Fred LeBlanc: “Don’t worry about what others think.”

Episode 011 // Fred LeBlanc, drummer/lead vocalist of Cowboy Mouth, on the heartdea13r Podcast with chr1stoph3r g0nda

Summary:

- Fred LeBlanc discusses Cowboy Mouth, community over fame, live energy, and the music business.

👀 What you’ll hear

• Turn a fan base into a community you actively participate in, not just cater to
• Reverse-engineer festival slots using live chaos, wireless mic runs, and crowd ignition strategies
• Transform setbacks and label politics into fuel by doubling down on live recordings that capture truth
• Protect mental energy by rejecting worry and practising disciplined positivity during tough touring seasons
• Self-manage bookings until the right agent arrives, be cool with everyone, and keep hustling
• Build longevity by loving the work, embracing misfits, and treating performance as community service

🕰️ Chapters

00:00 Welcome, New Orleans roots, and what’s real vs TV

05:14 From backline to frontman: the singer-drummer path

08:02 Born deaf, vibration, and the green garbage can origin

11:57 Early bands, Dash Rip Rock, and the EMI solo deal

18:00 Major-label grind vs fun and choosing joy

24:58 MCA politics and the “Jenny Says” live single strategy

27:25 Festival tactics: wireless mic runs and morning-slot shock therapy

32:22 Fan base vs community: participation over catering

38:20 Recording philosophy: studio vs live and serving the song

46:00 Onstage inspiration: Norman Vincent Peale and joy of living

49:19 Positivity with honesty: life’s hard, your energy matters

55:28 Career advice: hustle, be cool, and self-manage until an agent