Record Straight

Every independent artist that releases music wants to create some form of sustainability out of their music and the reality is, very few actually do. A lack of focus on key areas, belief with no system or plan and a lack of emphasis on linking creativity and commerce are just some of what we encounter daily in our conversations with artists. In this episode we dive into what it takes to build a real artist business...

In this episode, we break down UGC (User Generated Content) and why it should be a more important focus point than playlisting to support your release. 

This is Record Straight, your go-to spot for unfiltered insights into the Australian Music Scene. Your hosts, Christina and Anthony from Cartel Australia. Let's dive in, exploring Australia's musical landscape like never before - where honesty echoes louder than illusion. Listen u...

In this episode, we sit down with Steven Cannatelli, founder of Future Artists Music and manager of acts like JUNO, STAHR and Ryelle. We dive deep into what it takes to develop as a ‘touring artist’ drawing upon Steve's 10+ year experience as a tour manager. This is Record Straight, your go-to spot for unfiltered insights into the Australian music scene. Your hosts Christina and Anthony from Cartel Australia. Let's dive in, explo...

In this episode, we break down whether artists still need to create a 'moment' to build an artist career, or whether it is more relevant to focus on consistency and slow growth. This is Record Straight, your go-to spot for unfiltered insights into the Australian music scene. Your hosts Christina and Anthony from Cartel Australia. Let's dive in, exploring Australia's musical landscape like never before - where honesty echoes loude...

In this episode we break down the difference between content storytelling and true social strategy, how to navigate different platforms, and why fan data is key to building a career in today’s music industry.

This is Record Straight, your go-to spot for unfiltered insights into the Australian music scene. Your hosts Christina and Anthony from Cartel Australia. Let's dive in, exploring Australia's musical landscape like never befo...

This episode is all about Record labels, we're getting to the heart of the business by sharing our personal journeys and collective experiences with labels. Host Christina discusses her time as Head of Publicity at an independent label, while co-host Anthony reveals what it was like to be an artist signed to multiple indies and deal with majors. We'll give you an honest look at the day-to-day reality from both sides of the fence.

In 2025, the music industry is more layered than ever. As artists build careers that straddle creativity and commerce, the support they choose matters. Two critical roles - artist management and artist consulting - often get confused, yet each plays a unique part in an artist’s journey. This is Record Straight, your go-to spot for unfiltered insights into the Australian music scene. Your hosts Christina and Anthony from Cartel Aus...

Discussing the priorities of independent and developing artists vs. the priorities of industry.  What are the priorities of a label? What are the priorities of a manager or an agent? And what are the main differences between those and the focus for an artist? We hope that this series can provide clarity on the primary considerations of artists and professionals in the AUNZ music scene.  This is Record Straight, your go-to spot f...

Tips for growing your artist project in 2025. This is Record Straight, your go-to spot for unfiltered insights into the Australian music scene. Your hosts Christina and Anthony from Cartel Australia. Let's dive in, exploring Australia's musical landscape like never before - where honesty echoes louder than illusion.

Record Straight is a podcast for emerging, developing, and independent artists and musicians, created by Cartel Aust...

Are you actually an artist?

The main factor separating those who are creating a career (and therefore, sustainability as an artist) are the measurable actions for every aspect of the project.

1. Creative processes

2. Prioritise networking and learning industry best practice

3. Time management

4. Budget - know what you need to spend

5. Release plan

6. Self-evaluation & expectations

Record Straight is a podcast for emerging,...

Your ego, your attitude, what you're doing wrong, and how to fix it. 

Tracklist: 1. Work hard, and work harder.

2. Do what you say you're going to do.

3. You're not going to see immediate results, and that's okay.

4. Yeah, your music is good. So what?

5. You do not 'deserve it' / Check your entitlement at the door.

6. Confidence, not arrogance.

7. Remember your industry - have fun with it!

Record Straight is a podcast for emerg...

5 key points to creating content that converts as an independent / developing artist.

What is your intention? How are you developing your brand? Who is your audience? What is the content going to communicate? How are you planning to drive consumption to your audio? 

Record Straight is a podcast for emerging, developing and independent artists and musicians, created by BGCOMMUNITY and Cartel Australia. Record Straight shines a li...

Do you really need that 'must-have' support from media and Spotify editorial playlisting? Do you even know what it'll do for your artist growth? What are the processes you have in place once you gain media support? Tell you what, in this day and age - it won't do what you think it will. 

Record Straight is a podcast for emerging, developing, and independent artists and musicians, created by BGCOMMUNITY and Cartel Australia. Recor...

Do independent and developing artists need a manager? Who is the team that should support an artist in their early and continued development? How does an artist create an authentic project? 

Record Straight is a podcast for emerging, developing, and independent artists and musicians, created by BGCOMMUNITY and Cartel Australia. Record Straight shines a light on topics of platform growth, community building, repeat listenership, a...