About To Drop!

Tom Callahan is a 35 year music industry veteran has been at the forefront of most every music business change, and in several instances was the catalyst.

He has the vital old school business etiquette and connections that are necessary, combined with the new school know how and expertise that is relevant to build a foundation to succeed.

He began his career as a touring musician before transitioning into executive record promotion positions at Indie label powerhouses Enigma Records, I.R.S. Records, and Virgin records in the late 80s and early 90s, rising to Vice President of Adult Formats at the age of 29. His independent spirit beckoned, and upon leaving the corporate world, started his Indie promotion company building it into one of the largest in the US. working with virtually every major label artist, including Shania Twain, Lenny Kravitz, Paula Abdul, Hall & Oats and countless others, while simultaneously co-founding and operating Coyote Records and Vellum Entertainment. As an independent record promoter, Tom was nominated for promoter of the year in 1998 and 1999 by then leading trade R&R magazine, and with his label Vellum Entertainment nominated for “Gold AC record label of the year” in 2000 on the success of his artist Suzy K.

As manager, Tom handled many artists over his long career including Phoebe Snow, Jeff Timmons (98 Degrees), Kaile Goh (lava/Republic), Justin Hopkins, Olivia Rox, Arnold McCuller, Suzy K, and others.

Most recently, Tom was instrumental in the rapid rise and success of  “Songtradr”, the largest B2B music licensing marketplace in the world. Paul Wiltshire and Tom started in Paul’s living room and for 3 years, Tom traveled the world and led the company in strategy, customer acquisition and together with Paul, oversaw and executed the vision of the company.

With his new company Indie Advance, Tom is positioned to empower the indie artist with global distribution and robust artist services while surrounding himself with a world class executive team.

Tom is also “All-Americas”  Vice-Chairman and International Secretary of full contact Kyokushin-Kan Karate in Japan, holding the rank of 5th dan and title Renshi Shihan.

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Temani is a singer / songwriter / producer from Cincinnati Ohio. He is 23 years of age and attended Dohn High School also in Cincinnati. He has been singing and performing since the age of 13. At the age of 15 he joined the STARS program which was located in the Elementz Youth Arts Center in Cincinnati. While there he took vocal lessons, made beats and honed his production skills. He also performed in their Motown Tribute as one of the Temptations and went on to become artist in residence at Elementz in a paid capacity. Currently he is sound engineer at the Crossroads Ministry and writes and produces music for artist throughout the Midwest and the world.  

instagram.com/temani_music?igshid=612vc2jp06lo 

"I write songs that get stuck in your head"

Hunter came on for his second interview on the show to share what he's been up to, his new EP, and shared some songwriting tips. 

CAROLINE is a teen pop singer based in Los Angeles with Southern roots in North Carolina. CAROLINE has been singing, writing songs, and performing her whole life! CAROLINE has also managed an impressive combined 65 million views.

Singer/Songwriter. Philadelphia born and raised.

Tom is one of the first artists I worked with when I started making a real push to producing music full time. Over the years him and I have worked on a handful of singles, each one being better than the last.

In this episode we talk about his journey as a singer songwriter and about the most recent release 'These Days'.

Pop Singer-Songwriter, Lauren Light is a force to be Reckoned with. The Berklee grad has played over 800 shows, in over 30 states across the US. Playing a mix of Festivals, Colleges, music venues, and many more. On stage, she artfully crafts the perfect blend of pop, rock, and powerfully soulful vocals.

After a trip to CA in 2018, she co-founded a successful Sync Licensing company based in Los Angeles (twoOHsix Music) specializing in custom music for placement in TV, Film, Trailers, and Advertisements. You can hear her music on a range of projects from a roller coaster in TN to Marvels hit show “Runaways”.  

In her free time, you’ll see Lauren drinking insane amounts of coffee in NC, co-writing as much as possible, and releasing content on her Music Business Podcast “The Enlightened Musician”

Valerie Faye is an artist and songwriter from NYC. Her and I sat in my studio to talk about her upcoming debut single 'Not Juliet'. We go into her process and the story behind this song. This single will be preceding an upcoming EP due out in a few weeks that we are currently working on. 'Not Juliet' and the upcoming EP will be available on all major streaming platforms.

Jordan Perry writes music for other people for a living. The excitement of taking another artist’s ideas and turning them into fully realized recordings inspires and challenges him on a daily basis. But in fall 2019 he took on his biggest challenge yet; finding his own sound.

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When you spend your days creating for others it’s hard to find the time and energy for your own projects. Knowing the only way forward was by MAKING the time, Jordan, as the season’s first flakes of snow began to fall, locked himself in a cheap motel in Hawkesbury, Ontario with the sole purpose of writing as many songs for himself as possible. He emerged forty eight hours, two energy drinks and one bottle of whiskey later, with three songs that would become the first solo singles of his 20+ year career.

Jordan, originally a Saskatchewan-born drummer, spent his early twenties traveling around Canada and exploring the unique musical avenues each region offered. His hometown of Saskatoon gave him his foundation of pop, electronic, hip hop and rock; The Yukon offered a deeper exploration of classic and modern hits as a karaoke host at a tavern in Dawson City and drummer of several cover bands; His arrival in Montreal led to an eight year run in the death metal band Derelict, which kept him on the road touring, releasing albums, solidifying him as an influential drummer in the Canadian metal scene, and resulting in a nomination for a Canadian Independent Music Award before the band dissolved in 2013. Suddenly free to focus his efforts on production, Jordan immediately began working with highly credited musicians including Scott Thomas Robinson (Demi Lovato), Danny Flam (Kanye West) and Dan Konopka (OK Go), eventually hitting the US Top 40 charts in 2019 with December Rose’s female empowerment anthem “Raise Your Voice” and Quebec Top 100 charts with Matt Tremblay’s “Fast & Slow”.

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Drawing influences from all aspects of his career, Jordan has created a sound completely unique to him. The nostalgic and dark electronic overtones have led some to draw comparisons to acts like Active Child and Rufus du Sol, with nods to Imogen Heap and Marina, while others have referenced Depeche Mode and The Cure, with a subtle but present hint of Synthwave. Jordan’s voice transitions seamlessly from smooth baritone to haunting falsetto, while his lyrics embrace the hard times and struggles inherent with a life in music. His debut single, “Drive into Night” is available on all streaming platforms.

John Clark is an indie/psychedelic rock artist and a real DIY'er. We spoke about his multiple projects, his beginnings in music, and how being a father has impacted his music and career. We spoke a bit about how hes been able to get success on Spotify by himself through organic marketing.

JoeJas is a UK based artist and producer. We talked about how he got his start in music, what the scene has been like in the UK and we went into his process of creating music.

Josh Schneider is a singer songwriter that writes. produces, and records all his own music. We spoke about his musical journey and how his faith has played an important role in his music. 

facebook.com/joshjschneider

twitter.com/joshjschneider

instagram.com/Joshschneidermusic

Merlot Embargo is a collective of humans from Los Angeles headed by singer/songwriter and guitarist/producer pair (and wife/husband) Scarlet and Geoff. We write and record out of our home studio and perform throughout Southern California.

We spoke about the origins of the group and how they go about creating their music. We also talked about their experience being a performing and recording indie artist.

merlotembargo.com

facebook.com/merlotembargo/

instagram.com/merlotembargo/

youtube.com/channel/UCQrR4Q8qZUJp9I3sEtos7ow

Enoch is a pop producer and artist based in the Los Angeles area. We spoke a few months ago about his start in music and how he transitioned over time to production. We also spoke about projects and releases he is currently, or has recently, worked on.

facebook.com/enochyangmusic

instagram.com/enochyangmusic

twitter.com/enochunplugged

Dahm is a producer, engineer, and artist from San Francisco. In his interview we talked about his path as a musician and about previous and future projects.

prodbydahm.com/

open.spotify.com/artist/7aRK0Z2XLYiuFjDWGqLtmy

instagram.com/prodbydahm/

On this episode, I spoke with Gary from the band Five Lined. Five Lined is a coastal (coast of the Mississippi River) rock/pop band creating accessible music that is deep enough to ensure you will hear something new with each listen. We discussed Gary's journey from recording music for himself, to forming a project band with musicians he respects, to delivering the first Five Lined EP.

Edora are 3 friends based in Stockholm, that make music together. Our trio called ‘Edora’ take elements of the classic Scandinavian electronic sound accompanied by gorgeous soulful vocals and lyrics inspired by independence and self-doubt. Some people call it electronic pop, accompanied by soul, funk or whatever. But we just make songs based of things that inspire us.. With roots in a heap of musical backgrounds and a shared love of music, we delivered an EP earlier this year and just released our new single Wish You Could Stay.

In this episode I spoke with Hans from the band 'Trudio'. They are a rock band based out of Norway and have been together, recording, and performing for a few years. Hans and I spoke about the dynamic of being in a band with several people and how they approach everything from writing, to producing, to managing. Their music can be found on all major streaming platforms.

Alexandra is 27 years old. Originally from Roswell, NM. Singing has always been her passion, but she was very shy growing up, until she moved to LA, and friends helped push her in the direction of her dreams. She loves being able to help people through her music. Alexandra is an RN in her spare time, and also has a twin sister who sings as well.

Her quote to live by, is “to never let YOU get in the way of your dreams, and your potential. You’re the only one who has that power.” She says that she loves God, her family, and friends. Alexandra says she is “very grateful, and tries to live every second to the fullest”. Some of her Inspiration and influences include many, but especially Christina Aguilera, who she says she has loved since she was a little girl, and is currently “obsessed with Billie Eilish”. She also says “If I ever had the chance to work with someone big in the music industry I would love the opportunity to work with Mark Ronson. I think he is amazing.”

After moving back from Los Angeles last year, she is currently living in Albuquerque NM to be close to her family, after recently losing her mom to cancer. As well as donating portions of proceeds for her upcoming release, she is also raising money with her last song ‘Flame’ for cancer research, in honor of her mother.

Paulina Vo is an indie, R&B, pop/soul, singer, songwriter, and producer based in Brooklyn. Born in New Orleans to Vietnamese American immigrant parents, and eventually living in more than five states, Paulina’s experiences have molded her sound into a cross-genre blend of harmonies, delayed guitars, and occasional 808’s.

paulinavo.com

facebook.com/paulinavo

instagram.com/vobot

open.spotify.com/artist/4ZMjntwuXToimNWH1682CZ?si=3w66_4loQRuyesSlMRCGOw

twitter.com/misspvo

There must be something in the water ‘down under’, because here comes another amazing Aussie making waves here in the US. In 2016 RALPHY made a huge splash in the LA scene with her single ‘LOVER’, the passionate forerunner to her debut album ‘PEACELOVER’. Since then she’s received an overwhelming response to her heart-pounding music and electric live performances, taking LA by storm as an independent pop sensation.

While her simmering, sultry singing is the most striking RALPHY quality, what this stage siren has really become most widely known for is her incredible live shows. With their dynamic choreography and high-fashion dance aesthetic, RALPHY captures the true meaning of performance, elevating her audience into a beautiful space of love, freedom, and expression. As a proud advocate of equal rights and an ardent supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, this is what RALPHY’s all about: “I just want the world to remember gratitude and how good it feels to be in the moment, have fun and respect each other. We are all so lucky to have this thing called life and we owe it to ourselves to live it with LOVE.”

After a busy past two years performing at numerous venues [include names+events], 2019 is proving to be yet another prolific year: she kicked things off with the release of her hotly anticipated single ‘HESITATE’, a slick R&B number that was a stylistic departure from her previously more disco-inspired grooves. This was followed by ‘STONED’, a smoldering collaboration with Brazilian pop singer Tiago and LA R&B singer Justin Green. She’s rounding out the season with the release of ‘CAN’T SLEEP’, perhaps her darkest track yet, with its moody, ‘80s new wave feel.

This is just the beginning of what this powerhouse indie-pop artist has in store for us. With more singles, shows, and a music video already on the calendar, we suggest jumping on the RALPHY train now, because this won’t be one you want to miss!

Los Angeles singer/songwriter Hunter Reece blends upbeat vocal melodies with modern electronic sound design to create a catchy sun-soaked experience. There is an irresistible ‘90s nostalgia, but a future-thinking minimalism that keeps the sound fresher than a mouthful of pop rocks. 

Lewis Briese, aka Green Walls, is a musician and producer from Wodonga, Australia. We spoke about his recent start into music and his quick growth and progress both in his hometown and online. His debut single "Starlight" has garnered praise from local radio stations. His newest single 'Love Me Whole' has just been released. We spoke about the process and creation of both of these songs. Both of which, are available on all major streaming platforms.

Pop singer-songwriter Saturn Lane is from Staten Island, New York and discovered her passion for music at just 2 years old and at the age of 9, she started to write original songs. Growing up in a musical family, Saturn drew inspiration from the success of her late grandfather, WMCA “Good Guy” Rock-N’-Roll Radio Hall of Famer Jack Spector. Saturn’s main artistic influences are Ariana Grande, Bebe Rexha, Miley Cyrus, and Taylor Swift. She writes honest, daring songs sharing her struggles of battling anxiety and finding the woman she’s becoming.

MURDOCH unites vocalist Janet La Valley and guitarist Don Kimenker. With numerous bands (Tribe, Janet La Valley Band, Black Tide, Jak), record companies (Slash, Warner Brothers, Columbia Records, Epic), and industry awards behind them, MURDOCH composes hypnotic, haunting music that is a departure from their alternative rock roots.

A singer songwriter & producer from the UK now based in Los Angeles is stepping out from behind the scenes to perform songs in person. His preferred style, a blend of Classic Piano Pop with a hint of Blue Eyed Soul and Southern Rock thrown in, will be the prominent theme for his first solo album.

The first single “Thank You Mr Elton John” is a warm and heartfelt tribute to one of the greatest songwriters that has ever lived, it also mentions many legends who have passed.

Bernard’s influences vary across multiple genres from Billy Joel, Elton John, Richard Marx to Michael McDonald, John legend, Ray Charles, DeAngelo and Alicia Keys.

Simply put, great piano players who write and sing their own songs.

 He started his musical journey at the age of 9, got his first job at a recording studio at 21 and has been at it since. His 'day job' involves running TEAPOT LLC record label, developing a couple of other acts including Soulo Blanco, Tony Thompson, and Crying Man.

Based in San Francisco, Aftab Hafeez (aka RollBD) is a highly versatile composer, music producer, sound engineer, and sound designer who has programmed, recorded, mixed, and mastered all-original instrumentals since 2002.

From Colombian and Pakistani roots, he traverses genres (including Orchestral, Rap, Pop, Electronic, Latin) with a unique voice and message, aiming to move you and give voice to courageous stories. His passion for solid rhythms and memorable melodies have lead his works to feature on award-winning films, animations, VR, and video games.

We spoke in depth about his singles 'Deserve You' and 'Black Water', two singles with different artists and writers.

aftabhafeez.com/

instagram.com/aftab.hafeez.rollbd/

open.spotify.com/artist/6P0rGP1ltQZ9w9gfhGQRM9?si=8HCs0TT7SPim9VjZ4VTydQ

Varsha Vinn is a Pop-Recording Artist, Songwriter and is currently signed to Universal Music Middle East.

She is also a student at Berklee College of Music (Boston, U.S) Originally from India, she started writing songs at the age of 14 and performing on stage at the age of 2. She pursued high school and college in the U.S on a scholarship and is currently performing in the UAE and making music. Her music, although Pop, has an alternative influence with melodic influences from her eastern up bringing. She has been a semi-finalist in the International Songwriting Competition in 2016 for her single “Loving You From A Distance”

Her independently released single "Reveal Me" was featured on New Music Friday (Spotify, India)

Slab City is the brainchild of Marco Thomas and Ryan Titmus. The music is a fusion of Rap, Trap and Dubstep; but not wanting to follow norms of their previous project they decided to create a fictional web series and comic book and have the music created by the project intertwined with the story.

The story is set in the oppressive urban waste land of Koda City, ruled by Mafia Boss, El Don. This is the first guest we've had that is using multiple mediums to promote their music. We had a great conversation about how they conceived and executed on this unique idea.

instagram.com/we.are.slabcity

facebook.com/we.are.slabcity

patreon.com/slabcity

https://open.spotify.com/user/pjcikfv6gl87k7xdqcllukxz0? si=JgWYpEYOSkyJIlxi_ygarQ 

Auston is a Nashville based artist and songwriter, I caught up with him while he was in his hometown of Virginia Beach on quarantine. We talked about his story in music, how his records come together, and how he's been able to build up his career over the years. His latest single 'Guess Who's Back' is available on all major streaming platforms.

instagram.com/austonotsua

facebook.com/austonotsua

Petter Lithvall is a Swedish producer, songwriter, and mix engineer who has recently started an original project with another singer songwriter. We talked a bit about his path to becoming an independent producer and I was particularly interested in how he has built his business and how things may be different for producers in that part of the world. You can find the music Petter has been a part of or released on his website and on all major streaming platforms.

LithvallMusic.com

instagram.com/lithvallmusic

Morgan Keller is an artist, performer, and songwriter from my home state of New Jersey. We had a chat about her music while she was home from school in LA on quarantine. We went into detail about how she got into music at a young age and how its led to her currently going to school to study it while building her career. Her latest single 'Still Talk to You' is available on all major streaming platforms.

morgankellermusic.com

instagram.com/morgankellermusic

facebook.com/morgankellermusic

twitter.com/morgan_keller98

Brothers Mark and Ryan are the two members of Paradise Warriors. We had a good conversation about their beginnings in music and what they're been working on since the band formed. They're based out of Australia and have been releasing music consistently for the past few years. We spoke about their album 'There's a Place', their single 'You Brought the Sunshine' and their plans for future releases. And since our conversation they have been doing weekly 'quarantine sessions' during the pandemic to stay connected their fans.

Sof is an artist, singer, and songwriter from my home state of New Jersey. We had an in depth conversation about her music, story, the business, and what it's like to be an independent artist today. We spoke about her current single 'Inertia' as well as her plans for releasing new music throughout the year. Her most recent single 'Inertia' is available on all major streaming platforms.