The In-Session Podcast

In this bonus episode, we bring you some stories and lessons from Grammy Winner, Producer, Musician & Engineer Paul Santo on his best and worst experiences in the studio. In Session Shorts episodes are shorter episodes where we bring you stories from top AirGigs pros on their best and worst experiences in the studio and lessons they learned.Paul was on the podcast back on episode #5. The background music on this episode is the song "Psychopath!" by Daniel Hardin.

In this episode we had the real pleasure to sit down with producer and engineer Stuart Epps. Stuart has had an amazing career working with artists like Led Zeppelin, Elton John, Twisted Sister, The Firm and many others. He began his career at Dick James publishing (The Beatles publisher), and went on to be part of the original team at Rocket Records, and then eventually to being the lead engineer at the Mill Studios under legendary producer Gus Dudgeon. The Mill was later purchased by Jimmy Page and Stuart remained on as lead engineer and worked closely with Page on a number of projects.We had a great chat. He shared his thoughts on the role of a Producer, how magic is captured in the studio, how he now works with artists remotely and much more.You can contact Stuart about your project at his AirGigs page below:https://www.airgigs.com/user/stuartepps

In this bonus episode, Luke brings you some stories and lessons from producer, engineer, and composer Isha Erskine's best and worst experiences in the studio. In Session Shorts episodes are shorter episodes where we bring you stories from top AirGigs pros on their best and worst experiences in the studio and lessons they learned.Isha was on the podcast back on episode #8.  The background music on this episode is the song "Psychopath!" by Daniel Hardin. 

In today's podcast, host Luke O'Kelley talks to Nashville based guitarist, songwriter, and producer Clint Wells. Clint is a long time AirGigs member and has recorded and toured with artists like Rodney Atkins, Bob Schneider, Mindy Smith, Jessie Baylin, Laura Bell Bundy. Clint is also a songwriter with Rough Trade Publishing where he's written for artists like Jaida Dreyer, Mindy Smith, HudsonMoore, Elise Davis, The Hells, and LeRiche. In this episode we discuss: Clint's musical development, moving to Nashville, his approach to session work, fighting imposter syndrome, pushing yourself to grow without letting people down, his experience as a songwriter in Nashville, and more.To hire Clint to record guitars or produce a song you can contact him here. Check out Clint's original music here.Intro and outro music is by Daniel Hardin.

Today we had the sincere pleasure to sit down with the ultra talented Mike Cleveland. Mike has had a pretty amazing career and story. He's widely considered the bluegrass fiddler of his generation, and if you're into bluegrass you know him well. He's been IBMA's “Fiddler of the Year” over 12 times and in 2018 was inducted into the National Fiddler's Hall of Fame. His recording Fiddler's Dream was nominated in 2018 for a Grammy for Best Bluegrass Album, and in 2019, he won a Grammy for his album Tall Fiddler. In 2019, Cleveland's amazing life of adversity and achievement was featured in the documentary film Flamekeeper: The Michael Cleveland Story from director John Presley. You can find it streaming online and it's really incredibly inspiring and a must watch.To hire Mike for a session, contact him hereWe had an amazing chat. We spoke about his early days and influences. Attending the Kentucky School for the Blind in Louisville, where he originally learned the Suzuki method of violin, and then how got deep into bluegrass after hearing a local fiddler play the tune Orange Blossom Special. He shared a bit about his attitude to toward practice, leading a band and so much more.I know you're really going to dig this one, so without further ado, here's our chat. 

Today we had the pleasure to sit down with Erin M. Jacobson, an internationally recognized attorney who protects independent, established and legacy songwriters and artists, independent music publishers, distinguished legacy catalogs, heirs and estates, Grammy and Emmy award winners and other music professionals from her law practice based in Beverly Hills. Erin has been named as one of the top music lawyers by Billboard magazine, and has been featured in publications like Billboard and Forbes as well as on networks such as ABC and the BBC. Erin is also the author of "Don't Get Screwed - How to protect yourself as an independent musician."She's founder and owner of Indie Artist Resource, a company that empowers independent musicians to take charge of their music careers with contract templates and educational materials. We had an awesome chat, and got into a whole variety of important topics; Songwriter split agreements, Work for hire contracts, when to register your work, the changing landscape of the music industry, and we talked a bit about NFT's, uploading cover songs to Youtube, "Fair Use" and much more.

Today we sat down with prolific NYC based singer, rap artist and songwriter Merty Shango. Merty has had such an interesting career and  approach to the music business. From literally buying a one way ticket to China with less than 1000 bucks in his pocket, to being signed to a Chinese label, then eventually being picked up by a European label... and then pivoting completely to build his career on his own terms.Now with more than 70k monthly listeners on Spotify, as well as a busy career as a lyricist for other artists, Merty exemplifies what it takes to build a thriving career in the new music business.We had an amazing conversation about his extensive travels, his philosophy, his approach to work, goal setting and so much more. I know you're really going to enjoy, be inspired and learn a lot from our chat, so without further ado, let's dive into it.Check out Merty's AirGigs profile here:https://www.airgigs.com/user/MertyShangoThe background intro and outro music is by Daniel Hardin, and you'll hear Merty's music within the interview.

Today we're speaking with one of AirGigs's all star members Brian Petry. Brian's a professional live and session drummer based in Lafayette Louisiana. At the time of our original conversation Brian was closing in on 600 five star reviews, and as of today he's already surpassed that. Before coming to AirGigs, Brian spent years touring and working the Gulf Coast club scene with different original and cover bands. He's had a wealth of experience from sitting in for a full set with The Dazz Band when their drummer was a no show, to opening for acts like 3 Doors Down and Train. He's also currently endorsed by GMS Drums, Evans Heads and ProMark SticksWe had a really awesome conversation, and Brian was super generous sharing his perspectives on working with clients, what it takes to succeed as a working musician and much more. You'll hear clips of Brian's playing interspersed within the podcast. So buckle up, I know you're really going to dig this one. So without further ado, let's dive in. 

In this episode, David Blacker talks with guitarist, songwriter, educator, journalist and author Adam Levy.   Adam is a guitarist in high demand. His playing has been featured on recordings by major-label artists such as Norah Jones, Tracy Chapman, and Amos Lee. He has also played on records by acclaimed indie artists such as Ani DiFranco and Anayis Mitchell. He's performed live onstage with all of these musicians—as well as with Rosanne Cash, Lisa Loeb, Darol Anger, Regina Carter, and many others.In addition to his work as a guitarist, Adam has blossomed as a songwriter in recent years, with work appearing on releases by Norah Jones, Chris Difford (of Squeeze), Glen Phillips (of Toad the Wet Sprocket), Miles Zuniga (of Fastball), and Amber Rubarth. He writes mostly alone, but does a bit of co-writing as well. One of his recent co-writing collaborations was with singer/songwriter Jill Sobule. The song they wrote together, “Bound to Happen,” is featured in the documentary film If You Build It.Over the past decade or so, Adam has released a dozen of his own recordings—some song-oriented, some instrumental.We had a really awesome chat. We spoke about- His early influences & first gig experiences- His iconic solo on Tracy Chapman's Give Me One Reason- Moving to New York to follow his passion for jazz - Getting in the Norah Jones project and how it grew from playing local gigs to international recognition. - Stepping out on his own as a songwriter - What he strives for as a musician and performer- Some of the key lessons he's learned along the way- How he approaches remote sessionsThe guitar music between the podcast segments features Adam's playingYou can contact Adam about your project on his AirGigs profile:https://www.airgigs.com/user/adamlevymusicThe background intro and outro music is by Athens, Ga based artist Daniel Hardin.

In this episode, Luke O'Kelley talks with producer, singer/songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Katie Marie. Katie Marie is a U.K. native and a resident of Austin, TX. She has been in the industry for 25 years, and has toured across the U.S. and Europe and separated herself as a session musician, producer, and songwriter. She's had her songs placed on BBC, ITV, Nickelodeon, CBS and EvineLive. Katie is endorsed by Takamine guitars, L R Baggs, Schlagwerk Percussion and Logarhythm stomp boxes. In this episode Luke and Katie discuss: - Music education - Her journey as a multi-instrumentalist- Her move from the U.K. to Austin, TX- The Austin music scene- Her beginnings in recording- Developing talent before developing a brand- Leaning into your strengths- Her success with livestream shows- Overcoming stereotypes as a woman in music- Her bucket list client- Her favorite gear- Tips to younger musiciansYou can contact Katie about your project below:https://www.airgigs.com/user/funkeegirlThe music in this episode includes: "To New Beginnings" - Harriet Reynolds (14:38) "UT Anthem" - Nagavalli ft Candy Sanders (26:30)"Reclaim Her Time" - Harriet Reynolds (50:58)"I See You" - Nagavalli (55:45) (Unreleased)Katie Marie produced, engineered, and performed multiple instruments on these songs.The background intro and outro music is by Athens, Ga based artist Daniel Hardin.

In this episode, Luke O'Kelley sits down with multiplatinum and Grammy winning producer, engineer, and composer Isha Erskine to discuss his career in the music business.Throughout his career as an engineer and producer, Isha has worked with artists like Maroon 5, Macy Gray, Fall Out Boy, Common, Kanye West, Ziggy Marley, Black Eyed Peas, Jeff, Beck, and many more. Isha also composes music for film and TV and has had his compositions featured in over 300 episodes of TV including: The Kardashians, 20/20, E News, Dateline NBC, Catfish, Bad Girls Club, Young and The Restless and more. In this episode we discuss: - How Isha first was introduced to music- How he first started recording bands in his area- His time as an intern and runner in major label studios- How he went from intern/runner to a full time engineer working in some of the most well known studios in California- Advice he would give a younger self- His favorite piece of gear- His take on live sound vs. in studio recordingThe music in this episode includes: "I Wanna Know" By Jeanna Love (1:40) (cowritten by Isha Erskine)"Move On" By Katie Marie and Isha Erskine (33:37)The background intro and outro music is by Daniel Hardin.

In this episode we had the pleasure to sit down with prolific producer, engineer, mixer, songwriter, arranger and multi-instrumentalist, Ken Stringfellow.With over 30 years of experience, on over 250 albums and some 9 million record sold, Ken has had a pretty incredible career.He got his start as co-founder of the popular indie band the Posies. He has worked in studio and on stage with R.E.M., Neil Young, Big Star, Mercury Rev, Snow Patrol, Patti Smith, Game Theory, Damien Jurado, the Afghan Whigs, Nada Surf, Carice Van Houten, Robyn Hitchcock, John Paul Jones, Ringo Starr, and Thom Yorke to name but a few... On AirGigs it's no surprise that clients are raving about Ken services from vocals to keys, to mixing, guitar, bass and much more. We had an awesome chat spanning the different phases of his career. From meeting his partner in The Posies Jon Auer in middle school. recording their first album as a demo to attract other musicians, but soon after the band blowing up and getting widespread recognition.We discussed:- How he got into production - How he connected with REM and what he learned from 10 years of working with them- How he approaches and thinks about songwriting - How he shifts between his many roles from vocalist to engineer to songwriter to producerWithout further ado, let's get right into it...

Today we had the real pleasure to sit down with Grammy® award-winner, producer, engineer, multi-instrumentalist and music coach Paul Santo. Paul has worked closely with major artists from Aerosmith to Ringo Starr to Eric Carmen to  Ozzy Osbourne, Kid Rock and many more. One of things that makes Paul so interesting is his diverse range of skills and musical experience. From his early days with Aerosmith as Steven Tyler and Joe Perry's personal sound engineer, to playing and engineering on major releases, and even filling in on guitar for Brad Whitford for a show at the Boston Garden. Paul also offers his session musician & coaching services on AirGigs, and has a ton to offer any songwriter / producer looking to take their music to the next level.

Today we sat down with Joel Kibble, award-winning musician, author and inspirational speaker.As a musician, Joel's been a long time member of the Grammy Winning, Multi-Platinum vocal group Take 6. During his time with the group Joel has written and co-produced several of Take 6's most requested songs.  Joel's focus goes much bigger than just music. He's a man on a mission to uplift and inspire. Our conversation happened shortly after the Covid-19 quarantine. We talked about about his early musical influences and experiences. His first experiments with vocal arrangement on through joining Take 6 in 1991.He shared a few of the many amazing experiences traveling the world, working with icons like Marcus Miller as well as a paradigm shifting encounter performing at the Oscars and being produced by Quincy Jones.We talked about his road to becoming an author, and the challenges he had to overcome on the way. 

Welcome to another episode of the in Session Podcast brought to you by AirGigs. I'm David Blacker and today we had the real pleasure to sit down with the incomparable Songwriter, Producer and performer John Lee Sanders. John Lee has worked with some of the biggest legends of the last 50 years, including Jimmy Page, Stevie Wonder, Willie Nelson, Starship, Bill Withers, Chuck Berry, Randy Newman, Freddie King ,Tower of Power, and, Bonnie Raitt who called him one of her musical heroes. Our conversation takes us from his early roots growing up between Memphis, Jackson, Birmingham, and Monroe Louisiana, on through being signed to a major production deal, being nominated for an Emmy and right up to the release of his latest album Tweaking Some Twang. While comfortable playing in all styles, John's musical roots are very much born out of the intersection of blues, jazz, country and soul, and his latest release is a real seamless fusion of these styles - so be sure to check it out. Our conversation goes way beyond just music though. We get into the historical, cultural and geographical dynamics that influence these musical styles, as well as discussing the current state of music business and how technology is changing things. Well enough of my talk, let's jump right into it!

It was a great pleasure to sit down with record producer, composer & audio engineer George Shilling. George has a diverse range of experience, from his first big success in the early 90's with Yazz and The Plastic Population through his work with artists such as  Gabrielle, New Radicals, The Corrs, Blur, Texas, Teenage Fanclub, Primal Scream, Nicole Appleton, Johnny Hallyday, Oasis, Mike Oldfield, Eternal, Boy George, James Brown, Mark Almond, Bernard Butler, The Fall, Steve Winwood and the popular light opera duo Operababes.We spoke about his early musical influences, starting out a Livingston Studios under Jerry Boys, his first big successes and all the way up to the present day. George's unique perspective is shaped by his multi-faceted talents, wealth of experience and knowledge. I really enjoyed speaking with him, and I'm hope you will enjoy our chat. 

We are really excited to share with you our latest podcast interview with Ike Willis vocalist & guitarist For The Frank Zappa Band. Ike was a regular member of Frank Zappa's studio and touring bands from 1978 until the last tour in 1988. He was the longest steady member of the band, and is most recognized for his involvement on Zappa records such as playing Joe in Joe's Garage, providing vocals on Tinsel Town Rebellion, You Are What You Is, and The Man from Utopia, and as the title character and narrator in Zappa's off-Broadway-styled conceptual musical Thing-Fish. In addition to playing in 12 Zappa tribute bands, Ike regularly does studio voice work and writes compositions for films. He also leads The Ike Willis Band, and has released two solo studio albums under his own name and is currently working on another album. If you want to book Ike for a remote guitar / vocal session, you can check out his service here

We are really excited to share with you our recent conversation with Ronnie Eades, one of the co-founders of the Muscle Shoals horn section. Ronnie has an had an incredible career working with some of the biggest names in the business. He shared freely with us on a number of different topics from his early years, to his time at muscle shoals, to working with Rick Hall, to key lessons and experiences he's had along the way. He also shared his thoughts on doing sessions remotely here on AirGigs. As many of you know, starting in the 60's & 70's the little town of Muscle Shoals Alabama became one of the most important recording and production hubs in the world. Artists from the Aretha to the stones all cut hit tracks there. For those of you that don't know the history of Muscle Shoals, there's a great documentary out currently on Netflix that's a must see. It covers the story of legendary producer and founder of Fame Studios, Rick Hall, and his troupe of super funky session players who became responsible for the some of the biggest recordings of the 20th century. The Muscle Shoals Horns were established in 1967 and can be heard on countless hit recordings by Bob Dylan, Paul Simon, B.B. King, Bob Seger, James Brown, Roy Orbison, Jimmy Buffett, Phish, Oak Ridge Boys, Elton John and many others. They toured with Elton John, Lyle Lovett and Dobie Gray to name a few, and Ron has toured with Lyne Skynard. The muscle shoals horns also have put out 3 solo recordings. To book Ronnie for a session you can find his AirGigs page here: http://www.airgigs.com/online-horn-session-players/2361/