Summary
Tristan Cusick shares his journey from being a church employee to a full-time creative in the music industry. He discusses how his passion for content creation developed and how he discovered his creative style through trial and error. Tristan also talks about the challenges of balancing college, marriage, and a full-time job. He emphasizes the importance of networking and utilizing platforms like LinkedIn. Tristan highlights the need to take initiative and work hard to achieve success in the industry. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of hiring employees and learning to delegate.
Tristan's faith plays a significant role in his work, and he shares how it guides his decisions and approach to leadership. He encourages aspiring creatives to build relationships, be grateful, and never forget where they started.
Takeaways
Chapters
01:23 Discovering a Passion for Music and Content Creation
06:12 Balancing College, Marriage, and a Full-Time Job
08:45 Finding Creative Inspiration and Developing a Personal Style
12:51 Exploring Creative Lens and Trial-and-Error
15:00 Impact of COVID-19 on Touring and Career Path
20:20 Finding Managers and Labels
21:06 Underutilized Networking Tools
22:08 Taking Initiative in the Entertainment Industry
23:03 Building Relationships and Caring for People
24:29 First Music Video Experience
27:48 Starting His Own Company
30:45 Hiring Employees vs. Contract Work
32:19 Learning to Lead and Delegate
35:11 Balancing Morals and Creative Work
38:05 Gratitude and Humility
39:22 Advice for Those Starting in the Industry
44:00 Remembering Where You Started
Summary
Brad shares his journey in the music industry, starting from his early days as a manager of an artist he came across (without any prior artist management experience.)
He also shares about his experience teaching at Belmont University and his role in Digital Rights and YouTube Optimization at Universal Music Group and The Orchard.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 The Beginnings of a Music Career
04:53 Dissolving the Management Company
11:38 Discovering Music as a Career
13:21 Inspiration from Dead Poets Society
19:38 Becoming a College Marketing Rep
30:29 Teaching at Belmont University
36:31 Manager of Digital Rights at Universal Music Group
41:53 Joining The Orchard and Sony Music
44:01 Working with Maverick City Music
46:25 Transition to YouTube Operations and Optimization
51:07 Early Career Challenges
55:14 Job at BMI
59:16 Learning from Adversity
01:03:10 Generational Differences in the Workforce
Summary
In this conversation, Chris Newman, a tour manager and production manager, shares his journey in the music industry. He discusses his college experience, starting to tour while in college, and transitioning between genres. He has worked with artists such as Riley Clemmons, Plumb, Natalie Grant, and Walker Hayes. Chris explains the differences between a tour manager and production manager, the importance of relationships in the industry, and the physical and legal risk in tour production.
Takeaways
Chapters
01:45 Career Aspirations and College Experience
04:22 Starting to Tour While in College
07:38 Transitioning to Tour Management and Production Management
10:32 Transitioning Between Genres
15:10 Tour Manager vs. Production Manager
17:24 Importance of Relationships in the Industry
18:15 Safety and Challenges on the Road
23:01 Differences Between Solo Artists and Bands
25:18 Genre Differences in Touring
28:34 Problem Solving on the Road
32:47 Living the Dream and Rewards of Touring
35:07 Misconceptions and Expectations of Touring
40:04 Conclusion
Summary
In this conversation, Alexandria Davila, CEO of Adarga Entertainment Group, shares her journey as a first-generation college graduate and her experiences as a Latina in the music industry. She emphasizes the importance of business education in the music industry and offers advice for aspiring professionals. Alexandria also discusses the services offered by Adarga and the company's mission to empower artists in the Latin Christian music industry.
Takeaways
Chapters
01:40 Being a First-Generation College Graduate
04:13 The Importance of Business Education in the Music Industry
09:19 Opportunities for Remote Learning and Networking
14:38 Adarga: A Music Industry Company
18:15 Services Offered by Adarga
21:28 Navigating the Music Industry as a Latina
26:37 Balancing Family and Career in the Music Industry
30:59 Taking Risks and Trusting the Journey
In this conversation, Jimi Williams shares insights and advice on various aspects of the music industry, particularly in the context of worship music. He emphasizes the importance of conversations that go beyond the business side and focus on personal growth, dreams, and challenges. Jimi also highlights the significance of trust and relationships in working with artists and writers.
He advises worship leaders transitioning to songwriting to stay connected to their local church and be prolific in their writing. Jimi emphasizes the value of the local church in the worship industry and cautions against treating worship as merely an industry.
Finally, he reflects on his journey from playing in cover bands to becoming the President of Jesus Culture Music and expresses gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped his career.
Takeaways
Chapters
05:00 Early Dreams and Career Beginnings
15:00 Transition to Church Ministry
25:00 Return to the Music Industry
35:00 The Birth of Worship Together
40:00 Evolution of Worship Together
41:00 Becoming President of Jesus Culture Music
41:44 The Role of Conversations in the Music Industry
45:13 Advice for Worship Leaders Transitioning to Songwriting
51:19 The Importance of the Local Church in Worship Music
52:02 Living the Dream: From Cover Bands to President of Jesus Culture Music
Michelle Younkman, Executive Director of Christian Music Broadcasters (CMB), discusses the organization's mission to empower radio stations to reach more people for Jesus.
CMB focuses on helping radio stations understand and adapt to the changing landscape of technology and digital media. They also have a unique international reach, with stations from various countries participating in their events.
Michelle shares her personal journey to CMB and the challenges she faced in balancing work and family. She also discusses the launch of CMB+ (Plus) and the importance of staying up to date with radio trends.
The conversation covers various topics related to Christian music radio, including the net promoter score, the importance of community, connecting with listeners through events and cruises, CMB University, mentoring, and the challenges and rewards of working in the music industry.
The conversation concludes with a discussion on the impact of CMB University and the future of Christian music radio.
Takeaways
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to CMB
01:01 CMB's Mission and Vision
02:00 Focus on Technology and Digital Transformation
03:20 CMB's Unique Position in the Market
04:21 International Reach of CMB
06:16 Learning from International Counterparts
07:38 The Global Impact of CMB
07:50 Michelle's Journey to CMB
09:00 Discovering Christian Music
13:06 Balancing Work and Family
16:08 Joining CMB
19:56 Transitioning to CMB
20:40 Navigating Imposter Syndrome
22:02 The Launch of CMB Plus
29:03 Reevaluating the CMB Plus Strategy
37:51 Staying Up to Date with Radio Trends
41:39 The Net Promoter Score for Christian Music Radio
44:06 The Importance of Community in Christian Music Radio
45:04 Connecting with Listeners through Events and Cruises
46:30 Radio as a One-Stop Shop for Faith-Based Content
47:34 CMB University: Investing in the Future of the Music Industry
50:45 Interview Techniques and Mentoring at CMB University
55:05 The Challenges and Rewards of Working in the Music Industry
57:43 The Impact of CMB University and the Future of Christian Music Radio
Summary
Dee discusses her involvement in promoting Hulvey and Forrest Frank's "Altar" on the Meta platform. She also shares her journey into the music industry, starting from her role in Church Communications to her current position as Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy at Reach Records.
Dee emphasizes the importance of transparency, adaptability, and lifelong learning in the ever-changing music industry. Dee also talks about her role on the board of A2IM, the trade association for independent music, and the community and resources it provides for independent labels. She highlights the opportunities for diversity in the music industry and the importance of creating access and visibility for women and people of color.
Takeaways
Chapters
03:29 Discovering Dee's Involvement in Hulvey and Forrest Frank's "Altar"
08:34 Dee's Journey into the Music Industry
11:19 Transition from Church Communications to Digital Marketing
13:48 Growth and Development at Reach Records
19:50 Transition to Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy
36:47 Lessons and Insights from Dee's Journey
44:34 Building Trust and Care in the Music Industry
46:11 The Role of A2IM in the Music Industry
49:45 Creating Opportunities for Diversity in the Music Industry
53:05 Living the Dream: God's Plan and Evolving Dreams
Scott Brickell is the founder and president of Brickhouse Entertainment. He is originally from Missouri and attended Baylor University in Texas for a BA in Business Administration and Production Operations Management. Throughout his career, he has managed well known bands/artists like MercyMe, Switchfoot, Phil Wickham, and Matthew West. In 2018, he was portrayed by Trace Adkins in the film "I Can Only Imagine."
Shannon Woodworth is a successful digital influencer + blogger with over 21k followers in Instagram. She also happens to be a digital marketing extraordinaire in the Music Industry. She's work with several genres including Country, Christian, and Gospel. Shannon has led TikTok campaigns that have fueled an artist's success. On top of all of that, she is a wonderful wife and mother. This episode is for those who want to learn more about the difference between Social Media Marketing and Digital Marketing, as well as those looking to establish boundaries as a parent while maintaining success in the music industry.
Corey Mann is a Radio Programmer for Pulse FM in South Bend, Indiana. He also hosts his own podcast, "What Else? With Corey Mann." This interview takes you behind the scenes to the honest prep-work it takes to provide an entertaining segment for listeners. In this episode we cover: - How vulnerability can lead you to your next career - Never waiting for the "Help Wanted" sign - What it's actually like starting out on the path towards your dream job Follow and subscribe to these channels:
Watch The Full Episode Here The Springboard Music Instagram Rachael Hession's Instagram Corey Mann's Instagram Pulse FM Christian Music Broadcasters Grace College Taylor University
Elizabeth Lombardi is an Executive in Business Affairs at Creative Artists Agency (CAA). CAA is a talent agency, home to music industry legends such as: Ben Platt, Beyonce, Harry Styles, Kelsea Ballerini, The Band Camino, Zendaya, etc. As of 2023, she is also an adjunct professor at her alma mater, Belmont University, in the Mike Curb College of Entertainment & Music Business in addition to her full-time work as an Entertainment Attorney. This interview is for you if you're wondering: - Should I take a job outside of the music industry to build experience and a resume, or is that going to silo me and set me back? - What are ways to continue to network outside of my school or job in the Nashville area? - Where do I begin as an Entertainment Lawyer?
Chapters
02:06 Career Path and Volunteer Experience
03:22 Choosing the Music Industry and Law
07:19 Growing Up in Chicago and Musical Influence
09:42 Choosing Belmont University
12:53 Meeting Jake Owen and the Impact
16:54 The Importance of Networking and Building Relationships
18:34 Choosing Entertainment Law
25:22 Getting Internships and Standing Out
31:52 CMA EDU and Networking
34:58 Working at CAA and Career Progression
44:49 Transition to the Music Industry
46:23 Challenges of Temporary Positions
48:09 The Importance of Self-Confidence
51:12 Taking a Job Outside of Entertainment
55:33 Returning to the Entertainment Industry
58:48 Finding Fulfillment in Work
01:02:08 The Importance of Patience and Persistence
01:07:29 Working at a Law Firm
01:09:46 Reevaluating Career Goals
01:14:57 Teaching at Belmont University
01:26:28 The Country Music Hall of Fame's Troubadour Society
01:32:25 Journey to the Music Industry
01:33:54 Living the Dream
01:34:54The Power of Live Music Follow and Subscribe to these accounts:
Springboard Music's Instagram
Rachael Hession’s Instagram
Country Music Hall Of Fame | Troubadour Society
Trey Pearce is a Recording + Mixing Engineer out of L.A. He has experience at Westlake Studios and has worked with artists such as: Rhianna, The Weekend, Sza, Jhené Aiko, and Doja Cat. Need we say more?
In this episode we discuss:
- How to get plugged into Audio Engineering as a career
- Is there a hierarchy within the engineering space?
- Are certain audio editing softwares good for specific edits?
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Springboard Music's Instagram
Tom DeKorne is a Senior Booking Agent at JRA (Jeff Roberts Agency.) After graduating college at Ferris State University in Michigan, he moved to Nashville with zero connections and a desire to break into the music industry. His grit and opportunistic spirit landed him a job, and he hasn't left since. Take a listen to how construction work could set you apart for a career in the music industry...
In this episode we discuss:
- Does a college degree matter?
- How to get involved with booking shows at school
- The importance of a reference chain (and what it is)
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Jon Sell is the co-founder of Sell Creative, coaching artists through the development of their career and brand. Jon has experience in radio promotion, A&R, and Marketing at formal record labels. In 2021, he left the corporate label world to start his own company guiding artists to reach their potential and expand their audience reach effectively. In this episode we discuss: - Is being signed the right move for you? - Betting on yourself - Learning where you *aren't* replaceable Follow and Subscribe to these accounts: Watch The Full Episode Here
Courtney Allen started her college journey at the University of South Carolina. After a chance encounter at a concert, her career path quickly changed to where she is now the Senior Director of A&R at Concord Music Publishing.
In this episode we discuss:
- The importance of maintaining connections, no matter how big or small they might seem
- Taking unconventional chances (because, what is there to lose?!)
- The toll it takes on your mental health when you don't land a job straight out of college
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Courtney Allen started her college journey at the University of South Carolina. After a chance encounter at a concert, her career path quickly changed to where she is now the Senior Director of A&R at Concord Music Publishing. In this episode we discuss: - The difference between being passionate and interested - Just how small the music industry really is - Exactly what you need to know if you're interviewing at a publishing company Follow and Subscribe to these accounts:
Watch Full Episode Here Springboard Music's Instagram Rachael Hession’s Instagram Courtney Allen's Instagram Concord Publishing National Songwriters Association International Starstruck Entertainment Big Machine Label Group
Velvet Rousseau Kelm is the President of The Media Collective, a PR agency for those both inside and outside the music industry. Their roster includes: Annie F. Downs, Amy Grant, TobyMac, Hillary Scott & The Scott Family, Josh Turner, Kathie Lee Gifford, Harry Connick Jr., Colton Dixon, and many others. In this episode we discuss: - PR and the Record Label - How to measure success in PR - How to decipher media to pursue based on the story you're telling Follow and Subscribe to these accounts:
Watch the full episode Springboard Music's Instagram Rachael Hession’s Instagram Velvet Kelm's LinkedIn The Media Collective Oklahoma Baptist University Belmont University Star Song Records Fairtrade Services EMI Sparrow
Greg Ham is a legend in the music industry. Most recently, he is the owner of one:eight Entertainment. one:eight Entertainment is an "artist management and development company with a client roster that includes Christian/Gospel legacy artists Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, & Steven Curtis Chapman, as well as producer Robert Deaton, Olympic Gold Medalist & Figure Skater Scott Hamilton, Worship Leader Charity Gayle, and CCM Artist Joseph O'Brien." In this episode we discuss: - Why the "why" is critical in your career - Maintaining passion in the process - Letting go in order to move forward Follow and Subscribe to these accounts: Watch the full episode
Greg Ham is a legend in the music industry. Most recently, he is the owner of one:eight Entertainment. one:eight Entertainment is an "artist management and development company with a client roster that includes Christian/Gospel legacy artists Michael W. Smith, CeCe Winans, & Steven Curtis Chapman, as well as producer Robert Deaton, Olympic Gold Medalist & Figure Skater Scott Hamilton, Worship Leader Charity Gayle, and CCM Artist Joseph O'Brien."
In this episode we discuss:
- The Napster Era
- Starting in the mail room + becoming label president in just 9 years
- A unique perspective on firing
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Springboard Music's Instagram
Ryan Byrd went from the small town of Enterprise, Alabama to walking the red carpet at the CMA and ACM awards in 2022.
Ryan's credits include:
- ACM nominee for “Video of the Year” in 2022 for "Never Wanted To Be That Girl" by Carly Pearce and Ashley McBryde
- Work featured on Billboard, The Today Show, CMT, Jimmy Kimmel, The Kelly Clarkson Show- Award Winning Documentary, “Why She Smiles”
- Video Producer for Anne Wilson's "Hey Girl" music video
In this episode we discuss:
- Advice Ryan would give to those living in small towns
- If you have one career dream of multiple
- What's the dream, if it's not your career?
Follow and Subscribe to these accounts:
Springboard Music's Instagram
Ryan Byrd's Portfolio Website
