Collaborations can be code for "I want free work" or "I don't know what I'm doing, you do it." But when it comes down to it, working with someone else on a project can be a perfectly, scum-free way to create solid content and reach a bigger audience. In this episode John McLucas and I get into why adding collaborations to your band's growth strategy is a great way to grow your fan base. He's a Cali based producer and mixing engineer with a true passion to help musicians grow. 

Whether you're band is just starting out or you've been playing for a little bit there is one question that you all need to ask yourselves; what are your goals? In this episode Steven goes solo for the first time on the Learn From The Pros podcast. He tells why your band can't thrive if you don't set goals that everyone can agree on and gives tips for how to get started the right way.

Junk food and cold medicine, the staples of tour life. Most bands think of touring as a time for drive-thru, energy drinks, and staying up all night. But is it possible for musicians to trade the status quo of unhealthy eating and bad habits for higher standards? I discuss with Anthony Ghazel, a pro drummer that gets hired to go on tour with Falling In Reverse and Ryan Caraveo, about how he stays healthy on the road. We talk about staying fit, eating right, and keeping good habits when tour turns normal life upside down. 

Being an artist in today's music industry feels radically different than it did 20 years ago. I talk with Andrew Simmons a producer, mixing engineer and keyboardist about different ways that artists can pursue making money in the current industry and examples of what that looks like from his own life. We dive into creating an online presence, using YouTube to your advantage, and networking effectively. We touch on content quality, writing and producing with others. 

What type of person do you have to be to keep a band going amidst all the hard situations you come across when you’re trying to grow to a national or international level? Dillon Schiffilea of Came To Conquer, an up and coming metal band from Arizona, has worked hard to keep his dream and passion alive when band life has been less than optimal. Changes to band line ups, the financial struggle of touring, and all the day to day hard work that goes into a band can be enough to break up even the most talented musicians. So what does it take to keep it going? Listen as Dillon talks about his journey and gives his advice to other bands who are wanting to make it to the big leagues. 

On this episode of Learn From The Pros I talk with Sendai Mike, a Seattle based rap, hip hop, and R&B music engineer, about the “gold rush” mentality and how it’s affecting songwriting and artist development. We talk about what it looks like to make meaningful music, why it’s better to set the bar higher when it comes to musical content, and how your goals affect how you build your music career.

Music is arguably always about relationship. That might play out in different ways, but connecting with people and serving them is the foundation for a career that really inspires. In this episode I talk with Raymond Rasmusson about his experience as a consultant for musicians, why you as an aspiring national/international level band are technically a business, and how to create truly valuable experiences for your audience.

The behind the scenes people that you work with in your music journey are VITAL. And if you want to go somewhere with your music you probably won’t make it there alone. A band manager might be the best investment you make. I talk with E.J. Shannon manager of The Faceless about the role of a band manager, when you should hire one and his top advice for musicians. 

If you want to go on tour, grow your fan base, or make a living from your music, I hear you! That is the dream for so many musicians. But it’s easy to hang out in your room writing music, hoping for someone to send you the magical text that says they want you on their next tour. All the wishing in the world isn’t going to make that a reality!

Trevor Hedges of Sundressed drives this home in this episode of Learn From The Pros. He gives practical advice and examples from his own experiences with writing albums, recording and touring. 

 If you get nothing else out of the podcast get this - take action. If you want to see something happen with your music put in the work to make it happen. Be strategic, be consistent and keep going!

I could keep repeating myself, but no need. Listen to the podcast below and you’ll hear all the details.

For those independent musicians who dream of tour life here is some encouragement to help you book your next tour even without the help of a traditional label. On this episode of Learn From The Pros Steven Payton of Final Greetings shares the band's story, how they book tours and even answers the question "do cows go to heaven?".

Also, I don't want to forget to mention DistroKid. I seriously LOVE this platform for distributing music and if you are a musician who has ever thought about releasing music you need to check them out. Head over to  http://distrokid.com/vip/virgilssoundden to get 7% off your first year. This company is the real deal. Go check them out!