The Band Life Podcast

Has Modern Metal Lost Its Audience? Heritage Bands vs New Metal | Episode 23

Has modern metal lost its sense of community — or is something bigger happening beneath the surface?
In Episode 23 of The Band Life Podcast, Pete and Adam break down the growing gap between heritage metal artists like Metallica, Linkin Park, Black Sabbath, and System of a Down, and modern metal bands such as Bring Me The Horizon, Spiritbox, Architects, Ghost, and Gojira.
Using streaming data highlighted in a recent Rick Beato video, we explore why legacy metal bands continue to dominate monthly listeners and billion-stream songs — while contemporary metal struggles to reach the same cultural impact.
We discuss:
Why heritage metal bands still outperform modern metal on Spotify
Whether oversaturation and too many sub-genres are hurting metal
The decline of music education and its impact on new artists
Why kids often connect more with their parents’ music
Whether modern metal has lost emotion, melody, and storytelling
What this means for metal musicians trying to grow an audience today
This episode isn’t about nostalgia — it’s about understanding why certain music connects deeply and lasts, and what modern metal artists can learn from it.
🎸 If you’re in a metal band or building a career in heavy music, this conversation matters.
Links:
Please support our little podcast and buy us a coffee, we will love you forever and you will get a mention on the podcast!
https://buymeacoffee.com/thebandlifepodcast
Web:
Podbean:
https://petebandlifepodcast.podbean.com/ 
Green Wave Productions - Pete:
https://greenwaveproductions.co.uk/
My God Machina
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLcqzhEftbUI-aP2zchgsAQ
TikTok:
tiktok.com/@my.god.machina
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/mygodmachina?igsh=NTZuejhxaHl1MTU2
The Shallow Souls - Adam:
https://linktr.ee/theshallowsouls
Socials:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebandlifepodcast
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLr-aMTZjsYB7ZUly1e21vA?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_band_life_podcast/
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@the.band.life.cast
 
#ModernMetal #MetalMusic #MetalBands #MusicIndustry #MetalCommunity #MetalMusicians #HeavyMusic #MetalPodcast #BandLife #RickBeato #Metallica #BringMeTheHorizon #LinkinPark #Spiritbox #MetalDiscussion

Ep 22: Breaking the Rules: My God Machina — A Music Industry Experiment.

Welcome to Episode 22 of The Band Life Podcast with Pete Stannard and Adam West.
In this wide-open, conversational and informed session, Pete pulls back the curtain on his bold new endeavour — My God Machina, a music-project-meets-industry-experiment.
For over twenty years, Pete has been producing, performing and helping clients build careers in the music business.
Now, he asks: Can a middle-aged artist starting from scratch build a real fanbase and succeed in today’s industry? The answer?
He’s going to test it — live, public, documented. 🔍 In this episode, you’ll hear: Why Pete launched My God Machina — and what he discovered about artist behaviour, strategy and commitment.
His first moves: story-based concept posts, TikTok/Instagram/YouTube Shorts, algorithm-testing from zero followers.
The results: 13.2K views on TikTok, 210 views on Instagram, 787 on YouTube in the first 48 hours.
The unconventional roadmap for the band: write → produce → release → market → then build the live band. No traditional order.
What it means to remain independent, how to hold leverage, and how age and industry assumptions impact musicians.
And of course … Pete’s metaphorical “slap” of the episode: a sharp call-out of Daniel Ek for stepping back as CEO of Spotify while still exerting influence — is this industry behaviour artist-friendly or just smoke and mirrors?
If you’re an artist or band who’s ready to experiment, build a real fanbase, and navigate the modern music business on your own terms — this episode is for you. Tune in and let’s sow the seeds of a movement.
➡️ Follow My God Machina at TikTok, Instagram & YouTube (links in the description).
➡️Subscribe to The Band Life Podcast for more honest, actionable advice on music industry survival, growth and change with Pete and Adam.
Links:
Please support our little podcast and buy us a coffee, we will love you forever and you will get a mention on the podcast! https://buymeacoffee.com/thebandlifepodcast Web:
Podbean: https://petebandlifepodcast.podbean.com/
Green Wave Productions - Pete: https://greenwaveproductions.co.uk/
My God Machina YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLcqzhEftbUI-aP2zchgsAQ
TikTok: tiktok.com/@my.god.machina
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mygodmachina?igsh=NTZuejhxaHl1MTU2
The Shallow Souls -
Adam: https://linktr.ee/theshallowsouls
Socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebandlifepodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLr-aMTZjsYB7ZUly1e21vA?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_band_life_podcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.band.life.cast
 
#musicindustry #podcast #thebandlifepodcast #musician #musicindustryadvice #musicartist #musicbusinesspodcast #musicbusiness #MyGodMachina #artistexperiment #midcareerartist #independentmusic #musictips #bandlife #musicmarketing #TikTokMusic

Episode 21: AI-Generated Music - The Greatest Threat to Artists' Income and How to Fight Back

Join The Band Life Podcast as we expose the biggest threat facing music artists in 2025: AI-generated music.
Discover why AI bands like Velvet Sundown are earning $50,000+ annually on Spotify while real musicians struggle, and learn proven strategies to protect your income.
We reveal shocking statistics about AI music's explosive growth, compare streaming platform pay-outs (Tidal vs Spotify), and share actionable tactics to help artists compete in an AI-dominated landscape.
Whether you're an independent musician, songwriter, or producer, this episode provides essential insights on navigating the music industry's most challenging disruption.
Plus, get Pete's no-nonsense take on why great music without smart marketing won't cut it anymore. Essential listening for every serious music artist.
Links:
Please support our little podcast and buy us a coffee, we will love you forever and you will get a mention on the podcast!
https://buymeacoffee.com/thebandlifepodcast
Web:
Podbean:
https://petebandlifepodcast.podbean.com/ 
Green Wave Productions - Pete:
https://greenwaveproductions.co.uk/
The Shallow Souls - Adam:
https://linktr.ee/theshallowsouls
Socials:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebandlifepodcast
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLr-aMTZjsYB7ZUly1e21vA?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_band_life_podcast/
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@the.band.life.cast
 
#AIMusicThreat #MusicIndustry #SpotifyRoyalties #IndependentArtists #MusicStreaming #TidalVsSpotify #AIGeneratedMusic #VelvetSundown #MusicMarketing #BandLifePodcast #MusicBusiness #StreamingRoyalties #AIMusic #MusicTech #ArtistIncome #MusicProducers #SongwriterTips #MusicCareer #StreamingStrategy #MusicAI
 

"Is the Digital Era Destroying the Music Industry? The Truth About Streaming, AI, and Artist Rights.

In this compelling episode of The Band Life Podcast, we dive deep into the controversial question:
Is the digital era destroying the music industry?
Pete and Adam explore four critical areas transformed by digitalisation - production, distribution, marketing, and consumption - examining both the revolutionary benefits and devastating consequences for artists.
From the democratisation of music production to the exploitative practices of streaming platforms, we uncover how digital transformation has fundamentally altered the music landscape. 
This episode reveals why 120,000 songs are released daily on streaming platforms, creating unprecedented saturation while major tech companies extract billions from the industry without reinvesting in artists.
We expose the harsh reality of streaming economics, where artists earn fractions of pennies per stream, forcing musicians to become digital marketers rather than focus on their craft. 
Plus, discover the shocking truth about AI music licensing and why industry leaders like Nick Clegg believe requiring permission would "kill" the AI industry.
Key topics covered:
How digital production democratized music creation while decreasing quality standards
The collapse of traditional distribution networks and its impact on industry economics
Why streaming platforms are extracting money from the music industry rather than supporting it
The transformation of music consumption from album-focused to single-track listening
Big Tech's exploitation of musicians and the urgent need for regulation
The controversial firing of copyright official Shira Perlmutter over AI licensing reports
Whether you're an independent artist, music industry professional, or passionate music fan, this episode provides essential insights into the digital disruption reshaping our industry.
Join us as we separate the hype from reality and explore potential solutions for a more sustainable musical future.
Perfect for: Independent musicians, music industry professionals, streaming platform users, and anyone interested in the economics of digital music.
 
 
#MusicIndustry, #DigitalTransformation, #StreamingEconomics, #IndependentArtists, #MusicProduction, #AIMusic, #CopyrightProtection, #MusicTech, #ArtistRights, #BigTech, #MusicBusiness, #Podcast, #MusicEconomics, #CreativeIndustry, #MusicStreaming, #DigitalMarketing, #MusicDiscussion, #IndustryInsights, #MusicNews, #EntertainmentBusiness

Ep. 19 How to Release Your Music in 2025: Mindset, Physical vs Streaming, and Real-World Strategies.

Ready to make your music heard in 2025?
In Episode 19 of The Band Life Podcast, hosts Pete Stannard and Adam West deliver a no-nonsense guide to releasing your music in today’s ever-changing industry.
Whether you’re an indie artist or a seasoned band, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you reach more fans, sell your music, and build a sustainable career.
In this episode, we cover:
🎯 Music Release Mindset: Why your goals should shape your entire release strategy.
🌍 Finding Your Fanbase: How to identify where your audience really hangs out (and why genre matters!).
📈 Setting Goals: Fanbase growth, revenue, or industry attention-choose your path.
💿 Physical Releases: DIY tips for affordable CDs, vinyl, and merch bundles that connect with real fans.
💡 Creative Content: How to turn the CD-making process into unique, shareable content.
📬 Fan Communication: The power of your email list and the best touchpoints for selling physical music.
🎵 Streaming Strategies: Why singles are king, how to maximize playlist exposure, and the ISRC code trick every artist should know.
🤝 Parallel Promotion: Sync your streaming releases with live shows and merch drops for maximum impact.
😂 Adam’s Slap!: A fun segment calling out venues and promoters who ghost artists (you know who you are!)
Key Takeaways:
Release music where your fans actually are-don’t waste energy on the wrong platforms.
Use physical releases to deepen fan relationships and create new revenue streams.
Treat streaming as a discovery tool, not a pay check.
Build your fanbase with consistent, strategic releases, one song at a time.
Always align your release plan with your current goals.
Don’t miss Pete’s step-by-step guide to low-cost CD releases and Adam’s hard-hitting advice for dealing with flaky promoters.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, this episode will help you navigate the realities of music distribution in 2025.
👉 Subscribe for more insider tips, and stay tuned for Episode 20: “Is the Digital Era Destroying the Music Industry?”
Links:
Please support our little podcast and buy us a coffee. We will love you forever, and you will get a mention on the podcast! https://buymeacoffee.com/thebandlifepodcast
Web:
Podbean: https://petebandlifepodcast.podbean.com/
Green Wave Productions - Pete: https://greenwaveproductions.co.uk/
The Shallow Souls - Adam: https://linktr.ee/theshallowsouls
Socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebandlifepodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLr-aMTZjsYB7ZUly1e21vA?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_band_life_podcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.band.life.cast
 
 
#MusicRelease2025 #BandLifePodcast #MusicIndustryTips #IndieArtist #StreamingStrategy #PhysicalMusic #MusicMarketing #ReleaseYourMusic #BandAdvice #MusicPromotion

Ep #18: From British Country Charts to Centre Stage | How Georgia Nevada Built Her Music Empire.

Discover the untold journey behind award-nominated country artist Georgia Nevada's remarkable rise to success in this captivating episode of The Band Life Podcast.
Join hosts Pete and Adam as they uncover the powerful strategies that earned Georgia four chart-topping singles and a prestigious 'Female Vocalist of the Year nomination at the 2021 British Country Music Awards.
This revealing conversation takes you behind the curtain of a thriving music career, delivering exclusive insights that both aspiring artists and industry veterans will find invaluable:
Breakthrough Production Secrets: Get an insider's look at Georgia's brand-new single "My Town Too" and the revolutionary production approach that's setting her apart from the competition
Profitable Live Performance Strategy: Learn how Georgia built her packed touring schedule, her tactical approach to venue selection, and how she maximizes revenue from every performance
Marketing Psychology Mastery: Uncover the specific branding techniques and platform-optimized content strategies Georgia uses to cultivate her fiercely loyal fanbase
Financial Blueprints That Work: Gain access to rarely shared financial breakdowns covering everything from merchandise pricing formulas to streaming revenue optimization and vinyl release strategies
Georgia doesn't hold back as she shares candid insights about her artistic evolution, business challenges, and ambitious vision for the future.
Whether you're navigating your music journey or simply fascinated by the business behind the melodies, this episode delivers actionable wisdom you won't find anywhere else.
Don't miss this opportunity to transform your understanding of what it takes to thrive in today's music industry.
Subscribe now to unlock the strategies that could revolutionise your approach to music as both an art and a business.
 
Please support our little podcast and buy us a coffee, we will love you forever and you will get a mention on the podcast!
https://buymeacoffee.com/thebandlifepodcast
Episode Links:
https://www.raretonemastering.com/
https://personalised.clothing/
https://volcanomerch.ink/
Georgia Nevada Links:
Web: https://www.georgianevada.com/
Socials:
https://www.instagram.com/georgianevada/
https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaNevada/
https://www.tiktok.com/@georgianevadauk
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7EAdDTLvpClmBR5hSHF2PU
Links:
Web: Podbean: https://petebandlifepodcast.podbean.com/
Green Wave Productions - Pete:
https://greenwaveproductions.co.uk/
The Shallow Souls - Adam:
https://linktr.ee/theshallowsouls
Socials:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebandlifepodcast
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLr-aMTZjsYB7ZUly1e21vA?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_band_life_podcast/
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@the.band.life.cast
 
#CountryMusic #MusicBusiness #ArtistInterview #GeorgiaNevada #TheBandLifePodcast #FemaleArtist #MusicMarketing #LiveMusic #IndependentArtist #MusicProduction #VinylRevival #MusicFinance #BritishCountry #AwardNominated #MusicPodcast #ArtistGrowth #SongwritingTips #MusicIndustry #StreamingSuccess #MusicMerch

The Band Life Podcast Ep. 17 | Unlock Your Music's Potential: Finding the Perfect Recording Studio on Any Budget!

Discover the secrets to elevating your sound without breaking the bank in this must-listen episode of The Band Life Podcast. 
Hosts Pete and Adam reveal insider tips on finding the ideal recording studio that aligns with your vision and budget.
Uncover game-changing strategies to:
Navigate the online maze of studio options like a pro
Identify hidden gems that won't drain your wallet
Ask the right questions to ensure studio compatibility
Maximize your studio time and investment
Plus, get the scoop on:
The latest music industry drama
Cutting-edge developments in AI-generated music
Expert advice on pre-production and communicating your artistic vision
Whether you're a seasoned artist or just starting out, this episode is your ultimate guide to making informed decisions about your recording journey. 
Don't let budget constraints hold you back – tune in now and take the first step towards creating your best sound yet!
Links:
Please support our little podcast and buy us a coffee, we will love you forever and you will get a mention on the podcast!
https://buymeacoffee.com/thebandlifepodcast
Web:
Podbean:
https://petebandlifepodcast.podbean.com/ 
Green Wave Productions - Pete:
https://greenwaveproductions.co.uk/
The Shallow Souls - Adam:
https://linktr.ee/theshallowsouls
Socials:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebandlifepodcast
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLr-aMTZjsYB7ZUly1e21vA?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_band_life_podcast/
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@the.band.life.cast

Ep 16. 🎄🎵 Unwrap the Future of Music: The Band Life Podcast's Christmas Special 🎵🎄

🎄Get ready to rock around the Christmas tree with Pete and Adam in Episode 16 of The Band Life Podcast!
This explosive Christmas special is your all-access pass to the hottest music industry predictions for 2025.
Don't miss out on this game-changing episode that will revolutionise your approach to the music biz!
🚀 Discover Insider Secrets:
Short-form Video Domination: Learn why 30-second clips are the new gold standard and how to master them.
Live Music's New Era: Uncover shocking truths about post-pandemic audience trends and skyrocketing touring costs.
AI Revolution: Brace yourself for the AI takeover and potential chart-toppers.
💥 Exclusive Insights:
Royalty Reforms: Get the scoop on ground-breaking proposals for fairer artist compensation.
Quality Over Quantity: Find out why flooding the market with releases is a thing of the past.
Platform-Specific Strategies: Discover why focusing on one social media platform could be your ticket to success.
Don't let your music career fall flat in 2025!
Tune in now and arm yourself with cutting-edge knowledge that could make or break your success.
The Band Life Podcast's Christmas special is your ultimate gift – unwrap it today and skyrocket your music career tomorrow!
Links:
Please support our little podcast and buy us a coffee, we will love you forever and you will get a mention on the podcast!
https://buymeacoffee.com/thebandlifepodcast
Web:
Podbean:
https://petebandlifepodcast.podbean.com/ 
Green Wave Productions - Pete:
https://greenwaveproductions.co.uk/
The Shallow Souls - Adam:
https://linktr.ee/theshallowsouls
Socials:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebandlifepodcast
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLr-aMTZjsYB7ZUly1e21vA?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_band_life_podcast/
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@the.band.life.cast
 
#MusicIndustry #2025Predictions #BandLifePodcast #ChristmasSpecialepisode #podcast
#musicbusinesspodcast #musicbusiness

🎙️ Dive into the Dark with The Band Life Podcast: Episode 15 - Unveiling "An Age of Darkness" 🎸

Brace yourself for an electrifying journey into the heart of rock as Pete and Adam of The Band Life Podcast unravel the enigma behind The Shallow Souls' latest masterpiece, "An Age of Darkness".
This gripping episode peels back the curtain on a band simmering in the underground for nearly three decades, finally erupting with a sonic boom set to shake the music world to its core.
Exclusive Insights:
Uncover the Mystery: Discover why it took The Shallow Souls almost 30 years to unleash their full-length album.
Behind the Scenes: Get an intimate look at the painstaking production process that birthed this dark opus.
Marketing Mayhem: Learn the guerrilla tactics used to promote "An Age of Darkness" in a saturated digital landscape.
Shocking Revelations:
The unexpected budget breakdown that'll make aspiring musicians rethink their strategy.
The brutal honesty about album sales that every band needs to hear.
The game-changing decision that could have altered the album's impact.
Don't miss this raw, unfiltered conversation that exposes the triumphs and tribulations of creating a modern Metal album.
Whether you're a die-hard music fan, an aspiring artist, or a curious listener, this episode promises to captivate, educate, and inspire. 
Tune in now and witness the rebirth of a band that's been forged in the fires of perseverance and passion.
"An Age of Darkness" awaits – are you ready to step into the light?
Links:
Please support our little podcast and buy us a coffee, we will love you forever and you will get a mention on the podcast!
https://buymeacoffee.com/thebandlifepodcast
Web:
Podbean:
https://petebandlifepodcast.podbean.com/ 
Green Wave Productions - Pete:
https://greenwaveproductions.co.uk/
The Shallow Souls - Adam:
https://linktr.ee/theshallowsouls
Socials:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebandlifepodcast
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLr-aMTZjsYB7ZUly1e21vA?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_band_life_podcast/
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@the.band.life.cast
Duplicators of "An Age of Darkness":
https://www.bandcds.co.uk/
#musicindustry #podcast #thebandlifepodcast #musician #musicindustryadvice #musicartist #musicbusinesspodcast #musicbusiness

🎧 Unlock the Power of Spotify: Essential Strategies for Bands | Ep. 14 - Part 4

Ready to skyrocket your band's success on Spotify?
Don't miss this game-changing episode of The Band Life Podcast!
Hosts Pete & Adam reveal insider secrets and powerful tactics to dominate Spotify's platform and supercharge your artist page.
Discover how to:• Craft a magnetic artist profile that captivates new listeners• Harness the algorithm to boost your music's visibility• Master the art of playlist pitching for maximum exposure• Unleash the potential of consistent releases to keep fans hooked
Whether you're an up-and-coming indie band or a seasoned pro, this episode is packed with actionable tips to elevate your Spotify game.
Tune in now and unlock the keys to Spotify success – your fans are waiting!
Links:
Please support our little podcast and buy us a coffee, we will love you forever and you will get a mention on the podcast!
https://buymeacoffee.com/thebandlifepodcast
Web:
Podbean:
https://petebandlifepodcast.podbean.com/ 
Green Wave Productions - Pete:
https://greenwaveproductions.co.uk/
The Shallow Souls - Adam:
https://linktr.ee/theshallowsouls
Socials:
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thebandlifepodcast
YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCLr-aMTZjsYB7ZUly1e21vA?sub_confirmation=1
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/the_band_life_podcast/
TikTok:
https://www.tiktok.com/@the.band.life.cast
 
#musicindustry #podcast #thebandlifepodcast #musicindustryadvice #musicartist #musicbusinesspodcast #musicbusiness #musicmarketing