We sit down with Grammy-nominated artist, songwriter, and poet Valerie June to explore how everyday life becomes a creative channel— Valerie traces her roots to Tennessee and a childhood surrounded by music. We talk about her father’s involvement as a promoter of performers like Prince, Jojo and Jodeci. That early vantage point meets a deep well of influence—Appalachian folk, gospel, blues, dream soul, and how her music draws from artist’s as diverse as Curtis Mayfield, Tracy Chapman and Leonard Cohen.
With Anastasia Brown we unpack the real Nashville: a ten-year town not because of gatekeeping but because of the density of talent and the apprenticeships needed for songwriting. Anastasia explains how sync licensing became her pivot as mechanical royalties for record sales fell, why authentic archival recordings can save a budget without shortchanging writers, and what it takes to spot an artist before the market does.
Rachael Yamagata first emerged in the early 2000s with her self-titled EP and her critically acclaimed debut album Happenstance (2004), which introduced her smoky, aching vocals and intimate songwriting. Part of the influential wave of singer-songwriters who defined the era, she became a staple of the Hotel Café scene and toured with Sarah Bareilles among others and collaborated with Ryan Adams, Bright Eyes, Jason Mraz, and Ray LaMontagne
Kim Frankiewicz. is one of the most respected and globally influential A&R leaders in music publishing — As EVP of Worldwide A&R at Concord Music Publishing, she leads a powerhouse international team built on artist-first values, creative excellence, and a truly global reach.
Divinity Roxx takes us through her remarkable journey from classical clarinet player to hip-hop artist, to Beyoncé's bassist and musical director, and ultimately, a creator of genre-defying music for all ages.
Annette Barrett is a veteran music publishing executive with over 40 years of experience. She began her career at UK-based Carlin Music and rose through the ranks to hold senior positions at Virgin Music and Warner/Chappell, where she became the first woman appointed to the Board of Directors.
Grammy Award-winning trumpeter Syreeta Thompson takes us on a musical journey from her Chicago roots to becoming "New York's Trumpet Lady," revealing how determination and authenticity built her remarkable career.
Sharon Tapper's journey provides a masterclass in resilience, advocacy, and community-building that every music professional should hear. An insightful episode full of invaluable lessons from a powerhouse in the music industry.
Today, we’re talking to someone who is truly a powerhouse in the music industry—Samantha Cox, Vice President of Creative (Writer/Publisher Relations) NY at Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI).
As one of the first female A&R executives at major labels, Kate has shaped music history through her work with the Flaming Lips, Moby, the Cranberries, Aimee Mann, and countless others. In this riveting conversation, she pulls back the curtain on the music industry's male power structure and how she navigated it with unflinching honesty.
