Bridge The Atlantic

Our guest this week is Benji Rogers, British-born, New York-based entrepreneur, technologist, musician, and the founder of Pledge Music. As an early pioneer of the direct artist-to-fan model of distributing music, Benji founded Pledge Music based on the belief that artists should share the process of their artistic output, not just the finished product.In addition to his work with Pledge, Benji is also the co-founder of the Dot Blockchain Music Project, an attempt to create a decentralized global registry of music rights using blockchain technology that will overhaul the commercialization and movement of music online. We had a great chat with Benji about Pledge Music, the importance of superfans, and the advice he'd offer to musicians and music industry entrepreneurs.Highlights:- Benji schools us with a Michael Bolton related Office Space quote- Marcio shares his personal experience of Pledge Music with Benji- Benji shares how the team are the key to Pledge Music’s success- “Technology is a huge piece of Pledge Music, but it’s the humans behind the technology that make it work”- Benji tells us why he started Pledge Music- “If all music is crowdfunded by fans, what difference does it make WHEN people pay for it?” - Benji Rogers- There’s a percentage of music fans who want to pay more - and we have to give them this option- Benji shares how it’s more about attracting the right fans, rather than a huge number of fans- “The way artists interact with their superfans will be the difference between those who make it and those who don’t” - Benji Rogers- “Fans don’t need more ways to consume music - they need reasons” - Benji Rogers- Benji talks about how the internet has enabled for direct interaction between artist and fan- Benji shares that he believes that moving forward, artists will start measuring Return on Attention rather than Return on Investment- We talk about the power of your mailing list, and Benji shares tips for growing your list- Benji shares his advice for musicians and music industry entrepreneursAdvice:- When crowdfunding, be honest about why you’re doing this and why- Offer an experience that is better than what they can get on YouTube or streaming servicesGuest Links:- Pledge Music: http://pledgemusic.com- Dot Blockchain: http://dotblockchainmusic.com- Twitter: @benjikrogers- Instagram: @benjikrogersSponsors:- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses- Joe Settineri- Music Launch Hub- Buck Naked Soap Company---For more episodes, visit http://bridge-the-atlantic.comFollow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bridge_atlanticSubscribe on iTunes: http://bridge-the-atlantic.com/itunesSupport us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/bridgetheatlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us this week is vocal instructor Melissa Cross out of New York City. Melissa is a highly in-demand voice teacher and creator of the acclaimed “Zen of Screaming” instructional DVD. Her approach to singing is rooted in passion and authenticity, and the techniques she teaches are all about allowing artists to be themselves. She’s worked with some of the biggest bands and artists in the business. Her client list includes vocalists of bands such as Sleeping with Sirens, Halestorm, Senses Fail, Taking Back Sunday, Circa Survive, and even Kevin Bacon. Highlights: - Melissa believes she is here on this Earth to help people - Melissa is a sucker for talent - it’s one of the main things she looks for in a partner! - We hear how Melissa developed the vocal technique she now teaches - Melissa shares how classical vocal techniques aren’t necessarily applicable to non-classical music - “We need to take the resonant strategy of classical music and apply it to the spoken tone” - Melissa Cross - Melissa tells us how the authenticity in the metal scene of the 80s/90s made her want to be part of the community - Ross and Marcio tell Melissa how they’ve used her Zen of Screaming exercises in the past - Melissa tells us about her upcoming Zen of Screaming website, featuring animation to help singers develop their technique - We talk about visualisation in terms of singing - Melissa tells us how artists can find their authentic voice, and sing like “themselves” - The idea of imagination rather than judgment and listening is at the basis of Melissa’s technique - Melissa shares some advice for artists on taking care of their voice Advice: - You need to know the material as if you’re sloppy, you may overwork your voice - Warming up your voice is so important - Your voice is not invincible - respect it - You have to love your voice - if you’re doing it for money, you’re in it for the wrong reason - Singing professionally is only for people who couldn’t survive doing anything else Guest Links: - Website: http://melissacross.com - Twitter: @melissacross - Instagram: @zenofscreaming Sponsors: - Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents - Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses - Joe Settineri - Music Launch Hub - Buck Naked Soap Company --- For more episodes, visit http://bridge-the-atlantic.com Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bridge_atlantic Subscribe on iTunes: http://bridge-the-atlantic.com/itunes Support us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/bridgetheatlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us this week out of Miami, Florida is Ryan Kairalla. Ryan is a lawyer, writer, podcaster, and teacher. He advises clients in the music industry on a wide range of entertainment and business matters including recording agreements, publishing agreements, management agreements, music licensing, media appearances, live performances, entertainment litigation, copyright and trademark counseling, and corporate matters.Ryan mostly focuses on advising independent musicians on their legal and business issues. His work as an “indie music lawyer” also extends to his writing and podcasting. His new book Break the Business: Declaring Your Independence and Achieving True Success in the Music Industry shines a light on the pitfalls that arise from record label contracts, and provides artists with helpful guidance on achieving music industry success on their own terms.Highlights: -Ryan explains that today an indie music lawyer needs to be an expert in a lot of different fields- The new music industry gives creators an unforeseen amount of control- A lot of things artists used to be able to defer to others, are now in their hands - knowledge is key!- “If you’re serious about a career in the music industry, you HAVE to get informed” - Ryan Kairalla- Marcio has a question for Ryan about the legality of trademarking your own name as your artist name- “Where it’s cheaper to record, distribute, fund and promote your music, it raises the question about why artists would sign a record deal” - Ryan Kairalla- Ryan shares how there seems to be a “cocktail bragging right” along with being signed to a label- Being signed or unsigned isn’t a reflection of how good or bad an artist is- Ryan shares some ways that artists are making money in today’s industry without selling recorded music- Patreon = a game changing platform- “Intellectual property is the most important property in the music industry” - Ryan Kairalla- Ryan debunks the most common myth around copyright in the music business- As soon as something is on a tangible medium, it is copyrighted - but that doesn’t mean it’s protected- Ryan shares some of the red flags he sees in record label contracts, and things artists need to be aware of- Ryan tells us what artists can do if they can’t afford a lawyerGuest Links:- Website: http://breakthebusiness.com- Twitter: @RyanKairSponsors:- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses- Joe Settineri- The Rock/Star Advocate- Music Launch Hub- Buck Naked Soap Company- Wendy Donaldson--For more episodes, visit http://bridge-the-atlantic.comFollow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bridge_atlanticSubscribe on iTunes: http://bridge-the-atlantic.com/itunesSupport us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/bridgetheatlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hey, friends! We had so much fun with our holiday spectacular, that we decided to put together another special episode for Valentine's Day.In this episode, we play "Two Truths and a Lie" with singer/songwriter Lucy Spraggan, Wheatus frontman Brendan B. Brown, vocal coach Melissa Cross, and Courage My Love's Mercedes & Phoenix Arn-Horn.Enjoy!Sponsors:- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses- Joe Settineri- Music Launch Hub- Buck Naked Soap Company Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest this week is Brendan Brown of Wheatus. Wheatus are perhaps best known for their hit “Teenage Dirtbag” but their story goes far deeper. The band have remained unsigned & unmanaged for the last 8 years, and continue to write, record, and tour 15 years after their inception.The band are in the process of releasing Volumes 1-8 of Pop, Songs & Death, a series of EPs available exclusively from wheatus.com as multi-format “pay-what-you-want” digital downloads. With a band biography that includes lawsuits, lineup changes, interstate art heist investigations and more, Brendan shares his experiences of the music industry and the advice he'd offer to his fellow musicians.Highlights:- Our introduction for Brendan is outdated, but for once it isn’t completely Ross’s fault!- “We are still stubbornly obsessed with making records in an analog format” - Brendan B Brown- Brendan wants to buy an artifact from Ross’s music geek childhood- Brendan tells us about Wheatus’s major label experience and why they have remained unsigned since- We hear how Wheatus were excited about Napster as it enabled more people to have their music than just outside their local scene- Brendan tells us how the label wanted to change his appearance, and he wasn’t comfortable with that- We hear how Brendan and Wheatus juggle all the different tasks that need to be done as an unmanaged band- We talk about the pros and cons of having a manager, and some of the challenges Wheatus have faced- “Everything goes into your experience basket and you use it to be positive in the future, so you don’t fuck up again” - Brendan Brown- Brendan shares a story about a legal battle involving their former manager- “If a manager is not doing the job and bringing that percentage in, they’re an unaffordable cost” - Brendan Brown- “Your manager has to be a member of the family, and has to be truly trusted” - Brendan Brown- Ross and Marcio accidentally create some new social networks through getting tongue tiedAdvice:- Conventionality is the danger - you have to find your own way, built on mistakes and the unexpected- You have to let go of the things you thought would happen, and go with what comes your way- Learn how to use the broken version of your dreamsGuest Links:- Website: http://wheatus.com- Facebook: /wheatus- Twitter: @wheatus- Instagram: @wheatusofficialSponsors:- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses- Joe Settineri- Music Launch Hub- Buck Naked Soap Company---For more episodes, visit http://bridge-the-atlantic.comFollow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bridge_atlanticSubscribe on iTunes: http://bridge-the-atlantic.com/itunesSupport us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/bridgetheatlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us this week are twins Mercedes and Phoenix Arn-Horn of Canadian pop-punk group Courage My Love. The band formed in 2009, were discovered at a battle of the bands in Ontario in early 2010 and were soon signed to Warner Music Canada. Since then, they’ve released 4 EPs and 1 full length album, with their new album “Synesthesia” due for release in February 2017.They were nominated for 'Best breakthrough group of the year' in the 2014 Juno Awards, and were named one of the Top 100 Bands You Need to Know in 2012 by Alternative Press Magazine. In this interview, we hear more about their upcoming album, and the advice they'd offer to their fellow musicians.Highlights:- We hear how Mercedes and Phoenix work together- Mercedes and Phoenix want us to know that homeschooled children aren’t always sociopathic weirdos!- We hear about the benefits and opportunities Courage My Love have had through their label support- We hear about Courage My Love’s upcoming record “Synesthesia”- Mercedes and Phoenix tell us how they had a much clearer vision for the new album than previously- Phoenix tell us how she’s been more involved in the programming of Courage My Love’s upcoming album- We hear about the influence of 80s horror movies on the band’s new music videos- “We’ve found a sound we really like and can go ahead with in the future”- We hear about the producers Courage My Love worked with on “Synesthesia” and the recording approach they took- Mercedes and Phoenix tell us about some of their personal career highlights so far, including Warped Tour- Mercedes tells us what she describes as “the worst joke of all time”- Celine Dion is “the crown jewel of Canada”- We talk about the importance of having a strong connection with your fansAdvice:- Too many bands quit early - you have to stick with it- It takes time to get anywhere notable and to make things happen- Even overnight successes have been putting in years of work- Stay true to yourself and create music that you like and believe in- People will care more about you and your music if you make a personal connectionGuest Links:- Website: http://ilovecouragemylove.com- Facebook: /ilovecouragemylove- Twitter: @couragemylove /@mercedesarnhorn / @phoenixarnhorn- Instagram: @couragemyloveSponsors:- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses- Joe Settineri- Music Launch Hub- Buck Naked Soap Company---For more episodes, visit http://bridge-the-atlantic.comFollow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bridge_atlanticSubscribe on iTunes: http://bridge-the-atlantic.com/itunesSupport us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/bridgetheatlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us this week is Manchester based singer/songwriter Lucy Spraggan. Lucy became a household name in the UK after appearing on the 2012 season of X Factor, and since has found chart success, with many of her singles reaching the top 20 in the UK charts.Her fourth album ‘I Hope You Don’t Mind Me Writing…’ is released on 27th January, through her own label CTRL Records. In this interview, we hear more about the new record, Lucy's X Factor experience, why she completely changed her management team recently, and more!Highlights:- Lucy tells us about her X Factor experience- We hear how Lucy believes that the music industry is less appearance focused than it was a few years ago- Lucy shares why it’s important for musicians to raise awareness of mental health issues- We hear how Lucy isn’t writing to please the major labels anymore- Lucy tells us about her new album and what we can expect from it- On her new album: “I don’t care if the radio don’t like it”- We hear how Lucy completely changed her management and the team around her- We talk about the importance of having the right team around you- Ironically, now that Lucy is no longer trying to please the radio, the radio LOVE her new single!- “You guys aged yourselves with Michael Bolton!”- Lucy believes musicians supporting each other is crucial to the fellowship of music- Lucy shares how so many support slots are buy-ons now, and how she doesn’t agree with that- We need more people like Lucy in the music industry - because she’s awesome- “Everyone could tell I was gay when I walked on that stage by the way I walked and what I was wearing!” - Lucy Spraggan- Lucy is great at leaving sassy comments on Facebook - you should check them outAdvice:- Write music and then get out and play in local clubs and open mic nights- Support slots are crucial in the live scene- As an artist, be open and transparent about your sexuality only if YOU want to beGuest Links:- Website: http://lucyspraggan.com- Twitter: @LSpraggan- Facebook: /lucyspraggan- Instagram: @LSpragganSponsors:- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses- Joe Settineri- The Rock/Star Advocate- Music Launch Hub- Buck Naked Soap Company- Wendy Donaldson--For more episodes, visit http://bridge-the-atlantic.comFollow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bridge_atlanticSubscribe on iTunes: http://bridge-the-atlantic.com/itunesSupport us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/bridgetheatlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our guest this week is Mike Ziemer, out of Los Angeles, Calfornia. Mike is the founder of the So What?! Music Festival, which will enter it's 10th year in 2017. He’s also the creator of Unsilent Night Music Festival. As a promoter, Ziemer has booked everyone from A Day To Remember, Sleeping With Sirens, All Time Low, Underoath, Pierce The Veil, Taking Back Sunday and The Used to G-Eazy, RiFF RAFF, Steve Aoki, and more.Aside from promoting, Ziemer also runs an artist management company called Evolve Management, and a record label called Third String Records. As a successful entrepreneur of over a decade, Mike also brings his knowledge to conferences and schools across the US. In addition, he offers one-on-one mentoring sessions with individuals interested in seeking advice and guidance as well as bands looking for help finding the proper next steps to turn their passion into a career.Highlights:- Ross shares an embarrassing story where he accidentally invited himself on a date with Mike- Mike tells us how the So What!? music festival began, and how it continues to grow- “The fans are the key to the festival’s success” - Mike Ziemer, 2016- “The most important thing in music is networking” - Mike Ziemer, 2016- Mike shares how it’s important to be a likeable person in order to grow your network- Mike shares how the relationships are EVERYTHING in the music business- We hear the most common questions that Mike gets asked when mentoring and consulting, and answers it for us- Mike tells us how one of his volunteers has become the marketing director for his festival- “Anyone can say they want to work in music, but you have to be willing to put in the work” - Mike Ziemer, 2016- Mike tells us how he finds bands to book for his shows and tells bands what not to do when applying- Mike shares what he would have done differently when he first startedAdvice:- Don’t spend money on an expensive school to figure out what it is you want to do - it’s a waste of time and money- Internships or work experience placements can help you decide what lane you want to be in- Volunteering is one of the best ways to get your foot in the door- If you’re willing to help out, that goes a long wayGuest Links:- Website: mikeziemer.com- Twitter: @MikeZiemer- Facebook: /mikeziemer- Instagram: @mikeziemerSponsors:- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses- Joe Settineri- The Rock/Star Advocate- Music Launch Hub- Buck Naked Soap Company- Wendy Donaldson---For more episodes, visit http://bridge-the-atlantic.comFollow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bridge_atlanticSubscribe on iTunes: http://bridge-the-atlantic.com/itunesSupport us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/bridgetheatlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Joining us this week out of Vancouver is music producer and engineer, Garth Richardson. Garth’s worked with some of the biggest names in rock, including Rage Against the Machine, Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Nickelback, Trapt, Biffy Clyro, Rise Against, and even Taylor Swift.Garth is also the co-founder of the Nimbus School of Recording Arts, a private technical music production institute, and is the owner of The Farm Studios. In this interview, we hear the advice Garth would offer to musicians looking to work with a producer, as well as aspiring producers themselves. He also shares some funny stories about revenge with us, as well as the best advice he received from his dad. Enjoy!Highlights:- Rock and Roll does not start at 8am- When producing, the song is the most important thing- The three things Garth looks for when producing are the songs, the singer, and the drive- Today the artist is more responsible for themselves than ever- “Put down your phone, get off your laptop, and write songs!” - Garth Richardson, 2016- “Use your engin-EAR, not your engin-EYE”- Garth tells us about the record he worked on with Big Wreck, and how it was all mixed manually- We (semi-jokingly) talk about limiting the number of revisions artists should be allowed- Garth shares a story about telling a band any revisions would be extra to try and make them think more carefully- “The biggest ego in the room should be the song” - Garth Richarson- Musicians shouldn’t comment on their own parts, they should be commenting on the song as a whole- Garth tells us how they teach students about mixing at the Nimbus School of Recording- “Mixing starts from the first sound that you get” - Garth Richardson, 2016- Everyone starts out pretty green and naive, but Nimbus wants to teach producers to be great- The first person who tells us how many times Ross and Marcio have won the #RossOrMarcio question gets a free t-shirt!- Garth shares the best advice his father gave him about producing: “Good songs sell. Bad songs don’t.”- “Producing music is about telling a story with a song, and making someone feel something” - Garth Richardson- Garth is the revenge king - we learn why you shouldn’t get on his bad side!Advice:- A producer is there to help you make your record, not their own record- Make sure you’re rehearsed and ready to go in the studio before you go to record- Producers getting started - show up hungry and offer to work for free to build your portfolio- When choosing a mixing engineer, you want to make sure you find someone who makes it sound good for radioGuest Links:- Website: http://www.gggarth.com/- Twitter: @gggarthfader- Facebook: /TheFarmStudios- Instagram: @gggarthhoserSponsors:- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses- Joe Settineri- The Rock/Star Advocate- Music Launch Hub- Buck Naked Soap Company- Wendy Donaldson---For more episodes, visit http://bridge-the-atlantic.comFollow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bridge_atlanticSubscribe on iTunes: http://bridge-the-atlantic.com/itunesSupport us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/bridgetheatlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re excited to be joined by Justin Pierre out of Minnesota. Justin was the co-founder and lead vocalist of Motion City Soundtrack, and with them released 6 albums between 1997 and 2015. The band’s songs gave thoughtful perspectives on mental health and self-doubt, and they recently wrapped up a farewell tour...but hopefully it’s not the end!Justin’s known for his very personal lyrics, trademark sideburns and glasses, and he also hosts a podcast with his wife called Book Narcs. He also makes short films and directs music videos, with some of his credits including work for Limbeck and Sing It Loud. In this interview, Justin talks about Motion City Soundtrack's longevity, overcoming his drinking problem, and why he believes it's important to support other musicians. Enjoy!Highlights:- Justin shares what he believes the secret to Motion City Soundtrack’s longevity is- Justin shares how MCS dealt with some big issues in the band early on- We hear how understanding and respecting each other is a big part of keeping a band together- “Being in Motion City Soundtrack has been one of the best experiences of my life” - Justin Pierre- Justin shares how the live performance was the hardest part of being in MCS as he never felt good enough- “The only person who can really deal with a problem is that person” - Justin Pierre- Justin shares how his drinking affected the band, and how they managed to overcome it- We hear how Justin has decided to start listening to his gut feeling, instead of stuffing it away- “For years I’ve been stuffing my feelings down, and I’m just discovering them for the first time” - Justin Pierre- Justin shares how with sobriety, as an artist, he has different things to say- “I like music to hurt!” - Justin Pierre- We hear about Justin’s plans for a solo record, and how he wants to approach it- “Support the art you love” - Justin Pierre- Justin shares how he supports the artists he loves (and wins our hearts in the process)Guest Links:Bandcamp: https://justincourtneypierre.bandcamp.comFacebook: /justincourtneypierreTwitter: @jcpmcs / @motioncitymusicInstagram: @jcpmcs / @motioncitysoundtrackSponsors:Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton PresentsChristine Infanger @ Thirty RosesJoe SettineriThe Rock/Star AdvocateMusic Launch HubBuck Naked Soap CompanyWendy Donaldson---For more episodes, visit http://bridge-the-atlantic.comFollow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bridge_atlanticSubscribe on iTunes: http://bridge-the-atlantic.com/itunesSupport us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/bridgetheatlantic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.