Explore the intricacies of the music industry with Derrick McKinney, the visionary founder of L.O.U.D Muzik, on this enlightening episode of The Indie Unplugged. Hosted by B. Vaughan, this deep dive covers Derrick’s remarkable journey from marketing for FUBU to driving monumental growth at Headgear Sportswear and establishing his own empire. Discover how Derrick’s passion for music and sharp business acumen helped him overcome industry challenges and spearhead innovative platforms like L.O.U.D Fest and L.O.U.D. Radio to support indie artists.

This episode not only sheds light on Derrick's path to success but also delves into critical discussions about the dynamics of power and representation in the music industry. Tune in for an inspiring session filled with stories of resilience, creativity, and leadership that are sure to motivate and educate any music entrepreneur or enthusiast.

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Join us on this profound episode of The Indie Unplugged with host B. Vaughan and the inspirational Kennis Clark, a multi-talented artist bridging genres from R&B to Christian contemporary music. In this deep dive, Kennis shares his eclectic musical journey, from his beginnings in Long Island to his transformative experiences in California, where his faith and music intertwined, leading him to a purpose-driven career.

Discover the challenges and triumphs that have shaped his path, his adventures with various music groups, and how personal trials led him to embrace a faith-based approach to music. This episode is not just a musical exploration but also a heartfelt look at Kennis's spiritual journey and his ultimate commitment to producing music that uplifts and inspires. Tune in to hear a story of resilience, faith, and artistic evolution that will resonate with anyone who believes in the power of change through music.

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In this episode of The Indie Unplugged on We Create Music TV, host B. Vaughan sits down with Celeste Debro, a powerhouse music supervisor with deep roots in the indie scene. Hailing from Nashville, Celeste’s journey spans music supervision, talent management, and creative consultancy—all driven by her mission to uplift independent artists. She shares how her early exposure to jazz shaped her musical sensibilities and how those roots continue to influence her work today.

Throughout the conversation, Celeste opens up about the realities of navigating the music industry, the importance of protecting artist rights, and the delicate balance between personal life and professional ambition. With a mix of candid stories and practical advice, this episode offers a rare, behind-the-scenes look into the world of music supervision and what it takes to thrive as an indie artist in today’s music landscape. Don’t miss this chance to learn from one of the industry's most respected voices.

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In this exclusive interview, legendary musician and producer Michael B. Sutton takes us on a captivating journey through his iconic career—from his gospel roots to his rise within the halls of Motown. Beginning as a talented gospel pianist for giants like James Cleveland and Andre Crouch, Michael shares how a timely encounter with Stevie Wonder set him on the path to songwriting and producing. His big break came when his group Wonderlove caught Motown’s attention, leading to collaborations with music royalty including Michael Jackson, Diana Ross, and Smokey Robinson.

Throughout the conversation, Michael reflects on the highs and lows of working in the music industry. From hit records with Stephanie Mills and Dennis Edwards to the complex saga of Milli Vanilli, he offers invaluable behind-the-scenes insights into the business of music. With stories rich in history and heart, this interview is a must-watch for anyone curious about the golden era of Motown and the enduring impact of Michael B. Sutton’s work.

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In this exclusive interview, gospel artist and entrepreneur Coppe Cantrell shares her remarkable journey of transformation, purpose, and faith. Once working behind the scenes in the music industry and married to iconic producer Johnny J, Coppe experienced a profound spiritual awakening that redirected her path. Following a prophetic word and a powerful moment of divine inspiration, she embraced her calling as a gospel singer—merging her heartfelt lyrics with unreleased music from her late husband to create songs that honor both his legacy and God’s purpose for her life.

Coppe opens up about the challenges she has faced in the gospel music industry, including rejection, lack of support, and misconceptions about the faith-based music world. Despite the obstacles, she remains rooted in her faith, driven by a mission to use her voice to bring others closer to Christ. Her story is one of resilience, integrity, and obedience, reminding us that true success lies not in fame, but in fulfilling God’s calling. This heartfelt conversation is a powerful testimony for anyone seeking purpose through their gifts.

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In this heartfelt interview, we sit down with Nordic Daughter—the folk alternative duo of Melissa and Jason—as they share their musical journey, inspirations, and how their bond as a couple fuels their creative synergy. Melissa’s passion for music began in a home filled with 70s classics, later reignited when she met Jason. Their connection led to songwriting in 2014, using music not only as an artistic outlet but also as a way to reconnect and heal. Jason, drawn to guitar since childhood, brings influences ranging from rock to country, blending seamlessly with Melissa’s vocals to shape the group’s signature sound.

Together, they describe their songs as “song babies,” filled with raw emotion and personal stories that resonate with listeners. As a married duo, they share the joys and challenges of navigating both life and music together—finding inspiration in each other while also learning to manage the pressures of the industry. For Melissa, music is a form of healing; for Jason, it’s a lifelong love. Their authenticity, emotional depth, and shared passion make Nordic Daughter a truly captivating force in the world of independent music.

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In this exclusive interview, Billboard-charting artist Fayro takes us on an inspiring journey from his Memphis roots to the national spotlight. He recalls discovering his purpose at just 15, recording his first studio track, and being motivated by the positive feedback that followed. As an independent artist, Fayro opens up about overcoming financial challenges, emphasizing the value of authenticity and drawing inspiration from within rather than comparing oneself to others.

We also dive into his latest project, My Homage, an album dedicated to the musical legends who shaped his artistry. Fayro shares how each track carries personal significance, blending reggae, dancehall, and hip-hop into his signature sound. He discusses the creative and strategic efforts behind his music video premiere, his connection with fans, and the deeper meaning behind staying true to one’s journey. This conversation is a powerful glimpse into the mindset and resilience of a truly independent star.

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In this video, we have an incredible interview with the talented vocalist and songwriter, Lynda Starr. Lynda takes us on a journey through her musical background, starting from singing in church choirs as a child to developing her own unique style as an artist.

In this heartfelt interview, vocalist and songwriter Lynda Starr takes us through her powerful journey from singing in Brooklyn church choirs to developing her distinctive sound as an artist. She reflects on how growing up in a single-parent household and being immersed in diverse musical influences helped shape her voice and message. Music, for Lynda, has always been more than art—it's a form of self-expression and healing.

Lynda opens up about her advocacy for mental health and self-love, candidly sharing her own battles with burnout and depression. She highlights the importance of therapy and vulnerability in her artistic journey. Her performance of "Save Us" at the Essence Fest New and Next Artist competition marked a pivotal moment, reinforcing her purpose as a storyteller and healer. With sincerity and soul, Lynda Starr continues to touch lives through music that uplifts, empowers, and connects.

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In this exclusive interview, we sit down with the dynamic hip hop duo Loyalty Is Timeless, comprised of brothers Controversy and Big D. Hailing from Birmingham, Alabama, the two reflect on their early musical roots—from singing in church to performing for family—and how those experiences shaped their identity as artists. Their church background shines through in their ability to seamlessly blend rapping and soulful singing, giving them a versatile sound that sets them apart in today’s music scene.

Family and authenticity lie at the heart of Loyalty Is Timeless’s music. The brothers emphasize the importance of staying true to who they are, resisting industry pressure to conform, and involving loved ones in their creative process. Their message is clear: loyalty, both to family and to self-expression, is the foundation of their journey and their success.

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In this inspiring interview, we sit down with Prolyphic The Professional—an accomplished music producer and sync licensing specialist—to explore his remarkable journey from church choir beginnings to the world of television, film, and commercial music. Prolyphic shares how his early passion for DJing evolved into a dedicated pursuit of music production, detailing the challenges he faced and the persistence it took to carve out his niche in the competitive sync licensing space.

The conversation dives deep into the craft of composing music for visual media, as Prolyphic offers practical insights into the technical and creative demands of sync licensing. He breaks down what it means to be a One-Stop shop in the industry and shares firsthand experiences working with music libraries and publishers. This interview is a must-watch for aspiring producers, offering both inspiration and a real-world look at the determination needed to build a meaningful and impactful career in music.

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