The Shifting Landscape of the Music Industry
Scott, who played in a band during his college years, has seen the music industry change dramatically. “You can’t go to the mall and buy a CD anymore,” Scott explained, reflecting on the decline of physical album sales. While digital streaming platforms like Spotify provide instant access to music, they offer minimal income for artists. Today, bands rely heavily on touring and merchandise to make ends meet. Scott, who regularly supports local musicians by buying their merch, emphasized how crucial these purchases are, even if it’s just “gas money to get them to the next show.”
Despite these challenges, Scott believes it’s an exciting time for music, with new technologies making it easier for artists to produce and record from home. “A lot of bands are recording digitally now. It’s much easier to use digital tools for things like drums, which can be hard to record live,” he said. This shift allows musicians to create high-quality music without the traditional expenses of a recording studio.
Starting a Podcast and Following His Passion
Acute Mania Live was born out of Scott’s love for music and his desire to support local artists. But starting the podcast wasn’t easy. “I had no idea what episode one was going to be like,” he recalled. Scott’s advice to aspiring podcasters? “Just try it. You’re going to fail, but that’s part of it. Start with what you have, where you are.”
The success of Acute Mania Live—now approaching 300 episodes—has been driven by Scott’s relentless passion and commitment. He encourages others to take the leap into podcasting or any other creative venture. “I don’t want to stop at 300 episodes,” Scott said. “I want to get to 400, 500—I’ll keep going as long as I can.”
What It Takes to Lead
When we asked Scott about the most important attributes of a successful business leader, he didn’t hesitate. “Motivation,” he said. “You’ve got to want it.” He admitted that while he’s not typically a go-getter, the passion he has for Acute Mania Live keeps him driven.
Like any successful entrepreneur, Scott knows the importance of failing fast and learning from mistakes. “If you keep failing, you’re not doing something right,” he said. But in the end, he believes that the accomplishments will always outweigh the failures, as long as you stay focused on your purpose.
Building Community Through Music
Scott also emphasized the importance of community in his podcast’s growth. “The more guests I have on, the more their friends follow,” he said. This network effect has been a key driver of Acute Mania Live’s success, helping Scott grow his audience while giving local musicians a platform to reach new listeners.
For Scott, it’s all about supporting the music scene he loves while building something meaningful. His perseverance, combined with a deep connection to his purpose, is what keeps him motivated. “I have a reason to do this, and that’s what keeps me going.”
If you want to support Scott and discover some great music, be sure to subscribe to his YouTube channel, Acute Mania Live, and keep an eye out for future episodes showcasing both local and international talent.
