MUBUTV Music Business Insider Podcast
Ritch Esra & Eric Knight [MUBUTV Co-Hosts]



Can You REALLY Make It BIG in the Music Industry in 2025?:
Insights from Ritch & Eric from the MUBUTV Music Business Insider Podcast

Hey there, Insiders! Want to know what it takes to be a successful musician in 2025? Well, you're in luck! Ritch Esra and Eric Knight, the hosts of the MUBUTV Music Business Insider Podcast, recently shared some amazing tips and trends. Whether you dream of rocking out on stage or becoming the next big thing in music, this blog post will give you lots of cool info. So, let's dive in!

Release Lots of Videos Before Your Album Drops

First things first, let's talk about an exciting strategy that bands like Muse use. They release multiple videos before their album comes out. Why? Well, it keeps fans super excited and engaged. It's like getting little sneak peeks before a big movie premier. But hold on! This trick might not work for everyone. Older fans, like those of Peter Gabriel, might not be as hyped about these videos, because they consume music differently.

Know Your Audience

It's super important to understand who your fans are and what they like. Nowadays, people often listen to music for free, so building a loyal fanbase or "fandom" is key. When fans love you, they'll support you in many ways, even if they're not buying your music.

Cool Trend Alert: Sonic Branding

Here’s a fun fact: In 2025, companies will invest more in sonic branding. What's that? Imagine companies creating unique sounds and audio identities to connect with people emotionally. Pretty neat, huh?

Touring Troubles and Changes

Touring used to be the bread and butter for many artists, but things are changing post-pandemic. There’s market saturation, inflation, and high costs for things like fuel, equipment, and labor. Big artists like Muse might not feel the pinch as much, but smaller bands definitely do.

Because of these challenges, many artists are focusing on creating content from home and engaging with fans online before hitting the road. This way, they build excitement without jumping into costly tours right away.

AI, Holograms, and Your Favorite Stars

Ever wished you could see a band that no longer tours or a music legend who's passed away? Well, AI and holograms are making that possible! ABBA's "Voyage" show in London features avatars performing live, and it's a hit. Whitney Houston and Amy Winehouse are next in line for hologram shows.

But this brings up some big questions: Would artists want their holograms performing after they're gone? And what about their legacy? Imagine seeing a hologram concert of The Beatles or Queen. It’s a fun idea, especially for fans who never got to see them live.

Big Issues: Club Closures and Mental Health

With so many clubs shutting down, it’s becoming harder for new and mid-level artists to tour. Financial and logistical challenges have made some musicians focus on staying home and creating content instead.

But even making content has its downsides. The constant pressure to post on social media can be overwhelming. Both Ritch and Eric believe mental health will be talked about more openly and will be prioritized. Successful artists have tons of demands on their time, which can lead to burnout. Artists like Chapel Roan are pushing back, showing it’s important to balance work and well-being.

Content Creation: Work Smart, Not Hard

Feeling overwhelmed by social media? No worries! Eric and Ritch suggest planning and creating content in advance. Use a teleprompter, film everything in one day, and batch edit. Tools like Hootsuite can help schedule posts, so you have more time to be creative. Need some advice? Amber Horsberg is a great person to follow for insights on content needs.

ADHD Music and Digital Detoxes

ADHD music is becoming popular because it helps people relax and focus. But with everyone glued to their screens, there’s a rising concern that we’re losing our ability to concentrate.

Eric and Ritch predict a social media crash might happen because of how overwhelming it can be. They suggest taking digital detoxes to improve mental health.

Wrapping Up: The Future of Music

The music industry’s always evolving. A&R is now data-driven, live performance skills are essential, and the focus has shifted to superfans. Companies are investing in AI and holograms, sparking exciting possibilities. But they're also addressing challenges, like mental health and changing touring trends.

So, if you’re planning your music career, remember to stay connected with your fans, take care of your mental health, and get creative with your content. The future of music is bright – and it’s yours for the taking!

 
Ritch Esra | Eric Knight | MUBUTV Music Business Television
 

"Understanding and catering to your audience is crucial.
The way music is consumed has drastically changed, and building a dedicated fandom is more important than ever."

- Eric Knight

"The shift in A&R from faith-based to data-driven signing has uncovered some weaknesses.
Viral success doesn’t always translate to long-term career stability."

- Ritch Esra

 

 

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LISTEN: Can You REALLY Make It BIG in the Music Industry in 2025? [MIP092]

 


TRANSCRIPT | SHOW NOTES 

   

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