If you don't know Gretchen Peters, I will bet you definitely know some of her songs. From Independence Day (Martina McBride), Cloud #9 (Bryan Adams), On A Bus To St. Cloud (Trisha Yearwood), Rock Steady (Bonnie Raitt)... the list goes on and on. So when I interviewed her for the first time (I was lucky enough to do it twice) I was READY. This is probably the interview I am the most proud of, we talked about sexism within the music industry, being an independent artist and finding your own path a...
Jan 11, 2023•38 min•Season 4Ep. 3
As we continue the final season of the podcast, Stevie revisits a discussion with artist Esabalu aka Jenn Mundia (she/her) from Season 2. This episode really resonated with Stevie as they both shared a story about their dads about their respective name changes. This episode was recorded during the pandemic and originally aired in March 2021. Esabalu talks about her journey to finding her new moniker as EsaBalu, embracing her Kenyan roots and taking time as a musician to process the events of the...
Dec 21, 2022•27 min•Season 4Ep. 2
In the premier episode of the final season of award nominated podcast This Next Song's About, Stevie throws it back to one of their favourite episodes as we take a trip down memory lane with Akie Bermiss, best known for his work as the keys player for the band Lake Street Dive. This episode was originally episode #3 of the podcasts 4 years history originally published October 4th 2018 and marks the beginning of a beautiful friendship between Stevie and Akie and remains a fan favourite episode to...
Oct 26, 2022•23 min•Season 4Ep. 1
Have you ever considered reinventing your artist self as a persona? Are you nervous that your fan base won't get it or won't follow your new journey? Joey Dean has thrown caution to the wind in order to do justice to his vision for his latest project, King Vagabond... In this episode, Stevie changes the format of the regular Q&A episode and instead walks you through the story of Joey Dean in his journey to become his new artist persona, as one half of alt-pop duo King Vagabond. Joey Dean (he...
May 04, 2022•20 min•Season 3Ep. 7
Who doesn't struggle with writer's block? Or changing your writing habits or chord structure? Experience 'second verse hell'?? Susan Cattaneo (she/her) has 20 years as an educator teaching at Berklee College of Music so knows a thing or two about how to break the blocks. She's also an award-winning songwriter in her own right and is here to talk about all things songwriting, writer's block and being a full-time musician as a woman in her 50s. With her powerful voice, captivating melodies and fin...
Mar 30, 2022•40 min•Season 3Ep. 6
Danielle Ate The Sandwich (she/her) is something of a social media marvel. Not only is she good at it, but she really enjoys how it can work for her in terms of promoting her music and engaging her fans. Danielle talks to Stevie about some of the lessons she's learned over the years from starting on YouTube and growing her indie fanbase to the point where it could support her as a full time career. Danielle Ate the Sandwich is the stage name of pop-folk songwriter, Danielle Anderson. Getting her...
Mar 16, 2022•44 min•Season 3Ep. 5
Are you worried about paying the bills as you move through your music career? Are you thinking about how to about save for a 401k or college for your kids? We don't have to think of a music career as being starving artists until we one day hit the big time. We aren't being inauthentic as artists if we earn income that isn't directly from the fruits of our music or artistic labour. Born and raised in New England, Laura Clapp (she/her) brings her passion for love and life to each of her songs and ...
Mar 02, 2022•29 min•Season 3Ep. 4
What is all the fuss about coaches? Can they really help you achieve your goals, keep you accountable and move you forward or is it all just a big waste of money? My guest is Heather Vickery (she/her) an award-winning entrepreneur, business owner, public speaker, author and coach. With over 20 years as an entrepreneur, Heather leverages her vast array of skills and expertise to coach individuals towards greater personal and professional fulfilment and I invite her on the show to do a live coachi...
Feb 16, 2022•33 min•Season 3Ep. 3
Indianapolis based singer-songwriter Jen Edds spent most of her music career in a supporting role as the “guitar/mandolin/bass/ukulele player.” Until now... Jen (she/her) set herself a challenge to write a song a day and it has changed her life. This challenge saw her churn out 60 songs, a podcast, 2 albums and a conference presentation. She invites us to consider the process and not the outcome. If you have been a bit stuck on kickstarting your writing or levelling up your musicianship, Jen is ...
Feb 09, 2022•29 min•Season 3Ep. 2
Do you want to be asked to co-writing sessions or in someone's band and keep being asked back? It's not as simple as being a good songwriter or musician, it's a little more nuanced than that... Wendy Parr (she/her) is a multi-award-winning songwriter, world-renowned vocal coach, vocal producer, speaker, educator, and so much more. She has worked with artists such as Regina Specktor, Sara Bareilles, Ingrid Michaelson, Allie Moss and PARIS. Her 20+ years in the music industry have given her the sk...
Feb 02, 2022•50 min•Season 3Ep. 1
Season 3 is back in February 2nd 2022 with a brand new array of expert guests to help you as a songwriter develop and hone your craft as an artist. Host, NYC based musician and songwriter Stevie Manns asks the hard questions about being an artist to help you along your artist's journey, level-up your skills to better connect and resonate with fans from the music that you record to the way you present yourself both on and off stage. Become a patron of This Next Song's About before February 15th t...
Jan 19, 2022•1 min
Have you been thinking about starting a Patreon but aren't sure how to go about it? Scared no one will sign up? In this episode we revisit a conversation with independent artist Rebecca Loebe who was so successful at launching, Patreon even wrote an article about her after she raised funds for her album. Rebecca Loebe is an independent singer-songwriter who you may remember from the Voice in 2011. Since then she has opened for Shawn Colvin, the Civil Wars, Gregory Alan Isakov, Mary Chapin Carpen...
Dec 08, 2021•38 min•Season 2Ep. 14
As the new season of the podcast is being prepped and recorded, here's a little bonus from the archives - recorded in 2019 with Gretchen Peters. To view the photo I mention in the episode - you can check it out on instagram @iamsteviemanns . I also mention a couple of Shure mics you can check out during the Holiday sales - Shure MV7 podcast and vocal mic Shure SM58 - most durable stage & recording mic ever created! Nashville Songwriter's Hall of Fame member, Gretchen Peters talks to Stevie a...
Nov 24, 2021•44 min•Season 2Ep. 13
Today, as we continue to celebrate Pride month my guest is Aaron Is Your Friend. Aaron is Your Friend is the project of LA-based singer, songwriter and producer Aaron Lindenberg. Aaron and I met on the New York scene a couple of years ago at a Sofar Sounds show and I really enjoyed his music and his energy so I wanted to introduce him to you on the show and we take a listen to his song "Self". Aaron and I get deep in this episode, we talk about music releases, queer culture, gender norms and pre...
Jun 23, 2021•40 min•Season 2Ep. 12
Josh Breckenridge, is perhaps better known for his Broadway accolades, most recently starring in Come From Away. During the Broadway closure as a result of the pandemic J. wasted no time in writing and producing his debut album "Monotony" with producer James Frazee (Patti Smith, Sharan Van Etten, Loudon Wainright III, Bacon Brothers) As J. Breckenridge, the new musical artist with a pop-soul vibe, he has just released his fourth single, “Not Forgiving You” a deceptively lighthearted modern pop s...
Jun 16, 2021•32 min•Season 2Ep. 11
Continuing our artist profiles for #Pride, today's guest is Sharisse Fransisco. She is a Queer, Afro-Latina singer-songwriter and Vocalist, she performs as herself but also as the lead vocalist for the all-female punk soul band Top Queens. She deeply believes in the importance of intentionality in the messages we share with the world as artists; utilizing music and art for catharsis, to invoke emotions, but also to share our authentic truths, connect, and inspire unity and change. Sharisse is al...
Jun 09, 2021•38 min•Season 2Ep. 10
Have you ever wondered how to write social justice songs? How to get over your discomfort? In this episode, I am discussing social justice songwriting with my guest, D.C. based social justice songwriter Crys Matthews. Already hailed as “the next Woody Guthrie,” Crys Matthews is among the brightest stars of the new generation of social justice music-makers. She is made for these times and, with the release of her new, hope-fueled, love-filled social justice album Changemakers, Matthews hopes to t...
Jun 02, 2021•38 min•Season 2Ep. 9
Have you ever thought about whether you're "doing it right" with social medial? Or why is social media SO important for musicians and anyone with a brand, which social media platform is right for you; and how can you optimize your social media and build a following? My guest Gabe Ekemezie and I discuss all of those things and aim to help you tighten up your social media strategy. Gabe is the founder of Unplugged Kingdom LLC, specializing in online business strategy and social media marketing tec...
May 26, 2021•41 min•Season 2Ep. 8
Shervin made his name as a portrait music photographer on the New York music scene over the last decade and has become one of the most sought after photographers in the industry. Having started with no formal photography training, he worked his way up the ladder and has since photographed musicians like Billie Eilish, Lizzo, Wilco, Regina Spector, Ingrid Michaelson, Fleet Foxes, Walk the moon, Sara Bareilles and many more... I caught up with him to find out how he went from no photography backgr...
May 12, 2021•42 min•Season 2Ep. 7
In today’s episode I am chatting with songwriter and mindfulness coach, Lisa McEwen. Lisa is originally from Canada and made her way down to Nashville and had success signing with BMG as a staff writer, penning songs for major labels and artists and is now setting out to help other artists achieve their goals as a coach and consultant. In this episode we chat about Self-doubt, determination, pivoting and how to focus on who we are as artists and individuals to achieve our goals and find success....
May 05, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 6
Today's episode is a special "Producer's Perspective" episode, part of our new format to help you develop as an artist. I take a look inside the mind of a studio producer to help you get an idea of what you should expect when you’re heading in to record, whether you consider yourself a seasoned pro, or a newcomer, I promise this is one you'll want to listen to. Today’s guest is singer, songwriter and record producer, Katie Buchanan. Katie studied music at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute of Recorded ...
Apr 21, 2021•47 min•Ep. 5
Around the DMV, Jarreau (juh-ROW) Williams is known as the "man with the golden pipes.” The Alexandria, VA native and 8x Wammie nominated and 3x Wammie winner is a consummate showman and charismatic front-man. Jarreau’s professional credits include backing 4-time Grammy Award winner Michael Buble, praise and worship with President Barack Obama and the First Family, as well as performing the National Anthem for thousands in DC’s most prominent professional sports arenas. I chatted with Jarreau ab...
Apr 07, 2021•41 min•Season 2Ep. 4
In this episode, I chat with Kaylyn Marie, one of my best friends and one of the best musicians I've ever seen. Kaylyn is a singer-songwriter-guitarist, bandleader, and actress with over 16 years of performing experience from national TV to local venues. Her solo work has been described as “Soulful Americana” echoing writing and vocal traits of Sara Bareilles and Laura Marling. She is releasing music from her sophomore EP “Forget Me Not” from January to June 2021. She has won a Kennedy Center Aw...
Mar 17, 2021•37 min•Season 2Ep. 3
In this episode Stevie sits down with artist Esabalu (Es-a-BA-lu) to take a visual look at her video Wildfire. You should check out the video for Wildfire here and come back to listen to the episode: https://youtu.be/9dnjUCdM21E You can also watch the full unedited interview in our Facebook group here: https://www.facebook.com/groups/tsnainnercircle We also talk about her journey to finding her new moniker as EsaBalu, embracing her Kenyan roots and taking time as a musician to process the events...
Mar 10, 2021•44 min•Season 2Ep. 2
For the first episode of a brand new season of TNSA, Stevie kicks it all off with inimitable rockabilly musician, Kyle Lacy. Originally from Atlanta, Georgia but now an NYC transplant, Kyle's unmistakable sound and energy will have you chair-dancing at the very least! Kyle notes his influences from the 50s and 60s sounds of blues, soul and rock from Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin to the swing of Brian Setzer. Kyle tours tirelessly and his band deliver the kind of Rock'n'Roll excitement that the m...
Mar 03, 2021•35 min•Season 2Ep. 1
Mustachioed Mainer, Jacob McCurdy, blends Folk, Rock, and Roots into his very own brand of Indie-Americana. Love, heartbreak, joy, and the perfect moment; all pitched against the lush backdrop of honest harmony. On July 24th, McCurdy released For the Weekend (FTW), his first fully produced solo EP in 9 years. Normally filling his time with weddings and pub gigs with his cover band The Dapper Gents or playing bass with The Johnny Clay Shanks band, McCurdy started focusing on writing new original ...
Sep 09, 2020•39 min•Season 1Ep. 80
Gretchen Peters joins us once again on the show to talk about her new album... For two decades, Gretchen Peters has been one of Nashville’s most beloved and respected artists. “If Peters never delivers another tune as achingly beautiful as ‘On A Bus To St. Cloud,'” People Magazine wrote, “she has already earned herself a spot among country’s upper echelon of contemporary composers.” Inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame in October 2014 by singer-songwriter Rodney Crowell, who call...
Aug 19, 2020•43 min•Season 1Ep. 79
Rocky Mountain raised, and international touring artist, Megan Burtt is a decorated performing songwriter. Since her sophomore release “The Bargain”, she has performed at the legendary Red Rocks Amphitheater, been featured with the Colorado Symphony Orchestra, toured Europe, toured across the US, and supported artist like Gregory Alan Isakov, Chris Isaak, Leann Rimes and Marc Cohn. Guitar World calls band leader, Megan Burtt “Pulsing, powerful and lovely. Burtt gracefully manipulates words and m...
Aug 12, 2020•45 min•Season 1Ep. 78
NYAC teamed up with New York's famous venue Rockwood Music Hall to put on our first virtual "In The Round" series. Our artists include... Ben Grace: Now based in San Diego, but born and raised in Sydney, Ben’s exodus from the beliefs and structures of his working class Christian childhood weaves poignantly through his lyrics, revealing itself in his deep commitment to justice and willingness to call forward the darker themes in American politics. With the lens of an outsider and the bold voice o...
Aug 05, 2020•58 min•Season 1Ep. 77
Aubrie Sellers released Far From Home - the follow up to her critically acclaimed album New City Blues - in February 2020. Rolling Stone called the record “halting and poignant” and Paste Magazine says ”she’s an honest storyteller with a singular personality. She can both float in on a cloud of love songs and crank out existential country-rock.” Having previously toured with Chris Stapleton, Miranda Lambert, and Robert Earl Keen among others, she is set to head out on the CMT Next Women of Count...
Jul 22, 2020•29 min•Season 1Ep. 76
