Off Key and On Pitch

Music isn’t supposed to be polite—it’s supposed to be true. In this episode, Tzayla sits down with New Hampshire duo The Low Stakes (Eric Colville & Ann Holbrook) to talk about finding your voice, writing songs that cut deep, and why honesty always matters more than polish. If you’ve ever wondered how “real” to be in your art, this conversation is your permission slip to stop apologizing and s...

Love it or hate it, social media isn’t optional for artists anymore—it’s the engine driving careers forward. In this episode, Tzayla gets real about the realities of building a platform and breaks down exactly how to use social media to grow your music, connect with fans, and actually get noticed. No fluff, no gimmicks—just a clear playbook you can start today. Key Takeaways:  Consistency bea...

What’s the one skill that can transform your music career overnight? It’s not perfect pitch—it’s boldness. In this episode, Tzayla shares why asking for what you want is the fastest way to open doors in the music industry, how to handle “no” without losing momentum, and real-life stories of opportunities that only happened because she dared to ask. Key Takeaways: Boldness creates opportunities—you...

What if leadership wasn’t about titles or power—but presence, purpose, and the way you carry your voice? In this episode, Dr. Calvin H. Lawrence, author of The Happy Leader , joins Tzayla to unpack the deep connection between artistry and leadership. Whether you’re an emerging musician or building a creative movement, this conversation will challenge you to lead with more vision, integrity, and he...

Making music is magic—but making it a career takes more than just streams and shows. In this episode, Tzayla breaks down the real income streams available to musicians today, how to start them, and which ones can turn your passion into a paycheck. From sync licensing to TikTok live streaming, you’ll learn exactly how to diversify your earnings so your music career can actually last. Key Takeaways:...

What if the thing that almost broke you…became the very thing that saved you? In this episode, Tzayla sits down with Orphan Prodigy to explore how music became his medicine during a mental health crisis—and how he’s now using his sound to heal others. From agoraphobia to charting at #78, this story is raw, inspiring, and deeply human. Key Takeaways: Mental Health Is Not a Weakness: Orphan Prodigy...

If your Notes app is overflowing with half-written lyrics, scattered ideas, and dusty voice memos, this episode is your sign to start finishing . Tzayla sits down with singer, songwriter, producer, and creative coach Marli Delaney to talk about turning fragments into finished songs, building sustainable artistic momentum, and why mindset matters more than fancy gear. You’ll learn Marli's 3-month s...

In this follow-up to the “Copyrights Crash Course” episode, Tzayla reveals three major legal exceptions that could strip you of your rights—even if you wrote, recorded, and released the song yourself. Whether you’re doing work-for-hire, releasing covers, or writing with friends, this episode is your roadmap to protecting your music before it’s too late. Key Takeaways: Work-for-Hire: You may lose a...

Tired of pitch forms, playlist chaos, and all the backend stuff that takes time away from making music? In this game-changing episode, Tzayla talks with Sam Friske, founder of the music tech startup Cadence I.O., about how artists and teams can streamline their marketing—and write Spotify pitches that actually work. Whether you’re DIY or building a label of your own, this episode is packed with to...

This one’s for every songwriter, producer, and creator who’s ever wondered, “Do I actually own my song?” In this must-hear episode, Tzayla breaks down everything you need to know about copyrights—what they are, how they’re created, how to protect them, and how to avoid getting ripped off. Whether you’re releasing your first single or building a catalog, this episode will help you stop guessing and...

In this heartfelt episode, Tzayla sits down with Nashville-based artist, producer, and songwriter Daniel McCurdy to talk about his journey from producing behind the scenes to stepping into the spotlight with a fresh country-inspired artist project. They dive deep into community, calling, the spiritual journey of being “good clay,” and the messy beauty of letting go of control in both music and lif...

In this solo episode, Tzayla breaks down the music business in plain language, covering everything from copyright to contracts to making money as an indie artist. If you want to protect your music, scale your artistry, and build a sustainable career without selling your soul, start here. No fluff. Just the truth, tools, and tough love you need. Key Takeaways: Your song is your baby — learn the dif...

“Networking” gets tossed around in every industry conversation — but what does it really mean, and how do you actually do it (without being awkward, fake, or annoying)? In this episode, Tzayla breaks down the art of building authentic, long-term relationships in music. From her own story of going from Berklee classrooms to music biz lobbies, to practical steps you can take today, this is your no-f...

In this heartfelt and inspiring episode of Off Key and On Pitch, Tzayla talks with New York City-based singer, songwriter, and pianist Jordan Siwek. From Broadway stages to TikTok screens, Jordan shares how his music transforms darkness into light. They dive deep into authenticity, songwriting, going viral with intention, and using art as a force for healing and connection. This conversation is a...

In this episode, Tzayla sits down with cinematographer and content strategist Dalton Lewis to explore his journey from filming concerts for free to working with both indie and label artists. They dive into the realities of music video production, the pros and cons of working with labels, the power of authentic networking, and why artists should drop the ego and stay real. A must-listen for anyone...

Ready to go from bedroom performances to real-world stages? In this episode, Tzayla pulls back the curtain on exactly how she booked her first shows—without a manager, a label, or a clue. Learn how to craft a killer set list, build an EPK that gets you noticed, and actually land paying gigs. Whether you're a total beginner or looking to level up your live show game, this episode is your no-nonsens...

Welcome back to Off Key and On Pitch, your backstage pass to the unfiltered world of music! In this episode, Tzayla breaks down the songwriting process, offering a step-by-step guide to crafting meaningful lyrics and melodies. Whether you're a seasoned songwriter or just starting out, this episode provides practical tips to help you bring your musical ideas to life. What You'll Learn: How to start...

What does it take to make it in music—not just for a season, but for a lifetime? In this episode of Off Key and On Pitch, Tzayla sits down with acoustic duo Eva Rose and David Pippin, two artists who’ve shared the stage—and the struggle—for over 15 years. From playing for 20,000 fans at Springing the Blues to performing in dive bars, competitions, and living rooms, they’ve built a career on grit,...

Many artists believe that landing on major playlists is the key to success, but is that really the case? In this episode of Off Key and On Pitch, Tzayla sits down with Mike Warner, a streaming expert, author of “Work Hard Playlist Hard”, and consultant to independent artists and major platforms. Mike shares insights into the biggest misconceptions about playlists, why social media may be more impo...

In this episode of Off Key and On Pitch, Tzayla dives into the pressures that come with being an artist and how to overcome them without losing your love for making music. From battling perfectionism to navigating the chaos of deadlines and expectations, Tzayla shares valuable insights on how to stay creatively energized without falling into the trap of burnout. As musicians, it’s easy to get caug...

In this episode of “Off Key and On Pitch”, host Tzayla sits down with Alexandra Beck, a rising dance-pop singer-songwriter originally from Canada and now making waves in Los Angeles. Known for her powerful vocals and high-energy performances, Beck has graced stages at Lincoln Center, Canadian Music Week, and the Viper Room. Inspired by icons like Usher, Beyoncé, and Britney Spears, she brings a fr...

In this unfiltered and wildly fun episode, Tzayla sits down with guitarist Jacob Graham (plus unofficial appearances of Victoria Amaya and Isabel “Izzy” Osman) to talk about the magic of live music, the power of collaboration, and the unexpected moments that make it all worth it. From the story behind “Arachne” to writing a brand-new song (Crocodile Tears), this episode is packed with laughter, mu...

In this episode, I sit down with indie pop artist Dani Felt to talk about music, branding, and empowerment. Dani’s bold, dark pop anthems blend theatrical storytelling with raw emotion, drawing inspiration from artists like Imagine Dragons, Adele, and Billie Eilish. We dive into her journey from music blogger to branding expert, the story behind her latest single “Superhero”, and how understanding...

Welcome back to another exciting episode of Off Key and On Pitch! If you're aiming to elevate your music production but are working on a budget, this episode is for you. Join Tzayla as she takes you behind the scenes of her home studio setup, breaking down the essential gear for high-quality music production—without breaking the bank. From DAWs and microphones to interfaces, headphones, and plugin...

In this nostalgic episode of Off Key and On Pitch , host Tzayla talks with her oldest friend, Pfifer Smith. Despite pursuing veterinary medicine at UTK, Pfifer has been a key supporter of Tzayla’s music journey since their middle school days—when they started their first podcast at 13 and sang original songs on scooters. Together, they share hilarious and heartfelt memories, from early songwriting...