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Published by Matt Ford
The Live Music Industry Podcast takes you inside the business of live entertainment through candid conversations with the people shaping it. Hosted by Matt Ford, Founder & CEO of Prism.fm, the show features promoters, venue operators, talent buyers, agents, artist managers, and industry leaders sharing real-world insights on booking, ticketing, operations, technology, and the evolving live music business. Learn more: prism.fm/podcast Follow @prismfm on Instagram & LinkedIn
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What does it take to run a venue that can literally change shape? In this episode, Matt Ford sits down with Jeff Thielke, Executive Director of the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts, a one-of-a-kind Southern California venue with multiple configurations, a million pounds of moving infrastructure, and a history that includes everyone from Frank Sinatra to John Legend. Episode Time Stamps: (04:02) Inside Cerritos’ Shape-Shifting, Multi-Configuration Venue History of the building, how long it takes to reconfigure, what it costs in labor, and how that impacts booking patterns and Broadway tours. (09:47) Is the Design a Blessing or a Headache? Proms, Flexibility & Economics Jeff weighs the operational costs against the flexibility for proms, special events, and different types of shows across the campus. (15:20) From Sinatra to Today: Legacy, Location & Audience Experience Stories about Frank Sinatra opening the venue, other major artists, the intimate feel, and the perks of free parking and nearby amenities. (23:17) Programming Strategy: Concert-Heavy Mix, Partners & Co-Pros Breakdown of annual show volumes, music vs. Broadway, how co-promotion works, and why Cerritos shifted toward more collaboration with promoters. (32:03) Finding Prism: Fixing Calendars, Financials & a Complex Building How Jeff moved from Google Calendar and spreadsheets to Prism, modeled each configuration as its own “stage,” and tightened up financial tracking. (40:11) What Insights Is & How It Changes Deal Making Matt explains Prism Insights, and Jeff shares how real-time box office and streaming data help with ticket scaling, demand prediction, and negotiating offers. (46:01) City-Owned Venue Math: Taxpayers, Revenue Pillars & Events Like Mango Fest Jeff walks through Cerritos’ three main revenue streams, the economic development mission, and examples of events that drive people (and spending) into the city. (52:35) Industry Health, Data Sharing & Closing Reflections They talk about artist fees, venue closures, using Insights to build sustainable deals and develop artists, and close with thoughts on Prism’s evolution and the venue–software relationship. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
In this week’s episode, Matt Ford sits down with Hap Pardo , Director of Musical Operations at Wha Entertainment to talk about Bleecker Bell , the new 200-cap venue preparing to open in Greenwich Village, and what it takes to build and sustain independent live music spaces in one of the country’s most competitive markets. Episode Timestamps: (01:18) Bleecker Bell, the Village, and NYC’s Creative Cycle Hap introduces Bleecker Bell (new 200-cap club), explains the location near Washington Square Park, and talks through the Village’s music history and how artists get pushed around the city. (08:10) Post-COVID Rethink: From House Bands to a New Club How COVID forced Cafe Wha? and Groove out of old habits, revealed demand for intimate listening rooms, and led the team to commit to a new room in downtown Manhattan instead of scaling back. (15:24) Building It Right: Economics, Community, and Design Why there are no grants, how a 2021 fire and landmark rules shaped the project, working with the community board, and the perks of designing a venue from (almost) scratch—green room, bars, kitchen, sound. (23:37) Programming the Village: House Bands, Groove, and Multi-Night Runs The evolution of Cafe Wha? and Groove’s calendars since COVID, expanding genres, how Village Presents operates the rooms, and why they like the idea of multi-night runs in 200-cap spaces. (32:11) How These Clubs Survive & The Role of Data (Prism + Insights) What keeps Cafe Wha? and Groove healthy: constant review of shows, balancing art and money, and using Prism and Insights data instead of gut alone to size offers and pick the right room. (40:00) Hap’s Story: From Jazz Guitarist to Village Talent Boss Hap’s path from studying jazz guitar in New Orleans to realizing full-time performance wasn’t his lane, moving to NYC, finding his role at Cafe Wha?, and keeping a personal connection to playing music. (50:03) Career High Point: Van Halen at Cafe Wha? & The Dylan Era Link The full Van Halen-at-Cafe-Wha? story, David Lee Roth’s family connection to the club, what that night felt like, and a tangent on Inside Llewyn Davis and recreating old McDougal Street. (55:52) Right Now: Opening Timeline, Sales Trends, AI & Marketing Tools Bleecker Bell’s “very soon” opening window, how ticket and bar sales look today, Hap’s honest stance on AI (and using Claude), and a quick rundown of their marketing stack (Symbol, Hive shout-out). Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
There’s been a verdict in the Live Nation/Ticketmaster antitrust case. So what happens now? Matt Ford sits down again with artist manager and industry operator Randy Nichols to unpack what the jury’s monopoly verdict actually means, why the case is still far from over, and what a potential breakup of Live Nation and Ticketmaster could really look like. They also dig into another major fight unfolding in ticketing: speculative ticketing and the secondary market. Randy shares his firsthand experience testifying in California in support of legislation targeting speculative ticket sales and breaks down his concerns about StubHub, including speculative listings for major events like FIFA and the conflicts he sees within the secondary ticketing market. Episode Timestamps: (2:20) What Actually Swung the Live Nation Jury How one explosive phrase became the emotional center of the case and shaped the jury’s perception. (11:20) “Blue Dot Fever” and the Reality of Soft Tours Are arena tours actually struggling, or is the panic around unsold seats missing the bigger picture? (17:20) Ticket Prices Are Becoming a Barrier to Fandom Why increasingly expensive nights out could threaten the industry’s ability to build the next generation of lifelong fans. (32:35) What the Live Nation Verdict Actually Means What happens after a monopoly verdict, from potential remedies to years of legal challenges and appeals. (44:45) Would Breaking Up Live Nation Actually Lower Ticket Prices? Why a breakup may make for a compelling political win without necessarily making concerts cheaper. (55:30) Could Ticketmaster Be More Powerful on Its Own? The surprising argument that separating Ticketmaster from Live Nation could actually expand its reach. (1:08:00) The Fight Over Spec Ticketing and Resale Price Caps Randy shares why he testified in California and what proposed ticketing legislation could change. (1:15:20) StubHub, Spec Tickets, and the FIFA Mess A look at speculative ticket listings, platform accountability, and Randy’s own test listing a nonexistent FIFA ticket. (1:27:20) Why Spec Bans Could Matter More Than a Live Nation Breakup Randy makes the case that limiting scalper arbitrage could do more for ticket prices than breaking up Live Nation. (1:33:40) Dynamic Pricing and a Potential Grand Bargain If the industry eliminates industrial scalping, should primary ticketing platforms give up dynamic pricing too? Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
Matt sits down with Randy Vogel of Mesa Arts Center to explore what it takes to lead one of the country's most dynamic multidisciplinary performing arts campuses. Randy shares how Mesa Arts Center became a catalyst for downtown revitalization, why performing arts centers must balance community impact with financial sustainability, and how strong relationships with promoters can open the door to better programming opportunities. He also breaks down the realities of building a Broadway series, evaluating risk, and using technology to streamline everything from offers to settlements. In this episode: How Mesa Arts Center became a catalyst for downtown revitalization What it takes to build and grow a successful Broadway program Why performing arts centers must balance mission, community impact, and financial sustainability How strong partnerships with promoters lead to better programming opportunities How venue leaders can use data to reduce booking risk and make smarter decisions Why Prism has transformed offers, settlements, and day-to-day operations at Mesa Arts Center Episode Time Stamps: (1:05) How Mesa Arts Center Was Funded Randy explains how Mesa voters approved a Quality of Life sales tax that funded the approximately $95 million Mesa Arts Center—and why that community investment has been key to its long-term success. (8:23) How the Arts Revitalized Downtown Mesa How a world-class arts center became the catalyst for downtown redevelopment and long-term community growth. (13:02) From Musician to Arts Center Executive Randy reflects on his career journey, from studying music to leading one of the nation's premier performing arts centers. (31:01) Building a Successful Broadway Program A look at how Mesa Arts Center built its Broadway series and what it takes to present national touring productions. (38:31) Balancing Mission, Community & Profitability Randy explains how he approaches programming as both a cultural mission and a sustainable business. (47:07) Why Strong Promoter Partnerships Matter Why collaboration—not competition—with promoters leads to better outcomes for venues, artists, and audiences. (57:21) How Data Helps Mesa Arts Center Make Smarter Booking Decisions Randy shares how Insights helps validate offers, assess risk, and make more confident booking decisions. (1:05:25) Why Prism Changed Mesa Arts Center's Workflow From faster offers to simplified settlements, Randy explains how Prism transformed his team's day-to-day operations. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
After a popular fireside chat at NIVA a few weeks ago, Matt Ford and Pat Hannigan, Co-Founder & CTO of Hive , sat down to continue the conversation around one of the biggest topics shaping live events today: AI. In this episode, Matt and Pat talk about how AI is moving beyond the hype and into the day-to-day workflows that help live event teams save time, make smarter decisions, and sell more tickets. They cover everything from Hive's new AI-powered Marketing Assistants to Prism's MCP server and Insights, plus where AI fits (and doesn't) in the future of live events. In this episode, you'll learn: How Hive's AI Marketing Assistants help teams automate campaigns without losing the human touch Why "default good marketing" is becoming the new standard for venues and promoters How AI is improving booking decisions with better data—not replacing instinct How Prism's MCP server connects AI directly to your event data and workflows Why verified ticketing data is changing the way promoters evaluate shows Where AI still falls short and why humans remain essential to great live events Whether you're booking shows, building marketing campaigns, or simply trying to understand where AI is headed, this conversation is packed with practical insights you can apply today. Episode Time Stamps: (6:45) From AI Firehose to Hive's Marketing Assistants How Hive evolved from simple AI chat tools to marketing assistants built into real workflows. (17:30) What the Assistants Actually Do Real campaign examples, how assistants draft marketing, and why human review still matters. (24:40) Default Good Marketing Why personalized marketing wins, and how AI makes it practical for lean teams. (36:40) How Hive Uses AI Behind the Scenes Why AI is a tool—not a replacement—and how Hive balances speed with reliability. (45:20) Daily AI Workflows & Prism's MCP Using AI for everyday work, Prism's MCP server, and faster contract reviews. (56:00) Prism Insights & Smarter Booking Decisions How verified ticketing data helps promoters make better booking decisions. (1:03:05) The Future of AI in Live Events AI's limits, smarter booking tools, and why the future is human + AI. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
In this episode, Matt Ford sits down with Sara Mertz (VP, Music Partnerships) and Steve Oberman (VP, Partnerships) from Tixr to discuss the future of independent ticketing, the evolution of the secondary market, and the technology shaping live events. They explore how Tixr has built a customer-driven ticketing platform, why promoters need a strategy for resale, what the Live Nation/Ticketmaster antitrust case could mean for the industry, and how AI is changing everything from marketing to fan discovery. They also discuss the importance of best-of-breed technology, the role of first-party data, and why independent operators need better tools to compete in an increasingly complex market. Inside the episode: • How Tixr built a technology-first ticketing platform for independent promoters • Why the secondary market isn’t going away—and how operators can use it strategically • Key takeaways from the Live Nation/Ticketmaster antitrust case • How AI is changing ticketing, marketing, and event discovery • The role of first-party data in modern live event businesses • Why best-of-breed platforms often outperform all-in-one solutions • How independent venues and promoters can compete more effectively in today’s market Episode Timestamps: (00:50) Meet Tixr & the Team — Tixr's independent-first origins and approach to long-term venue/promoter/artist partnerships, plus Sara's path from artist management and labels into ticketing and Steve's role across partnerships, sales, and promoter financing. (07:55) What Makes Tixr Different — Tixr's industry reputation and why promoters gravitate toward its collaborative approach. (13:20) Features & Resale — Waitlists, integrated resale marketplace, ticket security, and flexible refunds, plus how promoters use secondary markets for discovery while steering fans back to primary. (24:25) The Live Nation/Ticketmaster Debate — The DOJ antitrust case, industry implications, and what more competition means for promoters. (38:34) AI, Data & Industry Change — Tixr's use of AI across ops, marketing, and fan experience, plus making data actionable, responsible adoption, and first-party data advantages. (01:03:05) Prism Insights & Data Transparency — Matt introduces Prism Insights and how better data helps independents decide smarter. (01:08:27) Surviving & Growing in a Tough Market — Venue economics, headwinds, the role of NIVA and community, plus revenue strategies via premium experiences, upsells, and referrals. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
In this episode, Matt Ford sits down with Justin Kantor, Founder of VenuePilot , to unpack a radically different approach to ticketing—one that challenges long-standing industry norms around contracts, fees, and control. They explore the hidden economics behind ticketing deals, from advances and per-ticket fees to the real cost venues carry over time. Along the way, they dig into why Justin built VenuePilot without contracts or venture capital, how collaboration (not competition) led to a Prism integration, and what it means to build technology that actually serves operators. The conversation also expands beyond ticketing into the future of live music itself—touching on AI, human connection, and why small, local venues may be more important than ever in the years ahead. Episode Timestamps: (01:13) Justin’s background + founding VenuePilot Justin shares his journey from professional cellist to running a New York venue, and how that experience led him to build VenuePilot in response to industry pain points. (03:04) The core problem with ticketing companies A candid look at how ticketing platforms gained outsized control over venues—and why Justin believes technology should serve operators, not the other way around. (07:17) No contracts, no lock-ins Justin explains the philosophy behind eliminating contracts, arguing that strong products—not restrictions—are what actually create long-term customer loyalty. (10:41) The hidden economics of ticketing deals A deep dive into advances, signing bonuses, and how “free money” from ticketing companies often comes with long-term financial tradeoffs for venues. (13:42) Why “cheap” ticketing isn’t actually cheap Breaking down per-ticket fees and how small differences compound over time, often costing venues far more than they realize. (20:27) All-in pricing and its impact on the industry How new pricing transparency is reshaping conversations between venues, promoters, artists, and fans—and what it reveals about true ticket value. (25:55) Why VenuePilot didn’t take VC funding Justin shares why venture capital doesn’t align with the realities of the live event industry, and how that decision shaped a more sustainable business model. (37:28) Why VenuePilot + Prism chose to collaborate What led two perceived competitors to integrate and work together—and why collaboration may be a better path forward for the industry. (50:12) The future of live music in an AI world A broader conversation on why human connection, intimacy, and live experiences will become even more valuable as technology advances. (01:00:36) Optimistic outlook for independent venues Justin paints a forward-looking vision of growth in mid-sized markets, stronger local scenes, and new opportunities for independent venues to thrive. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
In this episode, Matt Ford sits down with Lucas Fritz and Jessica Gordon, co-owners and talent buyers for Broadberry Entertainment Group, to explore how independent promoters are scaling from clubs to theaters and even booking arena-level shows in a Live Nation–dominated landscape. They dig into how data and AI are reshaping the way they evaluate offers and compete, from using Prism Insights and Etix to making smarter, faster decisions. Along the way, they unpack the real economics behind today’s shows—VIP packages, bar revenue, merch splits—and what it takes to stay competitive while keeping the live experience human-centered. Episode Timestamps: (00:00) • Why Broadberry Presents Joined Insights Skepticism, what changed, and how it fits into daily offer-writing workflow. Why real-time data beats legacy tools — and why independents need it to compete with major promoters. (12:36) • AI + The Future of Booking Matt on combining AI with ticketing signals. Jessica’s custom “Artist Offer Researcher” GPT and how it works. (21:04) • Origin Story: Broadberry & Trigger System How Lucas and Jessica started separately and built their partnership. (33:09) • State of the Industry Down bar sales, too many shows, ticket-price pressure, and why return plays for mid-tier acts are struggling. (40:16) • Data, Merch & Ticketing Philosophy Merch split approach, fan data ownership, and why they moved to Etix. (52:25) • Moving from Spreadsheets to Prism Change management story: initial slowdown, then big time savings once offers, holds, and settlements lived in one place. (59:04) • AI, Automation & the Human Core of Concerts What AI should and shouldn’t replace — automating hold emails, entry-level career paths, and what makes live music worth preserving. (01:10:06) • Hopes for the Industry Better data sharing, less zero-sum thinking, pricing ethics, bots, and a fairer ecosystem for artists and fans. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
In this episode, Matt sits down with Jesse Lauter , Head of Production & Media at Dayglo Presents, the team behind iconic venues like Brooklyn Bowl and The Capitol Theatre, to talk about launching new spaces in a challenging economic climate and why live music is still one of the most human experiences we have. From transforming historic buildings like Stable Hall into world-class venues, to navigating shifting consumer behavior and industry headwinds, Jesse shares a deeply grounded perspective on what it means to create spaces for connection, culture, and community. Episode Timestamps: (02:00) · What Is Stable Hall? Origins & The Pearl Jesse explains how Dayglo got involved with Stable Hall, introduces Peter Shapiro and Dayglo’s ecosystem, and describes the Pearl District’s brewery history and redevelopment. (10:40) · Why Build Venues Now? Mission Over Money Discussion of economic headwinds, why Dayglo is still opening and partnering on new rooms, and Jesse’s view of live music as sacred, community‑building, and rooted in the Grateful Dead/Jerry Garcia ethos. (19:20) · Cracking the Texas Market: Strategy & Team How Dayglo is approaching Texas: working with Jason Adams/Outback, bringing in Hannah Gold (Newport Folk/Jazz, Luck Reunion), Stable’s independent status, and co‑promoter relationships. (24:40) · Tech Stack Shout‑Out: Using Prism & Insights Jesse on why calendar visibility and clean UI matter when running multiple rooms, how Prism is used internally, and how Insights’ real‑time ticketing/financial dashboards drive marketing and booking decisions. (30:40) · From Production to Dayglo & The Pussy Riot Sessions Transition into his role as Dayglo’s Head of Production, long‑term connection to Shapiro’s world, and the story of recording two unreleased Pussy Riot tracks with Lenny K (Patti Smith Group) and keeping a custom mask. (37:25) · Economy, Sober Trends & F&B Shifts Jesse’s energetic read on the economy, pressures on fans, declining alcohol sales, rise of sobriety, and experimenting with non‑alcoholic options and THC beverages across Dayglo venues. (40:40) · AI, Jobs & Why Live Music Is “Safe” Big‑picture talk on AI’s impact on white‑collar work, fears around AI‑generated music, and why Jesse believes live human performance and venues are among the few things that can’t be automated away. (42:30) · Spiritual Stakes of Live Music & The Mind of Peter Shapiro Jesse and Matt frame live music as spiritual work, not just business; they connect it to broader societal well‑being and describe Dayglo as essentially “the mind of Peter Shapiro” made physical. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
The live music industry runs on ticket sales but fights over who owns the data behind them. Matt Washburn of Atlas Touring joins us to debate the case for and against sharing ticket buyer data — who benefits, who's afraid of it, and what the industry loses by keeping it siloed. I've had this debate a hundred times, but I'd never heard Matt's take before — and it was surprisingly insightful. For an agent, he's remarkably considerate of the promoter perspective, and it made for one of the more honest conversations I've had on the topic. We also go way beyond the data debate and get into Prism's Insights product, how AI could reshape booking and routing, the shift in fan buying behavior, how Atlas rebuilt their workflow, and a bigger picture look at where the live music industry is headed and what it takes to survive in it. Episode Timestamps: (01:10) Why Fan Data Matters (and Why the Industry Resists It) The value of ticket buyer data, the fear around sharing it, and how better data-sharing grows artists and cuts marketing costs. (09:55) Deals, Leverage, and the Reality of Booking Decisions Door deals vs guarantees, venue leverage, email marketing ROI, and whether sharing data really changes where artists play. (16:30) How Real Data Changes Booking (and Prevents Bad Deals) Introduction to Insights, using box office data for better valuation, a story of buying a show on bad data, and the shared responsibility between artists and promoters. (27:01) What AI Could Actually Do for Booking and Routing Predicting ticket sales, modeling fan behavior, and matching artists with the right markets. (34:01) How Ticketing and Fan Behavior Have Changed Walk-up culture to social ads, and how buying behavior has shifted over time. (38:00) From Booking Shows to Building Better Systems Matt's background, building Atlas, adopting Prism, and the push toward eliminating double entry and industry silos. (47:05) The Future of Live Music Long-term industry outlook, surviving headwinds, and building sustainable careers and venues. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
This one’s a big deal. The Live Nation/Ticketmaster antitrust case is one of the most consequential battles in live music right now, and it’s far more complicated than the headlines suggest. In this episode, Matt Ford sits down with Randy Nichols to break down what’s actually happening, from the DOJ settlement that didn’t end the case to the political and structural forces shaping what comes next. If you care about the future of live music, this is essential listening. As mentioned in the episode, Michael Rapino is testifying on Thursday, and Inner City Press is an amazing resource to stay in the loop as things continue to unfold. Check them out here: https://x.com/innercitypress Episode Timestamps: (0:00) | The Case Isn't Over The DOJ settled, but the multi-state case continues. This is a bipartisan issue with Tennessee as a key case study. (4:30) | What the Case Is Really About It's not just about breaking up Live Nation — a breakup alone might not fix structural issues. You could end up with local monopolies, and the secondary market drives a lot of the pricing problem. (10:00) | PR Spin, Pardons & Political Pressure Live Nation is aggressively shaping the narrative, including a since-deleted blog post signaling fear about a breakup. Tim Leiwicke's pardon adds another political layer. (16:00) | Antitrust Leadership & Why This Differs from Big Tech The DOJ antitrust division had a leadership shake-up with Gail Slater and Roger Alford's firing. Unlike Big Tech cases, breaking up Live Nation could redirect revenue back into local economies. (22:00) | Unintended Consequences, AEG & How States Saved the Case Regional spinoffs could still squeeze indie venues. Live Nation is trying to frame AEG as equally dominant. The states kept the case alive by hiring a top litigator days before trial. (33:00) | Trial Mechanics, Trump & Ticket Pricing The trial runs weeks with major witnesses, and appeals could drag on for years. Trump seems more interested in a "win" than structural reform. Biden's all-in pricing rules are a separate thread. (42:00) | The Slack Messages Bombshell & the Scalper Fight Leaked internal Slack messages from Live Nation/Ticketmaster employees were a massive moment — staff openly calling fans "stupid" and celebrating how much money they could extract through ancillary fees. (54:00) | What's Next Rapino's testimony is a key upcoming moment. The likely outcome is modest remedies, fines, and long appeals — no single fix. (1:03:00) | Reforms, Indie Venues & Closing Randy wants more protection for indies and real ticketing innovation. The death of local radio under Clear Channel is a warning — live music could follow the same path. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
In this episode, Matt Ford sits down with David Weingarden, Vice President of Concerts + Events at Z2 Entertainment , independent promoter, and chair of the Colorado Independent Venue Association, to unpack what it’s really like fighting on the front lines of ticketing reform. From testifying before the U.S. Senate to experimenting with new tech stacks, David breaks down how independents can survive (and win) in a landscape dominated by monopolies and scalpers. Episode Time Stamps: (00:00) • Why This Conversation Matters (02:11) • Colorado Ticketing Bill & Lobbyists David’s work on a Colorado bill modeled on Maine’s, the governor’s veto, and the lobbying imbalance: 4 on their side vs. 75 for the scalpers/secondary market. (06:36) • Getting Pulled Into DC How David’s relationships with Colorado senators and NIVA led to a last‑minute invite to testify at the Senate Commerce Committee. (08:50) • Inside the Senate Hearing Who was in the room (Kid Rock, Live Nation, Ticket Policy Forum, senators), what written vs. spoken testimony looks like, and where most questions landed. (11:26) • Kid Rock, All‑In Pricing & Artist Control How Kid Rock helped push all‑in pricing into law, and why his focus now is artists having control over how tickets are priced and resold. (13:40) • Secondary Markets: Guardrails, Not a Ban David/NIVA’s stance: resale is fine, but the “wild west” isn’t. Bots, unenforced laws, spec tickets, deceptive sites, and why fixing this at scale is hard. (16:06) • Bot Farms, Chargebacks & Who Eats the Loss How bot operations grab huge blocks of tickets, fail to move them, then charge back—leaving promoters on the hook for show costs with no clear path to recover. (21:16) • State vs Federal Fixes Why David sees more progress at the state level (Maine, Maryland, others) than in DC, and how scalper‑friendly bills keep popping up in statehouses. (25:01) • StubHub, “Just a Marketplace” & Open Distribution Pushback on the “we’re only a platform” line, the Aspen Live panel where StubHub took the heat, and the pros/cons of venues listing primary tickets on StubHub to undercut scalpers. (40:02) • Live Nation / Ticketmaster Monopoly Talk Initial reactions to the antitrust case update, David’s view that Live Nation is a monopoly with deep vertical control, and how Ticketmaster’s resale floors trap fans. (46:02) • Z2’s Tech Stack & Prism Why Z2 moved to Tixr from AXS, how Prism replaced scattered spreadsheets and calendars, and why open integrations (Tixr, ticketing, POS, Hive, etc.) matter so much to how they work. (56:55) • Prism Insights, Spotify Data & AI Why Z2 decided to share their data into Insights, how David actually uses it (recent years, similar markets, sanity checks), and early moves into Spotify local‑listener data and AI‑driven prediction tools. (01:15:28) • The Bull Case for Independents Organizing at every level: local (night mayors), state (SIVA), national (NIVA). Why showing up in policy conversations matters for a real seat at the table—and why David is still bullish on live music demand in a digital age. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
In this episode of The Live Music Industry Podcast , Matt Ford sits down with Alec Ellin, Co-Founder & CEO of Laylo , for a candid conversation about fan capture, “drops,” and the marketing flywheel powering modern ticket, merch, and content launches. From Laylo’s early pivots through Y Combinator to its breakout product-market fit during the pandemic, they unpack how artists, venues, and festivals are turning social hype into first-party audiences and what that enables next. In this episode, they cover: Laylo 101 — a music-first CRM + messaging platform built to capture fans and drive them to tickets, merch, and content The origin story — from Dark Chart & Silo to YC, a painful pivot, and finding the winning “drops” model in 2021 What a “drop” really does — productizing FOMO to convert attention into signups before the on-sale moment Scale by the numbers — 60M+ fans reached, 200K drops in a year, and tens of thousands of platform users Multi-channel messaging — SMS, email, Instagram, and WhatsApp, plus high-performing IG DM capture flows Why venues and festivals are adopting Laylo — high-conversion drop pages, list growth without requiring a ticket purchase, and demand-driving campaigns First-party data, done right — why Laylo won’t share PII, and how “collabs” let artists + promoters build lists compliantly Smarter segmentation — targeting likely ticket and merch buyers to improve cost, deliverability, and fan experience AI inside the product — multi-drop builders, “magic templates,” and the roadmap to put CRM workflows on autopilot ⭐️ Get 50,000 free message credits through Laylo right now when you use code LAYLO26: https://laylo.com/refer?ref=prism&utm_source=prism Episode Timestamps: (0:00) — What Laylo Is & Who It’s For A CRM and messaging platform built around “drops” — announce something, collect fans, then message them when it goes live. Supports SMS, email, Instagram, and WhatsApp, with a free tier available. (7:24) — How Alec & Saj Ended Up Building Laylo Alec came from music blogging and Epic Records, while Saj built a competing analytics app. They met, merged ideas, sold a fan analytics tool to The Orchard, went through Y Combinator, then pivoted when growth stalled. (24:01) — The Birth of “Drops” COVID shut down touring. A simple “text me when this drops” experiment on Saj’s own music clicked instantly. Artists were already teasing releases — Laylo made capturing and re-engaging those fans automatic. Early wins with ODESZA and Dillon Francis validated the idea. (40:03) — Adding Venues & Festivals Same product, new use case — venues collect signups before onsales and message fans when tickets go live. Laylo built “Collabs” for shared pages with explicit opt-in for both lists. The Midway sees ~55–60% conversion on ad traffic vs ~10% on typical pages. (52:09) — Team, Fundraising & AI Inside Laylo 24-person distributed team. ~$8.5M raised, with the last round over three years ago. AI features include Multi-Drop Builder (paste tour dates, auto-build pages), Magic Templates (auto-design emails), and Suggested Segments (surface likely buyers). (1:05:14) — AI, Coding & Why Live Still Wins AI accelerates development but doesn’t replace great engineers. Alec expects AI to flood music with generic tracks — increasing demand for real live experiences. Laylo’s core bet: own your audience, automate the busywork, and drive fans to shows. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
In this episode of The Live Music Industry Podcast , Matt Ford sits down with Chris Battaglino (Chief Product Officer at Etix) and Michael Reklis (Director of Sales, Music Venues at Etix) for a candid conversation about ticketing at scale. From clubs to arenas to international markets, they unpack what it takes to serve thousands of venues while navigating resale, dynamic pricing, AI, and the broader economic shifts impacting live events. Episode Timestamps: (2:26) - Deep Dive into Etix’s Global Ticketing Empire (5:17) - Client Mix & Always-On Seasonality (7:06) - Cross-Vertical Product Strategy (10:11) - Etix Marketing Agency (Rockhouse Partners) (19:41) - Why Etix Built a POS System (Octave) (29:57) - Seat Relay: Etix’s Integrated Secondary (32:30) - Philosophy on Secondary & Distributed Commerce (38:17) - Ethics, Fans & the Secondary Market Mess (40:30) - All-In Ticket Pricing: What Changes? (48:18) - Regulation, NIVA & Fix the Tix (54:16) - AI deep Dive (56:40) - Brainstorming an AI-first ticketing UX (59:04) - Security, Bots & Fraud in an AI World (1:01:32) - What’s Etix’s Role in an Agent-Driven Future? (1:02:43) - Prism Insights + Etix: Data as a Shared Asset (1:03:35) - Closing Thoughts, Partnership & Hopes for 2026 Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
In this episode of The Live Music Industry Podcast , Matt Ford sits down with David Zamora, Founder & CEO of Zamora Live , one of the most active independent Latin promoters in the U.S. David shares how his family’s Chicago operation grew from booking bands in a restaurant basement into a company promoting arena and stadium tours nationwide. They unpack what makes the Latin live music market structurally and culturally different, why independence has lasted longer in Latin touring, and how economics shift from clubs to stadiums. The conversation also explores the real-world impact of immigration policy on live events, including a moment when ICE activity and National Guard presence in Chicago affected ticket sales ahead of a major community show. A candid look at scale, resilience, and what it takes to build an independent live music business today. Episode Time Stamps: (00:00:51) – From restaurant basement to concert company (00:05:12) – First stadium show at MetLife: “Just another show… with a zero” (00:07:10) – Stadium deals, settlements & wider marketing radius (00:09:57) – Family business to bigger organization: how Zamora Live is structured today (00:16:49) – How the U.S. Latin live market grew under the radar (00:28:06) – Why there’s still room for independents in Latin touring (00:33:22) – Consolidation, deals & how Zamora thinks about selling (00:36:01) – Chicago show under National Guard & ICE spotlight (00:47:48) – From Covid to immigration crackdowns: surviving the waves (00:52:36) – Why Zamora adopted Prism & let go of DIY systems (00:55:59) – Ticketing stack: from Ticketmaster to Ticketon (01:03:09) – Tech shifts, human fear & past revolutions (01:08:28) – Why live shows still matter in an AI future (01:13:43) – Best-case AI: fewer admin tasks, more creativity (01:16:13) – David's aspirations: world tours & beyond music (01:19:00) – Gratitude, perspective & the long view Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
On the latest episode of The Live Music Industry Podcast , Matt Ford sits down with Boris Patronoff , founder and CEO of Soundcheck Capital and former CEO of See Tickets US. In this conversation, Boris breaks down how independent promoters, venues, and festivals actually get financed today and why so many of those dollars come with hidden tradeoffs. You’ll hear: Why traditional banks rarely fund independent live operators How ticketing companies became de-facto lenders and what that means for fees and flexibility The real economics behind ticketing advances and service charges Key differences between U.S. and European ticketing markets How all-in pricing and secondary markets are shaping fan trust Why separating “the tech” from “the check” can create more optionality and long-term sustainability Episode Time Stamps: (00:00:27) – Boris’s path into ticketing (00:03:39) – The financing problem & Europe vs. U.S. ticketing (00:12:30)– Founding See Tickets U.S. (00:15:30) – Growing See Tickets: festivals to venues (00:21:21) – Soundcheck Capital: separating tech from capital (00:31:26) – Underwriting risk & why banks can’t do this (00:40:08) – Optionality over monopoly (00:47:05) – All-in pricing & a potential reset (00:52:24) – Long-term belief in live events Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
In this episode of the Live Music Industry Podcast, Matt Ford chats with Anthony “Tony” Markun, the talent buyer behind Back 40 Live at Morris Farm Market. Tony shares how a surprise set from then-unknown Oliver Anthony drew 12,000 fans overnight and catapulted a small farm stage into a fast-growing live music destination. Inside the episode: How a backyard bonfire performance turned into a viral breakout moment The scramble to produce a 12,000-person show in just two days Building a venue from scratch with friends, family, and phone poles The challenges (and scrappiness) of booking as an emerging venue Why Tony believes live music is the antidote to the digital world Episode Timestamps: (00:00:15) Guest Introduction, Venue Origins and Development (00:02:06) Rise of Oliver Anthony, Putting on His First Live Show, the Psychology of an Internet Sensation (00:07:41) Handling Sudden Success, The Farm’s Logistics and Challenges (00:13:04) Describing the Farm’s Attraction / Building a Unique Venue (00:17:46) Personal Journey and Evolution (00:29:32) Implementing Tech at the Venue (00:34:39) Inclusive Initiatives and Community Impact Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
McMenamins is one of the most unique live music businesses in the country, with a portfolio that spans boutique hotels, pubs, and iconic (sometimes haunted 👻) venues like Portland’s Crystal Ballroom. In this case study, we explore how they scaled operations with Prism, starting as a simple calendar tool in 2019 and growing into a system that now runs offers, settlements, reporting, and ticketing integrations across dozens of venues. You’ll also hear about the game-changing Etix and Prism integration, how Insights helps promoters share data and reduce risk, and a wide-ranging conversation on industry trends including non-alcoholic and CBD beverages, ticketing debates, and the rise of mega concerts. Explore the full case study here . Learn more about Prism .
In this episode of The Live Music Industry Podcast, Matt Ford sits down with Stephen Parker, Executive Director of the National Independent Venue Association (NIVA) , for an unfiltered look at the challenges, opportunities, and fight for fairness shaping the industry today. From the results of the State of Live survey to candid conversations on venue survival, ticketing practices, and industry power imbalances, this episode offers a wide-ranging perspective on what independents are up against and where hope lies. 🎙️ Inside the episode: State of Live survey : Optimism, challenges, and the true economic weight of independent venues Venue profitability : Scale, competition, and what it takes to survive Ticketing controversy : Scalping, all-in pricing, and the imbalance of marketing power Industry giants under fire : The DOJ vs. Live Nation and what’s at stake The future : Determination, hope, and a path to a more sustainable independent scene If you want an honest take on the fight for fairness in live music, this is the one to listen to. Episode Timestamps: State of Live Deep Dive (00:00:19): Discussion about the State of Live survey results, optimism, and challenges in the industry. Analysis of economic contributions of the live events industry, highlighting its impact on GDP. Discussion on Venues and Profitability (00:09:43): Factors affecting profitability in the industry including venue scale, tax status, and competition. Monopolistic Practices in the Industry (00:18:48): Exploration of marketing challenges and the impact of monopolistic practices by larger corporations. Scalping and All-In-Ticketing (00:23:10): Discussion about the debate on scalping, and the role scalpers play in the ticketing world. Monopoly Discussion +The DOJ Lawsuit Against Live Nation (00:29:00): Update and insights into the DOJ lawsuit against Live Nation and its significance. Conclusion and Closing Thoughts + An Optimistic Vision for the Future: (00:46:03) Summary and reflections on the podcast discussion, closing remarks. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
What does the future of payments at live events look like? In this episode of The Live Music Industry Podcast, Matt Ford sits down with Stas Chijik, co-founder of Billfold, to talk about reshaping the point-of-sale experience for venues with tens of thousands of attendees. From RFID wristbands and AI-powered operations to biometric “Look to Pay” systems, this episode offers a fascinating glimpse into how technology is streamlining transactions and changing the way fans experience live events. Inside the Episode: Introduction to Billfold: A look at how Billfold serves large-scale events with a focus on transaction speed and vendor integration. Client Reach: Billfold’s success with approximately 150 clients handling massive venues with up to 100,000 attendees. Technology & Products: How Billfold embraces RFID technology and the transition to biometric payments to enhance customer experiences. Industry Insights: Discussion on current consumer trends such as the rise in non-alcoholic beverage popularity and its effect on spending behaviors. Challenges of Inflation: How rising costs impact pricing strategies for concessionaires. Biometric Payment System: An inside look into the potential of "Look to Pay" technology in the event industry. The Impact of AI: How AI is being used in product development and its role in enhancing operational efficiency. Privacy and Biometrics: A critical look at privacy concerns surrounding biometric data use and the philosophy of trust within technology. If you’re looking to stay ahead of the tech curve, you won’t want to miss this one. Episode Timestamps: (00:00:14) Overview of Billfold & The Founding Story - Stas discusses what Billfold is, their client base, and the benefits it brings to large events. (00:03:56) Evolution of Billfold & RFID POS Technology - Details about the evolution of Billfold's technology and the integration of RFID. (00:05:02) Market Focus, Customer Base & Competitors - A look into Billfold's target market and client demographics. (00:19:15) Downwards Alcoholic Purchase Trends & Inflation - Examination of current trends in non-alcoholic beverages and the impact of inflation. (00:39:29) The Future: Innovations, Biometric Checkout, & Future Developm ents - Stas shares Billfold's plans for future innovations, including biometric payment solutions. (00:52:13) Conclusion and Final Thoughts - Wrap-up of the conversation and closing remarks from Matt Ford and Stas Chijik. Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism: Subscribe here More on Prism Follow us on Instagram ( @prismfm ) Follow us on LinkedIn ( here ) Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism - Matt Ford Opening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
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Apple Podcasts rankings via the Mato Topic Intelligence Platform.
Observed September 13, 2026. Cached outside the daily freshness window; the positions keep the date they were taken on.
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