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Jim Tashjian started out studying jazz guitar in university, which brought him into many different musical projects.  He drifted toward, pop and rock, drawn by the interest of songwriting.  Bands like District 97, Miss Remember, Storm Jameson are but a few of the music groups that Tashjian has had a commanding hand in.  Our second interview focuses on Tashjian's songwriting process. We also get a chance to hear his way around a guitar and some insights into the exercises he has for channeling the muse.  A great primer for those who want to better their songwriting skills from this young veteran of the independent musical stage.  You can follow Jim at https://www.facebook.com/jim.tashjian.

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In our media-saturated world, it is easy to overlook the many artists that thrive without labels, without big tours, without all the hoopla and soap opera intrigue that accompanies "success" these days.  These individuals thrive on their own terms, and such is the multi-talented songwriter, guitarist and band mate of several successful independent groups, Jim Tashjian.  Tashjian started out studying jazz guitar in university, which brought him into many different musical projects.  He drifted toward, pop and rock, drawn by the interest of songwriting.  Bands like District 97, Miss Remember, Storm Jameson are but a few of the music groups that Tashjian has had a commanding hand in.  This interview gave Jim a chance to showcase his talents, talk about his background and delve a bit into what he feels is success.  That success is firmly on his own terms, a good study for those of us who want to chart their own course in the music business.  You can follow Jim at https://www.facebook.com/jim.tashjian.

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Leslie Beukelman is an artist that draws on his rural upbringing, her college education into jazz and performance and her first-hand entrepreneurial experience as a full-time working musician to be an expert on how to make a living at music.  Her songs are honest, rooted in her experiences with growing up, facing life challenges and being joyful in her art.  A great source of wisdom on how to take control of one's career and define your own success.  A mental and spiritual "must-have" for the working musician.  Her website is www.lesliebeukelman.net.

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Leslie Beukelman grew up in Sandwich, Illinois.  Her parents were musicians and perhaps her drummer mother (who was performing while 8 months pregnant with Lelsie) that instilled the desire to write and make music.  

After a degree in jazz performance/jazz studies from Roosevelt University, Beukelman had a choice of a myriad places to bring her many talents.  She chose to stay in Chicago and tap into the diverse musical scene.  

As a hummingbird is able to go from flower to flower, Beukelman can be found in many different musical venues and genres.  The Chicago Skyliners Big Band, fronting the rock band the Brite Lites or making beautiful harmonies in the three-piece woman's group the Oh Yeahs. Meet Leslie Beukelman, a songbird, a songwriter, a serious musician who is leaning into the working musician trade.  Her website is www.lesliebeukelman.net.

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Kelli Owens Hutton has had it all--and has had it as well.  A musician, once signed to Atlantic Records, Owens Hutton found herself: midlife, middle class, midwestern and in crisis.  Raising a family and wondering what to do with her rock n' roll, she founded MomCore--an exploration of the famous saying "all men lead lives of quiet desperation" but from the perspective of the 21st century, holding-it-all together woman.  Real life and real issues come to roost on the soccer field, the playground, the house and the job.  Owens Hutton has crafted songs that are punk, angry, frustrated and can elicit a knowing wry smile perhaps in the simplicity her take on everyday reality.  And that reality is a battleground for relevance and sanity.  She knows her way around a guitar and is masterful in her lyric writing as well.  For any aspiring musician who thinks that cool can't drive a minivan, study what Owens Hutton is all about.  Her website is www.kelliowenshutton.com.

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Kelli Owens Hutton walks the walk.  A Berklee College of Music graduate, she was signed with Atlantic Records for a while, pursuing the rock and roll dream.  Then life stepped in, (as life has a way of doing) and Kelli found herself married, middle-aged, middle class and a mother.   What's a rocker to do?   Find a genre, that's what.  From her experience as both an artist, a woman and yes, mom she launched MomCore.  

MomCore is hard driving rock n' roll, with punk sensibilities delving into the everyday issues, such as that 12-year-old heading into the teenage years, or the mother-in-law hovering over your shoulder.  Kelli punches out two-minute, jangly guitar laden songs of angst, anger and telling-it-like-it-is music.  Her style (and her genre) not surprisingly resonates with a LOT of women out there.  And men like her style as well.  Working with Producer Liam Davis (also a Chicago-based artist) Owens Hutton put together the EP album Soccer Trophy.  Her style is brass and doesn't shy from the occasional f-bomb, like any good mom who has had it up to here with being everything for everyone 24/7/365. 

Kelli's website is www.kelliowenshutton.com

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Five-time grammy nominee Liam Davis has not only spent his life with some pretty amazing bands, but he has also produced some pretty amazing bands and artists. Furthermore, he has also started teaching on unique techniques
for song crafting.  This podcast is a must view/listen for anyone who wants to either learn how to write a song or pick up a few tips on how to make a good song even better.  You can contact Davis through his website www.LiamDavis.com for more information on producing and songwriting.

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Liam Davis is a multi-faceted musician, songwriter, and producer.  The Grammy-nominated musician not only is part of the Chicago band Frisbee, he has his own solo career. songwriting workshops and has been part of such projects as Justin Davis, The Diff, Part-time lovers and Soft Opening. His website is www.liamdavis.com.

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There are singer-songwriters out there who are so good at making other singer-songwriters look so good that we forget how good they are.  Nora O'Connor is one such singer-songwriter. The folks she has toured and recorded with are a who's-who of Americana music: The Decemberists, Neko Case, and The New Pornographers.  But make no mistake, O'Connor is a singer-songwriter first and foremost.  Her latest album "My Heart" (we get to hear her perform the title track) is a wonderful compilation of songs that delves into her embracing her own talent, as well as the song.  She is a pure singer, a shy sort of human being as well.  Her ideas about songwriting and performing are a good study for anyone who wants to not only shine the spotlight on others but enjoy the spotlight for themselves every once in a while.  Her website is www.noraoconnormusic.com.

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Nora O'Connor has been a mainstay of the Americana music scene in Chicago, having toured and recorded with The Decemberists, Neko Case, and The New Pornographers, to mention a few.  She is also a prolific songwriter and musician.  Her latest album, "My Heart" goes for the heart with an amazing array of finely crafted tunes.  Nora's voice is honest and moving, her ability to deliver a song puts her right up and in front of an audience--a place she has definitely earned and is keeping.  Her website is www.noraoconnormusic.com

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