Modern Musician Podcast

Libby Kallins is a seasoned music marketing strategist and artist development expert now shaping careers at 444 Sounds. With more than eight years of experience across major labels, she has built campaigns for both rising and established talent. Today, Libby empowers independent artists by merging creative storytelling with data-driven strategy, helping them strengthen their branding, deepen fan engagement, and scale community-driven growth. Her work bridges digital innovation with authentic connection, giving indie artists the tools they need to thrive in an ever-shifting music landscape.

In this episode, Libby reveals how independent artists can leverage storytelling, community building, and strategic platform choice to accelerate their careers in today’s digital-first music ecosystem.

Key Takeaways

• How to identify the right digital platforms and use trial-and-error to discover what actually grows your fanbase.
• How to build a loyal community through authentic content, collaborative creation, and meaningful fan engagement.
• How to strengthen your brand by clarifying your story—and why email and text lists are crucial for long-term sustainability.

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Ian Roberts is the co-founder & CEO of Hive.co, a leading fan-engagement and marketing automation platform built for event promoters and musicians. Since launching Hive in 2014, Ian has helped transform the way artists and promoters use data—powering over $500M in ticket sales through smarter email, SMS, and presale campaigns. With a background in product, growth, and digital strategy, he’s dedicated to helping creators build sustainable careers by turning ticket buyers into long-term fans through data-driven insights and marketing tools.

In this episode, Ian reveals how artists can turn fan data into revenue, loyalty, and repeat ticket sales in a rapidly evolving music landscape.

Key Takeaways

• How artists can use email, SMS, and fan data to drive engagement and build dependable revenue streams.
• Practical contest, merch, and presale strategies that deepen loyalty and turn casual listeners into superfans.
• How AI and automation will reshape the future of music marketing, making it easier to grow and monetize a fan base.

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Andreea Magdalina is the founder & CEO of shesaid.so, a global community uniting music, tech, and equity. With 18 international chapters and over 12,000 members, she builds ecosystems that empower underrepresented creatives. Her work spans strategic partnerships with companies like Microsoft, Spotify, and TikTok, Coachella’s innovation team, and the development of equity-first mentorship programs that help artists navigate an ever-evolving digital landscape. Andreea’s mission is to redesign the music industry through collaboration, innovation, and community-driven support for the next generation of artists.

In this episode, Andreea reveals how artists can build authentic, tech-savvy communities that actually move their careers forward.

Key Takeaways:

• How to build a meaningful audience using quality over quantity, collaboration, and intentional connection.
• Creative ways to use content experimentation, livestreaming, and gaming to cultivate real fan engagement.
• Why artists shouldn’t fear technology—and how leveraging new tools can unlock monetization, visibility, and lasting community.

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Ray Hamilton is the founder and CEO of Merf Music Group and Song Placement Pros, renowned for connecting songwriters with major-label artists and sync opportunities across film, TV, and streaming. His development work has led to placements with Miranda Lambert, Ashley McBryde, Trisha Yearwood, and Eric Church. Joining him are two of his standout collaborators—Addis Luv, a Trinidad-born artist blending Caribbean roots with modern country flair, and Kris Heaton, a veteran rock/pop songwriter whose charting hits and heartfelt storytelling define his decades-long career.

In this episode, Ray Hamilton, Addis Luv, and Kris Heaton share how collaboration, mentorship, and persistence can take a song from an independent idea to major placements and global audiences.

Key Takeaways:

• How Merf Music Group and Song Placement Pros turn songwriting potential into placement-ready success stories.
• The artist’s journey—from Addis Luv’s Caribbean-country sound to Kris Heaton’s rock storytelling—and how authentic expression attracts industry attention.
• Actionable advice on pitching songs, navigating sync and label placements, and building career momentum through mentorship.

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Andy Baker is the founder of Sound Consultancy, a UK-based artist development agency under Resound Media. Since 2010, he’s been helping independent musicians craft great records, strengthen their brands, and promote their music on their own terms. As the creator of Rocket Fuel, Andy has helped artists raise over $1 million to fund albums, tours, and creative projects—empowering them to build sustainable careers without relying on traditional labels.

In this episode, Andy shares how independent artists can take back control of their careers through ownership, planning, and community-building.

Key Takeaways:

• How to design a crowdfunding campaign that actually converts fans into supporters
• Why having a clear mission, offer, and audience is essential for long-term success
• The proven framework that helps artists stay “in the driver’s seat” of their music career

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