The Music Biz Podcast

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The Black Dahlia Murder (Trevor Strnad) Apr 15, 2020

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On this episode of Inside Music, host James Shotwell chats with Trevor Strnad of The Black Dahlia Murder about his band's new record, Verminous. Trevor explains the group's approach to fan engagement, and how focusing on their community has helped the band become one of the most widely-recognized death metal bands on the planet. There is also a discussion about marketing, Twitch, and how the band's record release is timely in an unexpected way.

Witch Taint (Lance The King of Black Metal) Apr 08, 2020

Show notes

Black metal is one corner of music where outcasts always find community. For too long now, however, the artists occupying that realm have existed on pedestals no average person could hope to reach. Witch Taint signals a change that black metal desperately needs. Formed in 2004, the band crafts heavy tracks for regular people with normal jobs and everyday anxieties. The band speaks for the fans of the genre, those who need to maintain one foot in the world of black metal and one foot in the mundanity of an average existence, and commands them to embrace their fandom. Witch Taint wants people to live a black metal lifestyle instead of merely being fans, and they provide the perfect soundtrack for conversion with their debut album, Sons of Midwestern Darkness (out April 10 through Tee Pee Records). On this episode of Inside Music, host James Shotwell speaks to Witch Taint co-founder Lance The King of Black Metal about his group's unique approach heaviness. The pair also explore the origins of Witch Taint and why it took sixteen years for the band to release their first album.

Refused (Dennis Lyxzé) Apr 03, 2020

Show notes

At the end of February 2020, just weeks before the novel coronavirus would bring the touring world to a standstill, Refused tour through the midwest in support of their 2019 album War Music. While in West Michigan, vocalist Dennis Lyxzén sat down with Inside Music host James Shotwell to discuss the state of the world and Refused’s place within it. Dennis told James of the lessons he’s learned from his time in music, as well as the things that inspire the band in the present. He spoke of the responsibility he feels, both towards fans and himself, to continue moving forward rather than looking back. You can stream that conversation below.

Charmer (David Daignault) Mar 24, 2020

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Charmer is the product of midwestern skies and long drives nestled between fields and small towns caught in the slow decline of the rust belt. Their music longs to capture and preserve every moment despite a clear understanding that all we are is fleeting. The journeys we take will be forgotten, just like all of us, but that doesn’t mean we should take anything for granted. Charmer celebrates the minutia of existence, from the salty sweat of summer to the raindrops that trickle-down windows, and how every interaction is an opportunity for growth. Ivy, the band’s second album, builds upon the foundation of hopeful optimism found on Charmer’s previous releases with biting honesty. The record is a snapshot of the time in everyone’s life when they stop long enough to realize everything, including themselves, is changing. The tracks demand listeners let go of their collective nostalgia for the times they thought they would live forever, urging us to live in the present. It’s about moving on, for better and worse, while never losing sight of the things that matter most. On this episode of Inside Music, host James Shotwell chats with Charmer member David Daignault about 'Ivy,' Covid-19, and more. David is a Norther Michigan resident with a unique perspective on songwriting and the so-called midwest emo sound that his group is often said to produce.

Killswitch Engage (Mike D'Antonio) Mar 18, 2020

Show notes

Inside Music is brought to you by Haulix, the music industry's leading promotional distribution platform. Join Haulix today and receive your first month of service free. Visit http://haulix.com/signup for more information. In early March, Killswitch Engage embarked on the North American leg of their worldwide tour in support of the band's 2019 release, Atonement. The group performed twice before postponing their remaining performances over concerns about Covid-19. Luckily, we got to speak with the band before that happened. Hours ahead of what would prove to be the last Killswitch Engage show for the foreseeable future, Inside Music host James Shotwell sat down with bassist and founding member Mike D'Antonio to discuss the state of the world. The conversation started by addressing the elephant in the room, Coronavirus fears, before turning to a discussion on the band's legacy, lessons learned, and how Mike found his most villainous bass tone to date.

Hollywood Undead (George "Johnny 3 Tears" Ragan) Jan 29, 2020

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Ahead of Hollywood Undead's new album arriving in February, George "Jonny 3 Tears" Ragan stops by Inside Music to share his strategy for remaining relevant in an industry known for disposing of musicians. Hollywood Undead has more than fifteen years of experience and music. Along the way, the group has achieved gold and platinum status on more than one occasion, sold-out shows on four continents, and changed countless lives. Their latest material is perhaps their best yet, and today we learn how it all came together.

We The Kings (Travis Clark) Jan 17, 2020

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Travis Clark is in a good place. After a decade of clubs, theaters, festivals, and all varieties of venues in between, the frontman of We The Kings is a career musician living the dream. He's doing everything he wants to be doing, and music is the reason that any of it is possible. On a recent January afternoon, Travis spoke with Inside Music host James Shotwell about his experiences in the often treacherous waters of the music business. He also shared his feeling about social media, the path to becoming a professional songwriter, and what the future may hold for We The Kings.

Convey (Ben Cohen) Dec 13, 2019

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Convey is an American rock band currently traveling the country on their first nationwide tour. During a recent stop in West Michigan, frontman Ben Cohen visited Inside Music HQ to record an exciting episode filled with road stories, lessons learned, and hopes for the future. Be sure to check out the band's new record, City of Skin and Bone, wherever you get music.

Annie Schindel Dec 04, 2019

Show notes

Three years after her initial appearance on Inside Music, songwriter Annie Schindel returns to update listeners on her latest activity. From her time in college to her appearance on the NBC series Songland, Annie has done a little bit of everything since her last chat with host James Shotwell. With her new single on all music platforms, Annie tells James what she's working on currently, as well as what she has planned for 2020. Find "Reminiscing" wherever you stream music.

Light The Torch (Howard Jones) Nov 27, 2019

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Howard Jones is a bonafide music industry lifer. For more than two decades, Jones has captivated rock music fans around the world with his unforgettable voice and unique perspective on existence. His latest project, Light The Torch, is no exception. On this episode of Inside Music, Jones chats with host James Shotwell about his latest activity, his love of the band Stryper, and how he manages to do seemingly everything he wants without letting the pressure to succeed get to him.

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