Share
![cover art for Jason Flom: Lava Records, Breaking a Band & Creating Opportunities](https://res.cloudinary.com/pippa/image/fetch/h_750,w_750,f_auto/https://assets.pippa.io/shows/60ee0a8e7b57990bc2e77d95/60ee0ac5aa52de0012dc6fe2.jpg)
Bridge The Atlantic
Jason Flom: Lava Records, Breaking a Band & Creating Opportunities
•
Jason Flom is the CEO of Lava Records and Lava Music Publishing. Jason also has served as Chairman and CEO at Atlantic Records, Virgin Records and Capitol Music Group and is personally responsible for launching acts such as Kid Rock, Katy Perry, and Lorde.
In 1995, he founded Lava Records as a joint venture with Atlantic Records, which turned out to be one of the most successful startups in music business history. The New Yorker described Jason as “one of the most successful record men of the past 20 years...known for his specialty in delivering ‘monsters.’
As well as his career in music, Jason is also a leading philanthropist who has long championed various political and social causes. He has demonstrated his commitment to social justice as a founding member of the Innocence Project and a board member of Families Against Mandatory Minimums, the Drug Policy Alliance and the Legal Action Center.
Highlights:
-We hear how Jason started as a trainee field merchandiser at Atlantic, and how he thought it was the greatest job in the world
- Jason believes it’s important to be respectful and treat everyone well, as we’re all the same
- We hear about how Jason worked his way up through Atlantic and the highlights along the way
- We hear the story behind how Jason started Lava Records
- Jason tells us about how he posed as The 40 Year Old Virgin to celebrate his move to Virgin Records
- Jason believes society should treat drug problems as a medical problem rather than a criminal problem
- We hear about a new organisation Jason has started - The Church of Rock and Roll (and it’s the only church Ross and Marcio would join!)
- The two most important things in the music business are the song and the singer
- You can have a hit song with a great song and not so great singer, but not the other way around
- Jason would love to find another iconic rock band
- We hear how Jason broke 30 Seconds To Mars, which included the threat of a hunger strike at MTV
- It’s less important to be in a music hub now, as artists can be more easily discovered online
- Jason admits that Steve “Renman” Rennie would beat him in a game of golf
- “Fashion over function, but substance over style” - Jason Flom
- Jason theorizes that Bette Middler and The Riddler would be the same person
- Jason throws the Monty Hall problem and it blows everyone’s mind
- "The worst rap lyricist is probably better than the best rock lyricist right now" - Jason Flom
Advice:
- Getting your foot in the door is everything
- Get somewhere where you’re able to get into the mix and meet people
- It’s up to you to make your own breaks
Recommendations:
- Maty Noyes
- Andy Black
- Clairity
- Drake
- Kanye West
- Eminem
- Lil Wayne
- The White Stripes
Guest Links:
- http://lavarecords.com
- Twitter: @itsjasonflom
- Facebook: facebook.com/lavarecordsUS
- Instagram: @itsjasonflom / @churchofrockandroll
Sponsors:
- Alyssa Parma (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aqlkLurzyYE)
- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents (http://chriskeaton.com)
- Buck Naked Soap Company (http://bucknakedsoapcompany.com)
- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses (http://thirtyroses.com)
---
For more episodes, visit http://bridge-the-atlantic.com
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bridge_atlantic
Subscribe on iTunes: http://bridge-the-atlantic.com/itunes
Support us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/bridgetheatlantic
More episodes
View all episodes
Digital Detox: A Guide to Unplugging & Social Media Breaks | B-Sides
10:24|In this episode we talk about the importance of taking a break from social media and doing a digital detox, as a musician. A few of the topics we discuss include:The pros and cons of social mediaExamples of reasons you might take a break from social mediaHow to keep social media manageableAvoiding outrage cultureSponsors:Social SurgeElectric KiwiAre Singles the New Album? | B-Sides
10:14|In this episode, we ask the question - what matters more in today's music industry: quality or quantity? A few of the things we discuss include:The strategy of releasing singles rather than albums (especially when it comes to the Spotify algorithms)Whether focusing on quantity means that the quality suffersThe benefits of releasing cover songsSponsors:Social SurgeElectric KiwiLivestreaming 101: Connecting with Your Audience Online | B-Sides
09:49|In recent years, live streaming has grown in popularity as it allows artists to perform and connect with a worldwide audience. And with the current pandemic enforcing social distancing and quarantines all over the world, it's one of the few ways artists can currently perform for an audience.In this episode we talk about the benefits of live streaming, how to get started, promote, and monetize your streams.Sponsors:Social SurgeElectric KiwiAlbum Artwork: Does It Still Matter? | B-Sides
09:59|In this episode we're talking about album artwork, and whether it matters in the streaming age. We cover how album artwork plays a role when it comes to streaming; the resurgence of vinyl and the impact this has on the album artwork; and how to approach album artwork to cover all bases.Sponsors:Social SurgeElectric KiwiHow to Regain the Trust of Your Fans After a Scandal | B-Sides
10:01|In this B-SIDES episode we're talking about the fallout from the downfall of Pledge Music, and what musicians can do next. Our discussion includes:How this has affected artistsHow this has affected fans who have contributed to campaignsWays that artists can help to rebuild trust with their audienceOther crowdfunding options for the futureSponsors:Social SurgeElectric KiwiCoronavirus: A Guide to Succeeding in the New Music Industry | B-Sides
10:07|It's hard to escape the fact that we're currently living in a pandemic. And we know that many musicians are unsure of what to do in these times. In this episode we discuss:How the coronavirus pandemic has affected musicians and everyone else who works in the music industryWhat musicians can do to stay productiveWhy self care is so importantThe role livestreaming can play in staying engaged with your audienceThe importance of entertainment at a time like thisSponsors:Social SurgeElectric KiwiAvoiding Burnout in the Music Industry | B-Sides
11:34|We’re back, baby! In this B-Sides episode, we talk about why we took a break, what burnout is, and how to avoid it, particularly when it comes to working in the music industry.Sponsors:Social SurgeMusicians: Should You Quit Your Day Job? | B-Sides
10:08|In this B-SIDES episode, we talk about balancing your passion with a paycheque and when it might be time to quit your day job. We look at the pros and cons, and also how to decide when it’s time to take the leap into music full time.Does Your Band Need an Online Store? | B-Sides
09:54|In this B-SIDES episode we're looking at the options available for selling music and merch online, and whether you should have a store on your website.--Sponsors:Social Surge