Today's guest is Brandon Rowan, who writes and produces music as Birocratic.

He has been recording songs since 2008, when he spent earnings from his first job as an ice-cream-scooper on a digital recording console.

Since then, Birocratic fostered a love of making sample-based beats in the vein of ‘70s funk and old-school New York hip hop, augmented by live-recorded bass guitar and synthesizer.

Birocratic's Beets albums have topped the Bandcamp hip-hop charts.

And Birocratic has toured the US multiple times, including stops at venues like Red Rocks in Colorado.

Finally, Birocratic has co-written songs with Grammy-award winning artists. Birocratic currently lives and works in Brooklyn, NY.

In the first part of this two part episode, we get into:

• Approaching your creative process through a place of excitement and fun versus hard work.
• Sampling and it's role in Birocratic's own process as well as it's value as music education.
• Lessons learned from giving lessons to other producers.
• Motivation.
• Making money and its place in artistic development
• AND, we even have a mini-listening session and discuss a couple tracks.

This was something new and I had a lot fun with it. I hope that you do too.

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated

and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Yo what’s up this is toru and in a way so are you.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a music producer, artist, and entrepreneur.

I make music for that space between the dance floor and the bedroom, which has been streamed millions of times and licensed by brands big and small, including companies like Apple.

I believe that regardless of what you produce, whether it be music, art, physical goods, or even spreadsheets, you have a process, whether you know it or not.

To explore this further, I created The ProducerHead Podcast.

ProducerHead is a place to have conversations with Producers about their experience and process to share what works and what doesn’t. To help each of us learn and improve our own processes along the way.

Today's guest is Eric Boulanger, a professional mastering engineer and founder of The Bakery, a Los Angeles-based mastering studio.

Eric has mastered GRAMMY-award winning and nominated projects, including work with Green Day, Hozier, Selena Gomez, The Doors...and the list goes on.

I won't spoil the surprise, but Eric even had the chance to re-master a beloved childhood record.

If that weren't enough,

Eric was mentored by industry legend Al Schmitt, who, if you don't already know, won GRAMMYs for projects that include:

George Benson's Breezin',

Toto's Toto IV,

Qunicy Jones' Q's Jook Joint,

Luis Miguel's Amarte Es Un Placer,

Ray Charles Genius Loves Company,

Chick Corea's The Ultimate Adventure, and

Steely Dan's Aja.

I mean. That is a list. And, for the record that is not a complete list.

In this conversation we dive into

   - Learning to trust your own ears and preferences.

   - His take on digital v. analog gear in creating quality music.

   - How knowledge of mastering can influence your production and mixing work.

   - Some of his favorite tools and plug-ins

   - Selecting reference tracks for your own mixes and masters.

   - His experience as a musician and its ongoing role in his life and career.

   - The importance of resting your ears outside of work.

   What I really appreciate about Eric and this conversation is what seems to be a strongly held belief to not offer shortcuts and tactics. Instead, Eric presents questions that encourage us to think and further develop our own working philosophies as well as our ears. 

I'm stoked to share this episode with you. It is full of gems.

Alright, here we go, Episode 7 of ProducerHead with Eric Boulanger, starts now.

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated

and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Yo what’s up this is toru and in a way so are you. 

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a music producer, artist, and entrepreneur.

I make music for that space between the dance floor and the bedroom, which has been streamed millions of times and licensed by brands big and small, including companies like Apple.

I believe that regardless of what you produce, whether it be music, art, physical goods, or even spreadsheets, you have a process, whether you know it or not.

To explore this further, I created The ProducerHead Podcast.

ProducerHead is a place to have conversations with Producers about their experience and process to share what works and what doesn’t. To help each of us learn and improve our own processes.

Today’s guest is CRFT, a Houston-born, Atlanta-based Producer and Founder of the BeatCurve Record Label.

As we’ll discuss in today’s conversation, CRFT has been an entrepreneur for decades and has experience working in the industry as a producer, even managing and releasing music for artists like MF DOOM, J Dilla, and Emanon. 

In this conversation, CRFT will share some stories and lessons learned from his time with DOOM as well as cover a lot of ground that’s going to provide useful information and motivation.

Some of what we discuss with CRFT will include:

The importance of confidence and how to further develop your own.

Understanding the difference between what you can and cannot control.

Approaching collaboration strategically and practically.

Marketing concepts and strategies for social media that can be applied no matter where you are in your career.

As you’ll hear throughout this conversation, CRFT has experienced success throughout his life in multiple phases as a result of his confidence in his ability to adapt to changing circumstances and developing genuine relationships with others.

Alright, with all that said, ProducerHead Episode 6 with CRFT, starts now. Let’s get into it. 

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated

and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Yo what’s up this is toru and in a way so are you. 

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a music producer, artist, and entrepreneur.

I make music for that space between the dance floor and the bedroom, which, as of this moment, I am grateful to say has been streamed millions of times and licensed by brands big and small, including companies like Apple.

I believe that regardless of what you produce, whether it be music, art, physical goods, or even spreadsheets, you have a process, whether you know it or not.

To explore this further, I created The ProducerHead Podcast.

ProducerHead is a place to have conversations with Producers about their experience and process to share what works and what doesn’t. To help each of us learn and improve our own processes.

Today’s guest is WEI, a Brooklyn-based producer, guitarist, and purveyor of positivity.

He’s been playing guitar for over a decade and over the past several years released almost 150 songs.

Yes. That’s 1-5-0.

On this episode we dive into:

how he thinks about his catalog and the releasing of music.

Using existing songs as starting points for new songs.

His experience at the Berklee College of Music.

The importance of community, be it physical or online.

Embracing Live Performance as a producer.

I even get his take on good places to start if you’re interested in learning guitar.

This conversation with WEI really brought to my attention the lightness and enthusiasm that he brings to making music. He doesn’t follow unnecessary rules nor take himself too seriously. This is something that has stayed with me. I’m stoked for you to hear this conversation and take in some new inspiration.

By the way, WEI and I were introduced through Jacuzzi Jefferson, a mutual friend, and also the guest on Episode 1 of ProducerHead. So if you haven’t already heard that episode, I highly recommend you check out that conversation. Jacuzzi shared a lot of gems there.

OK, without further ado, here is Episode of 5 ProducerHead with WEI.

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated

and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Yo what’s up this is toru and in a way so are you. 

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a music producer, artist, and entrepreneur.

I make music for that space between the dance floor and the bedroom, which, as of this moment, I am grateful to say has been streamed millions of times and licensed by brands big and small, including companies like Apple.

I believe that regardless of what you produce, whether it be music, art, physical goods, or even spreadsheets, you have a process, whether you know it or not.

To explore this further, I created The ProducerHead Podcast.

ProducerHead is a place to have conversations with Producers about their experience and process to share what works and what doesn’t. To help each of us learn and improve our own processes.

Today’s guest is JustJared, a New Jersey-based producer who has built an audience and grown a business through a body of work built on consistency. He offers sample packs as well as personal coaching to producers.

Here are a few of the topics JustJared and I discuss during this conversation:

Building an audience and growing your online presence.

Strategies for recognizing content that you already have and are overlooking.

The role of sustainability in consistency.

Self-Limiting Beliefs.

And the appreciation that the shortcut is the work.

This conversation is packed with real tactical information for anyone interested in social media marketing. You can hear how much work and experiential learning Jared has accumulated through his years of creating content and building his business.

I know that for me, it has served as a great reminder that we already have everything that we need to begin. That we begin where we are.

The idea that I need to buy a new camera or piece of equipment may actually be a self-imposed limit that prevents me from moving forward.

It prevents me from learning through action and where I am now.

So, I hope that you take in this conversation and realize that wherever you are is the perfect place to begin, continue, and change.

OK. With all that said, Episode four of ProducerHead with JustJared begins now…

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated

and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Yo what’s up this is toru and in a way so are you. 

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a music producer, artist, and entrepreneur.

I make music for that space between the dance floor and the bedroom, which, as of this moment, I am grateful to say has been streamed millions of times and licensed by brands big and small, including companies like Apple.

I believe that regardless of what you produce, whether it be music, art, physical goods, or even spreadsheets, you have a process, whether you know it or not.

To explore this further, I created The ProducerHead Podcast.

ProducerHead is a place to have conversations with Producers about their experience and process to share what works and what doesn’t. To help each of us learn and improve our own processes.

Today’s guest is Brooklyn-based Cryptic One, a rapper, producer, drum programmer / finger drummer extraordinaire, and honestly a legend in his own right.

If you had told a younger me that I’d be talking to this man in this context, there’s no way I would have believed you.

He’s a member of the Atoms Family.

He’s released music through Def Jux.

Has credits with artists that include Aesop Rock, Cannibal Ox, and others I’m definitely missing.

And

If that weren’t enough, Cryptic One just received a Billboard plaque for the Lloyd Banks track “Dead Roses,” which he produced.

Today is part two of the incredible conversation with Cryptic One, a Brooklyn-based rapper and producer. If you already listened to part one, then you already know and are ready to strap in for more. If you haven’t already heard part 1 of this interview, I highly recommend you check it out. We talked about impostor syndrome, finding your own voice as an artist, and the role of consistency on the path to quality.

Today’s convo will close out some of the ideas we started in part 1 as well as get into:

The impact of social media on finding your artistic identity,

Turning small projects into larger projects

How to use self-doubt positively.

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated

and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Yo what’s up this is toru and in a way so are you.

For those of you who don’t know me, I’m a music producer, artist, and entrepreneur.

I make music for that space between the dance floor and the bedroom, which, has been streamed millions of times and licensed by brands big and small, including companies like Apple.

I believe that regardless of what you produce, whether it be music, art, physical goods, or even spreadsheets, you have a process, whether you know it or not.

To explore this further, I created The ProducerHead Podcast.

ProducerHead is a place to have conversations with Producers about their experience and process to share what works and what doesn’t. To help each of us learn and improve our own processes.

Today’s guest is Brooklyn-based Cryptic One, a rapper, producer, drum programmer / finger drummer extraordinaire, and honestly a legend in his own right.

If you had told a younger me that I’d be talking to this man in this context, there’s no way I would have believed you.

He’s a member of the Atoms Family.

He’s released music through Def Jux.

Has credits with artists that include Aesop Rock, Cannibal Ox, and others I’m definitely missing.

And

If that weren’t enough, Cryptic One just received a Billboard plaque for the Lloyd Banks track “Dead Roses,” which he produced.

Throughout this conversation we discuss, among many other topics,

Finding Your Own Sound,

Impostor Syndrome,

Consistency and Quantity as a path to Quality

AND

Behind the scenes of how his placement with Lloyd Banks came to be.

Again, it is a trip to be presenting this episode to you. Cryptic One has made beloved contributions to music and remains a humble and kind dude.

In this conversation he reminds us that the challenges of pursuing our goals can often be difficult, but always worthwhile.

And with that. Here’s a conversation with Cryptic One. Episode 3 of ProducerHead starts now.

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated

and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Today’s guest is Piklo, a producer, drummer, and art and creative director based in Southern California.

As a part of the Plack Panthers he offers high quality sample packs and music for the producer and appreciator alike.

Here are a few of the topics we cover in this conversation:

The influence of his experience as a visual designer on his music production.

The importance of self awareness.

How to be a strong collaborator.

How to offer products that are aligned with your artistic vision and goals.

All of Piklo’s talent, knowledge, and accomplishments aside, this conversation really showcases his clarity.

This is not an accident. Piklo has clearly done real work and reflection.  

In fact, in this conversation, he shares his beliefs around the importance of deepening the relationship you have with yourself and how it serves as a foundational piece of success, whatever that happens to be for you.

At the same time Piklo balances all of that clarity and hard work with a light hearted and playful attitude. This conversation was a lot of fun and I’m excited to share it with you.

Ok. Here it is, Episode 2 of ProducerHead with Piklo starts now.

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated

and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

Today’s guest is Jacuzzi Jefferson (@jacuzzijefferson), a producer, engineer, and Professor based in Brooklyn, NY.

Some credits are as follows:

As a producer he’s worked with Raekwon and Kool AD. 

He’s engineered for 50 Cent, Julez Santana, and Trey Songz.

And he teaches Digital Music at Hostos Community in New York City.

In this conversation, we cover so many topics. Here are a few:

The Importance of listening to music outside of your comfort zone

Release strategies in a digital world of playlists and algorithms

Expanding your creative expression through multiple aliases

Working with Labels

The Value of Working for Free

And development of foundational skills for producers.

After all, he is a professor.

I’m stoked to share this conversation with you . Aside from being talented and full of useful info, Jacuzzi Jefferson is simply a good dude and I’m grateful to know him. I learned things in this conversation that have stayed with me and expect the same will happen for you.

By the way, in case you missed it, Jacuzzi Jefferson and I released a song called “Lift Off” with Etymology Records. It’s out now and available on all streaming platforms.

Ok. Without any further delay, Episode 1 of ProducerHead with Jacuzzi Jefferson

Let’s Get Into it.

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated

and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations

ProducerHead is the podcast for Music Producers, Artists, Creatives, and Entrepreneurs. Listen to candid conversations with accomplished Music Producers, Artists, Creatives, and Entrepreneurs who will share what's in their heads to present you with the keys to unlock your own.

That’s it for this episode of ProducerHead. Appreciate you coming through and being a part of it. My hope is that it helps you unlock a bit more creativity and find progress in a way that matters to you.

Before we go:

There are three simple and zero cost ways to support the ProducerHead Podcast.

1 - Tap in and subscribe or follow wherever you’re listening, whether it be Spotify or Apple.

2- If you haven’t already, drop a review on Apple or Spotify. The feedback is appreciated

and helps me continue to do what’s working while improving along the way.

3 - Send this episode to one person who would enjoy it. Do not underestimate the power of word of mouth. The most old school of methods are often the most effective.

Finally, let’s stay connected:

I regularly share ideas that help me develop my creative process along with music recommendations, and even give away free music and sample packs.

Head to torubeat.com and sign up to receive all of these things and stay up on all things ProducerHead.

You can also stay connected with me and the Podcast, @torubeat on Instagram, YouTube, and tiktok.

The theme music is one of my own songs. It is called “Room To Breathe” and available on all streaming platforms.

Again. For real. Thanks for being here with me and I look forward to catching you in the next episode of ProducerHead.

This has been toru, and in a way, so are you.

Peace.

Support this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/producerhead/donations