Music Business Speakers

A music business speaker is someone who shares expertise, insights, and real-world knowledge about the inner workings of the music industry. They might be label executives, independent artists, managers, entertainment lawyers, or tech founders who specialize in music platforms.

Unlike general motivational speakers, music business speakers focus specifically on the commercial, legal, and strategic sides of music. This includes topics like music licensing, royalties, artist development, streaming economics, and digital marketing for musicians.

They can appear in many formats: keynote speakers at music conferences, guests on industry podcasts, panelists at virtual summits, or workshop leaders for artist collectives. Their role is to educate and empower audiences who want to understand how the music industry really works.

For example, someone like Benji Rogers, founder of PledgeMusic, often speaks about blockchain in music rights. Meanwhile, Erin M. Jacobson, a music attorney, focuses on protecting intellectual property. Both are music business speakers, but with very different lenses.

So whether you're hosting a summit for indie artists or a corporate event for music tech investors, a music business speaker brings clarity to a complex and ever-evolving industry.

When you're navigating an industry as fast-moving and fragmented as music, having access to real-time, relevant insights is essential. That's where a music business speaker comes in.

These speakers act as translators between the chaos of the industry and the people trying to succeed in it. Whether you're an artist trying to understand your streaming royalties, or a startup founder entering the music tech space, a music business speaker can break down the barriers to entry.

They also bring credibility. When someone like Steve Stoute talks about brand partnerships in hip hop, or when Emily White explains tour budgeting, you're not just getting theory... you're getting tested strategies. Their insights can help you avoid costly mistakes, spot emerging trends, and make smarter decisions.

In educational settings, they provide context that textbooks can't. In business settings, they offer strategic foresight. And in creative communities, they empower people to take control of their careers.

So whether you're hosting a podcast, summit, or workshop, a music business speaker isn't just a nice-to-have. They're a strategic asset for anyone serious about understanding the business behind the beats.

Music business speakers serve as educators, strategists, and connectors within the music industry ecosystem. Their work spans multiple formats and functions, depending on the audience and context. Here's what they typically do:

- Educate on Industry Mechanics. They explain how royalties work, what a 360 deal really means, or how to navigate sync licensing. This is especially valuable for emerging artists and indie labels.

- Share Trends and Forecasts. Many speakers analyze data and trends, offering predictions about where the industry is headed. For example, they might discuss the rise of AI in music production or the impact of TikTok on artist discovery.

- Inspire and Motivate. Through keynotes or interviews, they share stories of resilience, innovation, and success. This is especially powerful in summits or conferences where attendees are looking for both insight and encouragement.

- Offer Tactical Advice. From building a fanbase to negotiating contracts, music business speakers often provide actionable steps. They might walk through how to register with a PRO or how to pitch to Spotify playlists.

- Bridge Gaps Between Sectors. Some speakers connect the dots between music and other industries like tech, film, or finance. For instance, a speaker might explain how NFTs are changing music ownership or how brands are partnering with artists for experiential marketing.

In short, music business speakers are the knowledge carriers who help others navigate one of the most complex creative industries out there. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned pro, there's always something to learn from the right speaker.

Becoming a music business speaker isn't just about knowing the industry - it's about knowing how to share that knowledge in a way that resonates. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Define Your Niche.
- Are you an expert in artist management, music licensing, touring logistics, or digital distribution? Get specific. The music business is broad, and clarity helps you stand out.
- Example: If you've worked with indie artists on monetizing Spotify streams, that's a niche worth owning.

2. Build Your Credibility.
- Start by creating content: write articles, host webinars, or launch a podcast.
- Use platforms like LinkedIn or Medium to share insights. Better yet, create a speaker page on Talks.co that showcases your expertise, topics, and testimonials.

3. Craft Your Signature Talk.
- Focus on one core message. What transformation will your audience experience?
- Structure it with a strong opening, 2-3 key takeaways, and a memorable close.

4. Get Visible.
- Apply to speak at virtual summits, music conferences (like MIDEM or SXSW), and industry panels.
- Use Talks.co to connect with event hosts who are looking for speakers in your niche.

5. Leverage Testimonials and Referrals.
- After each talk, ask for feedback and a testimonial.
- Use those to pitch yourself to bigger stages or paid gigs.

6. Keep Evolving.
- Stay updated on industry trends. Subscribe to newsletters, attend events, and connect with other speakers.
- The more relevant your insights, the more demand you'll attract.

Remember, speaking is a skill. The more you do it, the better you get. Start small, stay consistent, and let your voice grow louder with every stage.

To be a music business speaker, you need more than just experience in the industry. You need the ability to translate that experience into stories, strategies, and insights that others can learn from. Here's what it really takes:

Industry Knowledge: This is non-negotiable. Whether you've worked in A&R, music tech, publishing, or tour management, your audience expects real-world insights. You don't need to have managed Beyoncé, but you do need to understand how the business works - from contracts to royalties to branding.

Public Speaking Skills: You don't have to be a TED Talk veteran, but you should be able to hold a room (or a Zoom). Practice is key. Join a local Toastmasters group or rehearse with peers. Great speakers know how to pace their delivery, use stories effectively, and engage with their audience.

A Personal Brand: This is where your speaker page on Talks.co comes in. It's your digital stage. Include your bio, talk topics, past appearances, and a short video clip. Event organizers want to know what you sound like and what value you bring.

A Clear Message: What's your unique angle? Maybe you help indie artists build sustainable careers, or you specialize in sync licensing for film and TV. Your message should be clear, repeatable, and relevant.

Connections: You don't need to know everyone, but networking helps. Platforms like Talks.co are designed to connect speakers with event hosts. Join music business communities, attend virtual summits, and engage with industry folks on social media.

Being a music business speaker is about combining your expertise with your voice. It's not just what you know, but how you share it that makes the difference.

Yes, music business speakers do get paid - but how much and how often depends on several factors. Let's break it down.

Experience and Reputation: Established speakers with a track record of delivering value (and drawing crowds) can command higher fees. If you've spoken at Billboard events or consulted for major labels, you're in a different league than someone just starting out.

Event Type: Payment varies depending on the event:
- Corporate Conferences: These often have larger budgets. A speaker at a major music tech summit might earn $2,000 to $10,000 per session.
- Industry Panels: These may offer smaller stipends or cover travel only.
- Virtual Summits: Some are unpaid but offer exposure and lead generation. Others pay flat fees or affiliate commissions.

Geography: Rates differ globally. A speaker in the U.S. or UK may earn more than someone in Southeast Asia, though virtual events are leveling the playing field.

Platform Influence: If you bring an audience (say, 50k followers on Instagram or a popular podcast), you're more valuable to event organizers. That can translate into higher fees or better terms.

Talks.co Insight: On platforms like Talks.co, speakers can set their own rates and negotiate with hosts directly. Some opt for flat fees, others for lead-sharing or affiliate models.

In short, yes - music business speakers get paid. But the range is wide, and the key is building a reputation that justifies your rate.

Music business speakers generate income through a mix of direct and indirect channels. Here's a breakdown of the most common revenue streams:

1. Speaking Fees
- Paid keynotes, panels, and workshops at conferences like SXSW, Music Biz, or Reeperbahn.
- Virtual summits and webinars, often hosted via platforms like Zoom, where speakers can set their own rates.

2. Consulting and Coaching
- After a talk, attendees often want more. Speakers offer 1:1 consulting or group coaching programs.
- Example: A speaker on music licensing might offer a 6-week course on sync strategies for indie artists.

3. Online Courses and Digital Products
- Speakers package their knowledge into courses, eBooks, or templates.
- Platforms like Teachable or Kajabi are popular for this.

4. Affiliate Marketing and Sponsorships
- Promote tools or services (like DistroKid, Bandzoogle, or Songtrust) and earn commissions.
- Sponsors may pay to be mentioned during talks or webinars.

5. Lead Generation for Other Services
- A speaker might own a music PR agency or label services firm. Speaking becomes a funnel.
- Talks.co lets speakers link directly to their lead magnets, making it easy to convert interest into business.

6. Licensing and IP
- Some speakers license their talks or educational content to schools, platforms, or corporate training programs.

The most successful music business speakers diversify. They don't rely on one-off gigs. Instead, they build ecosystems around their expertise that generate recurring income.

The income of music business speakers varies widely, depending on experience, niche, and business model. Let's look at the numbers:
Entry-Level Speakers
- Typically earn $0 to $500 per talk.
- Often speak for exposure, leads, or portfolio building.
- May get travel and accommodation covered.
Mid-Level Speakers
- Earn between $1,000 and $5,000 per event.
- Usually have a few years of experience, a solid speaker page (like on Talks.co), and a defined niche.
- May also earn from consulting or course sales post-event.
Top-Tier Speakers
- Can command $10,000 to $50,000+ per keynote.
- Often have books, media appearances, or a strong personal brand.
- Example: A speaker who's worked with major labels or built a successful music tech startup.
Other Income Streams (Annual Estimates):

Income Source	Range
Speaking Fees	$5,000 - $150,000+
Courses/Products	$10,000 - $250,000
Consulting/Coaching	$20,000 - $100,000
Sponsorships/Affiliates	$5,000 - $50,000

Variables That Affect Income:
- Audience size and engagement.
- Geographic reach (global speakers earn more).
- Platform leverage (e.g., Talks.co visibility).
So, how much do music business speakers make? It depends on how they package and scale their expertise. The ceiling is high, especially for those who treat speaking as a business, not just a gig.

If you're looking to hire a music business speaker, the cost can vary significantly based on several factors. Here's a breakdown to help you budget effectively:
1. Speaker Experience
- New or Emerging Speakers: $0 to $500. Often looking for exposure or testimonials.
- Mid-Level Professionals: $1,000 to $5,000. These speakers have a track record and a clear niche.
- High-Profile Experts: $10,000 to $50,000+. Includes authors, former executives, or founders of successful music ventures.
2. Event Type
- Workshops or Breakout Sessions: Typically $500 to $3,000.
- Keynotes at Major Conferences: $5,000 to $25,000.
- Virtual Events: Lower cost, often $500 to $5,000, depending on audience size and speaker demand.
3. Location and Logistics
- In-person events may require travel, lodging, and per diem.
- Virtual events reduce these costs but may still involve tech setup fees.
4. Customization and Prep Time
- If a speaker needs to tailor a talk or create new content, expect higher fees.
5. Booking Platform
- Using a platform like Talks.co can streamline the process. Speakers list their rates, and you can filter by budget, topic, and availability.
Sample Cost Table:

Speaker Type	Cost Range
Emerging Speaker	$0 - $500
Mid-Level Speaker	$1,000 - $5,000
Celebrity/Expert	$10,000 - $50,000+

Ultimately, the cost reflects the value a speaker brings to your audience. A great speaker can elevate your event, attract attendees, and deliver long-term ROI.

Here's a list of some of the most impactful music business speakers of all time - those who've shaped the industry and shared their insights on major stages:

- Quincy Jones. Legendary producer and music executive. His talks blend history, creativity, and business acumen.
- Clive Davis. Founder of Arista Records and a key figure in launching careers from Whitney Houston to Alicia Keys.
- Jimmy Iovine. Co-founder of Interscope and Beats by Dre. Known for his candid insights on innovation and artist development.
- Berry Gordy. Founder of Motown. His talks often focus on entrepreneurship, branding, and cultural impact.
- Lyor Cohen. Former Def Jam president and YouTube's Global Head of Music. Brings a tech-meets-hip-hop perspective.
- Daniel Ek. CEO of Spotify. While more of a tech exec, his talks at events like Slush and SXSW have shaped the digital music narrative.
- Troy Carter. Former Lady Gaga manager and Spotify exec. Known for bridging tech and talent.
- Bob Lefsetz. Music industry commentator. His talks are controversial but thought-provoking.
- Imogen Heap. Artist and innovator. Speaks on blockchain, fan engagement, and the future of music rights.
- Amanda Palmer. Musician and speaker on crowdfunding, fan relationships, and creative independence.

These speakers have left a lasting mark not just through their careers, but through the ideas they've shared on stage.

Looking for top-tier music business speakers today? These individuals are shaping the conversation globally:

- Benji Rogers (UK/US). Co-founder of PledgeMusic and advocate for blockchain in music. Speaks at MIDEM, SXSW, and Berklee.
- Shesaid.so Founders (Global). This collective of women in music business hosts panels and talks on equity, leadership, and innovation.
- Emily White (US). Author of 'How to Build a Sustainable Music Career'. Speaks at music colleges and industry events worldwide.
- Vick Bain (UK). Music industry consultant and diversity advocate. Regular speaker at UK Music and international forums.
- Kaitlyn Davies (Australia). Known for her work in APRA AMCOS and music publishing. Speaks on rights management and artist development.
- Kiran Gandhi (Madame Gandhi) (US/Global). Artist and Harvard MBA. Speaks globally on feminism, music, and tech.
- Bas Grasmayer (Europe). Music tech strategist. Talks about Web3, streaming economics, and fan engagement.
- Cherie Hu (US). Founder of Water & Music. A go-to speaker on music tech, data, and creator economy.
- Mark Mulligan (UK). Analyst at MIDiA Research. Regularly keynotes on streaming trends and market data.
- Sammy Andrews (UK). Digital strategist. Speaks on artist marketing, data, and future of music platforms.

These speakers bring fresh, global perspectives and are active across conferences, podcasts, and virtual summits. Many are also featured on platforms like Talks.co, making it easier to book them for your next event.

Let's get real about some of the most common misconceptions floating around about music business speakers. These myths can hold people back from stepping into the spotlight or even understanding what this role actually involves.

1. You need to be a famous musician to be a music business speaker.
This one comes up a lot. People assume that unless you've had a Billboard hit or sold out stadiums, you have no business speaking about the music industry. Not true. Many of the most respected music business speakers are behind-the-scenes experts: managers, A&R reps, licensing consultants, and digital marketers. Think of someone like Wendy Day, who helped launch the careers of Eminem and Cash Money Records. She's not a performer, but her insights are gold.

2. Speaking about the music business is only relevant at music conferences.
Actually, music business speakers are increasingly being invited to tech summits, entrepreneurship bootcamps, and even university business programs. Why? Because the music industry is a case study in disruption, digital transformation, and creator economy dynamics. Spotify's Daniel Ek and UnitedMasters' Steve Stoute have both spoken at non-music events to share lessons that apply far beyond the stage.

3. You have to be super polished and charismatic to succeed.
Sure, delivery matters. But authenticity and clarity often win over flashy stage presence. Some of the most impactful talks are given by speakers who are direct, even a little raw, but who bring real-world experience and actionable advice. If you've ever watched a TEDx talk from someone who's clearly nervous but still nails their message, you know what I mean.

4. There's no money in being a music business speaker.
While it's true that not every gig pays thousands, many speakers build solid income streams through speaking fees, workshops, consulting, and digital products. Some even use speaking as a funnel into coaching programs or online courses. Look at people like Ari Herstand, who turned his speaking and blog presence into a thriving business.

5. Only people in the U.S. or U.K. can make it as speakers.
The global music industry is booming, and so is the demand for speakers from diverse regions. Whether it's Afrobeat entrepreneurs in Nigeria, K-pop strategists in South Korea, or indie label founders in Brazil, audiences want localized insights. Platforms like MIDEM and Music Cities Events regularly feature speakers from all over the world.

When you think about successful music business speakers, you might picture someone on a big stage with a mic in hand. But the real stories behind their success are often more layered, more strategic, and more relatable than you'd expect.

Take Emily White, for example. She started out as a tour manager and eventually co-founded a management firm. But what set her apart was her ability to translate her behind-the-scenes knowledge into digestible, empowering talks. Her book, 'How to Build a Sustainable Music Career and Collect All Revenue Streams', became the foundation for her speaking gigs. She now speaks at Berklee, SXSW, and even virtual summits, helping artists understand the business side of their careers.

Then there's Benji Rogers, the founder of PledgeMusic. His talks about blockchain and the future of music rights have made waves at tech and music conferences alike. What's interesting is how he pivoted from being a musician to a tech entrepreneur to a speaker. His journey shows how credibility in one area can open doors in another, especially when you're offering a fresh perspective.

In Latin America, Ana Rodriguez has carved out a niche as a bilingual speaker focused on music licensing and sync deals. She started by hosting local workshops in Mexico City, then expanded to speaking at international events like BIME and WOMEX. Her secret? She tailored her content to regional markets that were often overlooked by English-speaking speakers.

And let's not forget about Dave Kusek, founder of Berklee Online. His talks on the digital transformation of music education have reached thousands. He combines data, storytelling, and actionable advice, making him a go-to speaker for both academic and industry events.

What ties all these stories together isn't fame or flash. It's clarity, consistency, and a deep understanding of what their audience needs. Whether they started in tech, touring, or teaching, each of these speakers found their voice by solving real problems and sharing what they learned.

The landscape for music business speakers is shifting in some exciting directions. As the industry continues to evolve, so does the demand for fresh voices, new formats, and global perspectives. Here's what's coming next:

- Hybrid and virtual-first speaking formats.
While live events are back, virtual summits and hybrid conferences are here to stay. Music business speakers who can adapt their delivery to online platforms-think interactive Q&As, screen sharing, or even live demos-will have more opportunities to reach global audiences.

- Niche expertise over generalist advice.
The days of vague 'how to make it in music' talks are fading. Organizers are looking for speakers who can go deep on specific topics: TikTok monetization, NFT licensing, sync placement strategies, or data analytics for indie artists. If you can own a niche, you'll stand out.

- Cross-industry collaboration.
Music is increasingly intersecting with gaming, fashion, and wellness. Speakers who can connect the dots between industries-like how artists are launching wellness brands or how music is integrated into gaming ecosystems-will be in high demand.

- Localized content for emerging markets.
As streaming platforms expand in Africa, Southeast Asia, and Latin America, there's a growing need for speakers who understand these markets. Expect to see more bilingual or region-specific sessions tailored to local challenges and opportunities.

- Data-driven storytelling.
Organizers and audiences alike are hungry for talks backed by real numbers. Speakers who can use data to tell compelling stories-like how a viral TikTok led to a 300% Spotify spike-will resonate more.

In short, the future belongs to music business speakers who are agile, specialized, and globally aware. Whether you're just starting out or looking to level up, now's the time to refine your message and explore new formats.

If you're looking to break into the world of music business speaking or take your current gigs to the next level, you'll need more than just a mic and a message. Here's a curated list of tools and resources that can help you build authority, land gigs, and deliver standout talks:

1. Talks.co
A smart platform that matches speakers with podcast hosts and event organizers. Great for getting your foot in the door, especially if you're just starting out or want to test your message in smaller venues before hitting big stages.

2. SpeakerHub
A global directory where you can create a speaker profile, list your topics, and get discovered by event planners. Pro tip: Add video clips of your talks to boost credibility.

3. Canva
Not just for social media graphics. Canva's presentation templates make it easy to design visually engaging slides, even if you're not a designer. Stick to clean layouts and use consistent branding.

4. LinkedIn Events
Hosting your own virtual sessions on LinkedIn can help you build an audience and attract inbound speaking requests. Keep it short, value-packed, and interactive.

5. Airmeet
A virtual event platform that supports networking lounges, breakout rooms, and Q&A sessions. If you're hosting your own summit or workshop, this is a solid pick.

6. The Music Business Toolbox
Created by Dave Kusek, this resource is packed with templates, checklists, and guides that can help you build content for your talks. Especially useful for creating workshops or online courses.

7. Notion
Use it to organize your speaking topics, track outreach to event organizers, and store feedback from past gigs. It's like a digital brain for your speaking business.

Each of these tools serves a different purpose-from visibility to content creation to event delivery. Start with one or two that match your current goals, and build from there.