For the entire interview transcript, please ⁠click ⁠here⁠.

In this episode, we’re joined by Tory Smith, a seasoned guitarist and manager of two thriving cover bands in Dallas. Tory shares his insights on the significance of confidence and audience connection for live performers.

A passionate advocate for elevating live music experiences,Tory discusses the common challenge of relying on tablets and smartphones during performances. Determined to address this issue, he co-developed the BLACKBOX Prompter, a game-changing device designed to replace screens and stands. This sleek, intuitive prompter empowers musicians of all levels to perform with confidence, ensuring every lyric and chord is delivered seamlessly.

What You’ll Learn

Discover why the BLACK BOX Prompter is a game-changingalternative to tablets on stage, how its professional design enhances performances and Tory’s insights on turning small wins into meaningful success as a musician. Gain motivation to keep pursuing your passion and practical tips for building opportunities in the music industry.

Things Discussed:

- The drawbacks of using tablets and music stands duringperformances and how the BLACK BOX Prompter offers a sleek, professional alternative.

- The craftsmanship and design of the BLACK BOX Prompter,built to blend seamlessly into any stage setup.

- Tory’s advice for staying motivated and finding joy inmusic, even through challenges.

- How to grow from small gigs to bigger opportunities likecorporate events and private parties.

- Tory’s refreshing take on success: celebrating small winsand staying persistent.

🎉 Special Offer: Get 10% off the BLACK BOX Prompter with promo code ‘SUCCESS’ at blackboxprompter.com!

Connect with Tory

LinkedIn - Tory

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

LinkedIn - Black Box

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

AmazonMusic

Apple Music

For the entire interview transcript, please ⁠click ⁠here⁠.

In this episode, we’re joined by Juan Cortés Arango. He is a Colombian composer, orchestrator, and music producer based in Los Angeles, known for blending unconventional sounds with traditional composition to create emotionally resonant scores. He is the composer ofFunny Birds, his second collaboration with directors Marco La Via and Hanna Ladoul, following the 2018 romantic dramaAnywhere With You. With contributions from vocalist Elline and lyricist Adam Brock, Cortés crafted a beautifully authentic score forFunny Birds, drawing inspiration from its multigenerational tale of family and tragedy, showcasing his continued evolution as a storyteller through music.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, Juan Cortés shares his journey from overcoming tendonitis to becoming a successful film composer, the importance of genuine relationships in creative growth, and the value of patience and continuous learning. He discusses how success is an ongoing pursuit of personal and professional growth, emphasizing the need to adapt and evolve over time.

Things We Discussed

- Juan’s early challenges and pivot from performance to composition

- The pivotal role of friendships and mentorship in his career

- Insights into film scoring and working with renowned composers

- His philosophy on success, growth, and the importance of authenticity

- How patience and consistent study shape a fulfilling career

Connect with Juan

LinkedIn

Instagram

Facebook

Website

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire interview transcript, please ⁠click ⁠here⁠.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, you’ll learn the crucial balance every musician needs to strike between creating great music and building a loyal fan base. John explains why relying solely on the quality of your music is not enough in today’s oversaturated market. He shares how Hypeddit was born out of his own challenges and how it empowers musicians with tools to automate and simplify promotion. You’ll also learn about the importance of email as a backup for sustaining long-term fan engagement and why building active, dedicated fans is key to success.

Things We Discussed

John dives into the realities of music promotion, explaining why traditional playlist promotion often fails to create meaningful connections with fans. He highlights the advantages of using ads on platforms like Facebook and Instagram and how Hypeddit’s innovative approach bridges the gap between complex marketing techniques and simplicity. Additionally, John emphasizes the significance of authentic fan engagement, effective use of email marketing, and creating systems that foster continuous growth for musicians in today’s competitive landscape.

Connect with John Gold

Personal Website

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire interview transcript, please ⁠click ⁠here⁠.

In this episode of Successful Musicians, we are joined by Will and Brooke Blair, a brother duo known for their work in the world of film and TV scoring. They share their journey, offer practical advice for musicians, and discuss how they’ve adapted to the fast-paced demands of the industry.

They are long-term collaborators with director Jeremy Saulnier, scoring his first feature, “Murder Party,” which won the Slamdance 2007 Audience Award. 

Brooke and Will Blair’s music enhances the emotional and narrative depth of the projects they work on, making them a sought-after duo in the industry.

What You’ll Learn

The Blair brothers’ unique journey into the film and TV scoring world.

How scoring for different genres pushes them creatively and keeps their work fresh.

The importance of collaboration and building strong relationships in the industry.

Practical advice for musicians working under tight deadlines.

Things We Discussed

Will and Brooke emphasize the importance of mastering your tools when working in film and television scoring. Deadlines are tight, and musicians need to be fast, efficient, and decisive. Brooke advises musicians to get better at their tools, whether it’s recording, mixing, or any other technical aspect of music production.

In addition, the brothers share valuable advice on maintaining a healthy work-life balance. After years of experience, they've learned the importance of setting boundaries and making time for family, even in a demanding field like film composition. Will and Brooke emphasize that it's not about working long hours—it's about making the hours you work count. Whether it's taking a break to hike with family or simply stepping away from the project for a while, this balance can help keep creativity flowing. Often, solutions to creative problems come when you're not actively thinking about them.

Connect with Will and Brooke Blair

Personal Website

Will Blair:

Instagram

X

Facebook

Brooke Blair:

Instagram

X

Facebook

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire interview transcript, please ⁠click ⁠here⁠.

In this episode, we are thrilled to welcome Zach Sprowls, an American pianist and composer known for his evocative and heartfelt piano compositions. He often uses the piano as his primary storytelling tool, creating music that resonates deeply with listeners. 

Some of his notable works include:

“All Beginnings Are Hard” - This piece features both a solo piano version and a version with a string quartet. The solo piano version was recorded live on an acoustic piano.

“I Thought I Knew” - Another popular piece, is available in a live, piano-only version.

What You’ll Learn

Music Marketing Strategies:

Ads are a long-term investment that may take years to see profitability.

Caution with playlist placements (e.g., SubmitHub, Playlist Push) as they can lead to low engagement and confuse streaming algorithms.

Create a personalized "This Is [Artist]" playlist and direct ads to it for better streaming and fan engagement results.

Recommended ad spend is $50/month to start, with $300/month being a good sweet spot for measurable growth.

Business Education for Musicians:

Musicians need business knowledge to succeed in a capitalist society.

Understanding money management and market strategies is essential for promoting music effectively.

Musicians must develop business skills to reach a wider audience.

Outsourcing and Delegation:

Balancing creativity and business can be taxing for musicians, especially those who aren't wired for administrative tasks.

Hiring someone for even a few hours a week can lead to more peace of mind and greater overall productivity.

Delegating tasks allows musicians to focus on their strengths while someone else handles responsibilities that drain their energy.

Benefits of Outsourcing:

Outsourcing administrative tasks is more efficient and saves time.

Freed-up time can be redirected toward creative work, enhancing productivity.

Building a support system through outsourcing provides peace of mind and reduces overwhelm.

Things We Discussed

Zach Sprowls shares valuable insights on balancing creativity with business as a musician. He emphasizes the importance of learning marketing strategies, such as using ads and personalized playlists, to build a fan base over time.

Zach also discusses the necessity of acquiring business skills in a capitalist society, as promoting music effectively requires understanding money and markets. Additionally, he encourages musicians to consider outsourcing administrative tasks to free up time for creative work, highlighting how even small investments in hiring can lead to greater productivity and peace of mind.

Connect with Zach Sprowls

Personal Website

Spotify

Apple Music

YouTube

Facebook

Instagram

LinkedIn

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire transcript of the interview, please ⁠click here.

Ryan Waczek is an Emmy-winning soundtrack composer, producer, and songwriter. He is known for his diverse background and accomplishments, including scoring the award-winning documentary “Floating Horses: The Life of Casey Tibbs” (2017) and composing for the Emmy-Winning television show “Theater Corner” with Dulé Hill and Daniel J. Watts (2021). His hybrid orchestral style has drawn comparisons to renowned composers such as Hans Zimmer and James Newton Howard. He is also the founder of the Indie Music Academy, an online resource that provides musicians with training on how to grow their audience and monetize their music. Through the academy, he offers a comprehensive suite of video tutorials, audio lessons, and written content aimed at helping independent artists succeed in the music industry.

What You’ll Learn

Ryan Waczek emphasizes the importance of authenticity and audience engagement for musicians, highlighting that building a fan base should happen concurrently with the music creation process. He suggests that rather than striving for polished perfection, artists should share their genuine, sometimes messy, creative journey. This approach not only makes content more relatable but also fosters a deeper emotional connection with fans. By embracing vulnerability and involving their audience in the unfolding story, musicians can create a loyal and invested fan base, ultimately benefiting their long-term success.

Things We Discussed

Ryan also elaborates on two additional strategies for driving traffic and building an audience: direct advertising and playlisting. Direct advertising involves paying for traffic on platforms like Instagram and Facebook, using engaging content to capture attention within the first few seconds. This method offers more reliability compared to organic reach, making it viable for those with marketing budgets. Additionally, playlisting falls under influencer marketing, where artists leverage existing audiences curated by playlist creators. By getting their music featured on popular playlists, artists can gain streams and exposure, effectively borrowing the playlist's audience to promote their songs. Both strategies aim to enhance visibility and engagement with potential fans.

Connect with Ryan Waczek

Indie Music Academy Website

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire transcript of the interview, please ⁠click here.

Steve Larsen is a renowned entrepreneur and marketing strategist, best known for his expertise in creating high-converting sales funnels. He gained prominence as the Lead Funnel Builder at ClickFunnels, where he honed his skills by constructing over 500 sales funnels and working directly with Russell Brunson. After leaving ClickFunnels, Larsen quickly made his mark by building his own million-dollar company within just 13 months. He shares his knowledge through his podcast, Sales Funnel Radio, and educates others via courses like Secret MLM Hacks, OfferMind, and OfferLab. His success story is a testament to his innovative approach to online marketing and sales strategies.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, Steve shares common misconceptions and emphasizes the distinction between marketing and sales functions within a funnel. He argues that while sales funnels are powerful tools for conversion, they primarily serve a sales function rather than marketing.

He also shares his idea of success. Success is deeply personal and encompasses both internal contentment and external accomplishments.

Things We Discussed

Importance of Sales Story and Offer: Larsen underscores the significance of having a compelling sales story and offers that prompt further engagement. He argues that success hinges on these elements rather than intricate funnel mechanics.

Connect with Steve Larsen

Personal Website

Facebook

Instagram

Sales Funnel Radio Podcast

LinkedIn

Youtube

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire transcript of the interview, please ⁠click here.

Shannon K, is an American-Indian singer and actress. She collaborated with Poo Bear on the song “A Long Time” in 2018, and her music video for this track has over 41 million views on YouTube. Shannon K also acted in the movie “The Big Feed” (2020) and is currently involved in the American drama series “Mystical Inheritance of Adina Hassan” and a short film called “Rolling,” which focuses on mental health awareness. Her versatility, passion, and dedication continue to make waves in the entertainment world.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, Shannon K shares about the enduring importance of authenticity, resilience, and commitment to positive influence. Her dedication to staying true to herself amidst the pressures of the industry serves as a powerful reminder that success is not just about fame or fortune, but about staying grounded in one's values and morals. Shannon's emphasis on maintaining a strong work ethic and embracing every opportunity, no matter how small, underscores the significance of perseverance and seizing moments for growth. Moreover, her belief in the responsibility of artists and creators to inspire change and influence others for the better highlights the transformative potential of art and the impact it can have on shaping society. Ultimately, Shannon K's story encourages us to strive for authenticity, uphold our values, and use our platforms to make a positive difference in the world.

Things We Discussed

Shannon K has released a recreation version of the iconic old disco classic song “Jimmy Jimmy.” Her voice adds an upbeat twist to this beloved track. So put on your headphones and groove to the beats!

Connect with Shannon K

Instagram

Youtube

IMDB

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire transcript of the interview, please ⁠click here.

What You’ll Learn

From Eric Thayne's insights, we can glean several valuable lessons:

Entrepreneurial Thinking: Understanding the difference between creatives and entrepreneurs is crucial. Entrepreneurs start with identifying problems and then develop solutions, often involving assembling teams to execute them. Creatives can benefit from adopting this problem-solving approach.

Visibility and Personal Branding: In today's digital age, visibility is key. Thayne advocates for creatives to focus on building their personal brands, connecting with audiences on a deeper level beyond just their craft. Engaging with fans and showcasing personality can cultivate a loyal following.

Things We Discussed

Eric Thayne mentioned his upcoming book, 'Create, Don't Capture,' It is a game-changer for creatives, musicians, artists, and entrepreneurs alike. Packed with invaluable insights and practical advice, this book is a great tool for unlocking your full creative potential in today's digital landscape. You can preorder now at createdontcapture(dot)com.

Connect with Eric Thayne

Cinema Mastery

CELADORA

Facebook

Instagram

Vimeo

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music

For the entire transcript of the interview, please ⁠click here.

Lead vocalist, bassist, and lyricist Carlos Baker hails from the United States and, together with his spouse, relocated to Northern Germany in 2009. Identifying himself as a seasoned artist, lyricist, and storyteller, Carlos authored the novel "SONGS For IVY" in 2020, now accessible on Amazon. With a repertoire spanning over 50 compositions, his musical range extends from country tunes to heartfelt ballads, and from rock anthems to bluesy melodies. Carlos crafts songs infused with the genuine sentiment, many delving into his personal encounters and battles with depression. Above all, Carlos expresses his utmost pride in the four children he and his wife have nurtured.

What You’ll Learn

Carlos's journey offers a profound exploration of resilience and transformation. From overcoming a rare bone cancer with candor and a unique perspective on mortality, he shares invaluable insights into the power of resilience and mental strength. His openness about mental health struggles, particularly with shame, underscores the importance of acknowledging and addressing emotional wounds. Rejecting conventional therapy, Carlos found solace and healing through music and writing, portraying them as his therapeutic outlets. His ability to seamlessly integrate music into his life, from carefree youth to responsible adulthood, emphasizes the enduring role of artistic expression in navigating life's challenges. Carlos teaches that embracing vulnerability, pursuing one's passions, and finding solace in creative outlets can be powerful tools for personal growth and healing.

Things We Discussed

Resilience and Transformation: Overcoming rare bone cancer with candor and a unique perspective on mortality.

Mental Health Awareness: Openness about mental health struggles, particularly with shame.

Creative Therapeutic Outlets: Choosing music and writing as therapeutic outlets for emotional healing.

Integration of Music in Life: Seamless integration of music from carefree youth to responsible adulthood.

Life's Transformative Moments: Family life, marriage, and parenthood as transformative milestones.

Connect with Carlos Baker

Website

Spotify

Apple Music

Amazon

Pandora

Deezer

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

YouTube 

Instagram

Spotify

Pandora

Amazon Music

Apple Music