Making Money in the Music Business

Co-hosts Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson return for the fall season by discussing "Where are we now? Making Money in the Music Business" in episode #175. They discuss the various changes in the music industry that have occurred since the pandemic as well as innovative ways to continue to make money in today's music industry. Also, they explore ways musicians can improve their business acumen while also building new relationships in diverse communities to ultimately create new pathways of revenue. http://makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com/

Co-hosts Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson discuss "6 Tips for Songwriter's Block" in the last episode of the season, episode #174. They discuss valuable methods to overcome writer's block when you're authoring and/or composing an original song. Be sure to tune in to gain new tips and strategies to overcome obstacles and become more creative during the songwriting process. www.makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com

Musician/producer Wil Key is our special guest in this podcast episode #173. Wil discusses his dynamic journey in music beginning as a child who comes from an extremely musical family. Having played the keys from a young age, Wil admits doing music as a career has always been his goal and explains the various pathways he's taken within the music industry. From attending Howard University as a music major to building recording studios to teaching to songwriting and now doing more performance, Wil provides a clear landscape of the various streams of revenue musicians can create in today's music industry. Listeners will be inspired by Wil's enthusiasm for music as well as be informed about how to sustain a career in music even during a pandemic. To learn more about Wil Key and hear his music, follow him on social media: Website: www.wil-key.com FB: www.facebook.com/wkeymusic IG: @wil.key Twitter: @wil_key http://makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com/

Soul/funk/r&b songstress Deborah Bond is our special guest in this podcast episode #172.  Deborah returns to our podcast to discuss her new album Compass, how she has coped during the pandemic and her newly elected role in the D.C. Chapter of the Recording Academy (Grammy/NARAS).  Deborah continues to inspire us with her authenticity and transparency as it relates to being an artist.  In addition, she shares how her music business is one that is both fluid and strategic.  Listeners will receive another dose of positive energy from Deborah while also being informed on how to continue to navigate today's music business as an independent artist.    To learn more about Deborah Bond and hear her music, follow her on social media:  Website: www.deborahbond.com FB: facebook.com/deborahbond or facebook.com/deborahbondmusic IG: @borabond Twitter: @borabond

Co-hosts Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson discuss the topic "Transitioning from Virtual to In-Person Gigs" in episode #170. They discuss important considerations for artists to consider including revising contracts to reflect current COVID-19 conditions, outdoor versus indoor performances, venue precautions, options to do live streaming during in-person concerts and taking the necessary time to think through all matters carefully. http://makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com/

Co-hosts Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson discuss the topic "When is it Time to Level Up?" in episode #170. They discuss how artists can determine when it's time to go to a higher level within their music careers. Important aspects like expanding your team or brand, increasing your revenue, needing greater professional representation (manager, booking agent) or simply expanding what you do and shifting into other career interests are all explored in this dynamic discussion that listeners are sure to enjoy and gain valuable lessons. http://makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com/

Musician and entrepreneur Bree Noble is our special guest in this week's podcast episode #169. Bree shares her eclectic journey in music including beginning as an aspiring singer transformed into a dynamic music industry entrepreneur. Her story includes one that involved her taking many leaps of faith to pursue her passion of being a musician full time. From touring to becoming an arts administrator to now owning her company, Profitable Musician, LLC, Bree has a wealth of experience in the music industry. She discusses a myriad of ways artists can develop themselves and generate various streams of income. Listeners will be inspired by Bree's journey and will also receive fruitful advice on how to become more profitable as an independent artist in today's music climate. IG: @profitablemusicianllc Twitter: @breenoble Facebook: www.facebook.com/womenofsubstanceradio Website & Resources: linktr.ee/breenoble www.makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com

Co-hosts Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson discuss the topic "How Will NFT's Impact the Music Industry" in episode #168. They discuss the newest crypto currency, "non-fungible token" including: What are NFT's? What are the pro's and cons? When should artists consider using NFT's and when not? Similarly, co-hosts explore and provide advice to listeners about how to determine whether or not NFT's may be an additional stream of income to consider integrating in their music business. http://makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com/

Producer/mixing engineer Spencer Short a.k.a. "Issa Goldyyy" is our next featured "Artist on the Rise" in this week's podcast episode #167.  Goldyyy is a current student at Bowie State University studying music production and technology.  Similarly, he is an emerging young producer and mixing engineer.  During our discussion, Goldyyy shares that he is a musician whose primary instrument is trombone and while school is a main focus, he is also extremely dedicated to developing his artistry as a new producer and mixing engineer. He shares why he believes going to school is personally important and provides compelling thoughts regarding today's music industry.  Listeners, especially those who are developing artists, will be inspired by Goldyyy's commitment to building his music career as well as his commitment to learning more about his craft while in college.  IG: @issa.goldyyy Music Tip: Notetracks music collaboration tool https://diymusician.cdbaby.com/musician-tips/music-collaboration-tools/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=en&utm_content=link&utm_campaign=notetracks032321

Dr. William Smith & Kenya M. Johnson discuss "The Value of Resetting" in this week's podcast episode 166. Dr. Smith shares a recent quote by Serena Williams' husband Alexis Ohanian regarding working as hard in his career as he does in his personal life. The conversation explores the importance of artists "resetting" and placing equivalent time between developing themselves personally and artistically. Each co-host shares their own personal experiences with having to reset and nurture aspects of self beyond being a musician. Listeners will gain a deeper understanding of why it's critical to take as much time to reset and consider all aspects of self in addition to working on a music career. www.makingmoneyinthemusicbiz.com