In this episode of The Live Music Industry Podcast, host Matt Ford sits down with Jen Lyon, an independent promoter, to explore how transparency, data, and insights can transform the live music industry for the better. Jen shares her experiences as a female promoter, her vision for launching a new venue in Detroit, and how openness around data helps independent promoters compete with Live Nation and AEG.

They discuss the critical need for industry transparency to lower barriers for women, minorities, and young professionals, making the live music industry more diverse and sustainable. Jen emphasizes that while data can’t remove all risks in live events, it can empower promoters to make informed decisions, negotiate fair deals with agents and artists, and foster collaboration across the industry.

The episode highlights the challenges independents face in accessing reliable data, the need for shared insights, and the benefits of rethinking show financing and community-driven programming to create a more inclusive and profitable live music ecosystem. Jen and Matt also discuss how the industry’s resilience and passion can be harnessed to build a healthier future filled with more independent promoters, venues, and community-focused shows.

If you care about live music, independent venues, diversity in the music industry, and actionable strategies to compete with industry giants, this conversation with Jen Lyon is a must-listen.

What You'll Learn This Episode:

• The importance of transparency and open data for independent promoters.

• How lack of transparency increases industry risk and limits diversity and inclusion.

• Why younger generations hesitate to enter the live music industry and how to address it.

• The balance between using data and accepting risk in live events.

• How transparency benefits agents, artists, and promoters in deal-making and trust-building.

• The challenges independents face against Live Nation and AEG without access to unified data.

• Ideas for rethinking show financing and exploring community-based programming.

• Jen’s vision for a new Detroit venue and supporting local artists.

• How collaboration and shared insights can create a healthier, more sustainable live music ecosystem.

• Why passion and resilience keep people in the industry despite its challenges.