Sex, Drugs, and Disappointment

Music has a profound impact on our emotions, memories, and experiences. For musicians, the soundtrack of their lives affects not only their personal life, but their professional journey as well. In this episode, Dustin and Melody explore the songs that have shaped them into who they are today.

In many ways, working in a creative field is completely different than working a typical 9-5 job. Musicians often face numerous challenges and obstacles trying to find an equilibrium between their personal lives and the many tasks involved in making a living through music. Though establishing this balance may look different for every individual, the need to do so is crucial. In this episode, Melod...

Almost every musician has found themselves in a situation where they were not fully prepared for the gig. Whether they were lacking knowledge in music theory, famous music references, or even how to trouble-shoot equipment malfunctions, we’ve all been there before. And it sucked! However, many of these situations can be avoided with just a little preparation and research. In today’s episode, Melod...

Technology has always had a massive impact on how we, as musicians, can create, produce, and distribute music. However, with the growth of AI technology, it can be argued that tech is overstepping the boundaries of what music actually is and should be. In this episode, Dustin and Melody discuss their initial thoughts on how AI can be used in the music industry as a creative tool and how it may rev...

As creatives, musicians are often expected to take advantage of every single opportunity that arises, regardless of the benefits (and often a paycheck), and to be a servant to fans that support their music and art. However, in order to be a healthy and happy person, setting proper boundaries and realistic expectations is crucial. In this episode, Dustin and Melody provide several scenarios that yo...

The music business is tough to navigate, even on the best of days...While there are very few fool-proof methods to finding success in this industry, there are some things you can do to try and improve your odds. In this episode, Melody and Dustin give their advice on how to prepare for shows, studio recordings, and writing sessions, as well as how to work more productively and respectfully with fe...

From composing music to selecting songs to understanding how to get licenses for the music you’ve chosen, it can be a daunting process to place music in film and TV. However, music undoubtedly creates the atmosphere and helps to sell the message that you’re trying to get across to your viewers. In this episode, Dustin and Melody discuss the many components to creating the perfect score or soundtra...

Being a professional musician is exhausting, even on the good days! Between band rehearsals, individual practice, marketing, content creation, booking emails, accounting, day jobs, adult responsibilities, and so much more, the to-do list never ends. In addition, some of them also have to contend with life-altering health conditions that add a whole new layer of difficulty to an already intense lif...

Some musicians may argue that you only need to be a master of one thing, claiming that you can just hire other people to do the rest. However, for today’s musician, it’s becoming increasingly important to be proficient in multiple areas of the music industry. In this episode, Dustin and Melody discuss the importance of diversifying your skillset to become a more well-rounded musician.

Just like Hollywood, the music industry has been plagued by myths and misinformation since its inception. Thankfully, through the advent of the internet and the bravery and resolve of past generations of artists, we as a society finally have a chance to peer behind the curtain and learn the truth about how the industry really operates. In this episode, Melody and Dustin break down some common myth...

Introductions are important! Whether you're auditioning for a band, performing for a new crowd, or meeting with a potential client, first impressions can be everything. In this episode, Melody and Dustin introduce themselves to you , the listener, for a brief journey into their past and the experiences and choices that led them to where they are today.

Musicians often struggle to make a living solely through their music, without having a "backup" plan. However, there are plenty of options for musicians of all backgrounds to make a living within the music industry. In this episode, Dustin and Melody discuss various options for revenue generation and income as a whole and evaluate which career paths would best suit each type of creative personalit...

When developing your craft, it is often recommended that you emulate your favorite players or artists to help learn proper techniques and develop good habits. However, when it comes time to finding a unique musical voice, many players struggle with separating themselves from their heroes. In this episode, Melody and Dustin give their advice on how to identify and embrace your distinctive sound, an...

Let’s get real: practicing sucks! However, it’s essential to developing your techniques, ear training, and general knowledge of your instrument and craft. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, practice should be part of your daily routine. In this episode, Dustin and Melody discuss their methods for creating a thorough and useful practice regime.

Getting a new instrument can be extremely overwhelming! Whether you're new to music or a veteran of the craft, determining the right brand and knowing how to spot potential issues can be pretty difficult. New musicians can often become lost and unmotivated, and experienced ones may find themselves feeling some decision paralysis. Despite these challenges, the process can be very rewarding and a lo...

For musicians, songwriting is often a step that comes later in their musical development. However, songwriting is a great way to learn about yourself as a musician, lyricist, and overall person, and it’s arguably one of the best forms of musical expression. While there is no right or wrong way to create and write songs, Dustin and Melody discuss some helpful tips and tricks that they've found usef...

When it comes to live performance, there's always room for something to go wrong. Whether a lighting truss falls on your head, your international tour gets cancelled AFTER you arrive over seas, or a fan simply loses all sense of boundaries, Murphy's Law reigns supreme. In this episode, Dustin and Melody share some of their most interesting personal experiences as live performers.

Music theory has often been described as the most boring part of creating music, but it certainly has its benefits. From the everyday music hobbyist to the renowned film composer, music theory can be useful to almost anyone who wants to participate in creating music. In this episode, Melody and Dustin discuss the benefits of developing a deeper understanding of music theory and how it can help you...

In an industry full of excess, exploitation, and expectation, poor mental health plagues musicians from the local dive bar to the sold-out arena. Though this epidemic persists worldwide, many musicians have found reliable and sustainable ways to commit to improving their mindset and overall mental health. In this episode, Melody and Dustin are joined by Gus Glasser, a viral content creator and ful...