Key Conversations

 Professor Kellogg shares his impressive story from startingperforming when he was 17 years old to networking and meeting keypeople who helped him develop his career. He set a music careergoal and achieved it. What was next? Law! Some great questions answered in this one- how can an indie artiston a budget get legal support? When should an artist begin to seeklegal advice? And many more!MX4 participants interviewing John:ChrysantheTan, Alex Winters, Kasey PolkLinks Mentioned:Take Care of Your Music BusinessVolunteer LawyersFor The ArtsHarvard Recording Artist ProjectBillboardMagazinewww.Kellogglaw.com Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

In part 2 of this extremely unique interview, composer Darren Solomon answers the questions: How do you deal with the way other people pigeon-hole you because you do a variety of things, from composing to performing? In doing so, he also tackles the importance of just making cool stuff and getting it out there. We get to hear the top 5 commercials Darren has done that people would know and the two-sentence version for success in commercial composing… OK, a bit MORE than 2 sentences.MX4 participants interviewing Darren:Chrysanthe Tan, Alex Winters  Links Mentioned:Darren’s “passion” project In B FlatDarren SolomonSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Every musician or composer has their journey toward what theyconsider to be success. It’s a hard fought battle to overcome allkinds of obstacles, both internal and external. Today’sconversation and Q&A demonstrates that in the story of a verysuccessful performer and commercial composer, Darren Solomon andcan translate to how you ca make the transition from a touring andperformance path to more of a composition direction.Darren got his first big break as a bass player by overhearing aconversation… not the typical way most of us get an opportunity,but he took it. The result? He wound up touring with the one andonly Ray Charles for 2 years. It was a phenomenal experience thattaught him a ton about the music business and the life of atraveling musician.After his stint with Ray, Darren stepped into an opportunitypresented by his dad, composing scores for low budget horrorflicks. He sees it as the opportunity to develop his chops in anentirely different aspect of the music industry and can see now howit served

Bree opens up with some highlights and milestones of her music career along with what she is doing today before diving into some extremely valuable tips for musicians about workflow and focus. For the first time in Key Conversations, we hear the perspective of being a mom and a full time musician.Listeners will also get the inside scoop of how a radio station chooses its music, and how to stand out so that your music IS chosen.Lastly, Bree shares her reasons behind starting an independent radio station focusing on female musicians. MX4 Participants Interviewing Bree:Moldover, Kasey Polk, Lake Lady Links Mentioned:Women of Substance RadioThe Miracle Morning   Music X RaySonicbidsSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

In the second part of this valuable interview, Cheryl and Lou share insights into how to garner more opportunities. Cheryl asks about licensing opportunities through the Reverbnation platform and what it takes to get licensed. Cheryl shares her experiences with licensing through Reverbnation and how a personal touch makes all the difference. And make sure to listen to the end where Lou shares the hidden gems of the Reverbnation platform.Links Mentioned:APM music libraryPrevious Links Mentioned:Lou Plaia co-founder of ReverbnationCanvaResource PageSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

In a special one-on-one interview, Cheryl finds out about how Lou went from finance to artist development (including Kid Rock!) to full time entrepreneur, all while keeping the musician in mind. He continues to foster industry connections to create opportunities for bands. Hear the secret to NOT being a needle-in-a-haystack artist… how to get found. Lou digs into the importance of images and updating your profiles. Lou gives some insights into how to target opportunities to submit to (ps, they’re free!). How can fan engagement and targeting fans’ demographics to keep and develop fan relationships long term? Lou answers this!Hear how Reverbnation is a hub for social media and the tools (like widgets!) you need to grow your reach. Links Mentioned:Lou Plaia co-founder of ReverbnationCanvaResource PageSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Hear Suzanne's awesome story of how she got to be the Rock/Star Advocate. Hear her secrets to a super-productive day, maintaining self-care, press kit do's and don'ts, and how to dig into the business side of being an artist. Find out her TOP three books on the music industry and why, and how to make a really awesome email-list! Lastly, how to make a tiny mailing list be profitable! MX4 Participants on the Interview: Blackey of Midnight Mob, Chrysanthe Tan, Alex WintersLinks Mentioned on the Interview:The Rock/Star AdvocateDonald S. Passman - All You Need To Know About The Music BusinessAndy Sernovitz - Word Of Mouth MarketingLouis Howes - School of GreatnessSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Not only is Sean Callery an Emmy winning composer of some of our FAVORITE shows (including Homeland, 24, Elementary, Bones and Medium), he's a freaking nice guy, and shows it while diving into all things composing. Sean shares about interpersonal relationships and bringing your specific skillsets to the table, the standards of writing and presenting music within the television industry, and conducting a live orchestra. In this interview, we also cover:• how the music industry still looks for quality work in relation to receiving awards,• the process of writing music for screen• having a degree for a specific music skill versus experience• and how to get past writers block or composing frustrations Questions Asked During the Interview:What are 3 career highlights or events that have gotten you to where you are that you look back on fondly?What are some skills as a musician that are important for a strong composer to have?What is it like to have your original music heard with a live orchestra?How have awar

Singer Express founder Andree Kaminsky discusses building your showcase page, and why a service like Singer Express can help boost your vocal career. Great for all vocalists, singers, VO artists!Links Mentioned:Singer Express (use "mx4free" code for 4 weeks free trial!)MX4 Participants On The Call: Loren Blackey, Scott Tran, Chrysanthe Tan, Alex Winters Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Singer Express founder Andree Kaminsky discusses her journey of going from singer manager to website platform host, and why a service like Singer Express can help boost your vocal career.Links Mentioned:Singer Express (use "mx4free" code for 4 weeks free trial!)MX4 Participants On The Call: Loren Blackey, Scott Tran, Chrysanthe Tan, Alex Winters Support the show

The "When I Grow Up Coach", Michelle Ward, continues to grace the Key Conversations airwaves by sharing her perspective on why WE should have a perspective. She'll explain mindset shift, building your network and stepping out of it, and the beloved topic of QUITTING YOUR DAY JOB! MX4 Participants on the interview: Scott Tran, Parry Adams, Pamela Ames, Debra Penberthy, Favour Renae,Eddy Walda, Ethan MartinLinks Mentioned: Michelle Ward: The When I Grow Up CoachRenaissance Soul BookDitch Your Day Job ClassSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

The "When I Grow Up Coach", Michelle Ward, went from musical theater dreamer to massively successful career coach. She explains to us what a life coach does and how its different than a counselor. We then get to hear some common themes she see within her clients and ways to get past them. Lastly, we dig into goal scheduling tips and making it creative/fun!MX4 Participants on the interview: Scott Tran, Parry Adams, Pamela Ames, Debra Penberthy, Favour Renae, Eddy Walda, Ethan MartinLinks Mentioned: Michelle Ward: The When I Grow Up CoachRenaissance Soul BookDitch Your Day Job ClassSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

In this second part of a VERY insightful interview, ASCAP's Etan Rosenbloom reflects on ways to introduce your music to the world, and then explains how ASCAP collects monies for your music catalogue digitally. We get into the current issues with PRO’s and digital music services and end the interview with hearing other benefits of being apart of a PRO.MX4 Participants on the interview: Scott Tran, Parry Adams, Pamela Ames, Debra PenberthyLinks Mentioned: www.ASCAP.comSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Etan Rosenbloom is fighting the good fight from within ASCAP, one of the three Performing Rights Organizations in America. He tells us about interviewing artists with a difference perspective and why you, as an artist, should try to make each interview feel fresh and natural. We then dig into how technology now is allowing for a different relationship between artist and fan versus 20 years ago. Etan also provides insights into how to publicize your upcoming work and projects as an artist as well as ways to get the attention of bloggers, writers, newspapers, etc.MX4 Participants on the interview: Scott Tran, Parry Adams, Pamela Ames, Debra PenberthyLinks Mentioned: www.ASCAP.comSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

In this second interview with vocalist, songwriter and performer Kristin Hoffmann, we look at what it means to be diverse within the music industry, trusting your instincts when it comes to working with other musicians and other ways to create a full sound with a limited number of musicians. Kristin also enlightens us on generating and pursuing different music opportunities while balancing your fulfilling musical work and not so fulfilling musical work. MX4 Participants on the interview: Scott Tran, Debra PenberthyLinks Mentioned: Kristin Hoffmann's WebsiteSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Kristin Hoffmann, songwriter and professional singer, shares insights to her vast career of making a living creating music. We dive into out-of-the-box thinking to create a sustainable career and discuss the highs and lows of the label experience versus being indie. We also talk about something that is hard for all musicians to do: outsourcing! MX4 Participants on the interview: Scott Tran, Debra PenberthyLinks Mentioned: Kristin Hoffmann's Website And don't forget you can see Cheryl and Kristin perform live together tonight (January 14th 2016, 7:30pm at Rockwood Music Hall Stage 2 in New York City. Information at cherylbe.com.) You can hear and purchase their song "Bring The Rain" on iTunes.Support the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Part two with music business songwriting expert Judy Stakee starts with discussing the importance of finding your own voice while developing your songs and how to allow your songs to dictate where you move next. We dig into the live aspect of songs- how to let an audience get to know you versus just playing a set. Judy reveals the secrets to what qualities make a successful songwriter and how to really develop your overall talent as an artist.MX4 Participants on the interview: Scott Tran, Parry Adams, Pamela Ames, Debra Penberthy, Favour RenaeLinks Mentioned: The Songwriter's Survival Guide by Judy StakeeJudy Stakee's WebsiteSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Want to send your songs to music supervisors? Music industry veteran Judy Stakee gets right down to it! She'll dig into the importance of being apart of a songwriting community, reveal three avenues for what you can do once you have your own material and how to get your music to different licensing companies! Yes please!!MX4 Participants on the interview: Scott Tran, Parry Adams, Pamela Ames, Debra Penberthy, Favour RenaeLinks Mentioned: The Songwriter's Survival Guide by Judy StakeeJudy Stakee's WebsiteSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Back with Dave Cool of Bandzoogle chatting about networking, its importance, and how to become great at it. Find out what “Polite Persistence” is and how it can benefit you, as well as Dave's important tips every artist should have in place as they grow their career. Finally, get the inside scoop into Bandzoogle and some of the highlights of this amazing platform!MX4 Participants on the interview: Scott Tran, Ethan Martin, Greg Foster, Favour RenaeLinks Mentioned:BandZoogleBands in TownBook on networking: Never Eat Alone by Keith FerrazziSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)

Dave Cool of Bandzoogle opens up telling us about his journey from starting as a drummer for his dad's band to where he is today. We take a look at the indie music world today versus 10 years ago, and why it's more important than ever to have a strong website. We also dive into HOW to get people to your website, and how to stand out above the crowd.MX4 Participants on the interview: Scott Tran, Ethan Martin, Greg Foster, Favour RenaeLinks Mentioned:BandZoogleBands in TownBook on networking: Never Eat Alone by Keith FerrazziSupport the show (http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic)