FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Live Music Powerhouse David O’Connor Reveals How the Ones to Watch Program Is Reshaping Artist Development in a Deep-Dive With MUBUTV’s Ritch Esra & Eric Knight
HOLLYWOOD, CA – Monday, October 12, 2026 – As the live music landscape evolves at lightning speed, what does it truly take for new artists to break through and build real fan connections today? David O’Connor, Vice President of Artist and Business Development at Live Nation, joins MUBUTV’s Ritch Esra and Eric Knight for an unfiltered and enlightening conversation on what separates those who last from those who fade away.
With a career spanning collaborations with icons like Jay-Z, Kanye West, and Nine Inch Nails up to championing the next generation, O’Connor delivers fresh insights on the entrepreneurial mindset now required of artists. He reveals why artistry alone isn’t enough—and how content creation, branding, and connecting authentically both on and off stage are the new non-negotiables.
O’Connor pulls back the curtain on Live Nation’s Ones to Watch program—an innovative artist development model inspired by venture capital, investing resources, brand partnerships, and visibility opportunities into emerging artists previously left behind by traditional record label infrastructure. He discusses how the program adapts to meet the challenges of today’s market, where the middle class of musicians is shrinking and up-and-comers must battle skyrocketing touring costs, a flooded attention economy, and relentless audience segmentation.
Other highlights include actionable advice for artists looking to move beyond playing to empty rooms, the biggest misconceptions about working with major promoters like Live Nation, what he looks for when scouting tomorrow’s stars, and why building a vibrant local community is the sleeper secret for rising talent.
Listeners will also hear behind-the-scenes stories from O’Connor’s work with superstar tours, thoughts on the powerful human element in live music, and a revealing discussion on the enduring necessity of in-person, shared experiences—no matter how fast technology changes.
Tune in for a masterclass on the realities and new rules of live performance and music business success. The David O’Connor Interview debuts exclusively on MUBUTV’s Music Business Insider Podcast on Monday, October 13th.
For more information on MUBUTV, contact:
John Sanders at:
Phone: 424.245.0416
Website: www.mubutv.com
Ritch Esra & Eric Knight are available for interviews across all media.
ABOUT MUBUTV
MUBUTV™ | Music Business Television is an online music business channel featuring news, original programming, and interviews with leading experts in the music industry. Its mission is to educate, empower, and engage musicians and industry professionals of the twenty-first century.
About MUBUTV’s Music Business Insider Podcast:
The video series takes a deep dive into the many challenges and nuances of building a viable and sustainable career in today’s new music business. Guests have included music attorney and author Donald Passman, producer Mike Clink [Guns N’ Roses], A&R legend John Kalodner, independent artist Ari Herstand, and more. Hosted by Ritch Esra and Eric Knight, co-founders of the platform.
###
