In this episode of the Mental Health and Music Podcast, I sit down with Evan Stein, music licensing veteran, branding expert, and co-founder of Experience Music Group. Evan shares how helping artists discover their "why" has been central to securing over 1,000 sync placements, including Imagine Dragons' first major deal. But beyond business, Evan opens up about his own personal journey—how divorce, fatherhood, and self-reflection reshaped his relationship with music and mental health.

Together, we explore how storytelling, community, and vulnerability can transform both artists' careers and their inner well-being. From branding advice to spiritual practices, Evan’s insights offer a fresh perspective on navigating the music industry while staying grounded. Tune in for a heartfelt conversation about purpose, flow state, and why creating from a place of service leads to the deepest impact.

Connect with Evan Stein here >>> https://linktr.ee/evanjstein

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Avatari sits down with award-winning singer-songwriter, keynote speaker, and best-selling author Tiamo De Vettori to explore the deep connection between music, mental health, and storytelling. Tiamo shares how prioritizing joy over hustle transformed his career and life.

We dive deep into the power of presence, how music can heal both performers and audiences, and the fear of imperfection—and why embracing mistakes can make us more authentic. Tiamo also shares insights from his upcoming book "Joy First", where he challenges the mainstream hustle mindset and reveals how prioritizing joy can lead to greater success and fulfillment.

In this episode, we discuss:

• How embracing imperfection makes us more authentic
• The healing power of music for both performers and audiences
• Why joy—not hustle—is the key to success

Tune in and discover how shifting your mindset can lead to more freedom, purpose, and fulfillment.

Connect with Tiamo De Vettori here >>> https://voxtapestudios.com/

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In this episode, Avatari sits down with acclaimed recording artist, producer, and label founder Vanessa Silberman. With over 800 shows under her belt and collaborations with legends like Tony Visconti, Foo Fighters, and Joan Jett, Vanessa shares how she balances her many roles—artist, producer, and mentor—while staying mentally grounded. She opens up about her journey as an LGBTQ artist, her commitment to authenticity, and how music serves as both her purpose and her way of giving back. They also discuss the importance of self-care, sobriety, and surrounding yourself with the right people in the music industry. Plus, Vanessa talks about her band LOVECOLOR, their upcoming tour, and her new solo single "Thrive." Tune in for an inspiring conversation about music, resilience, and living your truth.

Connect with Vanessa Silberman here >>> https://www.vanessasilbermanofficial.com/

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Avatari sits down with musician, entrepreneur, and Modern Musician founder Michael Walker, whose journey took him from battling social anxiety and sleeping in cars to building a sustainable music career. As a member of Paradise Fears, Michael and his bandmates used a grassroots strategy called “tour hacking”—connecting with fans one-on-one outside shows—to grow their audience and sell 24,000 albums in six months. In this conversation, Michael shares how overcoming rejection, deepening connections, and focusing on quality over quantity helped him succeed. He also dives into the mental health struggles of musicians, the broken incentives of social media, and his mission to help artists build meaningful, lasting careers. If you’ve ever felt stuck in your music journey or afraid to put yourself out there, this episode will inspire you to take action, embrace discomfort, and connect with fans in a whole new way.

Connect with Michael Walker >>> https://www.modern-musician.com/

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Avatari sits down with musician and community builder Daniel Grigson, also known as Neccos for Breakfast, for a deeply moving conversation about mental health, resilience, and the power of music. He shares his journey through self-doubt, imposter syndrome, and late-diagnosed ADHD, and how finding a supportive music community transformed his outlook. Through his Songs for Creatives project, Daniel is championing misfits, deep thinkers, and artists who dare to be vulnerable in a world that often tears them down. Tune in for an inspiring discussion on embracing authenticity, building meaningful connections, and a special live acoustic performance of his upcoming song, Disco Helmet Man.

Connect with Daniel Grigson here >>> https://www.neccorecords.com/

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In this episode, Avatari welcomes acclaimed singer-songwriter and world traveler Eli Lev for a deep conversation about music, self-growth, and finding balance as an artist.

Eli shares insights from his nomadic lifestyle, how travel has shaped his artistry, and his experience navigating 200+ shows in a year while maintaining his mental and emotional well-being. From his Jewish upbringing to indigenous teachings and Buddhist studies, Eli weaves universal spirituality and storytelling into his music, inspiring listeners around the world.

This episode explores finding balance as an artist, learning self-care, and the importance of community and connection. Plus, Eli performs his song They Say, a heartfelt anthem about tuning out the noise and listening to your own inner wisdom.

Connect with Eli Lev here >>> https://go.eli-lev.com

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In this episode, Avatari sits down with Matt Fawcett, an Ohio-based singer-songwriter whose heartfelt blend of country, folk, and Christian music has built a deeply connected community. Matt shares how music helped him navigate personal struggles, loss, and fatherhood, including the harrowing experience of his newborn daughter undergoing open-heart surgery at just 16 days old.

Matt discusses his philosophy of comforting the afflicted and confronting the comfortable, how vulnerability fuels real human connection, and how faith and music intersect in meaningful ways. He also shares powerful stories of fans who found solace in his music, proving that a song can truly change – or even save – a life.

If you're looking for a conversation about resilience, faith, and the healing power of music, this episode is for you!

Connect with Matt Fawcett here >>> https://matt.fawcettmusic.com/community

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In this episode, Avatari welcomes Lara Chapman, an award-winning singer-songwriter turned viral vocal coach with over 1 million followers and the founder of Vox Tape Studios. Once set on becoming a superstar artist, Lara found herself in an unexpected identity crisis, leading her to discover a new passion—helping others find their voice.

Lara opens up about:

• Her journey from artist to coach and why she chose a different path.
• The mental health challenges of being a performer and the pressure to "make it."
• How shifting mindsets can transform your voice and confidence.

Whether you're a musician, performer, or just someone seeking confidence in your voice, this conversation is packed with wisdom on self-acceptance, growth, and the true meaning of success.

Connect with Lara Chapman here >>> https://voxtapestudios.com/

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Jared Christianson, vocalist and founder of technical death metal band Arkaik, shares what it takes to keep a band going for 20 years. From mental resilience to building a strong music community, Jared opens up about the highs and lows of life in the industry.

In this episode, we discuss:

• Daily mindset tools like journaling and meditation
• Overcoming lineup changes and staying motivated
• The origins of Arkaik and what’s next for the band

Tune in for a raw and insightful look at music, mindset, and longevity.

Connect with Jared Christianson here >>> https://www.arkaikband.com/

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Singer-songwriter, sound healer, and award-winning playwright Lucie Lynch shares her incredible journey from growing up in Germany to finding her artistic and spiritual home in Hawaii. In this episode, she opens up about the struggles of success, the pressure to conform, and the power of creative freedom. From musical theater to songwriting, sound healing, and storytelling, Lucie discusses how she weaves together different artistic forms to create deeply personal and transformative experiences. She also reflects on the profound impact of grief after losing her father, how it reshaped her path, and why she believes true artistry comes from embracing every emotion. This is a powerful conversation about self-expression, identity, and the journey to creating without limits.

Connect with Lucie Lynch here >>> https://www.lucielynchmusic.com/

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