Journey of an Artist

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"I want to sing songs that sound like me." 

When the whole world is telling you to follow a trend, or to cover a certain song, or to jump on the bandwagon of serious artistry, how should you respond?

Mark Winters says: by being unapologetically YOU.

In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Houston-based singer-songwriter Mark Winters to talk about how his positive attitude, unique scientific background, and happy home life have fueled his music career. Mark shares a story about picking up a guitar to play for his wife, then talks about how songwriting increasingly set his soul on fire. He also discusses how his belief in great days and great lives has helped him to infuse his sound with infectious optimism. Plus, Emmeline and Mark talk about the nerdy science behind WHY music is such an effective--and affective--art form. 

To learn more about Mark Winters, or to follow his musical journey, visit his official website or follow him on Instagram.

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

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"I wanted to [release my music] the right way for me." 

Irish singer-songwriter Seán Feeny's musical journey has been anything but linear. This journalist-turned-recording-artist has been making music in the background for a long time while covering other bands and keeping his finger on the pulse of current events. However, as he journeyed through professional life and fatherhood, the songs on his heart started to beg for a home--finally manifesting in his brand new record, Galactic Tides. 

In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Seán to talk about the importance of timing, the need to create, and how family and professional life can impact--and ultimately enrich--one's musical journey! If you're looking for a sign that you should release your art, THIS is your episode.

To learn more about Seán, or to follow his musical journey, visit his official website or find him on Instagram. 

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

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"If you have a creative desire or urge to do something, do it. Do it however it comes. Do it your own way." 

How do we stay trendy as artists? How can we keep up with algorithms and technology to assure that we're always in the forefront of our audience's minds?

Irish singer-songwriter and music industry veteran Ben Reel says these are the wrong questions.

In this episode, Ben sits down with Emmeline to talk about his twelfth album, Spirit's Not Broken--and to share how he's made such a long and meaningful career in the music industry. He discusses the organic way in which the songwriting and production processes unfolded for him, the joy of getting lots of talented musicians in one room, and how his influences continue to shape his unique sound. Ben sees genre as irrelevant; the true question, he says, is the honesty of the music. He advocates for steeping yourself in the best music, then allowing those influences to inform you as you continue to diligently pursue your sound. He even gives us a glimpse at the song he wrote for his wife, "I Will."

To learn more about Ben, or to follow his musical journey, visit his official website.  You can even read all of the lyrics from his new album!

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

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"Things work for a minute, and then you adapt." 

How do you maintain a steady business--and a steady income--in an industry that is continuously evolving? How do you successfully chase passion AND stability? How do you stay inspired with a demanding schedule?

In this episode, Emmeline sits down with BW Bridger, an accomplished guitar player, composer, audio engineer, video engineer, producer, band leader, teacher, and rehearsal space manager in the DFW area. A jack of all trades--and a true creative chameleon--BW has built a career on adaptability and sustainability, finding creative ways to solve the problems he encounters in the creative industries. He talks about the entrepreneurial spirit that has led him to pivot his business multiple times, about learning how to do things oneself as a creative, and about how everything you learn as a creative will have a future application--even if you don't see it yet! He and Emmeline also unpack the insecurity that plagues most artists. Lastly, BW gives us a sneak peek at his brand new track, "Underwater Timeout."

To learn more about BW Bridger, or to follow his musical and entrepreneurial journey, follow him on Instagram or check out his rehearsal space, Jam Station DFW. You can also stream "Underwater Timeout" on all of your favorite streaming platforms!

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

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"Perhaps I must pick me up/ Perhaps I must carry me home gently." 

How do artists survive in a world gone mad? How can we find ways to hold space for ourselves and for others? Can our art really be a safe space for us to both fall apart and piece ourselves back together?

In the first Journey of an Artist of 2026, Emmeline tackles these questions and more with one of DFW's most beloved poets, River. River shares how various art forms have served as coping mechanisms for her over the years--from her poetry to her visual art--and how creation is not only a response to, but an antidote to destruction. She also shares two poems from her beautiful book of poetry, Still River.

To learn more about River, or to follow River's artistic journey, find her on Instagram. You can also grab any of her books at her next live show!

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

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"You just have to let the magic happen." 

For his brand new album, Django New Orleans II - Hors Série, legendary guitarist Stephane Wrembel stretched himself as a musician, composer, and vocalist. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Stephane to talk about the process by which his new album came together, from his time in the studio to his time meditating on different themes and sounds for the record. Stephane shares some of his best practicing tips, reflects on singing at the mic for the first time on an album, and talks about the magic that happens when you get the right musicians in the right room at the same time and allow them the space and opportunity to be themselves.

Emmeline and Stephane also talk briefly about psychology and how our human desire for unity manifests in music! Plus, hear two new full tracks from Stephane's new album: his favorite, "Nature Boy," and his original composition, "Holden Caulfield."

To learn more about Stephane Wrembel, or to follow his musical journey, visit his official website or follow him on Instagram.

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

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"It has to be good vibes all the way." 

How does an idea become a script? How does a script become a full, on-stage production? How does one assemble the team necessary to make that transition as seamless as possible?

In this episode, Emmeline sits down with the creative team behind the brand new play, Training Set, to answer these questions and more. The episode features actors and producers Chelsea LeSage and Jenilyn Rodriguez, writer Sonny Marwah, and director Serena Norr. The team shares the organic process by which the show came together and the magic by which they were able to assemble a creative support system. They also talk candidly about the challenges of taking a show from script to stage in just a few months' time. Chelsea shares her mantras for synergy, Jenilyn talks about the ways in which theater can be healing, Sonny discusses his goals for audience reception as a writer, and Serena shares the collaborative attitude that she tries to bring to every production. They also talk about the magic of having friends that encourage and support your creativity!

Training Set opens on December 3rd and runs through December 7th at Theatre Row in New York City. To learn more about the play, or to buy tickets, visit the official website and be sure to follow the show on Instagram. There will be a special talkback after Thursday's performance!

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

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"I like to keep things a little spicy..." 

In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Suede Lacy--a Dallas native and an alum of Season 26 of The Voice. Suede Lacy graduated from the prestigious Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts and is in the process of finishing an album of music that’s at once fresh and vintage--but the journey towards an album release has been slower than Suede would've picked. 

Emmeline and Suede talk about Suede's experience on The Voice, the immediacy of creative success on TV, and about the ever-pressing creative question, What comes next?  They also talk about their deep mutual love for Ani DiFranco's Dilate album and how to incorporate influences in new and exciting ways.

To learn more about Suede Lacy, or to follow Suede's musical journey, follow them on Instagram or TikTok.

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

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"I should be enough for what it is that I want." - Buddy Red

How do you make your own path as an artist when everyone is telling you to be something you're not?

Buddy Red has answers. The son of famed rapper T.I. is paving his own way in the music industry as a rock-infused blues guitarist with soulful riffs and visceral vocals. His music is both an ode to his heroes--greats like Jimi Hendrix and Pink Floyd--and something that is uniquely his. 

In this episode, Buddy Red sits down with Emmeline live from the Launch Music Conference in Dallas to talk about finding his creative truth in a sea of voices offering advice and guidance. He shares his struggle to find a corner for himself within the industry and talks about the joy of recording his latest single, "Sold His Soul." Lastly, he asks for recommendations for the best brisket in Dallas!

To learn more about Buddy Red, or to follow his musical journey, follow him on Instagram. You can also stream his music on Spotify.

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

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"It's about really being 100% present." 

How do you reconcile the hustle of creative professionalism with the presence of mind creativity requires? Irish musician and rock/blues guitarist Paul Sherry might have an answer.

In this episode, Emmeline sits down with prolific guitarist and songwriter Paul Sherry to talk about his journey towards mindfulness, his deep respect of presence, and the way his deepening spirituality manifests in his music on his new record, Peace in Mind. They talk about the beauty of being onstage and being fully present with an audience, and about Paul's intentional approach to bringing that same energy to the studio and to his collaborative music. They also have an honest conversation about how we get wiser and more present as we get older, and why we tend to create more when we put our phones down.

To learn more about Paul Sherry, or to follow his musical journey, visit him on Instagram, stream his music on Spotify, or check out his official website.

For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.