How do you stay true to yourself in an industry filled with criticism and expectations?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, internationally acclaimed violinist, songwriter, and performer Lindsey Stirling shares the creative journey behind her album Duality, reflecting on intuition, resilience, identity, and the experiences that have shaped her career.

Lindsey opens up about overcoming the criticism she faced after America's Got Talent, learning to trust her inner voice, dealing with social media negativity, composing music that blends classical and modern styles, and finding inspiration through life's most difficult moments.

We also explore the stories behind songs like Inner Gold, Eye of the Untold Her, Surrender, and Survive, discussing how vulnerability and personal growth influence her songwriting.

Whether you're a songwriter, producer, performer, or creative of any kind, this conversation is filled with practical insights on confidence, creativity, and building a meaningful artistic career.

In this episode:

🎻 Growing up with music

🌟 Life after America's Got Talent

💿 The creative journey behind Duality

✨ Trusting your intuition and inner voice

❤️ Writing through heartbreak and healing

💡 Advice for the next generation of music creators

Follow Lindsey Stirling

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/lindseystirling

TikTok:

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

Website:

https://www.lindseystirling.com

🌐 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 build a global music career with nothing more than your guitar and the internet?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, acclaimed guitarist and songwriter Giacomo Turra shares how he transformed his passion for funk guitar into a worldwide audience through social media while developing a distinctive style inspired by jazz, blues, soul, and R&B.

We explore the inspiration behind his single "The Way She Wants," his creative process, approaching guitar solos without relying solely on music theory, growing an online audience, and the mindset required to build a career as a modern guitarist.

Whether you're a guitarist, producer, songwriter, or independent artist, this conversation is packed with practical advice on creativity, consistency, and finding your own musical identity.

In this episode:

🎸 Growing up with music in Italy

🎵 Building a global audience through social media

🎶 The story behind "The Way She Wants"

🎼 Creating guitar solos without overthinking theory

📈 Growing as a modern guitarist

💡 Advice for the next generation of music creators

Follow Giacomo Turra

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/giacomoturra

Facebook:

https://www.facebook.com/giacomoturramusic

Tour Dates:

https://g.co/kgs/Ly733Wu

🌐 More interviews:

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 honest emotions into songs that connect with millions of people?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, singer-songwriter Taylor Felt shares her journey from posting music online to collaborating on a viral "Golden Hour" duet with JVKE, while continuing to develop her own voice through original songs like "Mirror Mirror," "Days Like This," and the Dead Flowers EP.

Taylor opens up about songwriting, growing up in a supportive family, transforming journal entries into lyrics, balancing covers with original music, and navigating the challenges of building a career as an independent artist in today's digital landscape.

Whether you're a songwriter, singer, producer, or aspiring artist, this conversation is packed with practical advice on creativity, authenticity, and finding your own voice.

In this episode:

🎵 Growing up with music

✍️ The stories behind "Mirror Mirror" and "Days Like This"

📖 Turning journal entries into songs

🌎 Going viral with JVKE's "Golden Hour"

💐 The inspiration behind the Dead Flowers EP

💡 Advice for the next generation of music creators

Follow Taylor Felt

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/taylorfeltmusic

TikTok:

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

🌐 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 really take to survive long enough to create a Grammy-winning hit?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, John Gourley of Portugal. The Man opens up about the years before success—living on just $1 a day, the mentors who shaped his career, his friendship with Mac Miller, and the emotional journey behind writing "Feel It Still."

John also reflects on creativity, collaboration with producers like Jeff Bhasker, overcoming anxiety, his daughter Frances' inspiring story, and why creating meaningful art has become more important than ever.

Whether you're a songwriter, producer, musician, or independent artist, this conversation is full of hard-earned lessons on resilience, creativity, and building a career that lasts.

In this episode:

🎵 The story behind "Feel It Still"

💰 Surviving on just $1 a day

🎤 Remembering Mac Miller

🎚️ Learning from Jeff Bhasker & Danger Mouse

❤️ How Frances changed John's life

💡 Advice for the next generation of music creators

🌐 Follow Portugal. The Man:

https://www.portugaltheman.com

❤️ Learn more about Frances Changed My Life

https://www.franceschangedmylife.com

🌐 More interviews:

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 create a global hit without a major marketing budget?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, Indonesian singer-songwriter Stephanie Poetri shares the incredible story behind her worldwide hit "I Love You 3000," revealing how the song exploded organically through YouTube, TuneCore, and passionate fans around the world.

Stephanie reflects on growing up in a musical family, learning from her mother Titi DJ, moving between Indonesia and Los Angeles, writing songs that connect emotionally, and navigating the music industry as an independent artist before signing with a label.

Whether you're a songwriter, producer, singer, or independent musician, this conversation offers practical insights into creativity, authenticity, and building a global career through great music.

In this episode:

❤️ The story behind "I Love You 3000"

🌏 Building a global audience from Indonesia

🎵 Songwriting and finding your unique voice

🎚️ Creating music without a marketing budget

🎤 Life in Los Angeles vs. Jakarta

💡 Advice for the next generation of music creators

🌐 Follow Stephanie Poetri:

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stephaniepoetri

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stephaniepoetri

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@stephaniepoetri

🌐 More interviews with artists, producers, and songwriters:

https://www.sonical.ly

Hosted by Elmo Chong & G.NA
Sonical.ly | Music Creators Educating Music Creators.

How do you turn viral attention into a lasting music career?In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, singer-songwriter IV Jay shares her journey from posting covers online to becoming one of the most exciting voices in modern R&B. We dive into the stories behind her breakout songs "Thirsty" and "Love Song," her songwriting process, and how she continues to stay authentic in an industry full of pressure.We also discuss drawing inspiration from '90s R&B legends, blending Latin influences into her music, choosing the right beats, empowering young women through her IV League initiative, and navigating the challenges of building a career as an independent artist.Whether you're a songwriter, producer, vocalist, or aspiring artist, this conversation is filled with practical advice on creativity, confidence, and finding your unique voice.In this episode:🎵 Growing up with music and discovering songwriting❤️ The stories behind "Love Song" and "Thirsty"🎚️ Choosing beats and developing your sound🌎 Bringing Latin influences into modern R&B💜 Building confidence and empowering women through music💡 Advice for the next generation of music creators🌐 More interviews with artists, producers, and songwriters:https://www.sonical.lyHosted by Elmo Chong & G.NAFounder of Sonical.ly | Juno Award-winning Music ProducerMusic Creators Educating Music Creators.

How do you stay true to yourself while building a global music career?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, acclaimed singer, songwriter, and producer Bipolar Sunshine shares the creative journey behind his music—from growing up in Manchester to collaborating with DJ Snake on the global hit "Middle."

We discuss songwriting, overcoming adversity, finding your artistic identity, handling commercial success, moving to America, and continuing to evolve as a creator without losing authenticity.

Whether you're a songwriter, producer, independent artist, or simply passionate about music, this conversation offers honest insights into creativity, resilience, and building a meaningful career.

In this episode:

🎵 Growing up in Manchester

✍️ Finding your voice as a songwriter

🌎 The story behind "Middle" with DJ Snake

🚀 Navigating commercial success

🇺🇸 Chasing the American dream

💡 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.

Can an independent rock band still break through in today's music industry?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, French electro-rock band The Blackmordia shares their journey of building a career on their own terms while touring alongside legendary acts including KISS, Bring Me The Horizon, and Nothing But Thieves.

We discuss songwriting, developing a unique identity, launching an independent record label, balancing artistic freedom with commercial success, and what it really takes to build a modern rock band in today's music landscape.

Whether you're a musician, songwriter, producer, or independent artist, this conversation offers valuable insights into perseverance, creativity, and carving your own path.

In this episode:

🎸 Building an independent rock band

🌍 Touring with KISS, Bring Me The Horizon & Nothing But Thieves

🎵 Songwriting and developing a unique sound

🎤 Staying independent in the modern music industry

🚀 Building a long-term career without compromising your vision

💡 Advice for the next generation of music creators

🎧 Listen to "Hold On Here" by The Blackmordia.

🌐 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 create hit records across completely different genres and cultures?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, multi-platinum producer and songwriter Chaz Mishan shares how he has built a career producing music for artists including Jason Derulo, BIGBANG, BABYMONSTER, Sofia Reyes, Anitta, Rita Ora, James Arthur, Lil Wayne, Backstreet Boys, and many more.

Chaz explains how he approaches producing K-pop, Latin pop, and mainstream pop, adapts his workflow for different artists, and balances creativity with commercial success.

Whether you're a producer, songwriter, or artist looking to create music that connects with audiences worldwide, this conversation is packed with practical advice and real-world experience.

In this episode:

🌎 Producing across K-pop, Latin pop, and mainstream pop

🎵 Working with Jason Derulo, BIGBANG & BABYMONSTER

🎚️ Adapting your production style for different artists

✍️ Writing songs for global audiences

🚀 Building a long-term career in music production

💡 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 produce a platinum hit for one of the world's biggest artists?

In this episode of the Sonical.ly Podcast, platinum producer J.Reid shares the journey that led him to producing multiple songs on Nicki Minaj's Queen album, including the platinum single "Chun-Li."

J.Reid discusses working closely with Nicki Minaj, developing his sound, stepping outside his comfort zone, creating memorable drum patterns, composing original melodies, and building a sustainable career in music production.

Whether you're a producer, songwriter, beatmaker, or independent artist, this conversation is packed with practical advice for growing your skills and making a living through music.

In this episode:

🥁 Producing "Chun-Li" for Nicki Minaj

🎵 Creating drums that stand out

🎚️ Sampling vs. composing original melodies

🚀 Building a career in music production

🎬 Why film scoring is an exciting opportunity

💡 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.