Life of a Band Leader

Life of a Band Leader

By Angela O'Neill and Outrageous8 RecordsMusicMusic Interviews
Download on the App Store

Life of a Band Leader episodes

  • Spotify AI Music Scandal: Real Artists Paid Less and more with Mina Choi

    🎙️ LIFE OF A BAND LEADER — EPISODE 15

    The Spotify AI Music Scandal: Real Artists Paid Less? | Mina Choi What happens to real musicians when AI-generated music starts taking up more space in the music industry?

    In Episode 14 of Life of a Band Leader, Angela O’Neill sits down with musician and artist Mina Choi for an important and thought-provoking conversation about the rapidly changing music landscape — and the controversy surrounding AI-generated music and streaming platforms. Angela and Mina dig into the questions musicians are asking right now: What does AI mean for working artists? How could AI-generated music affect royalties and opportunities for human musicians? And what happens to creativity and authenticity when technology can generate music at an unprecedented scale?

    🎧 In this episode: •

    The growing impact of AI on the music industry

    •The controversy surrounding AI-generated music

    • How streaming affects working musicians

    • Royalties and compensation for real artists

    • The challenges facing musicians in today's digital music economy

    • Technology, creativity, and the future of music

    • Why supporting real musicians still matters

    This is a conversation about music, technology, money, creativity, and the future of the artists who make the music we love. Listen to the full interview with Angela O’Neill and Mina Choi and join the conversation.

    👍 LIKE this episode 💬 COMMENT with your thoughts on AI and music

    🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more Life of a Band Leader interviews

    🎺 Life of a Band Leader Hosted by Angela O’Neill, vocalist, bandleader, producer, and founder of The Outrageous8 and Outrageous8 Records.

    #LifeOfABandLeader #MinaChoi #AngelaONeill #Outrageous8 #AIMusic #Spotify #MusicIndustry #Musicians #StreamingMusic #MusicBusiness #Jazz #LiveMusic #MusicPodcast #AI #Artists

    49 min
  • Cheryl Bentyne - Record Label Wants Hits, Band Wants Art! See The Conflict!

    🎙️ Ep 13 - LIFE OF A BAND LEADER — FEATURING CHERYL BENTYNE

    What does it really take to build a life and career in music? I

    n this special episode of Life of a Band Leader, Angela O’Neill sits down with acclaimed vocalist Cheryl Bentyne for an intimate and inspiring conversation about music, performance, creativity, longevity, and the journey of a professional artist.

    Cheryl brings decades of experience and a wealth of stories from a remarkable career in music. Together, Angela and Cheryl go behind the scenes to talk about the realities of being a working musician, finding your artistic voice, navigating the music business, and staying passionate about your craft through the years. 🎶

    In this episode:

    • Cheryl Bentyne’s journey as a professional vocalist

    • The realities of building a lasting career in music

    • Life on stage and behind the scenes

    • Finding your own voice as an artist

    • The importance of collaboration and musical relationships

    • Lessons learned throughout a life dedicated to music

    • Stories, inspiration, and plenty of great conversation

    Whether you're a jazz fan, vocalist, musician, bandleader, or simply someone who loves hearing the stories behind great careers, this is an episode you won't want to miss.

    🎧 Watch the full conversation with Angela O’Neill and Cheryl Bentyne now!

    👍 LIKE this episode

    💬 COMMENT and tell us what you loved most

    🔔 SUBSCRIBE for more Life of a Band Leader interviews

    Life of a Band Leader is hosted by Angela O’Neill of The Outrageous8 and Outrageous8 Records, bringing you candid conversations with musicians, artists, bandleaders, and creative professionals about the music, the madness, and the magic behind a life in music.

    🎺 Follow Angela O’Neill & The Outrageous8 For music, live performances, upcoming shows, and more.

    #LifeOfABandLeader #CherylBentyne #AngelaONeill #Outrageous8 #Jazz #JazzVocalist #JazzMusic #MusicPodcast #JazzPodcast #Vocalist #Singer #LiveMusic #BehindTheMusic #MusicianLife #Bandleader

    38 min
  • Life of a Band Leader Ep. 13 | What It Really Takes to Build a Life in Jazz – Pete Mills

    What does it take to build a career that's both artistically fulfilling and sustainable? In this episode of Life of a Band Leader, Angela O'Neill sits down with acclaimed saxophonist, composer, educator, and bandleader Pete Mills for an inspiring conversation about musicianship, leadership, and the ever-evolving world of jazz.

    Pete shares stories from his remarkable career, discussing the importance of finding your own musical voice, developing lasting collaborations, and balancing performance, composition, recording, and teaching. With decades of experience on stage and in the studio, he offers practical advice and thoughtful insights for musicians at every stage of their journey.

    🎷 In this episode you'll discover:

    Pete's journey into jazz and the influences that shaped his career

    The realities of leading a successful band

    Why mentorship and music education matter

    How collaboration creates stronger music

    Lessons learned from years of performing, recording, and teaching

    Whether you're a jazz fan, performer, educator, composer, or aspiring bandleader, this conversation is filled with wisdom, inspiration, and behind-the-scenes stories from a life dedicated to music.

    🎧 Life of a Band Leader is hosted by Angela O'Neill of Outrageous8 Records, featuring candid conversations with today's leading musicians, composers, arrangers, and entertainers about the craft, business, and passion behind a life in music.

    🌐 Learn more about Pete Mills at petemills.com.

    PETE MILLS - THIS IS NOW

    Toronto-born saxophonist Pete Mills delivers a fast-paced, swinging new recording, This Is Now. A follow-up to 2025’s For The Record, this new release features Mills’ hard-driving tenor playing alongside an outstanding lineup of familiar collaborators: drummer Matt Wilson, bassist Martin Wind, guitarist and co-producer Pete McCann, and rising piano phenom Kenny Banks Jr. The album focuses squarely on Mills’ original music and includes a spirited reworking of his tune “Bird Lives” (from For The Record), reimagined with Kenny Banks Jr. and a poignant duo performance with Matt Wilson (U.M.M.G.). McCann, Banks Jr. and Wind all emerge as standout voices, contributing to a recording that radiates swing, spirit, and beauty from start to finish.

    👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Comment, and Subscribe for more conversations with the artists who keep live music thriving.

    #LifeOfABandLeader #PeteMills #AngelaONeill #Outrageous8Records #JazzPodcast #Saxophone #JazzMusician #BandLeader #MusicEducation #Jazz

    38 min
  • Slash Music Production Costs Smart Hacks for Musicians - Dave Slonaker with Angela O'Neill

    🎙️ Life of a Band Leader — Featuring Dave Slonaker Hosted by Angela O’Neill and Outrageous8 Records

    In this episode of Life of a Band Leader, Angela O’Neill welcomes acclaimed trumpeter, bandleader, arranger, and educator Dave Slonaker for an engaging conversation about the art, business, and passion behind a life in music.

    With a career spanning performance, education, and musical leadership, Dave shares insights into what it takes to build a successful career while staying true to your artistic vision. From memorable performances to lessons learned along the way, this episode offers a fascinating look into the world of a dedicated musician and bandleader.

    🎺 In this episode:

    ✨ Dave's musical journey and career highlights

    ✨ The challenges and rewards of leading a band

    ✨ The importance of mentorship and music education

    ✨ Stories from the stage and behind the scenes

    ✨ Advice for aspiring musicians and performers

    Whether you're a musician, educator, jazz enthusiast, or simply curious about the lives of professional artists, you'll enjoy this thoughtful and inspiring conversation.

    🎧 Life of a Band Leader is a series hosted by Angela O’Neill of The Outrageous8, featuring conversations with musicians, entertainers, and creative professionals who share their experiences, challenges, and successes.

    👉 Watch now: https://youtu.be/OPWfPOl1U1I

    🔔 Be sure to like, comment, and subscribe for more interviews, music, and behind-the-scenes stories from the world of jazz and live performance.

    #LifeOfABandLeader #DaveSlonaker #AngelaONeill #TheOutrageous8 #JazzPodcast #Trumpet #BigBand #JazzMusic #Bandleader #MusicianLife

    38 min
  • What It Really Takes to Be a Working Musician | Dave Schumacher

    🎙️ Life of a Band Leader — Featuring Dave Schumacher Hosted by Angela O’Neill of The Outrageous8

    In this episode of Life of a Band Leader, Angela O’Neill sits down with musician, entertainer, and bandleader Dave Schumacher for a lively and insightful conversation about the realities of life in music.

    From performing and leading bands to navigating the ever-changing entertainment industry, Dave shares stories, lessons, and behind-the-scenes moments from his journey as a working musician.

    🎶 In this episode: ✨ Dave’s musical journey and career highlights ✨ What it takes to lead and sustain a successful band ✨ The challenges and rewards of performing live ✨ Stories from the stage and the world of entertainment ✨ Insights into creativity, professionalism, and longevity in music

    Whether you’re a musician, performer, or simply love hearing authentic stories from seasoned artists, this episode offers inspiration, humor, and real-world wisdom from someone who’s lived the life.

    🎧 Life of a Band Leader is hosted by Angela O’Neill of The Outrageous8 — spotlighting musicians, creatives, and industry professionals who share their journeys, challenges, and passion for the art of performance.

    👉 Watch now: https://youtu.be/aDCyFVvtsUc

    🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes and live music content.

    #LifeOfABandLeader #DaveSchumacher #AngelaONeill #MusicPodcast #BandLeader #MusicianLife #Jazz #LiveMusic

    46 min
  • The Artist’s Journey: Teryn Re Opens Up with Angela O’Neill

    🎙️ Episode 10 – Angela O’Neill Interviews Teryn Re

    In this exciting episode of the podcast, Angela O’Neill sits down with the incredibly talented Teryn Re for an engaging conversation about music, creativity, career journeys, inspiration, and the passion behind pursuing an artistic life.

    From personal stories and industry insights to the challenges and rewards of following your creative path, this episode is filled with thoughtful discussion, laughs, and inspiration for artists, musicians, and dreamers alike.

    ✨ In This Episode:

    • Teryn Re’s creative journey

    • Behind-the-scenes stories from the music world

    • Inspiration, artistry, and personal growth

    • The realities of building a career in entertainment

    • Honest conversation about creativity and passion

    Teryn Ré is a Southern California based musician, arranger, and educator from Laguna Niguel, CA. She has been performing in the greater Orange County and Los Angeles areas for over 20 years with a variety of groups including her big band, the Teryn Ré Big Band, and various duo, trio, and quartet ensembles. Several recordings are available on all streaming sites, including the Teryn Ré Big Band, the Teryn Ré Trio, and two singer-songwriter albums. Her upcoming quartet album features a drum-less quartet with Larry Koonse (guitar), Ahmet Turkmenoglu (bass) and Josh Welchez (trumpet). Teryn currently teaches at Cal State Fullerton, directing the vocal jazz major, as well as Fullerton College, Saddleback College and Long Beach City College.

    Whether you're a fan of jazz, music interviews, podcasts, or creative conversations, you’ll love this episode!

    🎧 Watch now and don’t forget to: 👍 Like 💬 Comment

    🔔 Subscribe for more interviews, music, and conversations with Angela O’Neill

    Follow Angela O’Neill and the Outrageous8 for upcoming shows, music releases, and more:

    🌐 www.outrageous8.com

    #AngelaONeill #Podcast #Interview #MusicPodcast #Jazz #CreativeJourney #TerynRe #ArtistInterview #WomenInMusic #Outrageous8

    43 min
  • Paris - Jamaica, Reggae's Golden Era and more with Guillaume Bougard, TABOU1 Record Label

    🎙️ Episode 9 - Life of a Band Leader — Guillaume Bougard Hosted by Angela O’Neill of The Outrageous8

    In this special episode of Life of a Band Leader, host Angela O’Neill sits down with Guillaume Bougard — an internationally acclaimed musician, composer, and conductor whose journey bridges cultures, styles, and creative disciplines.

    Guillaume shares an intimate look at his life in music, including:

    ✨ His musical beginnings — how his upbringing and early influences shaped his artistic voice ✨ The art of leadership — insights on directing ensembles and working with diverse musicians

    ✨ Balancing creativity and collaboration in a dynamic industry

    ✨ Lessons learned on the road — from composing to performance, and the realities of life as a bandleader Whether you’re a musician, composer, band leader, or simply passionate about creative careers in music, this conversation is full of thoughtful stories, practical wisdom, and inspiring moments.

    🎧 Subscribe for more candid conversations with artists, creators, and industry professionals on Life of a Band Leader.

    👇 Tell us in the comments what insight from Guillaume’s story resonated with you! Read below for Guillaume's bio! Guillaume Bougard founded TABOU1, a label dedicated to the full spectrum of Jamaican reggae in 1996. TABOU1 was born out of a lifelong obsession with reggae culture and a hands- on approach to making records: getting the right riddims, the right voices and mixes. Over the years, TABOU1 has released about 150 titles—from roots and rockers to dub, growing into one of the most active reggae labels. TABOU1 has worked closely with the legendary drum and bass duo and producers Sly & Robbie, producing music with icons including Bitty McLean, Third World, U-Roy, Horace Andy, Johnny Clarke, Gregory Isaacs, Black Uhuru, Mighty Diamonds, etc... TABOU1 was also an early mover in the digital era and was the very first reggae label to sell on online platforms in 2004.

    https://taxitabou1.bandcamp.com/  Radio host (early community building): Hosted the “Babylon” program on Lille station RCV for three years—helping build reggae culture locally long before TABOU1 existed.  Catalog stewardship: Recognized for managing a large catalogue of Jamaican music, of about 4,000 tracks.

     Artist advocacy: Served as an advocate representing 250+ Jamaican recording artists in a $4 million copyright lawsuit.  Teaching / guest residency: o Invited as a Rankin Scholar at Drexel University for lectures and a live mixing demonstration, bringing reggae production and the business of recorded music directly to students. o Invited by the University of Guangzhou (China) for a series of presentations and a concert with Sly & Robbie and Bitty McLean

     New platform work (artist-first tech): In recent years, he’s been building a new TABOU1 platform exploring digital + vinyl releases using blockchain/NFT tooling with the goal of creating a better fan experience and fairer artist economics. Other

     Finance + dealmaking background (pre-TABOU1): Before going all-in on music, Guillaume, who studied finance at EDHEC Business School, worked in corporate finance as Vice President in M&A at Banque Worms.  Parallel to running TABOU1, Guillaume was a founding shareholder and Chief Financial Officer / Chief Operating officer of SICAT, a startup company making innovative advanced materials used as catalyst supports in the chemical industry, which got sold to a European conglomerate in 2022.

    #LifeOfABandLeader #GuillaumeBougard #AngelaONeill #MusicPodcast #BandLeaderLife #ComposerJourney #BehindTheMusic

    48 min
  • What It Really Takes to Last in Jazz with Mark Winkler and Angela O'Neill

    🎙️ Life of a Band Leader — Episode 8 Featuring Mark Winkler Hosted by Angela O’Neill of The Outrageous8

    In this engaging episode of Life of a Band Leader, Angela O’Neill sits down with acclaimed jazz vocalist and lyricist Mark Winkler for a rich and insightful conversation about a life devoted to music. With decades of experience as a performer, songwriter, and storyteller, Mark shares what it really takes to build and sustain a career in jazz — from finding your voice as an artist to navigating the ever-changing music industry.

    🎶 In this episode, you’ll discover:

    ✨ Mark’s journey into jazz and songwriting

    ✨ The art of interpreting lyrics and telling a story through song

    ✨ What it takes to stay creative and relevant over time

    ✨ Honest reflections on the life of a working musician

    Known for his wit, warmth, and deep musicality, Mark brings both wisdom and humor to this conversation — making it a must-watch for musicians, vocalists, and lovers of the Great American Songbook.

    🎧 Whether you're a bandleader, performer, or simply passionate about music, this episode offers inspiration, insight, and a behind-the-scenes look at the craft.

    👉 Watch now: https://youtu.be/qm4IBYHWEdc

    🔔 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes of Life of a Band Leader.

    #LifeOfABandLeader #MarkWinkler #AngelaONeill #JazzVocalist #Songwriting #BandLeader #MusicPodcast #Jazz

    Music Mark Winkler is a platinum award-winning singer/lyricist who has had over 250 of his songs recorded by such artists as Dianne Reeves, Steve Tyrell, Liza Minnelli, Jane Monheit, and Lea Salonga. He has written lyrics for tunes by such esteemed composers as Wayne Shorter, Dexter Gordon, Joshua Redman, and David Benoit. He has released 21 solo albums that regularly place high on the jazz charts and he has gotten excellent reviews including two “Top Vocal CDs of the year” in 2021 and 2023 in Jazziz Magazine. He has written songs for the hit musical revue Naked Boys Singing! and is also the co-writer for the musical revues Bark!, Too Old for the Chorus and Play It Cool. As an educator, he has taught his lyric writing class at UCLA extension for 19 years and at The Songwriting School for over 10 years. His first book “The Songwriter’s Handbook” is now available. It not only teaches the craft of writing great lyrics – but it is peppered with anecdotes about his 30 years as a songwriter/performer.

    46 min
  • From Harry Connick Jr. to Frank Sinatra: A Musical Journey. Dan Olivo with Angela O'Neill

    🎙️ Life of a Band Leader — Episode 7 Featuring Dan Olivo Hosted by Angela O’Neill of The Outrageous8

    In Episode 7 of Life of a Band Leader, Angela O’Neill sits down with acclaimed musician and bandleader Dan Olivo for an engaging and insightful conversation about life in music — on and off the stage. From his early influences to building a career as a working musician, Dan shares the real story behind the journey: the challenges, the wins, and the passion that drives it all. 🎶 In this episode, you’ll discover:

    ✨ Dan’s path into music and what shaped his sound

    ✨ What it really takes to lead a band

    ✨ Lessons from performing, collaborating, and evolving as an artist

    ✨ Honest insights into the highs and lows of a life in music

    Whether you're a musician, bandleader, or simply someone who loves great music and real conversations, this episode offers inspiration, authenticity, and a behind-the-scenes look at the craft.

    🌐 Learn more about Dan Olivo: 👉 http://danolivo.com

    Drop us a comment and let us know what resonated with you most!

    #LifeOfABandLeader #DanOlivo #AngelaONeill #TheOutrageous8 #MusicPodcast #BandLeader #MusicianLife #Jazz #CreativeJourney

    38 min
  • She Was America’s #1 Voicemail Voice — Here’s Her Story - Marsha Bartenetti

    🎶 Episode 06 — Marsha Bartenetti 🎙️ Life of a Band Leader with Angela O’Neill of The Outrageous8

    In this episode, Angela O’Neill sits down with the one and only Marsha Bartenetti — a woman whose voice millions of Americans once heard every single day. At one time, Marsha was known as America’s #1 voicemail voice — the voice behind the beep that became instantly recognizable across the country.

    But there’s so much more to her story than a recorded greeting. In this candid and inspiring conversation, we explore: ✨ How Marsha became the most recognizable voicemail voice in America ✨ The business and artistry behind voiceover work ✨ Reinvention, resilience, and staying relevant in a changing industry ✨ The connection between voice, identity, and performance From voiceover fame to creative evolution, this episode dives deep into what it really means to find — and own — your voice. Whether you're a performer, creative entrepreneur, voice actor, or simply love a great behind-the-scenes story, this conversation will inspire you.

    🎶 Life of a Band Leader is a series hosted by Angela O’Neill of The Outrageous8, spotlighting artists, creatives, and industry professionals who are shaping their own path in music and beyond.

    👉 Don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more episodes.

    #LifeOfABandLeader #MarshaBartinetti #Voiceover #PodcastInterview #BandLeader #WomenInMusic #CreativeJourney

    47 min

About Life of a Band Leader

From the publisher's feed

Produced by Angela O'Neill and Outrageous8 Records.

Welcome to Life as a Band Leader - the podcast from Angela O'Neill and Outrageous8 Records. Each episode, we'll take you behind the…