Creative, corporate jack-of-all-trades and co-founder of Amplify Washtenaw, Maia Evans, signs on to explore career diversity, finding passion in creative production, and empowering creatives through Amplify Washtenaw.

Startup professional and entrepreneur Aletha Green stops by to discuss the impact and future of artificial intelligence, what it takes for startups to operate effectively, and how to position talent for success.

Journalist and musician, Antonio Cooper, shares his experience working for notable publications like XXL and Pop Magazine, creating spaces and opportunities for other creatives, and working on his series, The Seven Series.

Catch episodes of The Seven Series now, and catch new music reviews via Antonio's Ayesharp blog!

Singer-songwriter and Renivere Rising recipient Lorian Janine chats about finding empowerment through artistry, her first experiences in recording music, and the evolution of the debut project she's been working on with Renivere Recording.

Lorian also offers an all-exclusive sneak peek listen from an upcoming single.

We sit down with Catch and Play Songs founder and artist development multi-hyphenate, Chris Simpson, to discuss creating career pathways while finding cultivating pathways to mentorship along the way, the power of collaboration, and moving through a career with intention.

You can make every play count by getting started with Catch and Play Songs today: https://www.catchandplaysongs.com

Event producer and longtime friend, Ayanna Rogers, stops by to chat about working for some of the most internationally prestigious entities, falling into her path, and navigating corporate America with authenticity.

The Frequency Exchange has arrived! Off the heels of the steady launch with The Waveform, London Beck is back with a new and improved format! Music diva, Baddie Brooks, kicks things off and chats with us about her new single, “Game Over”, staying authentic to herself and her craft during uncertain times, and the importance of being the change you want to see in the world, and much more! 

Studio perfection versus stage electricity – these two musical worlds demand entirely different skills from artists. In "On Your Feet," we explore the fascinating contrast between recording music and performing it live, revealing why some musicians thrive in the controlled environment of the studio while others come alive only when facing an audience. From the technical precision of microphone placement and layered production to the raw energy and real-time adaptability required on stage, we break down the unique challenges that separate these two essential aspects of musicianship.

The episode also examines how the most versatile artists bridge this divide, from "live off the floor" recording techniques that capture performance energy to innovative approaches for translating complex studio productions to the stage. Through examples ranging from Prince's dual mastery to Radiohead's studio-to-stage evolution, we discover how the tension between recording and performing can drive artistic growth rather than limit it. Whether you're a musician navigating both worlds or a music lover curious about what happens behind the scenes, this exploration reveals why the same song can feel like two completely different experiences when heard on record versus experienced live.

The music industry's traditional gatekeepers are no longer the only path to success. We explore how independent artists build thriving careers on their terms, from DIY pioneers like Ani DiFranco to modern success stories like Chance the Rapper and Russ who've turned independence into a powerful business strategy. Discover how today's indie artists create sustainable careers through diverse revenue streams, including crowdfunding, sync licensing, publishing, direct-to-fan commerce, and innovative subscription models like James Blake's vault.fm.

Beyond rejecting the label system, these artists are leveraging an expanding ecosystem of tools and platforms designed to empower independence. We examine how distribution services like AWAL and UnitedMasters, marketing tools, community platforms, and financial innovations offer independent artists capabilities that were once exclusive to major labels.

In today's music industry, who decides which artists succeed and which remain unheard? We explore how traditional power structures – from major labels to radio programmers – have controlled access to audiences for decades, and how these gatekeeping mechanisms continue to evolve in the digital age. Despite the promise of democratization through streaming and social media, new forms of gatekeeping have emerged through playlist curators, algorithms, and financial barriers.

Join us as we examine how artists are fighting back by creating their own paths to success outside traditional systems. From Chance the Rapper's independent Grammy win to Frank Ocean's strategic label exit, we highlight the innovators building direct-to-fan relationships and redefining what success means on their own terms. This episode balances critical analysis of industry power dynamics with inspiring examples of how artists are reclaiming control and reshaping the future of music. Whether you're a creator or a passionate fan, you'll gain fresh insights into the changing landscape of music industry gatekeeping and the power of artistic autonomy.