In this episode, I take you behind the scenes of THIMK — the final studio album from Oscar and two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Stephen Bishop. As executive producer, I oversaw the entire process: from coordinating legendary guest artists and licensing archival material to designing the packaging and managing a multi-layered release campaign.

This album features stunning collaborations with Eric Clapton, Sting, Graham Nash, Art Garfunkel, Jimmy Webb, Dave Grusin, Michael McDonald, Kenny Loggins, Christopher Cross, David Pack, Gerry Beckley and Dewey Bunnell of America, David Benoit, Marilyn Martin, and more.

What most people don’t see is the real cost behind a release like this. The total investment? Over $300,000. 

We worked with some of the best in the business — join me in this episode as I break down the full cost of the album, the incredible team we assembled, and how we plan to recoup our investment. The total budget exceeded $300,000, spanning Production & Recording, Manufacturing & Packaging, Marketing & PR, Digital Advertising & Assets, Fulfillment & Distribution, and Legal, Admin & Miscellaneous. Stephen retained full ownership by releasing THIMK independently on his own label, Life’s a Bish Records, choosing to forgo a traditional record deal in order to maintain full creative control and protect his masters.

Pre-order THIMK on CD, vinyl, or digital now — available August 15, 2025:
https://www.stephenbishop.com/thimk

Every CD and vinyl includes two bonus tracks not available on streaming, plus never-before-seen behind-the-scenes footage from throughout Stephen’s remarkable career. This is more than an album — it’s a legacy.

Listen to the first single, “Now That I’ve Hit the Big Time” (with Eric Clapton & Sting): https://ffm.to/nowthativehithtebigtime

THIMK Album Contest - Win up to $1500!! https://www.stephenbishop.com/contest

Pre-save the full album for streaming:
https://ffm.to/thimk

Follow Liz Kamlet on Social Media 

https://linktr.ee/lizkamlet

In this inspiring episode of Liz The Music Manager, I sit down with the legendary Jai Uttal, a Grammy-nominated composer, musician, and pioneer of world devotional music. With a career spanning over 50 years, Jai shares his extraordinary journey—from growing up in Manhattan with a record executive father to discovering the transformative power of Indian classical music, kirtan, and Bhakti Yoga.

Jai reflects on the moment that changed his life—hearing Maestro Ali Akbar Khan at 17—and how meeting his guru, Neem Karoli Baba, solidified his deep connection to mantra singing. We discuss his lifelong exploration of bridging Indian melodies with Western harmonies, the evolution of his musical style across 20+ albums, and his latest project—an expansive, genre-blending rendition of the Hanuman Chalisa, featuring the Pagan Love Orchestra and his son, Ezra.

Join us as Jai opens up about the healing power of music, the essence of Bhakti, and the beauty of finding one’s true voice. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to his work, this episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about music, spirituality, and self-expression.

Personally, this was one of my favorite interviews, Jai has lived a colorful and beautiful life. The entire episode takes you on an unforgettable journey. 

www.jaiuttal.com

Join us for a captivating conversation with the legendary Vonda Shepard, whose dynamic live performances and timeless music have touched hearts worldwide. Vonda opens up about her incredible journey — from her early days as a piano prodigy in New York City to becoming a household name as the soulful voice behind "Ally McBeal's" iconic soundtrack. 

With an illustrious career that includes collaborations with legends like Rickie Lee Jones, Dan Hill and Jackson Browne, Vonda reflects on the magic of her live shows, her eclectic catalog of 15 albums, and her Billboard record-breaking success. We also dive into her latest album, "Red Light, Green Light," a deeply personal and poignant exploration of life, love, and parenthood. 

Whether she’s singing intimate ballads or belting out soul-stirring anthems, Vonda’s passion for music and storytelling shines through in every note. Tune in to hear behind-the-scenes stories, her creative process, and a sneak peek into her upcoming album, slated for 2026. 

This episode is a must-listen for music lovers and fans of Vonda’s unparalleled artistry! 🎶

Check out Vonda's Website
https://www.vondashepard.com/

I am thrilled to welcome Liz Lieber to the show! With her velvet alto vocals and soulful sound, Liz, an independent artist, has captivated over 500k followers on social media and built a loyal fanbase worldwide in less than four years. As a NYC-based singer-songwriter inspired by icons like Carole King, Sara Bareilles, and Amy Winehouse, Liz combines honesty, sass, and irresistible harmonies in her music.

Starting her musical journey with piano lessons in first grade and voice training soon after, Liz has spent her life perfecting her craft. Her weekly live performances on Facebook and TikTok have become a favorite for fans, showcasing not only her powerful voice but also her infectious energy and love for music.

Join us as we dive into Liz’s story, her creative process, and the magic of connecting with audiences through social media and live performances. You won’t want to miss this inspiring conversation!

https://www.lizlieber.com/

Prepare to be inspired by groundbreaking singer-songwriter and guitar virtuoso Marcus Eaton, hailed as “one of the best young singer-songwriters in America – maybe even the world” by the legendary David Crosby. With a career spanning over 20 years, Marcus has redefined what it means to be a singer-songwriter, blending captivating lyrics, intricate melodies, and unparalleled guitar mastery. 

Born into a musical legacy as the son of acclaimed songwriter Steve Eaton (The Carpenters, Art Garfunkel), Marcus discovered his love for the guitar at the age of nine and has since carved out a remarkable solo career. His unique style weaves together influences from flamenco, classical, jazz-funk, reggae, and more. Along the way, he has worked with an impressive roster of artists, including Derek Trucks, Graham Nash, Stephen Bishop, Flea, Bob Dylan, and Toots and the Maytals. 

In this episode, Marcus shares stories of his creative partnership with David Crosby, including co-writing songs and composing the Grammy-nominated score for David Crosby: Remember My Name. We’ll also dive into his experience navigating the music business, exploring its highs and lows. This episode features his new standout single, “Better Way,” produced by Eric Robinson and recorded with John Mayer’s band.

Join us as we explore Marcus Eaton’s incredible journey, from shaping soundtracks for Hollywood to mesmerizing audiences with his innovative live looping techniques. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to his music, this conversation will leave you inspired by the artistry and passion of one of the most innovative musicians of our time.

https://www.marcuseaton.com/

In this episode of Liz the Music Manager, Liz welcomes the legendary James Lee Stanley, a trailblazing singer-songwriter, comedian, and actor whose career is as multifaceted as his talents.

From performing alongside icons like Bonnie Raitt and Robin Williams to portraying Klingons, Romulans, and more on Star Trek: Deep Space Nine and Voyager, James’s journey is nothing short of extraordinary. A critically acclaimed musician, James has been described as “a diamond smuggled into the wasteland” and is known for his finely crafted songs, brilliant guitar work, and outrageously funny live performances.

Liz and James dive into his storied career, discussing his early days mentored by Cass Elliot of The Mamas & the Papas, his friendship with Peter Tork (The Monkees), his decision to start his own label, Beachwood Recordings, his documentary, "The Opening Act," and the unforgettable experiences of being a "singing Klingon." With stories that span six decades of music, touring, and TV, James shares insights into his creative process, his love for live performance, and the moments that shaped his incredible career.

Don’t miss this engaging and entertaining conversation with James Lee Stanley—whether you’re a music lover, a Trekkie, or simply a fan of great storytelling.

Tune in for laughter, inspiration, and a glimpse into the life of one of America’s most captivating and underrated talents!

Learn More About James
https://jamesleestanley.com/

In this episode of Liz The Music Manager, we welcome an iconic figure in the world of music, Stephen Bishop. An Oscar and two-time Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, Stephen’s legacy is cemented by his timeless hits like “On and On,” “It Might Be You” (the beloved theme from Tootsie), “Save It For A Rainy Day,” “Separate Lives” (the moving theme from White Nights), and “Animal House.” With a prolific career spanning decades, Stephen has written more than 650 songs and released 19 albums. His music has touched hearts globally, with over 15 million records sold and another 100 million sold by celebrated artists covering his compositions. The numbers speak for themselves: more than 2.8 billion streams testify to the enduring power of his art.

Beyond his own chart-toppers, Stephen’s songwriting prowess has been embraced by a diverse roster of legendary artists including Phil Collins, Eric Clapton, Barbra Streisand, Beyoncé, Art Garfunkel, Pavarotti, Steve Perry (of Journey), Frida (of ABBA), and Kenny Loggins, to name a few. His songs have been interpreted by over 75 major recording artists since 1974, showcasing his unparalleled influence in the music industry. Notably, his Oscar-nominated song “Separate Lives” (recorded by Phil Collins and Marilyn Martin) dominated the Billboard charts, adding to his legacy of achievements.

Adding to his accolades, Stephen has earned admiration from musical titans like Eric Clapton, Phil Collins, and Art Garfunkel, who have all cited him as a favorite singer-songwriter in their autobiographies. Join us as Stephen shares insights, stories from his incredible career, and the passion that has made him an enduring star in the music world.

Learn More About Stephen
https://www.stephenbishop.com/about