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
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/
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Thursday Dec 18, 2025
Time: ~35 min.
In this 81st episode of Scene Mom Says, I’m digging into some major music industry news, including why StubHub is under fire for holding seller payments, how New York’s new AI transparency laws will impact advertising and performers, and what the latest Edison Research 2025 findings reveal about podcast and music discovery. I’m also sharing five new indie tracks, holiday favorites, and key moments in music history, plus my marketing tip of the week on why reach isn’t the goal and how posting intentionally matters more than chasing algorithms. Enjoy and Happy Holidays!
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
StubHub earning tens of millions in interest income in a shady way https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/12/10/stubhub-cfo-cash-flow-strategy-comments/
New York passes law requiring ads to disclose use of AI performers https://www.engadget.com/ai/new-york-passes-law-requiring-ads-to-disclose-the-use-of-ai-performers-202619826.html
Top 10 findings from Edison Research in 2025 https://www.edisonresearch.com/top-10-findings-of-2025-from-edison-research/
Frank Turner thoughts on saving Britain's grassroot music venues https://www.positive.news/society/i-found-my-people-frank-turner-on-saving-britains-grassroots-music-venues/
MUSIC:
Steve Conte – Father Christmas
Joey Gutos – Life On Cruise
The Grownup Noise – See you In The Hall
Aaron Noble – Arising and Passing Away
The Bellwethers - New Year’s Eve
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Thursday Dec 11, 2025
Time: ~33 min.
It’s Episode 80! This week I'm diving into the biggest news shaking up the music world, and I'm sharing some great independent music with you. First, the good news: the UK government has cracked down on ticket scalping, making it illegal to profit from reselling tickets. But there's drama, too: the rise of AI music clones hit Spotify hard when a fake account copied King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard's music, and I discuss what this means for independent artists. On a more positive AI note, I cover how rapper Beanie Sigel is using AI technology to bring back his classic voice. Plus, I talk about Billy McFarland's latest, the PHNX Festival, which actually happened, and I share my top Instagram marketing tips for musicians!
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
Ticket Resales for profit to be banned in the UK
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard has AI Clone go unchecked on Spotify
AI helps musician with damaged vocal chords create music in his voice
Billy McFarland's PHNX fest happens, but it's not great
Band opens $35,000 bar tab for fans after gig canceled
MUSIC:
Jesika Von Rabbit – Blue Christmas
Austel – The Beach In December
Samuel Campoli – Every Time
Lucia Dostal – I Want My Secrets Back
Matthew Frederick – Obsolete
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
Thursday Dec 04, 2025
Time: ~30 min.
It’s Episode 79! I’m back! This week I’m diving into the final Bandcamp Friday of 2025, breaking down the latest indie music news, and sharing a content strategy tip that every independent artist should be using. I’m also playing new music from Girl With a Hawk, Arrows of Athena, The Fabulous Boring Brothers, and Martin Moran.
I talk about how indie labels invested in artists this past year, what the newest 2025 social media trends mean for musicians, and why spreading out your content can make a huge difference for your reach and engagement. I also touch on PETA’s request for Alice in Chains to amplify their campaign for Betty the Elephant, share a few key music history moments, and wrap up with some good news about the health benefits of singing.
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
Pew Research social media survey
PETA wants Alice in Chains to help save an elephant
Singing (even badly) can improve your health
MUSIC:
Girl With A Hawk – I’m In Love With My Friends
Arrows of Athena – Abandoned Love
The Fabulous Boring Brothers – Sapphire Girl
Martin Moran – You and I (Belong Together)
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
Thursday Nov 13, 2025
Time: ~33 min.
It's Episode 78! Live shows are booming and indie buzz is real. This week, I break down the TikTok Podcast move, the latest Spotify “Discovery Mode” drama, and why small venues still matter- plus a handful of fresh tracks from rising artists. I've got your music history with a few classics, the Marketing Tip keeps it real (don’t chase trends, build fans), and we end with some good news for your heart: art really does help you breathe easier. Tune in and support your local scene.
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
Spotify accused of payola https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/11/05/spotify-accused-of-payola-in-class-action-lawsuit/
TikTok launches podcast network with iHeart https://www.adweek.com/media/tiktok-launches-podcast-network-with-iheartmedia/
Live Nation global survey on live music https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/11/11/live-nation-global-survey-live-music/
Visiting an art gallery could reduce your risk of heart problems https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/why-would-visiting-an-art-gallery-reduce-your-risk-of-heart-problems-and-disease/
MUSIC:
Paper Foxes - Blood Drug https://paperfoxesband.com/
Captain Easychord - Happy Times (via Rock Garden Records) https://www.rockgardenrecords.com/
Rachael Plays Guitar - Cool Kids https://www.instagram.com/rachaelplaysguitar/
The Grownup Noise - We Become Roses (Pick of the Week!) https://www.thegrownupnoise.com/
John Gerard - Fold https://johngerard.com/
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/
All Things Dani https://linktr.ee/dcutleraz
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
Thursday Nov 06, 2025
Time: ~37 min.
It's Episode 77! I’m diving into some big shifts in the music world. SoundCloud’s new “All-In-One Artist” subscription that gives creators more control, and TikTok’s first-ever U.S. Creator Awards coming this December.
But the hot topic I couldn’t stay quiet about? An AI “artist” named Xania Monet just debuted on the Billboard radio charts, and I’ve got a few things to say about that. (Spoiler: not all of them are nice!)
I’m also sharing new music from some fantastic independent artists- Jennifer Tefft, Aluminum Brain, Joey Wit, The Maladaptive, and Ali A & The Agency. Plus a look back at some fun music history, a marketing tip for fellow creatives, and some good news about how music can actually help your brain health.
So grab your coffee (and your headphones) and let’s talk about the real world of music, creativity, and why authenticity still matters.
LINKS:
Get your merch! Thank you for supporting the show and indie artists
Join the exclusive group on Facebook!
SoundCloud's New All-In-One Subscription Feature https://www.youredm.com/2025/11/04/soundcloud-launches-new-all-in-one-artist-subscription-feature/
TikTok Creator Awards https://www.digitalmusicnews.com/2025/11/03/tiktok-us-creator-awards-launch-2025/
AI Creation Charting on Billboard https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/01/entertainment/xania-monet-billboard-ai
People Ages 70+ who listen to music slash dementia risk https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/seniors-who-listen-to-music-often-slash-their-dementia-risk-by-over-a-third/
MUSIC:
Jennifer Tefft – Salt and the Sea https://jennifertefft.com/
Aluminum Brain – Fallen Off The Map https://aluminumbrain.com/
Joey Wit – Leave It To Me https://joeywit.com/
Song of the Week: The Maladaptive – Used To It https://themaladaptive.bandcamp.com/
Ali A and the Agency – Transmogrification https://aliaandtheagency.com/
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
Thursday Oct 30, 2025
Time: ~34 min.
I’m back with Episode 76, and this week I’m talking about the upcoming Mesa Music Festival, the latest in indie music news — including TikTok’s U.S. deal, new AI music registration rules, and Spotify’s crackdown on fake and AI-generated tracks — plus a marketing tip every indie artist needs to hear: stop auto-posting from Instagram to Facebook! I’ve also got fresh tracks from Bear Ghost, Adam Sherman Band, The Chelsea Curve, Derek D’Acoustic, and Lynda Mandolyn to round out the show.
LINKS:
Get your merch! Thank you for supporting the show and indie artists
Join the exclusive group on Facebook!
TikTok deal being finalized this week
ASCAP, BMI, and SOCAN will accept registrations of partially AI generated music
Spotify cracking down on AI fakes
People are rethinking how they learn piano
MUSIC:
Bear Ghost - Necromancin' Dancin'
Adam Sherman Band - Everyday Dangers
The Chelsea Curve - Rally 'Round
Derek D'Acoustic - Hero (Family of the Year cover) PICK OF THE WEEK!
Lynda Mandolyn - Gimme Gimme Halloween
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Thursday Oct 16, 2025
Time: ~30 min.
It's Episode 75! I recently returned from a whirlwind trip to Pittsburgh for an Arizona music reunion (I know!) and I’ve got stories, songs, and music news to share! In this episode, I talk about seeing The Frampton Brothers reunion show, the latest NIVA report on how independent venues fuel billions in local economic impact, and why claiming your Facebook Page URL still matters more than you think. You’ll also hear five incredible indie tracks from The Frampton Brothers, Jake Goldstein, Catie Verostick, Harper and the Moths, and Faun Flora. Thanks for listening and for supporting independent music!
LINKS:
Get your merch! Thank you for supporting the show and indie artists
Join the exclusive group on Facebook!
The FCC is trying to make it easier for internet providers to charge hidden fees
NIVA study shows hidden economic power of independent venues
Taylor Swift's business strategy works
Chappell Roan takes care of her fans waiting in line
MUSIC:
The Frampton Brothers - File Under F for Failure
Jake Goldstein - Fields of Green
Catie Verostick - Honest
Harper and the Moths - Nothing From Me
Faun Flora - I Wish I Was My Own Best Friend
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Thursday Oct 02, 2025
Time: ~20 min.
It's Episode 74! This is part 2 of my interview with western Massachusetts artist and owner of Meli Entertainment Amanda Meli. We had such a blast at the Singer Songwriter competition on September 20, and in a future episode I will be showcasing the winners. This part of our conversation is going to focus on her new single which is now released to the world, and a chat about the Central MA music scene. Though now available everywhere, you will hear her new single here too!
LINKS:
Get your merch! Thank you for supporting the show and indie artists
Join the exclusive group on Facebook!
MUSIC:
Amanda Meli - I
Feedback: scenemomsays@gmail.com
Submit Your Music: https://danicutler.com/podcast/submit-your-music/