This episode breaks down the real behind-the-scenes of becoming a successful artist — not just recording, but planning, mentorship, and structure.

What’s inside:

Why so many artists fail without development

How to use whiteboards to roadmap your next project

Why treating your team with respect and giving + receiving feedback matters

How labels have shifted — and why YOU must now handle your own development

Personal stories from the studio and lessons from building with artists at Treehouse ATL

This is for artists who are done winging it and ready to build something lasting.

Mentioned Tools & Resources:

Opus Clip (turn long-form interviews into short-form content): https://www.opus.pro/?via=ca7373

Rebel Ears Discord at https://discord.gg/hB7ey3e28t

In this exclusive interview, I sit down with Nikell Ariel to dive deep into her creative journey, her approach to music, and the importance of closed studio sessions.

Nikell shares how she met her go-to producer, Otto, through a mutual friend back in 2020, and how they’ve been crafting her unique sound ever since.

We also get into her daily routine—from 6 AM workouts to evening studio sessions—and how she balances songwriting, recording, and refining her ideas with Otto.

Nikell opens up about the emotional roots of her music, revealing how she started writing at just six years old, channeling her emotions through poetry that later evolved into powerful songwriting.

From her church roots to her love for Destiny’s Child, Nikell shares how her journey shaped her voice as an artist.

This conversation is packed with raw insights, laughter, and the real story behind her creative process

Join the Rebel Ears Discord to share your work, get feedback, and grow together: https://discord.gg/hB7ey3e28t