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Breaking Down the Biz

Breaking Down the Biz

By: Seth Schachner | StratAmericas
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 On Breaking Down the Biz, we simplify the big stuff in the business of music , entertainment, and technology. Industry insider Seth Schachner (ex Sony Music, Microsoft, AOL, Universal Music) brings you a bite-sized, insider’s guide to how the industry really works. Each week Seth is joined by the insiders who are making culture happen - the brains behind your favorite artists, movies, and media companies. Ever wondered how Apple helped save the music industry? What actually happened with those Taylor Swift tickets? And how did Bad Bunny go from unknown to global superstar? From timely breakdowns to the biggest industry-shifting moments in recent history, we’re unpacking the deals, the drama, and the decisions that shape what you watch and listen to every day. Social Sciences
Episodes
  • Hidden Strategies Behind The iTunes Takeoever, with Paul Vidich

    Hidden Strategies Behind The iTunes Takeoever, with Paul Vidich
    Apr 23 2026
    Industry veteran Paul Vidich shares how Apple’s iTunes and Steve Jobs defied conventional wisdom to revolutionize music consumption. Discover the behind-the-scenes strategy that turned digital downloads from a pricy gamble into a $1 billion dollar phenomenon within just a year, and learn how this shift laid the groundwork for today’s streaming universe. Seth and Paul unlock the pivotal negotiations that set the stage for iTunes’ success, revealing the critical choices around pricing, metadata, and consumer experience that often go overlooked. Paul also shares eye-opening insights on how early experiments in digital music laid the foundation for streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music, transforming the way millions access and enjoy music today. Paul Vidich is a bestselling novelist and former media executive, known for his strategic influence on digital transformation in the music industry and his intricate espionage novels inspired by real-world family mysteries. Learn more at https://paulvidich.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    45 mins
  • A Verdict On Ticketmaster, with John Chu

    A Verdict On Ticketmaster, with John Chu
    Apr 21 2026
    On today's episode, we discuss the recent developments in the lawsuit with Ticketmaster and Live Nation. We're joined by expert John Shu, a lawyer, former White House advisor and industry insider, to break down the groundbreaking settlement between the DOJ, states, and Live Nation. This settlement isn’t just about a few million dollars, but about opening up the ticketing ecosystem and potentially reshaping the entire live entertainment industry. Read more from John on his Substack, or find him on LinkedIn. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    13 mins
  • Kerry Gordy on Motown, Major Labels, and Sunday Best

    Kerry Gordy on Motown, Major Labels, and Sunday Best
    Apr 16 2026
    On this episode of Breaking Down the Biz, Seth Schachner sits down with Kerry Gordy, son of Motown founder Berry Gordy. Berry shares his extraordinary journey from growing up in the iconic Motown studios to navigating the evolving landscape of the music industry. They also speak on the state of the industry as it relates to major labels and the distribution ecosystem, and Netflix's documentary Sunday Best, about the Ed Sullivan Show. Through candid storytelling, he provides unique insights into the world of music, marketing, and the impact of technology on artists today. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
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