If you didn’t think maintaining your website was important before...you’ve probably experienced a rude awakening in the past few months. As creatives the world over adapt to the new realities of post-pandemic life, we’ve seen more than ever how much we depend on our brands and online platforms. While social media takes a major role, there’s nothing more effective than owning your own space on the internet. No matter what happens on social media platforms, having control of a well-functioning web...
Jul 23, 2020•36 min•Ep. 72
It's not always easy to keep your head up, creative. Especially now. In the face of continuous negative news, uncertain economic realities, and confusion in the culture, Christ-centered creatives are in between a rock and a hard place. On one hand, we want to be wise and protect our loved ones from any possibility of harm. On the other hand, we are called to serve and push forward to help encourage and bless our communities and congregations. How do we navigate these troubling issues without los...
Jul 16, 2020•16 min
Can you get mad without going mad? In the proper context, anger can motivate us to react, to change things, to move in new directions. As creatives, our emotions are often the main catalyst behind our inspiration . But what about unhealthy anger? Can creatives harness this feeling and express it without harming ourselves emotionally? In this passionate discussion, we pinpoint the delicate balance between authentic anger and an unhealthy bitterness that eats away at the soul of the artist, and di...
Jul 09, 2020•27 min
Can God use the darkest moments of an artist’s life to guide him toward the path to true creative freedom and success? R&B artist Nate Setto, a rising young independent performer hailing from Detroit, has learned that letting God direct his career choices is the best route to finding his place in the vast entertainment industry. As a Michigan native, he grew up with a passion for music. He began writing songs when he was 7 years old and pursued a music career at the age of 20. His hard work ...
Jul 02, 2020•31 min
With a career that has spanned over 30 years working with the greatest entertainers and musicians in every genre, legendary musician and producer Kern Brantley is a walking and talking musical history lesson. From stepping into a studio with the legendary Aretha Franklin, to touring with iconic gospel legends such as the Winans family and Thomas Whitfield, to working with the most influential voices in pop and R&B over the last three decades, Kern has maintained the same approach that he had...
Jun 25, 2020•1 hr 21 min
Got 99 problems? We won’t finish that sentence...but we think there’s one problem that plagues every creative. It’s the artist in the mirror. In this passionate discussion from one of our Creative Checkups, we dig deep into the mindset shift that can bring external problems into perspective - by making ourselves the focus of our problem-solving process. No matter how the industry changes, or how the culture responds to new challenges, we creatives have the power to change our circumstances by ma...
Jun 18, 2020•33 min
How does an independent artist go from finding her way in a new city, to performing with not one, but TWO of the biggest stars in the world? Singer, actor and songwriter Naärai Jacobs’ incredible story reveals the possibilities when you maintain your faith in God, prioritize your goals and work hard to pursue your dreams as a creative. Born into a musical family in Sarasota, FL, Naärai grew up surrounded by artists, and watched intently as her father ran a successful regional musical theater tro...
Jun 12, 2020•1 hr 22 min•Ep. 66
As they say, the only constant in life is change. And for the artist and musician, change is something we’re experiencing more every single day. The big issue for most musicians, artists and creatives is the fear of how to handle the transitions that show up on our doorstep. Sometimes we feel the need to shift jobs, change creative approaches, or start new relationships. Other times, that choice is made for us. In either case, how we respond to transition makes all the difference in whether we w...
Jun 04, 2020•26 min
Is it possible to maintain a healthy self-image and your artistic integrity in the entertainment business – and still make a living doing what you love? In an industry that often feels stacked against the independent artist, singer, songwriter and creative entrepreneur Maria Z has proven that you don’t have to sacrifice your authenticity or your emotional health in order to have a successful career. As an early adopter of the power of video during social media’s early days, Maria blazed a trail ...
May 28, 2020•1 hr 32 min•Ep. 64
Can you become a respected leader in your field without sacrificing your closest relationships? As the world grows smaller, and each of us as creatives are granted more and more influence, the answer to that question becomes more and more important. Some would argue that that to be truly exceptional, you must push yourself - and others - regardless of feelings or emotions. This “win-at-all-costs” mentality is popular to those who feel commercial and vocational success is their ultimate goal. But...
May 21, 2020•26 min
If anyone has both the heart and skill that perfectly personifies a supremely successful musician and Christian creative entrepreneur, it’s Trent Phillips. From his roots as a music minister in Miami, to becoming the driving force behind a vast catalog of Grammy, Dove, and Stellar Award-winning albums and songs, Trent Phillips has established himself as one of the leading Producers, Musical Directors and Keyboardists of our generation. Far from resting on his accomplishments in music, which incl...
May 14, 2020•1 hr 19 min•Ep. 62
How do you move to the front of the stage when you’ve spent a lifetime being in the background? This is the question many talented musicians and vocalists are asking. As the entire world continues to struggle to recover from the impact of COVID-19, singers and background musicians are no longer able to work consistently behind touring artists. This has forced many of us to rethink how to use our gifts and become more visible in the public eye. Thankfully, you don’t have to have a outgoing person...
May 07, 2020•35 min
Is it possible to sing on big stages with legendary artists like The Clark Sisters - yet have equal respect for the work that very few people will see? Worship leader, minister, vocalist and author Kelli Kinney Brownlee would say the answer is yes - and she has proven it by navigating her roles as a background vocalist and a leader in ministry with equal passion and dedication. Starting from her early days growing up in a small town in West Virginia, the priority of ministry and authentic worshi...
Apr 30, 2020•53 min•Ep. 60
This discussion could get us in trouble. As the Covid-19 situation has enveloped our cultural and social world, philanthropy and charitable giving have become a huge part of the response . Scores of artists and creatives have been forced to rely on the goodwill of others to survive. Don't be mistaken - we’re all thankful for the generosity of those who give willingly to help artists. But...what about the long-term? Is this something that could hurt musicians later on? In this passionate discussi...
Apr 23, 2020•30 min
In an industry that often seems to reward ‘overnight success’, is it worth it to perfect your craft, maintain professional principles, and learn from the best mentors you can find? According to creative entrepreneur, background vocalist and vocal producer Rachel James of Bridge Hooks & Stuff Entertainment, it's more than worth it - it’s the most valuable thing you could do to ensure you maintain a spot in the rough and tumble role of being a backing vocalist. Noticing a need for a consistent...
Apr 16, 2020•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 58
Is it really possible to protect your hard earned creative income.. ... to confidently run and maintain an artistically focused business… ... and keep accurate financial records all year around… ...all while remaining compliant and current with ever-changing tax laws? You might say that’s impossible - because you've seen so many prominent artist careers destroyed due to financial mismanagement and poor (or non-existent) tax planning. Every year we hear stories of high-profile celebrities that ow...
Apr 09, 2020•44 min
How do you keep your career together when the world seems to be falling apart? This is the question so many musicians, creatives and artists are asking as we endure one of the most unbelievable situations in modern history. While there have been many other crises that have rocked the arts and entertainment industries, it’s safe to say there has never been a situation quite like what happened in March 2020 as the entire world was paralyzed by the coronavirus pandemic. Instead of dwelling on the n...
Apr 02, 2020•42 min
What would it feel like to wake up every day, knowing you would spend your day doing the work you were created to do - and doing it at an exceptional level? Almost every creative dreams of finding ultimate fulfillment and personal satisfaction as they pursue their goals - only to find themselves stuck in the mud of indecision, mediocrity, and confusion when it comes to mastering their craft. This is the problem serial entrepreneur, best-selling author, podcaster and thought leader Jordan Raynor ...
Mar 26, 2020•1 hr 4 min
Name any major gospel or R&B project in the past 25 years - whether from Janet Jackson, Beyoncé, Paula Abdul, Donald Lawrence, Karen Clark-Sheard, Carl Thomas, the Winans, Fred Hammond, the list goes on and on - and there's a good chance Daniel Weatherspoon was a major player in bringing it to pass. Daniel Weatherspoon is a Grammy, Stellar and Dove Award-winning producer, composer, musician and musical director. This dynamic artist proved to be the pivotal force behind some of the most i...
Mar 19, 2020•1 hr 17 min•Ep. 54
If there is one artist whose story perfectly sums up what God can do with an artist with a heart for Him, it’s Teja Veal. From her first days of discovering the bass, to playing in the White House and meeting President Obama, this uber-talented bass player, vocalist, songwriter and musical director has radiated joy and humility in every opportunity she’s been given as a musician, songwriter and creative. Tejá Veal, has worked with top jazz, pop and R&B artists for years and has graced many o...
Mar 12, 2020•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 53
Do you hide under the bushes when someone mentions the word “lawyers”? The music and entertainment business has always been a treacherous place for artists who don’t know the legal side of being a creative. Many of us are frightened by the terminology and confused by the legalities, not to mention the financial cost of legal assistance. That’s why we talked to an attorney with a heart for artists, to help us get over the fear of legally protecting and profiting from your creativity. . Somara Jac...
Feb 27, 2020•45 min
If there’s one thing we creatives all have in common - it’s the struggle to be consistent. It’s not that we don’t know what to do - it’s making sure we keep doing it. That’s as true for a podcast host and creative coach as it is for you. In this episode we’re sharing three powerful productivity hacks that can drastically reduce the chances of creative burnout, ensure you maintain your motivation, and renew your artistic focus day after day. We actually shared these tips during one of our Creativ...
Feb 13, 2020•24 min
It’s our 50th episode...but the celebration takes second chair to the important challenge we are posing to every creative in our community. Here’s the question for you - are you doing what you were created to do? And are you doing it with excellence - meaning God’s standard and not yours? Two things have helped to clarify the importance of this message - one is a new book on finding and focusing on your purpose by Jordan Raynor called “Master of One” , and the other is the tragic loss of legenda...
Jan 30, 2020•19 min
Is it possible to be a thriving Christian creative in the arts and entertainment industry - even in the midst of the rough and tumble world of Hollywood? And...how does one avoid being crushed by the pressures of the artistic lifestyle - the hyper-competitive battles to gain work, self-esteem issues, and outside negative influences - as you work to be the best you can be and reach your God-given potential? Michelle Pelsue, co-Founder of Arts and Entertainment Ministries and the Arts and Entertai...
Jan 16, 2020•1 hr 1 min•Ep. 49
New Year, New Decade...New you? At the start of a year, it seems the entire world is bursting with optimism. But it's important that we take stock of what we need to leave behind in the last decade so we can have our most successful year as musicians, creatives and artists. In our last Creative Checkup of 2019 in our God and Gigs Facebook group, we shared 3 negative habits that we need to leave behind and the three positive characteristics that we can use to guarantee our best year ever in 2020....
Jan 02, 2020•22 min
How does a drummer with a dream, who began playing drums in his family's church at only seven years old, rise to become a highly successful musician working with some of the biggest stars in music? According to Jamal J. Moore, drummer, producer, songwriter and clinician, it takes an unshakable belief in God, a 'laser-eye focus' on your goals, and an unquenchable desire to get better - even if it means taking criticism and using it as motivation to achieve true mastery of your gift. From humble b...
Dec 19, 2019•52 min•Ep. 47
In this exclusive behind the scenes episode, we share a coaching call with an aspiring vocalist and influencer as she works through the issues every creative faces. Tap to send us a text! Support the show Join our Creative Community In our 360 Membership, you get focused encouragement, guidance, and training on how to thrive as a faith-focused creative. Joining gives you access to our exclusive app, workshops and community conversations, as we change from being creatively confused to creatively ...
Dec 05, 2019•1 hr
Reaching our highest potential as artists is impossible if we aren't healthy enough to pursue it. In this in-depth discussion, health advocate Dr. Katina shares key strategies and tips to help creatives put our health first. Tap to send us a text! Support the show Join our Creative Community In our 360 Membership, you get focused encouragement, guidance, and training on how to thrive as a faith-focused creative. Joining gives you access to our exclusive app, workshops and community conversations...
Nov 21, 2019•53 min
Before you can communicate with your audience, you must communicate effectively with your fellow artists. Here's five essential tips to improving the flow of creative ideas in your group on and off the stage. Tap to send us a text! Support the show Join our Creative Community In our 360 Membership, you get focused encouragement, guidance, and training on how to thrive as a faith-focused creative. Joining gives you access to our exclusive app, workshops and community conversations, as we change f...
Nov 07, 2019•15 min
What's the secret to continued success as a creative? Acclaimed producer John Mike reveals the key to reaching new levels - developing your skills and investing in yourself. Tap to send us a text! Support the show Join our Creative Community In our 360 Membership, you get focused encouragement, guidance, and training on how to thrive as a faith-focused creative. Joining gives you access to our exclusive app, workshops and community conversations, as we change from being creatively confused to cr...
Oct 24, 2019•57 min•Ep. 43
