The Hustling Artist's Podcast: Recent Episodes
Mesia Austin
The Hustling Artist, Created by Mesia Austin The Hustling Artist was created for the heart and mind of the working artist. Its purpose is to provide a safe space for creatives to speak and share knowledge around the daily grind of the freelance world, surveying the perspectives of both emerging and established artists across a wide span of disciplines. The conversations are as much about the artist’s actual craft as they are about the individual’s unique navigation of their own respective industry. The artists featured here may be your peers, mentors, or heroes—each an expert on their own life, journeying towards balance between personal and professional success, whatever that may mean to them. The Hustling Artist aims to uncover the real and raw experiences we all face as art makers. Led by musician Mesia Austin, these interviews discuss the business, the struggles, the creativity, the passion, and the survival necessary to our personal lives and profession industries of the 21st century Hustling Artist. By forging this particular dialogue, it is our hope that listeners will gain perspective, encouragement, and resources applicable to their own hustle, further creating a community of shared learning, reflection, and progress. (Music by: Squashy Nice: https://open.spotify.com/artist/02mx181VRNrAz6e3nMDhCg) (Artwork by: Max de Rohan Willner - https://unsplash.com/@2derohan)
Kendrick Mitchel and Jahir Hipps are Swings in the current production of MJ the Musical First National Tour. Kendrick plays the role of Jermaine, Tito, Quincy, Nick, Rob, Joe and Dave. Jahir covers Jermaine, Jackie, Tito, Quincy, Nick, Alejandro and Dave. They join the podcast today to discuss the job of a swing and how to navigate playing so many different roles, and sometimes 2 on the same day. They also discuss their respective careers, the audition process pre and post covid, managing their anxieties and egos which helps them stay grounded in the work they do.
In this episode of The Hustling Artist’s Podcast, host Mesia Austin sits down with professional boxer Willie Shaw, Jr. from Oakland, Ca. Willie has had 20 bouts professional bouts including Josue Vargas and Trevor Thompson. We discuss the art of Boxing including training routines, the pressures of high level performance as well as the mental and emotional component of competing. We also discuss the state of boxing and the recent YouTube boxing sensation.
In this episode of The Hustling Artist’s Podcast, host Mesia Austin sits down with child performers, Josiah Benson, Jaylen Hunter, Ethan Joseph and their mothers Felicia Benson, Crystelle Jones and Ava Joseph to highlight the careers and experiences of these young artists as well as the sacrifice parents make to make sure their kids are able to follow their dreams. While Josiah, Jaylen and Ethan share their daily experiences being young working actors, their parents highlight their experiences in supporting these young artists. Ethan is currently working on Terrence Blanchard’s, Fire Shut up in my bones. Jaylen Hunter is currently working on the “Michael” biopic and Josiah Benson is working on “MJ the Musical” first national tour.
Episode Artwork by @justinbarbin
In this episode of The Hustling Artist Podcast with, host Mesia Austin; tuba player Matt Owen founder of Eclectic Tuba plays full time with Admiral Phunk Brass Band Opposite Box and Andy Frasco and the UN. Matt is a leading innovator in electronic music for wind instruments and has created a unique avenue as he performs 250+ shows per year. He has collaborated with Galactic, Keller Williams, The Wailers, Better than Ezra and many more. Matt is also a member of the 129th Army Band and has worked with several Drum and Bugle Corps including the Cavaliers (Since 2017 - Present), Spirit of Atlanta and Pacific Crest.
In this episode of the Hustling Artist's Podcast, with host Mesia Austin; Chloe Davis, a New York based Choreographer, Dancer, Actor and Author stops by to discuss her career. She shares how her career started and how she transitioned into theater, tv and film from concert dance (4:35). Chloe also shares the importance of Philadanco and Camille A. Brown in her artistic development (9:30)and the importance of making yourself valuable by using your platform of talents (15:00) Last Chloe discusses how her book, "The Queens English" came to be by finding language that make people feel validated, affirmed and represented (21:00).
In this episode of The Hustling Artist’s Podcast, with host Mesia Austin; Emma Ford a drummer from Sydney, Australia working her way through the Broadway Scene stops by the Hustling Artist Podcast to discuss her transition from Sydney to NYC (3:36), breaking into the industry through networking (11:50) and her thoughts on believing in your skillset enough to take chances (18:00). Last we finish the podcast by discussing the challenges of being a freelancer and surviving without a day job (25:00).
In this episode of The Hustling Artist’s Podcast, with host Mesia Austin; Jennifer Wharton a Low Brass Freelancer, Band leader of Bonegasm (Trombone Quartet), a Broadway chair holder and sub and a NYC Ballet Sub discusses her educational path coming from Los Medanos Community College to manifesting freelancing opportunities (4:45). She also shares her thoughts on the value in versatility and issues with Orchestral Performance Degrees vs Real World Experience (8:00). Last Jen discusses building a career in NYC (12:45) and the importance of physical and mental health (18:00).
In this episode of The Hustling Artist’s Podcast, with host Mesia Austin; Dan Rudin a New York based Pianist, discusses his role as a Music Assistant on the Broadway Musical; Caroline, or Change (2:55). He credits much of his success to studying with and working under Jeanine Tesori at City Center and Yale University (4:55). He then shares how he landed a sub position on Caroline, or Change and how relationships lead to an opportunity on MJ the Musical (9:35). We close out this episode discussing the various projects Dan is involved in (20:00) and the importance of learning to the creative process (26.10).
The Hustling Artist’s Podcast, with host, Mesia Austin begins season 3 first episode with Joshua Keith as he reflects on his role in Paradise Square and being cast in an ensemble role on Broadway (1:18). He then dives into how he refined his Acting, Singing and dancing skills (6:08) as well as his move to NYC (11:45). Finally Joshua shares his insights on the difficulties of being an Artist (17:00), Balancing Mental Health, work and Family (22:50) and Landing Jobs in theater (29:30).
Justin Q Williams stops by the Hustling Artist’s Podcast to talk about his interior design business, Trademark Design Company which began in 2009 . He details how he was introduced to the business and educates us on the importance of interior design. Justin is a highly sought after Interior designer who has an extensive experience in all elements of design, including commercial design, set design, photo-styling and real-estate staging. Along with being featured in magazines such as Jezebel, Atlanta Magazine and AM Home, Justin has most recently made a TV appearance on “unboxed with Nikki Chu.” Instagram - @justinqwilliams , Facebook: Justin Q Williams, Twitter: JustinQWilliams
Steven Hickerson stops by the Hustling Artist’s Podcast to talk about his newly released music, “Belongs to You” and “Reset” and his new Recording Company: Gospel Renaissance Muzik Group. and the business side of the Gospel Industry. Steven digs into the business side of the Gospel Industry, providing a snapshot of his career by detailing his initial experience with music and how that lead to working with Ricky Dillard and New G, Dottie Peoples, Bishop Hezekiah Walker Yolanda Adams and Dr. Oral Moses.
This weeks #HustlingArtist Episode presents Camille Moten, freelance dance artist from central New Jersey. Camille shares her thoughts on the dance industry, including her personal investigation of the African American diaspora within the context of Western art, as well as the the economy and the daily grind of a freelance dance artist.
camillemoten.com, ig: @withlove_cam
ig: @mesiadrums, @hustlinartist
Youtube: The Hustling Artist Podcast
https://thehustlingartist.libsyn.com/rss
Join #hustlinartist Rob Opitz and Mesia Austin in a discussion about Education, Commercial Artistry, establishing networks and much more! Rob Optitz, freelance trumpet player who is somewhat of a chameleon. Not only is he a commercial artist, he is also an Artist-in-residence at Kennesaw State University where he teaches jazz trumpet and leads one of their three big bands. He is also the Bandleader for the Atlanta Latin Jazz Orchestra and if that wasn’t enough hustle, he is also a realtor.
Connect with Rob and Atlanta Latin Jazz Orchestra
RobOpitz.com
https://www.atlantaljo.com
https://www.facebook.com/rob.opitz.3
https://www.instagram.com/robopitz/
Join this week’s #hustlinartist Marcus Hawkins, founder of “Marcus Hawkins Media”. Not only does this artist own a successful media business in Atlanta, Ga, but is also an educator, composer, freelance percussionist, hiphop artist and more. Check out his podcast! Like and Subscribe. marcushawkinsmedia.com @hustlinartist @mesiadrums
Join January Fonseca-Sabune, barbershop owner of January’s in Montclair, NJ, in a conversation about the artistry of barbering and the support for women in the barbering community. January has competed and placed in major barbering competitions such as the Barber Expo, Jersey Shore Hair Battle, and The Concrete Jungle Hair Battle, where in some cases, she was the only female participant. Listen to her experience.
Like and Subscribe.
@sublimebarber
@mesiadrums
@hustlinartist
Youtube: The Hustling Artist Podcast
Host Mesia Austin is Kicking off 2019 with #HustlingArtist, Raphael Torn. In a discussion about the business of freelancing and respecting cultural norms while studying specific musical traditions.
An awesome conversation with Victor Ryan Robertson about pursuing an unorthodox path, insecurities, and overcoming yourself for the success of your career. Vic's recent performances include, "The Phantom of the Opera" on Broadway, Terrence Blanchard's "Champion" at the Kennedy Center and "Merry Widow" with the Metropolitan Opera.
artist: Josh Montcalm
hustle: screenwriting
This week’s featured #hustlinartist is native New Yorker, Josh Montcalm! Josh has been writing for 10 plus years, and his most recent work, “Cicada 3301” was directed by Alan Ritchson. He’s no stranger to the hustle: it took him 18 screenplays before his 19th work was adapted for the screen. His path is lined with persistence and endurance. Listen to his story...
For more information, you can follow Josh on Instagram @squashy_nice and on Spotify: Squashy Nice
https://www.imdb.com/name/nm2450024/
Casey Cooper, or “COOP3RDRUMM3R,” with a lot of #hustle, built a YouTube channel that is now the most viewed and subscribed YouTube drumming channel per month in the world and continues to grow at an astounding rate. With over 7 million monthly views, Cooper’s channel reaches musicians around the world as he aspires to entertain and the world.
Website: http://coop3rdrumm3r.com
Instagram: @coop3rdrumm3r
Facebook: coop3rdrumm3r
Youtube: COOP3RDRUMM3R
Jaimeo Brown is an educator, activist and artist whose work is a call to transcend: transcend traditional limits of creativity; transcend oppression; transcend from one to all - via artistic, technological and historical exploration, and the essential humanity that unites us.
Website: jaimeobrown.com
Social Media
Facebook: Jaimeo Brown Transcendence
Instagram: jaimeobrowntranscendence
Youtube: Jaimeo Brown Transcendence
Twitter: @jaimeobrown
Podcast Music by: Squashy Nice
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqiqofZXFmM
Audio Engineer: Nick McClure