Episodes
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In this episode of the Music Explored podcast, host Anthony interviews legendary musician Jay Douglas, who shares his remarkable journey from Jamaica to Toronto and his experiences in the evolving music scene over five decades. Jay discusses the challenges faced by local musicians, the influence of American music on reggae, and the importance of community and education in his life. He also highlights the significance of the Cougars band in opening doors for local talent and the impact of the 'Jamaica to Toronto' album in revitalizing the music scene. Throughout the conversation, Jay emphasizes the importance of accountability in performance, drawing from advice given to him by Sissy Houston, mother of Whitney Houston. In this engaging conversation, Jay Douglas shares his musical journey, reflecting on the vibrant music scene in Montreal and Toronto, the importance of staying true to oneself, and the evolving landscape of the music industry. He emphasizes the significance of respecting the foundations laid by past artists, the need to nurture the next generation, and the impact of his upcoming documentary. Throughout the discussion, he offers profound insights on life, ambition, and the pursuit of peace and love in music and beyond.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to a Music Legend
03:01 Journey from Jamaica to Toronto
06:03 The Evolution of the Toronto Music Scene
09:01 The Cougars: A Launchpad for Local Talent
11:58 Influences of American Music on Reggae
14:53 Challenges in Gaining Radio Play
18:01 The Impact of 'Jamaica to Toronto' Album
21:02 Performing Across Canada: A New Frontier
24:01 Advice from Sissy Houston: Accountability in Performance
24:06 The Musical Journey Begins
26:31 Learning and Growth in Music
30:27 The Changing Landscape of Music
31:45 Respecting the Foundations of Music
36:50 Legacy and the Next Generation
38:08 The Impact of the Documentary
42:46 Life Lessons and Reflections
46:41 Looking Ahead: Future Aspirations
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In this episode of the Music Explorer Podcast, hosts Dee and Anthony welcome Haitian artist Darline Desca. They discuss the rich musical culture of Haiti, Darline's journey as a singer and songwriter, the challenges she faces as an artist in Haiti, and the importance of self-belief and authenticity in the music industry. She shares her experiences of building a supportive team and her desire to represent Haitian culture through her music.
In this engaging conversation, Darline Desca shares her aspirations for Haitian music to gain global recognition, highlighting the immense talent within the community. She discusses influential artists who paved the way for her and others, her creative writing process, and the evolution of Haitian music influenced by technology. Darline emphasizes the importance of live performances and offers valuable advice to the next generation of artists, while sharing her dreams of achieving Grammy success in the near future.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
03:02 Exploring Haitian Music Culture
05:56 Darline's Musical Journey
08:55 Challenges of Being an Artist in Haiti
11:53 The Importance of Self-Belief
14:58 Building a Supportive Team
17:55 Authenticity in Music and Cultural Representation
20:16 Elevating Haitian Music on the Global Stage
21:31 Influential Haitian Artists and Their Impact
23:39 The Writing Process: Inspiration and Methodology
26:26 The Evolution of Haitian Music and Technology's Role
29:21 Live Performances: Bridging Studio and Stage
31:21 Advice for the Next Generation of Artists
33:45 Vision for the Future: Dreams and Aspirations
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Missing episodes?
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In this engaging conversation, Dee and Anthony welcome Zarah, a Brazilian singer-songwriter who shares her journey from Brazil to Canada. Zarah discusses her experiences with cultural and language challenges, the role of social media in her music career, and her songwriting process across different languages. The trio explores the differences in music culture between Brazil and Canada, Zarah's musical influences, and her aspirations for the future in the music industry. The discussion delves into the influence of gospel music and the legacy of Whitney Houston, highlighting the responsibility artists feel when performing powerful songs. Zarah also reflects on her cultural connections between Brazil and Canada, her desire to build a solid career in music, and her upcoming releases that blend various musical styles. The conversation culminates in a live performance by Zarah, showcasing her talent and passion for music.
00:00 Introduction and Guest Introduction
02:55 Zarah's Journey from Brazil to Canada
06:02 Cultural and Language Challenges
08:52 The Role of Social Media in Music
11:59 Songwriting Across Languages
14:57 Differences in Music Culture
17:59 Zarah's Musical Influences and Aspirations
20:59 Future Goals and Industry Insights
22:40 Zarah's Aspirations in Music
24:26 The Influence of Gospel Music
26:59 The Legacy of Whitney Houston
28:10 Cultural Connections: Brazil and Canada
33:09 Building a Career in Music
35:03 Exploring Musical Styles and Inspirations
39:54 Zarah's Live Performance
40:30 Upcoming Music Releases and Future Plans
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Musicians need to prioritize professionalism in their craft, and this episode dives into five critical behaviors they should stop immediately. The hosts discuss the importance of replying to emails promptly, finding replacements when canceling gigs, and avoiding the pitfalls of overconfidence that come from relying solely on talent without preparation. They also explore the repercussions of double booking and the impact it has on reputation and relationships within the industry. The conversation touches on the dynamics of band relationships and the importance of knowing one's role in a performance. With a mix of humor and personal anecdotes, the hosts provide insights that are both entertaining and educational for musicians at any stage of their careers.
Takeaways:
The DNA project offers live music solutions for weddings and events, ensuring a memorable experience. Musicians should reply to emails promptly to maintain professionalism and avoid losing opportunities. Double booking is a serious issue musicians need to avoid to maintain their reputation. Finding replacements for canceled gigs is crucial for preserving relationships in the music industry. Showing up unprepared solely relying on talent can damage a musician's credibility over time. All musicians should focus on serving the song rather than showcasing their individual skills.Chapters:
00:00 - Intro to the DNA Project00:13 - The Importance of Live Music at Weddings01:01 - Meet the Hosts: A Fun Evening Recording01:40 - Identifying with Larry David09:03 - Top 5 Things Musicians Need to Stop Doing09:38 - 1. Not Replying to Emails12:16 - 2. Not Having Solutions for Problems15:19 - 3. Showing Up Unprepared21:40 - 4. Double Booking Yourself29:19 - 5. Not Getting Back to People Quickly Enough46:04 - Wrap-Up and Future Topics46:53 - Outro and Promoting CaptivateCompanies mentioned in this episode:
DNA Project Tim Hortons Captivate
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In this engaging conversation, Sean Jones shares his remarkable journey from a shy young boy to a successful musician and songwriter. He reflects on the pivotal moments that shaped his career, including the formation of his boy band InEssence, the challenges he faced in the music industry, and the impact of mentorship on his life. Sean discusses his transition into songwriting, the ups and downs of navigating contracts, and the unexpected path that led him to explore food ventures. He also offers insights into the current state of the music industry and the need for a revolution to support artists' rights.
They explore the degradation of musical standards due to technology, the importance of work ethic, and the current state of R&B in Canada. Sean shares his experiences and challenges in creating opportunities for himself and others in the industry, while also addressing the struggles artists face in sustaining their careers. The discussion highlights the importance of community support and the need for change in the music landscape.
Chapters
00:00 The Journey Begins: From Humble Beginnings to Music Stardom
02:54 Discovering the Passion: The Birth of a Musician
06:03 The Formation of InEssence: A Boy Band's Rise
09:01 Navigating the Music Industry: Early Challenges and Breakthroughs
11:59 Full Circle: The Impact of Mentorship and Teachers
15:00 Songwriting: The Transition from Singer to Songwriter
18:04 The Rollercoaster of the Music Business: Contracts and Opportunities
21:01 The Unexpected Path: From Music to Food Ventures
23:57 The Power of Timing: Seizing Opportunities in Music
26:54 Reflections on Success: Gratitude and Life Lessons
29:48 The State of the Music Industry: Challenges and Changes
33:03 A Call for Revolution: The Future of Music and Artists' Rights
35:12 The Power of Solidarity in Music and Sports
39:56 The Degradation of Musical Standards
45:46 Work Ethic and Standards in the Music Industry
51:04 The State of R&B in Canada
57:34 Creating Opportunities in Music
01:01:50 Navigating the Modern Music Landscape
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In this episode of the Music Explored podcast, Anthony and Karl Wesley Phillips delve into the themes of teamwork, potential, and self-discovery. They discuss the importance of having a supportive team, the impact of expectations on personal growth, and the journey of finding one's purpose. Karl shares his experiences with feeling pressured by potential and how he shifted his mindset to focus on action and faith. The conversation emphasizes the significance of daily habits, celebrating small wins, and creating a vision for life. Karl also introduces his book, 'Moving Past Potential,' which aims to help others break free from self-limitations and unleash their best lives.
Chapters
00:00 The Power of Teamwork and Role Players
02:53 Understanding Potential and Its Impact
06:03 The Journey of Self-Discovery
09:01 Finding Purpose Beyond Expectations
12:03 The Shift from Potential to Action
14:58 Faith and Its Activation
18:01 Living in the Present and Celebrating Small Wins
21:01 The Importance of Daily Habits
23:55 Creating a Vision for Your Life
26:59 The Role of Community and Support
30:04 Moving Past Potential: The Book and Its Message
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Londa Larmond, an award-winning gospel singer, shares her journey in the music industry. She started singing in the church at a young age and eventually formed a group called the Gospel Soul Sisters. She later joined the Youth Outreach Mass Choir and recorded an album with them. Londa then signed with EMI Gospel and released her solo album, Love Letters. She has traveled the world, performed at prestigious events, and even ventured into acting. Londa is currently working on her next project, which will be released in the fall. In this conversation, Londa Larmond discusses her upcoming music project and the inspiration behind it. She talks about the importance of creating relatable and faith-centered music that incorporates different genres and styles. Londa also emphasizes the significance of prayer and the spiritual atmosphere in the creative process. She shares her plans for the release of her new music and expresses her gratitude for the support she has received throughout her career.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Excitement for the Guest
02:22 Londa's Background and Early Singing Experiences
03:56 Signing with a Record Label and Success
06:23 Venturing into Acting and Other Accomplishments
08:41 Experience with Record Labels and the Music Industry
09:36 Gratitude for Past Opportunities and Future Projects
11:13 Challenges in Establishing Toronto Gospel Music
12:13 The Power of Collaboration and Songwriting Camps
13:28 Creating In-Depth Lyrics and Embracing Wordy Songs
14:26 Inspiration from Hymns and Their Lasting Impact
14:58 Introduction and Discussion of Music Project
15:25 Creating Relatable and Faith-Centered Music
16:22 The Role of Prayer and Spiritual Atmosphere in the Creative Process
18:33 Incorporating Different Genres and Styles
19:25 Plans for the Release of New Music
23:34 Gratitude for Support
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Justine Tyrell shares her experience as a musician and performer in Calgary, Toronto, and New York. She discusses the differences in music scenes and cultures in each city, highlighting the rawness and vocal nature of New York, the established sound of R&B in Toronto, and the friendly and warm atmosphere in Calgary. The conversation also touches on the unique Toronto accent and how it has become a cultural phenomenon. Justine also shares a memorable tech issue she experienced while opening for the Calgary Stampeders, which was a mortifying moment. She emphasizes the importance of staying composed and not letting technical difficulties affect the overall performance.
Justine also discusses her upcoming projects, including an EP that focuses on self-reflection and personal growth. She shares details about her Toronto performance at the Baby G and her collaborations with other artists. Justine encourages artists to push themselves and not be afraid to put themselves out there.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Banter
02:01 Justine's Musical Journey from Childhood
03:01 Performing in Calgary and Starting Her Career
05:22 The Music Scene in Calgary
07:33 Performing in Toronto and New York
08:49 Differences in Music Scenes
10:16 The Unique Toronto Accent
13:10 Tech Issues During Live Shows
16:16 Handling Technical Malfunctions
23:24 Embracing Self-Reflection and Personal Growth
25:23 Taking Risks and Putting Yourself Out There
27:19 The Power of Collaboration
29:59 Appreciating the In-the-Moment Experience
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In this conversation, Anthony, Dee, Sean, and K.V. Banks discuss their personal experiences and how they came together. They also introduce a new course on Sean Wilson Piano focused on gospel organ playing "Let's get churchy". The course aims to help musicians gain confidence in playing in a church setting and covers both piano and organ techniques. K.V. Banks shares his own struggles as a musician and how he wants to help others overcome similar challenges. The conversation explores the qualities of a great teacher and the importance of understanding the 'why' behind musical concepts. The conversation covers topics such as the approach to teaching gospel music, the differences between playing organ and piano, the unique sound and approach of gospel music, the value of focusing on quality over quantity in music education, and the release of KV Banks' new single 'Step Away'.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Personal Experiences
09:59 Introducing the Gospel Organ Course
14:56 Building Confidence in Church Settings
18:56 Overcoming Challenges and Struggles
19:55 The Qualities of a Great Teacher
27:22 Understanding the 'Why' Behind Musical Concepts
35:04 The Importance of Context and Vocabulary
38:23 Raising the Musical Base
40:59 The Limitations of Licks and Shortcuts
41:53 Teaching Gospel Music
42:58 Playing Organ vs. Piano
47:41 Quality over Quantity
58:16 Step Away: KV Banks' New Single
01:03:05 The Power of the Online Community at Sean Wilson Piano
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Some words of Wisdom from D-Lo!
Today's episode is a clip of us connecting with musical director and producer David "DLO" Outing. DLO has played behind and programmed full shows for some of the industry's top artists and award shows, such as Tye Tribbett, Fred Hammond, Marvin Sapp, Israel Houghton, Fantasiam Mary J Blige, Anthony Hamilton, and B.E.T awards. In this episode, DLO shares his approach to programming live shows and breaks down the process and some of the thinking when creating a live performance.
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Jason shares the power of understanding our purpose and following your dreams with intentional action.
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The Keys to Success in the Music Industry: Transferable Skills and a Winning Mindset:
In this conversation, Redz, Anthony, and Dee discuss the balance between personal and professional life, the sacrifices and rewards of their careers, and the pursuit of financial independence. Redz shares his experiences working as an audio engineer for the Marley Brothers Legacy Tour and the importance of rehearsals in delivering a great show. They also touch on the significance of making memories with family and the freedom that comes with pursuing one's passion. The conversation revolves around the theme of sacrifice and the different perspectives on pursuing dreams in the music industry. The conversation also touches on the growth and success they have achieved in their careers and the impact they hope to have on future generations. In this final part of the conversation, Redz and Anthony discuss the importance of mentorship and inspiring the next generation. They highlight the success that comes from hard work, passion, and a strong work ethic. They emphasize the need to have a clear purpose and to constantly strive for greatness. Redz shares his experiences as a monitor engineer and the dedication required to deliver exceptional performances. They also discuss the transferable skills and mindset that are necessary for success in any field.
00:00 Introduction and Mic Talk
02:35 Starting the Day on the Right Note
04:18 Introducing Jason Reynolds (Redz Engineer)
06:20 Juggling Personal and Professional Life
08:20 Finding Balance and Overloading on the Personal Side
12:30 The Freedom of Pursuing Passion and Financial Independence
15:02 The Sacrifices of a Regular Job and the Pursuit of Financial Independence
18:54 The Ultimate Goal: Making Money While You Sleep
21:18 The Sacrifices of Pursuing Dreams
23:13 The Impact of Ignorance
26:24 Exposing the Next Generation
30:39 Inspiring the Next Generation
34:26 The Journey to Success
45:20 Inspiring the Next Generation and the Importance of Mentorship
50:26 The Key to Success: Hard Work, Passion, and Work Ethic
56:42 Striving for Greatness and Having a Clear Purpose
01:02:45 Transferable Skills and a Winning Mindset
01:05:29 The Role of a Monitor Engineer: Dedication and Exceptional Performances
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We are excited to speak with singer-songwriter and author Tara Shannon in today's episode. Tara's journey defied expectations when she returned to the music scene as a woman in her forties and immediately established a following locally, nationally, and globally. She splits her time between Nashville and Ottawa with the goal to empower and inspire the other musicians on the label she founded, Willow Sound Records. In her music business education with The Syndicut, another entity she founded to help educate music creators and encourage them to see themselves as entrepreneurs. Her experiences in teaching workshops inspired her to write the book titled, "You and the Music Business, A Self-Care Guide to Finding Balance and Joy in Today’s Music Industry" to empower other independent artists who find themselves on a similar path. In this episode, we talk about the many hats Tara wears, her songwriting and discuss her new book!
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Cigar Club is a band formed in 2016, consisting of Tyler Booth on drums, Dan Amato on guitar and vocals, Trevor on vocals, and Jeff on bass. The name 'Cigar Club' was suggested by their original drummer, Simon. They talk about their evolving approach to writing songs and incorporating different elements into their music. They also discuss the importance of crowd testing their songs and making adjustments based on audience reactions. The band shares their plans for the future, including upcoming releases and the Gussapalooza Festival.
Chapters
01:35 Origin of the Band Name
05:13 Early Performances and Songwriting
09:20 Tyler Booth Joins the Band
12:42 Recording Music
14:49 Collaborative Writing Process
18:45 Crowd Testing and Adjusting Songs
20:02 Future Plans and Releases
26:12 The Dream: Making Music for a Living
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Takeaways
Understanding what you don't know is key to making progress.Hiring professionals in areas where you lack expertise can save time and yield better results.Marketing is crucial for the success of a business.Attending music festivals can be a great way to enjoy live music and learn from industry experts.Censorship can limit freedom of speech and hinder open discourse. Censorship in music is a topic of discussion, with examples of harmless words being bleeped out in songs.The dark side of the entertainment industry is explored, including rumors and whispers about certain artists and parties.The importance of focusing on the good in the world and being the light that we want to see.The conversation highlights the potential temptations and compromises that individuals may face in the pursuit of fame and success.00:00 Understanding What You Don't Know
02:17 The Value of Hiring Professionals
05:51 The Experience of Attending a Music Festival
08:22 The Potential for Growth and Improvement
11:16 The Limitations of Censorship
23:14The Dark Side of the Entertainment Industry
25:30 Being the Light in a Dark World
29:29 The Temptations and Compromises of Fame
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The conversation explores the evolution of Hoss's music journey, from his childhood exposure to music in Iran to his passion for electronic music and technology. We delves into his experience as a percussionist, DJ, and radio show host, highlighting his transition into starting a record label out of necessity. Hoss shares his decision to treat the label as a business and the steps he took to establish it, including investing in legal agreements and creating an SEO-friendly website. The conversation also touches on the growth of Funktasy Records and its magazine, Funktasy Magazine, during the COVID-19 pandemic. During the pandemic, Funktasy experienced growth and had access to A-list celebrities due to their good content, persistence, and the fact that people were at home. The magazine concept was an unexpected evolution for Funktasy. Hoss also highlights the significance of understanding royalties and publishing, and the role of radio in the music industry.
00:00 The Evolution of Hoss's Music Journey
08:48 Starting Functasy Records: A Necessity Turned Business
12:25 The Growth of Functasy Records and Fun2C Magazine
16:12 Adaptability and Entrepreneurship in the Music Industry
22:43 The Importance of Radio in the Music Industry
25:39 Funktasy: Welcoming Artists from Various Genres
27:30 Understanding Royalties and Publishing in the Music Industry
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In this captivating episode, we sit down with Michael McCaslin, the visionary founder of Keyhole Piano Shells. Michael's innovative designs have revolutionized the piano industry, providing musicians and performers with elegant and functional piano shells that elevate any performance. We dive into Michael's journey from concept to creation, discussing the challenges he faced, the inspiration behind his designs, and the impact of Keyhole Piano Shells on the music world. Whether you're a musician, a music enthusiast, or simply curious about the intersection of creativity and entrepreneurship, this episode offers fascinating insights into the world of piano innovation. Join us for an inspiring conversation with Michael McCaslin, where we uncover the passion and ingenuity that drive his work at Keyhole Piano Shells.
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Anthony and Dee discuss the importance of being present, managing screen time, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. They emphasize the need for intentional use of time, reducing screen time, and making mindful choices for personal wellness.
Being present in the moment is important for personal and professional interactions.Managing screen time is crucial for productivity and mental well-being.Personal wellness involves intentional choices about diet, exercise, and mental health.
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In this conversation, Anthony interviews Phil Morse, a professional DJ, CEO of Digital DJ Tips, and author of the book Rock the Dance Floor. Phil shares his journey as a DJ and how he transitioned into teaching others. He discusses the five-step method of teaching DJing, which includes gear, music, mixing, performing, and success. Phil emphasizes the importance of trying different genres of music and being open to new opportunities as a DJ. He also addresses the blurred line between DJing and producing, highlighting the use of technology in live remixing and the controversy surrounding the beat sync button. In this conversation, Phil and Anthony discuss the blurred line between producers and DJs, the importance of understanding the tools and technology used in DJing, and managing nerves in front of a crowd.
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In this clip Anthony and Dee chat various forms of beef in other popular genres of music, including the frequencies of the music itself!
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