The Indie Unplugged Podcast

In this explosive episode of The Indie Unplugged, we’re pulling back the curtain on some of the most urgent conversations happening in hip-hop right now. We kick things off by addressing the latest controversy surrounding Kanye West—not just the headlines, but the impact. We explore how Ye’s unpredictable moves and public rants are no longer just entertainment—they’re fueling a bigger debate about...

In this inspiring episode of The Indie Unplugged , host B. Vaughan sits down with Madeline Jackson, a rising force in the Atlanta music scene and Director of Events Programming at Rival Entertainment (Center Stage, The Loft, and Vinyl). Madeline shares her journey from growing up in small-town Georgia with a deep love for music to becoming a key player in curating some of the city’s most vibrant l...

In this impactful episode of The Indie Unplugged , host B. Vaughan sits down with Prince Howard, a powerhouse music executive, publisher, and entrepreneur whose influence spans from Montgomery to the global music stage. As CEO of Pacific Music Publishing and President of Royalty Genius, Prince has earned over 60 gold and platinum plaques, contributing to the success of artists like Beyoncé, 21 Sav...

In this powerful episode of The Indie Unplugged , B. Vaughan sits down with Da-Neek, a Brooklyn-born MC, songwriter, and activist known for his razor-sharp lyricism and socially conscious message. Da-Neek opens up about his journey from the streets of East New York to his spiritual transformation through the Nation of Islam, and how that evolution shaped both his music and his mission. He reflects...

In this powerful episode of The Indie Unplugged , host B. Vaughan sits down with the dynamic and inspiring David Je’—a Grammy-nominated, Billboard-charting artist, songwriter, producer, and vocal coach. From his gospel beginnings in Newark, NJ, to collaborations with industry heavyweights like Maya and Eric Bellinger, David shares the defining moments of his journey, including his work on Emmy-nom...

In Episode 21 of The Indie Unplugged , B. Vaughan is joined by Tye Huntley, Jay Fooley, and Yohance for an in-depth conversation about the evolving music industry. This episode explores how the rise of streamers, changes in traditional music business models, and the challenges of sustaining long-term artist success are reshaping the landscape for creators. The discussion kicks off with "How Stream...

In this insightful episode of The Indie Unplugged Podcast , host B. Vaughan sits down with Mathew Steele, founder of SteelSync and a pioneer in the sync licensing space. With over 13 years of experience in the entertainment industry, Mathew shares his journey from Tampa to Atlanta and how he built a licensing company that has secured placements in major films like Limitless and The Family , as wel...

In Episode 20 of The Indie Unplugged , hosts B. Vaughan and Brian Onrea dive into some of the most pressing issues and debates shaping the music and entertainment landscape today. The episode begins with an in-depth discussion inspired by the Joe Budden Podcast segment, "Explaining Why the Music Industry is DYING." They explore how streaming platforms and the rise of playlist-friendly singles have...

In Episode 19 of The Indie Unplugged , hosts B. Vaughan and Brian Onrea tackle the most controversial and impactful topics shaping the music industry and hip-hop culture today. The episode opens with a conversation on the best albums of 2024 , examining why hip-hop and R&B often fall short on mainstream lists despite being the dominant genres. They unpack issues like streaming dynamics, accessibil...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Indie Unplugged , hosts B. Vaughan and Brian Onrea break down four compelling topics that highlight the challenges and opportunities for independent artists navigating today’s music industry. They start by celebrating DreTL’s recent win on Rhythm and Flow , questioning whether music competition shows are truly about finding the best talent or crafting engag...

Jay-Z, Kendrick Lamar, female rappers, and hip-hop culture take center stage in this episode of The Indie Unplugged . Hosts B. Vaughan and Brian Onrea explore scandals, division, and the evolving legacy of music icons. They kick off with the explosive lawsuit linking Jay-Z and Diddy, questioning whether this signals overdue justice or a dangerous trend of reputational takedowns. The conversation s...

In this dynamic episode of The Indie Unplugged, hosts B. Vaughan and Brian Onrea take listeners on a deep dive into the latest controversies and debates shaking up the music industry. Joined by Derek “Pres” Jackson, the conversation unpacks the implications of Drake’s petition against UMG and Spotify, sparking discussions about defamation, payola, and the evolving role of major labels. They explor...

In this energetic episode of The Indie Unplugged, hosts B. Vaughan and Brian Onrea dive deep into the evolution of the music industry and hip-hop culture. They explore whether the removal of gatekeepers has helped or hindered the industry, sparking a lively discussion on the state of quality control, creative freedom, and innovation. The episode covers the rise of digital platforms, the ease of in...

In this powerful episode of The Indie Unplugged , hosts B. Vaughan and Brian Onrea sit down with legendary music industry consultant and Rap Coalition founder Wendy Day. Known for her fierce advocacy for independent artists, Wendy breaks down the true financial cost of launching a successful music career, offering unfiltered insights into marketing, building a fanbase, and securing investor suppor...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Indie Unplugged , hosts B. Vaughan and Brian Onrea dive into the latest events shaping hip-hop culture and music. They open with the topic of Young Thug’s Release and Lil Durk’s Incarceration , questioning whether this marks a turning point for rappers who try to live out their lyrics. The discussion explores the pressures of authenticity in gangsta and dri...

In this episode of The Indie Unplugged , B. Vaughan and Brian Onray break down the essential pillars of success for independent artists, covering everything from financial management to brand building. Starting with The Financial Side of Being an Independent Artist , they offer strategies for budgeting, managing multiple income streams, and navigating financial tools and resources. You will learn...

In this heartfelt episode of The Indie Unplugged , host B. Vaughan, alongside co-host Brian Onrea, reflects on the life and legacy of J. Hatch, founder of iStandard, who recently passed away after a battle with cancer. J. Hatch was an instrumental figure in the independent music community, providing countless opportunities for up-and-coming producers and artists through iStandard events. From pers...

In this episode of The Indie Unplugged , host B. Vaughan sits down with Grammy-nominated producer and engineer Darius “3D” Jenkins. Hailing from Jacksonville and now rooted in Atlanta, Darius reflects on his journey from interning at legendary studios like Patchwerk and Tree Sound to working with industry giants such as Kanye West, The Weeknd, and Lil Wayne. His Grammy-nominated work on The Life o...

In this insightful episode of The Indie Unplugged , host B. Vaughan sits down with Morgan McKnight, Executive Director of the Production Music Association (PMA), to discuss her unique journey from digital marketing and event production into music administration. Morgan shares how she found her passion advocating for composers and songwriters in the world of production music—an often overlooked yet...

In this episode of The Indie Unplugged , host B. Vaughan sits down with Ray Daniels, CEO of R.A.Y.D.A.R. Management and a powerhouse in the music industry who’s helped shape the careers of stars like Lizzo, Future, and Chloe Bailey. Ray shares his journey from humble beginnings to industry leadership, offering sharp insights on artist development, mentorship, and the value of authenticity in a hig...

In this episode of The Indie Unplugged , host B. Vaughan sits down with Serona Elton—professor, industry executive, and Director of the Music Industry Program at the University of Miami’s Frost School of Music. With a career that includes leadership roles at EMI and Warner Music Group, and her current work with the Mechanical Licensing Collective (MLC), Serona brings a deep well of knowledge on mu...

In this episode of The Indie Unplugged , host B. Vaughan sits down with the dynamic Butta B Rocka—an internationally acclaimed recording artist, author, playwright, and philanthropist. From touring with legends like Usher and Bobby Brown to reinventing herself after a life-altering car accident, Butta shares her remarkable journey through the music industry. She emphasizes the critical need for ar...

In this thought-provoking episode of The Indie Unplugged , hosts B. Vaughan and Brian Onrea delve into a series of important topics, from navigating the music industry to broader cultural conversations. They kick off the episode with a tribute to the legendary Tito Jackson, reflecting on the lasting legacy of the Jackson 5 and the emotional impact of losing iconic figures in music. Next, the hosts...

In this episode of The Indie Unplugged , host B. Vaughan sits down with nine-time Billboard-charting artist, producer, and engineer Davis Chris. A Houston native and co-owner of DFD Music, Davis shares his powerful journey from serving in the U.S. Navy to collaborating with music heavyweights like Lil Wayne, Rick Ross, and Yo Gotti. He discusses how his military background instilled the discipline...

In this episode of The Indie Unplugged , host B. Vaughan sits down with multi-platinum, Grammy-nominated songwriter and CEO of The Mezzo Agency, Tami LaTrell. From her early days as a performer to penning hits for icons like Whitney Houston and Keyshia Cole, Tami shares the pivotal moments that shifted her path from center stage to behind the scenes. She recounts the life-changing call that confir...