#318 - Jay Gilbert: Build Fans, Not Followers

Jay Gilbert is a veteran music-industry executive turned independent strategist and creator. After years on the road as a musician, he held leadership roles at Universal Music, Sony, and Warner—most notably as VP of New Media & Online Marketing at Universal Music Enterprises—before co-founding the consultancy Label Logic. Today he publishes the influential Your Morning Coffee newsletter, co-hosts multiple industry podcasts, guest-lectures at UCLA, USC, and Columbia, mentors through GrammyU, and continues his creative work as a photographer and educator, helping artists and teams navigate a fast-changing, digital-first music business.

From AI and algorithms to old-school storytelling, Jay breaks down what actually works now in music marketing—and how indie artists can build community, momentum, and sustainable revenue without selling their soul.

Key Takeaways:

• Build true fans, not vanity metrics: Turn audience insights into a compelling narrative and consistent engagement across platforms and live shows.
• Monetize beyond streams: Use premium merch/vinyl, live experiences, memberships, and sync to create multiple, fan-aligned revenue streams.
• Decide with data (and smart AI): Read platform analytics, run simple tests, and double-down on what moves the needle—plus where AI tools really help.

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→ Learn more about Jay and his work at: label-logic.net.

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