heartdea13r w/ chr1stoph3r g0nda

Adam Gonshor, owner of Collabo PR and former publicist at Warner Music Canada, shares his insights from over a decade in music publicity. He discusses the importance of knowing when not to take on a client, the evolution of media pitching, and how social media has reshaped the publicity landscape. Adam emphasizes the value of artist development and building careers for Canadian talent. He also provides practical advice for artists navigating publicity, underscoring the significance of storytelling and honest client relationships.

Episode 011 // Fred LeBlanc, drummer/lead vocalist of Cowboy Mouth, on the heartdea13r Podcast with chr1stoph3r g0ndaSummary:- Fred LeBlanc discusses Cowboy Mouth, community over fame, live energy, and the music business.👀 What you’ll hearTurn a fan base into a community you actively participate in, not just cater toReverse-engineer festival slots using live chaos, wireless mic runs, and crowd ignition strategiesTransform setbacks and label politics into fuel by doubling down on live recordings that capture truthProtect mental energy by rejecting worry and practising disciplined positivity during tough touring seasonsSelf-manage bookings until the right agent arrives, be cool with everyone, and keep hustlingBuild longevity by loving the work, embracing misfits, and treating performance as community service🕰️ Chapters00:00 Welcome, New Orleans roots, and what’s real vs TV05:14 From backline to frontman: the singer-drummer path08:02 Born deaf, vibration, and the green garbage can origin11:57 Early bands, Dash Rip Rock, and the EMI solo deal18:00 Major-label grind vs fun and choosing joy24:58 MCA politics and the “Jenny Says” live single strategy27:25 Festival tactics: wireless mic runs and morning-slot shock therapy32:22 Fan base vs community: participation over catering38:20 Recording philosophy: studio vs live and serving the song46:00 Onstage inspiration: Norman Vincent Peale and joy of living49:19 Positivity with honesty: life’s hard, your energy matters55:28 Career advice: hustle, be cool, and self-manage until an agent

Episode 010 // Darren Moore on the heartdea13r Podcast with chr1stoph3r g0ndaSummary:- Darren Moore on Ikons of Rock, songwriting for the Tampa Bay Rays, starting and running companies, and DIY hustle in the music business.👀 What you’ll hearReframe tribute performance after Ozzy’s passing and why respect now shapes the portrayalEngineer crowd connection with humour, banter, and interactive bits that turn rooms into communitiesBuild companies to fund art, then return to music with clearer logistics and financial disciplineCreate a stadium anthem that helped energise the Tampa Bay Rays and earned an AL ringSeparate art from admin by physically splitting spaces to protect flow and deep workHandle industry drama with contracts, calm responses, and a focus on long-term reputation🕰️ Chapters 00:00:00 Welcome, Ozzy Osbourne tribute, and changing the portrayal 00:05:02 Laughter, audience engagement, and leadership on stage 00:09:29 Band ritual and tequila vocal care tip 00:12:31 From university exit to synth boom and Seventh Heaven 00:23:00 Telecom to oil & gas: building, scaling, and selling companies 00:30:34 Tampa Bay Rays anthem: “Feel the Heat Rays” story and AL ring 00:34:18 Returning to music with Harlequin after winding down businesses 00:44:07 Advice to young artists: take swings, ignore naysayers, risk looking foolish 00:48:34 Manifestation, belief, and doing the work 01:00:06 Leaving Harlequin, starting Snake Oil → Ikons of Rock 01:10:55 Moving to the U.S., Vegas residency, Icons of Rock Cruise 01:16:39 Final advice to his daughter: practise, be true, embrace embarrassment

Episode 009 // Nathan Aurora on the heartdea13r Podcast with chr1stoph3r g0ndaSummary:Nathan Aurora on Aurorawave, perspective, and building family-first momentum in the music business.👀 What you’ll hearBuild a family-first routine that protects creativity, from newborn chaos to late-night studio sprintsSeparate art from business so writing stays soul-first while strategy kicks in after the song existsFuse metal power and reggae groove to unite two fanbases without gatekeeping at headline showsPitch collaborations the right way by leading with gratitude, brevity, and a clear part the song needsChoose labels like partners, value independence, and keep perspective through gratitude and long-game touring🕰️ Chapters00:00 Intro, MySpace origins and the Nathan Aurora name03:00 Family snapshot, priorities and rebuilding the home studio06:21 Scheduling hacks: day with kids, 7:30 pm studio grind10:00 Guitar at 10 and locking in purpose early18:07 Make music from the soul; separate creativity from the business plan28:32 Genre fusion live: metalheads and reggae fans in one room32:59 Touring realities with a young family and the long-term plan40:08 Album message: defiant mantra, perseverance and perspective49:00 Collaboration playbook: short DMs, clear parts, real relationships57:00 Road strategy for small bands: leave your hometown and expand markets59:17 Why Ineffable feels like family and protects creative freedom1:00:23 Closing gratitude and tour outlookWhich lesson hit harder—separating art and business, or building collabs with short, genuine DMs?

Rock vocalist and producer Marshal Dutton, renowned as the frontman of Hinder, shares his journey from music to electrical engineering, emphasizing the power of DIY production in the music industry. He debunks the myth that a record deal is essential for success, advocating for independence and teamwork. Dutton discusses creative responsibilities, fitness routines to protect his voice while touring, and memorable experiences from his rise in the industry, including a last-minute call to front Hinder, blending authenticity with entertainment.

Chrissy Spratt, a rising singer-songwriter and TikTok sensation, shares her journey from a shy Ottawa teen to amassing over 6 million followers. She dives into her debut EP, discussing the nerves of live performances and the excitement of her mini-tour. Chrissy emphasizes the importance of authenticity on social media while revealing how fan engagement shapes her content. With insights on songwriting collaborations, she advocates for consistent posting and investing in herself to build a thriving music career.

RAWLE dives into the crucial lesson that showing up consistently online is key to success for indie artists. He discusses the myth that fame leads to financial gain and emphasizes the importance of meaningful fan connections. The conversation touches on his journey of self-discovery through music and the spiritual work needed for personal growth. Additionally, RAWLE shares insights on building a supportive team and navigating the challenges of the music industry, all while teasing his upcoming EP and exciting creative projects.

Danny O’Reilly, the charismatic frontman of The Coronas and co-founder of their indie label, shares insights on his 20-year journey in music. He emphasizes the importance of authenticity over trends, advising emerging artists to focus on genuine creativity. Danny discusses the significance of live performances, maintaining a healthy work-life balance on tour, and the benefits of independence in the industry. With a heartfelt perspective on gratitude and redefining success, he captivates listeners with his tales from the road and personal growth.

Joining the conversation is Lexi Layne, a hard-rock singer-songwriter known for her trauma-inspired and tarot-themed music. She discusses taking risks to reap rewards and how her childhood experiences shape her artistry. Lexi shares insights on maintaining high-vibration relationships, setting boundaries, and using music as both therapy and empowerment. She reveals her unique waterfall release strategy and even recounts landing a gig at the House of Blues through a bold cold DM. Dive into her journey of authenticity and resilience!

Luke Bentham, frontman of The Dirty Nil and seasoned songwriter, shares his insights on the music industry. He reflects on the pivotal moment Nirvana inspired his musical journey and highlights his long-standing partnership with publicist Adam Bentley, emphasizing loyalty over quick deals. Bentham discusses the chaos of winning a Juno, the surreal experience of opening for The Who, and the importance of fitness while touring. He also delves into the themes of his new album, The Lash, noting a creative evolution influenced by personal experiences.