Sex, Drugs, and Disappointment

In this episode of Sex, Drugs, and Disappointment , Melody, Dustin, and David of HeyDreamer talk through the very different ways they prepare for life as working musicians—from gigs and rehearsals to session work and everything in between. They get into routines, mental prep, gear checklists, last-minute chaos, and the little rituals that help them walk in ready to play. It’s an honest look at wha...

In this episode of Sex, Drugs, & Disappointment , the members of HeyDreamer sit down to share their bold musical predictions for 2026. From AI tools reshaping songwriting and production to what’s next for touring, venues, and the future of live music, nothing is off the table. If you’re curious where music might be headed next, this one’s for you.

In this episode, HeyDreamer relaunches as this season's hosts and pulls back the curtain on what’s been happening behind the scenes. The band dive into the wild momentum of their Kickstarter success (over $30,000 raised and a coveted “Project We Love” badge) and what it really took to get there. Then they tease what’s next: the recording process, the upcoming release, and why this new album is the...

In this episode of SDD, Melody and Dustin have a conversation with their good friend Bobby Titolo, the vocalist, guitarist, songwriter, and founding member of Atlanta-based Jam/Fusion band Groove Moose. They discuss a variety of topics including musical inspirations, vulnerability, record producing, and the pros and cons of the inevitable use of AI in music and art.

Welcome to Season 3 ! Dustin and Melody are kicking off the year with a deep dive into their personal feelings, thoughts, and predictions about the music industry in 2025. From the game-changing role of AI in music creation to the financialization of intellectual property, they break down the trends shaping the industry’s future and what they mean for artists and fans. This episode also takes a pe...

For many independent musicians, getting music broadcasted onto the radio or television seems like an impossible feat! With a journey that started from turning dials on AM/FM radio to now running the entire podcast department at Georgia Public Broadcasting, Jeremy Powell has extensive experience in understanding the topsy-turvy world of broadcasting and podcasting. In this episode, Dustin and Melod...

As society and technology change, governments must create new guidelines and laws for the safety and security of their nations and citizens. With the proliferation of the internet in the 90s and early 2000s, almost everyone gained the ability to share files across the globe instantaneously. Entire catalogues of music, film, and visual art suddenly became free to anyone who wanted them. Governments...

Whether you play a musical instrument or not, most average people can name at least a few famous guitarists, drummers, or singers. But there's one part of the band that is often forgotten...until they aren't there! While not always the flashiest or most out-going, bass players fill a role that no other musician can. They are the bridge between the rhythm and the melody. The very nature of the inst...

It's a widely-known fact that a career in the music industry is not an easy path... Long hours, creative frustrations, mental and physical exhaustion, and little pay are everyday realities for many musicians. However, when stressful periods extend beyond normal feelings of simply feeling "stressed out," coping with the ever-so-real phenomenon of burnout can seem insurmountable. In this episode, Du...

Going on tour can be exhausting and difficult no matter what level of success an artist is at. Wether you're riding in a million dollar tour bus for months at a time or an 80s Chevy Astro as a weekend warrior, Murphy's Law reigns supreme. It's impossible to plan for every single scenario, but there are some steps you can take to be more prepared, and to lighten the mental and physical load. In thi...

Becoming a teacher is a common pathway taken by many people along their never-ending musical journeys. For some, it can be a great way to make a little extra money during college or between gigs. For others, it can be a life-long passion and career. Regardless of how you approach it, there are a plethora of reasons to consider stepping into the world of music education; and some reasons why you sh...

Sometimes the idea of personal property is easy to understand. Take for example, the ownership of a house, a car, or a guitar. These physical items come with deeds, registration, or receipts that legally verify in writing who owns them and provide evidence of that ownership in cases of theft and disputes. But what about the intangible things like ideas and songs? You can't see or touch a thought,...

Whether you're a film aficionado, an aspiring composer, or simply someone fascinated by the art of storytelling, the creative process of cinematic creation and the music that brings cinema to life is multi-faceted and can be complex to navigate. Donnie Gee takes listeners through his unique journey from film school to being part of a production company currently creating a full-length feature film...

Trust is a valuable and intimate thing to share with another person. It can make or break relationships, bands, and even entire nations. Having another person's trust is like holding their heart and soul in your very hands and must be treated in a similar manner. In this episode, Melody and Dustin sit down with their incredibly talented friends, Hannah Zale and Carly Gibson of The Pussywillows, to...

Few other periods of American history are as emotionally potent and relevant as The Civil Rights movement. While the invention and proliferation of the television gave us a first-hand look at the injustice being inflicted around the nation, the radio provided a timeless soundtrack for freedom fighters and activists everywhere. In today's episode, Melody and Dustin discuss the music of artists like...

Join Dustin and Melody as they bid farewell to the old and welcome the new with a three-part spectacular New Year 2024 Special filled with trivia, reflections, and exciting plans for the year ahead.

Almost everyone who celebrates would probably agree that Christmas is not quite complete without the massive catalogue of music that makes up the soundtrack of this world-famous holiday. From the old classics like "Carol Of The Bells" and Bing Crosby's take on "White Christmas," to that one 1994 pop hit that every retail worker dreads (Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You.") , one thing...

From navigating low-pay offers to assessing the impact of a horrible gig on your brand, knowing when it's time to walk away from a gig is hard for most musicians. Whether you are a seasoned performer or just starting out, there's a fine balance between valuing your craft, setting boundaries, and making strategic decisions in your musical career. Join Melody and Dustin as they explore the delicate...

In the music industry, anything can happen. From unexpected stage antics to backstage shenanigans to chaotic and unpredictable business practices, the industry often mirrors the outrageous lawlessness of the Old Wild West. Join Dustin and Melody as they delve into the untamed world of the music industry and share some of their wildest experiences in the business so far!

Very few movies are truly complete without an epic soundtrack, especially the ones meant to strike fear and terror into the minds of those who dare to watch. Classics like Psycho, Rosemary's Baby, Carrie, and Halloween all have instantly recognizable themes and motifs that have lasted the test of time and continue to haunt viewers all over the world. In this special spooky episode, Melody and Dust...

Being a musician is hard! From mastering the art of practice to the secrets of stage presence, collaboration, and the ever-changing dynamics of the music business, having some practical insight can greatly enhance the experience of creating a career in music. In this episode, Dustin and Melody share 8 lessons they've learned on their musical journeys, from the art of performance to the business of...

"Who were the three original inductees into the Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame? What was the band Blondie named after? What color of M&Ms did Van Halen famously ban from their rider?" Whether it's music history, music theory, the physics of sound, or anything else in our field, the quest for knowledge is never truly over. In this laid-back episode, Melody and Dustin (and YOU, dear listener) play a...

From the searing wail of a Les Paul to the thunderous growl of a P-bass, the quest for the ultimate guitar and bass tone has been a lifelong pursuit for musicians and enthusiasts alike. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your musical journey, understanding the intricacies of technique, pickups, wood types, effects, and amplification is crucial. In this episode, Dustin and Melody discus...

Many successful musicians go their whole lives with little to no formal music education, while others pursue advanced degrees in the subject. For some, an education in music can lead to a multitude of opportunities. On the flip side, that same path can also lead to disillusionment and frustration. In this episode, Melody and Dustin are joined by their friend and colleague, Kane Lewis, to discuss t...

What is your relationship with music like? Whether you are a consumer, a creator, or somewhere in between, music has surely shaped your life in some way. For many of us, it is as important as breathing. For others, it's just a small part of their day. Unfortunately, there are also many people who have been pushed away form it by a bad music teacher, or by the different barriers of entry like lack...