Surviving The Music Industry

SMI has come a long way. Not just moving out of the 'Bedroom' to a space on Music Row, but even the show itself. We're closing in on the season closer. So we thought it would be fun to share our very first interview with William Coats. William…forgive the guides because they knew not what they were doing. William is the man behind all the live drum sounds of an Eric Church arena show. Don't count William out as a player though. He has quite the impressive resume. We learn what it's like touring on the crew side with one of the biggest acts of the past five years. Wanna know how to get those drum sounds? Wanna work on crew for a major tour? Have you ever wanted to transition careers or vocations? William's story is interesting in the fact that you never know what this life of a musician will take you. You could end up as one of the most sought after drum techs or as we like to call him…Church Tech.

Akil Thompson is a nasty multi-instrumentalist that can play any genre of music thrown at him. I guess all those years of his dad touring with Frank Zappa must have sunk in some how?? Growing up in a musical family and walking the concourse with Phil Collins as a kid isn’t your average way of growing up, but don’t let that fool you. Akil is creating his own legacy through hard work and talent. Akil studied Jazz Percussion and Composition at Belmont University, but has played guitar and recorded with some heavy hitters. Jonny Lang, LeAnn Rhimes, Ginny Owens, Dave Barnes, Mandisa, and Marc Broussard to name a few. Even Brandon shares a record with Akil! (Brandon recorded on a secret track. Don’t let him impress you.) Akil shares his funny story meeting Ginny Owens, throwing up on stage in a live recording, moving to Nashville in high school and those hard times, favorite records/artists, and his in sight in to session work. We learn that sometimes the worst times are usually the best times and things happen for

Olivia Lane is one of the kindest, hardest working women country music. As she waves the independent artist flag, she is making waves across Nashville and the nation with her catchy tunes. Olivia is a Texas native, California educated, Nashville transplant that has been an artist quite possibly her whole life. Growing up she would be inspired by her own mother, a Texas regional artist, to pursue a career in songwriting and playing music. Fast forward to her 'Quarter Life Crisis' and she has had country music chart success with her hits, "Steal Me Away," and "I Make My Own Sunshine." In this episode Olivia and the guides talk about staying true to who you are, what makes up a team to achieve chart success, the struggles of working as a female in a predominantly male driven industry, and even discovering the harsh realities of making and building relationships in the music business. There are a lot of emotions and even those "feelings" things in this episode...

Happy Halloween…if you’ve survived the industry. If you're one of the lucky ones left over from the vicious music business you have the distinct pleasure to listen to our gruesome talk with Alice Cooper’s long time bassist and front man from Beasto Blanco…Chuck Garric! Chuck is an industry vet that got his first big break from Ronnie James Dio to play bass for Dio. From there Chuck catapulted into the Los Angles metal scene playing and recording with bands and artists like Turd, The drugs, L.A. Guns, Billy Bob Thornton, Cheap Trick, Ted Nugent, and Don Felder. Can you imagine playing with the father of shock rock for over a decade. Chuck has been in Cooper’s band since 2002 and recorded on “Eyes of Alice Cooper”, “Dirty Diamonds”, and “Along Came A Spider”. In this special episode we hear Chuck’s inside view of longevity as a sideman, plugging into a scene, and even switching scenes. We get a sneak peak on what’s to come from Beasto Blanco as well! The new record is soon to be released and look forward to mor

Brandon and Jason revisit The Big Yellow Dog office on Music Row to have a conversation with Daniel Tashian. Daniel is a singer, songwriter, artist, and producer based out of Nashville. It’s astounding to find out Daniel’s navigation through the music industry as a writer, and what’s even more shocking was his age of getting shopped around for a publishing deal. But Daniel is no newb in the music industry. Daniel’s father was in the infamous band The Remains. The guides and Daniel take a trip through Daniel’s childhood to figure out how he himself was influenced by his family and the musicians that were around his childhood. Fast forward to the present, Daniel has cuts with artists like Chris Lane, Charles Kelly, Lee Ann Womack, Matt Wertz, Eli Young Band, Logan Mize, Amy Stroup, Billy Currington, and Martina McBride. Josh Turners newest single, “Hometown Girl” was co-written by our survival expert. Not to mention his film and TV placements with shows like Breaking Bad, Private Practice, and Heart of Dixie to

Brian “Honey” Bunn is a unique case for a player. Honey Bunn was a Nashville artist for the band DecembeRadio, a multi-Dove Award winner and Grammy nominated band, and has transitioned to being a “player” in the scene in recent years. Brian was one of the owners of DecembeRadio and toured for over a decade. The guys talk about being in the Christian music industry and what does that even look like, and the differences between working with other genres. What does that transition look like? We also get a reality check glimpse of what it really looks like as a band coming up and winning awards. Fast forward to present day, Brian is a songwriter. The guides talk a little bit about transitioning to a songwriter that is coming up in the industry. Brian shares his most recent cuts and even struggles to get there. When the guides and Honey Bunn get through talking about their favorite TV shows to binge watch on tour, they finally get to playing with Thomas Rhett. Thomas Rhett is one of the biggest country music artis

Just eight hours after Labor Day Jason and Brandon caught up with Nashville’s hottest session guitarist, Derek Wells. Derek was born in Nashville, Arkansas and he lives in Nashville, Tennessee. So it’s safe to say Derek is from Nashville. The music industry is all Derek has known since birth. Both parents have very successful careers in the industry and Derek shares what it was like growing up on Keith Whitley’s and Dolly Parton's bus. Derek really got serious about playing music at a very surprising age and he never went back to journalism school. Let’s just say this, Derek had a very real understanding what he was up against coming from Music City. He dove in head first in his parents basement and learned everything that he could because he felt the talent bar was set in Nashville, and if he was going to be a musician he had to work harder. He waited tables and practiced until landing his first pro gig with Josh Turner. Through time, more gigs, and some road lessons, he made the shift to playing sessions. D

Brushing off the confetti, Jim "Moose" Brown graced the guides in "the bedroom" with his presence after winning 2016 ACM Keyboardist of the Year award. This isn't Moose's only accolade. He has won the same award previously in 2005, 2006, and 2011. But not only ACM trophies sit on his mantle. He has a Grammy for Best Country Song for co-writing "It's 5 O'Clock Somewhere" and has been nominated for his producing skills. Moose co-produced Darryl Worley’s Top 10 hit “Sounds Like Life To Me,” and he also co-produced the critically acclaimed album by Jamey Johnson, “That Lonesome Song,” which features the Top 10 single “In Color,” as well as Jamey’s newest certified Gold double album “The Guitar Song.” Moose has cuts with today's top artists and legendary acts. Not to mention he also plays guitar in Bob Seger's Silver Bullet Band. Brandon and Jason tackle everything in this episode. They find out the stories behind Moose's award-winning songs, the politics involved, and even how to wri

One look and you would never think that Phil would be an accountant. He’s not. Phil Shouse screams and was born out of rock ’n’ roll. Phil was noticed from a gig that David Lee Murphy’s management was at on a Sunday afternoon on a pedestrian bridge. The guides learn that you never know who is watching, and what makes your personality or style can be marketable. That show was a catalyst of a healthy career as a professional gun slinger. Phil has played with Chris Cagle, John Corabi, Mindy Mcready, Morningwood, and his last artist gig was Rodney Atkins of five years. Don’t feel bad for Phil, because he is the happiest and busiest he’s ever been juggling his own projects. Phil co-owns Thee Rock N Roll Residency and Mutt Merch, and as well as juggling his tribute bands. The Residency is a weekly rock and roll extravaganza in Nashville, TN that invites guests from the music industry to take part in. They’ve had people like Alice Cooper, Chuck Garric (Beasto Blanco & Alice Cooper), Mark Slaughter (Slaughter), S

Your guides catch up with one of the most sought after mix engineers in Nashville, Jim Cooley. Jason and Brandon invade the Black River Entertainment building to spend some time with Jim. Time is something Jim doesn’t have by the way, as he is slammed with projects constantly. So, when he agreed to meet the guys it was a pleasant surprise! Jim Cooley has worked professionally in the business for 15 years recording and mixing top acts like Maddie & Tae, Parmalee, Jake Owen, George Strait, Bobby Bones and The Raging Idiots, Lee Ann Womack, Brooks and Dunn, Travis Tritt, Reba McEntire, Eric Church, Kenny Chesney, and Thompson Square. Trust --that’s only the tip of the iceberg. The guides tap in to his time management skills with a heavy work load and how to not become a victim of ear fatigue. There’s also a psychology and a strategy to get the mix the client wants. We hear a little background from Jim and how he got started. Then we learn his mixing style, rules of mixing, working with clients, and even mixi

Sitting in on this conversation was like listening to old friends playing catch-up. Teddy Boldt is one of Brandon's favorite drummers in town, and one of Brandon's first friends upon moving to Nashville (awwwwww). If you ever wanted to be on the outside of inside jokes, this episode's for you! Nah, you'll get some jokes! Teddy grew up underprivileged in one of the most privileged cities in America. So to go from couch surfing and spending nights in his car to playing in one of the biggest party rock bands in the country living it up in five star hotels and tour buses is a story worth telling. It's no fairytale--listen to how a homeless fashion designer living in L.A. became one of Nashville's biggest, flashiest show drummers. It is an incredible story! Family Force 5 is a party rock band based out of Atlanta/Nashville. You've seen them on Van's Warped Tour, top of the Billboard charts, and many festivals around the nation. Teddy gives some insight on the personalities and the business infrastructure of FF5, a

Nestled in the Crieve Hall community is a home studio called The Grey Matter…I mean The Grey Area. Brandon never got it right. Thomas was slammed mixing three records at the time, so your guides took a field trip. You’ve heard Thomas’s mixes on the road from Drew Holcomb & The Neighbors, Colony House, Matt Kearney, Ben Rector, Ingrid Michaelson, American Authors, and Third Day. He also tour managed these acts at the same time as well as other job shares. Geez! Thomas wasn’t born in the industry, but rather he comes from West Texas. So how did a Texan native navigate the deserts to find his way in to the bus bunks of great artists and before hitting his mid 20’s? Well listen and find out ya dingus! What we will tell you is that his story is very similar to your story. Distraught from not getting his 1st pick college audition, Thomas chose to go to a “smaller” school and he attributes that to a lot of his current success. Thomas later took a chance working his first tour managing gig for 50 bucks. By his ow

Few people in the entertainment industry can can have the nickname, “The Legend," and your guides managed to trick one of them to come chat with them in the bedroom. Tom has a professional career that spans over five decades. Starting with the Imperials and moving to Nashville in 1978, Tom soon jumped head first in the studio world. Heavily influenced by Chet Atkins, and an arsenal of repertoire and styles, Tom shot up the ladder quickly in the session world, which eventually led to producing and songwriting. To date, Tom has done thousands of recordings, won a Grammy, and earned a flock of Dove awards. He has performed with everyone from Vince Gill, Glen Campbell, and Kenny Loggins to Bebe & CeCe Winans and Peter Cetera. Recording credits include Kenny Loggins, Michael W. Smith, Michael McDonald, Vince Gill, Peter Cetera, Wynonna Judd, Amy Grant, Yolanda Adams, Garth Brooks, Point of Grace, Rob Thomas, Ricky Skaggs, and Brian McKnight. Not to mention Tom is a world class solo guitarist on Autumn Rec

Listen to this extra nugget of Dusty's experience in Saudi Aradia. Mind. Blown.

When Brandon and Jason said they wanted to talk to a music industry photographer they only had one guy in mind. He was busy…but Dusty said he would do it if we had bourbon. Your guides supplied the drinks and Dusty supplied the stories. Today’s show is an inspiring tale of a small town kid getting out in the world and figuring things out. The guides thought Dusty had been taking pictures all his life, but come to find out it has been a recent discovery!? He has taken pictures for some of music’s biggest stars--Kelly Clarkson, Brantley Gilbert, Augustana, Maggie Rose, and Easton Corbin to name a few. His photos have been featured on CMT, Rolling Stone, People Magazine, National Geographic, and various online and local publications. Dusty’s decision to live in Nashville is an unconventional story but so is everything else about him. He began his adult life studying business at Mizzou, which led to leadership roles and traveling the world abroad. Literally, on a whim he planted himself in Nashville to be a songw

Shawn talks to the guys about being aggressive and believing in yourself as a rising industry professional in this blip of extra content.

Barely escaping from ACM week 2016 in Las Vegas, the guides caught up with Shawn Pennington. Shawn has a career that spans all walks of vocations in the music business. Shawn's intro in the world of music and even what pushed him in that direction was encouraged from the most unlikely of places. Much like how this podcast was formed (musicians complaining about their lives on the back of a cruise ship), Shawn made the decision to move to Nashville to pursue a career of playing country music. Shawn spent his early country music career playing for top female vocalist, Sara Evans. Like most players in a band, his position also led to management positions. After realizing for himself that playing music wasn’t where the money was at he jumped on the artist management side of things. While at Dale Morris & Associates, Shawn used his talents and knowledge as a musician, producer, production manager, and artist manager to successfully develop the careers and brands of Gretchen Wilson, Big & Rich, John Rich, C

No babies were harmed by dingos in this episode, but your guides did sit down with Australian born, Nashville resident Jared Kneale. Brandon and Jason first get a cultural lesson from Jared. Touring in Australia is way different than here in the states, and even the opportunities look a little bit different. While in his native homeland, Jared has played with "Austrialian Idols," Hillsong, and the Afro-Cuban rock band Watussi. After getting connected with some players living in Nashville, Jared booked his flight to the states only bringing some clothes and his drums. Armed with confidence and using his cajón as his business card at writers rounds he quickly started working with Rebecca St. James and Audio Adrenalin, Mikky Ekko, Dave Barnes, Matt Wertz, Sugar & the Hi-Lows, Gabe Dixon, Amy Stroup, Trent Dabbs, Jessie Baylin, Isaac Hayden, Rick Price, Jason Eskridge, amongst various other local singer/songwriters. Then they dive in on landing the gig with Grammy Award-winning artist Kacey Musgrave

Armon Jay is an incredible dude from Chattanooga, but Brandon and Jason make things awkward at first sharing their 90’s emo love man crush for Chris Carrabba. Then, as the lights go down, your guides break down Armon's records and his writing style to find out just how he is getting such stellar recognition in the Film and TV licensing world. The conversation steers into Armon’s road experience as a player with artists like his original project Never The Less, then Noah Gundersen, and Aaron Gillespie. One thing the guides really wanted Armon to share is his road to recovery. Dealing with anxiety and other diagnoses that lead to substance abuse, Armon has come a long way and shares tips and tricks to stay healthy on the road and in life. Please, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it. This is episode if for fans of Armon Jay, musicians interested in licensing, performing, and anybody dealing with problems that are looking for help. We are about to bring the ARMON HAMMER!!

The guides and Court play "Never Have I Ever," with a tour-specific twist in this extra content piece!