Lindsay Lucas is the voice and pen behind iconic samples used by acclaimed Hip-Hop artists such as French Montana, Russ, JAY ELECTRONICA, A$AP Twelvyy, EST Gee, Roc Marciano, and more, quadruple threat (vocalist, producer, rapper, songwriter) Lindsay Lucas shares original music that seamlessly blends 'old' and 'new' into a unique sonic fusion.

Known for her smooth-but-smoky vocals and rich lyricism, Lucas' soulful sound is rooted in R&B and infused with elements of hip-hop, reggae, and almost everything else in between. Including ethereal dynamics of live vocal production, retro rhythms and analog sound design, Lucas creates an overall multidimensional celebration of all' things nostalgic and contemporary.

Daughter of renowned producer David Lucas and virtuosic composer Jayne Critelli, Lindsay's pedigree of talent created an ideal environment for spawning her artistry as a "one-stop shop" creative: Starting out singing jingles as a toddler, Lucas went on to study at Berklee College of Music and led a three-year residency at America's -oldest Jazz club the revered "Wally's Cafe and Jazz" as a household artist writing, arranging, and directing live original shows every week.

Lucas has toured with music collectives Lettuce, Soulive, and The Nigel Hall Band as a background vocalist, demoed vocals for Jill Scott, is the voice of New York in multiple NYCGO campaigns, and continues to write and produce for artists with her partner dane.zone via her production company Used People.

@lindstagram
Spotify
Apple Music
Bandcamp

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider liking, subscribing and sharing your comments on this podcast so we can keep it alive and keep bringing you awesome interviews and nuggets of creative wisdom.

nataliemertz.com
musicinshe.com

Alison Coté is an artist specializing in vintage-style design and illustration.

Raised by two artist parents in Rochester, NY, Alison had a strong foundation of artistic encouragement and a built-in appreciation of mid-century design and aesthetics.

Alison got her start designing 70s style show posters for her husbands band and shortly gained traction in the Rochester music scene as a prolific poster artist, and her clientele soon expanded to national and international grounds.

She has worked for Jonas Brothers, They Might Be Giants', Danielle Ponder, John Craigie, C.W. Stoneking and many more.

Alison’s vintage style has also gained the attention of non-musicians with her Mary Blair inspired house portraits, retro movie posters, and book covers. Always up for a challenge to replicate vintage aesthetics, the categories of artistic projects Coté takes on is ever-expanding.

Alison is currently living and working in Rochester, NY with her husband, Alex and their son, Sonny.

Links:

https://www.alisoncote.com/

https://www.instagram.com/alisonbcote/

https://www.tiktok.com/@alisoncotedesign

https://www.patreon.com/alisoncote

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider liking, subscribing and sharing your comments on this podcast so we can keep it alive and keep bringing you awesome interviews and nuggets of creative wisdom.

nataliemertz.com
musicinshe.com

I’m going to be honest with you, this conversation is all over the place, but in the best way possible. Yoni Lotan is an amazing comedic actor, you’ve seen him in Russian Doll, Please Don’t Destroy: The Treasure of Foggy Mountain movie, the hilarious and heart-wrenching short film “Tips and Tricks NYC”, and his latest show: “New York: The Ride…The Show” happening this Thursday 7/17 in Brooklyn (follow @yonilotan to buy your tickets).

We talk about living with OCD, navigating capitalism as a creative, and how Naked Gun 33⅓ is the greatest comedy movie of all time. Period. This convo is one of my favorites so far. Yoni shares his journey of being a working actor, how empathy is the key to acting, and the magic of finding your calling AND his tribe of comedy fellows. We get deep. We get silly. Enjoy this episode, I know you will!

@yonilotan

NYC Tips and Tricks 

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider liking, subscribing and sharing your comments on this podcast so we can keep it alive and keep bringing you awesome interviews and nuggets of creative wisdom.

nataliemertz.com
musicinshe.com

Sean McVerry, a super awesome singer, songwriter, and musician, joins me on the pod this week! We chat about early musical and creative inspirations, studying music at SUNY Purchase, and wearing multiple hats as a producer, composer, and artist. We talk about the importance of communication in collaborations and the impact of music in our lives. He reflects on the creative process and the value of building a tool belt of skills to draw on for inspo.

Some more valuable nuggets we discuss… the importance of asking for what you want, the challenges of being a working musician, the value of being in a music town like New York, what touring looks like, and the creative process. Sean shares his insights on releasing music regularly, dealing with writer's block, and setting goals for the future.

@seanmcverry
Spotify 
Website

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider liking, subscribing and sharing your comments on this podcast so we can keep it alive and keep bringing you awesome interviews and nuggets of creative wisdom.

nataliemertz.com
musicinshe.com

Natalie sits down with voiceover actor and coach, Tina Zaremba. Tina shares her personal journey into the realm of voiceover work, living with neurodivergence and her strategies for managing ADHD. She opens up about her routine in gearing up for jobs and how she cultivates positive relationships with her clients.

For those curious about dipping their toes in voiceover work, Tina shares some golden nuggets of advice, emphasizing the need to discover your 'why' and choose a specific path. This ep. explores various facets of being a voiceover actor and maneuvering through the industry, underscoring the importance of putting yourself out there, building connections, and boldly declaring your aspirations.

Website: https://www.tinazaremba.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/tinazarembavo/

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider liking, subscribing and sharing your comments on this podcast so we can keep it alive and keep bringing you awesome interviews and nuggets of creative wisdom.

nataliemertz.com
musicinshe.com

New Jersey native Amy Decker (she/her) received her BFA in Graphic Design from the School of Visual Arts, and holds an MFA from Lesley University. Her work has been exhibited at the Art Students League, Knockdown Center, Art Directors Club, and ChaShaMa at Brooklyn Bridge Park, among other venues. The artist currently lives in Brooklyn and works as a textile designer.

In this conversation Amy Decker shares her creative journey, from her early childhood interest in drawing to her decision to pursue graphic design in college. Amy shares her gradual transition from graphic design to fine art and her decision to go back to school for an MFA. She discusses the challenges and rewards of maintaining a consistent art practice and the importance of self-validation in the face of negative self-talk. Amy also reflects on the joy of sharing her artwork with others and the impact of community. She shares her process of creating art, which involves drawing and painting as a way to process her thoughts and emotions. They also discuss the incorporation of words in Amy's artwork and the therapeutic relief it provides. We talk about goals and aspirations in art, including sharing her work and participating in residency programs.

Takeaways

• Artistic journeys are often gradual and involve transitions and self-discovery.
• Choosing a creative path that aligns with personal interests and values is essential for long-term fulfillment.
• Taking risks and pursuing opportunities, such as going back to school or finding a studio space, can lead to personal and artistic growth.
• Negative self-talk is common among artists, but finding validation from within and focusing on personal fulfillment can help overcome self-doubt.
• Consistency and motivation in art practice require dedication and a sense of purpose, but the joy of creating and sharing artwork can be a powerful motivator. Creating art can be a therapeutic process for processing thoughts and emotions.
• Incorporating words in artwork can serve as a way to discharge the nervous system and provide relief.
• Having a sense of safety and faith in the process can empower artists to take leaps and pursue their dreams.
• Sharing artwork and participating in community activities can help artists grow and evolve in their practice.

Amy’s website: https://amynorad.myportfolio.com/work

Amy’s IG: @amynorad

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider liking, subscribing and sharing your comments on this podcast so we can keep it alive and keep bringing you awesome interviews and nuggets of creative wisdom.

nataliemertz.com
musicinshe.com

Flor Blake is a celebrity, commercial, and personal branding photographer, with a style consisting of creative, bold, and dynamic imagery. Flor knows everybody is gorgeous and is on a mission to help you connect and embrace your inner badass to conquer YOUR WORLD. She has made striking portraits of Michelle Obama, Gloria Estefan, Octavia Spencer, Gloria Steinem, Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Misty Copeland, and many more beautiful faces. Some of her clients include Shane Company, The Wall Street Journal, Planned Parenthood of the Rocky Mountains, 5280 Magazine, the City of Denver, New York Women in Film and Television, The Trust for Public Land, and Kroger. Flor’s work has been seen in Forbes, The Wall Street Journal, Buzzfeed, The Photographic Journal, 5280 Magazine, El Nuevo Día, The Denver Post, ColoradoBiz Magazine, and more.

She is a contagious ambassador for self-love, confidence, diversity & inclusion, and she wants you to celebrate your existence at every age and every weight because you’re always worthy. Flor travels around the world to give her clients the best Personal Branding Photoshoot Experience they'll ever have. After Flor’s photoshoot experience, clients have gotten promotions, increased engagement in social media, booked more speaking engagements, made more money, and transformed the way they see themselves because they understood how beautiful, powerful, and photogenic they've always been! She's based in Colorado and Puerto Rico where she lives with her wife Ileanexis and their three plants.

Website: https://www.florblakephoto.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/flor_blake/

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider liking, subscribing and sharing your comments on this podcast so we can keep it alive and keep bringing you awesome interviews and nuggets of creative wisdom.

nataliemertz.com
musicinshe.com

In this conversation, artist Loren Erdrich discusses her journey as a visual artist and the challenges and rewards of being a full-time artist. She shares her early influences and interest in art, as well as the evolution of her artistic themes. Loren also talks about her creative process, finding inspiration, and creating cohesive art shows. She discusses the importance of separating self-worth from artistic success and the support system she relies on.

Website: https://okloren.com/home.html
IG:   https://www.instagram.com/okloren

Loren's Bio:
Loren Erdrich (b. 1978) lives and works in New York City where she is currently represented by SHRINE gallery (http://www.shrine.nyc/). Her undergraduate degrees include a BA, magna cum laude, from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA in 2000, and a BFA from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, IL in 2005. In 2007 she received her MFA from the Burren College of Art at the National University of Ireland, Galway. Erdrich has participated in many exhibitions including Harper’s (East Hampton, NY); Spring Break Art Show (New York, NY); Nicodim Gallery (Los Angeles, CA); Superzoom (Miami, FL); Guts Gallery (London, UK) and Herrero Tejada (Madrid, SP). 

In 2023 Erdrich presented a solo exhibition at SHRINE gallery (New York, NY) following a two-person presentation at The Armory Show in 2022. Her second solo exhibition with the gallery opens late Spring 2024. Erdrich has also been awarded residencies at Yaddo; Elizabeth Murray Artist Residency; Jentel Foundation; Santa Fe Art Institute; Sculpture Space; Vermont Studio Center; and Art Farm Nebraska. Her work has been written about in publications such as Cultured; DNA Mexico; FAD; ArtMaze; Maake; the Chicago Tribune and Il Giornale Dell’Arte. She frequently collaborates with the poet Sierra Nelson, coauthoring the award winning I Take Back the Sponge Cake (published by Rose Metal Press, 2012) and Isolation (limited edition artist book, 2020), and in 2021 she collaborated with the fashion designer Marc Jacobs to incorporate her paintings into their Resort line.

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider liking, subscribing and sharing your comments on this podcast so we can keep it alive and keep bringing you awesome interviews and nuggets of creative wisdom.

nataliemertz.com
musicinshe.com

Victoria Veldhoen, is a memoir and book ghostwriter, shares her journey from a career in science to writing. She discusses her passion for stories and writing, as well as her decision to pivot to ghostwriting. 

Victoria also talks about the process of writing a memoir or biography and the pros and cons of self-publishing versus traditional publishing. She provides insights into marketing and selling a book and shares her daily routine as a writer. 

Natalie and Victoria chat about her writing process and the importance of preserving family stories. They discuss Victoria's daily schedule and writing rituals, as well as strategies for overcoming writing obstacles. Victoria emphasizes the value of talking to family members and capturing their stories through recording. She encourages everyone to ask deeper questions and record conversations with loved ones. Victoria shares her contact information and mentions her upcoming books.

Website: https://www.thisisquestionsunasked.com/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/questionsunasked

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider liking, subscribing and sharing your comments on this podcast so we can keep it alive and keep bringing you awesome interviews and nuggets of creative wisdom.

nataliemertz.com
musicinshe.com

Leigh Marino, a multi-talented creative, shares her journey in the film industry and the intersection of creativity and spirituality. She discusses her love for film and how it has been a constant throughout her various creative endeavors. Leigh also highlights the importance of reliability and building relationships in the industry. Motherhood has brought about a shift in her career trajectory, but she continues to explore different mediums and co-create with the universe. 

Leigh shares examples of how her creative projects have manifested in unexpected ways, and the magic of uncovering stories. She shares her journey of writing and publishing a children's book, emphasizing the importance of showing up and letting the creative process be easy. She discusses the process of finding a publisher and the challenges she faced along the way. Leigh also opens up about her personal struggles with panic attacks and the transformative experience of going through therapy and medication. She highlights the power of grief and loss in shaping her perspective and her desire to help others through her book.

Takeaways

• Film has always been a through line in Leigh's creative journey, and she sees it as her ultimate goal.
• Reliability, showing up on time, and being polite are essential qualities in the film industry.
• Motherhood has brought about a shift in Leigh's career trajectory, but she continues to explore different creative mediums.
• Creativity is a co-creation process, where ideas and stories come through and are uncovered rather than created. Show up and do the work, even if it doesn't feel amazing at the time. Trust that the story will unfold.
• Don't be afraid to share your work with others and seek feedback. Your first audience is the people you know.
• Finding a publisher can be a challenging and uncertain process. Be persistent and follow every lead.
• Writing the shittiest version first allows you to get the story out and refine it later.
• Grief and loss can be transformative experiences that lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of oneself.
• Supportive friendships are invaluable in the creative journey, providing inspiration, encouragement, and a safe space to share dreams and challenges.

Website: https://www.encouragethought.org/

IG: https://www.instagram.com/encouragethought

Thank you so much for listening! If you enjoyed this podcast, please consider liking, subscribing and sharing your comments on this podcast so we can keep it alive and keep bringing you awesome interviews and nuggets of creative wisdom.

nataliemertz.com
musicinshe.com