Making a Scene Presents

Making a Scene - AI for Mixing Workflow: Automating First PassesMixing is the stage where songs finally come alive. It's where all the pieces—vocals, drums, guitars, keys, bass, and more—start to feel like music instead of a pile of recordings. But let's be honest: if you're an indie artist or home studio musician, opening a session with twenty or thirty raw tracks can be intimidating. You hit play, and instead of hearing a band, you hear chaos. Vocals are too loud, the snare is exploding in your face, guitars are lost somewhere in the mud. http://www.makingascene.org

Introduction: Music Was Never Just EntertainmentMusic isn't background noise. It isn't just party soundtracks, workout playlists, or marketing jingles. At its core, music has always been a weapon, a rallying cry, and a spark for social change. It's the heartbeat of revolutions, the whisper of resistance, and the shout of freedom. From enslaved people encoding escape routes in spirituals, to punk rockers screaming against conformity, to hip-hop calling out police brutality, music has always spoken for the people when politicians and corporations wouldn't. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Slate Digital VSX Headphone System: A Deep Dive ReviewI want to start this review with something important: I bought these headphones myself. I didn't get an endorsement, a discount, or a sponsorship. This review is based on my own money, my own time, and my own ears. That matters because when you're spending hundreds of dollars on a piece of gear, you need an honest perspective—not marketing fluff. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents - Building a Superfan Funnel: How AI Turns Followers into Paid SupportersIf you're an indie musician today, you already know the game has changed. It's no longer enough to just put your music on Spotify and hope someone stumbles across it. The truth is, music discovery happens everywhere—on TikTok, Instagram Reels, YouTube Shorts, and even random memes. But discovery is only the first step. The real challenge is moving fans from casually liking one of your videos to becoming true superfans—the kind who buy tickets, grab merch, and support your career for the long run. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents - Smart Contracts & Royalty Splits: Get Paid AutomaticallyWhy Money Has Tore So Many Bands ApartYou know the story well: a band records a hit, it starts making money, and then tensions emerge. Who wrote which verse? Who deserves how much? Did the producer's studio time count toward “points”? Did the marketing team's work deserve a slice? Even when everyone's intention is good, the old system is full of ambiguity, delays, and opaque accounting. Labels, publishers, and middlemen often stand between you and your money—and by the time a royalty check arrives, it's wrapped in cryptic spreadsheets and late to the table. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents - The Art of Mic Placement: Getting a Pro Sound from a Cheap MicIntroduction: It's Not About the Price TagEvery indie artist knows the struggle: you look at your bank account, then you look at those glossy ads for $3,000 microphones, and your heart sinks. But here's the truth that doesn't get advertised enough—you don't need an expensive microphone to get a professional sound. What you really need is an understanding of mic placement. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an interview with Ra'shad the Blues KidLarry McGill, better known as Ra'Shad the Blues Kid, was born on September 30, 1987, in Laurel, Mississippi—the heart of the Piney Woods region. Though no one in his family played music, Ra'Shad grew up surrounded by soul and gospel, planting seeds of inspiration early on. As he says, “The love of music was put in me before I could even play.” http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Vic Wayne of Star CollectorStar Collector is a rock & roll band based in Vancouver, BC, known for their high-energy performances and melodic, guitar-driven sound. Over the years, they've built a reputation as one of Canada's hardest-working indie rock bands, touring extensively across Canada, the United States, and Europe. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Suno Studio: A Deep Dive into the First True Generative Audio WorkstationThe world of music production has always lived on the edge of technology. From the tape machines of the 1950s to the MIDI revolution of the 1980s and the digital audio workstations (DAWs) of the 2000s, each leap forward has reshaped how artists create. Now, in the mid-2020s, we're entering a new era: the rise of the Generative Audio Workstation—a platform where artificial intelligence is not just an assistant but an active collaborator. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with the Resurrection Blues BandBorn from good times, hard times, and a deep connection to the blues, the Resurrection Blues Band has carved out a reputation as one of the most exciting and versatile acts on the scene today. Their journey, fueled by passion and grit, led them to win the Herald-Palladium Readers' Choice Award in 2024 for Best Local Entertainment and Best Blues Rock Band—a recognition that reflects both their musicianship and their ability to connect with audiences on a soul-deep level. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents - Microphone Basics: Dynamic vs. Condenser vs. Ribbon and When to Use EachIf you're an indie musician setting up your first home studio, one of the most confusing things you'll run into is microphones. Walk into any music store, and you'll see a wall full of mics—big, small, fat, skinny, cheap, and insanely expensive. The big question is: what's the difference? And how do you know which mic to grab when you're recording vocals, guitar, or drums? http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with The Gravel ProjectWhen music is in your soul, nothing can hold it back. That unstoppable drive fuels The Gravel Project, a band built on passion, authenticity, and the joy of sharing music with anyone willing to listen.Led by founding member, vocalist, guitarist, and songwriter Andrew Gravel, the band features an all-star lineup: keyboardist Jordan Gravel, drummer Dave Fox, percussionist Eguie Castrillo, bassist Brad Barrett, and vocalist Jen Kearney. Together, they create a powerhouse sound rooted in rock, blues, and psychedelia. Each member brings not only professional chops but also a lifetime of dedication to music—several are accomplished educators as well as performers. On stage, that depth translates into performances that are as heartfelt as they are electrifying. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Robin Nutley of The RevenantFormed in 2023, Revenant deliver a powerhouse rock sound infused with a southern edge. Their debut EP, What A Time To Be Alive, dropped in May 2024 to critical acclaim and quickly established the band as one to watch. Onstage, they've been turning heads across the UK festival and club circuit—including a standout performance at Firevolt—captured in their live album What A Time To Be Live. Backseat Mafia praised it as “one of the best guitar releases of the year,” while Powerplay Magazine called Revenant “one of the most refreshing and exciting sounds around.” With accolades like these, it's no surprise that these southern UK rockers are fast becoming a new fan favorite. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with AEvnÆvn grew up immersed in the worlds of trip-hop and lo-fi, sounds that shaped the foundation of a deeply personal musical journey. Influenced by boundary-pushing artists like Portishead and Joji, Ævn crafts music that blends moody textures with cinematic atmospheres, weaving mellow beats, haunting melodies, and subtle layers that reward repeat listening. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents - Cubase 14: A Deep Dive into the Future of AI-Powered Music ProductionThe Long Journey of CubaseWhen we talk about modern digital recording, it's hard not to mention Cubase. This software has been shaping the way music is created for over three decades. Steinberg, the company behind Cubase, first introduced it back in 1989 on the Atari computer. At that time, it wasn't nearly as powerful as what we see today, but it did something revolutionary: it gave musicians a way to record and arrange MIDI on a computer. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents - Decentralized Streaming Platforms: The Spotify AlternativeWhen most people think of music streaming, Spotify is usually the first name that comes to mind. It's the giant of the industry, with over half a billion users worldwide and more songs than anyone could listen to in a lifetime. For indie musicians, Spotify seems like the obvious place to be. You upload your tracks through a distributor, your music shows up next to the stars, and fans can find you with a search bar. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene - AI Metering and Loudness: How Smart Tools Are Changing the Way We MixIntroduction: Why Loudness Matters More Than You ThinkIf you've ever turned on your favorite playlist and noticed that one song blasts out of your speakers while another sounds much softer, you've experienced the problem of loudness. For decades, musicians, producers, and engineers have been caught up in what many people call the “loudness wars.” Everyone wanted their track to sound bigger, bolder, and more powerful than the one that came before it. But in the modern streaming world, that fight doesn't really matter the way it used to. Platforms like Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, and Tidal have built systems to normalize, or even out, the volume of every track that gets uploaded. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents - Spotify's Power Grab and the Web3 Escape Route: How Indie Artists Can Take Back Their Rights, Data, and MoneySpotify's new Terms of Service (August 2025) quietly tighten the leash around artists. The fine print is filled with loaded words like royalty-free, sublicensable, irrevocable, and transferable. At the same time, their Privacy Policy admits that your data—everything from listening habits to voice commands—can be used to train their machine-learning and AI systems. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents - How to Use AI to Book Your Band: From Finding Venues to Routing ToursBooking shows has always been one of the toughest parts of being an independent musician. You can write the songs, rehearse with your band, and record a great album, but without gigs, it's hard to grow a fanbase. Traditionally, booking tours meant hours of emailing venues, chasing down contacts, and trying to figure out where to play and how much to charge. That process hasn't disappeared, but today artists have a secret weapon: artificial intelligence. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents - How to Use AI to Book Your Band: From Finding Venues to Routing ToursBooking shows has always been one of the toughest parts of being an independent musician. You can write the songs, rehearse with your band, and record a great album, but without gigs, it's hard to grow a fanbase. Traditionally, booking tours meant hours of emailing venues, chasing down contacts, and trying to figure out where to play and how much to charge. That process hasn't disappeared, but today artists have a secret weapon: artificial intelligence. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents the PODCAST of LIVE from the Midnight Circus Featuring V & BTThis is the Voice of Indie Blues, the future of the blues. Artists who embrace the diversity of the blues that always has and still is being create from it's roots. These artists understand the blues is a living art form that is driven by innovation and creativity. These are the Indie Blues Artists!Honoring the Past, Praising the Present, Empowering the Future http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Joshua EspinozaLatino-American jazz pianist Joshua Espinoza is known for blending and bending genres into music that feels both familiar and refreshingly undefinable. With bassist Kris Monson and drummer Jaron Lamar Davis, the Joshua Espinoza Trio explores the space where jazz improvisation meets classical chamber music, pop sensibilities, and folk traditions. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Jessey JacksonJessey Jackson is a rare gem in the Australian music scene—an artist whose energy and authenticity make her impossible to ignore. A self-taught singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, Jessey has been compared to iconic voices like Janis Joplin, Melissa Etheridge, Tracy Chapman, and Stevie Nicks. Her powerful, raw, and soulful vocals—layered with foot-driven beats, harmonies, and guitar work that spans rhythm, slide, and lead—create a one-of-a-kind sound that fills every room she plays. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene - AI for Session Organization: Automating the Boring StuffIf you've ever opened up an old recording session only to be greeted by a sea of tracks called things like Audio_01 or Untitled_Track_47, you know how much of a headache it can be. You sit there soloing tracks one by one, trying to figure out whether something is a kick, a vocal, or just silence. It kills the mood and wastes valuable time. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents - Music DAOs: How Fans Can Become StakeholdersImagine if your fan club wasn't just a place to share posts and behind-the-scenes videos, but a real community where fans had an actual stake in your career. What if the people who love your music the most could vote on which cities you tour, help design your merch, or even co-fund your next album—while owning a piece of the project itself? That's exactly what's possible with DAOs, or Decentralized Autonomous Organizations. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents - Room Acoustics on a Budget: How to Tame Your Bedroom StudioSo, you've got your mic, your interface, your laptop, and a dream. You're ready to record your songs in your bedroom studio. But then you hit record and—ouch. The vocals sound boxy, the guitars are muddy, and the mix feels flat. It's not your performance, and it's not your gear. The problem is your room. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents An Interview with V & BTVigdis & Blå Tråd are a Norwegian band weaving together the raw soul of Nordic folk traditions with the timeless spirit of blues and roots music. Fronted by the powerful voice and songwriting of Vigdis, the group's name—Blå Tråd (“Blue Thread”)—captures their mission: to tie together different genres, eras, and emotions with one unbreakable line of music. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene - Signal Flow Made Simple: How Sound Travels from Your Mic to Your MixSo, you just bought your first microphone and audio interface. You're excited, maybe even a little overwhelmed, and you're ready to start recording songs in your home studio. But before you press record, there's one important thing you need to understand: signal flow. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene - NFTs for Musicians: Beyond the HypeYou've heard the buzzword and seen the headlines. Here's the simple version, no tech talk. An NFT is a digital receipt that proves who owns a special version of something. That “something” can be your single, your album, a music video, a backstage pass, a signed vinyl voucher, or a bundle with all of the above. The receipt lives on a public database called a blockchain. Think of it like a global ledger that anyone can read but no one can secretly change. If a fan owns your NFT, the ledger shows it. If they transfer it to a friend, the ledger updates. That's it. Straightforward, public, and trackable. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene - AI-Powered Vocal Cleanup: Faster, Cleaner, SmarterIf you've ever tried recording your vocals at home, you know the struggle. You nail a great take, full of emotion and energy, but when you listen back you hear more than just your voice. The hum of the air conditioner creeps in, your neighbor's dog barks halfway through, or maybe the hiss of your laptop fan makes the track sound messy. For years, fixing these problems meant either having access to an expensive professional studio or spending hours trying to clean things up with old-school tools that often did more harm than good. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene - How to Use AI to Create Social Media Posts That Actually Get Fans TalkingSocial media can feel like a full-time job when you're an indie musician. Between rehearsals, recording, and life itself, finding the energy to write daily Instagram captions or TikTok scripts isn't easy. But here's the truth: your fans want to hear from you. They don't just want polished songs—they want to feel like they're part of your journey. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Doc BowlingDoc Bowling & His Blues Professors are the real deal—a powerhouse blues band built on grit, soul, and musical scholarship. Led by Doc Bowling, a seasoned vocalist and guitarist with decades of performing under his belt, the band brings together a lineup of master musicians who deliver authentic blues with fire, finesse, and heart. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene - Ozone 12: How iZotope's New Mastering Plugin Is Changing the GameIntroductionIf you've ever finished mixing a song and thought, “Why doesn't this sound like the tracks on Spotify or the radio?”—you're not alone. That final polish you're missing is called mastering, and it's the step that takes a track from good to professional. For years, mastering was expensive, mysterious, and mostly reserved for big studios with racks of gear. But then came Ozone, and everything changed.Now, in 2025, we've got Ozone 12, the newest version of iZotope's legendary mastering plugin. This isn't just a minor update. It's a serious leap forward, blending powerful AI tools with hands-on control so musicians at every level can get results that sound pro.Let's dive in. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Michael AllmanMichael Allman, the eldest son of Southern rock legend Gregg Allman, has carved out his own place in the world of blues and rock with a voice and presence that carry forward his family's iconic legacy. Based in Port Richey, Florida, Michael blends the raw soul of Southern rock with the grit of modern blues, creating a sound that is both familiar and distinctly his own. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Lord BoltLord Bolt is a Swedish musician, drummer, singer, and songwriter who refuses to follow the rules. His sound cuts across blues, rockabilly, jazz, swing, country, and roots rock—always raw, honest, and full of emotion.At the heart of his music is a deep love for the blues, powered by the drive of rock 'n' roll and the soul of jazz and country. He doesn't just nod to the past—he brings it roaring back to life. His 2025 album Cookin' & Dancin' proves the point, blending the smoky grooves of '50s R&B and classic blues with bold brass and a modern swagger that makes it feel fresh and alive today. http://www.makingascene.org

PreSonus Studio One 7.2: A Deep Dive ReviewThe provided text offers an in-depth review of PreSonus Studio One 7.2, highlighting its strengths as a fast, flexible, and professional Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) suitable for various music production roles. It traces the DAW's history, emphasizing its modern, clean-slate design compared to older software and how it evolved into an all-in-one solution for recording, mixing, mastering, and live performance. The review details new features in version 7.2, such as the Sub Zero Bass instrument, Nashville Number System, and improved recording and editing tools, while also discussing the practical applications of its AI-powered stem separation. Finally, it explores the significance of Fender's acquisition of PreSonus, suggesting potential future integrations and guitar-centric workflows, and concludes that Studio One 7.2 is a robust, time-saving tool for contemporary musicians and engineers. http://www.makingascene.org

AI Mastering for Indie Artists: A Practical GuideThis document provides a comprehensive guide to audio mastering for indie artists, specifically focusing on the growing role of AI-powered tools. It begins by defining mastering and its importance in achieving a "radio-ready" sound for various listening environments and streaming platforms. The text then explains how modern AI mastering works, noting its ability to analyze and shape tracks by learning from successful masters, often using specific software examples like iZotope Ozone 11 and Audiolens. A significant portion compares the trade-offs between AI mastering and hiring a professional engineer, considering factors like speed, cost, consistency, creative input, and handling of complex scenarios such as vinyl or broadcast. Finally, the guide offers practical advice on when each approach is most suitable, including a step-by-step tutorial for using Ozone 11's Master Assistant, along with a list of popular AI mastering services and their current pricing. http://www.makingascene.org

AI Marketing for Independent Musicians: A Simple GuideThe provided text, "AI Marketing for Indie Musicians," explores how artificial intelligence can empower independent artists to grow their fanbase and manage their careers more efficiently. It emphasizes that AI acts as a smart assistant, not a replacement for creativity, by handling tasks such as personalizing fan communications, repurposing content for social media, analyzing audience data, and automating fan engagement. The source provides practical examples and tool recommendations for indie musicians to leverage AI for email campaigns, social media management, understanding their audience, and maintaining constant fan interaction, ultimately aiming to reduce burnout and foster independence. http://www.makingascene.org

Breaking Free: Decentralized Music for Indie Artists"Breaking Free: Indie Musicians and Decentralization," explores how Web3 technology and decentralization are empowering independent musicians to escape the limitations of the traditional music industry. It highlights how major record labels and streaming platforms operate like restrictive gatekeepers, offering artists meager earnings and limited control. The source then introduces decentralized alternatives like blockchain, NFTs, and DAOs as revolutionary tools that allow artists to directly connect with fans, retain ownership, and earn more fairly. It cites real-world examples of artists like RAC and Daniel Allan thriving through these new models, and outlines various platforms such as Audius, Catalog, and Royal.io that facilitate this shift. Ultimately, the text argues that decentralization fosters genuine artist-fan loyalty and is reshaping the music industry into a more equitable, community-driven ecosystem. http://www.makingascene.org

This guide provides a comprehensive overview for indie artists looking to build a home recording studio on a budget, emphasizing that expensive equipment isn't necessary for professional-sounding music. It outlines essential gear categories, including audio interfaces, microphones, headphones, and digital audio workstations (DAWs), offering specific, affordable product recommendations in each. The source also highlights what equipment can be acquired later as skills and budgets expand, drawing inspiration from successful artists like Billie Eilish who produced Grammy-winning work with modest setups. Ultimately, it encourages artists to prioritize creativity and songwriting over accumulating excessive gear, suggesting a foundational setup can enable high-quality recordings from the start. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Mary StrandI never dreamed of being a writer as a kid. Nope. I had bigger plans—like joining the Harlem Globetrotters, skating with the Ice Follies, or becoming a U.S. Senator. While other little girls fantasized about being princesses, I wanted to be king. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's Interview with Johnny IguanaJohnny Iguana, along with his longtime songwriting and producing partner JQ, is the composer behind the original score for the hit FX/Hulu series The Bear. Though Chicago has been his home for decades, Johnny still carries his East Coast roots proudly. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Brings you an interview with Brad "Guitar" WilsonBrad “Guitar” Wilson is quickly becoming a standout name in the modern blues rock scene, known for his fiery guitar work, soulful vocals, and magnetic stage presence. With a sound that blends classic influences and contemporary energy, Wilson continues to build a loyal fanbase across the U.S. and beyond. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents - What is a Music DAO? How to Start or Join One and Take Control of Your CareerIf you're an independent musician, chances are you've felt that nagging frustration: the music industry is built to keep power in the hands of labels, managers, and big platforms. They control the money, the exposure, and too often, the rights to your music. For decades, artists have been left fighting over scraps while corporations cash in.But what if you didn't have to play that game anymore? What if you could gather your fans and collaborators into a community where everyone contributes, everyone benefits, and the rules are clear from day one? That's the promise of a Music DAO.Don't worry if the word sounds like alphabet soup. By the end of this article, you'll not only know what a Music DAO is—you'll also know how to join one, how to start one, and most importantly, how it can completely change the way you run your career. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene - How AI Can Build Your Music Marketing Plan in MinutesBeing an indie musician today means wearing a lot of hats. You're not just the songwriter and performer—you're also the marketer, designer, and promoter. In the old days, record labels had entire departments handling those jobs. Now it often falls on your shoulders, and that can feel overwhelming. Luckily, AI is stepping in to give indie artists a serious advantage.Artificial Intelligence is like a tireless digital assistant. It can write ad copy, design social posts, schedule campaigns, and even study your fans' listening habits. What makes it so powerful is not that it replaces you, but that it speeds up the process. Instead of spending days or weeks trying to figure out your marketing plan, AI can give you a working blueprint in minutes—something you can adjust and personalize with your own story and voice. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Yates McKendreeProducer Kevin McKendree puts it best: “Because of Yates's lifelong dedication to blues and roots music, he's developed a direct line from his soul to whatever instrument he picks up. When he sings and plays, you don't just hear it—you feel it. On these recordings, you'll hear him on guitar, drums, bass, upright bass, and organ. Beyond all that talent, he's my son, and the joy of my life is making music with him. The musicians on this album are also our closest friends. We hope you feel that love in every note.” http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene - AI in Mixing – The Rise of Smart Mix AssistantsMixing music has always been a blend of science, art, and gut feeling. For indie musicians working on tight budgets without access to high-end studios or pro engineers, it can sometimes feel overwhelming. How do you know where to set your EQ? Should the vocals sit louder, or should the drums punch harder?This is where artificial intelligence is starting to make a huge difference. AI-powered mixing assistants like iZotope Neutron, Waves Clarity Vx, and even tools inside DAWs like Logic Pro's Smart EQ are changing the way artists approach mixing. These programs can “listen” to your track, analyze it in real time, and then suggest fader levels, panning, EQ adjustments, or even compression settings to make everything clearer.Think of it like having a second set of ears in the room—ears that never get tired. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene - AI for Merch & Fan Product Design: Turning Ideas into Unique Fan ExperiencesMerch has always been one of the most powerful tools indie artists have. Not only does it bring in money, but it also builds identity. A shirt, a vinyl sleeve, or even a sticker isn't just an object—it's a way for fans to carry your music into the world. The problem for many artists has always been cost. Professional designers can be expensive, and trying to do it yourself often feels limited.That's where artificial intelligence comes in. Generative AI tools like Midjourney, Ideogram, and Stable Diffusion aren't here to take creativity away from artists. They're here to amplify it. Instead of thinking of AI as a replacement for human imagination, think of it as a creative partner that can unlock ideas you never would have thought possible. http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey's interview with Slyder SmithUK rock artist Slyder Smith returns with a powerful new single, “Nobody's Listening,” out 15th August 2025. Raw, melodic, and unflinchingly honest, the track captures the frustration of trying to be heard in a world drowning in noise.“It's about screaming for attention while everyone's too distracted to notice,” Slyder explains. “We're glued to phones, filters, and fast living — and in the process, real connection is slipping away.” http://www.makingascene.org

Making a Scene Presents an Interview with Blind Lemon PledgeIn 2021, Blind Lemon Pledge (aka Bay Area bluesman James Byfield) released “A Satchel Full of Blues”, an eclectic and wide ranging collection of original American Roots based songs set to a stripped down combo sound with drums, bass, guitar and harmonica. Garnering a slew of rave reviews, the album went to the top of the Blues charts, landing the #9 spot on the Roots Music Report's Acoustic Blues Album Chart for 2021, and #85 on the RMR Top 200 Blues Albums.  One critic in Britain hailed it as one of the top 25 blues albums of the year. “Oh So Good”, Pledge's 10th album of originals and covers displays Pledge's impressive compositional range with tunes ranging from Blues to Folk to Jazz to Cajun, with a startling and original take on the folk and blues classic “House of the Risin' Sun”. http://www.makingascene.org

Breaking Chains is a groundbreaking guide for independent musicians ready to take control of their careers in the rapidly evolving world of decentralized music. From blockchain-powered royalties to NFTs, DAOs, and smart contracts, this book breaks down complex Web3 concepts into practical strategies that help artists earn more, connect directly with fans, and retain creative freedom. With real-world examples, platform recommendations, and step-by-step guidance, it empowers musicians to bypass traditional gatekeepers and build sustainable careers on their own terms.More than just a tech manual, Breaking Chains explores the bigger picture—how decentralization can rebuild the music industry's middle class, strengthen local economies, and transform fans into stakeholders in an artist's journey. Whether you're an emerging musician, a veteran indie artist, or a curious fan of the next music revolution, this book is your roadmap to the future of fair, transparent, and community-driven music. HTTP://www.makingascene.org/breaking-chains http://www.makingascene.org