> ## Content Index
> Fetch the complete content index at: https://www.hypebot.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover other available public pages before exploring further.

# Upward Spiral #12: The Roles Of Major Labels Today, Importance Of Music Charts, And More
- URL: https://www.hypebot.com/upward-spiral-12-major-label-roles-today-the-importance-of-music-charts-and-more/
- Published: 2012-10-24T14:00:00.000Z
- Updated: 2012-10-24T14:00:00.000Z
- Description: In this episode, the guys are joined by music industry veteran and digital expert Rynda Laurel (Smashing Pumpkins, Chuck D / Public Enemy, Afghan Whigs), diving into a series of deep discussions on. Continue reading [https://www.hypebot.com/hypebot/2012/10/upward-spiral-12-major-label-roles-today-th
- Author: admin
- Tags: DIY Advice & Tips, Indie Music, Live & Ticketing, Major Labels, Music Marketing, Podcasts, Social Media, #wp, #wp-post, #Import 2026-01-21 10:49

[![6a00d83451b36c69e2017c326e71de970b-800wi](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e2017ee466a84d970d-100wi "6a00d83451b36c69e2017c326e71de970b-800wi")](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e2017ee466a84d970d-popup?ref=hypebot.com)

In this episode, the guys are joined by music industry veteran and digital expert **[Rynda Laurel](http://twitter.com/Rynda?ref=hypebot.com)** (Smashing Pumpkins, Chuck D / Public Enemy, Afghan Whigs), diving into a series of deep discussions on **the value of major labels** and the **importance of music charts** (or the lack thereof). Also, the group discusses recent news about Facebook, Rhapsody and Taylor Swift. All this plus beef ribs, pizza, cold-brewed coffee, and more!

  
**The Upward Spiral** is a podcast about the new music industry featuring [Kyle Bylin](https://twitter.com/?ref=hypebot.com#!/kbylin) ([Live Nation Labs](http://www.livenationlabs.com/?ref=hypebot.com)), music industry consultant [Jason Spitz](https://twitter.com/?ref=hypebot.com#!/jasonspitz) (Former Director of Marketing at [Topspin](http://www.topspinmedia.com/?ref=hypebot.com)), and Hypebot's [Hisham Dahud](http://twitter.com/hishamdahud?ref=hypebot.com) (also of [Fame House](http://famehouse.net/?ref=hypebot.com)). Along with special guests, the group discusses current events and issues that face artists & music professionals.

### **Episode Contents**

**Special Guest:** Rynda Laurel

[Rynda Laurel](http://twitter.com/Rynda?ref=hypebot.com) has an extensive and highly decorated background in the music business, stemming from her early days working in A&R, artist management and soundtracks, following by an evolutionary transition into digital – specifically in the areas of social media, digital marketing and brand development.Today, she is focused on working on the digital end of established artists like The Smashing Pumpkins, Chuck D / Public Enemy and The Afghan Whigs. Rynda also consults for music-based startups and sits on advisory boards for a number of non-profit organizations including Sweet Relief.Given her experience and expertise across multiple facets of the music business, Rynda can oftentimes be found speaking at conferences around the world on a variety of music-related subjects.Learn more about Rynda Laurel at [www.rynda.me](http://www.rynda.me/?ref=hypebot.com), or follow her on Twitter ([@Rynda](http://twitter.com/rynda?ref=hypebot.com)).

**News**

- [Taylor Swift Keeps New Album Off Rhapsody](https://www.hypebot.com/taylor-swift-keeps-new-release-off-rhapsody-streamer-launches-wherestaylor-campaign/)
- [Facebook's Revised EdgeRank Means Less Artist / Brand Exposure](https://www.hypebot.com/facebook-pages-seeing-worsening-reach-with-revised-edgerank/)

**Discussions**

- [Trent Reznor & David Byrne Discuss "Major Label vs. DIY"](https://www.hypebot.com/trent-reznor-david-byrne-on-diy-vs-major-labels/) \- What role do labels play in today's music landscape?
- [The Future of Music Charts](https://www.hypebot.com/the-future-of-music-charts/) \- Just how relevenat are these anymore? And in who's best interest is it *really* in to monitor these?**Recommendations:**
- Hisham: ["Les Is More" by Ryan Leslie](http://ryanleslie.com/?ref=hypebot.com)
- Jason: [Beef ribs from County Line Barbecue](http://www.countyline.com/?ref=hypebot.com)
- Kyle: [Frightened Rabbit live](http://frightenedrabbit.com/shows?ref=hypebot.com)
- Rynda: [Guyaki Energy Shots](http://guayaki.com/product/341/Lemon-Organic-Energy-Shot-%282-Pack%29.html?ref=hypebot.com) / [Toddy Coffee cold-brew coffee maker](http://www.toddycafe.com/?ref=hypebot.com)
- Papa John: [Taylor Swift / Papa John's Pizza deal](http://www.papajohns.com/taylorswift/?ref=hypebot.com)

### **Listen to Episode 12:**

Feedback? Comments? Ideas for discussion topics?

Email [upwardspiralpodcast@gmail.com](mailto:upwardspiralpodcast@gmail.com), or Tweet to [@UpwardSpiralPod](https://twitter.com/?ref=hypebot.com#!/upwardspiralpod) on Twitter.**[Subscribe to The Upward Spiral on iTunes:](http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upward-spiral/id531534597?ref=hypebot.com)**  

[![Subscribe in itunes](http://hypebot.typepad.com/.a/6a00d83451b36c69e2017615a80c03970c-150wi "Subscribe in itunes")](http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-upward-spiral/id531534597?ref=hypebot.com)

[Follow @UpwardSpiralPod](https://twitter.com/upwardspiralpod?ref=hypebot.com)