On this episode we welcome Grammy Award winning producer/songwriter Ta$ha Catour! Topics discussed include:Her musical influences growing up in AtlantaInitially singing in church and hot that led into songwriting Connecting with an early Future and getting her first publishing situation through himHow important it is on having points on the master recording of a song and how that led her into becoming a producerTeaching herself how to produce and engineerStarting her publishing company, Poetic Pen PublishingWorking with rapper Lecrae, winning a Grammy for that work and what that experience was likeStarting her up and coming record label and producing artists of her ownWhat role management plays in her career Follow Ta$ha Catour:@TashaCatourAlso discussed this episode:New music releases and corresponding producersThe latest music industry newsFollow us:@FreeGamePodcast@WLPWR@BrianOnrea@londonelixirlxThis episode was sponsored by @yumpanadas and @mcbridesisters recorded at @graymattercollective by @zariusthegreat mixed by @checkmatecreative and produced by @londonelixirlx Cover Art by @yo.im.jay

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On this episode we welcome welcome, live in studio guests Tracklib ceo Par Almqvist and Deborah Mannis-Gardner ceo of DMG Clearances (Sample clearances) They discuss:The state of music sampling and the need for changeWhat is Tracklib?How easy it is to use Tracklib? What are the costs?Who supports Tracklib and how deep is the library? (It’s really like digging in the crates)How Tracklib helps manage payment to original sample holders to make it easy for artists and producers to release music to retail. What’s next for Tracklib?Follow Tracklib@tracklibhttps://www.tracklib.com/Also discussed this episode:New music from Quavo, Ella Mae, Ralo, etcSpotify buys minority stake in digital music distributor DistroKidLondon featured in VoyageATL magazineFollow us:@freegamepodcast@wlpwr@BrianOnreaThis episode was sponsored by @yumpanadas and @mcbridesisters recorded at @graymattercollective and mixed by @checkmatecreative and produced by @londonelixirlx Cover Art by @yo.im.jay

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On this episode we interview the President and Publisher of The Fader Magazine, Andy Cohn. This was such a great conversation! Topics discussed included:Him growing up with a love for music and how that translated into a passion for music journalismHis position at The Fader and how the magazine has evolvedHow The Fader played a major role in the merging of hip hop, pop and rock cultures The unique approach the magazine takes to the format of it’s covers and how that came aboutThe role of the music producer in music today from a media coverage standpointThe thinking behind it’s producer issue and if we will see more of thatHow can producers get more mainstream attention and what new producers in particular can do to get noticed?The recent visit Kanye West paid to The Fader offices and what that experience was like for the staff at the magazine Follow Andy Cohn@AndyCohnAlso discussed this episode:Successful A3C weekend for the Gray Matter Collective including performances from Skye Morales & Chris L, and a weiting workshop in conjunction with @istandard The Music Modernization Act is now signed into law!New music releases from Lil Baby & Gunna, Ghostface Killa, Mozzy, Styles P & Dave East, etc Hit up our Patreon page and join! Members can now submit beats for our weekly beat break! Follow the link: https://www.patreon.com/FreeGameFollow us:@freegamepodcast@wlpwr@BrianOnreaThis episode was sponsored by @yumpanadas and @mcbridesisters recorded at @graymattercollective and mixed by @checkmatecreative and produced by @londonelixirlx Cover Art by @yo.im.jay

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On this episode we welcome legendary record executive Kawan “KP” Prather to this show. KP has not only been instrumental in the crafting of what Atlanta music is today, he’s works with artists like Usher, OutKast, TLC, John Legend and Pharrell among many others. During this discussion we talk with him about.Growing up in Atlanta and who his musical influences wereStarting out as a rapper in the group PA signed to LaFace records How he transitioned into becoming an A&R at LaFaceAfter his experience working on many classic albums, what makes a good A&R?His advice for up and coming executives and producers How he linked with Pharrell and his I Am Other companyHow he won his Grammy award and what that experience was likeWhat’s next for KP?Follow KP @KawanPratherAlso discussed this episode:New Music releases from Lil Wayne, Logic, Kevin Gates, etcSirius XM buys Pandora and Apple music buys Shazam: What does this means for producer pay?@freegamepodcast@wlpwr@BrianOnreaThis episode was sponsored by @yumpanadas and @mcbridesisters recorded at @graymattercollective by @mixedbylidz and mixed by @checkmatecreative and produced by @londonelixirlx Cover Art by @yo.im.jay

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On this episode we welcome legendary producer Nick Fury (Nas, T.I., Fat Joe, Lil Kim, etc) to the show. We discuss:Growing up in New Jersey and what his musical influences wereHow an 8th grade songwriting class inspired him to write music How he first started making beats and what his early equipment wasHow relationships let to his first few placements Producing hots like Custom Made for “Lil Kim” and “Game Over” for Lil FlipWorking with a young T.I. Why music publishing is so important to a producer’s career His Top 5 all time producers He introduces members of his team @graveyard_meat and @imuniquebeats Follow Nick Fury@nickfurybeatsAlso discussed this episode:Rest in Peace to Mac Miller. We discuss his impact on the music game.Opinion versus fact in critiquing musicWriting music (beat making) versus producingNew music releases from Russ, Paul McCartney, YBN, and JagGray Matter Collective will be at A3C!Follow us:@freegamepodcast@wlpwr@BrianOnreaThis episode was sponsored by @yumpanadas and @mcbridesisters recorded at @graymattercollective by @iamdjcoco_ and mixed by @checkmatecreative and produced by @londonelixirlx

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In this episode we welcome producer Fuse from the 808 Mafia (Big Sean, Future, Gucci Mane, etc) to the podcast. We discuss:Him growing up in NYC and what his musical influences wereHow he initially started producing musicHow 808 Mafia’s Southside heard his beats and made him a part of the teamLanding his first placement with Waka FlakaHow consistency and persistence helped him land placements with FutureHow his platinum selling single “Moves” with Big Sean came aboutThe role management has played in his career and his advice to producers seeking managementUpcoming projects that he’s working onFollow Fuse:@Fuse808MafiaAlso discussed this episode:WLPWR gives advice on what it takes to run a successful businessNew Music from Eminem, Don Q, Bun B, Blac Youngsta, and LloydMGK vs. EminemJoe Budden vs. EminemThoughts on The Bobby Brown MovieFollow us:@freegamepodcast@wlpwr@BrianOnreaThis episode was sponsored by @yumpanadas and @mcbridesisters recorded at @graymattercollective by @iamdjcoco_ and mixed by @checkmatecreative and produced by @londonelixirlx

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On this episode we welcome producer Marzeratti (Big Sean, Rae Sremmurd, Jay-Z, Rick Ross, etc) to the show. They discuss:His introduction to music and when he began to take it seriouslyMeeting Mike Will Made it and landing his first 2 placements with Future and Meek MillBecoming an initial member of the Ear Drummers CollectiveThe role he played in the career of Rae Sremmurd and his relationship with them nowProducing on the Jay-Z song “Beach is Better” and what that experience was likeWhy he decided to step out on his ownBeing an avid gamer, how his love for video games effects his productionHis new artist, RN and what to expect from him in the near futureFollow Marzeratti:@DaonlyMarzAlso discussed this episode:What’s new with the teamNew Music Sales are inThe importance of session log sheets in light of the recent Lauryn Hill/Robert Glasper controversyDid Sony release Michael Jackson music with vocals for an MJ imposter?Follow us:@freegamepodcast@wlpwr@BrianOnreaThis episode was sponsored by @yumpanadas and @mcbridesisters recorded at @graymattercollective by @mixedbylidz and mixed by @checkmatecreative and produced by @londonelixirlx

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This episode was recorded before a live audience at the Gray Matter Collective Studios in Atlanta. WLPWR and Brian Onrea welcome record industry executive Cappriccieo M. Scates aka “Capp” to the show. They discuss:Developing a love for music while growing up in church and playing drums Transitioning from a being a musician to full time music promotions working with some of the top artists in the 90s and 00sHis time serving in the military and how he translated that discipline and leadership into the music industryHow he became a U.N. Ambassador Negotiating his deal for Mytrell records with Universal Music. Writing his must have books "10 Steps to Managing A Recording Artist," and"The 11th Step I Missed."Launching a non-profit organization to help artists and athletes in emergenciesFollow Capp:@Cappriccieo www.cappriccieo.comAlso discussed this episode:New Music Releases from Trippie Red, Nicki Minaj, Ariana Grande, Bas, E-40, etcAlbum Bundle wars between Nicki Minaj and Travis Scott. Is this a viable strategy to sell music?Rest In Peace to the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. She was one of the most sampled artist in hip hop history.Follow us!@freegamepodcast@wlpwr@BrianOnreaThis episode was sponsored by @yumpanadas and @mcbridesisters recorded at @graymattercollective mixed by @checkmatecreative and produced by @londonelixirlx

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On this episode WLPWR, Tai Saint Boogie, and Brian Onrea welcome songwriter and producer Michael Busbee (Katy Perry, Rascal Flats, Pink, Timbaland, etc) to the show. They discuss:How he got his start in music engineering at a local studio and who his early influences wereRelocating from San Francisco to Nashville and how the culture there is a little different from the rest of the music industry Working with artists like Maren Morris and Lady Antebellum and how he approaches songwriting with each individual artistHe breaks down the Music Modernization Act and discusses various challenges that the bill currently facesHow those in the music community can continue to fight for musicians payWhat does he like better, producing or songwriting?Follow him:@BusbeeAlso discussed this episode:Tips on music production, audio engineering, and music marketingNew music releases from YG, Travis Scott, Iggy Azalea, and Moneybagg YoThe Lyor Cohen Breakfast Club Interview and what is a Culture VultureCitiGroup study concludes that musicians only make 12% of music revenue, what does this really mean? We break down this study!Follow us!@freegamepodcast@wlpwr@SaintBoogie@BrianOnreaThis episode was sponsored by @yumpanadas and @mcbridesisters recorded at @graymattercollective and mixed by @checkmatecreative and produced by @londonelixirlx

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On this episode WLPWR, Tai Saint Boogie, and Brian Onrea welcome songwriter and producer Michael Busbee (Katy Perry, Rascal Flats, Pink, Timbaland, etc) to the show. They discuss:

How he got his start in music engineering at a local studio and who his early influences were

Relocating from San Francisco to Nashville and how the culture there is a little different from the rest of the music industry

Working with artists like Maren Morris and Lady Antebellum and how he approaches songwriting with each individual artist

He breaks down the Music Modernization Act and discusses various challenges that the bill currently faces

How those in the music community can continue to fight for musicians pay

What does he like better, producing or songwriting?

Follow him:

@Busbee

Also discussed this episode:

Tips on music production, audio engineering, and music marketing

New music releases from YG, Travis Scott, Iggy Azalea, and Moneybagg Yo

The Lyor Cohen Breakfast Club Interview and what is a Culture Vulture

CitiGroup study concludes that musicians only make 12% of music revenue, what does this really mean? We break down this study!

Follow us!

@freegamepodcast

@wlpwr

@SaintBoogie

@BrianOnrea

This episode was sponsored by @yumpanadas and @mcbridesisters recorded at @graymattercollective and mixed by @checkmatecreative and produced by @londonelixirlx