Ep. 73: Seasoned music professional balances business and creativity

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With a prosperous career spanning over 25 years, Neil Mason is a seasoned artist, manager, and record label founder in the music industry.

Neil’s musical journey includes being a part of three bands that have secured major label record deals, performed globally, and played over 2,500 shows to audiences in the millions.

Neil’s multifaceted involvement in the music industry extends to writing, managing, publishing, and producing songs that have collectively garnered over 1 billion streams.

His current band, The Cadillac Three, has released six albums.

In 2016, he launched Badlands Management, an independent management company that aims to guide artists toward their goals in the music business.

The artists he works with have been streamed over 600 million times and have toured with artists such as Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Eric Church, Morgan Wallen, and many more.

In 2023, Badlands Management began working in partnership with Red Light Management.

Recently, he co-founded War Buddha Records, a joint venture with Warner Records.

With experience in the creative and business sides of the industry, Neil is passionate about helping other artists and music industry professionals solve their challenges to build the careers they envision.

What makes you uniquely qualified to discuss financial and artistic freedom for musicians?

I’ve been a touring musician and in the music business since I was a teenager.

3 record deals (Llama – 1997 – 2003 MCA Records, American Bang – 2005 – 2010 Warner Records, The Cadillac Three – 2011 – Present)

Artist Manager @ Red Light Management
Record Label @ War Buddha Records
Songwriter

What is a crazy-but-true fact about you?

I met Little Richard & Ron Jeremy in the same elevator at the Hyatt House on Sunset during my first trip to LA when I was 17.

Why is financial literacy among musicians important to you?

Preparing for the future is a work in progress, and it’s best to begin as early as possible. Many artists think they need more happening to plan for their future, but it only takes a little to turn a little into more.

What is one piece of advice you would impart on the audience?

Your career won’t be perfect, but it must be profitable.

Connect with Neil:

Thanks for listening and keep thriving!