Growing Your Career in the Music IndustryIn this episode of the Not Just Music Podcast, we discuss factors in everyday life that can change the course of trying to grow your music career. Building a sustainable path requires more than just talent; it involves navigating real-world technical and business challenges while providing a professional platform for your art.Success in the music industry is a balance between mastering the creative craft—maintaining dedication and authenticity—and proactively learning the business side, such as copyright, royalties, and contract literacy. Whether you are establishing your starting rates based on geographic demand or finding a unique sound to avoid imitation, these professional decisions are foundational to your long-term longevity.Managing Positivity and FocusRemember to find a way to manage positivity and stay focused on your music career goals despite the pressures of daily life. This includes managing complex schedules, such as stayi…

Professional Guidance for Emerging Music TherapistsWelcome to the NJMP podcast, where we answer your career questions about the music industry. Today, we're diving into a crucial question from our community regarding how much to charge for services fresh out of college. Tap or click the contact button to submit your own career questions.We believe in providing a professional platform for music professionals to share their perspectives on building a sustainable career path. This isn't just about set rates; it's about building a community that understands the financial value of professional music therapy.Factors Influencing Your Starting RateNegotiating salary and benefits as a new music therapist requires understanding several variables that determine your initial earning potential.Geographic Location: Rates vary significantly based on regional cost of living and the specific demand for music therapy in your area.Setting and Scope: Whether working in a hospital, school, or …

Welcome to another episode of the Not Just Music Podcast, where we celebrate the history of independent recording while providing a professional platform for emerging artists. Today, we dive into the real-world technical problems that occur after the recording light goes off, focusing on the vital importance of file management.Building a community around authentic artistry requires the same technical discipline found in professional studios. Proper organization prevents software malfunctions and ensures your unique sound reaches listeners without the shaky quality caused by technical glitches.Why Backups MatterIn the busy world of making music, your digital files are very important. If you don't have a good way to name, save, and store your work, you could lose everything to a computer crash or a simple mistake. At Not Just Music Podcast (NJMP), we suggest a "Rule of Three" backup plan: keep your main work on a fast drive, a copy on a second drive, and another copy in the cloud.…

Finding Your Unique Sound: The Cornerstone of LongevityWelcome to the NJMP podcast, where today we're diving into a critical pitfall that many "Beginner Music Artists Often Do," and more importantly, how to avoid it. The core mistake? Copying artists of the present or past.We believe that true, lasting success in the music industry isn't about fitting into a mold; it's about finding a sound that is unique for them. This isn't just about originality for its own sake—it's about creating a sustainable identity that resonates deeply with an audience.The Problem with ImitationWhen an emerging artist attempts to replicate the style, voice, or production of a popular contemporary or a classic legend, they inherently set themselves up as a lesser version of the original.Diluted Identity: Your music becomes background noise, easily confused with the source material.Limited Shelf Life: Trends fade, and when they do, artists who merely chased them disappear.Loss of Authenticity: The a…

Picking up where we left off, this episode continues our discussion on budget-friendly studio setups.Introducing BandLab: Free, Mobile, and Cloud-Based DAWWe will use BandLab, a powerful, free, cloud-based DAW available on mobile (iOS/Android) and desktop browsers. It's ideal for beginners with professional features and a low barrier to entry.BandLab GUI WalkthroughThe Graphical User Interface (GUI) has five key areas:The Arrangement View: The central, timeline-based area for arranging music, loops, and recordings.Tracks: Horizontal lanes on the left for specific instruments or audio sources.Transport Controls: Standard Play, Stop, Record buttons, typically at the top or bottom.The Mixer: A panel for adjusting volume and panning across all tracks.The Library/Browser: Quick access to sounds, loops, virtual instruments, and effects.Key Features: BandLab supports Virtual Instruments (MIDI) for sequencing notes and Audio Tracks for recording/importing sounds. Each track ha…

Welcome back to NJMP! This episode helps independent musicians budget for studio recording to achieve professional sound without high costs, covering both pro studios and DIY solutions.The Professional Studio PathMaximize studio investment by prioritizing preparation:Preparation is Key: Rehearse thoroughly, create detailed demos with click tracks, and provide clear track sheets to save expensive studio time.Negotiating Rates: Ask for discounted day rates, package deals for multiple sessions/albums, and off-peak hour rates.Mixing/Mastering: Save money by doing it yourself (if skilled) or hiring specialized, independent freelance engineers instead of using the studio's in-house rate.The DIY Recording RevolutionAffordable home setups and software make high-quality recording accessible.Free Software: Utilize powerful, free tools like BandLab (cloud-based/mobile) and GarageBand (Mac/iOS DAW with instruments and effects).Essential DIY Gear: A small investment ($280 - $550) in a…

History of CollaborationMusic has always been about making art together. But today, the music business has made the process of working together much more formal. It's now a smart way to grow artistically and reach a bigger market, instead of just an unplanned jam session.Early Examples: Jazz and Classical MusicBefore pop music took over, mixing genres was key to new ideas. Jazz, for example, is naturally collaborative, relying on musicians talking to each other through improvisation. Classical music also often involves composers working closely with great players, creating pieces made just for those specific talents—a structured way to work together.The Start of the "Featured Artist"The idea of the "featured artist" became very important in the second half of the 1900s, especially in R&B, Soul, and Hip-Hop. This changed everything, making it official to bring an outside singer or player onto a recorded song.Collaborations Today: A Smart Business MoveIn today's world, a c…

In this NJMP episode, we talk about Boddie Recording Studio, celebrating its huge importance as the first of its kind. It was started on their own by two great people, Thomas and Louise Boddie. The studio laid the foundation for making music independently. We discuss the studio's early days, its special way of recording sound, and how it became a key spot for R&B, Gospel, and Soul artists in Cleveland, Ohio. It gave a much-needed stage to artists that bigger record companies often ignored.Why Independent Studios MatterThe groundbreaking work of Boddie Recording Studio naturally leads to our next talk: the great experience of recording in studios owned by artists today.We look at the clear and hidden benefits that these smaller, often artist-run places offer. We focus on the friendly, shared feeling that is very different from the cold setting of big commercial studios. Key points we discuss include:Creative Freedom: Artists can try new things without the pressure from record comp…

This NJMP episode summary centers on the long-lasting careers of jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie. We start by highlighting their major historical win at the 1959 Grammy Awards, where they became the first Black artists to earn Grammys in the main, non-classical categories. This achievement was a huge moment for representation and recognition in the industry.We then use their success stories to teach modern songwriters how to build sustainable careers in music. The main takeaway is that lasting success requires focusing on two equally important things:Mastering the Creative Craft: This means having a deep passion for the music (dedication), being able to change and stay relevant (adaptability), and making music that is truly authentic to you.Proactively Learning the Business Side: You must understand the practical aspects of the industry, such as knowing how to protect your songs (copyright and publishing), how to get your music used in movies or ads (licensing), how to…

This episode of the NJMP looks closely at the real-world problems in making a podcast today. We talk about ways to fix tech issues when recording online, like when the audio doesn't line up, the internet is shaky, or the recording software acts up.We also go into the small, strict rules that music and podcast platforms, like Tunecore, demand when you upload. This includes getting the song titles and names just right, using the correct audio file types and length, meeting cover art standards, and tagging explicit content properly.Finally, we share advice on how to handle the difficulty of making new content all the time. This covers ways to avoid feeling burnt out, planning your time better, and keeping a regular release schedule for your audience.More Labs’ Morning Recovery is the #1 alcohol recovery supplement that helps you wake up clear-headed and refreshed. Clinically proven and trusted by thousands, with 20M+ bottles sold and a 4.9-star rating, it works. Try it risk-free! E…

Take precaution to your life and act accordingly. New blog/vlog drop coming tomorrow morning at 5am. "Madness In March"#podcasters #podcastlife #podcast🎧@quincymurdock @duanbarrinomusic

The NJMP Podcast talks about our wild journey of recording music, which has always had its good moments and bad moments.Start: We began recording in simple home spaces. We had lots of passion and creative freedom (good), but the equipment was cheap, we had technical problems, and the sound quality was low (bad). Funnily enough, these limits often caused "happy accidents" that shaped our early sound.Moving to the Studio: Going to real professional studios meant great sound quality (good), but it brought the pressure of time and money (bad). We had to get over feeling stressed in the studio and learn to be disciplined and work well with others. This made our music much better.Now: We mix things up. We use our home setup for demos to keep things relaxed and creative (good), and then we go to professional studios for the final, polished sound (good). The main "bad" part today is having too many digital choices, which leads to "over-thinking" and spending too much time changing small…

Just our opinions. New blog/vlog episode up at the site. "Dealing With Cultural Bullies"#podcast #podcaster #podcasting

Prioritize mental health! This needs to be said yet again. Our opinion.From newest blog/vlog episode "Dealing With Cultural Bullies"#podcast #podcasting

This NJMP episode is about how today's activists can become major cultural forces, similar to Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.To have a lasting impact, they need to follow the main lessons from Sharpton and Jackson: being great at organizing protests, working with politicians, and using the media well. However, they must apply these lessons to the modern digital world.Today's major figures must change from using the "Pulpit & Protest" style to a "Platform & Policy" approach. This means using social media and online streaming to control the message and create action through viral movements.True success means more than just being charming. It requires being real, knowing the details of policies, bringing different groups together, and building organizations that last.The people most likely to succeed are those who show staying power, can connect their cause with culture, and can grow their influence far beyond a small group. This episode will look at current figures who show these…

Rewind: OG's are dropping music for a reason. Pay attention to the lanes that are wide open in music currently. #podcasters #podcast🎧 #podcasting #podcaster

Rewind: We had a conversation about J. Cole. It went something like this... #podcast #podcaster #podcasting @NJMPBeats @quincymurdock

Rewind: It’s 2026 This is the perfect time to get back into creating and releasing your music. @NJMPBeats @quincymurdock

In this podcast, we explore the history, present, and future of music production, focusing on how a distinctive sound is created. We're concerned that music is losing its unique "sonic fingerprint."The Power of a Signature SoundHistorically, great producers defined eras with their unique sound:Berry Gordy's "Motown Sound": An intentionally curated, recognizable style defined by heavy reverb, prominent tambourines, and the musicians known as The Funk Brothers. It created an empire.Lil Jon's Influence: His minimal, bass-heavy crunk sound, with its signature synths and vocal ad-libs, reshaped southern rap. Producers like him weren't just making tracks; they were designing movements.Has Production Lost Its Identity?We ask: Have we lost the ability to create a signature sound?The availability of modern tools (DAWs, sample packs) has democratized music, which is great. However, it's also led to a common problem: homogenization.When everyone uses the same software presets and…

What's up, sports fans? On this episode, we're diving deep into two incredible athletes who just owned their missions—one finally nailed it, and the other just keeps on winning! Get ready to celebrate the huge accomplishments of Laila Edwards and Claressa Shields, two women who are seriously making history.Laila Edwards: Olympic Gold is HersLaila Edwards just completed the ultimate goal, bagging her first ever Olympic gold medal. We're going to break down her amazing journey to the top: the must-see moments, the insane grind of her training, and the pure mental toughness it took to beat the best. This win isn't just a personal victory; it's a massive moment for her whole sport, lighting up the path for the next generation. We'll chat about the final match and what this gold means for her career moving forward.Claressa Shields: The Title Reign is Non-StopThe "G.W.O.A.T." (Greatest Woman of All Time), Claressa Shields, is not slowing down—her title run is still going strong. She…

The life story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a vital Civil Rights leader, is made complicated by claims made during FBI spying led by J. Edgar Hoover, who wanted to hurt King's reputation.The main claims are:1.Affairs Outside of Marriage: The FBI secretly recorded and kept records of many alleged affairs, sometimes using these records to try and pressure King. While people argue about how true the records are, historians admit it's hard to tell the facts from the government's strong effort to ruin his standing.2.Copying Others' Work (Plagiarism): After his death, studies found that King used parts of others' writing in his PhD paper for Boston University and other schoolwork without giving proper credit.When you look at these claims, it's important to remember that the FBI was biased, as they actively tried to bring King down. The main discussion is still whether his alleged personal mistakes take away from King's huge and crucial work for fairness and equality in modern Ame…

This podcast episode talks about a huge moment in music and sports: Ella Fitzgerald's historic performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. As the "First Lady of Song," her appearance was a major step forward for Black artists. What Halftime Used to Be LikeBefore the big, flashy pop concerts we see now, Super Bowl Halftime Shows were simpler. They mainly featured local acts and marching bands. The Big MomentElla Fitzgerald is famous for being the first Black woman to headline a Super Bowl Halftime Show.When: Super Bowl VI (6) on January 16, 1972.Where: New Orleans.The Theme: It was a "Salute to Louis Armstrong."The Impact: Fitzgerald's performance, which included trumpeter Al Hirt, brought diverse and world-class talent to the massive TV audience for the first time.Why It MattersFitzgerald's show was more than just music; it was a strong statement about including diverse talent.Paving the Way: She set a major example, opening the door for future Black artists like Dia…

This episode is deeply important and special for everyone here at the Not Just Music Podcast. This year, we are joining the whole country in recognizing a huge milestone: 100 years of officially celebrated Black History. This moment is much more than just an anniversary; it marks a century since the start of what was called Negro History Week, created by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. This has since grown into the annual, month-long celebration we know now.The meaning of this 100th year is enormous. It is a chance to look at and honor the lasting and essential contributions of Black Americans—contributions that have shaped every part of American life, from science and books to government, art, and, of course, music. This celebration is a powerful statement about the deep strength shown through many generations, a strength born from hard times but grown with hope and resolve.Also, this centennial allows us to truly enjoy the richness of Black culture—a culture that is energetic, new, and s…

Welcome to the podcast! Today, we're talking about Oscar Micheaux, the true start of Black movie-making. He was the first big African-American director to make a long movie.Micheaux (born 1884) didn't like the bad ways Black people were shown in movies made by white people. He was a writer who became a director so he could tell honest stories about how complex Black life really was.His most important movie, "The Homesteader" (1919), is seen as the first long movie written and directed by a Black person. This started the "race film" business, making movies just for Black audiences in segregated theaters.Micheaux's work was bold. He fought stereotypes, talked about tough subjects like lynching, and was a great businessman, making over 40 films (like Body and Soul and Within Our Gates).His importance is huge: he created a whole industry, gave Black actors chances, and proved how powerful it is to tell your own story, even when things are difficult.More Labs’ Morning Recovery is…