Beats Learning is the podcast exploring music industry careers beyond the stage.
Hosted by Ben Davenport, each episode features a long-form conversation with someone working behind the scenes in music, uncovering what they actually do, how they got there, and what it is really like.
From labels, publishing and artist management to events, rights, royalties, marketing, media, education, technology and more, Beats Learning is here to make music industry careers more visible, understandable and accessible.
If you love music but are not sure where you fit in the industry, this podcast is for you.
EP017 – Nick Faber: Creating Moments – A Career as an Experiential Creative
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Nick Faber, an experiential creative director in the music industry and founder of FABYL, a creative production house specialising in artist campaigns, experiential events, and culture-led marketing. From building unforgettable fan experiences to helping artists stand out in an overcrowded digital world, Nick shares what it really takes to create moments that connect with audiences both online and in real life. 🔥 What you’ll learn in this epi...
15 Apr 2026
EP016 – Carl Loben: Writing Music History – A Career as a Music Journalist
Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Carl Loben—a music journalist, editor, and author who has spent decades documenting the evolution of electronic music and club culture. As a long-time editor at DJ Mag and author of Renegade Snares, Carl has had a front-row seat to the rise of dance music in the UK and beyond. From the underground rave scene to global festival culture, Carl shares stories, insights, and reflections on how the scene has changed—and what’s often been overlooke...
18 Mar 2026
EP015 - Caitlin McAllister: Taking on an Icon - A Career as a Music Industry MD
Send a text In this episode, we sit down with Caitlin McAllister, a music industry MD leading one of the most iconic global brands in music. As Managing Director at Ministry of Sound, Caitlin oversees a business spanning club culture, events, recordings, and international partnerships. From brand evolution to commercial growth, this conversation offers a rare look at what it really takes to operate at the highest level of the music industry. 🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode: 🏢 What it ac...
15 Feb 2026
EP014 – Matt Smallwood: Leading the Scene – A Career in Electronic Music
Send a text In this episode, we sit down with Matt Smallwood, a leader in the electronic music world and Head of Music at Club Class, overseeing the direction and programming of The Cross. With years of experience shaping line-ups, supporting emerging talent, and helping build respected platforms in dance music, Matt shares what it really takes to lead in a fast-moving, culture-driven industry. This conversation explores how electronic music scenes are built, sustained, and evolved, from unde...
15 Jan 2026
EP013 - Dr Deorge Musgrave: The Cost of Creativity - A career as a music industry academic
Dr. George Musgrave, music industry academic, examines the intricate link between creativity and mental health, revealing why musicians often face anxiety and burnout in this interview with Beats Learning.
15 Dec 2025
EP012 - Nick Angel: Crafting Soundtracks – A Life in Music Supervision
Nick Angel, a veteran music supervisor, recounts his experiences crafting soundtracks for iconic films and collaborating with directors like Edgar Wright, offering insights into music supervision in this interview.
17 Nov 2025
EP011 - Mark Milsted: Behind the Money - A Career in Music Accounting
Mark Milsted, a chartered accountant, discusses music industry finances, offering advice on managing money and avoiding pitfalls for long-term stability in this interview episode.
15 Oct 2025
EP010 - Miles Shackleton: The Rise of Toolroom Records
Miles Shackleton, COO of Toolroom Records, discusses the rise of the record label and how it became a global force in dance music in this interview.
17 Sept 2025
EP009 – Cameron Richardson: From Lincolnshire to Broadway
Cameron Richardson, Head of Musical Theatre at Cambridge University, recounts his path from Lincolnshire to Broadway and discusses building a career in musical theatre in this interview.
15 Aug 2025
EP008 - Matt Cartmell: Building the Future of Music Tech
Host [Host Name] interviews Matt Cartmell, CEO of Music Technology UK, discussing how innovation in the UK's music tech sector reshapes music creation and experience.
15 Jul 2025
EP007 - Julian Palmer: Discovering Greatness - 40 Years of A&R
Julian Palmer, Senior A&R Manager at Universal, discusses the strategies for discovering and developing major artists in the music industry, drawing from his 40 years of experience in A&R in this interview.
15 Jun 2025
EP006 - Caroline Wigmore and Jennifer Green: From Page to Stage
Writing duo Caroline Wigmore and Jennifer Green discuss their creative process for crafting successful musical theatre productions, offering insights into storytelling for the stage in this interview.
15 May 2025
EP005 - Tom Allen: From Startup to Industry Giant and The Tech Making a Difference
In this episode, we sit down with Tom Allen—CTO of Downtown Music and founder of Curve Royalty Systems—to explore his journey through music tech innovation, royalty systems, and business leadership. From building startups to leading global technology teams, Tom shares deep insights into the future of music royalties and the challenges of scaling tech in the music industry. 🔥 What you'll learn in this episode: 🏛️ How technology is reshaping the future of music royalties 💡 Lessons from buildin...
15 Apr 2025
EP004 - Silvia Montello: The True Queen of The Jungle... and D'n'B!
In this episode, we sit down with Silvia Montello—music industry leader and former CEO of AIM (Association of Independent Music)—to explore her incredible journey through major labels, startups, and championing the independent music sector. With decades of experience at Universal Music, Audio Network, and beyond, Silvia offers sharp insights into what’s shaping the future of music. 🔥 What you'll learn in this episode: 🌍 How the independent sector is evolving 🤝 Why diversity and inclusion mu...
15 Mar 2025
EP003 - Andy MacDougall: Mastering The World of Electronic Music
In this episode, we dive deep into mixing, mastering, and music production with Andy MacDougall—producer and mix & mastering engineer behind Trilucid and owner of Ionica Audio. With years of experience fine-tuning electronic music, Andy shares invaluable insights into creating professional-sounding tracks, the biggest mistakes producers make, and how to navigate the modern music industry. 🔥 What you'll learn in this episode: 🎛️ The secrets to mastering electronic music 💡 The most common ...
15 Feb 2025
EP002 - Alex Branson
Episode 2: Alex Branson – Shaping the Future of Music Services at Beatport In this episode of Beats Learning, we sit down with Alex Branson, Senior Vice President of Music Services at The Beatport Group. With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, Alex has worked across multiple roles, including General Manager at Warner Music Group and advisor to some of the biggest names in music tech, such as Facebook and EMPIRE. Alex shares his journey from starting in the industry to helping ...
15 Jan 2025
EP001 - Paddy Fletcher
Episode 1: Paddy Fletcher – Behind the Music of Squid Game The Challenge & Minecraft Live In our very first episode of Beats Learning, we’re joined by BAFTA-nominated composer and sound designer Paddy Fletcher. From crafting music for hit productions like Squid Game The Challenge to creating immersive soundscapes for Minecraft Live, Paddy takes us through his incredible journey in the world of media composition. Discover how Paddy got started, the challenges he’s faced, and the creative p...
Who has been a guest on Beats Learning
Names identified in recent episode analyses. Showing up to five guests.
Dr George Musgrave
Nick Angel
Mark Milsted
Miles Shackleton
Cameron Richardson
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YouTube views
62,395
Score snapshot 15 Sept 2025
Spotify
5.0 / 5
1 ratings
Podcast Authority Score: 27 / 100
A composite of feed quality, social presence, YouTube performance and engagement. Read the methodology.
Quality
20
Social presence
0
YouTube
85
Engagement
0
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