Independent music, industry news, interviews and more with your host Dani Cutler. New shows every Thursday! Dani worked in independent radio for over 16 years in Phoenix, AZ supporting local and independent artists, and was deemed ”Scene Mom” by the community. Since then she has made the move to Massachusetts but will be a cheerleader for indie artists no matter where she lives.
Episodes
47 minutes ago
47 minutes ago
Time: ~36 min.
It’s Episode 91! We've got some crazy music news this week. The first ever federal criminal conviction for AI streaming fraud just happened, Sony pulled over 135,000 deepfake songs from streaming platforms, and Spotify announced something that honestly should have existed years ago. Plus your weekly marketing tip, some music history, another nerdy science story about anxiety that I think you're really going to want to hear, and five indie tracks I'm loving right now. Tap play and let’s go!
LINKS:
JOIN US AT MONTAPALOOZA! https://montapalooza.com/
SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U
Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/
Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533
Man found guilty of streaming fraud using AI to create songs and bots to stream them https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/03/19/streaming-music-slop-scammer-sentence/
SONY requests removal of more than 135k AI-generated songs from streaming platforms https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/03/18/sony-music-deepfakes-removal-comments/
Spotify adds edit button to let you control your algorithm https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/03/16/spotify-edit-button-algorithm/
Listening to music really does reduce anxiety. The science: https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2026/03/260315225133.htm
MUSIC:
The Frequency Principle – Cool Kidz https://thefrequencyprinciple.com/
Battlemode – Chasing Kaoss https://linktr.ee/BattlemodeMusic
MRCH – Ashes https://linktr.ee/mrchmusic
Voltaire’s Ghost – Spirit Animal https://www.voltairesghost.com/
Ali A and the Agency – Arizona Sunset https://aliaandtheagency.com/
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/
Thursday Mar 19, 2026
Thursday Mar 19, 2026
Time: ~34min.
It’s episode 90! I know, two weeks in a row, I'm on a roll! This week I've got five indie tracks for you including another artist who'll be playing Montapalooza in May, a breakdown of what the Supreme Court's AI copyright decision actually means for creators, Kelly Clarkson calling out American Idol on live TV, and a marketing tip that's all about where your promo dollars can go further. Plus music history and a genuinely fun science story to close things out. Keep blinking and take a listen!
LINKS:
JOIN US AT MONTAPALOOZA! https://montapalooza.com/
SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U
There's a sale this week! Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/
Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533
Supreme Court doesn't care if you want to copyright your AI generated art https://www.engadget.com/ai/the-supreme-court-doesnt-care-if-you-want-to-copyright-your-ai-generated-art-171849407.html?src=rss
Kelly Clarkson still waiting for her million from winning American Idol https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/03/11/kelly-clarkson-never-got-1m-american-idol-prize-money/
Relocate some of that ad budget to podcasts https://www.edisonresearch.com/reallocating-ad-dollars-to-podcasts-can-deliver-41-growth-in-reach/
Blink to the beat https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/music-even-makes-you-blink-to-the-beat/
MUSIC:
The Far Out - Laurel https://bio.site/thefarout
Jesus The Dinosaur - Sweet Nothing https://linktr.ee/Jesusthedinosaur
Faun Flora - I Wish I Was My Own Friend https://faunflora.com/
The Ringer Soundtrack - Voicemail https://theringersoundtrack.bandcamp.com/
Scattered Melodies - You Bad (Live) https://www.instagram.com/scatteredmelodies/
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
Thursday Mar 12, 2026
Time: ~33 min.
It’s Episode 89! In this episode, I’m covering some major music news, including The U.S. government’s antitrust case against Live Nation has suddenly been settled, but the story isn’t over yet as dozens of states plan to continue pursuing the fight over ticketing competition and consumer harm.
I also break down Apple Music’s new “AI transparency tags,” designed to label when artificial intelligence was used in a track’s creation. It’s an interesting step toward transparency, but the big question is how effective it will really be.
And in a cultural twist, some Gen Z and millennial listeners are stepping away from streaming and rediscovering CDs and other physical media as a way to experience music more intentionally. I tell you why.
Plus, I’ve got 5 wonderful indie tracks, some music history moments that changed the industry forever, a marketing tip about engaging in Facebook groups, and a fascinating science story about NASA successfully changing the orbit of an asteroid.
LINKS:
JOIN US AT MONTAPALOOZA! https://montapalooza.com/
SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U
There's a sale this week! Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/
Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533
Live Nation Settles with DOJ, 30 states aren't finished with them yet. https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/03/09/live-nation-states-litigation/
Apple Music attempts control over AI music https://www.engadget.com/entertainment/music/apple-music-can-now-flag-ai-content-but-only-if-distributors-elect-to-label-it-121521873.html
Gen Z wants to own music instead of streaming it https://www.newsweek.com/gen-zers-canceling-spotify-buying-cds-insteadheres-why-11627004
NASA changed an asteroid's orbital path https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/nasa-changed-an-asteroids-orbital-path-around-the-sun-a-first-for-humankind/
MUSIC:
Seth Newton – Life Jacket https://sethnewtonmusic.wixsite.com/sethnewtonmusic
The Woodworks – You SOB I’m In https://linktr.ee/thewoodworksband
Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers – Yeh Shoobeh https://rogerclyneandthepeacemakers.com/
Other Brother Daryl – Peaceful Alibi https://linktr.ee/otherbrotherdarryl
Corina Toothacker – Human Medicine https://sites.google.com/corinasrae.com/home/home/music
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Thursday Feb 26, 2026
Time: ~32 min.
It’s Episode 88! This week I’m breaking down some big power shifts currently happening in the music industry. Growing fallout at Wasserman and artist departures, and the ongoing Live Nation and Ticketmaster antitrust lawsuit and why consumer advocates are worried it won’t move forward. I also talk about TikTok’s new hyper-local “Local Feed” feature, what it could mean for artist discovery, and the privacy concerns involved.
Plus, I share new indie music, a marketing tip on why the best time to promote is before you need it, and a heartwarming good news story about an the youngest Grammy winner ever. As always, it’s music, industry insight, and real talk about how these changes impact independent artists and creators navigating today’s landscape.
LINKS:
JOIN US AT MONTAPALOOZA! https://montapalooza.com/
SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U
Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/
Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533
Wasserman Artists drop the label https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/02/19/wasserman-artist-exits-2026/
Live Nation working with Trump to make suit disappear? https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/02/12/live-nation-litigation-ncl-statement/
Tik Tok rolling out a hyper local feed https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/02/12/tiktok-us-precise-location-local-feed/
Napster creating AI powered music tool https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/01/28/napster-ai-music-creation-rollout/
8 year old youngest Grammy winner ever https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/8-year-old-maryland-girl-becomes-youngest-grammy-winner-ever-with-daddy-daughter-album-collaboration/
MUSIC:
Joey Wit – Heavy Crown https://joeywit.com/
KONGOS – Cruel https://kongos.com/
Dorsten – Mountain Song https://dorstenmusic.com/
Paracress – Waste https://distrokid.com/hyperfollow/paracress/waste
TELL – Things to do when it’s dark https://telltheband.com/
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/
Thursday Feb 12, 2026
Thursday Feb 12, 2026
Time: ~31 min
It’s Episode 87! This week covering a wide range of music industry news, indie music, and marketing insights for artists and creators.
I chat about the Super Bowl’s music spotlight, including reactions to the halftime show and a musician’s response to lip-sync accusations. I also break down why TikTok Shop is ending independent seller shipping, what that means for brands and creators, and how Spotify’s removal of millions of streams from a major album raises ongoing concerns about bots, AI, and streaming integrity, especially for independent artists.
Along the way, I’m sharing new music from independent musicians in New England and Ireland, plus a look back at key moments in music history and a marketing tip on building consistency that goes beyond posting frequency.
I wrap things up with some nerdy good news about The Wizard of Oz (yes, the original film).
LINKS:
SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U
Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/
Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533
Kid Rock swears he didn't lip sync, it's just the video was off https://consequence.net/2026/02/kid-rock-swears-he-wasnt-lip-syncing/
TikTok ending independent shipping on site https://www.adweek.com/media/tiktok-shop-to-end-independent-shipping-us-logistics/
Spotify removes 25 million streams from tracks https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/02/03/spotify-removes-streams-21-savage/
The Wizard of Oz coming back to broadcast TV after ~30 years https://nerdist.com/article/the-wizard-of-oz-returns-to-broadcast-tv-after-28-years/
Montapalooza Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montapalooza
Montapalooza Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montapalooza.ma
MUSIC:
Hotel Saturn – As Long As It Lasts https://hotelsaturn.bandcamp.com/
Jennifer Tefft and the Strange – A Little More https://jennifertefft.com/
Derek Smith and the Cosmic Vultures – Hollow Choir https://linktr.ee/TheCosmicVultures
Arrows of Athena – You & Me https://arrowsofathena.bandcamp.com/
Martin Moran – The River https://linktr.ee/soy.martino
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/
All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz
Thursday Feb 05, 2026
Thursday Feb 05, 2026
Time: ~30 min.
It’s Episode 86! This week I dive into the latest music industry shifts, starting with Bandcamp's bold new policy to officially ban music generated by artificial intelligence to "keep Bandcamp human". We recap the historic wins from the 68th Grammy Awards, where Bad Bunny made history with the first Spanish-language Album of the Year, and discuss why artists should—and do—use their platforms to speak on social issues.
The episode also covers why the Red Hot Chili Peppers are distancing themselves from a new Netflix documentary and provides an update on the Mesa Music Festival's new dates in October. For the creators, I offer a marketing tip on why avoiding "rage-bait" is essential for a sustainable brand. Finally, we wrap up with a positive story about an artist turning a French wheat field into a giant photographic image using nothing but photosynthesis.
LINKS:
SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U
Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/
Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533
Montapalooza Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montapalooza
Montapalooza Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montapalooza.ma
Bandcamp bans AI music with strict new rules https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/01/26/bandcamp-banned-ai-music-rules/
2026 Grammy winner breakdown https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/grammys-2026-winners-list/story?id=129680335
Red Hot Chili Peppers don't want to give it away now https://consequence.net/2026/01/red-hot-chili-peppers-distance-themselves-from-new-netflix-documentary/
A field of wheat becomes world's largest living photograph https://thelaughingotter.com/2026/02/02/a-field-of-wheat-becomes-the-worlds-largest-living-photograph/
MUSIC:
The Maladapative – Used To It https://themaladaptive.bandcamp.com/
The Grownup Noise – Change Your Mind https://www.thegrownupnoise.com/
The Darts – Apocalypse https://linktr.ee/thedartsus
Paper Foxes – Exodus https://linktr.ee/paperfoxes
Palais Ideal – Here and Now https://palaisideal.bandcamp.com/
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/
Friday Jan 30, 2026
Friday Jan 30, 2026
Time: ~29 min.
It’s Episode 85! No music again this week but I’ve got the second half of my interview with my good friend, Mike Zimmerlich from Omelet Prevail and Creatives Prevail Podcast. We talk about why diversification is no longer optional, how relying on a single platform or revenue stream puts artists at risk, and what the rise of AI-generated music means for streaming payouts and long-term sustainability. Mike also shares his perspective on using AI ethically, not as a replacement for creativity, but as a tool for saving time, improving marketing, and working smarter.
We wrap up by coming back to the most important thing of all: Craft. In a world flooded with low-quality content, intentional, human-made work still stands out, and audiences are actively searching for it.
If you’re an independent musician trying to balance creativity with sustainability, this episode is a must-listen! Before the chat I finally share with you a big announcement I've been teasing for several months now. It's such a relief to get Montapalooza Music Festival out in the world!
LINKS:
Montapalooza Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/montapalooza
Montapalooza Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/montapalooza.ma
Omelette Prevail Website https://www.oprevail.com/
Creatives Prevail Podcast https://www.oprevail.com/podcast
SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U
Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/
Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Thursday Jan 22, 2026
Time: ~26 min.
It’s Episode 84! No music this week but I’ve got an interview for you with my good friend, Mike Zimmerlich from Omelette Prevail and Creatives Prevail Podcast. In this first part, we are diving into the world of marketing and promotion for independent artists. With AI music flooding streaming platforms, it is harder than ever to be heard, so we are focusing on three specific things you can do right now to get more eyes and ears on your music.
We cover auditing and updating your profiles, short vs. long form video, and ways to collaborate that you might not be thinking about.
Next week will be the second part of our interview, discussing deeper business topics such as diversifying your income, and a more ethical uses of AI. Enjoy!
LINKS:
Omelette Prevail Website https://www.oprevail.com/
Creatives Prevail Podcast https://www.oprevail.com/podcast
SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U
Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/
Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/
Thursday Jan 15, 2026
Thursday Jan 15, 2026
Time: ~30 min.
It’s Episode 83! This week I dive into some of the biggest issues facing artists and creators right now. There’s an increase in trends that could hurt independent artists: Rising digital ticket scams and what they mean for indie shows, major lawsuits over unpaid streaming royalties, and the growing flood of AI-generated music and podcasts hitting streaming platforms. I break down why these trends matter, how they impact discovery and trust, and why direct fan support is more important than ever for independent artists.
Plus, I share new indie music, key moments in music history, a practical marketing reminder for creators, and a bit of nerdy news. Always grateful for your support!
LINKS:
SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U
Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/
Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533
Digital ticket scams are getting worse https://www.fastcompany.com/91471653/digital-ticketing-was-supposed-to-stop-fraud-but-ticket-scams-have-gotten-worse-just-ask-taylor-swift
Los Lobos suing Sony https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2026/01/09/los-lobos-lawsuits-sony-music-sony-pictures/
~400,000 people are subscribed to AI podcasts https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/12/14/audio-startup-podcast-ai-churn/
97% of listeners can't tell AI music from the real thing https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/11/12/deezer-ai-music/
Betty Boop and more enter the public domain in 2026 https://www.npr.org/2025/12/26/nx-s1-5649395/public-domain-2026-copyright-betty-boop-pluto
MUSIC:
Prince Mirth – Sometimes A Thief https://princemirth.com/
The Darts – Midnight Creep https://linktr.ee/thedartsus
Emby Alexander – Coin https://embyalexander.bandcamp.com/
(Call 244-255-EMBY!)
MRCH – Escape the Dark https://www.mrchmusic.com/
Glass Apple Bonzai – Love & Hatred in MegaWave City https://glassapplebonzai.bandcamp.com/
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/
Thursday Jan 08, 2026
Thursday Jan 08, 2026
Time: ~31 minutes
It’s Episode 82! In this episode I break down how the Stranger Things series finale sparked a massive streaming surge for Prince. I also talk about Bandcamp Fridays and how fans delivered millions directly to indie artists, plus YouTube’s decision to stop providing streaming data to Billboard and what that could mean for independent musicians going forward. I also share 5 indie tunes, a quick marketing tip, music history, and some inspiring news to start the year.
LINKS:
SIGN UP FOR THE NEWSLETTER! http://eepurl.com/i77C9U
Get your merch! https://scenemomsays.threadless.com/
Join the exclusive group on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/groups/965285292398533
How Stranger Things scored a couple of big Prince hits for the finale https://www.billboard.com/culture/tv-film/how-stranger-things-scored-prince-biggest-hits-series-finale-1236148209/
YouTube no longer providing data for Billboard https://stereogum.com/2483233/youtube-will-no-longer-provide-data-for-billboards-outdated-chart-formula/news
Bandcamp Fridays in 2025 has huge payout for Indie Artists https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/12/22/bandcamp-fridays-2025-total/
Father saves 10 from Swiss Bar Fire https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/father-saves-10-from-bar-fire-at-swiss-new-years-party-after-frantic-call-from-his-daughter/
MUSIC:
Carol Pacey and the Honey Shakers – Lucky You
The Modern Era – Dear Anyone
Thrift Bakery- Remote Access
The Hourglass Cats – I’ll Never Forget
Battlemode – Sw33ttooth
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/