Progressions: Success in the Music Industry

Today we’re joined by Emmy nominated film and TV composer Christopher Willis and vocal contractor and session singer Elyse Willis. Chris is best known for his work on HBO’s hit comedy Veep, as well as his score for Armando Iannucci’s film “The Death of Stalin.” One of his most recent projects is “Schmigdoon!” which just started streaming on Apple TV+. Elyse has sung on dozen’s of projects as a session singer including Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness, The Lost City, Lightyear, and Spider-Man: No Way Home. She’s also a vocal contractor for several television shows, and is in her fourteenth season singing with the prestigious Los Angeles Master Chorale. We have a great chat about how to get repeat gigs as a composer or singer, composing budgets, union recording sessions, and the importance of knowing when to move on in your career.In this episode we'll dig in on...How to get repeat gigs as a vocalistThe overworking and micromanaging mentality of the music industryBreaking into composition and film scoring in 2023MusicologyConquering the blank pageLearning to write for the budgetThe importance of being dependableWorking at Hans Zimmer's Remote Control facilitySinging in the LA Master ChoraleWorking on projects for streaming services like Netflix and Disney+Growing up obsessed with Classical musicThe rules of union recording sessionsPackage & All-In DealsSight readingComposing music for a Disney Parks rideComposition opportunities for video gamesMentioned in the Episode:AFM (Musician's Union)SAG/AFTRA (Singer's Union)Steven Pressfield - "The War of Art"Sun Tzu - "The Art of War"Travis' Intro: Give Your Self PermissionLearn More About Christopher & Elyse...Chris' Website: www.christopherwilliscomposer.comElyse's Website: www.elysewillis.comChris' Twitter: https://twitter.com/mrchriswillisElyse's Twitter: https://twitter.com/elysemwillis📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Christopher and Elyse WillisHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Today’s guest is hit songwriter turned entrepreneur and music executive Jason Davis. Jason wrote his first #1 song at age 23, which led him to work with artists such as Boyz II Men, Sugar Ray, P. Diddy, Alabama, Lonestar, and Dolly Parton. As an entrepreneur and executive he’s worked as Senior VP of A&R, president of an independent record label, written two books, and executive produced for television. Currently he owns and operates One One 7 and Noble Management. We have a great chat about how to raise the level of inspiration in the room, when a publishing deal is right for you, and how to get noticed by labels and established producers.In this episode we'll dig in on...The unexpected ways your songs get heardServing others before yourselfWriting hundreds of songs until you get one that feels "right"Learning when to sign up for PROsWhen to keep and when to give up your publishingGetting the attention of record labelsThe power of a unique lyric or titlePlanting the seeds of confidence during artist developmentGetting excited to work with label executives and moving into artist managementThe importance of having a trusted team as an independent artistMentioned in the Show:"This is What it Sounds Like" by Dr. Susan RogersEpisode 58 with Dr. Susan Rogers - Listen HereTravis' Intro: Intentions vs ExpectationsLearn More About Jason Davis...Twitter: https://twitter.com/oneone7jason 📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Jason DavisHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Today’s guest is engineer, audio technician, and microphone designer Derek Bargaehr. Derek is the the Chief Everything Officer and co-founder of Vanguard Audio Labs. He created Vanguard to give musicians and recording engineers access to great and affordable tools and since then his mics have been added to mic lockers all over the world. We have a great chat about microphone design, understanding your tools, using polar patterns and mic placement to change frequency response, and the difference between studying the theory vs learning by doing.In this episode we'll dig in on...Voicing MicrophonesNot wanting to build clone microphonesWhy vintage mics sound differentReading schematicsTheory vs ExecutionBuilding guitar pedalsCryogenically freezing componentsNoise floorUsing polar pattern and mic placement to adjust frequency responseBuilding a brand based on word of mouth and guerrilla marketingWhy you should avoid buying new tools until you learn the ones you haveInterning and working for AvantoneWhy relationships matter in the music industryVoice-OversUnderstanding electronicsMentioned in the Interview:Flock Audio Patch BayTravis' Intro: The School of ExperienceLearn More About Derek Bargaehr and Vanguard Audio Labs...Website: https://www.vanguardaudiolabs.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/vanguardaudiolabs/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/vanguardaudiolabsTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@vanguardaudiolabs📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Derek BargaehrHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Today’s guest is booking agent, entrepreneur, author, and habit coach Esther Calloway. Currently Esther is an Artist Booking Operations Manager for Sofar Sounds as well as the founder of her own booking and talent-buying agency E. Calloway Management. She’s an active member of the Recording Academy Texas Chapter and a business leader in the Dallas area. We chat about what makes a brand and artist a match, routing a successful tour, running your music career like a business, and how to build better habits.In this episode we'll dig in on...Music talent buying for events and festivalsData that helps independent artists book more showsBuilding your local presenceTouring best practicesWorking for Sofar SoundsThe importance of tracking your ticket salesBeing prepared for your opportunitiesThe importance of an accountability partnerHabit buildingWhat to have on your merch tableMentioned in the Episode:"The 61 Day Challenge to Better Habits" by Esther Calloway"Atomic Habits" by James ClearTravis' Intro: Sprint Goal ChallengeLearn More About Esther Calloway and SOFAR Sounds...Website: https://www.ecallowaymanagement.com/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/esther-calloway-55447495SOFAR Sounds: https://www.sofarsounds.com/Apply to Play a SOFAR Show - HERE📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Esther CallowayHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Today’s guest is Nashville based mixer Brent Hendrich. With over 20 years of experience as a freelancer Brent has logged countless hours of time in the recording studio, worked on a Dove award winning record, and contributed to Emmy award-winning compositions. We chat about being willing to invest in your growth, working in Cubase, mix prep, starting a career in Nashville, and the power of setting specific goals.In this episode we'll dig in on...Big Studio vs Home Studio PathsThe power of specific goalsWorking on pop music in a country townUsing blind A-B tests when mixingWorking with an accountability coachMixing in CubaseAttending SAEReflecting on your past workMixing as you produceNoticing what your clients think you do bestNavigating the slow patchesInvesting in your growthMix Prep and file deliveryMentioned in the Show:Kirin Callinan "Return to Center" - ListenBrent on Secret Sonics - ListenCubase - LearnTravis' Intro: Trusting Your TasteLearn More About Brent Hendrich...Website: https://brenthendrich.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brenthendrich/📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Brent HendrichHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Today’s episode is a special bonus all about marketing for musicians. My guests are Feature.FM CEO and Co-Founder Lior Aharoni and Chief Commercial Officer Daniel Sander. Lior founded Feature.FM in 2013, combining his past technology experience with his passion for helping musicians and creators focus on their art while still building a thriving independent business. Daniel has been with Feature.FM since 2014 and has spent countless hours working with hundreds of artists and marketers to understand their needs and then implement those features into the platform. We chat about pre-release and post-release strategies, the “Evergreen Presave”, how to take advantage of viral moments, and the importance of building community around your music.In this episode we'll dig in on...The ideal release plan for independent artists in 2022The importance of "link in bio" on social media platformsBuilding community around your musicCollecting fan information so you can connect with them directlyPre-Release vs Post-Release strategiesThe Metrics & Data that DSPs and A&R use to gauge artist performanceThe "Evergreen Presave" StrategyThe rise of short-form video and how musicians can use it to connect with fansEducating yourself about the tools available to youThe impact of Pre-SavesLearn More About Feature.FM...Website: https://feature.fm/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/feature.fm/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/FeatureFm📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Lior Aharoni & Daniel SanderHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Today’s guest is music producer, engineer, mixer, and multi-instrumentalist Andrew Lappin. Andrew prides himself on helping artists push boundaries while staying true to themselves. He’s doing that with a mix of major label and independent artists such as L’Rain, Chromeo, Big Red Machine, and STACEY. In addition to that he also composes and produces music for television, film, and radio. We chat about transcending commitment anxiety, creating contrast both musically and sonically, drum recording techniques that will inspire the player, and why it’s as important to know what you want to do as it is to know what you don’t want to do.In this episode we'll dig in on...Making records always takes compromiseChallenging people with out disempowering themUnderstanding when to interject into a performance or idea and when to notBeing BoldFilling in frequency gaps with different fidelity micsWorking in studios with a historic legacyThe limiter arms raceSharing a studio space at Sunset Sound with Joe ChiccarelliKeeping perspective on projects that you producer, engineer, and mixNot waiting too long to release your musicComparison is the root of all disenchantmentBeing your own biggest criticThe lyric and intent of the song always guides productionFinding a friend you can trust to get you HONEST feedbackMentioned in the Show:L'Rain "Fatigue" - ListenAndrew Bird "Are You Serious" - ListenAltec Salt Shaker MicRoland Space EchoJoe ChiccarelliChris ZaneTravis' Intro: The 85% RuleLearn More About Andrew Lappin...Website: https://www.andrewlappin.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/andrewlappin/📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Andrew LappinHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Today’s guest is musician and music business entrepreneur Mark Miller. Mark is the co-founder and CEO of Labelcoin, a revolutionary Web 3.0 based song exchange that allows fans to invest in the next big song. Mark and his team are working to usher in a new era for the music industry in which artists’ future revenues are brought forward to the present day with the ultimate goal of stamping out artistic poverty. Prior to his work with Labelcoin, Mark spent a decade as a touring recording artist before starting several businesses designed to help artists build their careers, including a national booking agency and a video and photography production company. We have a great chat about creating a blockchain based music investment platform, the importance of marketing for musicians, the difference between an amateur and a professional, and what one of the biggest things holding artists back is.In this episode we'll dig in on...Utilizing blockchain technology to support musiciansHumility is always the best way forwardMaking $120k a year playing college shows and touringWhy most musicians and artists give upHow to value a catalog's future earningsHow blockchain backed song shares could replace producer and mixer pointsThe importance of welcoming people into your creative processThe difference between an amateur and a professionalA fan's money should go to the artists that they listen toBranding and marketing for independent artistsPracticing your stage banterNot living and dying by the numbers"Free to Focus" by Michael Hyatt (here)Travis' Intro: Excuses, Procrastination, and AvoidanceLearn More About Mark Miller and Labelcoin...Website: https://labelcoin.io/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/labelcoin/Twitter: https://twitter.com/musicallymarkLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-miller-563bb512/📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Mark MillerHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Today’s guest is musician, composer, recording engineer, and educator Yuri Lysoivanov. Yuri is currently a product expert and marketing development specialist at Shure Microphones. Prior to that he was an instructor and the Chair of the Recording Arts Department at Flashpoint Chicago as well as a staff composer for an advertising agency. Along with all of that he actively records, specializing in acoustic ensembles both in studio and on location. We have a great conversation about weighing the cost of higher education in the arts, classical ensemble recording techniques, microphone polar patterns, and what it’s like to work for Shure Microphones. In this episode we'll dig in on...Working for ShureStarting out as a classically trained pianistThe importance of talking to the musicians about their musicRecording techniques for small ensemble recordingWorking in the advertising world as an in house composerThe cost of higher educationMusic licensing vs custom jinglesBeing recruited to become an educator during the 2008 recessionConvolution vs Algorithmic reverbsMicrophone polar patterns and frequency responseEmbracing being a video creatorThe entrepreneurial nature of being a musicianTravis' Intro: The Death of Expertise?!?Mentioned in the Episode:Shure MV7Learn More About Yuri Lysoivanov...Website: https://www.yurimusic.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yurimusic/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/yurichicago/📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Yuri LysoivanovHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference

Today’s guest is manager and independent record label owner Tal Oz. Tal began his career on the engineering side, working at Interscope, where he would eventually transition into A&R. He continued his A&R path at Mom+Pop Music before moving into producer, mixer, and artist management. Some of his current management clients include Doug Schadt, Evan Sutton, and Rob Cohen. He’s also recently co-founded a boutique independent label called Hundred Days. We have a great chat about switching from the recording studio to the record label, 100 hour work weeks, assisting Jimmy Iovine, and the importance of finding the the next thing that excites you.In this episode we'll dig in on...Working in a hotbed of amazing major label artistsThe recording studio is a service businessSeeing the writing on the wall of the future of engineeringSwitching into the label side and working as Jimmy Iovine's AssistantLinn Drum SamplesUnderstanding record deals, what you get and what you give upManagement for producers and engineersLearning to read the dataFinding a unique element to define a soundScaling as an independent artistCreating a brand as an engineer or mixer... it's about valueLeaving college to attend Musician's InstituteEngineering for Ron FairStephen Pressfield "The Art of War"Tiago Forte "Building a Second Brain"The Defiant Ones documentaryTravis' Intro: Planning for CreativityLearn More About Tal Oz...Website: https://talozz.me/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talozz/Twitter: https://twitter.com/talozz📢 Our Sponsors 📢Listen to Secret Sonics!Sign Up for Complete Producer Network!⬇️ FREE 2025 PLANNING WORKSHOP ⬇️https://www.travisference.com/2025plan📺 WATCH THE SHOW ON YOUTUBE 📺 https://www.youtube.com/@progressionspodConnect with Me:📬 Newsletter: https://www.travisference.com/subscribe📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/progressionspod🎵TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@progressionspod🐦 Twitter: https://twitter.com/progressionspod🌐 Website: https://www.travisference.com/🙏 Leave a Review or Rating 🙏Apple: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/appleSpotify: https://www.progressionspodcast.com/spotifyCredits:Guest: Tal OzHost: Travis FerenceEditor: Stephen BoydTheme Music: inter.ference