2 Minutes With … Paul Goldman, Founder and CEO of Muserk

After missing out on royalties, Paul, a serial entrepreneur, founded Muserk, an AI-powered platform recovering 50 percent+ of lost earnings for artists. His mission is to ensure creators thrive in the digital age.

We spent two minutes with Paul to learn more about his background, his creative inspirations and recent work he’s admired.

Paul, tell us …

Where you grew up, and where you live now.

I was born and raised in the north suburbs of Chicago. At 18, I moved to Boston to attend Berklee College of Music, where I graduated with a degree in film scoring. In 1993, I moved to Manhattan to pursue a career in music. I have now lived here for 30 years.

Your earliest musical memory.

I have fond memories of returning home from Sunday school as a young boy, to find my father sitting at the kitchen table, immersed in classical records. At that age, my siblings and I didn’t appreciate it much. We would frequently scream “Dad, TURN IT OFF!”—at which he would chuckle.  As I grew older, I came to realize that those moments laid the groundwork for my deep love of music, particularly classical and jazz.

Your favorite bands/musicians today.

I have a deep love for all music, and I can’t think of a band I don’t like, unless their guitars or singing are out of tune. If I had to choose four musicians to take to a desert island, I would pick John Coltrane, Pat Martino, Eddie Van Halen and Igor Stravinsky. As for today’s bands, I find myself listening to a lot more country-style music. It embodies the organic musicianship I grew up on, with storytelling lyrics that leave you wanting more. Additionally, it has a fan base that seems to appreciate the artists for their artistry and message rather than just their looks, material possessions and PR spin. 

One of your favorite projects you’ve ever worked on.

During my time in television as a composer, sound designer and mixer, one of the highlights was working on the MTV Video Music Awards. I did so for a decade, and each year brought new challenges and rewards. 

A recent project you’re proud of.

At Muserk, we’ve played a pivotal role in uncovering millions of dollars in back pay owed to songwriters and publishers. These were royalties that would have otherwise remained lost. I take immense pride in the fact that we were able to ensure this money made its way to the rightful owners. It’s a testament to the entire Muserk team and our commitment to supporting and advocating for artists.

One thing about how the music world is evolving that you’re excited about.

I’m fascinated by the global reach of music and how, just five years ago, the idea of Korean pop topping the charts in the U.S. would have been met with laughter. Yet today, it’s become quite commonplace. I believe we’ll see more examples of this phenomenon, such as the rise of Afropop, J-Pop or Indipop. It’s not just about different styles of music, it’s about the expression of diverse cultures. In the end, this cultural exchange will lead to a more enriched and interconnected global society.

Someone else’s work, in music or beyond, that you admired lately.

The Dalai Lama. His message, “We all want to be happy and not suffer,” is incredibly powerful and speaks to everyone, no matter your nationality, wealth, class or religion.

A book, movie, TV show or podcast you recently found inspiring.

I’m a big fan of the podcast Masters of Scale by Reid Hoffman. His pedigree allows him to attract high-level guests, but what sets the podcast apart is its focus on topics like moments of failure, change and struggles. It’s inspiring to hear that as an entrepreneur, you’re not alone, and that failure is simply a part of progress. 

An artist you admire outside the world of music.

I admire my father, Bill Goldman, immensely. In his professional life, he was a successful advertising executive and entrepreneur. Like many dads, he would leave early in the morning before we woke for school, then be home for dinner, walking in wearing his suit and lugging his briefcase. After dinner, he would head down to the basement, light his torch, and start working on metal sculptures. In retirement, he had a successful second career as an artist. Growing up and witnessing that balance was incredibly inspiring. It showed me that you can truly do it all.

Your favorite fictional character.

James Bond 007. My favorite is Roger Moore, although Sean Connery is a very close second

How musicians should approach working with brands.

When musicians collaborate with brands, it’s crucial to do some homework. Just a 30-minute dive into research could provide you with the insight needed to connect your music to the brand. Whether it’s a lyric, a particular sound or a creative idea that aligns with the brand’s direction, these details can make the project feel like a genuine partnership.

How brands should approach working with musicians.

Brands should conduct thorough research on the band’s history, its members and the message they convey. Nowadays, a band represents more than just its music; it embodies an entire culture. When engaging with a band, brands are essentially embracing the entirety of their culture. It’s crucial to ensure that the brand’s culture aligns with the band’s, as this alignment is key to a successful partnership.

A mentor who helped you navigate the industry.

If I had to single out one person, it would be Joe Galante. If you’re not familiar with him, I highly recommend looking him up; his story is truly inspiring. Apart from being a founder of the country music scene in Nashville and a Country Music Hall of Famer, Joe is also a very successful businessman, entrepreneur and philanthropist. He just gets it. He has offered immense support as an investor and mentor, always encouraging me to keep going.

What you’d be doing if you weren’t in the music business.

When I was 18, I filled out a senior-year questionnaire for a time-capsule project. One of the questions was, “What will you be in 10 years?” My answer: “Either a heavy metal guitarist or a music lawyer.” It seems I ended up somewhere in between.