The SaltyMF GOAT

Indie folk duo Lace and Lee reveal the secret behind their shared songwriting chemistry, how deep sisterhood shapes their sound, why friendship must always come before the band, how to turn burnout into songwriting fuel, and what it takes to break through as an independent artist!

Lace and Lee (Olivia Lee Ondrasik and Caroline Lace McPherson) are an emerging indie-folk duo who first connected while studying musical theater at NYU’s TISCH School of the Arts. Known for blending poignant folk storytelling with vintage 1970s rock influences and comedic onstage banter, they have built a creative partnership rooted in deep sisterhood. Their debut EP, Mirror Mirror, serves as a reflection of self-discovery, shared ambition, and mutual trust. 

They explain:

◼ Why their collaborative process functions like a "chemical reaction" that neither could produce alone
◼ The shared spiritual intention and organic songwriting flow that guide every track they write together
◼ Why putting friendship above business keeps their creative spark alive in a tough industry
◼ Why there is abundant room in the music ecosystem for emerging talent
◼ What young and aspiring musicians need to know as they set out on their musical journey

Timestamps:

01:29 Musical theater roots at NYU Tisch
03:01 Why friendship always comes before the band
08:42 The chemical reaction behind songwriting chemistry
12:03 Releasing Mirror Mirror and going on tour
14:40 Why resilience is the #1 rule for young artists
20:26 Why there is room for every indie artist to thrive
24:47 Turning burnout into meaningful songs
27:02 West Coast & Canada tour plans

Follow Lace and Lee:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laceandlee
YouTube:  https://www.youtube.com/@laceandlee
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61578849907946
Website:  https://www.laceandlee.com

SALTYmf:

◼ SALTYmf Website: https://saltymf.com/
◼ Salty’s Live Music: https://saltymf.com/pages/saltys-live-music
◼ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltymf_goat/
◼ Band Groupeez: https://bandgroupeez.com/

Independent southern rock artist Nick Ray reveals the biggest mistakes that stall independent musicians, how to survive the relentless touring grind without burning out, the booking red flags every artist must spot, and how to build a lifelong career on your own terms.

Nick Ray is a Southern rock singer-songwriter originally from New Orleans, Louisiana, and currently based outside Talladega, Alabama. Raised on roots rock icons like Creedence Clearwater Revival, Bad Company, and Neil Young, Ray spent years cutting his teeth as a producer and touring frontman across the Gulf Coast before returning to his raw, guitar-driven roots. Known for his relentless touring work ethic across Georgia, Tennessee, and the South, Ray delivers a vintage rock grit, authentic storytelling, and soul-moving  lyrics.

He explains:
◼ How to deal with the urge to quit and how to combat creative depression on the road
◼ How to spot bad deals, predatory promoters, and sketchy booking arrangements before you sign 
◼ Escaping the corner-bar cover circuit to establish yourself as a legitimate headline act
◼ Why getting the "stars out of your eyes" early is the best thing you can do for your music career longevity
◼ The danger of treating musicians like commodities and how to command respect from venues

Timestamps:

00:00 The misconception behind idolizing big artists
03:50 The importance of finding the right music scene to grow in
08:46 Finding your authentic voice and sound
12:25 Dealing with the urge to quit making music
20:18 Redefining success beyond fame and numbers
26:05 The state of live music in 2026
30:38 Matching with scenes and venues who respect musicians
34:17 Balancing cover sets with original gigs
38:47 How to vet venues & spot bad booking deals
44:21 Advice for young or aspiring musicians
47:35 Balancing making music with making a living

Follow Nick Ray:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/nickraymusic
TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@nickraymusic
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/nickraymusic
Band Groupeez: https://bandgroupeez.com/musicians/nick-ray

SALTYmf:
◼ SALTYmf Website: https://saltymf.com/
◼ Salty’s Live Music: https://saltymf.com/pages/saltys-live-music
◼ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltymf_goat/

Retired Air Force Colonel Michael Komorous exposes the silent mental health crisis veterans face upon returning to civilian life, why so many military veterans experience an identity crisis after transitioning, how to find purpose using the “20-20-20 rule,” and why letting down your guard feels impossible after time spent in combat.

Michael Komorous is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel, command pilot, data analytics specialist, and founder of Alpha Zulu Solutions. After a 24-year military career that spanned Pentagon leadership and commanding C-17 operations, he launched the Voice for Valor podcast and authored his memoir, The Climb: How a Boy Who Counted Exits Learned to Fly, dedicated to capturing the unvarnished stories of combat veterans, first responders, and military families.

He explains:
◼ Why stepping out of uniform causes an identity crisis for veterans
◼ The “20-20-20 rule” passed down by his mentor that guarantees lasting purpose in retirement
◼ The exact steps veterans must take to transition from isolation to community
◼ How the tragic loss of his best friend inspired Voice for Valor and proved that storytelling saves lives
◼ Why veterans constantly “move the goalposts” on their own service and downplay their trauma

Timestamps:
00:00 Why nobody cares about your military rank
03:03 Childhood survival habits & hyper-vigilance
10:32 Building thick skin
15:38 What politicians are actually like in the Pentagon
21:54 The veteran mental health crisis
27:43 The proven framework to rebuild purpose after the military
29:55 Quiet leadership vs. "helmet fire"
38:50 Why you can never judge a book by its cover
44:30 Why combat veterans constantly "move the goalposts"
47:20 Refusing to be a "cubicle boy" at major defense contractors

Follow Michael:
Website - https://voiceforvalor.com/
YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/@voiceforvalor
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-komorous/

SALTYmf:
◼ Website: https://saltymf.com/
◼ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltymf_goat/
◼ Band Groupeez: https://bandgroupeez.com/

Independent singer-songwriter Keri Edwards reveals the THREE factors that determine success in the music industry, why walking away from an early Nashville record deal was her best decision, how life experience elevates your songwriting, and the hard truths of making it as an independent artist!

Keri Edwards is an Americana-country singer-songwriter from Central Pennsylvania currently recording her upcoming album in Nashville. After pausing a thriving music career in her twenties to raise her family, Keri has returned to the industry with a fresh, seasoned perspective and a whole lot of life experience to drive her lyrics.

She explains:

◼ The 3 elements every musician needs to make it

◼ How to handle unexpected detours in your music career

◼ How real-life struggles can create deeper, more impactful song lyrics

◼ Her strategy to build an engaged fanbase

◼ How to blend in original music in your cover sets

Timestamps:

00:00 - Writing Songs That Reach People
05:01 - Walking Away From an Early Nashville Deal
10:43 - Why Life Experience Makes You a Better Songwriter
14:56 - The 3 Factors That Determine Success in Music
18:26 - New Album & Recording in Nashville
24:14 - Country Roots & The Story Behind "Daddy’s Sigh"
30:38 - Navigating the Music Scene & Building a Fan Base
32:40 - Touring Plans & Live House Concerts

Follow Keri Edwards:

Website - https://keriedwards.com
Instagram - https://instagram.com/keriedwardsmusic
Facebook - https://facebook.com/keriedwardsmusic
Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/artist/37vchCbfLSDEcHGI48iIWg
Band Groupeez - https://bandgroupeez.com/musicians/keri-edwards

SALTYmf:

◼ Website: https://saltymf.com/

◼ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltymf_goat/

◼ Band Groupeez: https://bandgroupeez.com/

VaynerX Chief Heart Officer Claude Silver reveals why leaders who micromanage are hurting team performance, how to build genuine belonging without forcing employees to "fit in," how to stay authentic at work without losing your edge, and her ultimate playbook for effective modern leadership.

Claude Silver is a bestselling author and the Chief Heart Officer at VaynerX, where she oversees the emotional well-being, culture, and growth of thousands of employees alongside Gary Vaynerchuk. With a background in psychology, advertising, and leadership, Claude is a global authority on workplace dynamics, human-first leadership, and authentic communication.

She explains:

◼ What it means to be the "CEO of Yourself" in your career 
◼ Why employees leave organizations when they don't feel connected to their leaders
◼ Why Kobe Bryant’s mindset is the ideal blueprint for great leadership
◼ How to recognize and support the quietest voices on your team
◼ How to build "emotional efficiency" to navigate workplace conflict and drama faster 

Timestamps:

00:00 Staying Authentic at Work Without Losing Your Edge
03:14 Why Psychology Belongs in Modern Business
11:30 How to Lead in Rigid or Traditional Corporate Environments
14:24 Coaching High Performers
20:28 Supporting Introverts and Extroverts
24:23 Overcoming "Me First" Leadership
28:40 Claude’s 3 Pillars: Self-Awareness, Triggers, and Leaving a Map
32:39 Why You Must Lead Yourself Before You Lead Others

Follow Claude Silver:

Claude’s Book: https://www.claudesilver.com/book
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/casilver/
Website - https://www.claudesilver.com/
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/claudesilver/

SALTYmf:

◼ Website: https://saltymf.com/

◼ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltymf_goat/

◼ Band Groupeez: https://bandgroupeez.com/

Listening expert Bradley James Davies reveals the BIGGEST communication mistake ruining your personal and professional relationships, how to cure "Always Solving Syndrome," why your brain is built to be a lousy listener, and how speaking less can instantly give you more influence in any room!

Bradley James Davies is a listening expert, author, speaker, and executive leadership coach trained at Georgetown University's Institute for Transformational Leadership. After a transformative life unraveling, he dedicated his life to studying communication, helping business executives, teams, and individuals transform their boardroom and dinner table conversations.

He explains:

◼ Why most people suffer from "Always Solving Syndrome" and how it destroys trust
◼ The difference between listening to someone versus listening with them
◼ The "Pouring Out the Glass" method for handling difficult emotional conversations
◼ How applying the 80/20 rule will drastically improve your career and relationships
◼ Why letting silence do the heavy lifting is the most powerful listening tool

Timestamps:

00:00 "When all is understood, forgiveness can happen"
04:17 How a midlife event created the desire to study listening
07:55 "Intent listening" and gathering hidden information
09:26 Listening to someone vs. listening with someone
13:35 Breakdown of Always Solving Syndrome
19:58 Speak less, speak last, ask better questions
28:00 Vietnam War, PTSD, and offering grace to parents
35:04 Why fatherhood is a gift
43:27 Letting silence do the heavy lifting in conversations

Follow Bradley James Davies:

LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/bradleyjamesdavies
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bradleyjamesdavies/
Website - https://www.bradleyjamesdavies.com/

SALTYmf:

◼ Website: https://saltymf.com/

◼ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltymf_goat/

◼ Band Groupeez: https://bandgroupeez.com/

Former NFL player and entrepreneur Kyle Auffray exposes the REAL reason modern men are facing an unprecedented identity crisis, how self-isolation and secret struggles lead to destructive vices, the 5 PILLARS every man needs to build a grounded life, and why brotherhood is the ultimate antidote to male loneliness!

Kyle Auffray is a former NFL tight end (Cardinals, Patriots, Browns, Raiders), venture capitalist, and founder of The Forge, a rapidly growing men's movement dedicated to restoring faith, family, finance, fitness, and fatherhood.

He explains:
◼ Why male isolation is triggering a mental health epidemic in men
◼ The 5 Pillars of a grounded man that lead to true peace and freedom
◼ Why men hide financial and personal struggles from their friends and spouses
◼ The 30-day gym protocol to clear your head and rewire your social media algorithm
◼ How to stop focusing on global outrage and reclaim control over your home and community

Timestamps:

00:00 The Modern Masculinity Crisis Explained
03:02 From NFL Tight End to Business & Owning a Farm
09:20 The 5 Pillars of Masculinity
17:27 Why Men Suffer in Silence & Hide Their Struggles
24:48 Finding Your True Calling & Purpose
33:38 How Propaganda Divides & Distracts Us
38:20 Focusing on What You Can Control
41:41 How Sports Unites Communities
46:42 The Only Two Books Every Man Needs

Follow Kyle & The Forge:
◼ Website - https://betheforge.com
◼ The Forge on Instagram - https://instagram.com/wearetheforge
◼ Kyle on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kyleauffray/

SALTYmf:
◼ SALTYmf Website: https://saltymf.com/
◼ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltymf_goat/
◼ Band Groupeez: https://bandgroupeez.com/

Executive coach and author Mark Aylward reveals the TRUTH about modern masculinity, why high-performing men crumble under emotional stress, the critical errors men make when dealing with anger and the exact daily habits that build unshakeable mental toughness!

Mark Aylward is a former 7-figure IT staffing founder, executive coach, and author of No One's Coming. After acting as his own attorney to win sole custody of his three children during a brutal 9-year court fight, Mark now coaches C-suite executives, founders, and high-achieving fathers through their darkest personal and professional crises.

He explains:

◼ Why toxicity and authentic masculinity do not belong in the same sentence
◼ The dangerous trap of letting negative emotions drive high-stakes decisions
◼ The simple daily physical habits that reset your brain during a life crisis
◼ Why practicing gratitude is scientifically proven to wipe out negative thoughts
◼ The real difference between whining and authentic male vulnerability

Timestamps:

00:00 The Taboo Around Men's Mental Health
05:24 Is Masculinity Really Toxic?
12:10 The 3 Pillars of Mental Toughness
17:55 Returning to Faith
29:46 What It Truly Means to Be a Man Today
34:31 How Hardship Reveals Who You Truly Are
41:40 The Power of Mentorship & Finding Your Purpose
47:33 Who Are You When You Lose Everything?

Follow Mark:
Website - https://markaylward.com
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/aylwardmark/

SALTYmf:
◼ SALTYmf Website: https://saltymf.com/
◼ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltymf_goat/
◼ Band Groupeez: https://bandgroupeez.com/

Independent rock artist Atticus Roness breaks down how to build a lasting music career, why good music isn't enough without a strong "visual voice," how major labels inflate overnight success, what he learned recording alongside Collective Soul’s Will Turpin and Ed Roland and how to stay motivated when the algorithm isn't giving you streams or views.

Atticus Roness is an independent artist and songwriter whose retro-inspired rock sound has taken him from local dive bars to opening for rock legends Collective Soul. Fusing Beatles-esque melodies with 70s rock grit, he brings an authentic, high-energy approach to modern independent music. With over 1,100 songs written, he is set to release his album Rock ‘N Roll Hit Parade on September 4th, 2026.

He explains:

◼ Why expecting overnight success on an indie budget is a dangerous trap

◼ Why you must treat visual branding almost as seriously as the music itself

◼ How to stop letting the lack of streams or likes weigh on your creative drive

◼ The Michael Jordan rule: Why independent artists must keep taking shots

◼ How to handle critics and using valid feedback to improve your craft 

Timestamps:

00:00 Stop expecting major label results on an indie timeline

03:53 Beatles, Led Zeppelin, & early musical roots

07:39 How a record store job transformed his songwriting

11:50 Finding your vocal identity & interpreting songs live

16:08 Sneaking original music into cover gigs

18:45 The Michael Jordan mindset for independent musicians

25:41 Working with Ed Roland & Will Turpin at Real to Real Studios

32:55 Songwriting discipline: Writing over 1,100 tracks

38:12 Advice for young musicians: Major labels vs. Indie reality

42:15 The importance of visual branding in music

46:42 Upcoming album release: Rock ‘N Roll Hit Parade

Follow Atticus Roness:

Pre-Save Rock ‘N Roll Hit Parade - https://songwhip.com/atticusroness
Instagram - https://instagram.com/atticusroness
YouTube -https://www.youtube.com/@atticusroness
Spotify -https://open.spotify.com/artist/0h3hZmOM80q1TVnTFvyQs5
Website -https://atticusroness.net/
Band Groupeez - https://bandgroupeez.com/musicians/atticus-roness

SALTYmf:

◼ SALTYmf Website: https://saltymf.com/
◼ Salty’s Live Music: https://saltymf.com/pages/saltys-live-music
◼ Band Groupeez: https://bandgroupeez.com/
◼ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/saltymf_goat/

In this episode, we sit down with singer-songwriter, American Idol alum, and TV/radio host Isaiah Grass. We take an honest look at what it takes to navigate life's unexpected pivots, grow your career as an indie artist, and how we are partnering to support independent musicians.

Our conversation delivers a mix of industry reality checks and practical encouragement for independent artists trying to gain fans and book more shows. We also discuss the current wave of AI-generated music, Isaiah’s personal experiences as an artist, what role persistence plays in growing your music career, and some harsh truths about the entertainment industry.

About Isaiah Grass:

Isaiah Grass is a singer-songwriter, model, TV host, syndicated radio personality, and former American Idol contestant. His musical journey began singing in his church choir in his childhood before graduating from a performing arts high school. Isaiah gained national exposure on American Idol, where his audition captivated judges Katy Perry, Lionel Richie, and Luke Bryan. His original music, including tracks like "Wherever You Are" and "I Need You," address emotional vulnerability, depression, and overcoming life's hardships.

Today, Isaiah uses his multimedia platform to champion independent music talent through The Isaiah Grass Show, broadcast across cable television and streaming platforms including Roku, Apple TV, and Amazon Fire TV. Through his weekly New Music Discovery segment, he reviews submissions from around the globe to help independent artists break through the noise and get featured on television and radio.

Follow Isaiah: https://www.instagram.com/isaiahgmusic/

Submit Your Music to Isaiah Grass: IGMPTV.com

Create Your Artist Profile: bandgroupeez.com

Video Chapters:

00:00 - Introducing to Isaiah Grass

01:22 - NY Modeling, Performing Arts & Building Confidence

02:28 - Brad’s High School Shuffle Story & Acting Class Lessons

05:02 - Overcoming Rejection & Church Choir Roots

08:07 - Navigating Career Pivots at Any Age

12:00 - American Idol, The Voice & Reality Casting

14:44 - The "Doer" Mindset & Learning Life Lessons

17:34 - Facing Public Criticism, Trolls & Overcoming Fear of Failure

19:58 - Why You Should Never Read Your Comments

22:48 - Music & Mental Health: Writing "Wherever You Are" & "I Need You" 

28:17 - Launching The Isaiah Grass Show on TV, Roku & Apple TV

33:00 - Curation & New Music Discovery Segment

34:00 - The AI Music Takeover

36:29 - Restoring Human Connection in Music

46:43 - Independent Artist Blueprint: Studio Budgets, Photography & Websites

50:09 - Why Every Artist Needs a Live EPK

52:11 - Isaiah’s New Music Discovery: Heavy Metal, Country, Pop & Funk Curation

56:15 - Chasing Career Growth vs. Chasing Industry Fame

58:14 - From Zero to 104 Live Shows

1:00:19 - How to Stand Out Among 100,000 Daily Spotify Uploads

1:02:31 - Band Groupeez x The Isaiah Grass Show Partnership

#independentmusic #livemusic #independentartist