Adam Reifsteck interviews Katerina Panopoulou--a singer turned business coach for creatives--in this episode of Modern Producers Secrets. Katerina delves into her process of helping artists and music producers build sustainable careers by combining the right business strategies with mindset. She also emphasizes that success requires a willingness to invest in personal and professional growth. She shares tips on networking authentically and managing time effectively as a creative entrepreneur.

With the holiday season fast approaching and new year right around the corner, you may be assessing the current state of your music business. Perhaps you are trying to figure out how to get more production clients, considering a pivot, or even facing a bit of burnout. Regardless of your current situation, this episode out of our podcast archives is just the inspiration you need to close out the year on a high note while setting yourself up for success in 2025.

In this episode of Modern Producer Secrets, host Adam Reifsteck sits down with composer and producer Marcus "DaFingaz" Manderson to discuss his inspiring journey from playing piano and organ in church to working in music production for media. Marcus shares how the pandemic shifted his focus towards sync licensing, leading him to success in creating music for TV, film, and even movie trailers. He also offers insights into his educational background at James Madison University and Full Sail, how his day job at National Geographic influences his approach to music production, and how he balances the demands of a full-time career with his music projects. Listeners will learn about Marcus’s creative process, the importance of building a music catalog, and his advice on entering the sync space, including the significance of community and support. Marcus highlights his recent projects, including creating music for a Disneyland theme park attraction, and discusses trends in the industry, like the growing demand for vocal music in sync licensing.

In this episode of Modern Producer Secrets, host Adam Reifsteck sits down with Grammy-nominated mix engineer, radio producer, and educator Mary Mazurek to explore her fascinating journey in the audio industry. Mary shares how she went from humble beginnings as a studio assistant to becoming a trailblazer in a male-dominated field, offering candid insights into the challenges of gender bias and the importance of perseverance. She reveals how chance opportunities and a passion for both music and science shaped her career, from assisting on major recording sessions to teaching the next generation of audio professionals. The episode dives into practical advice on navigating the audio freelance world, setting fair rates, and adapting to technological advancements like immersive sound formats. Listeners will learn how Mary’s commitment to lifelong learning and her openness to unexpected paths helped her craft a successful and sustainable career in music production.