In this solo episode, Tzayla breaks down the music business in plain language, covering everything from copyright to contracts to making money as an indie artist. If you want to protect your music, scale your artistry, and build a sustainable career without selling your soul, start here. No fluff. Just the truth, tools, and tough love you need. Key Takeaways: Your song is your baby — learn the difference between composition and master rights, and why both matter. Join a PRO (Performing Rights Or...
Jun 30, 2025•10 min•Season 1Ep. 16
“Networking” gets tossed around in every industry conversation — but what does it really mean, and how do you actually do it (without being awkward, fake, or annoying)? In this episode, Tzayla breaks down the art of building authentic, long-term relationships in music. From her own story of going from Berklee classrooms to music biz lobbies, to practical steps you can take today, this is your no-fluff guide to connecting your way into the career you want. Key Takeaways: Why networking matters: T...
Jun 23, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 15
In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Off Key and On Pitch, Tzayla talks with New York City-based singer, songwriter, and pianist Jordan Siwek. From Broadway stages to TikTok screens, Jordan shares how his music transforms darkness into light. They dive deep into authenticity, songwriting, going viral with intention, and using art as a force for healing and connection. This conversation is a love letter to every artist who just wants to be real—and be seen. Key Takeaways: Music is connectio...
Jun 16, 2025•22 min•Season 1Ep. 14
In this episode, Tzayla sits down with cinematographer and content strategist Dalton Lewis to explore his journey from filming concerts for free to working with both indie and label artists. They dive into the realities of music video production, the pros and cons of working with labels, the power of authentic networking, and why artists should drop the ego and stay real. A must-listen for anyone breaking into the creative industry. Key Takeaways Authenticity Wins: Real connections go further th...
Jun 09, 2025•49 min•Season 1Ep. 13
Ready to go from bedroom performances to real-world stages? In this episode, Tzayla pulls back the curtain on exactly how she booked her first shows—without a manager, a label, or a clue. Learn how to craft a killer set list, build an EPK that gets you noticed, and actually land paying gigs. Whether you're a total beginner or looking to level up your live show game, this episode is your no-nonsense guide to making it happen. Key Takeaways: Set Lists Matter: Have 2–3 versions ready for different ...
Jun 02, 2025•15 min•Season 1Ep. 12
Welcome back to Off Key and On Pitch, your backstage pass to the unfiltered world of music! In this episode, Tzayla breaks down the songwriting process, offering a step-by-step guide to crafting meaningful lyrics and melodies. Whether you're a seasoned songwriter or just starting out, this episode provides practical tips to help you bring your musical ideas to life. What You'll Learn: How to start your songwriting process with a clear idea and core message Building your song's structure and craf...
May 12, 2025•11 min•Season 1Ep. 11
What does it take to make it in music—not just for a season, but for a lifetime? In this episode of Off Key and On Pitch, Tzayla sits down with acoustic duo Eva Rose and David Pippin, two artists who’ve shared the stage—and the struggle—for over 15 years. From playing for 20,000 fans at Springing the Blues to performing in dive bars, competitions, and living rooms, they’ve built a career on grit, grace, and staying power. They get real about the emotional weight of songwriting, the weird magic o...
May 05, 2025•41 min•Season 1Ep. 10
Many artists believe that landing on major playlists is the key to success, but is that really the case? In this episode of Off Key and On Pitch, Tzayla sits down with Mike Warner, a streaming expert, author of “Work Hard Playlist Hard”, and consultant to independent artists and major platforms. Mike shares insights into the biggest misconceptions about playlists, why social media may be more important than streaming, and how artists can build a sustainable career in today’s industry. This episo...
Apr 28, 2025•35 min•Season 1Ep. 9
In this episode of Off Key and On Pitch, Tzayla dives into the pressures that come with being an artist and how to overcome them without losing your love for making music. From battling perfectionism to navigating the chaos of deadlines and expectations, Tzayla shares valuable insights on how to stay creatively energized without falling into the trap of burnout. As musicians, it’s easy to get caught up in the grind, constantly comparing yourself to others, obsessing over the next big release, or...
Apr 21, 2025•9 min•Season 1Ep. 8
In this episode of “Off Key and On Pitch”, host Tzayla sits down with Alexandra Beck, a rising dance-pop singer-songwriter originally from Canada and now making waves in Los Angeles. Known for her powerful vocals and high-energy performances, Beck has graced stages at Lincoln Center, Canadian Music Week, and the Viper Room. Inspired by icons like Usher, Beyoncé, and Britney Spears, she brings a fresh twist to the early 2000s pop sound. What You’ll Learn: How Relocating Can Change Your Career The...
Apr 14, 2025•21 min•Season 1Ep. 7
In this unfiltered and wildly fun episode, Tzayla sits down with guitarist Jacob Graham (plus unofficial appearances of Victoria Amaya and Isabel “Izzy” Osman) to talk about the magic of live music, the power of collaboration, and the unexpected moments that make it all worth it. From the story behind “Arachne” to writing a brand-new song (Crocodile Tears), this episode is packed with laughter, music, and a whole lot of randomness. Key Takeaways: Music is an experience. It’s not just about liste...
Apr 07, 2025•46 min•Season 1Ep. 6
In this episode, I sit down with indie pop artist Dani Felt to talk about music, branding, and empowerment. Dani’s bold, dark pop anthems blend theatrical storytelling with raw emotion, drawing inspiration from artists like Imagine Dragons, Adele, and Billie Eilish. We dive into her journey from music blogger to branding expert, the story behind her latest single “Superhero”, and how understanding your “why” can transform your career. Key Takeaways: Know Your Why: Understanding why you create mu...
Mar 31, 2025•30 min•Season 1Ep. 5
Welcome back to another exciting episode of Off Key and On Pitch! If you're aiming to elevate your music production but are working on a budget, this episode is for you. Join Tzayla as she takes you behind the scenes of her home studio setup, breaking down the essential gear for high-quality music production—without breaking the bank. From DAWs and microphones to interfaces, headphones, and plugins, she shares expert insights and budget-friendly recommendations. Whether you're a beginner or a se...
Mar 24, 2025•12 min•Season 1Ep. 4
In this nostalgic episode of Off Key and On Pitch , host Tzayla talks with her oldest friend, Pfifer Smith. Despite pursuing veterinary medicine at UTK, Pfifer has been a key supporter of Tzayla’s music journey since their middle school days—when they started their first podcast at 13 and sang original songs on scooters. Together, they share hilarious and heartfelt memories, from early songwriting attempts to Pfifer showing up (post-wisdom-teeth surgery!) for an album release. They also discuss ...
Mar 17, 2025•40 min•Season 1Ep. 3
In this episode of “Off Key and On Pitch”, Tzayla sits down with David Pippin—guitarist, music instructor, and owner of Pippin Music Academy. David shares his journey from discovering the guitar as a teenager to becoming a full-time musician, mentor, and business owner. With years of experience in live performance, sound production, and teaching, David offers valuable insights into what it really takes to make it in the music industry. What You'll Learn: The importance of hard work and consisten...
Mar 10, 2025•37 min•Season 1Ep. 2
Welcome to Off Key and On Pitch, your backstage pass to the unfiltered world of music! In this very first episode, I introduce myself—Tzayla—and share my journey as an independent artist. From my early days running around with a Barbie guitar to teaching myself 14 instruments, studying music production, and reaching over 100k streams in 2024 alone, I break down the experiences that led me here. This episode is all about where I started, what I’ve learned, and what’s next. Plus, I’ll give you a s...
Mar 03, 2025•5 min•Season 1Ep. 1
