Creatives Prevail

How can you reverse engineer being a songwriter? Ed Sweet is the founder and front person for the indie dance/pop group Electric Sol. In this interview we discuss how the untimely passing of Michael Jackson re-ignited his passion for music. We also talk about how his profession in copywriting and storytelling developed his skills as a lyricist. Plus we discuss how not being intimidated gave Ed the...

Is it worth it to do open mics and competitions? Sophie and Alex Dorsten are an Indie-Pop songwriting duo. In this interview we discuss their experiences with open mics and competitions and the benefits that come with it. We also talk about recording from their home studio to recording at Abbey Road and RAK Studios, as well as performing in the UK. Instagram   TikTok Facebook Website Presente...

Play to your strengths. Albert Carter is the co-founder of Hip Hop University, founder of the Emirates Music Summit, and founder of the digital music distribution platform AudioSwim. In this interview we cover finding his passion as a hip hop artist to a career as a math teacher, then launching his own mentoring program, and then taking it overseas to Dubai. We also deep dive into event planning,...

It’s difficult to balance your responsibilities with where your passion lies. Andrea and Pete Connolly are from the rock group Birds and Arrows. In this interview we talk about their incredible story of how the two have met, fell in love, formed the band, and eventually what led them to Arizona. We also discuss their works in visual arts and how to sustain a music project for over 15 years. Instag...

Is it a good idea to work with friends? We brought back Daphne Greene and Christopher Price, as we are all good friends and have collaborated together, to talk about the joys and potential pitfalls when working with your best buddies. Presented by Bandzoogle Bandzoogle is an all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a stunning website for artists. Bandzoogle is also offering to all our liste...

It’s a challenge to navigate the ecosystem of playlisting. Matt Jenko is one of the main curators for the playlist platform Musicto. In this interview we discuss his journey from studying psychology and biomedical engineering to creating music as well as curating his own playlists. We also deep dive into how to approach playlisters and how to be a playlist curator. Musicto VIVAELLIPSIS Presented b...

How do you get involved in your local music community? Joe Maier, aka Every Show Joe, is a photographer, podcaster and YouTuber. In this interview we discuss his love for the local music community and how he got into photography as well as podcasting. We also dive into what it takes to have a “good show” as Joe has been to countless concerts over the years. Instagram   Facebook Website Presen...

How many projects have you tried to launch but failed? I brought back Emily and Moira, whom both have interned for 80/20 Records, to discuss a number of failed projects on why we felt they failed and what we have learned from them. Presented by Bandzoogle Bandzoogle is an all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a stunning website for artists. Bandzoogle is also offering to all our listener...

Sometimes you just need the confidence to show that you belong. Chase Warren is a filmmaker and videographer. In this interview, we discuss what he did to end up shooting concert videos for artists such as Rich the Kid, The Band Perry, The Maine, 3OH!3, and Weezer. In addition, we talk about the logistics and preparation behind creating music videos. Instagram Website Presented by Bandzoogle Bandz...

In this special episode, we revisit Dani Cutler to celebrate her fifteen years in radio. We deep dive into her career discussing the challenges she faced along the way as well as some of her favorite memories. Instagram   Facebook Website Presented by Bandzoogle Bandzoogle is an all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a stunning website for artists. Bandzoogle is also offering to all...

What does it take to book shows? Cori Rios is the frontman of the Desert Reggae and RocknRoll collective The Hourglass Cats. In this interview, we discuss how they started going on tour and the crazy stories on the road. We also talk about securing residencies performing covers. Instagram   Facebook Website Presented by Bandzoogle Bandzoogle is an all-in-one platform that makes it easy to bui...

How do you find ways to fund your projects while still being true to yourself? Adam Sears is the founder and frontman of the Progressive Space Opera Rock band Lobate Scarp. In this interview, we discuss how his passion for music and theater has led him to create the band, and how it came to be that members of Spock’s Beard and the band Yes are featured in their upcoming album. We also dive into cr...

Struggle trying to be creative? We’re trying a new format in addition to interviews by having discussions on certain topics. In this discussion with Moira and Brant, both prior guests as well as part of the 80/20 team, we dive into what influences our decisions in the content we create. Presented by Bandzoogle Bandzoogle is an all-in-one platform that makes it easy to build a stunning website for...

Perseverance is key in the music industry. Ben Anderson is a musician and artist that ranges from a solo career to forming a band. In this interview we discuss how his passion for music led to his first experience in the recording studio. We also delve into preparation and execution for music videos and the differences between being a solo artist and being in a band. Instagram   Presented by...

How do you go from customer support to running the whole company? Stacey Bedford is the CEO of Bandzoogle. In this interview, we go into depth in her incredible career path from developing Bandzoogle’s customer service from the ground up to becoming the leader of the entire company. We also talk about the importance of websites for artists as well as how to nurture a successful career. Instagram &...

Think it’s impossible to connect with major label execs? Jason Davis is the founder of One One 7 Entertainment and Noble Management. In this interview, we discuss how he stumbled upon writing a hit song to building relationships with the major labels from looking in a phone book. We also dive into what it takes to manage artists and the connection you create with them. One One 7 Entertainment webs...

When is it time to alter your career path? Mike Errico is a songwriter, journalist, music supervisor, and professor teaching songwriting at NYU and Yale. In this interview, we discuss how he “fell backward” into these roles and others. In addition, we talk about his recent book, Music, Lyrics, and Life: A Field Guide for the Advancing Songwriter. Music, Lyrics, and Life: A Field Guide for the Adva...

How do you get connected in the music industry? Steven Leavitt is a music producer, host of The Language of Creativity podcast, and founder of i Create Sound. In this interview, we discuss how Steve chose a different path than his family’s legacy in the stunt industry and went into music. In addition, we talk about a bunch of networking stories and why sometimes it’s better to ask for forgiveness...

How do you start in the music industry? Sammi Martinez and Brant Bloxom are both members of the 80/20 team. In this interview, we discuss how they got started in music, their experiences in recording, and what it’s like to be on the other side of artist representation. In addition, we dive into TikTok strategies we’ve developed for 80/20 Records. TikTok: @sammimartinezmusic @brantbloxom Presented...

Your priorities will eventually change in your life, whether it’s finding a new passion, moving to a new place, or starting a family. Dan Rojas was the lead singer in 42 Eternal, one of the first bands on 80/20 Records, as well as the bassist for the band Statues of Cats. In this interview we discuss how he was involved in these projects and the differences between leading a band and following as...

This is episode number 70! Thank you all so much for listening. We're taking a few weeks off for the holidays but will be back in full swing in 2022. In the meantime we focused on the highlights of the podcast so far and what we're up to next. Presented by FAMIGO FAMIGO is a marketplace and payment platform for musicians and content creators like streamers, sports influencers, personal trainers, a...

How do you become a prominent member in the music industry? Rachel Stilwell is an entertainment lawyer who’s been in the top music lawyers list in Billboard for three years in a row. In this interview we discuss her expansive career starting in radio promotion and marketing for labels, then switching into law and eventually starting her own practice. In addition we discuss her involvement in The R...

This is a special episode featuring highlights from our takeover on KWSS 93.9 FM and including music from Faun Flora, Gabe Kubanda, Bear Ghost, Turn Zero, and Mega Ran. Presented by FAMIGO FAMIGO is a marketplace and payment platform for musicians and content creators like streamers, sports influencers, personal trainers, and podcasters. Follow 80/20 Records: Instagram: @8020records TikTok: @80_20...

How do you get into composing for film, TV, and games? This is a repost from the EduMusication Roundtable, Music in Gaming and Film. Panelists: Alexander Bornstein - Composer/Arranger/Producer - Transformers - War For Cybertron Trilogy, Supernatural, The Boys Susie Wang - Composer - Luna Patrick Crecelius - Scoring/Sound Design - Fatbard Games Frank Long - Film Composer/Music Manager - Fullsail La...

What does it take to manage artists? Melissa Garcia is the CMO of the #iVoted Festival and partner for the management firm Collective Entertainment. In this interview we discuss her journey starting as an intern to climbing the career ladder in the music industry. Also, we explore what it means to represent artists and have an honest talk about the struggles and responsibilities that entails. Inst...