Making Money in the Music Business

In this podcast episode #185, co-hosts Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson end the fall season by discussing "7 Kinds of Music Releases to do in 2022." From releasing your hottest single to releasing a cover song that has your signature sound, be sure to listen to this special end of the year episode to learn how to prepare for next year musically as an independent artist. Also, both co-hosts share their favorite episode of his season so you can go back and take an additional listen. Music Tip – http://wesmusicpro.com http://kenyarest.eventbrite.com

In this podcast episode #184, Kenya McGuire Johnson talks about how to build an engaging community within your artist/music group. Three main concepts of engagement are discussed including connection, contribution, and collaboration. Kenya also shares ways to increase engagement including the use of memes, videos, Q & A's, challenges and even having your audience chime in on their expertise who may be able to contribute to a project you're developing. Show Links: Music Tip – Wisdom App: www.joinwisdomapp.com Upcoming event: "The PowHER of Rest" Music Video Virtual Watch Event & Discussion- http://kenyarest.eventbrite.com Schedule Coaching Consultation with Kenya: Email 3mbpodcast@gmail.com or kenya@kenyamjmusic.com

This is a replay of Podcast 166 – The Value of Resetting which originally aired on March 21, 2021. Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson discuss “The Value of Resetting” in this week's podcast episode 166. Dr. Smith shares a recent quote by Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian regarding working as hard in his career as he does in his personal life. The conversation explores the importance of artists “resetting” and placing equivalent time between developing themselves personally and artistically. Each co-host shares their own personal experiences with having to reset and nurture aspects of self beyond being a musician. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why it's critical to take as much time to reset and consider all aspects of self in addition to working on a music career.

This is a replay of Podcast 166 – The Value of Resetting which originally aired on March 21, 2021. Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson discuss “The Value of Resetting” in this week's podcast episode 166. Dr. Smith shares a recent quote by Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian regarding working as hard in his career as he does in his personal life. The conversation explores the importance of artists “resetting” and placing equivalent time between developing themselves personally and artistically. Each co-host shares their own personal experiences with having to reset and nurture aspects of self beyond being a musician. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why it's critical to take as much time to reset and consider all aspects of self in addition to working on a music career.

John Waupsh, founder and CEO of Nerve, the first banking app for musicians, is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #182. John shares a plethora of valuable information as it relates to the creation of Nerve banking app which is created and designed for musicians, particularly those who are independent. John explains his background in the music industry, financial technology and how such expertise led to the creation of this dynamic new banking app. Listeners will receive information on how they can streamline their multiple lanes of revenue into one banking app with or without having an officially registered business while becoming more efficient with bookkeeping and management of their music related income. For more information, visit www.nerve.pro Follow: IG @bankonnerve Twitter @bankonnerve FB facebook.com/bankonnerve http://makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com/

In this week's podcast, Dr. William E Smith gives insights on what the metaverse is and how you can position your music business to take advantage of this exciting new opportunity. He talks about what the metaverse is and how it's related to blockchain technology and what perspective you need to have in order to create your own opportunities in the metaverse. www.makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com

OneOf, the green NFT marketplace built for music, co-founders Adam Fell and Joshua James are our special guests in this week's podcast episode #180. In addition to Adam Fell and Joshua James, OneOf also includes co-founder Lin Dai, who wasn't a part of our interview but who is an integral part of the dynamic trio. Adam Fell is the President of Quincy Jones Productions and Joshua James is the co-founder and CEO of ZIG Media, acquired in 2019 by Media Rights Capital (Billboard, Hollywood Reporter, Dick Clark Productions etc). Both execs share in depth insight and explanations of NFT's, what they are, why they are valuable and how they are affecting the future of the music industry. Similarly they share details about their most recent major accomplishment of partnering with the Recording Academy establishing NFTs that will be released as collectibles and experiences celebrating the GRAMMY Awards. Listeners will receive information on how they can embark on this new green technology that is sure to be a game changer in the music industry, especially for independent artists. For more information, visit www.oneof.com Follow: IG & Twitter @oneofnft

Director of Marketing for CDBaby Canada and Founder of Indie Week, Darryl Hurs is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #179. Darryl shares a plethora of valuable information as it relates to the new age of virtual conferences and DIY opportunities available for today's independent artists. Darryl also explains the importance of building community online and how it impacts the growth of a musician's business as well as their artistry. Listeners will receive information on how they can attend this year's Indie Week conference as well as be inspired to continue to build careers in the music industry by using various online resources and tools. For conference information, visit www.indieweek.com Follow Darryl Hurs: IG @darryl_hurs

In this podcast episode #178, Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson discuss the power of using your intuition when building and establishing your music business. They share their personal experiences using intuition, steps to connect more with your intuition and various resources to help with learning more about intuition and how to utilize it in a valuable way. Listeners will learn strategies of how to recognize when intuition is working in your favor and how to build a music business that's in alignment with personal needs and desires. Schedule Coaching Consultation with Kenya: Email 3mbpodcast@gmail.com or kenya@kenyamjmusic.com

In this podcast episode #177, Kenya M. Johnson talks about the power and importance of musicians continuing to build their email lists or start one if they are just beginning as an independent artist. With the recent technical difficulties causing Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp to shut down, independent artists need to re-evaluate their dependence on social media platforms and build as well as expand the use of their email lists. Listeners will learn strategies of how to build their email lists and ways to use their email lists to increase revenue. Show Links: Music Tip – http://freefilmway.com Schedule Coaching Consultation with Kenya: Email 3mbpodcast@gmail.com or kenya@kenyamjmusic.com

In this podcast episode Dr. William E. Smith talks about using the infinite banking concept to finance your music projects, tours and big expenses. He covers how Walt Disney and Ray Kroc the founder of McDonald's used this concept to fund their activities and how you too can “recapture” your wealth and grow it to sustain your music business. http://makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com/

Co-hosts Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson return for the fall season by discussing "Where are we now? Making Money in the Music Business" in episode #175. They discuss the various changes in the music industry that have occurred since the pandemic as well as innovative ways to continue to make money in today's music industry. Also, they explore ways musicians can improve their business acumen while also building new relationships in diverse communities to ultimately create new pathways of revenue. http://makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com/

Co-hosts Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson discuss "6 Tips for Songwriter's Block" in the last episode of the season, episode #174. They discuss valuable methods to overcome writer's block when you're authoring and/or composing an original song. Be sure to tune in to gain new tips and strategies to overcome obstacles and become more creative during the songwriting process. www.makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com

Musician/producer Wil Key is our special guest in this podcast episode #173. Wil discusses his dynamic journey in music beginning as a child who comes from an extremely musical family. Having played the keys from a young age, Wil admits doing music as a career has always been his goal and explains the various pathways he's taken within the music industry. From attending Howard University as a music major to building recording studios to teaching to songwriting and now doing more performance, Wil provides a clear landscape of the various streams of revenue musicians can create in today's music industry. Listeners will be inspired by Wil's enthusiasm for music as well as be informed about how to sustain a career in music even during a pandemic. To learn more about Wil Key and hear his music, follow him on social media: Website: www.wil-key.com FB: www.facebook.com/wkeymusic IG: @wil.key Twitter: @wil_key http://makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com/

Soul/funk/r&b songstress Deborah Bond is our special guest in this podcast episode #172.  Deborah returns to our podcast to discuss her new album Compass, how she has coped during the pandemic and her newly elected role in the D.C. Chapter of the Recording Academy (Grammy/NARAS).  Deborah continues to inspire us with her authenticity and transparency as it relates to being an artist.  In addition, she shares how her music business is one that is both fluid and strategic.  Listeners will receive another dose of positive energy from Deborah while also being informed on how to continue to navigate today's music business as an independent artist.    To learn more about Deborah Bond and hear her music, follow her on social media:  Website: www.deborahbond.com FB: facebook.com/deborahbond or facebook.com/deborahbondmusic IG: @borabond Twitter: @borabond

Co-hosts Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson discuss the topic "Transitioning from Virtual to In-Person Gigs" in episode #170. They discuss important considerations for artists to consider including revising contracts to reflect current COVID-19 conditions, outdoor versus indoor performances, venue precautions, options to do live streaming during in-person concerts and taking the necessary time to think through all matters carefully. http://makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com/

Co-hosts Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson discuss the topic "When is it Time to Level Up?" in episode #170. They discuss how artists can determine when it's time to go to a higher level within their music careers. Important aspects like expanding your team or brand, increasing your revenue, needing greater professional representation (manager, booking agent) or simply expanding what you do and shifting into other career interests are all explored in this dynamic discussion that listeners are sure to enjoy and gain valuable lessons. http://makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com/

Musician and entrepreneur Bree Noble is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #169. Bree shares her eclectic journey in music including beginning as an aspiring singer transformed into a dynamic music industry entrepreneur. Her story includes one that involved her taking many leaps of faith to pursue her passion of being a musician full time. From touring to becoming an arts administrator to now owning her company, Profitable Musician, LLC, Bree has a wealth of experience in the music industry. She discusses a myriad of ways artists can develop themselves and generate various streams of income. Listeners will be inspired by Bree's journey and will also receive fruitful advice on how to become more profitable as an independent artist in today's music climate. IG: @profitablemusicianllc Twitter: @breenoble Facebook: www.facebook.com/womenofsubstanceradio Website & Resources: linktr.ee/breenoble www.makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com

Co-hosts Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson discuss the topic "How Will NFT's Impact the Music Industry" in episode #168. They discuss the newest crypto currency, "non-fungible token" including: What are NFT's? What are the pro's and cons? When should artists consider using NFT's and when not? Similarly, co-hosts explore and provide advice to listeners about how to determine whether or not NFT's may be an additional stream of income to consider integrating in their music business. http://makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com/

Producer/mixing engineer Spencer Short a.k.a. "Issa Goldyyy" is our next featured "Artist on the Rise" in this week's podcast episode #167.  Goldyyy is a current student at Bowie State University studying music production and technology.  Similarly, he is an emerging young producer and mixing engineer.  During our discussion, Goldyyy shares that he is a musician whose primary instrument is trombone and while school is a main focus, he is also extremely dedicated to developing his artistry as a new producer and mixing engineer. He shares why he believes going to school is personally important and provides compelling thoughts regarding today's music industry.  Listeners, especially those who are developing artists, will be inspired by Goldyyy's commitment to building his music career as well as his commitment to learning more about his craft while in college.  IG: @issa.goldyyy Music Tip: Notetracks music collaboration tool https://diymusician.cdbaby.com/musician-tips/music-collaboration-tools/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=en&utm_content=link&utm_campaign=notetracks032321

Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson discuss "The Value of Resetting" in this week's podcast episode 166. Dr. Smith shares a recent quote by Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian regarding working as hard in his career as he does in his personal life. The conversation explores the importance of artists "resetting" and placing equivalent time between developing themselves personally and artistically. Each co-host shares their own personal experiences with having to reset and nurture aspects of self beyond being a musician. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why it's critical to take as much time to reset and consider all aspects of self in addition to working on a music career. www.makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com

Singer/songwriter & recording artist Carmen Rodgers is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #165. Carmen shares her dynamic journey as an artist including being considered for multiple major labels at the start of her music career to making the decision to be an independent artist in order to stand strong in her gift and craft. She began singing at the age of two (before talking) and has never stopped. Her debut album Free is highly acclaimed and from there she has released 3 subsequent projects including her newest EP release "Hello, Human Vol. 1." Carmen shares how she has positioned herself in the music industry to have rich relationships as well as how she manages her music business for success. Listeners will be inspired by Carmen's enthusiasm through the ups and downs as well as her tenacity to have the world hear her music for years to come. Twitter, IG: @carmenrodgers Facebook: www.facebook.com/carmenrodgers Website: www.iamcarmenrodgers.com Music: Available on all digital platforms including BandCamp

Co-hosts Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson discuss the topic "Is Clubhouse the New Powerhouse for Networking?" in episode #164.  The newest social media platform "Clubhouse" is discussed including: What is Clubhouse? What are the pro's and cons?  Why should artists consider joining?  Similarly, co-hosts explore and provide advice to listeners about how to improve their communication skills in order to meet the needs of today's evolving networking in virtual environments. Music Tip:  https://buffer.com/ http://makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com/

Singer, songwriter, composer, multi-instrumentalist and music producer Angela Johnson is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #163. Angela shares her dynamic journey as an artist beginning with being surrounded by a family full of musicians. While her primary instrument was violin for most of her adolescence and early adulthood, once going to college and being exposed to other aspects of music her musical interest shifted towards music production. Angela shares her experiences of being the lead singer for the international neosoul group Cooly's Hot Box, becoming a solo artist, getting music licensing deals and balancing marriage and motherhood. Listeners will be inspired by Angela's extremely diverse talents and learn how to maximize streams of income in today's current music industry. Twitter: @angelajohnson_1 IG: @angelajohnsonmusic Facebook: www.facebook.com/angelajohnson.music Website: www.angelajohnson.com Music: Available on all digital platforms Music Tip mentioned in the show: https://chordify.net/

Vocalist & recording artist Cecily is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #162.  Cecily shares her dynamic journey as an artist beginning with being raised in a family who loved and continually exposed her to music.  From adolescence, having been heavily involved in music programs and choirs, to young adulthood participating in open mics and jam sessions, Cecily provides an eclectic view of what has made her into a consummate vocalist and musician.  She also shares how the pandemic has allowed her to explore other creative and healing gifts including facilitating guided meditations via social media and other digital outlets that are establishing an additional stream of revenue.  Listeners will be inspired by Cecily's ease of stepping into her many talents while remaining committed professionally despite the current ups and downs within the music industry. Twitter, IG: @cecilyalexa Facebook: www.facebook.com/cecily.alexa Website: www.cecilymusic.com Music: Available on all digital platforms Here's the link for the music tip article: https://blog.landr.com/best-free-orchestral-vsts/

Sound engineer & music producer Nate Slackz is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #161. Nate shares his dynamic journey as a young producer and owner of a recording studio. From his early childhood of loving various genres of music and teaching himself various instruments, to leaving high school early, to being a current Bowie State University student, to building an independent recording studio, Nate provides a truly insightful conversation about the importance of resilience and having the audacity to dig deep and be the best you can be in order to go after your music dreams. Listeners will be inspired by Nate's commitment and passion for music while also learning strategies to independently market and build a following in today's music industry. Twitter, IG & FB: @nateslackz Website: www.nateslackz.com Music: Available on all digital platforms

Singer/songwriter Ashley Scott is our next featured "Artist on the Rise" in this week's podcast episode #160. Ashley is a Philly-based artist who has a rich family background in music including his aunt, Helen Scott, who is a part of the legendary female soul group The Three Degrees. Having grown up in a household of classic soul, Ashley discussed his journey in music including being a music major and graduate of Howard University, keeping his classic sound, doing venue management and assisting celebrity R&B recording artist Will Downing. Each experience has allowed him to hone his music business acumen and embrace his classic sound. Furthermore, his journey has allowed him to start his own music label and independently release international music that has hit independent soul music charts. Listeners, especially those who are developing artists, will be inspired by Ashley's commitment to remaining true to the craft of soul music while gaining insight on how to build music business skills in today's industry. IG/Twitter: @ashleyscott3 Facebook: www.facebook.com/ashleyscottmusic Website: www.ashelscottmusic.com Music: Available on all digital platforms

Tracye Eileen, a jazz and soul singer, does a "follow up" interview in this week's podcast episode #159. Tracye returns after two years almost to the exact date (original episode #70 January 2019) to share all of her wonderful updates including releasing a new EP. The new project includes singles that have charted on multiple smooth jazz radio charts and have radio airplay internationally all during the COVID pandemic. Tracye shares specific strategies she used to not only meet her music goals, but also thrive as an independent artist. Listeners will gain extremely valuable information about the benefits of artist coaching, personal development and investing resources to level up a music career during hardships, especially within today's challenging music industry environment. To learn more about Tracye Eileen, follow her at: Instagram: @Tracye_eileen Twitter: @TracyeEileen Facebook: Tracye Eileen Website: Tracyeeileen.net Music: Available on all major digital platforms

Singer/songwriter and creative entrepreneur Drea D'Nur is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #158. Drea shares her dynamic journey as an incredible artist who has deep roots in the spirit of music and creativity. From singing and playing piano since childhood to now performing internationally, producing music videos, running a holistic food pantry and raising a family of 5 children, Drea has clearly had a plethora of rich experiences that inform her artistry and business acumen. We have an extremely thoughtful and engaging conversation about our purposes as artists and how soul influences creativity. Listeners will be inspired by Drea's journey and passion for music while also learning diverse methods to create streams of revenue as an independent artist. Twitter, IG & FB: @drea_dnur Website: www.officialdreadnur.com Music: Available on all digital platforms

Musician/producer Todd Moultrie of Jazzgroupiez is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #157. Todd shares his dynamic journey as a music enthusiast and producer including how he started in the business making beats for a variety of hip hop artists most notably Master P. After years of producing hip hop beat productions and feeling burned out due to not generating enough income, he decided to take a break from music. The break allowed him to fall back in love with music, particularly jazz. This new-gained love of jazz encouraged him to begin to fuse hip hop with jazz and he returned to the music scene by doing his own music productions featuring various independent artists & musicians. His music is now internationally heard with a significant following in South Africa. Listeners will be inspired by Todd's commitment to music and approaching it from passion instead of being discouraged by the challenges of the music industry. Twitter, IG & FB: @jazzgroupiez Website: www.jazzgroupiez.com Music: Available on all digital platforms

In the new season opening podcast episode 156, co-hosts Dr. William Smith and Kenya M. Johnson discuss the impact of current trends and topics in the music industry as we continue to endure the pandemic and its effects. Such topics as mainstream celebrity artists selling their catalogs and the side effects of COVID on singers and musicians are explored. Listeners will gain perspective on how artists continue to push through this challenging time in the music industry. Also, the podcast has a NEW Spotify Playlist "3MB Podcast Artist Spotlight" which includes music from over 50 interviewed guests. Be sure to subscribe, download and listen to this extremely entertaining playlist in support of some of music's finest artists: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0xN80KLkqtfmww9ajjQJym?si=-GRaIzWERaqk0U28ficQTw Grammy session for singers: https://grammy.zoom.us/meeting/register/tJ0vfuytrTojHNBZSR6v5XbLSUbLjZVIt0JB

Singer, songwriter, producer and artist development/vocal coach Jeremiah Abiah is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #155 which is the final episode for 2020. Jeremiah, whose artist name is simply "Abiah" shares an extremely poignant account of his diverse journey in the music industry including working with such artists as Shanice, George Michaels, Amel Larrieux and Yolanda Adams. Having a Cuban and Ghanaian lineage, Jeremiah grew up listening to music throughout the Black diaspora and took an inclination to singing at a very young age. Having attended a performing arts high school and then the New England Conservatory of Music he was well prepared to hit Carnegie's stage at the young age of 20 and was signed to a music label shortly thereafter. Still, he explains the trials and challenges of being an artist and having to truly step into his skin which led him to creating various streams of income within music education at Berklee College of Music and establishing his own company providing vocal coaching and artist development. Listeners will be inspired by Jeremiah's dedication to the craft of performing music while contributing to the arts professional community at large. Twitter & IG: @jeremiahabiah Facebook: www.facebook.com/jeremiahabiah Website: www.jeremiahabiah.com Music: Available on all digital platforms

Singer/songwriter Nialand is our next featured "Artist on the Rise" special guest in this week's podcast episode #154. Nialand is a Chicago-based artist who has an extremely diverse background in music both as an artist, background vocalist and even hype girl for legendary hip hop artist MC Lyte. Nialand shares her journey as an independent artist including releasing her first album in 2006 and then going on to provide supporting vocals for such artists as Chico Debarge, Roy Ayers, Lupe Fiasco and was featured on a Kanye West project. She further enhanced her creative career by being a part of live production teams for such artists as Sheila E., the O'Jays and Chaka Khan. While her music career has included vast connections in the music industry, Nialand shares why her priority is her own voice and artistry. Listeners, especially those who are developing artists, will be inspired by Nialand's commitment to being teachable, creative and thoughtful as she continues to establish her career in today's music industry. Twitter: @nialandmusic IG: @nialand.music Facebook: www.facebook.com/nialandmusic Website: www.nialandmusic.com Music: Available on all digital platforms

R&B/Soul singer/songwriter Sherry Amour is our featured "Artist on the Rise" special guest in this week's podcast episode #153. Sherry defines herself as an "artistpreneur" given her career is a mix of being an artist and an entrepreneur. Her entrepreneur hat is worn both while managing her music career while also running her own project management small business. Sherry shares her journey as an independent artist including how she began as a child singing and being heavily influenced by various artists, primarily Whitney Houston. She received her bachelor's degree from Columbia College in Chicago in arts, entertainment and management; still her first love has always been singing and developing her artistry. Listeners, especially those who are developing artists, will be inspired by Sherry's enthusiasm for being an artist and will learn the importance of setting boundaries to avoid being "a slave to music" as she so eloquently explains. Twitter & IG: @samourmusic Facebook: www.facebook.com/samourmusic Website: www.sherryamourmusic.com Music: Available on all digital platforms

International publicist Diane Hinds is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #151. Diane shares her dynamic journey in the music business as a public relations entrepreneur including how she began with an extreme passion for radio and evolved into a consummate music industry professional and educator. Having worked for BBC radio and then working for major labels like Arista, Diane gained a wealth of diverse experiences that allowed her to take a leap of faith and create her PR firm, The Entertainment Bureau, while also completing a Master's of Arts degree. While based in the United Kingdom, Diane has international clients and discusses the attributes artists need to consider when selecting and working with a publicist. Listeners will be inspired as well as informed about the vast opportunities a good publicist can provide to open doors within the music industry even during challenging times. IG: @dee_dee_hinds Twitter: @diande_hinds Facebook: Search "Diane Hinds" Website: http://www.theentertainmentbureau.co.uk/

Co-hosts Dr. William E. Smith & Kenya McGuire Johnson celebrate their 150th episode with a discussion about the importance of taking small steps to reach big music goals. William and Kenya each share moments where small steps lead to a pivotal moment in their music careers. Listeners will be inspired to keep taking steps forward while finding the value of being patient and celebrating each moment no matter how small it may seem. www.makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com

R&B/Soul recording artist Tracy Cruz is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #152. Tracy shares her dynamic journey as an independent artist including how she began as a child singing for her Philipino family receiving accolades for her amazing voice. Having released her first music project in 2006, Tracy describes a variety of situations that demonstrate her passion and dedication to being a professional musician. As a result, she has won numerous music awards, began her own vocal coaching business, has toured nationwide and her music has hit numerous independent music charts. Listeners will be inspired by Tracy's tenacity and commitment to the ebb and flow of being a musician in today's music industry while also gaining strategies to successfully build an independent artist career. Twitter, IG & FB: @tracycruzmusic Website: www.tracycruzmusic.com Music: Available on all digital platforms

In this special episode #149, Kenya interviews co-host Dr. William Smith in order for the audience to get to know more about the person behind the podcast. William shares an introspective discussion about his background in music including his journey of attending New York's LaGuardia High School of Music & Art and Performing Arts (which the movie Fame is derived) and Howard University. Throughout his education, William explored and developed many aspects of his artistry including visual arts, playing the clarinet & saxophone, and ultimately receiving his Ph.D. in ethnomusicology studying the intertwinings of hip hop and jazz. While William is currently a music professor and the current chair of the music department at Bowie State University, he continues to develop his musical interests including production and music licensing. Listeners will be inspired by William's vast experiences and come to understand why his journey makes him the perfect fit for teaching others how to navigate the music industry. Website: www.makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com IG: @wesmusicpro Facebook & LinkedIn: Search "William E. Smith"

In this special episode #148, Dr. William Smith interviews co-host Kenya McGuire Johnson in order for the audience to get to know more about the person behind the podcast. Kenya shares an introspective discussion about her upbringing and background in music including being raised in a household where her father was a drummer and where she was constantly surrounded by music mostly within jazz, soul, funk and classic R&B. While music was very much a part of her childhood and adolescence, Kenya left the world of music in her adulthood until her mid 30's when she realized she was missing a huge part of herself. Kenya spends a great deal of the discussion pointing out the importance of spirit and being true to your purpose in order to evolve as an artist. Listeners will be inspired by Kenya's vast experiences as a singer, songwriter, artist coach and counselor and will come to understand why her journey makes her the perfect fit for inspiring and coaching artists who are navigating the music industry. Website: www.kenyamjmusic.com IG/Twitter/FB: @kenyamjmusic LinkedIn: Search "Kenya McGuire Johnson"

Recording artist and music producer Tall Black Guy (whose formal name is Terrel Wallace) is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #147. Terrel shares a dynamic and valuable conversation about his almost 20 year journey in music including how his love for music has made way for him to establish a sustainable career in the industry. From working with many noteworthy artists to being recognized for his progressive spin on hip hop and soul music, Terrel explains the 5 top ways he has been able to consistently create income in an up and down industry even during COVID. Listeners will be inspired by Terrel's pathway as well as educated about how to turn their passion for music into a career that generates an income while remaining creative. Website: http://www.tallblackguyproductions.com IG & FB: @tallblackguyproductions

Co-hosts Dr. William E. Smith & Kenya McGuire Johnson discuss how to maximize use of the music licensing company Songtradr in this week's podcast episode 146. Dr. Smith leads the conversation by highlighting some of the major advantages of using Songtradr as an independent artist who wants to break into music licensing. Listeners will gain step-by-step strategies of how to register and use Songtradr as well as gain insight into some of the frequently asked questions artists have when creating a stream of revenue in music licensing. www.songtradr.com

Sarah Ponder, Music Director at APM (Sony, ATV-EMI/Universal Music Publishing) is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #145. Sarah shares an extremely informative and valuable conversation about her journey as a music supervisor and now director at a major music licensing library including how she went from being a dancer to freelance music supervisor for independent entertainment clients to now working for major labels/clients. Sarah provides a wonderful outlook of how busy her side of the industry can be all while contributing to the curation of music for major films and entertainment projects. She also provides details of what artists need to do in order to have their music considered for APM's library catalogs and other important strategies artists need to consider when getting into music licensing. Listeners will be inspired as well as educated about how to consider pitching themselves for music licensing opportunities as well as what it takes to be a supervisor or director in music publishing and licensing. Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sarah-ponder-45771838 Website: http://www.apmmusic.com

Singer/songwriter Kenny Wesley is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #144. Kenny shares an amazing and valuable conversation about his journey in the music business not only as a musician but also as an eclectic creative who has managed to tie all of his passions into creating a successful entrepreneur lifestyle. Singing as young as a toddler and playing piano for church choirs and weddings at age nine has lead Kenny to a diverse journey including attending Howard University directing and playing for choirs, having music featured on major TV shows such as "So You Think You Can Dance" and translating lyrics for music by soul/jazz recording artist Maysa Leak. In our discussion, Kenny provides a unique perspective of how artists can create multiple streams of income while being authentic and following their purpose and passions. Listeners will be inspired as well as educated about how to expand how they consider themselves as artists while creating opportunities that allow them to grow and be success within the music industry. IG & Twitter: @kennywesley Facebook: Search "Kenny Wesley" Website: https://www.kennywesley.com

Publicist Vanessa Abron, owner of Abron Agency is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #143. Vanessa shares an enthusiastic and valuable conversation about her journey in the music business as a public relations professional including how she went from being an artist/creative herself to working for major labels like Def Jam and Hidden Beach to being jobless to becoming an entrepreneur and starting her own PR firm. Vanessa provides a unique outlook of how she has combined her intuitive gifts to assist artists with developing their vision and cultivating a brand that can push their artistry to the next level. She also shares information about her book Prelude to a Pitch that is a workbook for artists to use to develop their own pitch to media outlets. Listeners will be inspired as well as educated about how to consider pitching themselves in today's changing market and better understand when to use a publicist to bring their music career to the next level. IG & Twitter: @agencyabron Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/agencyabron Website: https://www.agencyabron.com

Kenya M. Johnson & Dr, William Smith return from their summer hiatus to kick off their podcast's new season discussing "What Do You Do Now?" in episode 142. Now that venues are closing, audiences are not gathering, festivals are cancelled and shows/movies aren't being filmed as usual, what do artists do? The co-hosts share five top ways musicians can survive and thrive in today's current climate. They include: 1. Producing/performing live stream events 2. Build patreon, crowdfunding and other subscription memberships with content related to what you're creating at this time 3. Build your music catalog to be prepared for new opportunities once production and touring resumes 4. Assemble your team and plan for upcoming projects given more people are accessible 5. Create other streams of income MUSIC TIP FOR THE WEEK: Kenya and William share their different artist development opportunities. For William's e-course information visit: https://www.udemy.com/share/103ywoCEoScVZSR34=/ and www.makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com To sign up for Kenya's free masterclass about how to successfully release new music which occurs on September 16 or 23, 2020, visit www.kenyamjmusic.com/workshops.

This is a summer replay of our topic discussion on Artist Development www.makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com

This is a summer replay of our topic discussion on Finding Your Voice www.makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com

This is a summer replay of our interview with producer Centric www.makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com

This is a summer replay of our interview with vocalist Shirley Jones www.makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com

This is a summer replay of our interview with music supervisor Angela Jollivette www.makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com

This is a summer replay of Episode #123 our interview with Tony Award-winning actor/vocalist Melba Moore. www.makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com