Do That Music Thing: Recent Episodes
Christopher Foust
If you’re a band, musician, music industry entrepreneur, or starting a career in the entertainment industry, you’ve probably been asked “How’s that whole music thing going?” This podcast is dedicated to providing you with insight & knowledge to expand your audience, grow your career and Do that music thing right!
Host Christopher Foust (marketing VP, musician, songwriter, artist, producer) will interview music industry leaders and creatives to extract applicable knowledge and strategy to advance your musical career.
Learn more at https://christopherfoust.com/do-that-music-thing-podcast/
This episode is sponsored by Chris KeatonWe all know the music business ain't easy but it IS simple! Learn exactly how simple making a plan can be from THE CONNECTOR Chris Keaton. This award winning songplugger, management consultant, Recording Academy and North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Member can help you move the needle on your career. Email chris@chriskeaton.com or visit his website www.chriskeaton.com for more information.The EpisodeOn this episode of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, Nashville based artist, songwriter and producer Christopher Foust sits down with Garret Thorn. Garrett Thorn is a recording artist, songwriting, and independent musician making waves by focusing heavily on the recording process.About Garrett ThornThe rustic sounds of northern Wisconsin roots can be found woven into the sounds of Garrett Thorn’s music. His love of nature and open space emulates the feelings of his home in his songs. Drawing from influences of 60’s and 70’s rock n roll, soul and folk icons such as The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Bill Withers and more while mixing in touches country elements from new home as a Nashville recording artist. Thorn views creativity as a gift to share. His live show has a foundation of skills cultivated in the clubs and Honky tonks of the Nashville, Tennessee music scene, taking him to a national and global level of performance. Music… and life… is about growth, creation, and love.
This episode is sponsored by Chris Keaton
We all know the music business ain't easy but it IS simple! Learn exactly how simple making a plan can be from THE CONNECTOR Chris Keaton. This award winning songplugger, management consultant, Recording Academy and North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Member can help you move the needle on your career. Email chris@chriskeaton.com or visit his website www.chriskeaton.com for more information.
About The Episode
On this episode of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, Chris Foust chats with Jim Ivins. Jim is the lead singer and guitarist in the rock band The Ivins. He is also the founder and producer of the incredibly successfull Nashville 90's tribute show, Grunge Night. They talk about Jim's crazy travels through the music industry, touring internationally, and the importance of community and networking as it applies to making it in the music business.
About The Ivins:
Charging into a rejuvenated rock n’ roll cultural landscape comes Nashville’s The Ivins. Led by vocalist/guitarist Jim Ivins and drummer Jack Ivins, the band have been electrifying Music City audiences with towering riffs, a pummeling rhythm section, sugar-sweet melodies and introspective lyrics since the release of their 2017 debut album, The Code Duello. Along with bassist Regan Akers and lead guitarist Hatton Taylor, the band followed The Code Duello with the hypnotic, Eastern-influenced commentary on societal indecision, 2018’s “Certain,” an atmospheric, rock n’ roll reimagining of Halsey’s “Graveyard” in 2019 and later, in 2020 and 2021, a trilogy of singles composed in quarantine - the stadium-ready “Composure,” the early 2000’s angsty love of “Bloom” and the modern, bouncy alt of “Don’t.”
The band's sophomore album, 2021's Conditions, expands on Duello's sonic palette; the heavy songs are heavier, the poppy songs are poppier, with new artistic ground broken in the middle. A brutally honest affair, Conditions examines modern anxiety and life's big changes that come in your thirties, brought out by Jim Ivins heading alone to a one-room cabin in the Tennessee wilderness to write the album's lyrics.
With stylistic touch-points ranging from Stereophonics to Biffy Clyro to Nothing But Thieves to Silversun Pickups, The Ivins are prepared to take their adventurous sound into the future.
On this episode of the Do That Music Thing Podcast. Chris interviews the DownTown Mystic, aka American rocker Robert Allen, and Chris Keaton on making it as an independent artist. Theuy discuss always saying 'yes' to opportunity, how to utilize your back catalogue, and how synch licensing can be a game changer.
ABOUT ROBERT ALLEN:
DownTown Mystic, aka American rocker Robert Allen, cut his teeth as a recording artist and hired gun for bands playing around NYC - observing crowds from the stage at CBGBs, The Bitter End, Lone Star Cafe, The Fast Lane and The Stone Pony. It was a steady diet of Beatles, Stones and the acoustic influence of CSNY that sharpened his songwriting wits. But It wasn’t until 1996 when he set his sights on a solo career. Allen’s success in the sync licensing industry has been somewhat unparalleled for an indie solo artist with over 240 TV shows and film placements. This exposure, along with airplay on over 5000 radio stations in 44 countries and getting name checked by outlets like American Songwriter, gave Allen’s second career wind real wings. His now nine LP catalog includes DownTown Mystic On E Street which features Max Weinberg & Garry Tallent from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.
ABOUT CHRIS KEATON:
Chris Keaton Presents is a full service management consulting and publishing services company with offices in Nashville and Roanoke VA. Primary, Chris Keaton (THE CONNECTOR), has pitched songs which resulted in millions of record sales including Brooks and Dunn - Building Bridges, Lonestar - Let's Be Us Again among others. Also multiple film and tv placements. CKP also offers consulting and artist development services. Keaton is a 30 year voting member of the Recording Academy and a 2016 Inductee, North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. He is also an author (DAPPER) and charter member of Macy's Style Crew.
Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, was able to catch up with the incredibly busy and delightful Neil Mason to discuss the formation of War Buddha Records, the importance of long-term relationships in the music industry, and authenticity in the creation process and songwriting. Neil Mason is the powerhouse drummer behind one of the best country and southern rock groups on the charts today, The Cadillac Three. He is also the head-guy over at Badlands Management, working with artists such as Ray Fulcher, Austin Jenckes, Holden James, and Jive Talk. Most recently, he is the co-founder (along with The Cadillac Three front man Jaren Johnston) of the wave-making record label War Buddha Records.
Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g
Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, catches up with THE CONNECTOR Chris Keaton. Chris is a Nashville-based entertainment industry executive, award winning music publisher, artist management consultant and a 2016 Inductee in the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. In this episode they talk songwriting, the importance of song plugging, and how building a team of connectors can change turn the tide in your music career.
Learn more about Chris Keaton here: http://chriskeaton.com/
Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g
Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, had a wonderful conversation with Philadelphia based country music artist and songwriter Matt Freedman. Christopher and Matt discussed Freedman's journey from college athlete to musician, making it in 'country music' without being in Nashville, and great strategies on making your co-writing and writing sessions more creative and productive.
About Matt Freedman:
Before opening and supporting major country acts like Miranda Lambert, Brantley Gilbert, Brett Young, Chris Young and other country legends, Singer/Songwriter Matt Freedman was playing the Bucks County PA circuit. Freedman is 20 year music industry veteran who’s style ranges from big rock anthems to soulful rootsy ballads. A former HS and Collegiate quarterback, Freedman was on the rise until a career ending knee injury pushed him into music. In his early twenties, Freedman grew up playing in rock and acoustic acts throughout PA, NJ, Delaware and NYC. Today, Freedman and his band The HERD is fresh off of their 2022 National American Sun Tour, highlighting Nashville's CMA Fest and other iconic venues. His first single "Good Love" was picked up and spun by over 90 country radio stations and has received almost 1 million streams. He recently signed with 3MA in Nashville, TN as an artist and songwriter.
Freedman blends acoustic country drawing roots from the likes of Chris Stapleton, Eric Church and Zac Brown, mixed with today’s modern country like Dustin Lynch and Thomas Rhett. His first radio single “Good Love” caught fire with several of Spotify’s top country playlists like Wild Country, Next from Nashville and New Country Friday.
A seasoned writer who goes deep into personal experiences about family life, nostalgic views about being an athlete growing up, and marries scenic imagery with big stadium anthems.
Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g
Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, has a great conversation with artist, songwriter, and vocal producer Mike Cali. They discuss coming correct to a co-write, how to deliver the best vocal performance, and the ins and outs of being a vocal producer. Singer/songwriter Mike Cali makes passionate and melodic, acoustic guitar driven, pop country music. He shares his love for music playing both public and private events where, depending on the event, he’s able to play a mix of widely known classic and contemporary cover songs and his own original music. Born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in New Jersey, Mike taught himself play guitar while he was growing up. By his late teens while studying at Villanova University in Philadelphia, he began writing and performing his own original music.
After college Mike moved to Pittsburgh, PA for a job in corporate retail with American Eagle Outfitters (and later DICK’S Sporting Goods). In Pittsburgh, Mike continued to hone his musical craft both on stages and with other music makers. After almost a decade in Pittsburgh, some learnings from his day job and his entrepreneurial inclinations led him to join his brother Chris in South Bend to start a retail technology company called Viewtique.
Musically, Mike is influenced most by singer songwriters like James Taylor, Bruce Springsteen, and Van Morrison. Some of his more contemporary influences include Ed Sheeran, Ray Lamontagne, Amos Lee, John Mayer, and James Morrison.
Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g
Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, sits down with famed songwriter and producer TW Hale to discuss his journey from Texas musician to songwriter to Nashville based music producer. T.W. is an ASCAP award winning songwriter and producer. His songs have been recorded by Reba McEntire (“Why Haven’t I Heard From You”), Joe Diffie (“A Night To Remember”), Randy Travis, Trace Adkins, George Jones, Billy Ray Cyrus, Gene Watson, Rhett Akins and bluegrass artists Del McCoury and David Parmley. His producing talents have been instrumental in the signings of artists to Decca Records/Nashville and Polygram Latino/Mexico.
Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g
Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, has an incredible conversation with UK based country music artist and songwriter Luke Flear. They discuss how Luke fell into country music, how he's navigating building an international artist, and how the power of social media is absolutely vital for modern country music artists and songwriters.
Learn more about Luke Flear at https://lukeflear.com/
From rich, raspy vocals and roaring guitar solos to acoustic deep cuts and piano ballads- Luke Flear is Classic Country Rock with a modern, unique twist. Born in Leeds, England, Luke picked up the drumsticks before he could even talk, and countless instruments followed until he could take his music to the stage. Luke has recently made his move into the Country Music Scene, performing at Nashville Calling Events, supporting fellow country musician Cody Pennington, performing alongside established artists such as Gary Quinn and Lisa T, the British Country Music Awards, as well as set to play major UK Country Festivals such as “Country on the Clyde”, “West Country Music Festival” and more in 2023. Through the purity in his songwriting, his instrumental virtuosity and his natural love for the stage, Flear is among many others bound to change the UK's relationship with the genre. Every instrument you hear on record is played by the 21 year old himself, with Luke's debut album exploring countless themes of ambition, addiction, love and hate in true Americana style. With an "Album of the week" debut on UK Country Radio and a number one single on Australian Country Radio, Luke has been featured on the likes of CountryLine's "Homegrown" radio broadcast, Country Central's "New Country" playlist and more . Described as “a future BCMA winner for entertainer of the year” by Jonny Brick, Luke is the next to take on the challenge of conquering country music in the UK.
Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g
Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, sits down with content creator and podcaster Todd Schlosser to discuss the importance of, and strategies for implementing, a solid brand in the music industry. Your brand is one of your most important assets regardless of if you're an artist, songwriter, manager, promoter, booking agent, or in any other facet of the music business. This conversation provides insight on how to develop and market a brand in the most efficient and productive way possible, starting with a brainstorm session. That brainstorm session will provide the catalyst to a new logo, how you talk about and describe your brand, and real life take-aways to build a brand that works for you and not against you.
Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g
Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, has an incredible conversation with friend and fellow songwriter Bradley Collins. Bradley has a very unique story, beginning his music industry career in publishing and spending the majority of his career as an executive at BMI. While at BMI he signed a large majority of the roster and developed invaluable relationships. However, due to a shift in the organization, Bradley Collins shifted his priorities and has become a full time songwriter. Listen to Bradley's story and his three actionable items to move your career forward as songwriter.
Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g
Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, catches up with the co-founder of the We Should Write Sometime application Kevin McCarty. The We Should Write Sometime application has been described as "tinder for songwriters" and uses 'swipe left/swipe right' technology to help songwriters network, connect, and find the perfect co-write. This app lest you identify by your skills, location, and matches you with other songwriters to get you creating faster.
Download the app here: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/we-should-write-sometime/id1380001027?mt=8
Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g
Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, sits down with renowned radio promotion executive Bruce Shindler. Bruce has over 40 years in the music industry working with labels such as Buddah Records in New York City, Elektra/Asylum, Infinity Records, MTM Records, RCA Records, seven years at his independent company Shindler-Turner Promotions, DreamWorks Records, and UMG Nashville. In short, Bruce is probably responsible for the success of some the biggest records from the biggest artists in music history: Bill Withers, The Eagles, Gladys Knight & the Pips, Warren Zevon, and Queen. Yes, QUEEN! Bruce was pivotal in breaking 'Bohemian Rhapsody' and making it a radio hit in the US. Hear more about Bruce's time with Queen, networking strategies for those entering the music industry, and what it takes to get your foot in the door.
Intro and outro music:
'Leaving' by FOUST
Listen here:https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g
Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, has an incredibly fun conversation with music journalist and author from The Bucket Playlist, Sara Seddon. In this episode we discuss the role of music journalism in the new entertainment industry, and how artists can easily connect and engage with journalists. Sara is an expert in finding new talent and sharing their music through effective use of social media.
About Sara Seddon and The Bucket Playlist
I’m a music-mad journalist who spends so much time listening to music that I thought it was time to actually start writing about it as well!
At The Bucket Playlist, we’re interested in the songs you can’t do without, songs that really resonate. Songs you keep going back to but also in young bands and artists who are just starting out and composing incredible music.
The Bucket Playlist brings you in-depth interviews with both up-and-coming and established bands globally, new music and a new Bucket Playlist every Friday! We cover new music in Europe, North and South America, Australia, South Africa and beyond!
If there are bands or artists you’d like to hear more about, get in touch via our contact page and we’ll try to do a story about them!
Learn more at https://inthebucketplaylist.com/
Intro and outro music:
'Leaving' by FOUST
Listen here:https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g
Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, sits down with talented artist and illustrator Brandon Trammel. Brandon specializes in highly unique album artwork, limited edition concert posters, and design needs for musical artists, bands, and their teams. He has created pieces for Umphreys McGee, Papadosio, Gov't Mule, and many more.
Brandon is an artist and illustrator born in Marion, Illinois, now living in Nashville, Tennessee. His inspirations come from nature, music, psychedelic art, rubber hose animation, Japanese design as well as fashion branding/marketing. His work often uses a mix of vibrant color and intricate line work to create themes that mix nature and the human condition. No specific medium is limited to his work. Getting an education in fine arts with a focus in printmaking, working at several print firms, ad agencies, and being part of multiple in-house marketing teams has given him the opportunity to wear various visual media hats. Illustration, graphic design, animation, motion design, video production, video editing, and photography are ever ruled out in the creation process.
Learn more about Brandon and see his work here: https://www.brandontrammel.com/
Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g
Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, artist, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast has an insightful conversation with NSAI (Nashville Songwriters Association International) Director of Membership Jill Moody. Jill Moody brings more than 17 years experience in event production, management and booking to the team at NSAI, and brings a wealth of knowledge to the NSAI team. Christopher and Jill discuss some actionable strategies to grow your career as songwriter, including networking for songwriters, the relationship between PROs. publishers, an songwriters, and some of the amazing benefits that NSAI provides its members.
Learn more about The Nashville Songwriters Association International, or NSAI here: https://www.nashvillesongwriters.com/
Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g
Listen to Christopher Foust interview content creator and podcaster Todd Schlosser. Chris & Todd discuss strategies for creating content, how a DIY mindset brought about during the MySpace era of music has affected marketing, and cost-effective tools that artists, bands, and managers can use to expand their digital footprint.
Are you in a band? Are you an entertainment entrepreneur? Are you a musician, songwriter, or producer? Or Are you wanting to start a career in the music industry? If so, then you’ve probably been asked by family or friends, a question that sounded similar to this: “So, how’s that whole music thing going?”
Well if you’d like to answer with a resounding ‘Pretty Damn amazing!” Than this podcast is for you. On the Do That Music Thing Podcast, we’ll be interviewing subject matter experts, artists, and other leaders in the music industry to identify actionable strategies to move you forward in your career, spark some inspiration, and have fun talking about music.
Lets get to it and do that music thing!