Matt Axton carries a family legacy that helped shape American music — and he’s forging his own path on the road today. In this episode, we dig into how his grandmother co-wrote Elvis Presley’s first million-selling hit (“Heartbreak Hotel”), how his father penned “Joy to the World (Jeremiah was a bullfrog)”, and why Blake Shelton’s first big break started… in a guest room over a garage.

Then we get tactical: building community through Americana Joy in LA, landing sponsors that actually pay artists, routing smart tours, and treating your art like a business (production quality + promotion budgets). If you’re an indie artist planning shows, this is a must-watch.

You’ll learn:
- The kitchen-table origin story behind “Heartbreak Hotel” and early Elvis.
- How Blake Shelton’s first hit took flight — and what that says about mentorship + community.
- How to have a successful tour in 2025 and beyond
- Why the music scenes in cities like Tulsa matter right now.

What's The Key? is a podcast for musicians, powered by your peers who've unlocked some of the doors.

Are you in Los Angeles and wanting to connect with other musicians and play your tunes? Check out Writer's Round LA every Wednesday at 7:30 at Ivanhoe in Silverlake. It's a showcase and an open mic, so come play an original song and mingle with other amazing singer/songwriters!
https://www.instagram.com/writers_round_la/

Connect with Broadway B:
https://linktr.ee/thebroadwayb
https://www.instagram.com/TheBroadwayB
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebroadwayb

Support Broadway and this podcast on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/theBroadwayB

Roberto Horns joins us to tell wild stories and hard-earned lessons from being inside the rooms with TDE/Punch & SZA, Tricky Stewart & The-Dream during the making of “Umbrella,” an Akon surprise house visit, a Diddy writing camp, and assistant-engineering on Usher x R. Kelly “Same Girl.”

But the real value is the blueprint: how to turn momentum into streams, build a community that actually shows up, and why the best teams stay loyal like family (he even shares behind the scenes stories from being part of the TDE camp during the Kendrick vs. Drake beef).

What you’ll learn

• How Roberto got in with Punch (TDE) from a single tweet — and what he did next.
  
  
• Practical promo: physical “promo boxes,” paid ads that actually convert.
  
  
• Building your brand and doubling down on content that works.
  
  

If this episode helps you, like, comment, and send it to one artist friend who needs the push. You’re not too late — you’re right on time.

Are you in Los Angeles and wanting to connect with other musicians and play your tunes? Check out Writer's Round LA every Wednesday at 7:30 at Ivanhoe in Silverlake. It's a showcase and an open mic, so come play an original song and mingle with other amazing singer/songwriters!
https://www.instagram.com/writers_round_la/

Connect with Broadway B:
https://linktr.ee/thebroadwayb
https://www.instagram.com/TheBroadwayB
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebroadwayb

Support Broadway and this podcast on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/theBroadwayB

What would you do if your Instagram with 100,000+ followers got stolen? For Goner, it meant starting over — but he didn’t just bounce back, he leveled up. In this episode, we talk about how Goner grew a dedicated fanbase from scratch using live shows, anime music videos, and ultra-personal content.

He opens up about hitting a million streams on Spotify, getting discovered on SoundCloud, building immersive live show experiences, and using social media strategically — even when you’re not in the mood to do it.

We also get deep into mental health, the sacrifices artists make, and why he’s so committed to helping fans feel seen through his music. If you're trying to build your career and stay human doing it, this one’s for you.

🎤 Topics we cover:

• How Goner got discovered on SoundCloud with a $20 mic
• How Anime Music Videos boosted his Spotify numbers
• Losing a 100k follower IG account and how he rebounded from it
• Personal marketing strategies that work in 2025
• Why mental health is at the core of his message
• Touring, show promotion, and using memes to sell tickets
• His mission to help fans feel less alone
  
  
  

📍 Follow Goner:
 IG: @gnrr - https://instagram.com/gnrr
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7dNAnTCNymUovGgVoNhX3c

💬 Drop a comment below if something hit home — and if you know an artist who needs to hear this, send it their way.

🔔 Subscribe for more real convos with artists building their careers brick by brick.

00:00 - Reaching a million streams as an indie artist

01:20 - Trial and error in music marketing

03:00 - How live shows gave his songs traction

05:10 - Using anime music videos to boost Spotify

08:00 - Building an audience through authenticity

10:10 - Why you need to promote more than once

13:20 - Goner’s viral Taylor Swift cover strategy

15:05 - Rebuilding Instagram after losing 100k followers

18:00 - The power of collaboration and networking

19:00 - Creating immersive live experiences

22:00 - Show promo tactics that actually work

25:00 - Text your friends. Don’t be shy.

26:30 - Why you should re-promote your older music

30:00 - How Goner met his manager through SoundCloud

34:00 - Moving to LA and going all in on music

37:00 - What keeps Goner going when he’s running on empty

41:00 - Using music to help fans feel less alone

43:30 - Where to follow Goner and see him live

Are you in Los Angeles and wanting to connect with other musicians and play your tunes? Check out Writer's Round LA every Wednesday at 7:30 at Ivanhoe in Silverlake. It's a showcase and an open mic, so come play an original song and mingle with other amazing singer/songwriters!
https://www.instagram.com/writers_round_la/

Connect with Broadway B:
https://linktr.ee/thebroadwayb
https://www.instagram.com/TheBroadwayB
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebroadwayb

Support Broadway and this podcast on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/theBroadwayB

Willow Stephens is an indie artist who’s making bold moves — from self-funding her music like a record label, to building a loyal audience on Twitch and going viral on Instagram. In this episode of They’re Good at That Sh*t, she shares how she took out a small business loan to fuel her music career while keeping her masters, opened for KT Tunstall in her hometown, and grew a true fan community online.

🎙️ We talk about:

• How to apply for artist-friendly business loans
• What it’s really like to go viral (and why reposting works)
• Using Twitch to build an active, supportive fanbase
• Treating music like a business without losing the heart
• Collaborating across genres and finding your true sound
  
  

This episode is packed with practical advice for independent artists who want to build a sustainable career on their own terms.

📱 Text "WILLOW" to 55444 (U.S. only) to stay in the loop on her shows and releases

Follow Willow on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Willow_Stephens

Are you in Los Angeles and wanting to connect with other musicians and play your tunes? Check out Writer's Round LA every Wednesday at 7:30 at Ivanhoe in Silverlake. It's a showcase and an open mic, so come play an original song and mingle with other amazing singer/songwriters!

https://www.instagram.com/writers_round_la  

Are you in Los Angeles and wanting to connect with other musicians and play your tunes? Check out Writer's Round LA every Wednesday at 7:30 at Ivanhoe in Silverlake. It's a showcase and an open mic, so come play an original song and mingle with other amazing singer/songwriters!
https://www.instagram.com/writers_round_la/

Connect with Broadway B:
https://linktr.ee/thebroadwayb
https://www.instagram.com/TheBroadwayB
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebroadwayb

Support Broadway and this podcast on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/theBroadwayB

How do you go from janitor shifts and three-hour commutes… to engineering sessions for John Mayer, Freddie Gibbs, BJ the Chicago Kid, and Isaiah Rashad?

In this raw, reflective, and inspiring conversation, Sian McMullen opens up about what it’s really like to break into the music industry — without connections, while being underestimated, and while making every mistake you can make in your early sessions.

We talk about:

• How she landed a job at Atlantic Records (without even interning)
  
  
• Her first sessions with high-pressure artists — and what went wrong
  
  
• Working with !llmind and how that led to sessions with John Mayer
  
  
• How being underestimated as a young woman helped fuel her career
  
  
• The exact mindset shift that kept her going when she wanted to quit
  
  
• Why kindness and persistence matter more than clout
  
  
• How remote work is changing the future for engineers
  
  
• Lessons learned from the biggest artists in the game
  
  

🎧 This episode is for anyone chasing a creative career — especially engineers, producers, and women carving their own lane in music.

 📢 Send this to a friend who's figuring out how to break into music the real way.

🔗 Follow Sian: @conductorsian

Are you in Los Angeles and wanting to connect with other musicians and play your tunes? Check out Writer's Round LA every Wednesday at 7:30 at Ivanhoe in Silverlake. It's a showcase and an open mic, so come play an original song and mingle with other amazing singer/songwriters!
https://www.instagram.com/writers_round_la/

Connect with Broadway B:
https://linktr.ee/thebroadwayb
https://www.instagram.com/TheBroadwayB
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebroadwayb

Support Broadway and this podcast on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/theBroadwayB

Kate Grahn has two songs with over a million streams — and no, it wasn’t because she hacked the algorithm. In this episode of They’re Good at That Sh*t, we talk about what actually helped her songs break through, why she’s comfortable stepping back from social media, and how building the right team made all the difference. From going viral on TikTok (sometimes unintentionally), to getting hate-bombed by incels, to learning stage presence through acting classes and live reps — Kate gets real about the highs and lows of building a music career as an independent artist.

🎧 We talk:

• Why Spotify playlisting is mostly a lottery
• Getting discovered through live shows
• Building performance chops without burning out
• Investing in mental health and marketing
• Taking the pressure off yourself on social media
• How to riff like Ariana Grande (seriously)

👋 Follow Kate Grahn:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3uKUYOnOlOpYj7quHnLtFv
https://www.instagram.com/kate.grahn/
https://www.tiktok.com/@kategrahn

🛠️ Tools & People Mentioned:

• Will Jay (co-writer)
• Market Music by Liv
• USC Vocal Performance (Jeffrey Allen)
• Meisner Acting Technique

Subscribe for more stories from working artists who are GOOD at that sh*t.

Are you in Los Angeles and wanting to connect with other musicians and play your tunes? Check out Writer's Round LA every Wednesday at 7:30 at Ivanhoe in Silverlake. It's a showcase and an open mic, so come play an original song and mingle with other amazing singer/songwriters!
https://www.instagram.com/writers_round_la/

Connect with Broadway B:
https://linktr.ee/thebroadwayb
https://www.instagram.com/TheBroadwayB
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebroadwayb

Support Broadway and this podcast on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/theBroadwayB

In this episode of They’re Good at That Sh*t, we dive into Anni's journey of writing and publishing a poetry book dedicated to her late mother, starting the beloved LA music showcase Saturdays at 7, and landing major sync placements on The Kardashians, Teen Mom, and Love Is Blind.

We break down how to:
- Self-publish a book on Barnes & Noble, Amazon, and TikTok Shop
- Build an email list and pitch sponsors for music events
- Get started in sync licensing and sign with a sync agency
- Grow a music community from your backyard to New York City
- Stay mentally resilient through grief, setbacks, and burnout

If you're an artist navigating loss, launching a project, or building a team—this one’s packed with gems.

Connect with Anni
🎧 linktr.ee/callheranni
📚 Her book: https://shorturl.at/THQGW
🎤 Saturdays at 7: https://www.instagram.com/saturdaysat7la
📲  https://www.instagram.com/callheranni/

More about Anni's Poetry Book - Remedies:
Anni's debut poetry collection illustrated by Nina Ripich with film photos by Mira Horwitz. Remedies is a collection of poems exploring the emotions of grief, love, longing and growth. The poems are accompanied by natural herbs and home healings for each emotion. May these words heal and may these poems be remedies

#musician #singersongwriter #independentartist #indieartist #showcasehost #musicpodcaster #producer 

00:00 - Sync placements on reality TV
01:14 - Writing a book after losing her mom
02:44 - The process of publishing on Barnes & Noble and Amazon
06:17 - Adding homeopathic remedies to the poems
07:59 - Getting into bookstores locally
09:13 - Taking the book nationwide
10:42 - Selling through TikTok Shop
12:17 - Lessons from self-publishing a book
13:49 - Starting Saturdays at 7 in her backyard
16:18 - How she landed sponsors like Juneshine
18:49 - Building an email list for show promotion
20:01 - Expanding Saturdays at 7 to New York
25:36 - Building and trusting a team
27:49 - Her songs “Haunted House” and “Fix Your Fears”
29:42 - How she got into sync licensing
31:06 - Signing with Lyric House and AMG
33:05 - The importance of saying yes to new opportunities
35:02 - Lessons from podcasts and business thought leaders
39:59 - Final thoughts on failure, growth, and creativity
42:51 - Where to find Anie and Saturdays at 7

Are you in Los Angeles and wanting to connect with other musicians and play your tunes? Check out Writer's Round LA every Wednesday at 7:30 at Ivanhoe in Silverlake. It's a showcase and an open mic, so come play an original song and mingle with other amazing singer/songwriters!
https://www.instagram.com/writers_round_la/

Connect with Broadway B:
https://linktr.ee/thebroadwayb
https://www.instagram.com/TheBroadwayB
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebroadwayb

Support Broadway and this podcast on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/theBroadwayB

In this episode of They're Good at That Sh*t, we’re doing something a little different! I’m joined by producer, engineer, and podcast editor Dave Marx, who’s not just behind the scenes helping me put THIS podcast together but also carving out his own path in the music industry.

We talk about the missed opportunities that many artists don’t even realize they’re leaving on the table. Dave tells a story of how a tip from the podcast landed an artist he works with a performance at Rolling Loud, and shares invaluable insights about how to get booked for shows, how to get over imposter syndrome and more.

We dive deep into why collaboration over solo work is often the key to success in the music world, how embracing your community is just as important as your art, and why finishing projects (even when they’re not perfect) is one of the most crucial habits of successful artists. You’ll also get a front-row seat to Dave’s journey of leveling up and how he’s applying the lessons he’s learning to his own music career.

If you’ve ever wondered what it truly takes to build a sustainable career in music beyond the dream of stardom, this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss. We’re pulling back the curtain on how it’s done, with real examples of what has worked for artists and professionals who are out there making it happen.

🎧 Tune in and subscribe for more actionable advice that can take your music career to the next level!

Check out all episodes of the podcast here!

Connect with Dave Marx:
https://www.instagram.com/davemarxmusic/
https://www.davemarxmusic.com/

Are you in Los Angeles and wanting to connect with other musicians and play your tunes? Check out Writer's Round LA every Wednesday at 7:30 at Ivanhoe in Silverlake. It's a showcase and an open mic, so come play an original song and mingle with other amazing singer/songwriters!
https://www.instagram.com/writers_round_la/

Connect with Broadway B:
https://linktr.ee/thebroadwayb
https://www.instagram.com/TheBroadwayB
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebroadwayb

Support Broadway and this podcast on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/theBroadwayB

In this episode of They’re Good At That Sh*t, Broadway B sits down with Lara Mrgic — singer, songwriter, and touring background vocalist — to dive deep into life on the road, staying grounded, and building a thriving creative career.

Lara shares her experiences touring with the legendary Luis Miguel, including what it’s really like behind the scenes of a massive world tour. From balancing travel and family life, to navigating different personalities on the road, to protecting your mental and physical health while touring — Lara gives an honest, inspiring look at what it takes to succeed in the music industry at a high level.

Whether you’re an aspiring musician, creative professional, or just a fan of Luis Miguel and live music, you’ll find tons of gems in this conversation!

Topics we cover:

• How Lara landed major touring opportunities
  
  
• The importance of a strong support system at home
  
  
• The physical and mental challenges of life on tour
  
  
• How touring with Luis Miguel pushed her professionally
  
  
• The importance of staying kind, grounded, and consistent under pressure
  
  

Lara's journey reminds us: Success isn't just about talent — it's about character.

If you enjoy this episode, subscribe for more conversations with people who are really good at at that sh*t

Follow Lara on IG - @LaraMrgic

Are you in Los Angeles and wanting to connect with other musicians and play your tunes? Check out Writer's Round LA every Wednesday at 7:30 at Ivanhoe in Silverlake. It's a showcase and an open mic, so come play an original song and mingle with other amazing singer/songwriters!
https://www.instagram.com/writers_round_la/

Connect with Broadway B:
https://linktr.ee/thebroadwayb
https://www.instagram.com/TheBroadwayB
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebroadwayb

Support Broadway and this podcast on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/theBroadwayB

​In this episode of They're Good at That Sh*t, we sat down with Jayla Elise, a 22-year-old R&B and soul artist who went from performing on street corners to amassing over 200,000 TikTok followers. Jayla's soulful voice and authentic storytelling have captivated audiences, leading to viral hits and a growing fanbase.

Episode Highlights:

• Innovative Marketing: We delve into Jayla's creative strategies for monetizing her music, including collaborations with tourism centers and securing grant funding to advance her career.​
• Working With A Team And Artistic Growth: Jayla discusses the importance of teamwork, learning to be less stubborn as an artist, and her continuous journey of personal and professional development.​
• Community Empowerment: Beyond her personal achievements, Jayla talks about founding The Elites (Embracing, Love, Inclusivity, Togetherness, Empowering, Success), a nonprofit aimed at empowering fellow artists in her community.
• Dorchester Dreams: Jayla shares the story behind writing "Dorchester Dreams," an anthem for her county inspired by her move to Cambridge, Maryland. The song celebrates the warmth and community spirit she found there and has become Dorchester County’s official song.

Connect with Jayla Elise:

• TikTok: @TheJaylaElise
• YouTube: @JaylaElise
• SoundCloud: Jayla Elise
• Instagram: @TheJaylaElise
  
  

Support the Podcast:

Don't miss out on future episodes! Subscribe to They're Good at That Sht* and join our community of creatives and enthusiasts. Remember to like, comment, and share this episode to support the show!

Are you in Los Angeles and wanting to connect with other musicians and play your tunes? Check out Writer's Round LA every Wednesday at 7:30 at Ivanhoe in Silverlake. It's a showcase and an open mic, so come play an original song and mingle with other amazing singer/songwriters!
https://www.instagram.com/writers_round_la/

Connect with Broadway B:
https://linktr.ee/thebroadwayb
https://www.instagram.com/TheBroadwayB
https://www.tiktok.com/@thebroadwayb

Support Broadway and this podcast on Patreon!
https://www.patreon.com/theBroadwayB