Bridge The Atlantic

We've passed the 100 episode milestone, and wanted to do something a little different to celebrate! This 100 Episode Holiday Spectacular is a look back at the past 2 years, with some fun games with recent guests thrown in.In part two of our holiday spectacular, we've also got two games of "Two Truths and a Lie" with record producer Garth Richardson, and music lawyer Ryan Kairalla.Enjoy, and happy holidays!-Ross & Marcio---Sponsors:Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton PresentsChristine Infanger @ Thirty RosesJoe SettineriThe Rock/Star AdvocateMusic Launch HubBob BakerBuck 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.

We've passed the 100 episode milestone, and wanted to do something a little different to celebrate! This 100 Episode Holiday Spectacular is a look back at the past 2 years, with some fun games with recent guests thrown in.In this episode, we talk about some of our favourite moments over the past 100+ episodes, as well as some of the challenges and struggles that come with running a podcast alongside other commitments. We also play "Two Truths and a Lie" with Famous Last Words' JT Tollas and Finch/Private Lives' Nate Barcalow.The past couple of years have been filled with ups and downs, and so many amazing guests. We hope this episode gives you an insight into what it's been like, as well as a reminder of past episodes you enjoyed, or want to go and check out!Sponsors:Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton PresentsChristine Infanger @ Thirty RosesJoe SettineriThe Rock/Star AdvocateMusic Launch HubBob BakerBuck 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.

Joining us this week is singer, writer and actor, Jason Paige. You may not know his name, but you’ve almost definitely heard his voice - Jason is the voice behind the Pokemon theme, and he’s also recorded hundreds of jingles for brands such as Mountain Dew and Subway. He’s performed with Blood Sweat and Tears, Aerosmith and Michael Jackson, among many others, and he’s collaborated on #1 hits and co-written 2 musicals.In the world of theatre, Jason starred in “Rent” at the Hollywood Bowl directed by Neil Patrick Harris, “Godspell” and the 25th anniversary National tour of “Hair”. He’s done way too much to mention in this intro! We’re excited to learn from his vast experience, hear about his one man show “The Jason Paige Show” and when it comes to Pokemon, if he’s managed to catch ‘em all.Highlights:- In this episode you'll hear an intro unlike any other, courtesy of Jason Paige!- "Music is meant to be spontaenous" - Jason Paige- Jason shares how everyone's voice is unique and the character of our voices is what makes them recognisable- We hear how Jason is very involved in creative community building- Jason tells us about how he became the voice behind the Pokémon theme- We get some behind the scenes examples of the process behind Jason's Pokémon theme performance- Jason talks about the impact Pokémon has had on his career and also the people who love the show- Jason shares why he never really stepped forward as "the voice" of the Pokémon theme at risk of being pigeonholed- "Specialization is the killer of creativity" - Jason Paige- "Like Pokémon, we need to find the things that make us evolve and take us to the next level" - Jason Paige- Jason tells us about the experience of working with Michael Jackson- Jason does some killer impressions of Martin Scorsese, Samuel L Jackson and our favourite, Michael BoltonAdvice:- Make up your own commercials or put music to existing commercials to create examples- Success = where preparation and opportunity collide- Hurry up and be wrong, so you can be more right- The creative process is all about not being afraid to be wrongGuest Links:- Website: http://jasonpaige.com- Facebook: /jasonpaigeshow- Twitter: @jasonpaigeshow- Instagram: @jasonpaigeSponsors:- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses- Joe Settineri- The Rock/Star Advocate- Music Launch Hub- Bob Baker- 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 is Phillip Ryan Block out of Illinois, founder of Independent Ear. Independent Ear form the team of management, recording, branding, and booking that pushes the hardest working artists ahead to their full journey’s end.Independent Ear is built on the pillars of cooperation, motivation, inspiration and community - and Ryan himself is a true example of what can be achieved through collaboration, relationship building and perseverance. In this interview, we talk about the importance of community, what Independent Ear offers artists, and some advice for artists who are wanting to approach a label.Highlights:- We talk with Ryan about the importance of having a community around you in the music industry- “If you don’t have community, it’s impossible to build something with importance” - Ryan Block, 2016- Talking to people is the best way to build relationships in the music industry- Ryan talks about the partnership Independent Ear has created with the ILS Group- Ryan says that the ILS Group partnership helps make what he has built more packable- Ryan shares why he believes diversity is an advantage in a label roster- “Diversity in music is what makes music as impactful as it is” - Ryan Block, 2016- Diversity allows relationships to be created first, rather than pushing product first- Ryan tells us more about what Independent Ear can offer artists as a label- Ryan shares what he hopes the partnership with ILS Group will enable Independent Ear to achieve- We hear how Ryan would like to bring street teams back into the forefront of music promotion- Ross gets stuck in the “Bolt Zone” and we propose that as a name for Michael Bolton’s street team- Ross & Marcio send out a heartfelt plea to Michael Bolton to appear on the show (again)- “I’ve made mistakes, and I own them” - Ryan Block, 2016- Ryan expects his artists to work their asses off (as they should!)Advice:- Have a human element to your music and building your fanbase- You need to have an engaged social media following for labels to be interested in you- Know your value - not in monetary value, but in what you can bring to the relationship- Any business relationship needs to be mutually beneficial- “You need the losses to appreciate the wins” - Ryan Block, 2016Guest Links:-Website: http://independentear.com- Facebook: /independentear- Twitter: @p_ryanblock / @independentear- Instagram: @phillipryanblock / @independentearofficialSponsors:- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses- Joe Settineri- The Rock/Star Advocate- Music Launch Hub- Bob Baker- Buck Naked Soap Company- Wendy Donaldson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re joined by Famous Last Words vocalist JT. Famous Last Words recently signed to past guest Shawn Milke’s label, Revival Recordings, and released their new album “The Incubus” in September.Since forming in 2009, the band has released 3 concept albums and 3 EPs, and toured the US extensively. In this interview, we chat with JT about what to look for in a record deal, concept albums, and why it's important to make mistakes.Highlights:- We hear about the influence JT’s education has had on the art he creates with Famous Last Words- JT tells us how he balances fatherhood and being in a touring band- “Creativity, if you have multiple passions, why hold yourself back?” - Marcio Novelli- JT tells us how his daughter always reminds him to never give up- We talk about the importance of signing to a label where the relationship is mutually beneficial- JT tells us about why they chose Revival Recordings over other labels- “I’ll spend a million dollars to make sure the art is up to par, even if it leaves me in the red - everytime” - JT Tollas- We talk about Famous Last Words’ decision to release concept albums vs EPs- JT tells us how he likes to tell stories through music- “Every time I make a mistake, I learn from that mistake” - JT TollasAdvice:- When signing to a label, know what your non-negotiables going to be- Get a lawyer to look over any record label contracts - the language is confusing for a reason- Make sure there is an exit clause in your contract so if promises aren’t being kept, you are protected- “Make sure you’re protected, even if you 100% trust the person you are working with” - JT TollasGuest Links:- Facebook:/famouslastwordsmusic- Twitter: @JT_Tollas / @FLW_Music- Instagram: @jtflw / @famouslastwordsband- Merch: famouslastwords.merchnow.comSponsors:- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses- Joe Settineri- The Rock/Star Advocate- Music Launch Hub- Bob Baker- 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 is Nate Barcalow, vocalist of Finch, Earthbound Ghost, Reverend Crow, and now, Private Lives. With Finch, Nate released 3 EPs and 3 studio albums, with “What It Is To Burn” considered by many as one of the most influential post-hardcore records of the 2000s.Nate has most recently embarked on a new project with Kenny Finn called Private Lives, and in this interview we hear more about what they're working on, Nate's side of the story in relation to Finch's breakup, and the advice he'd offer to his fellow musicians.Highlights:- We talk about Nate’s latest project Private Lives, and the songs they’ve released so far- We hear how Nate’s been surprised by people’s reactions to some of the Private Lives songs- “Do what makes you happy and if people like it, then great!” - Nate Barcalow- Nate shares how he had a specific idea of how he wanted Private Lives to sound- Nate shares how he’s interested in exploring different sounds and what he is capable of- We talk about the importance of not being limited to one genre, both as an artist, and as a fan- Nate shares how the expectations are different with a new band compared to an existing band- We talk about how you can’t just create the same album over and over again- Nate shares the irony of his band being called Private Lives, yet having to use social media as a promotional tool- “No-one really has a private life anymore - it’s all out in the open” - Nate Barcalow- Ross and Marcio plead their cases in the 20 Questions section- We hear Nate’s side of the story in relation to Finch’s breakup- Being in a band is like a marriage - sometimes things just don’t work outAdvice:- If you’re having issues within your band, you have to be real and talk about it- Not all problems can be worked out, but you have to try and make it workGuest Links:- Bandcamp: http://privatelives1.bandcamp.com- Facebook: /privatelivesband- Twitter: @ourprivatelives- Instagram: @organsinorbit / @privatelivesbandSponsors:- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses- Joe Settineri- The Rock/Star Advocate- Music Launch Hub- Bob Baker- 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 is lead singer of post-hardcore band Alesana and founder of Revival Recordings, Shawn Milke. To date, Alesana have released 2 EPs and 5 full length albums, and have recently brought out a novella - Annabel, which is what inspired their Annabel Trilogy.With Revival Recordings, the message is clear: it’s all about art and the people who create it. The team and artists signed to the label are a community where creative and artistic integrity are paramount. It's not just music, it’s good music by good people - and this is why we think Shawn is a perfect guest for the show. In this interview, we talk about Shawn's work with Alesena, the advice he'd offer to artists who want to sign to a label, and the importance of integrity in the music business.Highlights:- Shawn is ambitious and follows through on his ambitions- “When you first start out, you make decisions based on where you hope to go” - Shawn Milke- Shawn shares the tough decisions that Alesana had to make in the beginning- “We wanted to have artistic success, and if that ended up being commercial success, then great” - Shawn Milke- Shawn shares how dedicated the fans of Alesana are- We hear about some of the opportunities that Alesana was presented with, and how they handled those- “We made the decisions we wanted to make, which has benefitted our art and our fanbase” - Shawn Milke- We talk about the importance of maintaining your integrity- Shawn shares how he loves crazy challenges and has always wanted to offer more than just the music to Alesana’s fans- “Our fans’ devotion to what we’ve created has inspired me to keep giving it to them” - Shawn Milke- We talk about the importance of having a supportive team around you- Shawn shares how it was tough to be taken seriously as a label owner in the beginning- Shawn shares how being an artist has helped him earn the trust of the artists they sign- Shawn tells us what he looks at when considering signing an artist to his label- “The industry could use a lot more honesty” - Shawn Milke- “Our mistakes are just as important as our successes” - Shawn MilkeAdvice:- If you want to be signed by a label, you have to consider yourself a professional band- You can’t sell your product when your product isn’t finished- A label’s job isn’t to make your band good, it’s to give your band exposure- Social media is great, but going back to the grassroots is also very important- Fans want that real person interaction - be real, and physically interact with themGuest Links:- Website: http://www.revivalrecs.com- Facebook: Alesana / Revival Recordings- Twitter: @ShawnTheMilke / @Alesana / @RevivalRecs- Instagram: @Mr.MilkeRevival / @AlesanaOfficialIG / @RevivalRecordingsSponsors:- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses- Joe Settineri- The Rock/Star Advocate- Music Launch Hub- Bob Baker- 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 is mastering engineer Chris Athens out of Austin, Texas. You’ve most likely heard his work as he’s worked on some of the biggest records out there; including artists such as Drake, Coldplay, PVRIS, Ben Folds and Wiz Khalifa.Chris was a senior mastering engineer at Sterling Sound, one of the world’s premier mastering facilities, before branching out on his own to start Chris Athens Masters. In this interview, Chris explains what mastering is and why it's important, how he got started in the music industry, and what to avoid when mixing your music.Highlights:- Ross and Marcio try to help Chris through his caffeine comedown- We hear how Chris started out in the music industry and progressed to mastering- Chris tells us how he came to the job he wanted late in life- We hear how Chris always said yes to everything and felt like he was working from behind everyone else- We hear how Chris moving to Sterling Sound was a step back from what he was doing at Sony, but a good opportunity nonetheless- Chris tells us about the role of a mastering engineer and how it’s changed over the years- Mastering is the final creative step before manufacturing or delivery of music- A mastering engineer is the final trusted set of ears before an artist’s music goes out in the world- Chris tells us about mastering singles vs mastering an album as a whole- A mastering engineer helps ensure the vibe and feel is consistent across a record- “With an album, an artist makes an artistic statement” - Chris Athens- “90% of what I do is for 10% of the people” - Chris Athens- Chris is concerned about the artist, whereas the artist is concerned with the audience- “Even my PC is a Mac, so I think I’m a little confused” - Chris AthensAdvice:- “Care about your fans and give them what they want”- Don’t distort your mixes! Almost everything else can be compensated for.Guest Links:- Website: http://chrisathensmasters.com- Facebook: /chrisathensmasters- Twitter: @athensmastersSponsors:- 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 is singer/songwriter and LGBT activist Tom Goss out of Los Angeles, California. Tom is known for his inventive videos and his heartfelt songs, which aim higher and strike deeper. Tom’s music has been featured on ABC, HBO, MTV’s LOGO & he can be heard on hundreds of radio stations across the US. In this interview we talk about why Tom thinks music videos are one of the most important things an artist can make, the juxtaposition of faith and sexuality, and the advice he'd offer to his fellow musicians.Highlights:- We hear how Tom juggled music and non-profit work for many years- Tom shares that he believes music videos are one of the most important things an independent musician can make- People don’t share playlists or audio tracks in the same way they do music videos- Tom shares how some venues won’t book him as an independent LGBT artist- “I’m always striving to be authentic and connect with people in a real, honest way” - Tom Goss- “It’s more important to connect with a few people in an authentic way rather than a large number in a superficial way” - Tom Goss- Tom shares talks about the juxtapositions that exist with faith and sexuality- “I don’t care what anyone else does, as long as it’d doesn’t hurt anyone else” - Tom Goss- “Being a good person = the golden rule” - Marcio Novelli- Tom wasn’t informed about the things he’s “supposed” to like as a gay man- We hear how Tom feels he’s spent so much time tiptoeing around other people in his career- Tom shares how in the Mid West, humility is the greatest asset you can have - but it can hold you back- The word “just” can make such a difference to how you, and others, view what you do- We hear how Tom has started to pay attention to compliments instead of brushing them offAdvice:- “You need to be making videos that are good, interesting and different” - Tom Goss- Don’t give in to fear and do what you want to do- Self deprecation is not helpful- Make what you make, do the best you can at the time and put it out in the world- Believe in the value of your work and yourselfGuest Links:- Website: http://tomgossmusic.com- Twitter: @tomgossmusic- Instagram:@tomgossmusic- Facebook: /tomgossmusicSponsors:- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses- Joe Settineri- The Rock/Star Advocate- Music Launch Hub- Buck Naked Soap Company- Wendy Donaldson Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week we’re joined by Christine Infanger out of Chicago - a virtual assistant to musicians, dog lover and Michael Bolton expert. Christine helps artists with social media, fan engagement, business plans, email correspondence and more. She also runs the music blog Thirty Roses, where she posts music industry news and articles to help today’s independent musician keep on top of what’s going on in the business. In this interview we learn more about Christine's passion for music, when it's time for an artist to build a team, and what to look for in potential team members.Highlights:- To Christine, music is the most important thing in the world- We talk about when it’s time for an artist to build their team- Christine shares her backstory, and it really helped us understand why she’s so passionate about music- We hear how after her fiance’s passing, Christine didn’t really feel like she fit in anywhere, but music really helped her- “As a musician, you are an entrepreneur” - Christine Infanger, 2016- Everyone thinks they need a manager, but in many cases a virtual assistant is what they really need!- Christine tells us why she likes working with smaller artists - she just wants to get them on the right path!- Artists need knowledge and education to make the right decisions- “The artists who treat their work like a business are the best ones to work with” - Ross Barber-Smith, 2016- Christine says it’s important to maintain her integrity - one of the many reasons we love her!- We hear some of the tasks that artists can and should be delegating- The biggest challenge Christine faces is artists being so used to do everything themselves- Marcio = Marilyn Manson / Ross = Celine Dion- Christine’s favourite Marcio Novelli song = This Song Is Not For YouAdvice:- When reaching out to potential team members, you have to be realistic about where you are- You have to let your team do what you’re paying them to do- “The more you have a business foundation for your music, the more creative freedom you will have” - Christine Infanger, 2016Guest Links:- Website: http://thirtyroses.com- Twitter: @thirtyroses / @norabarnacle- Instagram: @thirtyrosesSponsors:- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses- Joe Settineri- The Rock/Star Advocate- 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.