener interest into sustainable revenue, presenting new opportunities for long-term relationships with fans.

Marketing/ Music Biz News/ Music Business1

The Labels Aren’t Fighting AI. They’re Buying Into It. So Where Is the Indie Artist’s Equity?

Richard L'Hommedieu AI and music copyright law, AI copyright music, AI monetization music industry, AI music licensing, AI music royalties, AI music technology, AI revenue for artists, AI revenue sharing, AI royalties for musicians, AI training data copyright, AI training licensing, AI training music rights, artificial intelligence licensing deals, artificial intelligence music industry, artist controlled AI permissions, artist data ownership, artist empowerment, artist owned catalog, artist owned music rights, artist ownership music business, artist revenue streams, audio fingerprinting music, copyright registration musicians, creator rights AI, digital replica rights, ethical AI music, future of ai music, future of music business, generative AI music, independent artist AI rights, independent artist copyright lawsuit, independent music business, indie artist AI licensing, indie musician revenue, labels investing in AI, licensed AI music, major labels AI investment, master recording rights, music catalog licensing, music catalog monetization, music copyright and AI, music industry AI, music industry hypocrisy AI, music industry middle class, music licensing revenue, music metadata rights, music provenance, music publishing rights, music rights infrastructure, music rights management, music technology investment, recurring royalties AI, responsible ai music, songwriter rights AI, Sony Music Group AI, Source of Truth music rights, Stability AI investment, Stability AI music, Stable Audio 3.0, Stable Audio DAW plugin, Suno AI copyright lawsuit, Tony Justice Suno lawsuit, Universal Music Group AI, voice rights AI, Warner Music Group AI, Web3 music rights 0 Comments September 3, 2026

The music industry is shifting its stance on AI, transitioning from viewing it as a threat to recognizing its potential as a strategic opportunity. Major labels like Universal and Sony are investing in AI companies, highlighting the importance of proper licensing and rights management for independent artists. Understanding ownership, permissions, and the evolving landscape is crucial for artists to secure equity and revenue in this new ecosystem.

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Richard L'Hommedieu

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