Key Conversations

Eric Gowan, a solo artist in the punk rock/alternative genre, shares his insights on what artists can do other than touring as well as using kids as the ultimate cool filter! Also, he's got some great thoughts on investing in yourself and pitching.   Links   Watch at inthekey.co/312   Eric's website: www.ericgowan.com   MX4: inthekey.co/mx4   Prime Your Pitch checklist: inthekey.co/prime  Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Zak Sloan, a former teacher and lawyer for abused children, discusses how he made the leap from those jobs into full-time musicianship. He also details how his best marketing tool (spoiler alert: EMAIL!) helps him. Links Watch the interview at inthekey.co/311 Zak Sloan's website Email Workbook Listen at: inthekey.co/keypodcast, more resources at inthekey.co/resultsSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Patrick Ermlich, the CMO of Gramophone Media, returns to share new insights on how to make yourself known in the music industry, including how to stay relevant regardless of changes in trends. Links Watch the video at inthekey.co/310 The Compass Method book Patrick Ermlich's Medium page Instagram- instagram.com/ermlich Email workbook Listen at: inthekey.co/keypodcast, more resources at inthekey.co/results Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Lou Soileau, a singer, songwriter, composer, and retreat music leader, shares with us how to consistently write music, no matter your age. At 69-years-old, he still creates music full-time and encourages musicians to not let age hold them back. Links Lou Soileau's website 7 Day Challenge      Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Today, I speak with Lesley Barth, who is a newly FULL-time musician after just quitting her job! (Woot!) She discusses how she reaches her audience through Patreon, as well as keeping other projects and jobs from interfering with her musical endeavors. Links Lesley Barth's website Band website 7 Day Career Challenge  Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Chris James, one of the nation’s most renowned freelance composers for commercials, tells us his story, and how he maintains the job to this day. He is a person who truly understands that there IS such a thing as “good enough,” and he’ll tell you why. Links Chris James' website Vimeo Prime Your Pitch (Free pitching checklist)  Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Jonathan Perez, an electronic musician who uses live drums, speaks with me about finding your identity as a musician and how to categorize yourself so you can be identified more easily. Plus, he has a new song to show us! Links Jonathan Perez's website MX4 Course Twitter: Pitterpatterhtx Free 7 Day Career Challenge  Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Caitlyn Deviney, songwriter and founder of the Homestead Collective, shares her touring process and how touring can help boost your email list. That and ditching the extra part-time gigs! Links Caitlyn's Music Page Homestead Collective Facebook page Homestead Collective website MX4 Course Mastering Email free workbook  Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Composer, songwriter and guitarist Avi Blum shares what it means to struggle with anxiety. He and Cheryl share their experiences, what they do to keep it at bay, and even how to have compassion for anxiety. A touching and vulnerable conversation, not to be missed. Links: Avi Blum: aviblummusic.com Outreach Template (For research) The Perfect Pitch Course Blog Post: 10 Lines of Defense Against Anxiety Simple Habit- Meditation App Free Checklist on Pitching- Prime Your Pitch National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255  Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Today, we speak with Jase Hackman, a singer, songwriter, and guitarist (NOT singer/songwriter), who is in two bands and tells us how you can make the most out of your musical talent as “a small fish in a humongous pond.” In his case, it’s Nashville, Tennessee. Links Jase Hackman's website Daniel Mason Band website 7 Day Career Challenge  Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Founder of musicgeekservices.com, Jay Coyle, and his brother Chandler, are the guys to go to when an artist needs someone to partner up with, while also helping them gain more exposure. The both of them discuss the nitty-gritty of their business and how they’ve helped indie artists, such as the Barenaked Ladies! Links: The Coyle Brothers' Website BandsInTown Bandzoogle (Free trial + 15% off!) Freebie: Prime Your Pitch Checklist  Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Brian Peters, a blues musician who also drives a tractor-trailer for a living, gives us the scoop on what got him to where he is today, from his four children to his uncle’s harmonica. Also, tune in to see him show us his harmonica skills! Brian Peter's website (Deuce 'n a quarter) 7 Day Challenge (Refresh and Reboot)Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Julie Hurwitz, VP of Commercial Sync at Kobalt continues to grace the Key Conversations stage with her positive attitude, insights, and realistic approach to getting the publishing deal and getting your music as far as it can go.Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Listening to a music industry veteran who is also super current is a treat. Julie Hurwitz, VP of Commercial Sync at Kobalt shares insights on how she interprets briefs, chooses the right song, and lands the placement. Julie also tells musicians the path to a publishing deal and what your publisher does on the back end. www.kobalt.com MX4 Participants asking questions: Jalal RudiSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

 In part 2 of this awesome conversation, we talk with producer and vocal coach J Chris Griffin about dated versus retro sound in production, we talk about how to collaborate with other artists that may be "bigger" than you, and how to pay your producer so that everyone feels good! Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Producer and founder of The Pop Vocal Academy, New York-based J Chris Griffin shares so many golden nuggets, not just about how to get started as a producer, the importance of authenticity and acknowledging self-doubt, but also insights into the music industry today and our changing mindset. Also, how do you find that PERFECT person to work with as a vocal mentor? How do you tell a story with your voice? www.JChrisGriffin.com  MX4 Participants on the call: Gari Garret Rudi Meibergen Jeb Cowell  Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

In part two of this two-part interview with Rhyme Partners founder and publisher Melissa Bollea Rowe, we talk about why location matters, how to savor the journey, and how to make sure you're getting PAID for your performances!Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Melissa Bollea Rowe is not only the founder of successful Nashville-based publishing company Rhyme Partners, she's also a musician. Which means she "Gets it" on a different level. This insightful and personal interview takes us behind the scenes of a thriving publisher.Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

In this super special episode, we speak with Cheryl's VERY first drummer and good friend, Michael Calabrese, a founding member of and drummer/songwriter for Lake Street Dive. All of the goodness is up in this one. Do not miss it!   Links Lake Street DiveSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

It is our pleasure, here at Key Conversations, to bring you the Director of Communications at Royalty Exchange and music industry powerhouse, Antony Bruno. In this conversation, we explore Bruno and his main corner of the industry-- royalties. From the general policies and trends that have existed in this area of the industry, to the intricacies of Royalty Exchange, listeners are sure to gain valuable knowledge on effective funding for projects, how to navigate the world of royalties, and last, but not least, how to get the money artists deserve for their hard work. Make sure to tune in and hear what Antony Bruno has for us in this installment of Key Conversations.  Links Mentioned: Royalty Exchange MX4 MX4 Participants Interviewing Antony: Gary Rudy MarkSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)