Bridge The Atlantic

This week we’re joined by freelance music journalist, Hugh McIntyre. Hugh’s work has appeared in Forbes, Sonicbids, The Huffington Post and Billboard, and he is editor in chief at Pop Bang Boom. Earlier this year he was part of a panel at SXSW called The Secrets of Pitching Your Band, with past guest and friend of the show, Laura Goldfarb. In this interview we hear about mistakes artists and publicists make when approaching journalists, what a good press release should consist of, and the importance of relationships in the music industry. Highlights: - We hear how Hugh started writing about music, and his first publication - Hugh tells us how he got an internship at Billboard, and how it was a bit of a fluke - We talk about mistakes artists and publicists make when sending pitch emails to journalists - Hugh shares how often press releases don’t convey the excitement they should - The human touch is very important in press releases - they should sound like they’re coming from a human - Hugh shares his... &#

This week we’re joined by singer/songwriters Trey and Ty Turner of The Icarus Account. The Icarus Account have released 7 albums independently since 2007, with their latest album “Over The Moon” out now. Their music has enabled them to make countless connections all over the world through his music, which the band say is more important to them than anything else. The band are definitely on our wavelength - in their bio, they say “We love writing. We love recording. We love meeting fans for the first time and calling them friends by the end of the night.” In this interview we hear about how they've coped with changes in the industry over the past 10 years, the advice they'd offer to fellow artists, and about their new record, "Over the Moon." Highlights: - If you don’t like photos of Trey’s dog, you probably shouldn’t follow him on Instagram! - We talk about the changes in the music industry and how the guys have stayed focused - We hear how Ty and Trey balance the different responsibilities and roles... &

This week we’re joined by New York based singer/songwriter Rachael Yamagata. To date, she’s released 4 solo EPs and 3 full length albums, and she’s collaborated with artists such as Jason Mraz, Ryan Adams, Bright Eyes and past guest Terra Naomi. Her music has also been featured in shows such as The OC, Brothers & Sisters, Grey’s Anatomy and How I Met Your Mother. Rachael has seen both sides of the major and independent spectrum, and is currently gearing up to release her latest album Tightrope Walker independently. In this intervew we hear about Rachael's experience as an independent musician, how she finds that work/life balance we're all searching for, and why collaboration is so important to her. Highlights: - Sometimes we all need the melody and chord progression to help us get the words out - Ross shares a story about finding out how a fellow college classmate was a fan of Rachael’s - Rachael shares the pros/cons of being both a major and independent artist - When you’re on a major label, you’re.

This week we’re joined by LA based musician and Grammy award winning songwriter Dave Yaden. Dave’s written and toured with artists such as Lady Antebellum, One Republic, Josh Kelley, and our friend Tyler Hilton. He’s also performed on shows such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The Late Show with Dave Letterman, Good Morning America and the Ellen Degeneres show several times over. His musical range is extremely eclectic - he’s collaborated on hip hop tracks, written and recorded with hardcore punk group Pierce The Veil, and as if that wasn’t enough, is also working on his own solo material. His latest EP “Move” is out now. Highlights: - Dave says he’s always been better at writing for other people than himself - Writing for others took so many self-directed questions out of the equation for Dave - Sometimes as artists we get worried that we won’t come across - We talk about writing in different genres and how heavily related western music genres really are - People don’t listen to music questioning... &#

This week we’re joined by Rick Barker out of Nashville, former manager of Taylor Swift, Social Media Mentor to American Idol finalists, and private consultant to Big Machine Label Group and Live Nation. He strives to teach artists how to be artists, and treat their art as a business. Rick is also the founder of Music Industry Blueprint, and his marketing tactics have been featured in Billboard. He’s dedicated his life to helping independent artists plot out the most efficient strategies for turning their music into a career. In this interview, Rick shares so much advice, including some of the misconceptions artists have around the music business, and the importance of social media in today's music industry. Highlights: - Rick shares what the three things he wants people after being in contact with him - We hear why Rick encouraged Taylor Swift to meet 500,000 people - “It really means something when you have an artist who is willing to do the work” - Rick Barker, 2016 - “You don’t fill a stadium with... &

This week we’re joined by LA based artist, author, illustrator and designer, Ruby Roth. Ruby is the world's leading author and illustrator of vegan and vegetarian books for children, and has been featured on CNN, FOX, and many other major media outlets. Complementing her degrees in art and American Studies, Ruby has researched animal agriculture, health, nutrition, and the benefits of a plant-based diet for over a decade. In this episode, Ruby shares how her art and passion for veganism have been combined, and discusses the challenges involved in making a living as an artist. Ruby has also very kindly offered to give away a free copy of her latest book! For your chance to win, share this episode on Facebook or Twitter and subscribe to our mailing list, and we’ll be picking a winner at random next week! Highlights: - Ruby is an artist first and foremost - Ruby is an undercover punk - you wouldn’t know by looking at her, but you would if you saw her music collection! - We hear how Ruby ended up... &nb

This week we’re joined by singer/songwriter Adam Clark from Rochester, New York. Adam is an extremely hard working musician whose brand of pop/rock is both radio friendly and authentic. His music has been featured on PopMatters, The Vinyl District and PopWrapped. Over the past couple of years Adam’s released numerous singles and has collaborated with YouTube star Kait Weston (on “Take Me”) and producer David Schuler (who has worked with P!nk and John Legend). In this interview we discuss authenticity and accessibility in music, and the advice Adam would offer for his fellow musicians. Highlights: - We learn Adam is an uncle, vinyl lover and cook - We hear how Adam has been working with producer David Schuler - The last few singles Adam has released have helped him to test his boundaries - We talk about the challenges of finding your sound, and the journey you can take as an artist - We discuss the balance of authenticity and accessibility in music - “I don’t really want to write a hit to write a hit -...

This week we’re joined by inspirational poet, writer, speaker, and podcaster, Brian Thompson. Brian is the host of the Zen Thinking podcast, and the author of the soon-to-be-released book, Sparks to Awaken. His goal with Zen Thinking is to provide an entirely new perspective for people to consider their life through, one that allows them to live more wisely, with compassion, purpose, clarity and happiness. Before shifting to writing full time, Brian spent close to 25 years in the music industry. He managed a chain of music retail stores, I started a record label and artist management company, and tour-managed a successful hard rock band. In this interview we hear about Brian’s work and how the philosophies he explores through his writing can be applied to creative professionals. Highlights: - “No matter where you are, there you are” - Brian Thompson - Through his writing, Brian explores the concepts of being - The only truth that can ever be spoken is: “I am” - anything else is just trouble! - Brian... &#

For more episodes, visit http://bridge-the-atlantic.com Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bridge_atlantic Subscribe on iTunes: http://bridge-the-atlantic.com/itunes Support us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/bridgetheatlantic --- This week we’re joined by New York based music photographer Shervin Lainez. Shervin’s photographed many of our past guests (including Keaton Simons, Wendy Parr, Bright Light Bright Light and Gabe Dixon), as well as major and independent artists such as Amanda Palmer, Panic! At the Disco, Tegan and Sara, Regina Spektor and Sara Barielles. In this episode, we hear more about Shervin’s work, the experiences he’s had, and the advice he would give to artists from a photographer’s perspective. Highlights: - We hear how Shervin started his photography career - Shervin wanted to be around and work with musicians, and photography was the way to do it! - “If I was able to take photos of musicians or collaborate visually with musicians, I could contribute to their projects” -...

Our guest this week is Nashville based singer/songwriter Morgan Myles. Morgan completed her first solo record in 2009, writing every song and promoting it throughout Europe. Shortly after, she opened for Reba McEntire, and played at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver. Her most eye-opening moment was performing for US troops departing for Iraq at Camp Shelby Mississippi where she rediscovered the power of music. She also caught the attention of BMI’s Mark Mason and was featured in the Key West Songwriter’s festivals, BMI Buzz showcases, as well as BMI Presents. Morgan’s latest EP received great reviews from the industry including Music Row Magazine, Taste of Country, as well as CMT who aired an exclusive premiere of her music video, “Whiskey Dreaming.” Highlights: - Ross shares how he discovered Morgan on a Spotify Discover Weekly playlist - Morgan shares her experience of being a road musician - In a touring band, you have to treat everyone equally - Being in the background gives you an appreciation for... &

This week we’re joined by one man band Matt Wade, aka My Silent Bravery. Following a sports injury in his youth, Matt has turned physical adversity into musical success, with numerous placements on TV, college radio play, and nationwide tours under his belt. A strong believe in “paying it forward” Matt wants to inspire others through the music of My Silent Bravery. Matt's shared the stage with artists including Daughtry, Delta Rae, Howie Day, and Tyler Ward, and has released 4 full length records independently, with his most recent - Breakthrough - due for release in fall 2016. Highlights: - We hear how Matt’s sports injury and spiritual studies led to him pursuing music - Matt says he’s not someone who was born with musicality, he had to really work at it! - We talk about the importance of “paying it forward” “I’m nothing without the fans who listen to my music” - Matt Wade, 2016 - Matt tells us how he pays it forward through charity and volunteer work - To Matt, the name My Silent Bravery means...

This week we’re joined by South Carolina based singer/songwriter Noah Guthrie. Noah's had a really interesting journey so far - his cover of “Sexy and I Know It” went viral and led to features on NBC's Today Show, Jay Leno's Tonight Show, and Dancing With The Stars. He’s also opened concerts for Ed Sheeran, Cobra Starship and Selena Gomez, and in 2013, he released his debut album “Among The Wildest Things." In 2015 he landed a feature role in Glee, starring as Roderick. Noah tells us all about his experiences with YouTube, what auditioning for Glee was like, and the advice he'd offer to his fellow musicians. Enjoy! Highlights: - We are full of praise for Gabe Dixon, who is responsible for introducing us to Noah! - Noah is an old soul, but is embracing modern technology and social media to get his music out there - We hear how Noah’s YouTube covers led to his first management deal and TV exposure - Noah shares how he works with his family, and if he’s not humble or modest, they’d be the first to let... &#

This week we’re excited to welcome Welsh voice actor and impressionist Scheiffer Bates to the show. Scheiffer is a man of many voices and he’s been taking the internet by storm lately with his Game of Thrones and The Walking Dead impression videos going viral, to name just a few. He’s racked up over 4 million views and 60,000 subscribers on YouTube and recently appeared on the Jimmy Kimmel show! We hear all about the advice he would offer to fellow voice actors, the importance of treating your audience well, and Stewie Griffin makes a surprise appearance... Highlights: Scheiffer shares that he would like to progress into voice acting for video games We hear how Scheiffer found out he was good at impressions and how he got started Scheiffer tells us how he fell in love with listening to, and learning how, people talk Ross shines light on how terrible Marcio’s attempt at a Scottish accent is Scheiffer wants to hear us doing a Welsh accent, and Ross gives it a shot We hear about the pilot for Scheiffer’s... &

This week we’re excited to chat with music publicist and friend of the show, Laura Goldfarb! Laura is the big kahuna at Red Boot PR, and writer and producer at BTRtoday, where she also hosts the weekly Jam Session show. She created Red Boot PR in 2009, with the goal to breathe integrity back into the industry and treat PR clients like family. She’s worked with artists including past guests, Keaton Simons, Jesse Macht and Gabe Dixon, and she also writes for Sonicbids blog for their “Ask A Publicist” section. She was recently a panelist at SXSW talking about the secrets of pitching your band, and has been featured on Examiner.com, Hypebot and Tunecore. She owns four pairs of red boots, and if you’re wearing a pair of your own when you see her, she’ll buy you a beer. Highlights: - Laura pours her heart and soul into everything she does (and it shows!) - One of the biggest misconceptions artists have around PR is the cost of good PR - When it comes to PR it’s a marathon, not a sprint - If someone promises...

This week we’re joined by music entrepreneur D Grant Smith, who helps musicians grow their audience through targeted initiatives, primarily in radio. He’s the host of internationally syndicated radio show, The Appetizer, which pairs well-known artist B-sides with new/emerging/unsigned artists to create a powerful listening experience. He’s also the author of The DIY Musician’s Radio Handbook, and has an online course called the Indie Radio Promotion Course. As if all this wasn’t enough, he’s also the host of the DIY Artist Route podcast. There is a TON of valuable advice and insight shared in this episode - enjoy! Highlights: - Every episode of Bridge the Atlantic is like Christmas for us! - The heart and soul of what D Grant Smith does is about relationship building and networking - We talk about how podcasting has helped us all make new friends and connections - Networking is simply the art of having conversations and building friendships over time - We hear how many artists have the wrong radio...

This week we’re joined by Toronto based actor, Alen Delain. Alen studied at Ryerson University and started his career by doing extra work on sets. He fell in love with the film industry and continued pursuing his dream in acting. Some of the films and TV shows Alen has worked on, include The Dirties, Transcendent, Nikita, The Lottery, The Strain and Dark Matter. Highlights: - shares the story of how he and Alen met each other - We hear how Alen got started in the film industry, and how he became an extra - You never know what job will get attention - We hear about Alen’s role in The Dirties, which ended up grabbing the attention of Kevin Smith - We talk about the advantages and disadvantages of being based outside of Hollywood - As artists, we love to find excuses as to why we aren’t succeeding - we create our own mental blocks - Alen tells us about working as an actor in Canada - Acting (and music) is a long game, and it’s all about the process - Writing and directing can help you improve as an actor...

This week we’re joined by Alabama based singer/songwriter Jessica Meuse. In 2013/14 Jessica competed on American Idol, finishing in 4th place and was the first person in the history of the show to perform an original song, “Blue-Eyed Lie,” during the finals. She went on to tour with the Idols LIVE Tour in summer 2014, visiting 40 different cities in the United States and Canada. Post Idol, Jessica released her first independent single, “Done”, and in January 2016 she released her second independent single, “Rio Grande,” with plans to release an EP soon. We hear all about Jessica’s experiences of the music industry, the misconceptions that surround a show like American Idol and the advice she’d offer to her fellow musicians. Highlights: - Jessica tells us about the relationship she has with her fans (aka the self-named Meuse Mafia) - “If your fans think you’re a douchebag, they aren’t going to support you” - Jessica Meuse, 2016 - We hear how Jessica wants to set a good example to her fans, especially... &#

This week we’re joined by Steve Palfreyman all the way from Melbourne, Australia. Steven is an artistpreneur who helps creative people thrive. He’s a marketing consultant and coach, and recently launched Music Launch Hub which aims to help musicians collaborate and support each other. Steve’s big on growing communities built on reciprocity, just like we are. We had a great chat with Steve about some of the mistakes artists make when marketing their music, the importance of telling stories, and his new Music Launch Hub community. Highlights: - Steve is an empath, and this has shaped the way he approaches everything - We’re all a little bit weird, and this is probably why we all get along! - Whether we want to admit it, we all want people to like us - Steve tells us how he’s working on putting more of himself out there, rather than being who thinks people want him to be - We talk about some of the biggest mistakes artists are making when marketing themselves - A lot of artists think they need to do things...

This week, we’re excited to welcome booking agent Matt Rafal to the show. In his seven year tenure at Supreme Entertainment Artists, Matt has specialized in booking tours for singer-songwriters, including the “Kate Voegele / Tyler Hilton” package tour (which spanned through the UK, Canada, Europe and the US), the 2013 “Trio Tour” featuring Tyler Hilton, Teddy Geiger and Ryan Cabrera, as well as national tours for Howie Day, American Idol winner Lee DeWyze, YouTube star Tyler Ward, Ron Pope and The Click Five. Originally a touring musician and songwriter, Matt has written music for a variety of television projects, including NBC, CBS, Disney and the CW. In this episode, Matt shares some great insight into the life of a booking agent and what goes on behind the scenes, how important communication is, and offers some advice for artists interested in getting on the college show circuit. Highlights: - We hear about the average day in a booking agent’s life - Matt tells us about what a booking agent’s role... &

For more episodes, visit http://bridge-the-atlantic.com Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bridge_atlantic Subscribe on iTunes: http://bridge-the-atlantic.com/itunes Support us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/bridgetheatlantic --- This week, we’re excited to welcome Altered Sky vocalist and songwriter Ana Nowosielska to the show! Altered Sky are a Glasgow based rock band who have built themselves a loyal fanbase, won critical acclaim from publications such as Rock Sound, Kerrang! and have been tipped by Apple Music and the Huffington Post as a band to watch out for in 2016. In addition to standard shows, the band also does an “edu-tour” which includes an acoustic or full band performance, paired with a careers-oriented seminar about the music industry which focuses on a student’s potential role as a professional musician. Their self funded album Without Wonderland is out now. Highlights: - Ana is an avocado enthusiast and gamer nerd! - We hear how touring is still one of the most effective ways...