In this episode, host Max Bernstein sits down with Dr. Chelsey Green, a genre-crossing violinist, educator, and now Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Recording Academy. Known for her work as a classical and contemporary musician, Dr. Chelsey shares how a spontaneous open-mic performance led her down a transformative path, from performing with a touring R&B band to shaping the future of the music industry.

This episode provides an inside look at what the Recording Academy does beyond the Grammy Awards, encompassing music education, professional development, advocacy, and global outreach. Dr. Chelsey also examines the Academy's stance on AI in music, the impact of peer-voted recognition, and why this moment is critical for community building and connectivity in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

1. How Chelsey Green transitioned from classical violinist to Chair of the Recording Academy Board
2. What the Recording Academy really does beyond the Grammy Awards
3. How independent artists can submit music and earn nominations
4. Why ethical AI and global connection are central to the Academy’s future vision
5. How creators and industry executives alike can plug into their local Recording Academy chapters

Key Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Chelsey Green

02:37 – From open mic surprise to R&B bandleader

05:21 – The Recording Academy’s mission beyond the Grammys

10:15 – How creators can join and participate

15:19 – How Chelsey's Grammy perspective has evolved

19:12 – Demystifying the Grammy voting process

22:07 – Grammy wins and the independent artist career boost

30:36 – The potential and pitfalls of AI in music

34:06 – Final thoughts for industry leaders and creators

Follow our guest, Dr. Chelsey Green:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchelseygreen/
2. Website: https://www.chelseygreen.com/, https://www.recordingacademy.com/, https://www.grammy.com
3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchelseygreen/
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenProjectTGP/

Follow the Host Max Bernstein:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mberns01/

In this episode, host Max Bernstein talks with Alessandro Viola, a Project Manager Operations at Warner Music Group, and a classically trained percussionist turned low-code systems architect at Warner Classics. Alessandro shares his unique journey from growing up immersed in classical music to building internal software systems that are transforming the way classical record labels operate.

He offers a rare look behind the curtain of the classical music industry, discussing how rights management works, how marketing strategies are evolving, and what happens when pop artists like Rosalía cross into classical territory. The conversation also dives deep into the no-code/low-code world, comparing tools like Notion and Airtable, and exploring how tech-savvy creatives can build impactful tools within their companies, often without writing a single line of code.

Key Takeaways:

1. How Alessandro transitioned from performer to tech lead at a major classical label
2. What it means to manage 400+ years of music in the modern recording industry
3. The role of classical music in today’s streaming and performance landscape
4. How Airtable and Notion stack up for internal system building and knowledge management
5. Why low-code tools are becoming essential infrastructure across creative industries

Key Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Alessandro Viola

03:30 - Ownership and public domain of classical music catalogs

09:00 - Classical music and pop music crossovers (Rosalía)

13:00 - The future of classical music and modern trends

17:26 - Building tools with Airtable and no-code platforms at Warner

32:36 - setting-up tools with extra functionalities

45:00 - Closing thoughts on the future of low-code/no-code tools like notion and airtable

Follow our guest, Alessandro Viola:

1. Alessandro’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ale-viola/
2. Warner Music Group’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warner-music-group/
3. Warner Music Group Website: https://www.wmg.com/

Follow the Host Max Bernstein:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mberns01/
2. X: https://x.com/relationlco

Follow RELATIONL:

1. Website:

In this episode, host Max Bernstein talks to Jack Guppy, a former musician turned data analyst at Spinnin' Records. Jack’s journey from producing music in his bedroom to working with one of the most recognized dance labels in the world is both fascinating and insightful. Jack shares how his early passion for computer science and music production eventually led him to discover a career in data analytics.

At Spinnin', Jack works on streamlining A&R processes using data tools, scraping Spotify and TikTok data to discover new trends and artists. He explains how AI is helping uncover opportunities in the music business, but also stresses the importance of human creativity in driving innovation in the industry. Jack gives listeners a behind-the-scenes look at how the music business has evolved in the digital age and offers tips for creatives on how to adapt, persevere, and thrive in an ever-changing landscape.

Key Takeaways:

1. Jack’s career transition from a recording artist to a data analyst at Spinnin’ Records
2. The role of data analytics in discovering emerging music trends and artists
3. How AI is shaping the future of music production, but the enduring importance of human creativity
4. Jack’s experiences working with major dance music labels and how they balance agility with major-label infrastructure
5. The story behind Jack’s friend's success with "Wellerman" and its viral rise on TikTok
6. Practical advice for aspiring creatives on navigating the music industry and the power of persistence and reinvention

Key Timestamps:

[00:00] – Jack’s unique transition from creative music to data analytics

[01:00] – Advice for creatives looking to break into the music industry

[02:25] – Jack’s career evolution from artist to business degree holder

[06:15] – Opportunities and experimentation at Spinnin' Records

[10:50] – what big break means to Jack

[19:58] – Airtable’s influence on team collaboration and data management

[23:51] – The future of AI in music discovery and production

[27:21] – AI’s role in solving problems and creating opportunities

[31:10] – Final thoughts on balancing AI and human creativity

[36:46] – The importance of iterating and adapting to find success

[37:53] – Success compounds over time through growth and learning

Follow our guest, Jack Guppy:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackguppy/
2. Spinnin' Records LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/spinnin-records/
3. Spinnin' Records website: