In this episode, host Max Bernstein welcomes Alexander Ciccimarro, Vice President of Marketing at RCA Records, to talk about the evolution of music marketing, artist branding, and the operational systems powering today’s record labels. From orchestrating viral blog-era moments to championing AI-driven label workflows, Alexander unpacks how he navigated a career from mixtape culture to music executive leadership.

Together, they explore the critical role of systems design in the modern music business, the future of small, agile record labels, and why the labels of tomorrow will be built on a single source of truth. This episode is essential for marketers, artists, and operators rethinking how the industry can scale human creativity through smart infrastructure.

Key Takeaways:

1. How early message boards and viral rap moments launched Alexander into music marketing
2. The story behind launching Cardi B’s “Bodak Yellow” and other early Atlantic Records wins
3. Why “Same Plate” focused on fair, profit-sharing deals and the ethos of “Everyone Eats”
4. How AI, no-code tools, and centralized systems are transforming label operations
5. Why the future of music will be run by “rainmakers” empowered by lean teams and AI

Key Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Alexander Ciccimarro

04:40 - Hustling between NYC and ATL with Two-9 and Fatman Key

13:10 - Launching Same Plate with a mission-driven label model

19:00 - Fair deal structures and building the “Everyone Eats” ethos

27:00 - Evolving personal branding and leadership in the digital age

34:00 - Vision for the future: systems over chaos in label operations

41:40 - Why AI won’t replace people, but systems will empower them

47:00 - The single source of truth as the foundation of future labels

49:00 - Final thoughts on systems, training, and the human-AI bridge

Follow our guest, Alexander Ciccimarro:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-ciccimarro-4185ba80/
2. RCA Records LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/rca-records/
3. RCA Records Website: https://www.rcarecords.com/

Follow the Host Max Bernstein:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mberns01/
2. X:

In this episode, host Max Bernstein sits down with Dr. Chelsey Green, a genre-crossing violinist, educator, and now Chair of the Board of Trustees at the Recording Academy. Known for her work as a classical and contemporary musician, Dr. Chelsey shares how a spontaneous open-mic performance led her down a transformative path, from performing with a touring R&B band to shaping the future of the music industry.

This episode provides an inside look at what the Recording Academy does beyond the Grammy Awards, encompassing music education, professional development, advocacy, and global outreach. Dr. Chelsey also examines the Academy's stance on AI in music, the impact of peer-voted recognition, and why this moment is critical for community building and connectivity in the industry.

Key Takeaways:

1. How Chelsey Green transitioned from classical violinist to Chair of the Recording Academy Board
2. What the Recording Academy really does beyond the Grammy Awards
3. How independent artists can submit music and earn nominations
4. Why ethical AI and global connection are central to the Academy’s future vision
5. How creators and industry executives alike can plug into their local Recording Academy chapters

Key Timestamps:

00:00 – Introduction to Dr. Chelsey Green

02:37 – From open mic surprise to R&B bandleader

05:21 – The Recording Academy’s mission beyond the Grammys

10:15 – How creators can join and participate

15:19 – How Chelsey's Grammy perspective has evolved

19:12 – Demystifying the Grammy voting process

22:07 – Grammy wins and the independent artist career boost

30:36 – The potential and pitfalls of AI in music

34:06 – Final thoughts for industry leaders and creators

Follow our guest, Dr. Chelsey Green:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drchelseygreen/
2. Website: https://www.chelseygreen.com/, https://www.recordingacademy.com/, https://www.grammy.com
3. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drchelseygreen/
4. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GreenProjectTGP/

Follow the Host Max Bernstein:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mberns01/

In this episode, host Max Bernstein talks with Alessandro Viola, a classically trained percussionist turned low-code systems architect at Warner Classics. Alessandro shares his unique journey from growing up immersed in classical music to building internal software systems that are transforming the way classical record labels operate.

He offers a rare look behind the curtain of the classical music industry, discussing how rights management and marketing works in the Classics genre. The conversation also dives deep into the no-code/low-code world, comparing tools like Notion and Airtable, and exploring how tech-savvy creatives can build impactful tools within their companies, often without writing a single line of code.

Key Takeaways:

1. How Alessandro transitioned from performer to tech lead at a major label
2. What it means to manage 400+ years of music in the modern recording industry
3. The role of classical music in today’s streaming and performance landscape
4. How Airtable and Notion stack up for internal system building and knowledge management
5. Why low-code tools are becoming essential infrastructure across creative industries

Key Timestamps:

00:00 - Introduction to Alessandro Viola

03:30 - Ownership and public domain of classical music catalogs

09:00 - Classical music and pop music crossovers (Rosalía)

13:00 - The future of classical music and modern trends

17:26 - Building tools with Airtable and no-code platforms at Warner

32:36 - setting-up tools with extra functionalities

45:00 - Closing thoughts on the future of low-code/no-code tools like notion and airtable

Follow our guest, Alessandro Viola:

1. Alessandro’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ale-viola/
2. Warner Music Group’s LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/warner-music-group/
3. Warner Music Group Website: https://www.wmg.com/

Follow the Host Max Bernstein:

1. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mberns01/
2. X: https://x.com/relationlco

Follow RELATIONL:

1. Website: https://www.relationl.co/
2. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/relationl/