On the Couch with MEX artwork

On the Couch with MEX

146 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 days ago -

Music Exchange (MEX) founder Martin Myers and music writer Jason Curtis host a candid weekly chat. Each session shares lived experiences, and all promote vital conversations regarding the state of the entertainment economy, local and international, current, and future.

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Episodes

On the Couch - #95 - MEX in conversation with Robert Plummer

October 20, 2023 06:00 - 29 minutes - 39.9 MB

We invited Robert Plummer Senior Managing Editor | Penguin Non-Fiction to talk about book publishing on the Business of Entertainment on CapeTalk on Thursday 19th October at 9pm. His work involves overseeing the process of turning manuscripts into published books. He has been working in publishing for over 25 years. He publishes a range of non-fiction: politics, current affairs, history, biography, sport, business and personal finance.

On the Couch - #94 - MEX in conversation with Shakatak

October 13, 2023 07:00 - 26 minutes - 36 MB

The Business of Entertainment on Cape Talk, hosted by Martin Myers every Thursday at 9pm, landed a real coup with this exclusive one-on-one. We spoke to Shakatak on Thursday 12th October at 9pm. We chatted to Jill Saward (lead vocals) and Bill Sharpe (keys). The band has firmly established itself as a vibrant live act, combining astute musicianship with a sense of fun that translates perfectly with audiences worldwide to this day. Shakatak, comprising Jill Saward (lead vocals), Bill Sharp...

On the Couch - #93 - MEX in conversation with Leslie Adams

October 09, 2023 15:46 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MB

Great Streaming Boom: the mass move to video on demand (VOD) services, such as Netflix, Disney+ and Viu. We speak to Leslie Adams from Reach Africa As an expert in the streaming space, Leslie has analysed this shift towards online streaming services in parallel to the decline of live TV. While this is very much a global phenomenon, Leslie believes that there are certain factors, in particular, that make the SA market particularly amenable to video on demand (VOD).

On the Couch - #92 - MEX in conversation with Suzanne Ackerman - Part 2

October 06, 2023 07:00 - 26 minutes - 37 MB

The Business of Entertainment on CapeTalk, hosted by Martin Myers every Thursday at 9pm, has landed a real coup with this exclusive one-on-one. We spoke to Suzanne Ackerman founder of Feed the Nation.(www.feedthenation.org.za ) on Thursday 5 October at 9pm Suzanne speaks in depth about philanthropy and what it means and what we can all do to be better. Her ethos of “doing good is good business” is at the heart of everything she does. Be prepared to be inspired and blown away by the sheer...

On the Couch - #91 - MEX in conversation with Suzanne Ackerman

September 29, 2023 07:07 - 28 minutes - 39.8 MB

We speak to Suzanne Ackerman founder of Feed the Nation.( www.feedthenation.org.za ) last night Thursday 28 Sept at 9pm on cape talk. Suzanne speaks in depth about Philanthropy and what it means and what we can all do to be better. Her ethos of “doing good is good business” is at the heart of everything she does. Be prepared to be inspired and blown away by the sheer gravitas of what the organisation does.

On the Couch - #90 - MEX talks with Jarrod Aston

September 26, 2023 09:53 - 30 minutes - 47.1 MB

A discussion with Jarrod Aston of Audio Analytics and Radio Monitor, about his career in the music industry. music tech, digital media, music rights, broadcast monitoring and serial business entrepreneur.

On the Couch - #89 - Duncan Cruickshank - Part 2

September 22, 2023 08:55 - 29 minutes - 40 MB

Now in its 21st Week, the Business of Entertainment on Cape Talk, hosted by Martin Myers every Thursday at 9 pm, had a great guest last night. Duncan Cruickshank is a media consultant in the Sports Industry at large with a focus on Rugby and Golf. Last week we unpacked the DHL Stormers and now this week 21 September, we got to understand the Business of Golf which is all part of the Business of Entertainment.

On the Couch - #88 - Siphokazi Jonas talks truth

September 18, 2023 19:02 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

Sara - Jayne Makwala King profiles Siphokazi Jonas on Weekend Breakfast on Cape Talk, Saturday, 16 September 2023.

On the Couch - #87 - MEX talks to John Maytham

September 16, 2023 07:21 - 9 minutes - 8.38 MB

Bob Lefsetz, like many major labels I have read comments from on the back of the Universal/Deezer deal, simply do not get or understand the Super Fan model that’s being successfully championed by BandLab. 60 million + subscribers and climbing confirms people love it. Streaming pays from the very first play, yes at 0.0007 cents, but paid out they will be, if only when they hit a certain number, but that money stays theirs. Secondly the Super Fan model, under the Deezer/Uni deal rewards acti...

On the Couch - #86 - MEX talks to Duncan Cruickshank

September 15, 2023 08:24 - 29 minutes - 40.8 MB

Duncan Cruickshank, a media consultant to the DHL Stormers. He has an in-depth knowledge of professional rugby as an experienced marketing and communications specialist with a demonstrated history of working in the broader sports industry. Duncan is skilled in Marketing Strategy, Marketing Management, Brand Development, Event Management, Media Relations and Sponsorship.

On the Couch - #85 - MEX talks to Roy Harman

September 07, 2023 18:58 - 30 minutes - 42 MB

The MD of Respect Music,  Roy Harman  is a music lover that has weaved his way in the South African music industry as an artist manager, record label owner, live music coordinator and event producer.  This year he celebrates 20 years in the music industry. We talked Loyiso Bala, Soweto Gospel Choir, Mojo Market and much more.

On the Couch - #84 - MEX talks to Siphokazi Jonas - Part 2

September 01, 2023 10:44 - 29 minutes - 40.2 MB

South African writer, poet, and producer, Siphokazi Jonas speaking on The business of Entertainment on Cape Talk last night at 9pm  (31 August 2023). She was speaking in depth about the award winning short film  #WeAreDyingHere ,the challenges and can do attitude and the graft needed to push forward.   The production was adapted into an award-winning short film, which has screened at numerous international film festivals.  Siphokazi  holds an MA in English Literature as well as an undergr...

On the Couch - #83 - MEX talks to Siphokazi Jonas

August 25, 2023 11:31 - 29 minutes - 40.2 MB

Meet Siphokazi Jonas, the multi-award-winning South African poet, playwright, actor and producer, in conversation with me, Martin Myers.

On the Couch - #82 - MEX talks to Michael Yormark, President of Roc Nation Sports International

August 18, 2023 07:41 - 28 minutes - 39.3 MB

No excuses just results - Michael Yormark, President of Roc Nation Sports International's mantra. An honour and a privilege to have you in studio on CapeTalk on the weekly Thursday night 9pm show, the Business of Entertainment, hosted by Martin Myers.

On the Couch - #81 - MEX talks to James Bösenberg

August 11, 2023 08:11 - 29 minutes - 39.9 MB

Every Thursday at 9pm CapeTalk listeners can tune in for the station’s segment the ‘Business of Entertainment,’ that promises to deliver a fascinating and first-hand account of the South African entertainment industry. This week's chat is with James Bösenberg the Chief Operating Officer at Quicket , about all things regarding tickets and ticketing for your events, even Free events. Hosted by Music Exchange founder, music manager and publicist, Martin Myers this weekly half-hour segment wil...

On the Couch - #80 - In Conversation with Ian Martin - Part 2

August 04, 2023 06:54 - 29 minutes - 40.4 MB

Life Coach Ian Martin is the owner and founder of COACH ONE. Talking about what creatives say do and or have or don’t have. Ego, arrogance, the authentic self and much more. Ian has been a life coach for over 20 years. WHO IS LIFE COACHING FOR? People who are not living an optimal life, and looking for a shift from their self-destructive stuckness. Individual/s who would like to reach their full potential relative to defined goals. People who are self-injuring* as a result of their...

On the Couch - #79 - In Conversation with Vernon Adams

August 03, 2023 18:26 - 15 minutes - 14.7 MB

Vernon Adams speaks about Ladismith, and what he is doing in the town and his love of radio - exciting times ahead. Get a head start on what will be happening in Ladismith, yes that's the one in the Western Cape ;-) Please enjoy the learning.

On the Couch - #78 - In Conversation with Sipho Mabuse - Part 2 of 2

August 01, 2023 15:55 - 28 minutes - 26.2 MB

Part 2, talking to SA music icon, Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse, re: Graceland, Clegg, The song "Party", and much more...

On the Couch - #77 - In Conversation with Sipho Mabuse - Part 1 of 2

August 01, 2023 09:59 - 28 minutes - 26 MB

Having worked with the SA national treasure, Sipho 'Hotstix' Mabuse, since 1985, Martin chats with his longtime friend and colleague where fantastic memories are shared and rare truths revealed.

On the Couch - #76 - In Conversation with Ian Martin

July 28, 2023 07:43 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MB

A Special Man – Life Coach Ian Martin owner and founder of COACH ONE, talking about what creatives say do and or have ego, arrogance, the authentic self and much more. Ian has been a life coach for over 20 years pushing a conducive environment that encourages, inspires, ignites self-belief and confidence. Brings on SELF healing, growth and personal development. Illuminate self-love and respect allowing love to radiate – bringing on a higher level of consciousness for the individuals.

On the Couch - #75 - In Conversation with Lesley Wells

July 22, 2023 15:08 - 28 minutes - 39.1 MB

Meet my latest guest, Lesley Wells, on The Business of Entertainment which run every Thursday evening on Cape Talk. Lesley Wells is a Cape Town based music manager and booking agent.  Her career started in the corporate world in Johannesburg as a marketing, advertising, PR manager for a large insurance company. In 1997, after returning to Cape Town, she joined forces with some former colleagues to form STARTRACKERS entertainment agency before buying them out in 1999. STARTRACKERS was the...

On the Couch - #74 - In Conversation with Nic Guad

July 03, 2023 12:43 - 10 minutes - 14.7 MB

This week, I chat to Nic Guad, leader of the band, 7th Son about their new album and moving and living in Mauritius.

On the Couch - #73 - In Conversation with Meng Kuok

June 23, 2023 15:23 - 44 minutes - 41.1 MB

There are few as mighty as those who seek to democratize music for all. Meng Kuok is leading the way. Music commentator Bob Lefsetz, like many major labels I have read comments from on the back of the recent Universal/Deezer deal, simply do not get or understand the Super Fan model that’s being successfully championed by BandLab. 60 million + subscribers and climbing confirms people love it. Streaming pays from the very first play, yes at 0.0007 cents, but paid out they will be, if only w...

On the Couch - #72 - In Conversation with Paris Toon

June 07, 2023 10:43 - 23 minutes - 22 MB

Paris Toon is the Billboard-charting, award-winning lyricist and the musical enigma behind Mothers Favorite Child.  He is an extraordinary business entrepreneur, songwriter and producer who never seems to stray for a moment from his forward-driven vision of success in the music world and beyond. We chat about Prince, Robin S, Beyoncé, Carl Cox, AI, peak caps and more. Please enjoy.

On the Couch - #71 - Jazzathon 2023 - The People's Festival

June 02, 2023 19:39 - 36 minutes - 53 MB

Cape Town, 29 May 2023 – June is hotting up thanks to The People's Festival, Jazzathon 2023, returning to the Mother City for the 26th time! As Cape Town's Jazzathon's African Celebration prepares to go live, come Friday, 23 June, all the way through to Sunday, 25 June 2023, reasons to be cheerful are plentiful thanks to this year's stellar line-up, including the legendary American guitar maestro, Stanley Gordon. Grand Arena, GrandWest Casino & Entertainment World in Goodwood, Cape Town, i...

On the Couch - #70 - Radio Ripples

March 21, 2023 14:13 - 8 minutes - 7.85 MB

Radio in 2023 has become a vanity play for many legacy acts in this country.  I say this because terrestrial radio has long since not been the gatekeeper to artists' success, and yet so many look to it for bragging rights alone.

On the Couch - #69 - Sipho "Hotstix" Mabuse celebrates the Soweto greats

March 08, 2023 13:57 - 3 minutes - 3.15 MB

Sipho Hotstix Mabuse - Resident of Soweto his entire life, gives us a song list that define Soweto. Enjoy hearing about the musical DNA of this legendary South West township in South Africa.

On the Couch - #68 - The power of collaboration

February 24, 2023 06:00 - 17 minutes - 16.5 MB

Critically acclaimed singer, songwriter, producer, musical director, and vocal coach, RJ Benjamin returns to take on the charts, only this time, he’s got commanding backup. Spotting the perfect match, RJ recruited award-winning and seminal master guitarist Cameron Ward to deliver even greater dimension and entirely homegrown and nurtured texture to “Yonela”, RJ’s brand-new, soon-to-be anthem.

On the Couch - #67 - Unpacking the conundrum of artist apathy in self-promotion

February 17, 2023 15:30 - 8 minutes - 7.86 MB

South African creatives suffer from the assumption that their profile will automatically replicate, shy of doing any heavy lifting when it comes to promoting their art. Social Media is a powerful platform to promote your work, your gigs, and your overall investment in the entertainment economy. So, get involved or bow out and get out of the way and make room for willing and invested creatives who are.

On the Couch - #66 - In Conversation with Buti Manamela

February 13, 2023 15:39 - 32 minutes - 30.3 MB

MEX created an opportunity to go to the source. We had the rare privilege to host Buti Manamela, the Deputy Minister for Higher Education, Science and Innovation.  His previous portfolio was Deputy Minister for Higher Education and Training, and before that, he served as Deputy Minister in the Presidency: Planning Monitoring and Evaluation, Youth Development and Administration. 

On the Couch - #65 - In Conversation with Tumi Molekane

February 11, 2023 13:58 - 12 minutes - 11.3 MB

Tumi Molekane (born 16 August 1981) is a Tanzanian-born, South African rapper and poet. He was Tumi and the Volume's lead vocalist, officially disbanding in 2012. Fast forward to 2016, when Tumi relaunched his musical ambitions as Stogie T, along with the single "Diamond Walk", followed by an eponymous debut album which featured Da L.E.S, Lastee, Emtee, Nasty C, Nadia Nakai & Yanga.

On the Couch - #64 - In Conversation with David Briggs

January 13, 2023 20:07 - 18 minutes - 17 MB

This week I enjoyed the privilege of sitting with David Briggs, who specialises in the field of collaboration between individuals, teams and organisations. His work is informed by over 20 years of consulting with organisations undertaking large integrations and change projects. He focuses on the micro, not the macro, in order to push the needle in his role - 'half research, half action'. More recently, David has been working with senior leaders to help improve collaboration between organis...

On the Couch - #63 - In Conversation with Ezra Delport

January 10, 2023 19:26 - 26 minutes - 24.4 MB

A chat with Ezra Delport, from Cape Town, who is a top sound engineer now working in America with Kirk Whalum, amongst others. Our friendship goes back to 1985. Listen and enjoy.

On the Couch - #62 - In Conversation with John Maytham on Cape Talk

December 29, 2022 09:13 - 19 minutes - 17.7 MB

Chatted to John Maytham on Cape Talk on 27 December to discuss my Top 10 for 2022. Topics included: Dr Trevor Jones and Marc Marot both in Cape Town for Music Exchange in November. Marc being appointed Managing Director of Island Records in 1990, the youngest MD in the UK music industry at the time. Other artists we discussed included: Moreira Chonguica, Steve Louw, and Bad Bunny, an a Puerto Rican rapper and singer. Sting R.Kelly, and many more.

On the Couch - #61 - In Conversation with Marc Marot - Part 2 of 2

December 17, 2022 19:28 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MB

Welcome back to the story behind Marc Marot, ex-Island Records Managing Director and today an artist in his own right.    This is the second part of a two part interview that unpacks a journey that saw him promoted to the youngest Managing Director of a major record label at 29.   Amongst the artists signed and developed by his team while at Island Records were Pulp, PJ Harvey, The Stereo MCs, P.M. Dawn, The Cranberries, Elbow, Chaka Demus and Pliers, NWA, The Orb, Ice Cube, Talvin Singh, T...

On the Couch - #60 - In Conversation with Marc Marot - Part 1 of 2

December 17, 2022 19:20 - 34 minutes - 31.8 MB

Meet Marc Marot, ex-Island Records Managing Director and today an artist in his own right.   This two-part interview unpacks a journey that saw him promoted to the youngest Managing Director of a major record label at 29.   Amongst the artists signed and developed by his team while at Island Records were Pulp, PJ Harvey, The Stereo MCs, P.M. Dawn, The Cranberries, Elbow, Chaka Demus and Pliers, NWA, The Orb, Ice Cube, Talvin Singh, Tricky and Nine Inch Nails. Marc also guided U2’s career t...

On the Couch - #59 - In Conversation with Ashley Dowds

December 09, 2022 21:08 - 30 minutes - 28.6 MB

Ashley Dowds is a South African actor, television presenter and director best known as a continuity presenter for SABC3, and for co-presenting the reality travel show Going Nowhere Slowly, also on SABC3. He is also known for his role as advertising executive Andrew McBain on the e.tv soapie Scandal!, since the show began in January 2005. We discuss the current state of the Entertainment Economy in 🇿🇦.

On the Couch - #58 - In Conversation with Marc Marot - Part 2 of 2

November 19, 2022 19:41 - 16 minutes - 14.9 MB

This is part two of Marc Marot, ex-Island Records Managing Director and today an artist in his own right. This is the second part of a two-part interview that unpacks a journey that saw him promoted to the youngest Managing Director of a major record label at 29. Marc flew in from London last week to deliver a keynote address at #MEX22.

On the Couch - #57 - In Conversation with Marc Marot - Part 1 of 2

November 08, 2022 15:46 - 7 minutes - 6.94 MB

Meet Marc Marot, ex-Island Records Managing Director and today an artist in his own right.  This is a two-part interview that unpacks a journey that saw him promoted to the youngest Managing Director of a major record label at 29. Marc flew in from London this week to deliver a keynote address at #MEX22. 

On the Couch - #56 - In Conversation with Terry Fortune

October 31, 2022 17:55 - 14 minutes - 13.6 MB

We chatted to the legendary Terry Fortune about the state of the entertainment economy, circa 2022, as well as his time in District 6 The Musical and the work he continues doing with legacy acts, today.

On the Couch - #55 - In conversation with DINOCO Entertainment CEO Dino Perera

October 11, 2022 12:42 - 35 minutes - 32.5 MB

Over the past 16 years, Dino Perera founded and built DINOCO Entertainment into one of the most respected companies in the music, entertainment and sports businesses based in New York. Dino was in SA two weeks ago with superstar Sybil, and we got to talk managers, music and more. DINOCO Entertainment is a top provider of sports entertainment DINOCO Entertainment is a top provider of sports entertainment. As CEO,  Dino researches, negotiates, confirms and contracts domestic and international...

On the Couch - #54 - In conversation with Samm Marshall

October 03, 2022 06:29 - 20 minutes - 18.9 MB

Recently I had the privilege of sitting with my dear friend Samm Marshall in Johannesburg. In this session he took me through Social TV, an online multimedia news channel focused on impact investment, sustainable development issues and shared values. Check it out, here: https://social-tv.co.za/ 

On the Couch - #53 - In conversation with Brian Currin

September 30, 2022 18:32 - 1 minute - 519 KB

This week MEX talks about all things Twitter, Facebook, and blogs and what each one can do for your brand with website and media strategist Brian Currin. Brian is the fuel that fires the likes of sugarman.org and stevelouw.com – look, and you’ll better understand this man’s passion and pedigree.

On the Couch - #52 - In conversation with Howie Combrink

September 22, 2022 13:28 - 26 minutes - 24.2 MB

We chat to consummate pro Howie Combrink. After releasing his critically acclaimed single, “The City”, in 2020, singer-songwriter and producer, Howie Combrink joined forces with Rada, a non-profit organisation, to release his new single, “I See You”. The song was co-written with Craig Hinds, Howie’s previous band member and frontman of the band Watershed.

On the Couch - #51 - In conversation with Berry

September 08, 2022 17:21 - 29 minutes - 27.6 MB

In this episode, I got to spend time with Berry. Listen and learn as she speaks about winning Idols SA, family and more. This sessions big takeout - Is the Idols franchise a poisonous chalice and a point of pop departure before you even start?

On the Couch - #50 - In conversation with Craig Stein

August 24, 2022 17:11 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MB

Listen to my chat with this top business executive, Craig Stein, He is a shareholder and Director at an impressively successful travel business, and is also deeply invested in the entertainment economy. Stunning thoughts for artists to ponder about the business of the business you’re in.

On the Couch - #49 - In conversation with Thando Fuze

August 11, 2022 15:42 - 12 minutes - 11.6 MB

This week, I speak to Thando Fuze, a spoken word poet, writer, curator, and author of Conversations with The Human. Born and bred in KZN, Fuze is based in Durban and this is her story.

MEX - On the Couch - #48 - In conversation with Sophia Foster

August 08, 2022 09:47 - 21 minutes - 10.6 MB

A doyen of the SA music landscape, meet the fantastic Sophia Foster. Mindful of her own experiences when she started in the entertainment business in the mid-60s, she nurtured a vision of running a skills programme for up-and-coming youngsters with her Fostering Foundation. She spoke at Music Exchange in 2018 and continues to mentor artists in both programmes

MEX - On the Couch - #47 - In conversation with Nicole Bacher

August 01, 2022 13:18 - 3 minutes - 3.16 MB

You don’t choose music; music chooses you. In new arrival Nicole Bacher’s case, the bug bit after getting married, raising children, and running a thriving psychology practice. Sixteen years later, Nicole closed her business to focus on and finish her studies. With that, gaps appeared in her usually jam-packed diary to feed her creative curiosity.

MEX - On the Couch - #46 - The politics of dancing

July 06, 2022 19:36 - 20 minutes - 18.8 MB

We speak to 24-year-old Cape Town resident, Charlie Void who is inspired by the likes of Lana Del Rey and Troye Sivan, and who has also poked fun at Lindsay Lohan in his song "Snort it", all while working within in the political landscape of the Western Cape. A dynamic young man changing the narrative, one day at a time