The Springboard Music Podcast

Latest Episodes:

Starting Your Own Creative Business In The Music Industry... with Tristan Cusick Feb 27, 2024

Show notes

Summary

Tristan Cusick shares his journey from being a church employee to a full-time creative in the music industry. He discusses how his passion for content creation developed and how he discovered his creative style through trial and error. Tristan also talks about the challenges of balancing college, marriage, and a full-time job. He emphasizes the importance of networking and utilizing platforms like LinkedIn. Tristan highlights the need to take initiative and work hard to achieve success in the industry. He also discusses the challenges and rewards of hiring employees and learning to delegate.

Tristan's faith plays a significant role in his work, and he shares how it guides his decisions and approach to leadership. He encourages aspiring creatives to build relationships, be grateful, and never forget where they started.

Takeaways

Passion for content creation can develop from curiosity and a desire to explore new creative avenues.

Trial and error is an essential part of finding one's creative style and developing skills in content creation.

Building a network and community is crucial for career growth and opportunities in the music industry.

Chapters

01:23 Discovering a Passion for Music and Content Creation

06:12 Balancing College, Marriage, and a Full-Time Job

08:45 Finding Creative Inspiration and Developing a Personal Style

12:51 Exploring Creative Lens and Trial-and-Error

15:00 Impact of COVID-19 on Touring and Career Path

20:20 Finding Managers and Labels

21:06 Underutilized Networking Tools

22:08 Taking Initiative in the Entertainment Industry

23:03 Building Relationships and Caring for People

24:29 First Music Video Experience

27:48 Starting His Own Company

30:45 Hiring Employees vs. Contract Work

32:19 Learning to Lead and Delegate

35:11 Balancing Morals and Creative Work

38:05 Gratitude and Humility

39:22 Advice for Those Starting in the Industry

44:00 Remembering Where You Started

Wait, Record Labels Hire College Reps? Feb 13, 2024

Show notes

Summary

Brad shares his journey in the music industry, starting from his early days as a manager of an artist he came across (without any prior artist management experience.)

He also shares about his experience teaching at Belmont University and his role in Digital Rights and YouTube Optimization at Universal Music Group and The Orchard.

Takeaways

Brad's role in YouTube Operations and Optimization
Living the dream is about redefining success and finding fulfillment in impacting others
Brad faced challenges in his early career, including job scarcity during a difficult time in the music industry.
Brad's experience at BMI taught him the importance of prioritizing work and fulfilling core responsibilities.
Generational differences in the workforce, particularly with Gen Z, can create challenges in handling adversity and receiving feedback.
Humility and the ability to learn from failure are crucial for personal and professional growth.
Perseverance involves moving forward in the face of challenges and learning from mistakes.

Chapters

00:00 The Beginnings of a Music Career

04:53 Dissolving the Management Company

11:38 Discovering Music as a Career

13:21 Inspiration from Dead Poets Society

19:38 Becoming a College Marketing Rep

30:29 Teaching at Belmont University

36:31 Manager of Digital Rights at Universal Music Group

41:53 Joining The Orchard and Sony Music

44:01 Working with Maverick City Music

46:25 Transition to YouTube Operations and Optimization

51:07 Early Career Challenges

55:14 Job at BMI

59:16 Learning from Adversity

01:03:10 Generational Differences in the Workforce

Differences Between Tour Management and Production Management, Life on the Road, and Safety Hazards in Touring... with Chris Newman Jan 30, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Chris Newman, a tour manager and production manager, shares his journey in the music industry. He discusses his college experience, starting to tour while in college, and transitioning between genres. He has worked with artists such as Riley Clemmons, Plumb, Natalie Grant, and Walker Hayes. Chris explains the differences between a tour manager and production manager, the importance of relationships in the industry, and the physical and legal risk in tour production.

Takeaways

Touring while in college can be challenging but rewarding, providing valuable real-world experience.
Building relationships and maintaining a positive attitude are crucial in the music industry.
Tour managers and production managers play different roles but both require strong organizational and problem-solving skills.
Safety is a top priority on the road, and professionals must be prepared to handle unexpected challenges.

Chapters

01:45 Career Aspirations and College Experience

04:22 Starting to Tour While in College

07:38 Transitioning to Tour Management and Production Management

10:32 Transitioning Between Genres

15:10 Tour Manager vs. Production Manager

17:24 Importance of Relationships in the Industry

18:15 Safety and Challenges on the Road

23:01 Differences Between Solo Artists and Bands

25:18 Genre Differences in Touring

28:34 Problem Solving on the Road

32:47 Living the Dream and Rewards of Touring

35:07 Misconceptions and Expectations of Touring

40:04 Conclusion

Becoming a First-Generation College Graduate, the Importance of Business Education in the Music Industry, and being a female, Latina CEO... With Alex Davila Jan 16, 2024

Show notes

Summary

In this conversation, Alexandria Davila, CEO of Adarga Entertainment Group, shares her journey as a first-generation college graduate and her experiences as a Latina in the music industry. She emphasizes the importance of business education in the music industry and offers advice for aspiring professionals. Alexandria also discusses the services offered by Adarga and the company's mission to empower artists in the Latin Christian music industry.

Takeaways

Business education is crucial for success in the music industry.

Finding a balance between family and career is possible with the right support system and a strong team.

Taking risks and trusting the journey can lead to unexpected opportunities and personal growth.

Chapters

01:40 Being a First-Generation College Graduate

04:13 The Importance of Business Education in the Music Industry

09:19 Opportunities for Remote Learning and Networking

14:38 Adarga: A Music Industry Company

18:15 Services Offered by Adarga

21:28 Navigating the Music Industry as a Latina

26:37 Balancing Family and Career in the Music Industry

30:59 Taking Risks and Trusting the Journey

So, you want to be a professional worship leader? ... President of Jesus Culture Music, Jimi Williams Dec 05, 2023

Show notes

In this conversation, Jimi Williams shares insights and advice on various aspects of the music industry, particularly in the context of worship music. He emphasizes the importance of conversations that go beyond the business side and focus on personal growth, dreams, and challenges. Jimi also highlights the significance of trust and relationships in working with artists and writers.

He advises worship leaders transitioning to songwriting to stay connected to their local church and be prolific in their writing. Jimi emphasizes the value of the local church in the worship industry and cautions against treating worship as merely an industry.

Finally, he reflects on his journey from playing in cover bands to becoming the President of Jesus Culture Music and expresses gratitude for the opportunities and experiences that have shaped his career.

Takeaways

Dreams and career paths can change and evolve over time.

Leaving a job on good terms and maintaining relationships is important.

Worship Together was a revolutionary resource for worship leaders.

Being a label president involves both creativity and pastoral care. Conversations in the music industry should go beyond business matters and focus on personal growth, dreams, and challenges.

Worship leaders transitioning to songwriting should stay connected to their local church and be prolific in their writing.

The local church plays a vital role in the worship industry, and worship should not be treated as merely an industry.

Chapters

05:00 Early Dreams and Career Beginnings

15:00 Transition to Church Ministry

25:00 Return to the Music Industry

35:00 The Birth of Worship Together

40:00 Evolution of Worship Together

41:00 Becoming President of Jesus Culture Music

41:44 The Role of Conversations in the Music Industry

45:13 Advice for Worship Leaders Transitioning to Songwriting

51:19 The Importance of the Local Church in Worship Music

52:02 Living the Dream: From Cover Bands to President of Jesus Culture Music

Modern day broadcasting, returning to the industry after having kids, and how to un-launch an announced vision... with Michelle Younkman Dec 04, 2023

Show notes

Michelle Younkman, Executive Director of Christian Music Broadcasters (CMB), discusses the organization's mission to empower radio stations to reach more people for Jesus.

CMB focuses on helping radio stations understand and adapt to the changing landscape of technology and digital media. They also have a unique international reach, with stations from various countries participating in their events.

Michelle shares her personal journey to CMB and the challenges she faced in balancing work and family. She also discusses the launch of CMB+ (Plus) and the importance of staying up to date with radio trends.

The conversation covers various topics related to Christian music radio, including the net promoter score, the importance of community, connecting with listeners through events and cruises, CMB University, mentoring, and the challenges and rewards of working in the music industry.

The conversation concludes with a discussion on the impact of CMB University and the future of Christian music radio.

Takeaways

CMB focuses on helping radio stations understand and adapt to the changing landscape of technology and digital media.

Michelle Younkman shares her personal journey to CMB and the challenges she faced in balancing work and family.

CMB University is an important initiative that invests in the future of the music industry by providing education and mentorship opportunities for students.

Interview techniques and mentoring play a crucial role in developing talent and creating meaningful connections in the industry.

Working in the music industry can be challenging but also rewarding, with opportunities to make a positive impact.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to CMB

01:01 CMB's Mission and Vision

02:00 Focus on Technology and Digital Transformation

03:20 CMB's Unique Position in the Market

04:21 International Reach of CMB

06:16 Learning from International Counterparts

07:38 The Global Impact of CMB

07:50 Michelle's Journey to CMB

09:00 Discovering Christian Music

13:06 Balancing Work and Family

16:08 Joining CMB

19:56 Transitioning to CMB

20:40 Navigating Imposter Syndrome

22:02 The Launch of CMB Plus

29:03 Reevaluating the CMB Plus Strategy

37:51 Staying Up to Date with Radio Trends

41:39 The Net Promoter Score for Christian Music Radio

44:06 The Importance of Community in Christian Music Radio

45:04 Connecting with Listeners through Events and Cruises

46:30 Radio as a One-Stop Shop for Faith-Based Content

47:34 CMB University: Investing in the Future of the Music Industry

50:45 Interview Techniques and Mentoring at CMB University

55:05 The Challenges and Rewards of Working in the Music Industry

57:43 The Impact of CMB University and the Future of Christian Music Radio

Latina SVP of Global Digital Strategy, using social media to find your dream job, and using church experience to land in the music industry... with Dee Diaz Nov 07, 2023

Show notes

Summary

Dee discusses her involvement in promoting Hulvey and Forrest Frank's "Altar" on the Meta platform. She also shares her journey into the music industry, starting from her role in Church Communications to her current position as Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy at Reach Records.

Dee emphasizes the importance of transparency, adaptability, and lifelong learning in the ever-changing music industry. Dee also talks about her role on the board of A2IM, the trade association for independent music, and the community and resources it provides for independent labels. She highlights the opportunities for diversity in the music industry and the importance of creating access and visibility for women and people of color.

Takeaways

Promotion on digital platforms like Meta can greatly impact the success of music releases.

Building a strong online presence and utilizing email marketing can effectively engage fans.

A2IM provides community and resources for independent labels in the music industry.

There is still much potential for diversity in the music industry, and it is important to create opportunities and visibility for women and people of color.

Chapters

03:29 Discovering Dee's Involvement in Hulvey and Forrest Frank's "Altar"

08:34 Dee's Journey into the Music Industry

11:19 Transition from Church Communications to Digital Marketing

13:48 Growth and Development at Reach Records

19:50 Transition to Senior Vice President of Digital Strategy

36:47 Lessons and Insights from Dee's Journey

44:34 Building Trust and Care in the Music Industry

46:11 The Role of A2IM in the Music Industry

49:45 Creating Opportunities for Diversity in the Music Industry

53:05 Living the Dream: God's Plan and Evolving Dreams

MercyMe's Manager, "I Can Only Imagine," and How In The World We Got Here... with Scott Brickell Oct 24, 2023

Show notes

Scott Brickell is the founder and president of Brickhouse Entertainment. He is originally from Missouri and attended Baylor University in Texas for a BA in Business Administration and Production Operations Management. Throughout his career, he has managed well known bands/artists like MercyMe, Switchfoot, Phil Wickham, and Matthew West. In 2018, he was portrayed by Trace Adkins in the film "I Can Only Imagine."

Empathy in digital marketing, is a Master's degree in Music Business worth it, and balancing motherhood and the music industry, ... with Shannon Woodworth Oct 10, 2023

Show notes

Shannon Woodworth is a successful digital influencer + blogger with over 21k followers in Instagram. She also happens to be a digital marketing extraordinaire in the Music Industry. She's work with several genres including Country, Christian, and Gospel. Shannon has led TikTok campaigns that have fueled an artist's success. On top of all of that, she is a wonderful wife and mother. This episode is for those who want to learn more about the difference between Social Media Marketing and Digital Marketing, as well as those looking to establish boundaries as a parent while maintaining success in the music industry.

Stand-Up Comedy, Honesty In Being Lost, What it's like Being a Radio Host, & more... with Corey Mann Sep 19, 2023

Show notes

Corey Mann is a Radio Programmer for Pulse FM in South Bend, Indiana. He also hosts his own podcast, "What Else? With Corey Mann." This interview takes you behind the scenes to the honest prep-work it takes to provide an entertaining segment for listeners. In this episode we cover: - How vulnerability can lead you to your next career - Never waiting for the "Help Wanted" sign - What it's actually like starting out on the path towards your dream job Follow and subscribe to these channels:

Watch The Full Episode Here The Springboard Music Instagram Rachael Hession's Instagram Corey Mann's Instagram Pulse FM Christian Music Broadcasters Grace College Taylor University

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