MPW Podcast

As an independent musician, diving into the world of MIDI controllers and studio gear can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure where to start or which tools best suit your creative process. In this episode, Xylo chats with Alex Godfrey, Product Specialist at the Focusrite Group, about what MIDI controllers actually are, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your music.

With over 10 years at Focusrite and hands-on experience representing brands like Novation, Sequential, Oberheim, Focusrite, Adam Audio, and Sonnox, Alex breaks down the essentials of MIDI technology in a clear and practical way.

From testing music tech as part of Focusrite’s QA Engineering team to producing experimental tracks as Psychedalex, he brings both technical expertise and creative insight. Whether you’re just setting up your first home studio or looking to expand your gear, this conversation will help you make confident, informed choices.

Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a 30% discount off the first year of their annual subscription! Use the following link to redeem the discount: http://distrokid.com/vip/mpw

What does it take to create musical magic with someone in the studio and how do you know when it’s the right fit?

In this episode, Xylo sits down with certified platinum artist Jaki Nelson — a powerhouse singer, songwriter, producer, and DJ whose music has hit over 200 million streams, landed on Billboard’s Top 10, and soundtracked everything from Coca-Cola commercials to Love Island.

Now based in Miami, Jaki has worked with some of the industry's biggest names and knows firsthand what makes a collaboration truly work. From building trust to navigating creative clashes, she shares the secrets behind her most electric studio sessions and how artists can cultivate real chemistry with the right collaborators.

Whether you're a producer trying to vibe with a vocalist or a songwriter looking to connect with a co-creator, this episode unpacks the emotional and technical side of making music together and what it takes to turn a session into a hit.

If you’ve ever wanted to sharpen your creative instincts and learn how the pros build unforgettable tracks through synergy, this one’s for you.

Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a 30% discount off the first year of their annual subscription! Use the following link to redeem the discount: http://distrokid.com/vip/mpw

As an independent musician, the idea of confidently owning the stage can feel overwhelming, especially if nerves, self-doubt or lack of experience keep getting in the way. In this episode, Xylo chats with performance coach and artist Lucie Burns (aka Lazy Hammock) about how to build true confidence on stage, reconnect with your presence and unlock the power of performance.

With nearly 30 years of experience, 11 albums, over 25 million streams, and four No.1s in the World Chill Lounge Charts, Lucie shares practical tips for managing stage fright, commanding an audience, and finding your flow—whether you're just starting out or stepping back into the spotlight.

Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a 30% discount off the first year of their annual subscription! Use the following link to redeem the discount: https://distrokid.com/vip/mpw

Have you ever wondered how to find the right collaborators to level up your music career?

In this episode, Xylo speaks to Josh Simons, tech entrepreneur, former touring artist, and the CEO of Vinyl Group — home to platforms like Jaxsta, Vinyl.com, and the globally renowned Vampr. With over $35 million raised across his ventures and a vision that connects 1.4 million creatives across 180 countries, Josh shares how Vampr became the “LinkedIn for musicians” and how you can use it to find real, career-changing collaborators.

Josh dives into the tech, trends, and practical strategies behind building connections in the music industry, whether you're just starting out or scaling fast.

Whether you’re a songwriter, producer, or indie artist, this episode is packed with insight on networking, brand-building, and how to build meaningful, profitable partnerships in today’s music landscape.

Grab your Free ticket to MPW's EmpowHer Europe tour of music production workshops across Dublin, Berlin, Amsterdam and London. Learn about Beatmaking, Synthesis and Audio Effects in an encouraging environment while making like-minded friends. Tickets are limited to the venue capacity so make sure you don't miss out!

https://musicproductionforwomen.com/events

As an independent musician, getting sponsorships might seem like something reserved for major-label artists or influencers with massive followings—but that's far from the truth! In this episode, Xylo chats with sponsorship expert SEIDS about how sponsorships for musicians work, how to land them, and what companies actually care about when looking for artists to support.

Grab your Free ticket to MPW's EmpowHer Europe tour of music production workshops across Dublin, Berlin, Amsterdam and London. Learn about Beatmaking, Synthesis and Audio Effects in an encouraging environment while making like-minded friends. Tickets are limited to the venue capacity so make sure you don't miss out!

https://musicproductionforwomen.com/events

Seids created “How to Work With Music Tech Companies” —a course that teaches you how to pitch to brands, land sponsorships, and build partnerships in the music tech space.
Use this link for a special discount: seids.co/offers/ZhzMBQ68?coupon_code=MPW1

Learn more about SEIDS here:

Website: https://www.seids.co

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/seids_

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@SEIDS_

How do you stay creatively inspired while navigating the professional side of music?

In this episode, Xylo speaks with Natalia Ramirez — GRAMMY-winning engineer and producer whose work spans the Latin and global music scenes. Known for her precision and versatility, Natalia shares how staying open to opportunities and honing her craft has led to a thriving, dynamic career.

From the importance of detail in engineering to embracing new challenges, this episode is full of insights for artists, producers, and anyone building a career in music without compromising creativity.

Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a 30% discount off the first year of their annual subscription! Use the following link to redeem the discount: https://distrokid.com/vip/mpw

Learn more about Natalia Here:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nati/

Are you a creative looking to break the mold and redefine what performance can be? In this episode, Xylo chats with multidisciplinary artist, and electric violinist Alfiya Glow, whose genre-defying sets fuse Electronic music, live violin, and immersive visuals into a cinematic experience. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about carving out your own lane in the industry, merging classical roots with futuristic sound design, and how blending art forms can unlock powerful new ways to connect with audiences.

Join a community of female artists and producers around the world and get free access to masterclasses, mentoring and more by becoming a member of MPW: https://musicproductionforwomen.com/membership

Have you ever wondered how musicians land six-figure gigs from scratch?

In this episode, Xylo speaks to Stephen Ridley, internationally acclaimed pianist, performer and founder of the Ridley Academy. With performances across 60 countries, over 500 million views on social media and a fanbase of more than one million people, Stephen shares his journey from zero to sold-out concerts and six-figure bookings.

Stephen dives into the mindset, strategies and showmanship behind building a global music career.

Whether you’re a performer, producer, or aspiring artist, this episode is packed with insights on building your brand, captivating audiences, and creating a music career on your own terms.

Join a community of female artists and producers around the world and get free access to masterclasses, mentoring and more by becoming a member of MPW: https://www.musicproductionforwomen.com/membership

Are you a creative struggling to find your place in the music industry? In this episode, Xylo chats with York-based artist and producer LNA (Liina Turtonen), who has done just that! Have a listen for an inspiring chat about overcoming creative roadblocks, finding balance and happiness as a musician, and how vulnerability can become your greatest strength.

Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a 30% discount off the first year of their annual subscription! Use the following link to redeem the discount: https://distrokid.com/vip/mpw

Learn more about LNA here:

Buy her book here: https://linktr.ee/creativeconfidence

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@LNADoesAudioStuff

Website: https://lnamusic.com/

Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LNADoesAudioStuff

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lnadoesaudiostuff/

Have you ever wondered what makes a solid producer contract? In this episode, Xylo speaks to Kurt Luthy, Executive Director of The Music Producer & Engineers’ Guild of Australia (MPEG) as he shares his insights on the essentials of producer contracts. Kurt dives into the key elements that every producer should know, from rights and royalties to the legalities behind music production. Whether you’re a producer or an artist, this episode will guide you through the fundamentals of protecting your work in the music industry.

Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a 30% discount off the first year of their annual subscription! Use the following link to redeem the discount:  https://distrokid.com/vip/mpw