FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Neal O’Connor: The Management Mind Behind System of a Down & Porter Robinson, Joins MUBUTV’s Ritch Esra & Eric Knight For a Revealing Conversation About Longevity In Today’s Music Business
HOLLYWOOD, CA – Monday, April 6, 2026 – With a career shaping the trajectories of both rock legends and genre-defining contemporaries, Neal O’Connor—founder of Slush Management—takes center stage in a brand-new, in-depth episode of the acclaimed MUBUTV Music Business Insider Podcast. Hosted by Ritch Esra and Eric Knight, the conversation premieres Tuesday, April 7th, delivering an unfiltered, behind-the-scenes look at what it truly takes to build, sustain, and thrive as an artist in the new era of music.
O’Connor, whose management experience ranges from System of a Down, Alice in Chains, and Deftones to electronic phenomenon Porter Robinson and his groundbreaking Second Sky Festival, opens up about the seismic changes facing artist managers in 2026 and beyond. He reveals why music alone is no longer enough, how artists can authentically “build a world” that resonates with fans, and the crucial elements managers now seek beyond raw talent.
From the nuanced value of record labels in the streaming age to the non-negotiable qualities every artist must possess, O’Connor dissects what helps artists cut through the overwhelming marketplace—emphasizing marketing savvy, creative vision, and uncompromising authenticity. He shares actionable strategies for thriving in a touring landscape upended by rising costs and venue closures, the power of collaboration, and practical advice for creating true cultural impact—not just fleeting viral success.
Listeners will hear O’Connor’s lessons from decades on the front lines, including never-before-shared insights from developing legacy acts and breaking next-generation stars, plus guidance on building devoted fan communities and navigating the most common obstacles that derail aspiring professionals today.
Join us on Tuesday, April 7th, for this can't-miss episode: “Leverage Over Record Deals: The New Music Business Rule—Insights From Neal O’Connor,” exclusively 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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