FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Matt Jones, Visionary Behind Songkick and Medallion, Sits Down with MUBUTV’s Ritch Esra & Eric Knight to Redefine the Artist-Fan Relationship
HOLLYWOOD, CA – Monday, May 25, 2026 – As the music industry undergoes historic transformation, Medallion’s CEO Matt Jones sits down with MUBUTV’s Ritch Esra and Eric Knight for a candid and trailblazing conversation exploring the new frontier of direct artist ownership and sustainable careers in music. With a résumé including the groundbreaking work of Songkick and Crowdsurf, Jones is renowned for creating tools that empower artists—in data, community, and creative freedom.
In this highly anticipated episode of the MUBUTV Music Business Insider Podcast, Jones pulls back the curtain on Medallion’s mission: to finally give artists real ownership not just over their data, but over their entire fan ecosystem. He challenges the traditional streaming model, scrutinizes why paid fan clubs have fallen short, and lays out a bold vision for network-driven, community-centered business models poised to put power—and profit—back in the hands of musicians.
Listeners will gain exclusive insights into:
The untapped potential of direct artist-fan models, and why the industry’s biggest business model innovation is still to come
Lessons learned from working directly with artists like Imagine Dragons and Disclosure
Why true artist ownership means more than just collecting emails—it requires owning distribution, revenue, and relationship
How to nurture core superfans for long-term stability, and why major labels are now chasing this opportunity
The philosophical, practical, and technological mindset artists need to claim success (and why proximity to fans can mean more flexibility, not more work)
Transparent, innovative models for sustaining both creativity and career longevity in a ‘music is free’ world
“Matt Jones is one of the most forward-thinking minds in our business. His vision aligns with the fundamental shifts every artist must embrace to not just survive, but thrive. This is essential listening for anyone building—or dreaming of building—a real career in music,” says co-hosts Ritch Esra & Eric Knight.
The conversation not only reframes issues of ticketing, streaming payouts, and fan data, but equips artists and industry professionals with concrete tools for building community, monetizing authentically, and regaining agency in a rapidly evolving landscape.
Tune in Tuesday, May 26th for the episode “The Untold Power of Superfans—How to Build a Loyal Audience in 2026!”—only on MUBUTV’s Music Business Insider Podcast.
For more information on MUBUTV, contact:
John Sanders at:
Phone: 424.245.0416
Website: www.mubutv.com
Ritch Esra & Eric Knight are available for interviews across all media.
ABOUT MUBUTV
MUBUTV™ | Music Business Television is an online music business channel featuring news, original programming, and interviews with leading experts in the music industry. Its mission is to educate, empower, and engage musicians and industry professionals of the twenty-first century.
About MUBUTV’s Music Business Insider Podcast:
The video series takes a deep dive into the many challenges and nuances of building a viable and sustainable career in today’s new music business. Guests have included music attorney and author Donald Passman, producer Mike Clink [Guns N’ Roses], A&R legend John Kalodner, independent artist Ari Herstand, and more. Hosted by Ritch Esra and Eric Knight, co-founders of the platform.
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