59. Max Cavalera- Don't make the music business mistakes I did!

59. Max Cavalera- Don't make the music business mistakes I did!

Author: Inspiring interviews with successful music industry experts July 31, 2015 Duration: 23:48

In today’s episode I’m absolutely stoked to be bringing you my interview with legendary metal guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Max Cavelera.

Max and his ex band  Sepultura where a huge influence on me personally and my band Alchemist back in the day.

Max’s story is a really interesting one because Sepultura were once well on the way to becoming one of the biggest metal bands on the planet. Just at the peak of their career- the band split with Max due to the fact that they were going to sack their manager who also happened to be Max’s wife.

Max has gone on to become involved in numerous exciting heavy music projects including Nailbomb, Soulfly, Cavelera Conspiracy, and Killer Be Killed.

Anyhow I really love this interview as Max goes into some of the huge music business mistakes he’s made in his career like simply being naïve regarding contracts, not knowing the intricacies of understanding name and brand protection, getting ripped off and a whole lot more. 

He also has a dig at The current line up of Sepultura who are still performing and touring under the Monicker that Max and his brother Igor started all those years ago.

Anyhow lots of music business lessons in this one. Hope you enjoy the episode.

Let me know on Twitter.com/musicbizfacts. And share the link around with all your metal buddies if you think they may enjoy the 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
96. Chuck Billy - Lead Vocalist for Testament [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:01
Chuck Billy is the lead vocalist for the American pioneering thrash metal band Testament. Although Testament's line up has changed over the years, Chuck has remained one of the constant members of the band that formed wa…
94. DW Norton - Guitarist & Songwriter of Superheist [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:23
DW Norton is the guitarist, major songwriter, and founding member of Australian Nu Metal band Superheist. DW is also an accomplished audio engineer and producer who has worked with many successful pioneering Australian m…
93. Budi Voogt – Entrepreneur & Digital Music Marketing Expert [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:08
This episodes guest is Budi Voogt, a successful digital music marketing expert and entrepreneur. He's also an artist manager, runs his own record label, is a prolific blogger on the music business, and runs his own music…
92. Brent DeBoer - Drummer for The Dandy Warhols! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:13
My guest today has experienced an enormous amount of success in the music business. Brent DeBoer has been the drummer for American rock band The Dandy Warhols for over 19 years. Since moving from Portland to Australia pe…
91. Kevin Thomas - How to Improve Your Songwriting Skills [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:39
Kevin Thomas is the CEO of SongWritingPlanet.com - an awesome online training resource where he teaches both aspiring and established songwriters how to improve their song writing skills and reach their musical goals. Ke…
90. Rosemary Anner - Generate an Incredible Income Teaching Music [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:02
Rosemary Anner is a successful music teacher who has literally taught thousands of students. And through teaching music Rosemary has been able to generate an incredible income and lifestyle that has allowed her to work p…
87. Bob Babisch - Promoter of the "World's Largest Music Festival" [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:18
Concert organisation and promotion has always been a huge passion of mine! So today I was stoked to be lucky enough to speak with a guy that's been running one of the worlds biggest music festivals for over three decades…