The Music Executive: Recent Episodes
Cinnamon Denise
With professional music industry insight, The Music Executive is here.
We’re talking about gig tips, music business strategies, songwriting experience, friendly collabs, and more that build community and keep our music wallets happy.
Berklee College of Music grad and international artist Cinnamon Denise leads our charge with guest appearances by ahh-mazing amigos.
It’s all things love and music up in here.
In this episode, I sing Happy Birthday to myself and share some of my encouragement to you to keep pushing.
You Got This Music Executives!
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Visit my website
Have you ever practiced Yoga? No? Here's why you totally should.
Yoga can and with practice, will help you perform better and create an ongoing humble attitude.
Also, why are you not my Yoga student already???? Probably bc you haven't reached out to me at contact@cinnamondenise.com.
Reach out to me on Instagram - @cinnamondenise
Experience one of my Guided Meditations here.
Follow me on TikTok - @cinnamon_denise
Luna Asé Podcast Episode - Infinite Souls
Y'all! This is one of the most exciting episode yet.
Today, I speak with Infinitus Music a beatboxing string trio who has so many fun stories about touring and live and intimate shows.
Check out their music here .
On this episode, I speak with Brendan Jeannetti, the founder of Music You're Missing.
We talk about some important and strategic tips for indie artists.
Check out Music You're Missing here .
On this episode, I speak with the host of the Personal Podcaster podcast, Angela Chong about strategies I learned when it comes to making a podcast and using music and audio as a tool for a show and not a distraction.
Listen to the Poersonal Podcaster here .
Today, we talk with, Allison Hazel, professionally known as Ally Hazel, an NYC based writer, blogger, and music journalist.
We were so excited to talk to Ally to learn more about her journey and she gives valuable insight to other upcoming journalists.
Thank you Ally!
A songwriter for media/sync, and teacher at the University of Miami's Frost School of Music and School for Music Vocations, Justina Shandler loves leftovers, otters, spontaneous dance parties, and the enneagram.
In this episode, we talk about how to write an email to a person that you don’t know, that quite frankly, you need something from. Whether that something be a connection or a foot in the door, cold email is HARD. Justina talks about some of her email hacks that have landed her some deals.
Justina’s latest release, "Either Way" can be heard on the Hulu series, Good Trouble.
We love you Justina!
Still getting asked to play for free?
Tired of not being able to eat after you pay your band?
Today’s guest, Author and Saxophonist Adam Larson, knows the feeling well.
Earlier in his career, Adam learned the lessons that brought him the success he now enjoys.
In his book, Practical Stuff for Survival: A Musician’s Guide to Freelancing, Adam explains things like setting fees for gigs, managing out-of-pocket fees, investing in yourself and setting client expectations.
Fortunately for us at The Music Executive, Adam gives us the inside scoop on all of that and then some.
CLICK PLAY NOW!
Streaming platforms allow millions of people to access your music.
It seems pointless though when you find out how little you typically earn from it.
Blockchain music may just be the next big thing short of a creative’s miracle!
In this episode, Love Science Music details his take on the future of blockchain music & how it’s projected to disrupt the industry in favor of artists & their wallets...finally!
Love Science Music is a producer, artist, & studio engineer whose passion for all things science, tech, & crypto has provided opportunities for numerous artist collabs.
Follow him today on all major social platforms @LoveScienceMusic or connect with him at www.lovesciencemusic.com.
PRESS PLAY to get in on this!
Great music production doesn’t come easy!
In this episode, Electronic Music Producer Early Bird gives us the scoop on how she uses curiosity to produce sound design experiences unlike any other.
From overcoming a serious health condition to creating newly released projects, listen in on how Early Bird creates a unique sound using minimal equipment.
Catch the latest from Early Bird on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube & Apple Music.
Focusing is hard and it’s time to do something about it!
Cue L.A.-based Conscious Content Creator Luna Asé, an artist who turned her comical, spiritual Tik-Tok videos into one seriously thriving fandom.
Luna Asé gives us space to promote vulnerability and self-love by using focused affirmations.
This Reiki Practitioner shares tips in this episode that we can use to focus and always create from the heart.
Follow Luna Asé on Tik Tok @luna.ase and shop at www.lunaaseshop.com.
Are you a passionate writer with an art for storytelling?
Here at The Music Executive Podcast, there’s room at our table for you!
Creatives like today’s guest, J’na Jefferson, help readers feel like they’re a part of the experience.
As a Journalist and Content Curator, this New Jersey native comments on topics including music & sexuality in NPR Music, Access Hollywood, BBC Radio’s 4’s Front Row & more!
And you thought this show was only for musicians!
Please, it’s C-suite up in here.
This is The Music Executive Podcast.
HIT that PLAY button, friends!
Posting a YouTube video just every now & then is the best way to get your channel noticed by absolutely no one.
Yikes!
If you’re anything like New Jersey native Dave Pollack, a great YouTube channel is what you want!
(And preferably one that pays!)
With over 24,000 YouTube subscribers, this Saxophonist and middle school band teacher has earned the right to brag, friends.
Learn from the best!
Dave walks us through 5 simple tips to use right now for consistent growth in your YouTube channel subscriber numbers.
Check out his videos at youtube.com/davepollack and his behind-the-scenes footage on Instagram @davepollack.
Your YouTube channel isn’t going to grow itself, CLICK PLAY NOW!
This is NOT a podcast show note.
Sorry, Music Execs…We’ve got writer’s block today.
If you’ve ever been there as a Creative, hurry & get into this next episode with Songwriter Jenna Funicella.
Jenna, a high school math teacher turned Songwriter, rose to the challenge of penning ONE SONG EVERYDAY for the entire month of April!
As you listen to Jenna explain how to bust through writer’s block, learn how things like emotions, poems, and body movement can be used to produce great songs worthy enough to be called ‘dope’.
“Creativity is the reason we're here.”
Jenna’s words sound a lot like ‘feel the fear and do it anyway.’
Jenna is currently working on her first album with Denk Studios in Durham, NC. Get your front row seat to her creative process on Instagram @angelfuni_ and @AngelFuni on all streaming platforms.
PUSH PLAY and never lose to writer’s block again.
Voiceover Intro and Outro by Lena Hill.
The old saying “mother knows best” is just that...old. (sorry, mom)
Great content, however, never gets old.
And that’s where New Orleans based Trumpeter Nakia Peck comes in.
Using the 5 strategies he explains in this episode, this musician & master content creator increased his audience count by 12,000 followers in just three months!
This interview highlights the 5 key strategies you should use right now to create consistently fire content to grow your social media platforms.
Nakia is a true example of how posting daily ensures consistent growth & reliability from your viewers. Follow him on Facebook & TikTok @nakiapeck as well as on Instagram @nakia_peck.
Apparently, Nakia’s mother first (sneakily) introduced him to a mentor she thought he needed.
Looks like mother really does know best.
12,000+ FOLLOWERS?! YES! IT’S TRUE!
& NAKIA WAS IN OUR STUDIO EXPLAINING HOW HE GREW USING ONLY 5 STRATEGIES!
CLICK the play button & grow your follower count now!
I LOVE IT when band members show up an hour late and haven’t practiced any of the music!
….said no one ever.
Band Leaders, we know you felt that one. And that’s why this episode is especially for you.
In conversation with Emmanuel “Chops” Smith, we’ve found the cure for Band Leader Blues. This multi talented pianist and Band Leader gives us the run-down on how good hang, good pay, and good music keep even the most out of sync groups in harmony together.
Emmanuel “Chops” is also a producer and composer who has performed all over the Southeast with wedding groups and jazz bands. Don’t miss a beat! Follow him on Facebook @chops_music and stay plugged-in.
Oh and CLICK the play button while you’re at it. You might as well listen until the rest of your band shows up...
Let’s be honest. Practicing is a drag.
But as a community of Music Execs, we know it’s the key to our unbridled success. According to a 2009 Gallup Poll, 85% of U.S. adults who don’t play a musical instrument wish they had learned to play one. We’re the lucky ones, friends.
Dustin Fichter is the accomplished guitarist and educator walking us through an effective practice session this episode. We figured since he’s played with artists ranging from Jj Hairston to Charles Macphearson and is a regular writer on Jazz Guitar Today, he knows what he’s talking about. He broke it down for us like this:
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5 min - Warmup
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5 min - Technique
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10 min - Learning Riffs
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10 min - Improvising/ Jamming
The fearless guitarist shares these four easy strategies for continued success in your practice. Catch up with him over on Facebook @Dustin Fichter.
The Voice Over Industry is tricky.
But it doesn’t have to be…
In less than 20 minutes you’ll learn the secret sauce for landing great voice over work without spending top dollar hoping you’re making all the right moves. There is a downside to this week’s chat though. You’ll be busy with your full work schedule packed with new clients!
But, we don’t think you’ll mind that, right?
Voice Actor/Coach and Singer Lena Gwendolyn believes “there are vocal trends in this industry but it all comes down to the read.” And she should know. Hilton, Carnegie Hall, The Disney Concert Hall and a host of other brands are just a few of her clients. Learn to worry about the story, not the sound, with Lena right now. Hit the play button, friends!
When we say this woman is everything, we’re not kidding.
Check out her amazing work on LenaHill.com
Voiceover Intro and Outro by Lena Hill.
It’s always dope to hear from The Music Executive host Cinnamon Denise. In this episode, she reminds us to:
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Find trustworthy people
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Be transparent about money and/or bartering
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Demand excellence (of yourself and others)
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Hold up your end of the bargain
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Never ever settle.
You’re going to want to turn up the volume on this one.
Listen to the music in today’s podcast, “Homeless Poet” by Peter Eddins and Cinnamon Denise, on Apple Music and Spotify .
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/album/homeless-poet-feat-timotej-kotnik-single/1089257612
There’s even more to learn about @cinnamondenise over on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube.
Atlanta native Patrick Gregory Daniels is on his way to becoming one of the world’s most formidable multi-instrumentalists. Often dubbed as a “Renaissance Man” by his friends, Patrick makes believing in himself and his ability to create incredible music a daily practice. If you’re looking to grow in your musicality, he recommends outworking everyone and leaving your ego at the door.
Although Patrick is skilled in Rhodes piano, tuba, percussion, sousaphone, guitar, and a host of other instruments, nothing beats mastering the basics and fundamentals. Do the work! Oh, and push play on the episode, friends.
Follow Patrick Gregory Daniels over on Facebook @KingPatrick Daniels and Instagram @patrickgregorydaniels.
Audio Engineer Tangela can show you how to get and keep a job that you love! In this episode, she brings over a decade of audio experience along with bragging rights that include working Hamilton and The Little Mermaid productions as well as International Multicultural Fest and SheShreds Showcase.
Tangela, also a member of Soundgirls and the Audio Engineering Society (AES), explains the importance of kindness, key mentorship, and a great attitude while working in live sound.
Be sure to catch up with Tangela on her very own podcast Let’s Talk Audio.
Voiceover Intro and Outro by Lena Hill.
Jazz Fusion pianist Philip Adair’s musical love affair began at a very young age. Although this is the story of many aspiring performers, Philip is one of the few musicians to turn his passion into a lucrative business. In this episode, he drops key nuggets on how to go from jam sessions and unique connections to multinational tours, without stretching yourself too thin.
Philip’s talents stretch beyond jazz fusion. Check out his varied talents across multiple genres at www.philipadair.com or @chillphiljazz on YouTube and Twitter.
Voiceover Intro and Outro by Lena Hill.
Business deals, contracts and agreements are the bread and butter of the music business; that’s why we call ourselves Music Executives here on this podcast. Follow international music artist and sound engineer Cinnamon Denise’s advice to avoid getting pigeon-holed into a bad-deal:
- Understand EVERYTHING written in a contract before signing it and
- Make sure there is chemistry between you and the people you are doing business with.
Founder of The Music Executive podcast and Certified Yoga Instructor Cinnamon Denise wants listeners to know she responds to every single comment on her respective social media platforms.
Follow her on Facebook, Instagram, Spotify and others @cinnamondenise to experience her genuineness for yourself.
Moving to a new city as a musician can be intimidating. There are often unwritten rules to adapt to and hierarchies of connections to become familiar with...fast.
Professional guitarist/producer and New Jersey native Jeff Ralston outlines key things he did to quickly set himself apart on the music scene when he moved to the city of Atlanta. Jeff shares three straightforward tips for a successful transition to a new city that make it possible for any musician to get and maintain professional performance or other related work opportunities:
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Lay the groundwork,
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Do the footwork
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Crush the real work.
Connect with Jeff over on Facebook @JeffRalstonGuitar.
Voiceover Intro and Outro by Lena Hill.
There were countless reasons why Joel Venom, a North Carolina based Audio Engineer, could have given up on his music dreams; he didn’t let a single one stop him though.
If you need an encouraging story filled with grit, heartache, and triumph, look no further. In this episode, Venom explains how to maintain laser focus on your creative passion and how to create a music community anxious for your next dope project to drop. His incredible ability to remain sincere and consistent has landed him placements with artists such as Bo Deal, Locksmith, JAG, 24 Heavy, SetItOff83, and Uno The Activist.
To be among the first to hear his latest projects, including his most recent EP called “Level9000”, follow @joelvenom on all of your favorite social media platforms including Instagram, Soundcloud, and Apple Music.
Making the most out of jam sessions is pretty high on the list of priorities for Bass Player Terrell Montgomery. An often underestimated opportunity, strategic jam session etiquette has helped propel Terrell to unrivaled musical skill level and unique music collabs.
He may not say it, but this highly (un)trained professional is totally judging you by your road trip playlist; and those are his words, not ours.
Continue the jam session with Terrell @kr0nos432 on Instagram.
Voiceover Intro and Outro by Lena Hill.
Denk Studios Owner Jam Phelps has found the secret sauce to owning a successful, inclusive studio space.
Among Jam’s unshakeable pillars of leadership are her incredible ability to ensure everyone who steps into her studio feels respected, is treated well and is revered as the hero of their own story. No matter if you are a 67-year old songwriter or a non gender conforming vocalist, you are always welcomed at Denk Studios in Durham, North Carolina.
Set your goals high and just do it!
Connect with Jam and book an unforgettable studio session over at denkstudios.com or on Instagram @denk_studios.
Voiceover Intro and Outro by Lena Hill.
Social media has created space for a chosen few to achieve (seemingly) overnight success. This was absolutely not the case for Cinnamon Denise, Founder of The Music Executive.
For this International Artist, Musician, and Music Executive, success took unwavering passion, immediate action, and the guts to say ‘yes’...for a premium price. In this solo episode, Cinnamon Denise tells us how opportunity met preparation on the traffic-filled streets of Atlanta, Georgia just a few years ago.
Listen to “Sigma Lambda Gamma,” her first commission/licensed song, on your favorite music platform like Apple Music or Spotify.
Since you’ve already connected with @cinnamondenise here on the podcast, you might as well get your follow game up and hang out with her over on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube too.
From a makeshift studio on the back of a pickup truck, to owning a global-reaching audio engineering education center, Lisa Machac lets nothing stop her from doing what she loves.
As a musician and director of the Omni Sound Project, Lisa shares golden nuggets on building an empowered teaching staff, creating affordable learning opportunities to under-represented communities and spotlighting the talents of female and gender non-conforming audio professionals.
If you need tips on making a professional and fun artistic work environment, do yourself a favor and click play.
After the episode, head on over to omnisoundproject.com for the latest from Lisa and the Omni Sound Project.
Voiceover Intro and Outro by Lena Hill.
Building an artistic team with heart is more essential than genuine diamonds. North Carolina Hip-Hop artist and Founder of Create.R.OWN., CrownChaZ, shares how knowing yourself, protecting your energy and, above all, remembering your humanity are crucial in building an effective artistic collective.
For more authentic moments with @crownchaz, connect over on Apple Music, Instagram, and YouTube.
Voiceover Intro and Outro by Lena Hill.
Success stories of self-taught musicians are often filled with falls, fears, and relentless faith in oneself. This success story is no different.
Atlanta based pianist turned film composer Isaiah Hill explains the importance of spiritual laws of success while acknowledging support systems along your music career journey. If faith, hope, and love have been any part of your music career, this episode solidifies the need to continue keeping them at the forefront of your creative trek.
When Isaiah Hill is not traveling and playing alongside artists such as Keith Sweat, Monica, or Tamar Braxton, he can be found on Facebook @Isaiah Hill or on Instagram @Isaiah_malikmusic. Isaiah Hill also welcomes emails at isaiahmalik1@gmail.com.
The music you heard just before the outro was a piece called "Changes" written, mixed, and mastered by Isaiah Hill.
Voiceover Intro and Outro by Lena Hill.
So you want to set up your home recording studio but your money’s a little funny and your change is a little strange?
Is it Ableton Live 10, Logic Pro X, or a Shure SM57 that you should use to get the best sound?
In this episode, Atlanta Guitarist and Mixing Engineer Patrick Arthur takes us through five steps to get it done as a Producer, without breaking the bank. He’s usually busy playing and writing with Jazz and Experimental Artists like Grut, Tyrone Jackson, Morgan Guerrin, and Kebbi Williams, so chatting with Patrick Arthur was a REAL TREAT!
Afterwards, head over to Instagram and follow @patrick_arthur or visit patrickarthurmusic.com and hang out with this seasoned creative.
Welcome to the very FIRST episode of The Music Executive! On this episode you will hear one of the show’s producers, Rita Richa, and host, Cinnamon Denise, discuss what in the world we’re going to be talking about on this show.
How many more podcasts does the world need?!
At least one more. And it’s this one.
Connect with Cinnamon Denise on Instagram @cinnamondenise or visit her website at cinnamondenise.com.
With COVID-19 in full force...we did it. We started a freaking podcast!