In this powerful episode of The Indie Unplugged, B. Vaughan sits down with the unstoppable Monique Nikkole—a Grammy-nominated singer, entrepreneur, former detective sergeant, and true queen of reinvention. From her early roots in Brooklyn to her breakout success with “Red Bottoms & Lingerie,” Monique shares her journey of overcoming stage fright, surviving artist management struggles, building her music empire, and finding her voice in activism through her hit single “Queen of the Hustle.”

They dive into everything: her take on the BET Awards, the AI artist debate surrounding Timbaland’s “TaTa,” the reality of being an indie artist wearing multiple hats, and the discipline it takes to maintain her personal health, brand, and mission. Monique also talks about receiving the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, launching her upcoming EP Enigmatic, and why staying grounded in your truth as an artist matters more than ever.

This isn’t just an interview—it’s a blueprint for every independent artist chasing purpose over popularity.

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In this inspiring episode of The Indie Unplugged, host B. Vaughan sits down with Madeline Jackson, a rising force in the Atlanta music scene and Director of Events Programming at Rival Entertainment (Center Stage, The Loft, and Vinyl). Madeline shares her journey from growing up in small-town Georgia with a deep love for music to becoming a key player in curating some of the city’s most vibrant live experiences. She opens up about her early career pivots, the importance of internships, and how a pivotal moment at Kanye West’s Donda listening party helped realign her purpose.

Throughout the conversation, Madeline reflects on the power of manifestation, the impact of parental support, and the lessons she’s learned on both the creative and business sides of the industry. She also offers thoughtful insights into the future of live music, including how technology and AI might enhance — but never replace — the irreplaceable connection of in-person performance. Whether you're a future music executive or a creative chasing your path, this episode is filled with practical advice, personal reflection, and industry wisdom.

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In this impactful episode of The Indie Unplugged, host B. Vaughan sits down with Prince Howard, a powerhouse music executive, publisher, and entrepreneur whose influence spans from Montgomery to the global music stage. As CEO of Pacific Music Publishing and President of Royalty Genius, Prince has earned over 60 gold and platinum plaques, contributing to the success of artists like Beyoncé, 21 Savage, Moneybagg Yo, and more. He shares how his legacy—rooted in entrepreneurship and civil rights activism—shaped his business mindset and propelled him into the music industry with purpose and precision.

From military service to financial consulting and ultimately to global music publishing, Prince recounts his unconventional journey with candor and clarity. He dives into the importance of ownership, the hidden power of publishing revenue, and the strategies artists often overlook when building sustainable careers. With insider insights on artist management, royalty structures, and industry pitfalls, this episode is a masterclass in turning creative passion into generational wealth. A must-listen for any artist or entrepreneur navigating the modern music business.

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In this powerful episode of The Indie Unplugged, B. Vaughan sits down with Da-Neek, a Brooklyn-born MC, songwriter, and activist known for his razor-sharp lyricism and socially conscious message. Da-Neek opens up about his journey from the streets of East New York to his spiritual transformation through the Nation of Islam, and how that evolution shaped both his music and his mission. He reflects on the legacy of his aunt, DJ Spinderella, and how her influence instilled in him a deep respect for artistry, discipline, and integrity.

The conversation explores the shifting landscape of hip-hop—from its soulful origins to its current commercialization—and Da-Neek’s call for a return to authenticity and purpose in music. He unpacks his past projects like Concrete Gorilla and Brooklyn’s Problems, and teases his upcoming album Rise, a powerful reflection of growth, resilience, and cultural responsibility. For anyone passionate about hip-hop’s potential to inspire and uplift, this episode is a masterclass in staying true to the message while challenging the status quo.

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n this powerful episode of The Indie Unplugged, host B. Vaughan sits down with the dynamic and inspiring David Je’—a Grammy-nominated, Billboard-charting artist, songwriter, producer, and vocal coach. From his gospel beginnings in Newark, NJ, to collaborations with industry heavyweights like Maya and Eric Bellinger, David shares the defining moments of his journey, including his work on Emmy-nominated productions. His story is one of resilience, purpose, and a deep commitment to artistic integrity.

The conversation dives into the heart of artist development, where David emphasizes that true greatness stems from a blend of natural talent, rigorous discipline, and ongoing mentorship. He reflects on the importance of mastering your craft and why striving for excellence should always outweigh chasing popularity. David also unpacks his entrepreneurial ventures with Dreamwalker Entertainment and offers empowering guidance for rising creatives. This episode is more than a conversation—it’s a blueprint for building a sustainable, purpose-driven career in music.

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In this insightful episode of The Indie Unplugged Podcast, host B. Vaughan sits down with Mathew Steele, founder of SteelSync and a pioneer in the sync licensing space. With over 13 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Mathew shares his journey from Tampa to Atlanta and how he built a licensing company that has secured placements in major films like Limitless and The Family, as well as TV favorites such as Parks and Recreation and Sons of Anarchy. He explains how SteelSync helps independent artists break into sync licensing and monetize their music through strategic placements and royalties.

The conversation dives deep into the mechanics of sync licensing, including the common challenges indie artists face, the importance of metadata and production quality, and how tools like AI and networking can streamline the process. Mathew also introduces Sync Spotlight, an upcoming event designed to educate creators about licensing through panels, networking, and live feedback. Whether you're an artist, producer, or industry pro, this episode is packed with valuable insights and actionable strategies for making your music work for you in film, TV, and beyond.

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In this powerful episode of The Indie Unplugged, hosts B. Vaughan and Brian Onrea sit down with legendary music industry consultant and Rap Coalition founder Wendy Day. Known for her fierce advocacy for independent artists, Wendy breaks down the true financial cost of launching a successful music career, offering unfiltered insights into marketing, building a fanbase, and securing investor support. She emphasizes the importance of education and strategic planning, encouraging artists to treat their careers like businesses with clear goals and structured campaigns.

The conversation also takes a thoughtful turn as Wendy discusses the importance of cultural respect within hip-hop. She offers heartfelt advice to those outside the community who wish to engage with the genre, stressing the value of authenticity, passion, and historical awareness. Packed with real talk, industry knowledge, and actionable tips, this episode is a must-listen for anyone serious about building a sustainable career in music.

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In this episode of The Indie Unplugged, host B. Vaughan sits down with Grammy-nominated producer and engineer Darius “3D” Jenkins. Hailing from Jacksonville and now rooted in Atlanta, Darius reflects on his journey from interning at legendary studios like Patchwerk and Tree Sound to working with industry giants such as Kanye West, The Weeknd, and Lil Wayne. His Grammy-nominated work on The Life of Pablo cemented his status as a sought-after producer, and he now co-leads Kreative Villains—a dynamic production duo responsible for some of today’s most innovative soundscapes.

Darius shares the vision behind Kreative Corner Studios and the launch of Kreative Academy Atlanta, his initiative to mentor the next generation of producers. He dives into his creative process, insights from writing camps, and his evolving perspective on the role of AI in music production. This episode offers listeners an in-depth look at what it takes to rise in the industry and stay ahead of the curve—making it essential listening for aspiring music creators and fans of cutting-edge production alike.

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In this insightful episode of The Indie Unplugged, host B. Vaughan sits down with Morgan McKnight, Executive Director of the Production Music Association (PMA), to discuss her unique journey from digital marketing and event production into music administration. Morgan shares how she found her passion advocating for composers and songwriters in the world of production music—an often overlooked yet vital sector of the industry.

The conversation explores the evolving challenges and opportunities within production music, including fair compensation, copyright protection, and the impact of emerging technologies like AI and global streaming. Morgan also emphasizes the power of relationships, collaboration, and understanding the business side of music. For anyone navigating the complexities of today’s music landscape, this episode offers practical insight and inspiration from one of the field’s most dedicated advocates.

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In this episode of The Indie Unplugged, host B. Vaughan sits down with Ray Daniels, CEO of R.A.Y.D.A.R. Management and a powerhouse in the music industry who’s helped shape the careers of stars like Lizzo, Future, and Chloe Bailey. Ray shares his journey from humble beginnings to industry leadership, offering sharp insights on artist development, mentorship, and the value of authenticity in a highly competitive field. He opens up about the challenges of wearing multiple hats—from A&R executive to podcast host—and the lessons he’s learned along the way.

The conversation explores the realities of validation, social media pressures, and the importance of self-worth in building a sustainable career. Ray emphasizes the need to stay grounded in your values while navigating the demands of the industry, touching on topics like leadership, fatherhood, and giving back. Whether you're an emerging artist or a seasoned professional, this episode is packed with real talk, actionable wisdom, and inspiration from one of music’s most respected voices.

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