114. Business Skills for Composers

114. Business Skills for Composers

Author: Inspiring interviews with successful music industry experts May 3, 2018 Duration: 47:35

Chris Boardman, Sebastian Wolff, and Xiao'an Li welcome you to Business Skills For Composers - a Facebook group for composers where discussions center solely around business related practices. It doesn't matter how much or how little experience you have - everyone is welcome to post in line with the group rules and requirements. You will be safe from judgement. A rising tide raises all ships. Let's not compete in a race to the bottom, but push each other to greater heights instead!

Join Business Skills for Composers here

  • Just under 5000 members.
  • My first 4 way live interview.
  • 3 of the admins of the group.
  • Sebastian Wolff - Seattle based, licencing & royalties.
  • Chris Boardman - University lecturer at University of Miami
  • Xiao'an Li -  (C Ow Anne) - Live presentations

During the interview we discuss a number of cool topics such as:

  • Song writing
  • Royalties
  • Music for film, TV and games
  • Commissions
  • Copyright and intellectual property in the United States
  • Music licensing
  • Performance rights organisations
  • Business skills
  • Opportunities for composers - like creating audio brands
  • A.I
  • And especially interesting, as the conversation has a US focus, the differences within different territories

So without further delay here's my conversation with Sebastian Wolff, Chris Boardman, and Xiao'an Li from Business Skills For Composers. I hope you enjoy it!

Also, I've started my own music business Facebook group. I've called it the Music Industry Entrepreneurs Association and we're having some cool discussions in there. If you'd like to check it out then visit www.miea.biz

Thanks so much again for listening. I really appreciate your support and I hope you got something out of today's episode. If you haven't already subscribed to the show - search me in either iTunes or Stitcher Radio and that way you'll never miss an episode.


Rodney Holder sits down with a different guest each week for conversations that cut through the noise of the music industry. Music Business Facts-with Rodney Holder is built on the idea that real, sustainable careers are made from practical knowledge, not just talent. You’ll hear from established professionals-from managers and label founders to promoters and hit songwriters-who discuss the unglamorous but essential work behind the scenes. They share specific strategies for building a brand, navigating contracts, generating revenue, and creating lasting opportunities in a fast-changing field. This isn't about vague inspiration; it's a focused look at the operational truths of turning music into a business. Whether you're just starting out or looking to pivot your existing career, this podcast delivers candid advice and firsthand stories that you can apply directly to your own path. Tune in for a clear-eyed perspective on what it really takes to monetize your passion and build a professional life in music.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Music Business Facts- with Rodney Holder
Podcast Episodes
35. Gregg Donovan (Part 3) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:00
Today’s episode is the third and final part of my talk with Gregg Donovan- Music manager to artists like Airbourne, Grinspoon, Boy and Bear and Josh Pyke. If you haven’t listened to parts one and two I strongly suggest y…
34. Gregg Donovan (Part 2)- Artist Management Masterclass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:20
Gregg Donovan started his career as a drummer, then became a manager and promoter in Canberra Australia. Gregg was always that guy who was incredibly motivated. He was always putting up posters and promoting shows and ba…
Gregg Donovan (Part 1)- Music Business Masterclass [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:52
Gregg Donovan started his career as a drummer, then became a manager and promoter in Canberra Australia. Gregg was always that guy who was incredibly motivated. He was always putting up posters and promoting shows and ba…
Tyrone Noonan- Multi platinum award winning composer & artist. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:45
Tyrone Noonan is an Australian musician, best known for his vocals, guitars, keyboards and songwriting in the multi platinum selling Aussie band George. This podcast is a great insight into commercial success & the major…
30. Dan Graetz- The Truth About Money In Music [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:43
Dan Graetz is a documentary filmmaker who has just released a great mini documentary called “The Truth about Money in Music”. His film is a really cool and honest look at musicians and the money they make, (or don't make…
28. Matty Young- King Parrot [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:48
Matty Young- lead screamer, manager and driving force behind Australian indie metal band King Parrot. King Parrot are probably one of the, if not the hardest working band in the country right now. Apart from their insane…
26. Greg Andrew- Elton John impersonator. [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:41
Greg Andrew is an accomplished writer, performer and composer in his own right. A graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music, Greg Andrew has now built a professional career in the entertainment industry as an El…