Billy Mann wasn't content being just a multi-platinum songwriter. As an entrepreneur he's formed companies that promote and brand artists across the social media landscape, and as a devoted father he's championed legislation for people on the autistic spectrum. Join Nick as he and Billy cover a wide range of topics, from spending twenty years as Pink's collaborator and friend, to his eye-opening days as an executive at EMI, to Billy's helpful advice and creative rituals for aspiring songwriters.
HIGHLIGHTS:
[02:05] Whereas the music industry seeks to pigeonhole artists, Billy's experiences have taught him to have a more open mind when it comes to musicians and creative directions
[03:55] Billy and his partner Benton James run Proof Of Concept, a management company that develops talent and uses today's digital platforms to promote and brand the artists
[07:19] Billy also founded Icons & Giants, partnering with Warner Music Group and other companies to power their distribution efforts
[08:03] Billy launched Song House Live, a collaborative initiative where TikTok artists live and create in a mansion with a recording studio
[11:44] Billy appreciates the "old ways" of doing business within the music industry, but he's happily embraced the way that social media and the Internet has democratized the connection between a musician and their adoring public
[16:17] Billy believes that songwriters are the greatest entrepreneurs in music, artists who create an invisible product that has to be sold in a very competitive and apathetic environment
[19:21] Although he thinks the period when EMI was owned by Guy Hand and Terra Firma was a "shit show", at the same time Billy himself had what he considers incredible success on the song charts
[24:27] Working at EMI showed Billy that being a good music executive means being able to delegate, to motivate people, and to pay attention to emerging trends and styles
[28:05] Pink and Billy have collaborated for over twenty years now, forging a "sibling relationship" based on their Philadelphia backgrounds, their musical talent, and their personal respect
[34:36] Billy joined The Pact, an organization that supports adjusting the financial balance of songwriting more in favor of the songwriters, not the big corporations
[42:00] Billy's advice to songwriters is to read, to absorb as much creative input and life experience from other people
[42:55] Another piece of advice is to tell the truth when crafting songs, drawing from your own life experience to bring depth to a song
[44:53] As a father of children with developmental challenges, Billy gladly devotes a great deal of time to philanthropic causes dedicated to autistic research and outreach
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Find out more about today’s guest, Billy Mann.
Find out more about your host, Nick Terzo
MENTIONED IN THIS EPISODE:
@MrBentonj [Benton James, Billy's partner]
@supamariobeats [Supah Mario, hip-hop producer]
@WEMovement [We're In This Together, organization]
@JasCephasJones [from "Hamilton"]
@dixiedamelio [singer]
@ManncomCree8iV [Manncom Creative, Billy's company]
@iconsandgiants [record label founded by Billy Mann]
@greg_wells [songwriter, musician]
@PattyGMusic [Patty Griffin]
@thepact7 [The Pact, songwriters organization]
@HipgnosisSongs [record label]
@MMercuriadis [Merck Mercuriadis, who runs Hipgnosis]
@UMG [Universal Music Group]
@wearesonaLA [Songwriters Of North America]
@blkbok [musician, pianist]
