In this episode of the Make Our Music Podcast, the guys sit down with Sean Lichtenstein and Glenn Mungo of Lansdowne to unpack the real story behind their evolution, going indie, navigating label opportunities, losing deals, and ultimately taking back control of their career.
From early regional momentum to national touring, radio success, military tours overseas, and major management shifts, Lansdowne shares the pivotal moments that shaped their sound and their mindset.
They dive into:
The transition from pop rock into active hard rock
The deal that fell apart after they were told it was “done”
Internal band tensions and near breaking points
Raising independent capital to fund their next phase
Touring with Pop Evil, Puddle of Mudd, Black Stone Cherry, and more
Why stepping away from the road changed everything
How streaming (especially Spotify) reignited the band
Breaking into Europe and building Germany into a major market
What “taking back control” really means as an independent band

This episode is a masterclass in resilience, smart pivots, and long-term vision. It’s about surviving the emotional highs and lows of the industry, and learning how to build leverage instead of waiting for permission.
If you’re an independent artist trying to balance creativity with ownership, this one hits deep.

This week, we’re joined by Ken Smith and Jim Foster to unpack the full journey of their band, Nullset. From forming in a rehearsal room hallway to signing with Grand Royal and hearing their music on the radio, Ken and Jim share the highs, the heartbreaks, and everything in between. We talk about the Boston rock scene, label drama, the impact of 9/11, and how getting their masters back opened a door to reintroduce Nullset’s catalog to a new generation. Plus: the resurgence of nu-metal, the band that sounds exactly like Ken on TikTok, and advice they’d give their younger selves. If you’re grinding in a band or building a career from scratch, this episode is full of hard-earned insights and honest laughs.

In this first episode of the Make Our Music podcast, the MoM founders, Mark, Shaun, Jim, and Johnny, lay the foundation for what this show is all about: helping serious indie artists grow real fans and sustainable careers without relying on labels, gimmicks, or luck.
They share their own journeys, touring the world, signing with major labels, producing hundreds of records, and the lessons learned from decades inside (and outside) the industry. You’ll hear why mindset is the first step, why fan growth solves every problem, and how the Indie Artist’s Compass gives artists a clear, step-by-step path forward.
If you’re tired of noise, hacks, and false promises, this is where the real journey begins.