The Kick & Snare Podcast

Jim Allen: Music Journalist, Songwriter, and Why Maybe Things Will Be All Right

Jim Allen has spent decades writing about music for publications including Rolling Stone, Billboard, NPR Music, Mojo, Bandcamp Daily, and many others.
He's also spent decades making music.
In this episode of the Kick & Snare Podcast, Michael Nevins sits down with Jim to explore the intersection of music journalism and songwriting. They discuss how being a journalist affects his creative process and how being a songwriter/musician affects his journalism. They also discuss the making of Jim's new album, Maybe Things Will Be All Right, and why he still believes in CDs while refusing to release music on Spotify.
Along the way, they dive into power pop, roots rock, songwriting during the pandemic, legendary collaborators, independent music culture, and creating art even when commercial success isn't the goal.
Listen to Jim Allen's music: jimallen.bandcamp.com
00:00:00 - Intro
00:00:40 - Meet Jim Allen: Journalist and Musician
00:04:03 - Living Two Creative Lives
00:05:27 - Do Artists Know You’re a Musician Too?
00:06:44 - As a Musician, Do You Listen Differently?
00:09:51 - Does the Critic Inside Your Head Affect Your Songs?
00:11:14 - Reviewing Friends and Musical Ethics
00:12:17 - What It Feels Like to Be Reviewed
00:15:21 - Journalist vs Critic: Why the Difference Matters
00:21:21 - Tom Petty, Full Moon Fever, and Bad Predictions
00:23:02 - Introducing the New Album
00:26:09 - Pandemic Songwriting and the Weekly Songwriters Group
00:29:48 - The Core Band and Trusted Collaborators
00:30:43 - Recording the Album Live in the Studio
00:35:30 - Suzanne Vega, Synthesizers, and Musical Heroes
00:39:30 - Special Guests on the Record
00:44:06 - Peter Holsapple and the Title Track
00:46:18 - Psychedelia, Electronics, and Dream Collaborations
00:50:29 - The Story Behind The Title Track: “Maybe Things Will Be All Right”
00:55:48 - Maybe Things Will Be Alright - Lyric Video
00:58:42 - Song Spotlight: “Underground”
01:01:31 - The Reality of Releasing Independent Music Today
01:03:48 - Why It’s Harder Than Ever to Get Attention
01:06:20 - Questions Michael Didn’t Ask
01:07:24 - Why Jim Refuses Spotify
01:08:42 - Album Release Show and Live Dates
01:10:35 - Where to Find Jim Allen’s Music
01:11:06 - Closing Thoughts
Subscribe for more conversations exploring the intersection of creativity, technology, business, and music. #KickAndSnare #JimAllen #Songwriting #MusicJournalism #IndependentMusic #PowerPop #RootsRock #Bandcamp #MusicPodcast #MichaelNevins #Kick&Snare #Peterholsapple

From Bratmobile to CD Baby President: Molly Neuman’s story is a masterclass in building a career

In this episode, Molly Neuman joins Michael Nevins to share how CD Baby has changed (and what’s coming next), why the artist “DIY” journey is way more complex than people think, and how platforms earn trust when the experience is intuitive and fair. They also get into the pressure artists feel to do everything (music, content, business), and why it’s worth being honest about what success can look like.
Along the way: Riot Grrrl, music scenes, and community-building; drumming as both craft and metaphor (multiple limbs / multiple priorities); and the mindset Molly uses to navigate a long, evolving career in music and tech.
00:00 - Kick & Snare intro
00:18 - Meet Molly Neuman (CD Baby President)
02:43 - Squiggly careers
04:53 - What CD Baby does today (and why “DIY” is more complex than it sounds)
06:59 - Molly’s Downtown journey: Songtrust → CMO → CD Baby
08:58 - Repositioning CD Baby: infrastructure, operations, and competing in a crowded market
11:24 - “By artists, for artists” + modern artist needs (global scale, new expectations)
12:38 - UX is the brand: why product experience beats logos
14:05 - Labels as filters: identity, taste, and trust (Discord, scenes, discovery)
18:26 - Labels as filters: identity, taste, and trust (Discord, scenes, discovery)
22:40 - Scenes, movements, and Riot Grrrl: how it grew (and what it wasn’t)
37:15 - Representation and visibility: why it changes people’s lives
42:12 - Career growth via new environments (Kickstarter lessons, scaling Songtrust)
44:36 - Untapped opportunity: supporting more women creators
45:51 - Getting her start as a drummer: learning by watching the kick drum
52:28 - Getting better in your 50s
53:51 - Drumming and leadership: multitasking, anticipation, staying in time
55:36 - Artist tools: being real about what artists need now
58:05 - What Molly’s listening to right now + closing
 

Is AI a Revolution Like Electricity? Cliff Fluet on Music Rights & What’s Next

Cliff Fluet (partner at Louis Silkin, joint head of Media & Entertainment; Chair of Music Technology UK; founder of Eleven Advisory) joins Michael Nevins to unpack how music, tech, and IP are colliding in the age of AI.
We cover: why MusicTechnology UK focuses on funding + ecosystem building, why Cliff believes AI is a paradigm shift on the scale of electricity, and his core argument: “Copyright isn’t the problem. Licensing is the answer.”
Plus: the case for focusing on outputs vs inputs, the music industry’s data problem, and practical advice for founders and people breaking into music tech.
​Cliff Fluet (Louis Silkin): https://www.lewissilkin.com/experts/cliff-fluet
Music Technology UK: https://musictechnology.uk/
Eleven Advisory: https://elevenadvisory.com/
#MusicTech #AI #Copyright #Licensing #MusicIndustry #startups
00:00 - Start
00:23 - Intro: Cliff Fluet (Louis Silkin, MusicTech UK, Eleven Advisory)
01:54 - From hi-fi salesman to Warner Music: Cliff’s origin story
04:00 - Warner Music in the CD boom → internet flips the industry
04:47 - New media at Warner: early streaming + disruption
05:51 - The jump to radio: “I’ve got to go on the other side and get some rights from you.”
06:57 - Private practice: advising mobile + early streaming (Pandora → DSPs)
07:58 - Why “legal + strategic” (and founding Eleven Advisory)
09:22 - Building MusicTech UK: the what and the why
12:56 - The #1 problem for music tech startups
16:03 - Community + “space & place”: H.O.M.E. + Tileyard Studios ecosystems
19:48 - Does the UK get enough credit for music innovation?
23:58 - AI as a revolution (not an evolution)
33:47 - AI training data + copyright: can we “unscramble the egg”?
34:23 - Key thesis: “Licensing is the answer” (outputs vs inputs)
38:13 - Flying the plane while building it: contracting in uncertainty
44:13 - The music industry’s biggest blind spot: data
48:16 - Disruption vs curiosity: what founders get wrong
51:56 - Career advice: curiosity wins
54:25 - What Cliff is listening to now
56:23 - Cool tech: Bria & Uhmbrella
57:07 - Closing: “help write music’s next verse.”

Privacy Law, Songwriting, and Collaboration: How Alan Chappell Gets The Mix Right

Michael Nevins welcomes guest Alan Chappell, President of Chappell and Associates, ad tech privacy expert, and multifaceted musician. Alan shares insights into balancing a demanding legal career with his passion for music, discussing his songwriting process, the impact of AI on the creative industry, and experiences working with renowned producers like Jimmy Einer and Jerry Harrison. The conversation explores the evolution of music technology, incorporating personal anecdotes about Alan's musical journey and his perspectives on the integration of creativity and business. Alan also offers advice for aspiring creatives, emphasizing the importance of embracing chaos in the creative process.
​
More about Alan and his music: https://thisischapell.com/
And More about Chappell & Associates: https://thisischapell.com/chapellassociates/

Drummer. Artist. Disruptor. Advocate. How Richard Burgess & A2IM Empower Independent Music

In this episode of The Kick & Snare Podcast, host Michael Nevins talks with Richard James Burgess, President & CEO of A2IM (American Association of Independent Music). They explore what defines “independent,” how A2IM supports its member labels, the challenges of streaming payouts, the battle for fair compensation from platforms like TikTok, and what’s next for music and AI. Richard also shares stories and insights from his varied music career as a drummer, signed artist, producer, artist manager, label exec, and his current role at A2IM. 
Fun facts: Richard coined the term “EDM” (Electronic Dance Music), produced Spandau Ballet, and was an innovator and early adopter in music tech, He contributed to the development of the the first Simmons electronic drum kits and championed the The Fairlight CMI, a ground breaking digital synthesizer, music sampler, and digital audio workstation, This episode is an essential listen for anyone passionate about independent music, digital rights, music tech, and innovation in the music industry.
🌐 Learn more about A2IM: https://a2im.org/
00:00 - Intro: Meet Richard Burgess01:16 - Discussion Outline and Topics03:12 - Understanding A2IM and A Definition of “Independent” in Music05:27 - History and Mission of A2IM and Digital Disruption11:01 - Indies vs Majors: A Complicated Relationship13:25 - Misconceptions About Independent Labels14:31 - The Critical Role of Independent Labels in Music Innovation17:05 - Support and Advocacy for Independent Labels and Artists20:51 - Challenges and Opportunities in the Digital Music Landscape25:08 - The Impact of AI on Independent Music27:45 - Supporting Artist Well-Being Through A2IM Programs30:48 - Health Insurance for Artists34:10 - Reflecting on a Decade at A2IM38:34 - Transitioning Leadership at A2IM41:55 - A Journey Through Music: From Drummer to Producer43:38 - From Drummer to Studio Musician44:40 - From Drummer for Hire to Signed Artist46:29 - Transition to Producing, Including Producing Spandau Ballet47:06 - Coining The Terms “EDM” and “New Romantic Movement”48:24 - Why Drummers Are Often Great Producers49:52 - The Move To Artist Management, Smithsonian Folkways, And How Lead Belly Played A Role50:53 - Getting Involved With A2IM51:20 - Studying at Berklee with Alan Dawson53:45 - Advice for Artists & Labels: Finding Your Audience

Fixing Music Licensing for Cheerleading, Sports & Performing Arts | Chantal Epp | Kick & Snare Podcast

🎙️ In this episode of The Kick and Snare Podcast, Michael Nevins speaks with Chantal Epp, founder and CEO of ClicknClear, a music rights tech company solving licensing issues for choreographed sports like cheerleading, dance, and gymnastics.
Chantal shares her journey from music licensing at a Peter Gabriel startup to becoming a two-time world champion cheerleader and creating a solution to a widespread problem in the sports and performing arts world.
We dive into:
✅ How ClicknClear helps athletes and teams license music legally✅ The unique challenges of music rights for sports routines✅ Building inclusive cheerleading programs & Paralympic initiatives✅ The role of Music Technology UK in supporting founders✅ Challenges facing music tech startups today
🔔 Subscribe for more conversations at the intersection of music, technology, and business.
👉 For more on Click n Clear: https://www.clicknclear.com👉 Follow Kick & Snare Podcast: https://kickandsnare.com
00:00 - Introduction to Chantal Epp & ClicknClear03:50 - The Challenge of Music Licensing in Sports05:47 - The Role of Education in Music Licensing07:22 - Chantal’s Journey as a World Champion Cheerleader09:15 - Advocacy for Inclusive Cheerleading And Other Sports15:01 - Navigating Language and Inclusion19:15 - The Importance of Community and Music Technology UK21:04 - Key Challenges Facing Music Tech Startups24:14 - Women in Male-Dominated Industries30:06 - Chantal’s Personal Connection to Music33:17 - The Therapeutic Power of Music
#MusicTech #ChantalEpp #ClicknClear #MusicLicensing #Cheerleading #AdaptiveSports #MusicTechnologyUK #KickAndSnarePodcast #FounderStories
 
 

Katie Debrah on Music, Tech, and Entrepreneurship

In this episode of the Kick & Snare podcast, Michael interviews Katie Debrah, founder of Halo and Echo, a creative advertising consultancy for music, culture, and platforms. Katie shares her journey from YouTuber to marketing professional, recounting her years at Google in product and marketing, as well as her transition to becoming an independent consultant. She discusses her new venture, the HypeMuse app, which is designed to help independent artists focus more on their music than on self-promotion. Katie also discusses her involvement with Music Technology UK and the challenges currently facing music tech startups. Tune in to explore Katie's insights on the evolving relationship between tech and the music industry, her personal experiences, and her exciting new projects.
#AIinMusic #MusicProduction #HypeMuse #MusicTechnology #google
 
🌐 Learn more about Katie Debrah and Halo And Echo: https://www.katiedebrah.com
 
00:00 - Introduction to Kick & Snare Podcast
00:18 - Meet Katie Debrah: Founder of Halo and Echo
00:43 - Katie’s Journey in Marketing and Tech
01:24 - Transition to Entrepreneurship and developing HypeMuse
01:49 - Challenges and Opportunities for Independent Artists
02:33 - Katie’s Experience at Google
04:15 - The Decision to Go Independent
08:31 - Developing Marketing Tech for Artists: More about HypeMuse
21:07 - The Role of Music Tech UK
25:46 - Challenges in Music and Tech Startups
32:30 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
 

Remixing Mixing: AI Tools for Musicians, with David Ronan of RoEx

🎧 In this episode of The Kick & Snare Podcast, host Michael Nevins sits down with David Ronan, founder and CEO of RoEx, to explore how AI is reshaping music production. RoEx is building powerful, intuitive tools that make high-quality music creation faster, easier, and more accessible, especially for emerging artists and bedroom producers.
We dig into the mission behind RoEx, how user feedback drives smarter design, and what makes their approach to AI in audio production unique. David also shares how Music Technology UK and Innovate UK are helping UK-based startups like his tackle challenges in visibility, funding, and industry trust.
🚀 Highlights include:– How RoEx simplifies music mixing with AI– Why control, privacy, and creativity still matter– The challenges of raising investment in music tech– RoEx’s plans to expand into film & TV post-production
Whether you're a producer, tech enthusiast, or curious about the future of music creation, this conversation delivers.
#AIinMusic #MusicProduction #RoEx #MusicTechnology #AudioInnovation
#kickandsnare

Hazel Savage on Syntho, Music Tech Startups, and the Power of Community

​In this second episode of our Music Technology UK Member Spotlight Series, Michael Nevins speaks with Hazel Savage, CEO of Syntho and a music tech pioneer whose journey spans founding the AI startup Musio (later acquired by SoundCloud). Hazel discusses working across global music companies and now leading one of the UK’s most exciting startups. Hazel opens up about her fast-track return from “retirement,” what makes Syntho different in a world flooded with online music education, and how community insights drive product innovation. They explore themes of gender equity in tech, IP in the age of AI, what makes a startup fundable, and the role of organizations like Music Technology UK in elevating early-stage companies. Whether you're into music, startups, or the business of innovation, this one’s packed with sharp insights and fun stories.​
00:00 - Introduction to Hazel Savage and Syntho
01:50 - Hazel’s Role at Syntho and Rapid Return from Retirement
06:13 - Community Engagement and User Feedback at Syntho
09:16 - Lessons Learned About Demonstrating Value
13:56 - Trust And The Importance of The People Behind The Tech
14:43 - The Challenges of IP in Music Tech
15:57 - The Widening Attitude Gap: Tech vs IP
17:38 - What Sets Syntho Apart in the Market
19:28 - Syntho’s Unique Value Proposition in a Crowded Market
20:41 - Production Value Matters - Does It Scream Professional?
23:37 - Hazel’s Squiggly Career Path in Music & Music Tech
25:22 - Getting Her Start At HMV
25:51 - Early Days At Shazam & Learning to Love Working In Tech
27:39 - Headehunted Out By Universal Music
28:39 - The Importance of Executive Sponsorship to Support Innovation
32:01 - On Being The Only Woman In The Room
35:06 - Music Tech UK and Building Industry Community
38:14 - Startup Investment Challenges in the UK
41:00 - Conclusion and Final Thoughts
🎙️ Subscribe for more candid convos with leaders shaping the future of music and media.
📌 Learn more about Hazel: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hazelsavage/
​📌 Learn more about Syntho: https://www.synthohub.com
​​Stay tuned for follow-up conversations with more leaders from a variety of MTUK's membership. 

Episode 8: Beyond the Beat - Gary Jones on Music as Medicine

Can music heal? In this episode, Gary Jones, CEO of MediMusic, joins us to explore how personalized playlists are improving patient outcomes. We dive into the science behind music as medicine, the regulatory roadblocks, and how startups are breaking through industry noise. Plus, hear how Music Technology  UK is supporting UK-based music tech companies.