Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, was able to catch up with the incredibly busy and delightful Neil Mason to discuss the formation of War Buddha Records, the importance of long-term relationships in the music industry, and authenticity in the creation process and songwriting. Neil Mason is the powerhouse drummer behind one of the best country and southern rock groups on the charts today, The Cadillac Three. He is also the head-guy over at Badlands Management, working with artists such as Ray Fulcher, Austin Jenckes, Holden James, and Jive Talk. Most recently, he is the co-founder (along with The Cadillac Three front man Jaren Johnston) of the wave-making record label War Buddha Records.

Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g

Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, catches up with THE CONNECTOR Chris Keaton. Chris is a Nashville-based entertainment industry executive, award winning music publisher, artist management consultant and a 2016 Inductee in the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. In this episode they talk songwriting, the importance of song plugging, and how building a team of connectors can change turn the tide in your music career.

Learn more about Chris Keaton here: http://chriskeaton.com/

Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g

Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, had a wonderful conversation with Philadelphia based country music artist and songwriter Matt Freedman. Christopher and Matt discussed Freedman's journey from college athlete to musician, making it in 'country music' without being in Nashville, and great strategies on making your co-writing and writing sessions more creative and productive.

About Matt Freedman:

Before opening and supporting major country acts like Miranda Lambert, Brantley Gilbert, Brett Young, Chris Young and other country legends, Singer/Songwriter Matt Freedman was playing the Bucks County PA circuit. Freedman is 20 year music industry veteran who’s style ranges from big rock anthems to soulful rootsy ballads. A former HS and Collegiate quarterback, Freedman was on the rise until a career ending knee injury pushed him into music. In his early twenties, Freedman grew up playing in rock and acoustic acts throughout PA, NJ, Delaware and NYC. Today, Freedman and his band The HERD is fresh off of their 2022 National American Sun Tour, highlighting Nashville's CMA Fest and other iconic venues. His first single "Good Love" was picked up and spun by over 90 country radio stations and has received almost 1 million streams. He recently signed with 3MA in Nashville, TN as an artist and songwriter.

Freedman blends acoustic country drawing roots from the likes of Chris Stapleton, Eric Church and Zac Brown, mixed with today’s modern country like Dustin Lynch and Thomas Rhett. His first radio single “Good Love” caught fire with several of Spotify’s top country playlists like Wild Country, Next from Nashville and New Country Friday.

A seasoned writer who goes deep into personal experiences about family life, nostalgic views about being an athlete growing up, and marries scenic imagery with big stadium anthems.

Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g

Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, has a great conversation with artist, songwriter, and vocal producer Mike Cali. They discuss coming correct to a co-write, how to deliver the best vocal performance, and the ins and outs of being a vocal producer. Singer/songwriter Mike Cali makes passionate and melodic, acoustic guitar driven, pop country music. He shares his love for music playing both public and private events where, depending on the event, he’s able to play a mix of widely known classic and contemporary cover songs and his own original music. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in New Jersey, Mike taught himself play guitar while he was growing up. By his late teens while studying at Villanova University in Philadelphia, he began writing and performing his own original music.

After college Mike moved to Pittsburgh, PA for a job in corporate retail with American Eagle Outfitters (and later DICK’S Sporting Goods). In Pittsburgh, Mike continued to hone his musical craft both on stages and with other music makers. After almost a decade in Pittsburgh, some learnings from his day job and his entrepreneurial inclinations led him to join his brother Chris in South Bend to start a retail technology company called Viewtique.

Musically, Mike is influenced most by singer songwriters like James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, and Van Morrison. Some of his more contemporary influences include Ed Sheeran, Ray Lamontagne, Amos Lee, John Mayer, and James Morrison.

Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g

Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, sits down with famed songwriter and producer TW Hale to discuss his journey from Texas musician to songwriter to Nashville based music producer. T.W. is an ASCAP award winning songwriter and producer. His songs have been recorded by Reba McEntire (“Why Haven’t I Heard From You”), Joe Diffie (“A Night To Remember”), Randy Travis, Trace Adkins, George Jones, Billy Ray Cyrus, Gene Watson, Rhett Akins and bluegrass artists Del McCoury and David Parmley. His producing talents have been instrumental in the signings of artists to Decca Records/Nashville and Polygram Latino/Mexico. 

Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g

Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, has an incredible conversation with UK based country music artist and songwriter Luke Flear. They discuss how Luke fell into country music, how he's navigating building an international artist, and how the power of social media is absolutely vital for modern country music artists and songwriters.

Learn more about Luke Flear at https://lukeflear.com/

From rich, raspy vocals and roaring guitar solos to acoustic deep cuts and piano ballads- Luke Flear is Classic Country Rock with a modern, unique twist. Born in Leeds, England, Luke picked up the drumsticks before he could even talk, and countless instruments followed until he could take his music to the stage. 
 Luke has recently made his move into the Country Music Scene, performing at Nashville Calling Events, supporting fellow country musician Cody Pennington, performing alongside established artists such as Gary Quinn and Lisa T, the British Country Music Awards, as well as set to play major UK Country Festivals such as “Country on the Clyde”, “West Country Music Festival” and more in 2023.
 Through the purity in his songwriting, his instrumental virtuosity and his natural love for the stage, Flear is among many others bound to change the UK's relationship with the genre. Every instrument you hear on record is played by the 21 year old himself, with Luke's debut album exploring countless themes of ambition, addiction, love and hate in true Americana style. 
 With an "Album of the week" debut on UK Country Radio and a number one single on Australian Country Radio, Luke has been featured on the likes of CountryLine's "Homegrown" radio broadcast, Country Central's "New Country" playlist and more . Described as “a future BCMA winner for entertainer of the year” by Jonny Brick, Luke is the next to take on the challenge of conquering country music in the UK.

Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g

Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, sits down with content creator and podcaster Todd Schlosser to discuss the importance of, and strategies for implementing, a solid brand in the music industry. Your brand is one of your most important assets regardless of if you're an artist, songwriter, manager, promoter, booking agent, or in any other facet of the music business. This conversation provides insight on how to develop and market a brand in the most efficient and productive way possible, starting with a brainstorm session. That brainstorm session will provide the catalyst to a new logo, how you talk about and describe your brand, and real life take-aways to build a brand that works for you and not against you.

Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g

Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, has an incredible conversation with friend and fellow songwriter Bradley Collins. Bradley has a very unique story, beginning his music industry career in publishing and spending the majority of his career as an executive at BMI. While at BMI he signed a large majority of the roster and developed invaluable relationships. However, due to a shift in the organization, Bradley Collins shifted his priorities and has become a full time songwriter. Listen to Bradley's story and his three actionable items to move your career forward as songwriter.

Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g

Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, catches up with the co-founder of the We Should Write Sometime application Kevin McCarty.  The We Should Write Sometime application has been described as "tinder for songwriters" and uses 'swipe left/swipe right' technology to help songwriters network, connect, and find the perfect co-write. This app lest you identify by your skills, location, and matches you with other songwriters to get you creating faster. 

Download the app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/we-should-write-sometime/id1380001027?mt=8

Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g

Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, sits down with renowned radio promotion executive Bruce Shindler. Bruce has over 40 years in the music industry working with labels such as Buddah Records in New York City, Elektra/Asylum, Infinity Records, MTM Records, RCA Records, seven years at his independent company Shindler-Turner Promotions, DreamWorks Records, and UMG Nashville. In short, Bruce is probably responsible for the success of some the biggest records from the biggest artists in music history: Bill Withers, The Eagles, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Warren Zevon, and Queen. Yes, QUEEN! Bruce was pivotal in breaking 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and making it a radio hit in the US. Hear more about Bruce's time with Queen, networking strategies for those entering the music industry, and what it takes to get your foot in the door.

Intro and outro music:

'Leaving' by FOUST

Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g