Indie Music Explorer

Today on the podcast, we speak to Makayla Dooley. She is a Denver based pianist, performer, singer/songwriter, teacher, organizer…. extraordinaire. The 3 of us went to UNC together, in different programs and in different classes. But we’ve kept track of what she’s been up to over the last several years, and have been really looking forward to reconnecting, and you’ll see why. I hit on this subject often enough that if you listen to this podcast regularly, you’ll be able to tell that we’re really interested in artists who are investing in their community and trying to create the scene they would like to participate and succeed in. There are plenty of folks who are trying to milk a scene and its connections for all it’s worth, that we want to highlight people who are trying something new, creating their own opportunities, and creating opportunities for others. 

And that’s what Makayla does. You’ll clearly be able to hear that her main objective is honest expression and genuine connection, and not profit or popularity. Her experience has taken her from the ultra competitive world of jazz performance, into a nurturing space of like-minded creatives away from those rigid structures. Currently, she has two projects — Moonglade and Nothing is Everything. She’s a full time music teacher in Denver, and she hosts a live piano-bar Karaoke night on Mondays at Pride & Swagger. Hope you enjoy this chat, and lookout for a quick cameo from Makayla’s mom who was in town visiting for the week and got to chime in from the peanut gallery! 

Get in touch with us on facebook and IG @thebartonbrothers, and email us at [email protected]

Today on the podcast, we chat with Kyle James Hauser from the Music District in Ft. Collins, CO, which is a gathering hub, workspace, and creative playground for the music community. The Music District is a non-profit musician’s resource in Northern Colorado, that’s funded by the Bohemian Foundation — and it’s an absolute unicorn for its sophistication and broad programming in a city as small as Fort Collins. They break their focus into the three branches of art, business, and community, which is a helpful way to organize all of the things they offer. And they offer a lot: lessons, rehearsal space, equipment rental, career guidance, consulting, co-working space, meet-ups, guest lectures, artists residencies, volunteering, and beyond.

Kyle works in artist development, so that’s where we focused the bulk of our chat. Even here, we could have gone in any number of directions, but luckily, we were able to hone in on a specific program he’s currently running which served as a good proxy to learn about their overarching vision. This pilot program they’re currently running is called the Workout, which is an 8 week intensive that basically serves as personalized career coaching with craft and technique for a handful of working artists in the area. You’ll get a sense for the scope of the music district and for Kyle’s really smart takes on building a career and developing an artist.

Enjoy!

Kaitlyn Williams is a pop artist based in Denver who is quickly rising the ranks and taking it to the next level in the Denver music scene. She recently played her first show at the Bluebird and is currently on the road after self-booking her first west coast tour. The 3 of us chop it up, talking about university music programs, studying jazz music, live performance logistics, merchandise, and more! Check her out at Kdubbsmusic.com and @kkaitlynwilliamss

Topics Discussed:

Indiana University

SoFar Sounds

Merchandising

Los Angeles Music

Tour Booking

AEG/Live Nation

Rex Mac is a Boston-based hip hop artist, concert organizer, and music blogger. Enjoy this conversation and follow along with his career at rexmacmusic.com

Today’s episode features Kyle McEvoy, who is a composer, songwriter, producer, and multi-instrumentalist based in upstate New York. Kyle has a held many roles in the music industry, but most notably has seen colossal success on Spotify in the world of contemporary classical and ambient music. We talk about his streaming success and the ways he has spun that into worldwide collaborations and started an indie label called The Sonder House. He emphasizes their artist friendly and ultra-transparent business model, and what it’s like to find meaning and new inspiration after making a full-time living in music at a young age.

This week, we host longtime friend and collaborator David Bashford! David is an LA based filmmaker, songwriter, and music producer who is juggling those skillsets and piecing together a creative life.

Topics covered:

Chapman University Film School

CollegeHumor

Vox Girl

Jon Cozart – YouTube

Kacey Musgraves – Golden Hour

The Night Game

Keep up with David @BashfordFilm on Instagram.

Tim Perry is a Massachusetts-based performer who is growing a following thanks to his tireless approach to booking gigs and earning a living. Tim built and sold a window cleaning business to travel the world and pursue his passions, and he has translated those skills into a highly effective sales and marketing operation to stay busy and earn what he’s worth. Check him out at timperryrocks.com

Sometimes, you don’t need a full 45 minute interview. Sometimes you just hit record and go for it. Jack rambles — take 1.

 

We’re back! In this episode, Jack met with Kim McClay for lunch in New York City to chat about her experience on the national tour of A Chorus Line, and the path that got her there. They also discuss the nuts and bolts of auditions, equity theater, and how to prioritize your own creative voice as a songwriter.

 

Keep up with Kim at:

https://www.kim-mcclay.com

https://www.facebook.com/kim.mcclay

https://www.instagram.com/kimmcclaymusic/

Music is their soap box, message is what drives them. Jenesia is quickly becoming one of the most emotion-evoking, story-telling pop groups to ever rise out of Western Canada. Their pop musicality is coloured by soulful blues guitar and a hint of jazz. Combining elements of rock and folk, their diverse influences range from John Mayer, Amy Winehouse, Aretha Franklin and The Civil Wars. Since forming in 2015, Jenesia has played over 300 live shows across Western Canada.

Topics Covered:

Justin Brunelle – Moving Artistry Productions

Tom Jackson – Live Music Method

CD Baby DIY Musician Conference

My United Way Voice Competition

Indie Connect Management & Consulting

Rick Barker