Meet Me in Music

On this episode of Meet Me in Music, host Neil Salsich sits down with St. Louis pianist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Thomas Paden for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, inspiration, and carving out a musical path that reaches far beyond city limits.

Thomas reflects on growing up in a deeply musical family rooted in church, learning through self-exploration, and developing a sound shaped by jazz, gospel, film scores, and modern fusion. He shares how influences ranging from Oscar Peterson to Broadway and movie soundtracks continue to shape the way he approaches music today.

The conversation explores everything from artist wellness and self-care to the relationship between music and logic, staying inspired, and maintaining childlike curiosity as an artist. Thomas also opens up about traveling to NAMM, earning artist endorsements, collaborating across the country, and composing music for the Amazon Prime film Meet Cute in Manhattan.

Neil and Thomas dive into the realities of building a creative life in St. Louis, discussing the city’s artistic ecosystem, the importance of community, and what it could look like if local creatives had stronger infrastructure and support.

More than anything, this episode is about possibility — remaining inspired, staying curious, and continuing to build even when the path isn’t clearly laid out.

They discuss:
 - Growing up in a multigenerational musical family
 - Church roots, jazz influences, and self-taught musicianship
 - Health, wellness, and caring for the artist’s body
 - Learning through curiosity and exploration
 - Film scores, Broadway, and creative inspiration
 - Traveling to NAMM and receiving artist endorsements
 - Scoring Meet Cute in Manhattan
 - The future of St. Louis music and creative infrastructure
 - Why artists are ambassadors for their cities
 - Staying optimistic and inspired as a creative

Chapter Markers:
 00:00 Welcome & Meeting Thomas Paden
 00:57 Artist Wellness, Self-Care & Breathwork
 05:02 Growing Up Around Music & Church
 08:24 Self-Taught Learning & Musical Influences
 10:26 Reimagining Songs & Musical Identity
 11:19 Sponsor Break: Swade Dispensary
 12:03 NAMM, Travel & Artist Endorsements
 17:23 Creativity, Inspiration & Film Scores
 21:13 Youth, Curiosity & Staying Inspired
 23:34 Music Theory, Logic & Creativity
 27:23 Sponsor Break: Brick City Yoga
 27:55 Film Scoring & Meet Cute in Manhattan
 30:17 The St. Louis Creative Scene
 32:10 Music Infrastructure & Supporting Artists
 38:09 Being Creative Ambassadors for St. Louis
 43:14 Closing Thoughts
 44:22 Sponsor Break: Kuva Coffee
 45:07 Live Performance

🎙 New episodes of Meet Me in Music every other Friday

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
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 Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
 Email ▶ [email protected]
 Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors — Swade Dispensary, 4 Hands Brewing Co, Brick City Yoga, Sydney Younghouse, and Kuva Coffee

On this episode of Meet Me in Music, host Neil Salsich sits down with St. Louis vocalist Anita Jackson for a soulful and deeply reflective conversation about music, purpose, and the journey of a lifelong artist.

Anita shares her path from discovering gospel music and church harmonies to building a career that took her all the way to New York City. She reflects on the artists and sounds that shaped her—from jazz legends and R&B greats to gospel icons—and how those influences continue to live in her voice today.

The conversation dives into the realities of life as a working musician, including her early days in New York with just $100, navigating the highs and lows of the industry, and eventually finding her way back to St. Louis. Anita also shares unforgettable stories from her career, including performing with Cissy Houston and learning what it truly means to be a professional artist.

More than anything, this episode explores a powerful idea: that music isn’t just about performance or success—it’s about service. Anita opens up about using art as a way to heal, connect, and give something meaningful to others, while Neil reflects on his own evolving relationship with music.

They discuss:
 - Growing up with jazz, R&B, and gospel influences
 - Discovering harmony and singing in church
 - The difference between lead singing and background vocals
 - Finding purpose and identity as an artist
 - Moving to New York with no plan (and $100)
 - Early career struggles and breakthrough moments
 - Performing and working with Cissy Houston
 - The role of faith and spirituality in music
 - Music as therapy, healing, and service
 - Navigating the modern music industry and social media
 - Returning to St. Louis and building a career locally


🎙 New episodes of Meet Me in Music every other Friday

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
 Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
 Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
 Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
 Email ▶ [email protected]
 Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors — Swade Dispensary, 4 Hands Brewing Co, Brick City Yoga, Sydney Younghouse, and Kuva Coffee

On this episode of Meet Me in Music, host Neil Salsich sits down with St. Louis artist Mattie Schell for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about creativity, growth, and what it really means to live life as a working musician.

Mattie shares her journey from small-town roots and family jam sessions to performing on stages alongside some of the most respected musicians in the industry. She opens up about finding her identity as an artist, building confidence over time, and learning how to stay grounded in a career that often demands constant productivity and comparison.

The conversation dives into the realities of the modern music industry—from touring and recording to navigating streaming, expectations, and the pressure to “make it.” Mattie also reflects on her evolution as both a singer and songwriter, including her recent recording sessions in California and the story behind her song “No Stone.”

They also explore the unique energy of the St. Louis music scene, the importance of storytelling through music, and how place and upbringing continue to shape her sound.

More than just a conversation about music, this episode is about finding your rhythm, trusting your path, and redefining success as an artist.

They discuss:
 - A day in the life of a working musician
 - Letting go of productivity guilt
 - Performing with confidence and staying present on stage
 - Early influences: family, bluegrass, and musical theater
 - Finding her path from college back to music
 - Growth as an artist over time
 - Recording in California with legendary musicians
 - The story behind “No Stone”
 - The realities of streaming and the modern music industry
 - What it means to be a St. Louis artist

🎙 New episodes of Meet Me in Music every other Friday

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ [email protected]
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors — Swade Dispensary, 4 Hands Brewing Co, Brick City Yoga, Sydney Younghouse, and Kuva Coffee

On the very first episode of Meet Me in Music, host Neil Salsich sits down with acclaimed St. Louis artist Brian Owens for a powerful conversation about performance, purpose, and the legacy of music in the city.

Brian shares how he approaches the stage—not as something to control, but as a shared experience with the audience. From overcoming nerves to learning how to truly connect in the moment, he breaks down the mindset that has shaped his career and made him one of the most respected performers in the region.

The conversation expands into the deeper story of St. Louis music—what defines its sound, why so many influential artists come from the city, and how its cultural “gumbo” of gospel, blues, jazz, and classical traditions continues to shape music today.

They also reflect on unforgettable career moments, from recording with legendary musicians to building creative communities, and discuss what it means to be a “bridge” for the next generation of artists.

More than just a conversation about music, this episode explores identity, collaboration, and the responsibility artists have to carry culture forward.

They discuss:

 - Managing nerves and building confidence on stage
 - The difference between “working” a crowd vs. working with them
 - What defines the St. Louis sound
 - The city’s influence on global music culture
 - Mentorship, collaboration, and creative community
 - Why being a “bridge” matters for the next generation

🎙 New episodes of Meet Me in Music every other Friday

🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:
Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram
Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com

🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST
Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?
Email ▶ [email protected]
Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us

This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors — Swade Dispensary, 4 Hands Brewing Co, Brick City Yoga, Sydney Younghouse, and Kuva Coffee