For the entire interview transcript, please ⁠click ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Natasha Barbieri is a New York–based mezzo-soprano and the founder of Crossover Music Magazine.  She’s interviewed major crossover stars like Sarah Brightman, Paul Potts, and members of Celtic Woman. Beyond her editorial work, Natasha performs with her sister as the duo Crystal & Natasha and is also known as “A Singing Wife.” Her mission is to uplift musicians who are blending classical music with modern influences — all while staying true to who they are.

What You’ll Learn

Discover what classical crossover really means and why it’s more than just mixing genres — it’s about honoring tradition while staying true to your creative voice. Natasha Barbieri shares how authenticity sets great artists apart, why gimmicks don’t last, and what musicians can do to build a lasting presence. You’ll also learn how to approach media coverage the right way, how to prepare yourself with the right materials, and what makes artists stand out to editors like her. Natasha also opens up about her own journey, why she created Classical Crossover Magazine, and how she’s now helping musicians succeed through artist coaching, storytelling, and media strategy.

Things We Discussed

We talked about how classical crossover is about “not letting the tradition get stagnant, bringing some new life to it.” Natasha reflects on artists who innovate naturally, saying, “The successful people — it’s authentic. They’re not staying in one box. They’re bringing new palettes into what they do.”

She shares insights on working with big names: “Some of the most successful people are the easiest to work with. They’re kind, generous, and prepared. Sarah Brightman could not have been nicer.”

For artists looking to gain media attention, Natasha offers real advice: “Know your USP. (Unique Selling Point) Get organized with your materials. Give something exclusive. You can’t be everything — so figure out what makes you different.”

We also touched on her possible coaching program for artists, which would include one-on-one sessions, help with telling their story, and planning media features that make a real impact.

Connect with Natasha

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For the entire interview transcript, please ⁠click ⁠⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠.

Steve Matthew Carter is a Nashville-based media composer for film, TV, and advertising. He most recently scored Gazer (2025), a neo-noir thriller directed by Ryan J. Sloan, which premiered at Cannes Directors’ Fortnight and is distributed by Metrograph Pictures.

His music has also appeared in The Other Guys, Escaping Ohio, The Tomorrow Job, and national ad campaigns for brands like Honda and Body Armor (2024 Super Bowl). Steve’s work spans dozens of film festivals, music libraries, and TV networks, including Netflix, Bravo, TLC, and History.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, Steve opens up about the myth of linear success, the pressure to "make it" young, and how wandering can be part of the creative process. He shares why it’s okay to have gaps in your journey and how those quieter moments often lead to a deeper artistic identity.

Things Discussed: Rather than chasing clout or traditional networking, Steve believes in “friend collecting”—building real, lasting creative relationships with people you respect and enjoy. He encourages younger musicians to stop waiting for permission and start making the kind of work they wish existed in the world—with friends, collaborators, and a sense of purpose.

Steve also offers practical advice: know your strengths, and let your style become your signature. Whether you’re the go-to guitar player or someone still exploring their aesthetic, his message is the same—be real, be kind, and keep making things.

Connect with Steve Matthew Carter

Official Website

LinkedIn

Instagram

Imdb

X

Connect with Jason Tonioli

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For the entire interview transcript, please ⁠click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

Thomas Haines is an award-winning composer, sound designer, and creative entrepreneur whose work spans film, television, and immersive audio. Based in the UK, Thomas is known for blending emotion, experimentation, and storytelling through sound. He is the co-founder of BrainAud.io, a groundbreaking platform focused on spatial and generative audio experiences. Whether he’s scoring a cinematic trailer like Wolf King or exploring how the brain responds to sound, Thomas brings curiosity and authenticity to every project. His journey from teenage pub gigs in Cornwall to internationally recognized composer is a testament to the power of creativity, collaboration, and staying true to your voice.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, Thomas opens up about the real-life experiences that shaped him as an artist, the challenges of creative feedback, and why being consistently curious and courageous is more important than being perfect. You’ll learn why “failing fast” isn’t a failure at all, how nerves can be a sign you’re on the right track, and why creating something daily builds the resilience and readiness you need for a lasting career in music.

Things Discussed: Thomas reflects on his early years performing in a band that turned cheesy TV theme songs into sleazy disco anthems — and how this offbeat project led to packed pubs, diverse audiences, and his first paid gigs. These moments taught him early that music’s power lies in its ability to connect, surprise, and move people in unexpected ways.

He shares the importance of just making music — not waiting for permission, not chasing perfection, but playing, experimenting, and showing up daily. Thomas talks about how he still channels the same curiosity and drive he had at 13 years old, and how that raw instinct, paired with daily discipline, helps him meet high-pressure deadlines in his professional scoring work.

Thomas also digs into the emotional rollercoaster of sharing music with collaborators and clients. He explains why nerves mean you care, and why embracing feedback — even when it stings — is part of developing creative intelligence. Rather than sticking to one “specialty,” Thomas encourages musicians to explore widely, discover how and when they work best, and build a life around that rhythm.

He reminds listeners that you can’t wait to be discovered or hired — you have to do the work first. Even if you fail or have to start over, that effort is what strengthens your creative muscles. In his words, “If you want to catch a fish, you actually have to go fishing.”

Connect with Thomas Haines 

Official Website

Imdb

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For the entire interview transcript, please ⁠click ⁠⁠here⁠⁠.

You don’t have to be a superstar to make a living in music, but you do need a plan. Don Cusic, author, professor, and Western Music Association Hall of Fame inductee, reveals how to turn your passion into a profession. Learn how to balance self-expression with crowd-pleasing, navigate the business side, and build lasting momentum in today’s fast-moving music world.

Don Cusic is also the author of the newly released Chet Atkins: Mr. Guitar. This definitive biography from the University of Georgia Press explores the life and legacy of Chet Atkins, one of the most influential American guitarists of the twentieth century and a key figure in shaping the Nashville Sound.

What You’ll Learn:

Connect with Don Cusic

Official Website

Facebook

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Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

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For the entire interview transcript, please ⁠click ⁠here⁠.

Christian Ray Flores is a Chilean-Russian artist, entrepreneur, and philanthropist. Born in Moscow in 1969, he rose to fame in Russia’s music scene with hits like Our Generation, then shifted to social impact and venture building in the U.S., co-founding Third Drive to empower startups and causes worldwide.

What You’ll Learn

In this powerful and vulnerable episode, you'll hear the remarkable story of Christian Ray, a successful pop artist who left the spotlight to pursue something far more meaningful. Christian opens up about his journey from the height of fame to a life rooted in purpose, faith, and impact. You’ll discover how he navigated the pressures of the entertainment industry, overcame personal regrets, and ultimately redefined what it means to be successful. Through his story, you’ll gain insights on balancing creative ambition with personal integrity and why true fulfillment comes from within, not from applause or accolades.

Things Discussed:

Christian shares how his wife left behind a thriving career in the U.S. entertainment world to move to Russia in the 1990s—a gesture of deep love and commitment that he later mirrored by moving with her to the U.S. They settled in places without snow, a symbolic fresh start from their past lives.

He talks about his early career success, including how he retained full ownership of his intellectual property at a time when it was uncommon. Despite major wins, like producing successful music projects and forming brand deals with TV stations, he opens up about the deeper lessons learned along the way. Christian reflects on missed opportunities for collaboration, his reluctance to engage in the business side of the industry, and how those choices shaped his career.

One of the most striking revelations is how he once believed being “just the artist” was the noble path, only to realize too late that business is an art form in itself. He also discusses the importance of building a record label and how some of his innovative ideas, like creating a girl group that spun off multiple solo careers, had a long-term impact even after he stepped away.

But the heart of this episode lies in his honest reflection about identity, faith, and purpose. At the peak of his career, Christian was clinically depressed. He shares how meeting a Canadian missionary changed his life and helped him piece together a sense of wholeness he had never known before. Through coaching and a deeper spiritual life, he found a new definition of success: a vocation filled with purpose, a family built on love, and a character strong enough to sustain it all.

This episode is a deeply human story about creativity, regret, redemption, and the power of choosing impact over image. It’s a must-listen for artists, entrepreneurs, or anyone standing at a crossroads in life.

Connect with Christian Ray

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⁠

For the entire interview transcript, please ⁠click ⁠here⁠.Laura Sawosko is a Nashville-based singer-songwriterknown for her heartfelt lyrics and authentic storytelling. With roots in Arizona’s tight-knit music community, she brings a unique blend of emotional depth and country-inspired hooks to her music. Balancing her creative career with roles as a piano teacher and restaurant co-manager, Laura is passionate about using her life experiences to write songs that resonate and inspire.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, Laura will be discussing her career journey and insights on success in the music industry. Here are some key takeaways:

Success Redefined: From chasing fame to finding purpose through storytelling and emotional connection.

Side Hustles Matter: Maintaining a day job (like teaching piano or running a family restaurant) brings stability and lifeexperience to fuel creativity.

Social Media & Marketing: Managing multiple platforms is vital, but overwhelming. Laura shares her thoughts on tools like Hyped It and the importance of email lists.

Nashville’s Influence: Living in the heart of country music has shaped her songwriting approach, emphasizing strong hooks and compelling storytelling.

Upcoming Album: “Not What I Do” —an honest reflection of her personal growth and artistic identity.

Things Discussed: 

*Laura’s move from Arizona to Nashville and the city’simpact on her music

*Transition from cover songs to original songwriting

*Emotional songwriting as a response to grief and lifeexperiences

*Challenges of balancing music with a day job

*Strategies for handling rejection and staying emotionallyresilient

*Tips for self-marketing, including YouTube promotion andemail marketing

*Tools she’s exploring for better reach and monetization

Connect with Laura

Website

Instagram

Facebook

YouTube

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

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For the entire interview transcript, please ⁠click⁠ here⁠.

In this episode, we welcome Andrés Silva and Alejandro Uribe Holguín, the talented co-founders of La Tina Sound Design & Film Scoring.

Andrés, a Colombian sound supervisor and designer with a Master's in Management for Creative Industries from Birkbeck, University of London, has worked on acclaimed projects like ⁠Suspensión⁠ and ⁠Narcos⁠.

Alejandro, a seasoned sound supervisor and designer with over 15 years in the industry, has crafted immersive audio experiences for Netflix, HBO, Disney, and Prime Video, contributing to notable works such as ⁠Narcos⁠ and ⁠Monos⁠.

Join us as they share their journey, creative process, and insights into the world of sound design for film and television.

What You’ll Learn

In this episode, you'll gain valuable insights into theworld of sound design and the music industry. Andrés and Alejandro will emphasize the importance of organization—how keeping your creative process structured can give you more time for everything, from mastering your craft tomanaging your career. You'll learn how to set a clear schedule for learning music without falling into the stereotype of late-night work. They'll also break down how to price your work, considering not just your creative fee but alsothe investment in your equipment and how to calculate its depreciation over time. Additionally, they'll discuss the often-overlooked power of sound, how it shapes emotions, and how different recording techniques impact the final result. You'll also get a perspective on modern audio technologies like Dolby Atmos—when they enhance music and when they don’t. Most importantly, this episode will highlight the need for honesty and passion in music, ensuring that your work resonates deeply with your audience.

Things We Discussed

*The importance of organization for artists and musicians tomanage time effectively.

*Setting a structured schedule for learning music instead ofrelying on late-night sessions.

*How to price your work, including creative fees andfactoring in equipment depreciation.

*The role of sound design in shaping emotions and howdifferent recording techniques affect the final result.

*The perception of sound—how people may not consciouslyrecognize it but still feel its impact.

*Dolby Atmos technology—when it enhances music and whentraditional formats work better.

*The importance of honesty and passion in music to create agenuine connection with the audience.

Connect with Andrés & Alejandro

⁠Website⁠

⁠LinkedIn⁠

⁠Facebook⁠

⁠IMDb⁠

Connect with Jason Tonioli

⁠Website⁠ 

⁠Facebook⁠

⁠YouTube⁠ 

⁠Instagram⁠

⁠Spotify⁠

⁠Pandora⁠

⁠AmazonMusic⁠

⁠AppleMusic⁠

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-changing alternative 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 during performances 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 c

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

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

🎉 Special Offer: Get $100 OFF every prompter you purchase at www.blackboxprompter.com using the promo code “SUCCESS” — no limit! (As an affiliate partner, we may earn a commission from your purchase.)

Connect with Tory

LinkedIn - Tory

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LinkedIn - Black Box

Connect with Jason Tonioli

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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

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Website

Connect with Jason Tonioli

Website 

Facebook

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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

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