Music Business Radio

Episode #162 - Matt Brouwer

This special "Artist Confidential" episode was recorded in Paragon Studios and features Juno Award-winning singer/songwriter Matt Brouwer talking about and performing songs from his latest album, Till The Sunrise. We break everything down, song-by-song, with Matt backed by the studio band, Zodlounge, and producer Michael Omartian.

This episode talks about the "behind the scenes" of Till The Sunrise, including the recording process, how the songs were written (and developed), how Matt got to this point in his career, and more, with thoughts by Zodlounge, Michael Omartian, engineer Terry Christian, and, of course, Matt himself.

It includes not only live performances with the full band, but also acoustic/stripped versions of songs and early demos and work tapes. Whether you're a Matt Brouwer fan or just curious about what goes into producing a world-class album, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

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Episode #161 - Erin McCarley

Erin McCarley is a songwriter and artist signed to Universal Republic and her latest album is My Stadium Electric.

We talk about how she got started in the music business, how she raised $25,000 in just three days (before Kickstarter) to fund her debut album, getting a record deal, playing David Letterman, working with A&R guys to create a great album, her songwriting process, how she got her music as the iTunes Single of the Week, and more. Erin also plays live in our studio. 

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Episode #160 - Lisa Marie Presley

Lisa Marie Presley talks about her music career and new album, Storm & Grace.

Topics discussed include growing up as the daughter of Elvis Presley, media scrutiny, finding your voice as an artist, writing great songs, recording a great album, Simon Fuller, the differences between Memphis, Los Angeles, and Nashville, trusting your team, and more.

Lisa shares her take on songs from Storm & Grace, including Over Me, You Ain't Seen Nothin' Yet, Weary, Soften the Blows, and So Long.

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Episode #159 - Steve Winwood

Steve Winwood was a key member of The Spencer Davis Group, Traffic, Blind Faith, and Go. He was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a member of Traffic in 2004.

In 2005, Winwood was honored as a BMI Icon at the annual BMI London Awards for his "enduring influence on generations of music makers."

In 2008, Rolling Stone magazine ranked Winwood #33 in its 100 Greatest Singers of All Time.

Winwood has won numerous Grammy Awards in the United States, including Record of the Year and Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for his solo album, Back in the High Life.

In this special edition episode, hosted by Dan Buckley, Steve talks about his four-decade music career, his early start in the music business, his love of Nashville, and more...

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Episode #158 - Justin Townes Earle

Justin Townes Earle talks about his new album, Nothing's Gonna Change the Way You Feel About Me Now.

In this episode, Justin plays three songs in the studio and talks about growing up as the son of Steve Earle, his battles with substance abuse, how Nashville is changing, life and business in New York City, finding your voice as an artist, the pros and cons of having a band, selling merch that lasts more than six months, his songwriting process, his unique guitar playing style, why the new album was recorded in Asheville, NC, and more.

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Episode #156 - Kyle Andrews

Kyle Andrews talks about his career as an artist and songwriters. You've heard his music on national ad campaigns for companies including Holiday Inn, Doritos, and Dell Computer and the topic of music licensing is one of the many discussed.

We touch on his creativity, including his unique songwriting and production style. For example, his album Robot Learn Love, which features some vocals recorded through built-in laptop mics and others recorded through top-of-the-line studio preamps. It has drums simulated with software in the bedroom and backing strings played by real musicians and tracked at pro recording studios.

On the business end, we talk about his first record deal, his decision to go independent, and stay independent, turning down multiple record deals. We talk about the business of making music videos. We talk about the business of touring. 

And we review music sent in by Music Business Radio listeners from around the world...

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Episode #151 - Cas Haley

Cas Haley is a singer, songwriter, and guitarist you may recognize from the second season of America's Got Talent, where he finished in 2nd place. In this episode, Cas talks about his career before, after, and during America's Got Talent, why he turned down a record deal with Sony, and the highs and lows of the music business. In addition, he performs three songs live in our studios, including a brand new one that has never been heard on radio before.

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Episode #150 - Chris Pandolfi

Chris Pandolfi talks about the ins and outs of his band, The Infamous Stringdusters, getting record deals, going independent, putting a team together, and more.

One of the highlights of this episode is a discussion about keeping a band (the Infamous Stringdusters has six members) on the same page and working together as as a single unit. Topics include keeping a unified vision for the band, how songwriting is done, and life on the road.

We also talk about the intersection of IMBA (International Bluegrass Music Association), bluegrass music, and jam bands, how to deal with "purists" in your music genre, and the balance of niche and mainstream acceptance.

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Episode #145 - Colt Ford

Here's the episode with Colt Ford. Along with him was Tom Baldrica, President of Average Joe's Entertainment.

This episode talks about Colt's 240+ gigs per year, connecting with fans, what it takes to stay motivated, putting together a good team, putting on a great show, and more. Tom talks about breaking Colt from his perspective, which includes a backcground in radio as well as 17 years at Sony Music Nashville.

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Episode #143 - Abigail Washburn

Here's an episode with Abigail Washburn that Dan hosted. 

Washburn grew up singing but had no longing to become a professional musician. Time singing backup in reggae, gospel, and R&B bands was nothing more than "fun," but a trip to China in 1996 changed all that. Picking up the native language faster than she imagined and falling in love with Chinese culture got her to thinking. Reconsidering the culture of her own homeland, Washburn bought a banjo and decided to explore the rich heritage of folk and bluegrass music.

In this episode, Abigail talks about getting started in the music business, bringing people together through music, record deals, touring overseas, and making records that matter.

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