Called To Music Podcast

Is it possible to stand out and is it even worth it if you can? What does it take to make your own space in the music industry?

 I wanted to talk through 3 points of why and how I believe you DO have a place in the music industry. Especially as a Christian indie artist, this is a calling, so not only should we work towards making impact with our music, but I believe we HAVE to do so.

Check out our Logic Pro X for Artists and Songwriters Course here:
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwriters

Website:
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/

Join our active and encouraging Facebook community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

One of the most popular ways to write songs is toplining. Toplining is writing lyrics and melodies to a track at its core. Whether working with a producer in session, or building from a pre-made track, top lining is common in today's songwriting culture.

I wanted to walk through 3 tips for toplining that will help you write the best songs possible. Whether you have top lined for years or have not done it yet, these 3 things will bring clarity and foundation to your next session.

Get Our Logic Pro X For Artists and Songwriters Course:
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwriters

Get Record Your Vocal Like a Pro free module here:
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/recordyourvocalslikeapro

Website:
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/

On this episode I walk through 8 categories of gear you need to get started in your home studio, with different options depending on your budget and need.  The term "home studio" can feel intimidating, but with just a few basic pieces of gear you can be making high quality, release-ready music in no time.

It can be overwhelming and you may think you need everything, right away to get started, but the truth is you can get started with a fairly minimal investment. You just have to be willing to take the time and put in the work.

This list is in no way comprehensive because there are TONS of options, but my hope is to give you a road map in getting started to creating music in your home studio. 

Get the "Home Studio Gear Guide" here
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/gearguide

Logic Pro X for Artists and Songwriters production course:
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/logicproxforartistsandsongwriters

Website:
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/

 On this episode I had a great conversation with my good friend Chris Clayton. Chris is a Nashville based, producer, songwriter and worship leader. He has a passion to help serve artists to equip them and their churches with impactful music glorifying the name of Jesus.
 
I met Chris in 2017 at a Kingdom Songs event and he has been a personal champion and encourager to me along the journey. Whether in the studio, leading worship, or in the writing room he is always looking to serve people the best way he can.
 
Chris walked though his process of producing live records and everything that goes into it. He shared how he wears many hats including producer, writer, worship leader and Pastor all while working with churches and artist's on their worship projects. He said it goes so much deeper than just making records and that there is a ton of heart and care involved in every step of the process.
 
I know that you will be encouraged by this episode and to connect with Christ head to:

Website: https://www.chrisclaytonmusic.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrismclayton/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chrismclayton78

On this episode I wanted to talk through 5 things that you should NOT do as an indie artist. You'll want to stick around for #5!
I believe by avoiding these things it will help you go further, faster on your journey. And within each point I will also say what you CAN do in place of these common mistakes artists make along the way.

For more helpful tips and resources head to:
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/

Join our active and encouraging CIAS Facebook group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/684796875715831

Get FREE mini course "Record Your Vocals Like a Pro" so you can start recording the best vocals you ever in your home studio:
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/recordyourvocalslikeapro

  One of the most important parts of being a musician is having a community. Without a community we are working and creating with no real concept of reality. As a musician we are the sum of all of our influences and this is an ongoing process. A true community incapsulates all of the people we work with and the people who love our music.

  With the internet it has never been easier to build a community. The ultimate goal is to find people who actually love what we do, not just another random follower. But how do you do that? Where do we find our true tribe?

  I wanted to walk through 4 important aspects of having a community and throughout it how we can actually find these people. With community anything is possible, so knowing the "why" behind it, is crucial.

Join our Facebook Community:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters

Our Website:
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/

  The way we promote our music is crucial to how many people it can impact. If you do a google or YouTube search on music marketing you will find thousands of videos and many may have conflicting, or even contradictory information. So, how do we understand the best way to market our music with so many options?

Although there are many sub categories I think the main categories of music marketing can be broken down to paid and free strategies. Even within these two there are so many methods in marketing of our music. Understanding some of the options is the best way to know what is the best fit for you right now. A key to this is being flexible and understanding that what may be a good strategy for you today, most likely, and probably should evolve over time as you go further on your music journey.
  This by no means is every option, but these are all things that I have personally done to promote my music and have suggested and helped others do as well. My hope is that you can get a grasp of what is possible both with paid and free options.

Get the Free Spotify Curator Inquiry Guide
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/27-guides

website:
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/

Join our active CIAS Facebook group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/684796875715831

  On this episode of the CIAS podcast I had a great conversation with my friend Daniel Doss. Daniel is a Nashville-based artist, songwriter and producer and has accomplished so much on his journey so far. From being a signed artist with Sparrow records, having a publishing deal with Word Publishing, leading worship at several churches, and having  success as an independent producer and songwriter.

  Through all of his achievements Daniel has never lost sight that God is in control of every season. He has always tried to remember that we are living in the 'good old days' right now and how important it is to be present and thankful for every opportunity and experience we have.

  The end of 2021 Daniel started releasing music building towards a full-length record that is set to release on digital and even on vinyl later this year. His first single "Speaking Terms" is an honest look at having an authentic relationship with God and is already resonating with so many.

  I know you are going to be encouraged and enjoy this conversation. To connect with Daniel Doss head to:

Website
https://www.danieldossband.com/

Instagram
https://www.danieldossband.com/Instagram

Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/danieldossmusic

Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5KUNK8C0taPJnUD0xvPQaC?si=KvymPtoPS4uEl6_1h8a6QQ

Happy new year! Over the last couple of weeks we have been reflecting and assessing everything that happened in 2021. I hope that you were able to celebrate the wins and find areas of growth for the new year.

  With all of that information in our minds I now wanted to look to the year ahead. We have just begun 2022 and we can bring everything we've learned and make this the best year yet. On our music journey there is so much to think about to figure out how to move the needle ,and for this week I wanted to focus on how to release music in 2022.

  There are 4 key areas that are crucial to having a successful year of releases that I will discuss in this video. We don't have to do all of these things on our own, but figuring out how to do all of them (well) is important. We all have strengths and weaknesses to understanding which areas we need help in, which is just as valuable as excelling in things on our own.

Get "Record Your Vocals Like A Pro"
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/recordyourvocalslikeapro

Join our CIAS Facebook group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/684796875715831

Our website:
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com/

  One of the most important things we can do as artists and songwriters is reflect. Not only is this a great source of creativity and inspiration, but it's a great way to evaluate where we've been. It's that time of year again where we all are working on our goals for the new year. I love setting goals and looking back on the goals from the previous year to see how it went.

  I am looking forward to reflecting on what I can do better. Instead of creating new streams, it's my plan to make the streams I currently have go deeper and wider. Creating new things is always great and may be necessary at times, but innovating within existing creation is also key to making the most out of what is already working.

  I wanted to share a simple acronym to help you on your music journey in the new year. "Assess, Consider, Execute" (ACE) are key when planning and dreaming about the year ahead.

What is a goal for you in the new year?

For more resources head to our website:
https://www.bryanbolivermusic.com

Join our Facebook group here:
https://www.facebook.com/groups/christianindieartistsandsongwriters