Mike Squires & Friends

By Creative Evolution StudiosSociety & Culture Music Music Interviews

Mike Squires & Friends episodes

October 11 AI Is Changing the Music Industry Faster Than You Think | Dead RoseZzz
Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid.
To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires
Merch:
https://mikesquires.shop
Join The Squires Squad (Early Access):
https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires
Connect with Mike Squires:
https://set.page/mikesquires/
Stream Mike Squires & Friends:
https://pods.to/mikesquires
00:00 Intro & Importance of Knowing Your Money
00:24 Podcast Intro & Sponsor Message
01:14 Meet Dead Roses: Artist and ANR Journey
02:05 Discovering Music in High School
03:12 First Success: Collab with Rose Boy
03:54 How the Big Collaboration Happened
04:34 Writing and Recording Sad Music
05:16 Channeling Emotions for Songwriting
06:45 Overcoming Industry Struggles & Scams
07:46 Learning from Industry Scams
09:42 Journey into ANR & Music Business
10:53 Opportunities and Connections in ANR
12:16 Helping Artists Land Sync Deals
12:49 Giving Back to the Artist Community
13:27 The Reality of Artist Scams and Industry Pitfalls
14:33 The Value of Masters and Catalog Ownership
15:31 Should You Sell Your Catalog?
16:42 Personal Choices & When to Sell Music Rights
17:57 Other Income Streams for Artists
19:39 Importance of Publishing & Understanding Your Business
20:53 Making Money Through Sync Licensing
21:57 AI and the Future of Sync in Music
23:00 The Value of Human Touch in Music
24:54 AI Music, Identity & Industry Verification
26:40 Most Rewarding Moments: Helping Other Artists
28:48 The Power of Uplifting Artists & Community
30:24 Final Reflections & Legacy
31:38 Where to Find Dead Roses & Outro

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
33 min
October 08 He Got Robbed… Then His Life Took a Different Turn | HallofFameAJ
Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid.
To get 30% off youMike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid.
To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires
Merch:
https://mikesquires.shop
Join The Squires Squad (Early Access):
https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires
Connect with Mike Squires:
https://set.page/mikesquires/
Stream Mike Squires & Friends:
https://pods.to/mikesquires
00:00 A Rough Beginning: Getting Robbed and Early Lessons
00:23 Intro & Podcast Housekeeping
01:15 Meet the Guest: Hall of Fame AJ
01:57 AJ’s Unique Style and Influences
02:14 Early Inspirations: Family & Music
03:16 Growing Up in Mass & Local Connections
04:55 Role Models & Local Rap Scene
05:19 The Reality of Making It from Massachusetts
06:16 Industry Insights & Advice
07:07 AJ's Life Story & Music Approach
08:04 Upbringing: Struggles, Family, and Influences
09:07 Effects of Family on Personal Growth
10:25 Street Life: Temptation & Lessons
11:40 Early Mistakes and Learning Experiences
12:00 The Music Industry as a Business
13:04 Humbling Moments and Insights
14:23 Followers vs. Real Success
15:37 Influence of Massachusetts Background
16:05 Finding Artistic Identity
17:21 Journey into the Army
18:22 Lessons Learned from Army Life
19:08 Making Music While Deployed
20:54 Dropping Songs from the Bunker
22:17 AJ's Recent Work & Local Scene
23:46 Being Funny, Being Real
24:46 Changing for the Better: Faith and Family
26:12 Overcoming Addiction and Family Lessons
28:06 Looking Ahead: What’s Next for AJ
29:08 Final Thoughts: Legacy and Being a Good Man
32:08 Where to Find Hall of Fame AJr first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires
Merch:
https://mikesquires.shop
Join The Squires Squad (Early Access):
https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires
Connect with Mike Squires:
https://set.page/mikesquires/
Stream Mike Squires & Friends:
https://pods.to/mikesquires
00:00 A Rough Beginning: Getting Robbed and Early Lessons
00:23 Intro & Podcast Housekeeping
01:15 Meet the Guest: Hall of Fame AJ
01:57 AJ’s Unique Style and Influences
02:14 Early Inspirations: Family & Music
03:16 Growing Up in Mass & Local Connections
04:55 Role Models & Local Rap Scene
05:19 The Reality of Making It from Massachusetts
06:16 Industry Insights & Advice
07:07 AJ's Life Story & Music Approach
08:04 Upbringing: Struggles, Family, and Influences
09:07 Effects of Family on Personal Growth
10:25 Street Life: Temptation & Lessons
11:40 Early Mistakes and Learning Experiences
12:00 The Music Industry as a Business
13:04 Humbling Moments and Insights
14:23 Followers vs. Real Success
15:37 Influence of Massachusetts Background
16:05 Finding Artistic Identity
17:21 Journey into the Army
18:22 Lessons Learned from Army Life
19:08 Making Music While Deployed
20:54 Dropping Songs from the Bunker
22:17 AJ's Recent Work & Local Scene
23:46 Being Funny, Being Real
24:46 Changing for the Better: Faith and Family
26:12 Overcoming Addiction and Family Lessons
28:06 Looking Ahead: What’s Next for AJ
29:08 Final Thoughts: Legacy and Being a Good Man
32:08 Where to Find Hall of Fame AJ

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
35 min
September 20 The Song I Thought Was a Joke Changed My Entire Career | Amaru Son
Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid.
To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires
Merch:
https://mikesquires.shop
Join The Squires Squad (Early Access):
https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires
Connect with Mike Squires:
https://set.page/mikesquires/
Stream Mike Squires & Friends:
https://pods.to/mikesquires
00:00 Intro, Sponsor, and Guest Introduction
01:12 Amaru's Unique Style and Musical Journey
03:54 Discovering Melodic Rap and Mom's Advice
06:56 First Success with Lost and Found
09:41 Viral Moments and Recognitions
12:00 On Kansas City and Its Scene
14:07 Getting Started with Music and Early Success
18:12 The Power Rangers Song and Meme Rap
20:40 Lost and Found: The Unexpected Hit
26:00 SoundCloud Era and Streaming Success
28:08 Dealing with Recognition and Staying Grounded
30:00 Gaming Hobbies and Personal Interests
31:01 Final Reflections and Advice
33:12 Where to Find Amaru & Outro

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
36 min
September 13 Lil Jon Was My Camp Counselor | skullydied! & Zyneas
Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid.
To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires
Merch:
https://mikesquires.shop
Join The Squires Squad (Early Access):
https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires
Connect with Mike Squires:
https://set.page/mikesquires/
Stream Mike Squires & Friends:
https://pods.to/mikesquires
00:00 Camp Spinoff & DJ Origins
00:29 Podcast Intro & Sponsor Shoutout
01:12 Meet the Guests: skullydied! & zyneas
01:36 Unique Styles & Genre-Blending
03:28 How Scully Got His Name
03:55 Recent Projects & New Music
04:32 How Zyneas & Skully Met
06:27 Biggest Success Moments
08:38 Where They're From & Reno Stories
10:55 Growing Up with Music in New Orleans
11:57 Getting Into Music: Early Influences
13:04 Production Rivalry & Finding Passion
14:54 Project Moves, Friendships & Nevada Scene
17:05 Studio Life & Staying in Florida
18:48 Looking Forward: 5-Year Goals
21:00 Avoiding Beat Store Mentality & Artistic Ownership
24:21 Networking, Retreats & Digital Collaboration
27:42 Closing Reflections & Messages to the World
29:19 How to Connect With Scully & Zenius
30:53 Outro & Final Thanks

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
33 min
September 06 Nobody Warns You About the Music Industry | Noah Millen
Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid.
To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires
Merch:
https://mikesquires.shop
Join The Squires Squad (Early Access):
https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires
Connect with Mike Squires:
https://set.page/mikesquires/
Stream Mike Squires & Friends:
https://pods.to/mikesquires
00:00 Stay Focused & Podcast Intro
00:30 Supporting the Podcast & Sponsor Message
01:13 Meet Noah: Background & Artistic Journey
02:08 Growing Up in Small Towns & Chasing Opportunity
03:01 Moving to Raleigh & Music Scene Insights
03:38 Getting Started in Music & Early Inspirations
04:43 Early Breaks: Freestyles, Investors & Lessons Learned
05:54 Industry Realities: Value of Money vs. Mindset
07:12 Facing Disappointment & Building Resilience
08:18 New Breakthroughs: Networking in NYC & Atlanta
09:02 Backstage at Revolt Summit & Meeting Big Artists
11:12 Opening for Stars & The College Circuit
12:08 Defining Success: Metrics, Viral Videos & Consistency
14:29 Content Volume Over Perfection
16:00 Persistence, Burnout, and The Reality of the Music Grind
18:01 Overcoming Personal Struggles & Distractions
19:37 Making Music Hungry: 'Radio City' Album Story
20:44 Keeping the Hunger Alive & Inspiration From Peers
22:09 What Drives Noah: Family, Friends & Camaraderie
23:17 Hidden Talents: Freestyling & Tennis
24:54 Dedication in Sports & Music Careers
26:06 What's Next: Upcoming Music, Videos & Album Plans
28:29 Teamwork, Visuals & North Carolina Scene
29:48 Parting Advice: Stay Locked In & Outro

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
31 min
August 30 I Had to Lose Everything to Find Myself | Modo
Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid.
To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires
Merch:
https://mikesquires.shop
Join The Squires Squad (Early Access):
https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires
Connect with Mike Squires:
https://set.page/mikesquires/
Stream Mike Squires & Friends:
https://pods.to/mikesquires
00:00 Opening Motivation & Podcast Intro
00:19 Meet Moto – Identity & Creative Journey
01:32 Early Music, Writing & Video Evolution
02:28 Kansas City Roots & Foodie Culture
03:49 Favorite Food Spots & Pizza Debates
04:49 Kansas City Barbecue & Local Pride
05:50 First Big Break With 'Tomahawk Bop'
07:01 Reflecting on Early Work & Growth
08:54 Naming Mistakes & Lessons Learned
10:01 Show Opportunities & Kansas City Venues
10:55 Balancing Event Frequency & Artist Mystique
12:12 Landing a Management Deal
13:12 Branding, Social Media & Growing as an Artist
14:45 Leaving Management & Career Reflection
15:01 Pivotal Moments & Personal Growth
16:48 Life Events Fuel the Music
17:57 Addiction, Grief & Artistic Transformation
20:06 Sobriety, Reinvention & New Album Era
21:15 Visual Identity & Storytelling in Music
22:24 Dad's Influence & Life Lessons
24:20 The Pursuit of 100% Effort
25:27 Proudest Works & Self-Improvement
26:22 Behind the Making of 'Shaun and Moto'
26:51 Therapy's Direct Impact on Songwriting
27:57 Family, Forgiveness & Healing Through Music
28:49 Sparking Listener Connections
30:01 Turning 30 & Self-Discovery
31:16 Celebrating 30 – Stories & Reflection
32:20 MMA, Humility & Growth From Fighting
34:34 Physical Challenge and the Value of Sparring
35:59 Nostalgia – The Runescape Economy & Gaming
37:18 Final Reflections & Life Message
38:01 Where to Find Moto & Closing

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
40 min
August 23 The Rise, Fall & Comeback of Justin Stone | Justin Stone
Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid.
To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires
Merch::
https://mikesquires.shop
Join The Squires Squad (Early Access):
https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires
Connect with Mike Squires:
https://set.page/mikesquires/
Stream Mike Squires & Friends:
https://pods.to/mikesquires
00:00 Intro, Podcast Welcome & Sponsor
01:15 Meet Justin Stone: Background & Early Life
03:40 Discovering Hip-Hop and Starting Music
04:46 First Songs & Early Music Hustle
05:29 Breakthrough with Swaggy Tracks
07:04 Impact of Abstract and Artist Collaborations
08:23 The Power of Swaggy Tracks & Viral Growth
09:11 MrBeast Follows Justin & Viral Moments
10:46 Biggest Hits & Life-changing Playlists
12:10 Tour Stories: HighRes, Aaron Carter, I Prevail
16:17 Red Rocks, Manifestation & Stage Memories
18:01 Financial Highs, Lows & Selling Songs
20:28 Money Management, Mistakes & Friendship Lessons
23:53 Mental Health Struggles & Coping Mechanisms
25:51 Fatherhood, Recovery & Life Turnaround
26:52 Dopamine Crashes After Tour & Coping
28:08 Financial Lessons, Side Hustles & Resilience
30:15 Relatability, Vulnerability & Real Content
31:27 New Music Plans & Social Strategies
32:55 Growth, Algorithms & Social Media Changes
34:44 Creative Retreats & Newfound Motivation
36:04 Mental Health, Faith & Resilience
37:17 What’s Next: Weekly Drops & Fresh Styles
37:56 Artist Identity, Process & Finishing Songs
39:42 Message to the World & Final Thoughts
40:11 How to Connect with Justin & Podcast Wrap

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
42 min
August 16 Why Your Music Isn’t Standing Out (Yet) | Jeremy Amato
Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid.
To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires
Merch:
https://mikesquires.shop
Join The Squires Squad (Early Access):
https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires
Connect with Mike Squires:
https://set.page/mikesquires/
Stream Mike Squires & Friends:
https://pods.to/mikesquires
00:00 Resilience and Introduction
00:22 Podcast Opening and Sponsorship
01:12 Meet Jeremy Amato—Background and Interests
01:54 Early Musical Journey and Video Game Music Aspirations
02:44 Breaking Into Hip-Hop: Chrome Nasty and Musical Style
04:04 Artistic Evolution and Describing the Sound
05:09 Life Experiences That Shaped the Music
05:50 Creative Drive and Influences
06:34 Balancing Fun vs. Seriousness in Music
07:17 Touring Stories and Lessons Learned
08:38 From Touring with Bands to Solo Vision
09:06 Future Goals and Next Steps
09:33 Releasing Music: Label vs. Independent
11:56 Breakout Success and Leveraging Visuals
12:59 Marketing, Identity, and Standing Out
14:14 Style, Image, and Halloween Theory
15:49 Coming Up in LA—Community and Challenges
17:37 Notable Projects and Building Strong Collaborations
20:04 Lessons from the Industry and Choosing the Right Circle
23:10 Going Solo After Band Breakup
25:00 Resilience in the Face of Setbacks
27:09 Mental Health, Consistency, and Dealing with Waves
30:08 Vulnerability, Criticism, and the Importance of Showing Up
31:45 Hate Comments, Polarization, and Finding Your Audience
32:28 Looking to the Future—Hopes and Vision
32:44 Final Words, Staying True, and Outro

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
35 min
August 09 Designing for Logic Changed My Career | Jack PSD
Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid.
To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires
Merch:
https://mikesquires.shop
Join The Squires Squad (Early Access):
https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires
Connect with Mike Squires:
https://set.page/mikesquires/
Stream Mike Squires & Friends:
https://pods.to/mikesquires
00:00 Intro, Hustle, and Podcast Start
01:12 Meet Jack PSD: Visual Artist Background
03:33 Early Art, Cover Arts & Getting Started
06:11 AI & Standing Out as an Artist
08:48 Building Connections & Collaboration
11:11 First Big Clients & Breakthrough Work
14:18 Growing Up, Early Art & Racing Story
17:28 Animated Projects & The Logic Video
20:04 Career Goals: Quality vs. Quantity
22:01 Sleep, Caffeine, and All-Nighter Lifestyle
26:25 Creative Process, Merch, and Client Work
31:32 Balancing Work, Wellness, and Final Thoughts
32:08 Final Message & Where to Find Jack PSD

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
35 min
August 02 The Truth About Working With Dax | HunnaV
Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid.
To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires
Merch:
https://mikesquires.shop
Join The Squires Squad (Early Access):
https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires
Connect with Mike Squires:
https://set.page/mikesquires/
Stream Mike Squires & Friends:
https://pods.to/mikesquires
00:00 Intro & Podcast Setup
01:15 Meet Hun & Artist Retreats
02:58 Retreat Benefits for Artists
06:32 Starting Out in Music
09:41 Recording First Songs & Overcoming Doubts
12:07 Early Success & Collaborating with Dax
14:47 Domino Effects & Social Media Growth
15:53 The Story of "911" & Viral Success
18:44 TikTok, Promotion, and Going Viral
21:20 Recording with Modest Equipment & ROI
23:14 Engineering, Autotune, and Plugins
26:08 Experimenting & Stepping Out of Comfort Zones
26:54 Notable Collaborations & Standout Records
27:54 Future Plans & Dream Collabs
30:00 T-Pain, Performance, and Inspirations
30:40 Hidden Talents & Creativity Outside Music
31:43 Advice, Consistency, and Personal Growth
32:59 How to Connect with Hun & Community Impact
34:08 Closing Thoughts & Outro

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
36 min

About Mike Squires & Friends

From the publisher's feed

Discover the music industry's inner workings with your host, Mike Squires – a renowned music video director, producer, and globe-trotting entrepreneur. This podcast radiates Mike's unwavering…

Share Mike Squires & Friends

Sign up to save your podcasts

Mike Squires & Friends

Mike Squires & Friends episodes

About Mike Squires & Friends