MPW Podcast

Ever wondered while mixing music, what role creativity plays in the process or whether you should follow more of a mixing formula? In this episode, Xylo Aria sites down with Kia Shavon, AKA The Mix Artist who talks through her mixing process and provides advice on when and how to lean into your creativity during the mixing process. Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a 30% discount off...

Ever wondered why we strive for perfection in music even though we know, deep down, that it's the raw emotion, often with imperfections that we connect with? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with INEZ who highlights the emotional connection that can be created through raw performances and the challenges of perfectionism in the music industry. She offers valuable advice for new musicians on...

Ever wondered how to become a music producer and build a sustainable career in today’s music industry? In this episode, Xylo Aria sits down with acclaimed producer Tim Bran (London Grammar, Birdy, AURORA) to explore the journey from beginner to pro. We cover everything from whether you need a music production degree, to how to land your first paid work, the skills you really need to develop, and w...

Why are there less women in electronic music and why do we hear less electronic music made by women? In this episode, Xylo chats to university professor, producer and DJ, Sam Parsley on her research and findings on the systemic barriers that women encounter and offers practical advice for aspiring musicians and industry gatekeepers alike. Get your FREE ticket to the MPW Music Production Bootcamp h...

What does it take to build a thriving music career without the backing of a label and how can artists stay true to their vision while doing it on their own terms? In this episode, Xylo sits down with 23-year-old singer, songwriter, actress, and dancer Briannagh Dennehy, whose career spans from the Apollo Theater stage to chart-topping singles, millions of streams, and even a Nike campaign with LeB...

As an independent musician, diving into the world of MIDI controllers and studio gear can feel intimidating, especially if you’re unsure where to start or which tools best suit your creative process. In this episode, Xylo chats with Alex Godfrey, Product Specialist at the Focusrite Group, about what MIDI controllers actually are, how they work, and how to choose the right one for your music. With...

What does it take to create musical magic with someone in the studio and how do you know when it’s the right fit? In this episode, Xylo sits down with certified platinum artist Jaki Nelson — a powerhouse singer, songwriter, producer, and DJ whose music has hit over 200 million streams, landed on Billboard’s Top 10, and soundtracked everything from Coca-Cola commercials to Love Island. Now based in...

As an independent musician, the idea of confidently owning the stage can feel overwhelming, especially if nerves, self-doubt or lack of experience keep getting in the way. In this episode, Xylo chats with performance coach and artist Lucie Burns (aka Lazy Hammock) about how to build true confidence on stage, reconnect with your presence and unlock the power of performance. With nearly 30 years of...

Have you ever wondered how to find the right collaborators to level up your music career? In this episode, Xylo speaks to Josh Simons, tech entrepreneur, former touring artist, and the CEO of Vinyl Group — home to platforms like Jaxsta, Vinyl.com, and the globally renowned Vampr. With over $35 million raised across his ventures and a vision that connects 1.4 million creatives across 180 countries,...

As an independent musician, getting sponsorships might seem like something reserved for major-label artists or influencers with massive followings—but that's far from the truth! In this episode, Xylo chats with sponsorship expert SEIDS about how sponsorships for musicians work, how to land them, and what companies actually care about when looking for artists to support. Grab your Free ticket to MP...

How do you stay creatively inspired while navigating the professional side of music? In this episode, Xylo speaks with Natalia Ramirez — GRAMMY-winning engineer and producer whose work spans the Latin and global music scenes. Known for her precision and versatility, Natalia shares how staying open to opportunities and honing her craft has led to a thriving, dynamic career. From the importance of d...

Are you a creative looking to break the mold and redefine what performance can be? In this episode, Xylo chats with multidisciplinary artist, and electric violinist Alfiya Glow, whose genre-defying sets fuse Electronic music, live violin, and immersive visuals into a cinematic experience. Tune in for an inspiring conversation about carving out your own lane in the industry, merging classical roots...

Have you ever wondered how musicians land six-figure gigs from scratch? In this episode, Xylo speaks to Stephen Ridley , internationally acclaimed pianist, performer and founder of the Ridley Academy. With performances across 60 countries, over 500 million views on social media and a fanbase of more than one million people, Stephen shares his journey from zero to sold-out concerts and six-figure b...

Are you a creative struggling to find your place in the music industry? In this episode, Xylo chats with York-based artist and producer LNA (Liina Turtonen), who has done just that! Have a listen for an inspiring chat about overcoming creative roadblocks, finding balance and happiness as a musician, and how vulnerability can become your greatest strength. Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW liste...

Have you ever wondered what makes a solid producer contract? In this episode, Xylo speaks to Kurt Luthy, Executive Director of The Music Producer & Engineers’ Guild of Australia (MPEG) as he shares his insights on the essentials of producer contracts. Kurt dives into the key elements that every producer should know, from rights and royalties to the legalities behind music production. Whether y...

Are you a DJ thinking about taking on the music production world? In this episode, Xylo chats with, Chicago based DJ, Avi Sic who has done just that! Have a listen for an inspiring chat on creating an opportunity out of a negative situation, and opening the door to a completely new side of the music industry! Join a community of female artists and producers around the world and get free acess to m...

Have you ever wondered what Sound Healing is and how to incorporate it into your music? In this episode Xylo speaks to sound healer, composer and producer, Fatima Teixeira about an overview of sound healing, how it can benefit us and how to entwine sound healing principles in our music making. Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a 30% discount off the first year of their annual subscrip...

Have you ever wondered how all the different elements of vocals such as harmonies, doubles etc. are determined and arranged to best compliment a song? In this episode, Xylo chats with MPG Award winning vocal producer Ramera Abraham on her top tips on finding and caputring these ideas. Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a 30% discount off the first year of their annual subscription! Use...

Making money from streaming is tough...but the good news is, there are quite a few more ways that, if done properly can be a great deal more effective! In this episode Xylo chats with, Qais Masri, founder of Q Music Co, about strategies that he has implemented for numerous artists which have significantly increased their income from their music! This is an episode note to be missed for self releas...

Have you wondered how companies go about training AI music generators? In this episode Xylo chats with Gold Coast based music producer George Carpenter about his experience with creating music to train AI algorithms and whether this seems to be a viable technology for music creation in the coming years. Join a community of female artists and producers around the world and get free acess to masterc...

The relationship dynamic between artists and fans has been changing over time. In this episode Xylo chats with music technology pioneer Nick Holmstén on what trends we've seen in fans, engaging with artists in recent times, and his top suggestions on how artists can leverage from these changes to amplify their reach. Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a 30% discount off the first...

Mix Check Studio is one of the latest free AI tools designed to research the landscape of mixing and help people to learn and improve their own mixing at home. In this episode Xylo chats to audio engineer and researcher at Roex, Angeliki, about what this new tool can help us achieve with our own mixing. Whether you're an AI sceptic or a full-blown fan, Angeliki shared some amazing insights into ho...

Are you curious to know more about the world of sync? In this episode Xylo chats to songwriter, composer and producer, Amandah Wilkinson about her career in sync to date, what's involved, and how to get into sync-writing as well. If you're looking into how to build your career as a writer or producer for sync, definitely don't miss this episode to catch all of Amandah's fantastic tips for newcomer...

Ever wondered how to find a music manager for yourself or your band, or better yet, how you can manage yourself as an independent artist? In this episode Xylo chats with seasoned industry expert, music manager and coach, Diane Wagg about her best tips for artists on how to manage their music, creativity, budgets and more. So whether you want to learn how to manage your music better or attract a ma...

Would you love some tips on manage your mental health to better deal with things like imposter syndrome, pressure of sharing on social media, burnout etc.? In this episode Xylo chats with with the Founder of Artist Focus Coaching, Ruth Emery on the issues around mental health that come up most for musicians and trips on how to better deal with them. Distrokid has kindly offered all MPW listeners a...