SoundBreaker

In this soul-stirring episode of SoundBreaker, host Bob Shami welcomes the incomparable Sheléa, a powerhouse vocalist, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist whose journey began in the heart of gospel music. From growing up in a musically gifted family to paying tribute to icons like Aretha Franklin and Whitney Houston, Sheléa opens up about the deep roots that shaped her artistry.

Listeners will be taken behind the scenes of her mentorship under the legendary Quincy Jones, her reflections on the state of modern music, and her passion for preserving authenticity and musical education. She shares her thoughts on the rise of independent artists, the evolving role of AI in music, and how her faith fuels every performance.

Whether you’re an aspiring artist, a music lover, or just need inspiration, this episode delivers truth, talent, and timeless insight.

Visit our guest’s website: https://sheleamusic.com/

Contact our guest: https://www.instagram.com/sheleamusic

In this episode of Soundbreaker, Australian-born country music artist Shea Fisher shares her compelling journey from growing up in a rodeo family to becoming a chart-topping country singer in Australia and breaking into the U.S. music scene. Shea reflects on falling in love with country music in 1990s Texas and the whirlwind success of her debut album, which featured four #1 hits. But the road wasn’t always smooth—after signing with a U.S. label, she faced a major setback when it suddenly shut down. Instead of giving up, Shea chose to stay in Nashville, focus on songwriting, and embrace the path of an independent artist. Tune in as she discusses the shifting landscape of the music industry, the power of authenticity, and what she’s working on now—including new singles and music videos. This episode is packed with insights for aspiring musicians and fans of country music alike.

Visit our guest’s website: https://sheafisher.com/

Contact our guest: https://www.instagram.com/sheafishermusic/, https://www.tiktok.com/@sheafishermusic, https://www.facebook.com/sheafisher 

In this compelling episode of Soundbreaker, we sit down with Ralph Tashjian, founder and CEO of Intercept Music, to explore his remarkable journey from a young music enthusiast to a transformative force in the music industry. Ralph shares how sobriety marked a turning point in his personal and professional life, reigniting his passion and paving the way for his innovative work in artist empowerment. We dive into the shifting landscape of digital music, the resurgence of independent artists, and the critical role of transparency and customer service in today’s music business. Ralph also sheds light on the growing impact of AI in marketing and what it means for the next generation of creators. Whether you're an aspiring artist or a music executive, this episode is packed with inspiration and insight.

Visit our guest’s website: https://interceptmusic.com/Home/

Contact our guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ralph-tashjian-94a39215/

In this episode of Soundbreaker, host Bob Shami sits down with jazz vocalist and flamenco dancer Andy James to explore her unconventional path from flamenco stages in Australia to jazz clubs in Las Vegas. Andy opens up about her early influences, her artistic evolution, and the making of her latest album, Happy People, a bold fusion of flamenco passion and jazz improvisation.

They also delve into broader conversations about the global jazz scene, the increasing independence of artists in today's music industry, and how AI in music may (or may not) shape the future. A strong advocate for creative ownership, Andy discusses running her own label, Lecoque Records, and why she believes writing your own songs is more vital than ever. Whether you're a jazz enthusiast, an indie artist, or just curious about where music is heading, this episode is a must-listen.

Visit our guest’s website:  https://andyjames.com/

Contact our guest: [email protected]

In this powerful episode of Soundbreaker, host Bob Shami sits down with Aric Steinberg, Executive Director of the Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, a nonprofit organization that provides emergency financial assistance to musicians and music industry professionals. For over 30 years, Sweet Relief has stepped in when medical issues, natural disasters, and financial hardship threaten the livelihoods of artists who depend on their craft. Aric discusses the fund’s origin story, the lasting legacy of founder Victoria Williams, and how they’ve adapted to serve the evolving needs of the music community. From the challenges of eligibility to the creativity behind fundraising, this episode dives deep into the heart of nonprofit work in the arts. A must-listen for music lovers, industry pros, and anyone passionate about community and compassion.

Visit our guest’s website: https://www.sweetrelief.org/

Contact our guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aric-steinberg-0b650172/

In this episode of Soundbreaker, host Bob Shami interviews Jaclyn O’Connell, Owner and Principal Strategist at Bittersweet Media, and Founder & Artist Manager at Good Grief Mgmt Co.
Jaclyn shares her inspiring journey from retail work to becoming a trailblazer in artist-first music management. With a deep commitment to empowering independent artists, she discusses the emotional labor of being a modern manager, the power of community, and how platforms like TikTok are reshaping music discovery.
You’ll hear valuable insights on digital marketing, cold-email networking, setting up LLCs, and why today’s music careers demand both creativity and business savvy. This is a must-listen for anyone navigating the independent music scene—from aspiring artists to industry vets.

Visit our guest’s website: https://www.bittersweet.media/ 

Contact our guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jaclynsouth/ https://www.instagram.com/jaclyn_oconnell/

https://www.instagram.com/bttrsweet_media/

In this episode, we sit down with Chantal Epp, founder of ClicknClear, to explore the intersection of music licensing, technology, and sports. From her beginnings as a world champion cheerleader to launching a music tech startup, Chantal shares how her company is transforming the way music is licensed in choreographed sports like cheerleading, gymnastics, and more. We dive into the complex web of international copyright laws, the role of emotional connection in music performance, and the potential disruption caused by AI-generated music.
Chantal also reveals ClicknClear’s exciting roadmap—from developing new tools for athletes to expanding into the video-on-demand space. If you're curious about the future of music rights, entrepreneurship in the creative industries, or how a startup is solving a billion-license problem, this episode is for you.

Visit our guest’s website: https://www.clicknclear.com/
Contact our guest: https://www.linkedin.com/in/chantal-epp/

In this episode, Bob Shami sits down with Liam James Ward, co-founder and CEO of Something Something, a company dedicated to helping artists navigate the fast-changing world of social media and digital platforms. Liam shares his journey in the music industry, the critical role of TikTok in music discovery, and the challenges artists face in monetizing their work. He discusses why independent artists must be both creative and business-minded, and how Something Something is building sustainable solutions to support them. Tune in to explore the future of artist management, fan engagement, and the ever-evolving digital music landscape.

Visit our guest’s website: https://www.somethingsomething.social/

Contact our guest:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/liamjameswrd/

In this episode, we sit down with Brad LeBeau, founder and CEO of PRO MOTION, to explore his 42-year journey in the music industry. From a shy teenager with low self-esteem to a leader in music promotion, Brad shares how his passion for dance music, remix culture, and DJ culture shaped his career.

We discuss the evolution of music business strategies, the impact of DJs like Avicii, and how technology is revolutionizing music consumption. Brad opens up about his personal struggles with anxiety and substance abuse, offering insights into how overcoming challenges fueled his entrepreneurial mindset.

Join us as we break down the future of music promotion, the power of remixes, and why quality over quantity is essential in today's music industry. Whether you're an independent artist, DJ, or entrepreneur, this episode is packed with insights on navigating the ever-changing music landscape.🚀🎶 #MusicIndustry #DanceMusic #RemixRevolution

Visit our guest’s website: https://promotion-us.com/
Contact our guest:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/brad-lebeau-77a11915/

In this episode of Soundbreaker, host Bob Shami sits down with Tom Norwood, the visionary founder of Loop Fans, to explore how blockchain technology and Web3 are revolutionizing the music industry. Tom shares his journey from running a live music venue to launching a platform that empowers independent artists through direct fan engagement and monetization.

Discover how Loop Fans enables musicians to create their own digital spaces, leverage NFTs, and build sustainable careers without relying on traditional DSPs. Tom breaks down the importance of fan participation, the evolving role of blockchain in music, and what the future holds for independent artists in the Web3 era.

If you're an artist, entrepreneur, or music enthusiast curious about the next big shift in the industry, this episode is a must-listen!

Visit our guest’s website: https://www.loop.fans/

Contact our guest:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/tom-norwood/