An Interview with JABBERJAW MEDIA Podcasting Network Founder, NICK BUNDA on the Importance of a Music Podcast!

JabberJaw Media, a new music focused podcast network founded by Matt Carter (Emery, The BadChristian Podcast), Nick Bunda (BCPOD Producer), and Mike Mowery (Outerloop Management).

The trio formed the network after seeing that there was a need for podcast hosts to strategize and find ways to build stronger audiences and share tips under one roof. They collaborated to create a music-centric podcast network that enables direct communication between artists and their audience without the influence of media conglomerates or other gatekeepers. The shows provide a wealth of knowledge about today’s music industry and offer insightful stories, help for emerging artists, and thought-provoking topics.

Learn more about this podcasting network in the following All Access interview with Nick Bunda:

Thanks for your time! So, what’s a typical day look like for you lately?

My days have been pretty hectic lately, which is a good thing.  My partners and I spend most of the day on phone calls, responding to e-mails, tracking down sponsors, booking guest interviews, prepping questions for those interviews, editing podcasts, developing new shows, working on PR strategy, and the list goes on.  We seem to thrive in that chaotic environment.

How did you, Matt Carter and Mike Mowery first come up with the idea to form Jabberjaw Media? What was it like forming this brand new concept for a podcasting network?

I produce Matt Carter’s show, The BadChristian Podcast, and also do all of the advertising sales.  The idea to start Jabberjaw seemed to come about organically, and we felt that there was a need for a music-focused podcast network.  Matt and I had been learning a lot about the podcasting industry in general, much of which was gained from conversations with other podcast hosts, as well as the painful process of trial and error with our own show.  We were also being approached by companies, bands, and different personalities to help them develop and produce their own podcasts.  We felt that if we could bring a group of like-minded shows under one umbrella, we could all grow our fanbases through cross-promotion, and this new platform would give us a space to develop, produce, and launch brand new podcasts.  Mike came into the picture when we had him as a guest on The BadChristian Podcast.  He was a big fan of podcasting, as well as a successful and well-respected artist manager in the music industry.  We knew immediately that Mike needed to be involved.  He had the knowledge, experience, and contacts to actually turn this idea into a reality.

How do you think that the podcasts on the Jabberjaw Media network fill a hole that was missing in the podcast world?

If you look at the podcast charts on iTunes, you have to scroll all the way down to the 60’s or 70’s to find a music podcast that’s actually charting.  It’s not due to a lack of interest on the part of the listener; there is a great demand for quality music podcasts.  There was simply no network out there that was solely focused on creating and curating great music-based podcasts.  The need for Jabberjaw was obvious, so we made it our goal to be the leader in this area of the industry.  We compiled a roster of the best music podcasts available, and developed two brand new shows to create a network that spans all genres of music.

What’s been the most surprising thing to you about starting up your own podcast network?

The response from the music industry was the most surprising thing for me.  People from all facets of the industry expressed their support, shared their thoughts about a particular show they were now in love with, and wanted to know how we could work together on everything from advertising, to new show development, to booking their artist’s for interviews.  You know you’ve filled a hole within an industry when everyone you talk to has “a perfect idea for a new Jabberjaw podcast!”

Can you talk about the various podcasts that are on the network? Why do you feel they fit with the Jabberjaw Media concept? Was it difficult to pick and choose podcasts to be part of it?

Sure.  We’ve worked hard to curate a roster that spans multiple genres and, as cliche as it sounds, we really do hope we’ve put together a network that has something for any music fan.  Every show is hosted by someone with ties to the music industry.  We have hosts from bands like Emery, Silverstein, The Get Up Kids and Anberlin, all the way to a professional journalist, Matt Peiken, who hosts the show Metal Brainiac.  It was definitely difficult to pick and choose the shows that make up Jabberjaw.  Ultimately, we settled on 10 shows that really “get it.”  These are shows with hosts and teams that put in the work.  They understand that a good podcast has a format and flow, it’s entertaining, and it provides the listener with a real experience.  You can check out the entire roster at www.jabberjawmedia.com

What are your personal favorite podcasts to listen to today?

Obviously I listen to all of the shows on Jabberjaw Media.  Lead Singer Syndrome with Shane Told is one that I produce, so I guess that is my favorite Jabberjaw show at the moment.  Outside of Jabberjaw, I’m really enjoying this second season of Serial.  I’m sure the podcast hipsters are collectively rolling their eyes at my answer because they liked Serial “before it was popular.”  I’ve also realized that comedians are some of the best podcaster’s out there.  Guys like Marc Maron, Bill Burr, Joe Rogan, Adam Corolla, and Pete Holmes all have really good shows.

Where can people find all the podcasts on the Jabberjaw Media network?

You can find all of our shows at www.jabberjawmedia.com and if you look in the “Extras” folder on your iPhone, there’s little purple app called “Podcasts” – all of our shows can be found there, as well as Stitcher, iTunes, and Soundcloud.