Angela Jollivette, music supervisor & executive , is our very special guest in this week's podcast episode #125. Angela shares her fantastic music journey including her background as a DJ that evolved into her having a long career in the Recording Academy representing a variety of artists within gospel and christian music. She eloquently explains how each of her career moves positioned her for an extremely successful career as a music supervisor for Oprah's OWN Network show Greenleaf where she r...
May 10, 2020•41 min
Lori Williams, jazz vocalist and music educator, is our very special guest in this week's podcast episode #124. Lori shares her noteworthy music journey including a diverse background within the business and education aspects of the music industry. Currently as an independent artist, Lori performs internationally and her music has been acclaimed by such musicians as Grammy winning drummer/producer Terri Lyne Carrington and pianist/producer Bob Baldwin. In addition, Lori shares more information a...
May 04, 2020•42 min
Shana Tucker, cellist/singer/songwriter, returns to our podcast in episode 123 to discuss factors musicians need to consider to have a successful live streaming performance on the various social media platforms. Since the COVID-19 pandemic and shutdown, many musicians are turning to live streams in an effort to continue performing for their listeners and followers. While there are many pros to live streaming, musicians will benefit from understanding important technological and musicianship fact...
Apr 26, 2020•50 min
Sheree Brown, R&B/soul singer/songwriter, is our very special guest in this week's podcast episode #122. Sheree shares her remarkable music journey including the significant moment as a teen that created the pathway to be mentored by such noteworthy recording artists like Syreeta Wright and Patrice Rushen. Having co-written R&B/soul hits like "Haven't You Heard", "Settle for My Love," and Zhane's "Groove Thang," Sheree highlights the significance of relationships and how when preparedness meets ...
Apr 20, 2020•45 min
In this podcast episode Dr. William E. Smith interviews accomplished publicist Fiona Bloom. Ms Bloom has had a very successful career in many areas of the music business and because of her many connections and experiences, she was perfectly placed to begin her own career as a publicist. She talks about promoting parties early in her career with Lil Jon, Outkast and many others in attendance. Then directing the marketing department at a major label and after that finding her way to a smaller labe...
Apr 13, 2020•47 min
Raul Midon, Grammy nominated singer/songwriter and jazz guitarist, is our very special guest in this week's podcast episode #120. Raul shares his noteworthy music journey including his humble beginnings in New Mexico listening to a wide variety of music to going to college at University of Miami studying music and thereafter doing studio sessions and background vocals for iconic artists such as Jennifer Lopez and Shakira to then kicking off his solo career in NYC at Blue Note records. Raul discu...
Apr 06, 2020•46 min
LaTaevia Berry, software engineer and website developer, is our very guest in this week's podcast episode #119. LaTaevia shares her background in software engineering and digital initiatives at a variety of major corporate settings such as Toyota/Lexus, Discover and Cox Communications as well as her music experience while working at Motown Gospel, the Gospel Music Association and Dove Awards. She is now a consultant whose goal is to help independent artists create greater streams of digital reve...
Mar 30, 2020•37 min
Dr. William Smith and Kenya M. Johnson discuss the challenges musicians are facing amidst the current coronavirus pandemic in episode 118. They refer to Bandzoogle's current article and provide 9 ways musicians can ask fans for support during the pandemic. Finally, there is a discussion regarding the Recording Academy and MusicCares COVID-19 Relief Fund for musicians. To read the full Bandzoolge article, visit https://bandzoogle.com/blog/how-musicians-can-ask-fans-for-support-during-the-coronavi...
Mar 23, 2020•28 min
In this podcast episode Dr. William E. Smith interviews film score composer Dalal Bruchman. She talks about how she got into the film scoring business and talks about the actual process of writing for film. Having come to Los Angeles from Austria she also goes into what it was like to come from a different culture into a brand new city and trying to start a career as a musician. You can see some of her projects on her website and you can reach out to her on the following social media sites: Webs...
Mar 16, 2020•44 min
Shirley Jones of the renowned classic R&B/soul group The Jones Girls is our very special guest in this week's podcast episode #116. Shirley shares her remarkable music journey with her sisters including how their mother fully groomed and developed them to be both impeccable singers and embody the highest level of professionalism. Shirley shares a variety of stories from their careers including how they auditioned and became the background singers for Dianna Ross as well as the "go to" background...
Mar 08, 2020•42 min
Maxx Myrick, program manager for DC Radio, is our very special guest in this week's podcast episode #115. Maxx shares a wealth of information about how he began his career in radio as a teen and how he grew as a radio professional who started a number of noteworthy stations across the country, both digitally and via "brick & mortar." He started such iconic radio stations as Chicago's V103 and XM Satellite Radio. Furthermore, he was the program manager for WHUR in Washington, D.C. and has now est...
Mar 01, 2020•42 min
Dr. Cynthia Biggs El, songwriter, vocalist, producer and publisher, returns to our podcast for a Part Two discussion in this week's podcast episode #114 (Part One is episode #109). Cynthia further shares a historical account of her music career this time speaking more from the perspective of being a music producer. Cynthia is the co-producer of the Teddy Pendergrass classic hit record "Love TKO." She shares the process of working with Teddy Pendergrass in the recording studio, how she became co-...
Feb 24, 2020•44 min
In this week's podcast episode 113, Dr. William Smith and Kenya M. Johnson discuss the concept of "do what you love and love what you do," which are music tips discussed in previous episodes. William and Kenya provide personal examples in music of the pros and cons of doing what they love, how others can navigate doing music as a passion versus a career, and the importance of building a relationship with music and putting in the work necessary to be successful. Listeners will gain valuable lesso...
Feb 16, 2020•45 min
Lenora Zenzalai Helm, vocal jazz musician, composer & educator, is our very special guest in this week's podcast episode #112. Lenora shares an extremely dynamic career path in music that began with her attending Berklee College of Music being the first African American woman to graduate with a degree in film scoring to working at music labels such as Sony to now being an assistant professor of music at North Carolina Central University. Lenora provides a brief discussion of the challenges of be...
Feb 09, 2020•42 min
In this podcast episode Dr. William Smith talks with Deutsch Advertising music supervisor Dez Davis. He’s worked on some major campaigns and discusses the process of selecting music for ads as well as some of his most favorite and challenging experiences. He also talks about his background growing up in church and how he got into music supervising. You can reach out to him on LinkedIn LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dez-davis-08692b79/
Feb 02, 2020•33 min
John Jointer, film director & producer of the docuseries "Indie Soul Journeys" is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #110. John shares a a detailed account of how his docuseries came to light, what inspired his vision, and how he has overcome a variety of challenges to ensure completion of the series. The film series features some of soul music's most successful and talented independent artists including two of our former podcast guests, Sy Smith whose featured episode will be scre...
Jan 26, 2020•47 min
Dr. Cynthia Biggs El, songwriter, vocalist, producer and publisher, is our very special guest in this week's podcast episode #109. Cynthia shares a historical account of her songwriting career including being a monumental part of the "Philly music sound" having worked for the Philadelphia International Records label. Her main collaborations were with composers Dexter Wansel, Bruce Hawes, and Theodore Wortham as well as Gamble and Huff. Cynthia has more than 350 songwriting credits including Patt...
Jan 19, 2020•48 min
Centric, record producer (whose formal name is Christopher Mandujan) is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #108. Centric shares a wonderful account of his dynamic career in music production working with artists in hip hop, soul/r&b and jazz. In addition to producing music for co-host Kenya, he has also worked with such artists as Kool G Rap, Jagged Edge, Carlitta Durand and Raheem DeVaughn to name a few. Centric shares honest perspectives on his process for creating music as well a...
Jan 13, 2020•48 min
To kick off 2020, Dr. William E. Smith & Kenya M. Johnson discuss the importance of setting intentions when considering your music goals for 2020. Both share personal experiences and the power of setting an intention, speaking it out loud and being patient in order to manifest dreams related to music careers. Listeners will be inspired and gain step-by-step strategies on how to set their own intentions for future success in both personal and professional goals.
Jan 06, 2020•36 min
Co-hosts Dr. William Smith and Kenya M. Johnson discuss the benefits of producing and releasing holiday music. They explore the reasons why they each have released holiday music and how it has impacted their music career positively. They also discuss how to decide whether or not to cover public domain songs versus non-public domain songs or compose and write original holiday music. Finally, branding, increasing followers and annual revenue streams are just a few of the benefits musicians should ...
Dec 01, 2019•34 min
Michael Bearden, music director, composer, arranger and overall music maestro is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #105. Michael shares an extraordinary account of his incredible career in music including currently being Lady Gaga's music director and previously being the music director for iconic celebrities such as Michael Jackson and Whitney Houston. He also directed the music for the 66th Emmy Awards Show on NBC, the Lincoln Award's at the Kennedy Center as well as directed th...
Nov 24, 2019•44 min
In this podcast episode we interview producer and CEO of Lion Pack Music Group, Nathan Jolley. We talk about his achievements with his artist Shahadi Wright Joseph including the “Lion King” movie and “Us.” Nate also shares his perspective on being persistent towards your goals. After overcoming a number of obstacles after moving to LA from DC, he has built an impressive production company and PR firm that is poised to do big things in the next few years. Website: https://www.natejolley.com/ Webs...
Nov 18, 2019•48 min
Libby Brickson, Senior Talent Buyer at City Winery Chicago is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #103. Libby discusses her background and expertise in the music industry specifically as it relates to venue management and booking performing artists. Our informative conversation includes Libby providing a wealth of knowledge and understanding of how independent and developing artists should prepare and pitch themselves to be booked not only at City Winery but other venues in general....
Nov 11, 2019•42 min
Vikki Johnson, formerly with BET Networks and current owner of Soul Wealth Academy, is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #102. Vikki provides an amazing conversation discussing her extremely dynamic background in music, entertainment, motivational speaking, ministry and authoring a dozen books. While Vikki has accomplished a myriad of successes in both the music and entertainment industries, she emphasizes that relationship equity has been the key to her success. Being able to dev...
Nov 04, 2019•42 min
Dave Cool from the website company Bandzoogle is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #101. Dave discusses his background and expertise in the music industry and how he landed a position at Bandzoogle which is an internet company and platform for independent musicians to build their websites, sell merchandise, do crowdfunding and establish membership subscriptions for their super fans and followers. Our informative conversation includes basic tips and strategies indie artists can use...
Oct 27, 2019•41 min
Dr. William E. Smith and Kenya M. Johnson celebrate their 100th episode by discussing the importance of finding your voice as an artist. They share their personal experiences developing and nurturing their sound, artistic identity and overall brand. In addition, they provide practical tips for artists to find their voice. Listeners will gain perspective as well as strategies for developing their sound which is a critical part of developing a successful career in music.
Oct 20, 2019•35 min
Ben Williams, bassist and composer, is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #99. Ben discusses his background in music and what lead him into a dynamic career of playing the bass and touring with legendary musicians such as Pat Methany to collaborating with Grammy award winning recording artists like Robert Glasper to winning the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Bass Competition which ultimately opened the doors to him beginning his amazing solo bass career. Ben explain...
Oct 13, 2019•33 min
Dr. William E. Smith & Kenya M. Johnson discuss the importance of getting uncomfortable when pursuing artistic and creative projects. Uncomfortable zones allow people in general, but particularly artists, to gain a new perspective about self. Similarly, trying new things or going to unfamiliar places can allow new connections and networking that can lead to much bigger opportunities that you may not be aware of. Listeners are encouraged to explore parts of themselves as well as explore experienc...
Oct 06, 2019•31 min
David Lindsey, producer and co-owner of Soul World Entertainment is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #97. David discusses his background in music and what lead him into a dynamic career of producing music for noteworthy artists such as Monica, Missy Elliott and Traci Braxton. He also has production credits on recording projects by such recording artists as The Winans, Yolanda Adams, Boys II Men, Usher, Tyrese and many more. In our discussion, Dave emphasizes the need for artists ...
Sep 29, 2019•41 min
Eric Grant, financial adviser and owner of Polaris Wealth Management Company is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #96. Eric discusses his 35 year professional background in financial management and how he advises clients on managing their money, mindset and wealth growth. He provides a variety of important strategies artists and creative entrepreneurs can implement daily as well as the mindset necessary to ensure finances are secure. Finally, he provides insight on investment stra...
Sep 22, 2019•41 min
