What separates a good producer from someone who helps shape global hit records?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, Grammy-nominated producer, songwriter, and A&R executive Sak Pase (Sham Joseph) shares the incredible journey that took him from playing music in church to working with artists including Kanye West, Jay-Z, Rihanna, Travis Scott, Nicki Minaj, and Shaboozey.

Sak discusses contributing to Watch the Throne, working on Yeezus, producing "Man Down" for Rihanna, and helping guide Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)" as an A&R. He also explains how producers can create lasting careers by combining creativity, relationships, and business strategy.

Whether you're a producer, songwriter, artist, or aspiring music executive, this conversation offers invaluable insights into hit-making, artist development, leadership, and navigating today's music industry.

In this episode:

🎵 Growing up in a Haitian church

🎹 Learning from Jerry Wonder & The Fugees

👑 Working with Kanye West on Watch the Throne & Yeezus

🎤 Producing "Man Down" for Rihanna

🤠 Helping develop Shaboozey's "A Bar Song (Tipsy)"

📈 What an A&R actually does

💡 Advice for the next generation of music creators

🌐 More interviews with artists, producers, and songwriters:

https://www.sonical.ly

Hosted by Elmo Chong
Founder of Sonical.ly | Juno Award-winning Music Producer
Music Creators Educating Music Creators.

How do you continue creating after experiencing profound loss?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, legendary singer-songwriter Gino Vannelli reflects on a remarkable career spanning more than five decades, the timeless success of "I Just Wanna Stop," and the deeply personal journey behind his album The Life I Got to My Most Beloved.

Gino shares how growing up in Montreal shaped his musical identity, why craftsmanship matters more than fame, how spirituality has guided his creative life, and how the passing of his wife Patricia inspired one of the most meaningful albums he has ever written.

This conversation explores songwriting, resilience, grief, faith, artistic integrity, and the lifelong pursuit of truth through music.

Whether you're a songwriter, producer, performer, or creative of any kind, this episode offers timeless wisdom on building both a meaningful career and a meaningful life.

In this episode:

🎵 Growing up surrounded by music

🎹 The story behind "I Just Wanna Stop"

❤️ The inspiration for The Life I Got

🙏 Finding hope through faith and spirituality

🎼 Designing the emotional sound of the album

💡 Advice for the next generation of music creators

🌐 More interviews with artists, producers, and songwriters:

https://www.sonical.ly

Hosted by Elmo Chong
Founder of Sonical.ly | Juno Award-winning Music Producer
Music Creators Educating Music Creators.

How do you turn viral internet success into a lasting music career?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, singer-songwriter, producer, and viral creator Lubalin shares the journey behind his wildly popular Internet Drama series, the making of his debut album Ha Ha No Worries, and how persistence helped him build one of today's most unique creative careers.

We explore Lubalin's early love of music, writing songs for Charlotte Cardin, balancing comedy with emotional storytelling, revisiting unfinished ideas, and knowing when a song is finally complete.

Whether you're a songwriter, producer, content creator, or independent artist, this conversation is filled with practical insights into creativity, persistence, and artistic evolution.

In this episode:

🎵 Growing up with music

🎮 Mario Paint and discovering creativity

🎤 The story behind Internet Drama

📱 Navigating viral TikTok success

🎼 Writing for Charlotte Cardin

🎧 The making of Ha Ha No Worries

💡 Advice for the next generation of music creators

🌐 More interviews with artists, producers, and songwriters:

https://www.sonical.ly

Hosted by Elmo Chong
Founder of Sonical.ly | Juno Award-winning Music Producer
Music Creators Educating Music Creators.

What does it take to reinvent yourself while staying true to your artistry?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, producer, and engineer BLK LT$ (formerly Andreena Mill) shares her journey from collaborating with Drake to creating a bold new chapter inspired by the legendary Wu-Tang Clan.

We explore her early musical influences, growing up around reggae, navigating Toronto's music scene, collaborating on "Closer" with Drake, and why she chose to evolve into BLK LT$. She also shares the creative vision behind Honey: The Black Lotus Meets the Killa Bees, where classic Wu-Tang influences meet modern R&B.

Whether you're a songwriter, producer, vocalist, or independent artist, this conversation offers valuable insights into artistic reinvention, authenticity, and building a lasting creative career.

In this episode:

🎵 Growing up surrounded by music

🇨🇦 Building a career in Toronto

🔥 Working with Drake on "Closer"

👐 The inspiration behind her Wu-Tang-inspired project

🎤 Why Andreena Mill became BLK LT$

💡 Advice for the next generation of music creators

Hosted by Elmo Chong
Founder of Sonical.ly | Juno Award-winning Music Producer
Music Creators Educating Music Creators.

How do you stay rooted in your faith while building a global music career?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Joe L. Barnes shares the story behind "Promises" with Maverick City Music, the inspiration for his solo album Good Shepherd, and the lessons he's learned about serving others through music.

Joe reflects on growing up surrounded by music, developing his songwriting, balancing ministry with public recognition, nurturing authentic relationships, and why serving people is more important than chasing success.

Whether you're a songwriter, worship leader, producer, or creative pursuing a meaningful life, this conversation offers practical insights into faith, creativity, leadership, and purpose.

In this episode:

🎵 Growing up with music

🙏 The story behind "Promises"

🐑 The inspiration for Good Shepherd

❤️ Balancing ministry, music, and relationships

✍️ Songwriting as an act of service

💡 Advice for the next generation of music creators

Follow Joe L. Barnes

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/iamjoe_l

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@iamjoe_l

Spotify:

https://open.spotify.com/artist/5nO7Y

🌐 More interviews with artists, producers, and songwriters:

https://www.sonical.ly

Hosted by Elmo Chong
Founder of Sonical.ly | Juno Award-winning Music Producer
Music Creators Educating Music Creators.

How can music challenge stereotypes and change the conversation?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, JUNO Award-nominated hip-hop duo Snotty Nose Rez Kids share their journey from the Haisla Nation in Kitimat, British Columbia, to becoming one of Canada's most influential voices in contemporary hip-hop.

Young Trybez and Yung D discuss the story behind "Bougie Natives," the inspiration for "No Dogs Allowed," their album Red Future, and how they use music to celebrate Indigenous identity while confronting stereotypes and creating meaningful conversations.

Whether you're a songwriter, producer, rapper, or independent artist, this conversation offers valuable insights into authenticity, community, resilience, and building a creative career with purpose.

In this episode:

🎵 Growing up with music

🌎 Representing the Haisla Nation and Indigenous culture

🔥 The story behind "Bougie Natives"

🚫 The meaning behind "No Dogs Allowed"

🎤 Building community through hip-hop

💡 Advice for the next generation of music creators

Follow Snotty Nose Rez Kids

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/snottynoserezkids

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@snottynoserezkids

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/snottynoserezkids

🌐 More interviews with artists, producers, and songwriters:

https://www.sonical.ly

Hosted by Elmo Chong
Founder of Sonical.ly | Juno Award-winning Music Producer
Music Creators Educating Music Creators.

How do you stay true to yourself while building a music career in today's industry?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, Toronto artist SadBoi shares the journey behind her project Bare Chat, opening up about finding her voice, overcoming bullying, embracing vulnerability, and building a career that blends dancehall, R&B, hip-hop, reggae, and pop.

We also discuss the moment Drake publicly supported her music, manifesting a future collaboration with Nicki Minaj, balancing life between Toronto and Atlanta, and why authenticity has become her greatest strength as an artist.

Whether you're a songwriter, producer, artist, or independent creator, this conversation offers practical insights on confidence, creativity, and staying true to yourself while growing a career.

In this episode:

🎵 Growing up with music

💿 Building Bare Chat

🦉 The story behind Drake's co-sign

💭 Manifesting a Nicki Minaj collaboration

❤️ Turning pain into music

💡 Advice for the next generation of music creators

Follow SadBoi

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/sadboi

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@whyusadboi

X:

https://x.com/whyusadboi

🌐 More interviews with artists, producers, and songwriters:

https://www.sonical.ly

Hosted by Elmo Chong & G.NA
Founder of Sonical.ly | Juno Award-winning Music Producer
Music Creators Educating Music Creators.

How do you reinvent yourself without losing your creative identity?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, rapper, songwriter, and producer Kossisko shares the story behind his artistic evolution—from performing as 100s to embracing a new creative identity inspired by funk, soul, hip-hop, and fearless experimentation.

We explore the making of Slayerz Ball, the influence of Rick James and the Stone City Band, becoming an independent artist, and why creative freedom has become central to Kossisko's music.

Whether you're a songwriter, producer, rapper, or independent artist, this conversation offers valuable insights into artistic reinvention, originality, and building a career on your own terms.

In this episode:

🎵 Growing up with music

🎤 The evolution from 100s to Kossisko

🎸 Rick James, funk, and the Stone City Band

🚀 Becoming an independent artist

🎚️ Experimentation and creative freedom

💡 Advice for the next generation of music creators

Follow Kossisko

Website:

https://www.kossiskoworld.com

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/kossisko

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@kossisko

🌐 More interviews with artists, producers, and songwriters:

https://www.sonical.ly

Hosted by Elmo Chong
Founder of Sonical.ly | Juno Award-winning Music Producer
Music Creators Educating Music Creators.

How do you find your authentic voice as an artist?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, singer-songwriter Caleb Hearn shares the creative journey behind songs like "Little Bit Better" featuring ROSIE and "Klonopin," opening up about vulnerability, mental health, and learning to write songs that connect deeply with listeners.

Caleb reflects on his early musical influences, transitioning from rap into singer-songwriter music, moving to Nashville, writing from both personal experiences and imagined stories, and the challenges of building confidence in his own voice.

Whether you're a songwriter, producer, or independent artist, this conversation offers practical insights into creativity, storytelling, and turning difficult life experiences into meaningful music.

In this episode:

🎵 Growing up with music

🎤 Finding confidence in my voice

❤️ The story behind "Little Bit Better"

💊 Writing "Klonopin" and processing anxiety

✍️ Writing songs from personal and imagined experiences

🏙️ Why I chose Nashville over Los Angeles

💡 Advice for the next generation of music creators

Follow Caleb Hearn

TikTok:

https://www.tiktok.com/@calebhearnmusic

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/calebhearnmusic

🌐 More interviews with artists, producers, and songwriters:

https://www.sonical.ly

Hosted by Elmo Chong
Founder of Sonical.ly | Juno Award-winning Music Producer
Music Creators Educating Music Creators.

Send us a text

Interview by Elmo Chong & G.NA

In today’s episode, we are honored to host the mesmerizing Winona Oak, a singer-songwriter whose haunting melodies and beautiful lyrics have captivated audiences around the globe. 

Originating from the serene landscapes of Sweden, Winona Oak's journey into music is as enchanting as her sound. Her breakthrough came through her collaboration with What So Not on the track "Beautiful", which showcased her ability to convey deep emotions through her music. She further captivated the music community with her stunning vocals on The Chainsmokers’ hit "Hope."

Winona’s solo works, such as "He Don’t Love Me" and "Break My Broken Heart," resonate with themes of love, loss, and resilience, reflecting her strength in using music as a form of expression and connection. 

She has a new EP out Titled VOID, written after losing her mom to cancer and coping with the emotions that it left in her heart.

In today’s conversation, we will delve into Winona’s musical influences, her creative process, and the stories behind her profound lyrics. 
So, without further ado, let’s welcome the incredibly talented, the ethereal, Winona Oak.

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