Best Podcast About Music Industry — Discover the Top Shows Shaping the Sound of Today
What if you could skip the gatekeepers, sidestep outdated industry advice, and learn directly from the people shaping music today—all while driving to work or walking your dog?
That’s the power of the right podcast at the right time. Whether you’re building a fanbase, navigating your first contract, or trying to understand royalties and sync licensing, the right voices in your earbuds can make a real difference.
That’s why this list of carefully selected podcasts about the music industry exists—to help you fast-track your knowledge, gain actionable insight, and find shows aligned with your goals. This article breaks down the best of the best by purpose, highlights what makes them worth your time, and shows how to make the most of every episode. Direct links included so you can dive in immediately.
Why Music Industry Podcasts Matter More Than Ever
You don’t need a label connection to learn how to build a music career. Podcasts provide access to real-world knowledge in real time. They let you absorb actionable insights while driving, working out, or managing your to-do list. More than passive background noise, they offer first-hand guidance from artists, managers, executives, and marketers who’ve lived through the changes.
Whether you’re trying to understand how to launch a fan campaign, pitch for sync licensing, or build leverage before signing with a label, there’s likely a podcast episode that speaks directly to your challenge.
What Makes a Great Podcast?
The qualities that make a podcast great are surprisingly consistent—no matter the genre. Whether you’re tuning into a true crime series, a startup journey, or a podcast discussing the music industry, certain traits consistently elevate a show from background noise to essential listening.
The best podcasts, and therefore best music industry podcasts, share a few defining characteristics that set them apart from the rest. These traits go beyond entertainment—they directly impact how much value you can take away from every episode.
- Credibility. A strong host doesn’t just discuss the music business—they’ve lived it. Whether they’ve negotiated deals, managed tours, or built careers from the ground up, their firsthand experience leads to sharper questions, better guests, and more meaningful conversations.
- Consistency. Top-tier podcasts release episodes on a regular schedule, maintain clean production, and stay current with industry shifts. This level of commitment builds trust and allows listeners to build learning into their routine.
- Actionable Value. The most impactful shows go beyond theory. They deliver strategies, tools, and step-by-step insights you can actually apply—whether you’re an artist, manager, or aspiring executive.
- Diverse Perspectives. Great podcasts don’t recycle the same viewpoints. They feature guests from across the spectrum—independent artists, major label players, music tech founders, touring pros, and more—to give listeners a panoramic view of the industry.
When a podcast delivers on all four, it becomes more than just a source of entertainment—it becomes part of your professional toolkit.
Top Podcasts for Every Type of Music Industry Mind
Music Business Worldwide Podcast
Hosted by Tim Ingham, this show is a masterclass in industry-level analysis. Expect sharp breakdowns of global market trends, major acquisitions, streaming economics, and what big tech is doing to reshape the landscape. It’s tailored for anyone thinking about the business behind the business and offers a fluency in industry speak that executives, strategists, and managers rely on.
The Working Songwriter
Hosted by Joe Pug, this show delivers honest, longform conversations with fellow songwriters—blending personal storytelling with real-world insights about the craft and business of songwriting. From career pivots to creative breakthroughs, it’s a go-to listen for serious songwriters seeking depth and perspective.
And The Writer Is…
Hosted by hit songwriter Ross Golan, this show strips back the curtain on the world of professional songwriters—the people behind the hits. Conversations reveal the real-world publishing mechanics, co-writing dynamics, and relentless perseverance that define this unique career path.
DIY Musician Podcast by CD Baby
CD Baby’s flagship podcast is a roadmap for self-managed artists. Practical, step-by-step, and often deeply relatable, the show delivers guidance on single releases, social media campaigns, fan retention strategies, and merchandise ideas. It’s ideal for those building their careers without major label support.
Making It with Chris G.
This show dives into the live music space—venues, tours, bookings, and events. Host Chris G. brings on agents, venue owners, festival producers, and performers to walk listeners through building a sustainable, performance-driven career. If your main income or creative focus is live shows, this one’s for you.
Niche Gems for Specialized Paths
If you’re diving deep into specific areas of the industry, these specialized podcasts stand out for their clarity, consistency, and real-world relevance:
- Music Tectonics – Hosted by Dmitri Vietze, this podcast focuses on how emerging tech—from AI tools to immersive platforms—is reshaping music creation, distribution, and monetization.
- Sync Licensing Minute – Michelle Lockey delivers quick, focused insights into real-world sync placements and licensing tips—perfect for indie artists trying to break into film and TV.
- The Music Law Beat – Produced by the Beverly Hills Bar Association, this show explains music law news and contract issues in plain English with regular episodes as of 2025.
- Music Licensing Podcast – A helpful series hosted by Sonnet Simmons, featuring interviews with music supervisors and licensing experts focused on sync success.
These shows offer practical perspectives from corners of the industry that are often overlooked—but deeply valuable.
Get More Out of Every Episode
To make listening an investment, not just background noise, try this:
- Keep a dedicated doc or note-taking system to log guest names, resources, and tips you want to try.
- Highlight strategies you could apply that week and track outcomes.
- Follow up with guests or hosts on social platforms—not to pitch, but to start a genuine connection over shared interests.
Thinking About Starting Your Own Music Industry Podcast?
There’s still room for new voices, especially those speaking to overlooked audiences. The most effective shows don’t aim to cover everything. They go deep on specific scenes, roles, or formats—from classical composers navigating streaming to regional hip-hop labels building local legacies.
If you’ve got a point of view and a willingness to stay consistent, don’t overthink gear or polish. Focus on value, clarity, and connection.
Final Thought: Learn the Business While Living It
You don’t need to figure it all out alone. The right podcast about music industry puts mentors in your earbuds and momentum in your grind.
Start with one show. Let it challenge how you think. Then act.
That’s how careers start moving.
So—what podcast will you press play on first?