In this deep-dive episode of The Live Music Industry Podcast, we sit down with Graham Williams, founder of Resound Presents and a cornerstone of the Austin live music scene, to explore the evolution of live music promotion in Texas and beyond. From the early days of booking DIY punk shows with nothing but paper calendars and white-out, to leading hundreds of live events each year through cutting-edge platforms like Prism, Graham offers an unfiltered look at the past, present, and future of live music. Whether you’re a venue owner, aspiring promoter, touring artist, or music tech enthusiast, this episode is packed with real-world insights you won’t find anywhere else.

What You'll Learn This Episode:

• The Mechanics of a Modern-Day Promoter: Discover how Resound Presents books 500–600 live shows a year, and what it takes to manage a portfolio of venues including Mohawk Austin and the 29th Street Ballroom, while producing shows at larger rooms like ACL Live and Radio East.

• Texas-Specific Market Insights: Learn why Houston remains a difficult city for independent promoters, how Dallas and San Antonio compare, and why Austin remains a cornerstone of live music culture in the U.S.

• Pandemic Recovery and Market Realities: Understand how the live music industry rebounded post-COVID, what the "ticket bubble" was, and how promoters are adjusting to more sustainable levels of fan demand and attendance.

• Impact of Big Venues and Dynamic Pricing: Explore how megavenues like the Moody Center influence the entire local scene, and why dynamic pricing models may hurt smaller clubs as fans shift their spending.

• The Rise and Fall of Iconic Festivals: Hear behind-the-scenes stories of Austin’s beloved Fun Fun Fun Fest, its unique mix of comedy, music, and culture, and what led to its demise despite its lasting influence.

• Festival Economics and Risk Management: Get a realistic look at what it takes to produce a festival—budgeting, investor challenges, weather unpredictability, and how to protect year-round operations.

• Technology That’s Changing the Game: Dive into how booking and data tools like Prism are transforming offer management, promoter collaboration, ticketing integration, and revenue forecasting.

• Staying True to the Brand: Learn how Graham's DIY punk roots influence Resound Presents’ curation, marketing, and brand identity—and why they steer clear of chasing mainstream trends.

• Artist Discovery and Booking in the Streaming Era: Hear how Graham and his team discover new talent, stay culturally relevant, and program shows for a musically diverse audience with eclectic tastes.

• The Future of Live Events: From destination shows to themed experiences, Graham shares ideas on how live events can evolve to excite fans and differentiate from the typical concert-going routine.