The N’Courage & N’Spire Podcast

In this episode Durell is joined by a returning guest Kareem Guy. This episode is more about diving into fanbase growth for indie creatives.Durell and Kareem discuss the importance of fostering a sense of belonging for fans and how that contributes to long term success. Durell and Kareem discuss the role of social media and how that cultivates community and stronger engagement. Kareem says that being strong on social media transcends location and should absolutely be a major integral part of the marketing strategy.Durell and Kareem discuss how to balance personal engagement on social media while still having and protecting boundaries and privacy. Utilizing the 3 pillars of fan engagement, authenticity, consistency, and sustainability matters with this very much. Kareem and Durell talk about research and development and how that goes into improving products and how that can translate into how to improve your music that will help to increase the revenue generated as an indie creative.Durell and Kareem end the episode talking about the 3 most common mistakes that creatives make when putting in the work to build a supportive community and fanbase . Durell makes sure to share why it’s important not to quit your day job because it gives creatives the stability to support themselves and to keep going along their journey. For more information on Kareem make sure to follow him on Instagram @keyztothegame

In this episode, Durell sits down with producer ,songwriter, artist, and TV and Film Composer Shay Watson to explore the intricate journey of a musician whose passion for music has taken him from teaching band to navigating the complexities of the commercial record industry. Their connection, sparked by mutual friend Jean-Dominique, sets the stage for an engaging conversation about Shay's early introduction to music and the profound love that blossomed from those initial experiences.Shay recounts his transition from a band teacher to a staff writer at a music publishing company, where he discovered the inner workings of the industry. This path led him to collaborate with a promising young artist, culminating in the formation of the acoustic pop band “Ten Mile Drive.” Together, they blended bluegrass instruments with pop melodies, achieving impressive independence and generating significant revenue.However, as Shay candidly shares, the journey to success was not without its challenges. He reflects on the lessons learned from the old record industry, the euphoria of building an independent act, and the sobering reality of record label politics that ultimately led to the band's dissolution.As the episode unfolds, Durell and Shay discuss the pivotal shift that brought Shay into the realms of songwriting and music production, ultimately leading him to the lucrative world of sync licensing. With numerous placements under his belt, Shay reveals how this new direction has allowed him to continue pursuing his passion for music while achieving remarkable success.For More information on Shay Watson, please visit his website: https://shaywatson.com/Got What U Need NetworkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwun.network/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GWUNNetwork Website: https://gwunnetwork.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeA-JJasR0-64nBb1efDJ1Q/featured

In this enlightening episode of the podcast, Durell welcomes Andrew Hartman, a seasoned Fractional COO and founder of Time Boss, to discuss the transformative journey that led him to redefine time management for leaders and their teams. Andrew opens up about his personal experiences with burnout, sharing a pivotal moment that prompted him to reassess his relationship with time. Listeners will gain insight into how stress and chaos inspired the creation of Time Boss, a program that emphasises sustainable productivity over traditional time management techniques. Andrew delves into the core principles of his system, designed to help leaders navigate the complexities of modern work environments. He contrasts his approach with conventional methods, emphasising the importance of a "highest sustainable pace." This concept, which he elaborates on during the episode, encourages leaders to identify their optimal speed for productivity without sacrificing their well-being. Durell and Andrew also discuss the physical and emotional toll of burnout, with Andrew sharing his personal battle, including the surprising loss of his sense of smell, and how it has shaped his advocacy for work-life balance. As a veteran in the tech startup space, Andrew identifies unique challenges these organisations face regarding time management and team dynamics. He offers practical advice for leaders, highlighting common pitfalls and providing actionable strategies for improvement. The conversation culminates in a discussion about measuring success in time management efforts, where Andrew outlines specific metrics and indicators that can guide leaders toward a healthier, more productive work environment. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that empowers listeners to rethink their approach to time and productivity. For more information on Andrew please visit his website below https://www.timeboss.us/

In this episode Durell is joined by hip hop artist and emcee Dee Wile. Dee and Durell discuss how they got connected and his early introduction to music . Dee and Durell talk about authenticity and what Dee likes to call reality rap. Durell and Dee both agree there’s a space for authenticity even in the midst of the mainstream artists that’s being promoted to the masses as the top successful artists. Dee Wile shares with Durell how appreciative he is to get the support of some of hip-hop’s dopest lyrical Hip-Hop artists and producers like Currency, Zaytoven, and Too Short. Durell and Dee Wile share how Boosie Badazz really loves to show love and get behind independent artists. Durell shares about the importance of building a fanbase for indie artists enabling the 3 Pillars Of Fan Engagement and that’s why he believes in eduction. The process of building directly with their audience and community while understanding why having a sales funnel is key to garnering the support needed to monetise. Dee Wile and Durell end the episode talking about the two types of creatives in the marketplace and why being talented versus trendy will naturally take longer. Dee talks about why artists lose the core true essence of hip hop because of social media and a quick money grab. For more info on Dee Wile please visit his social media profiles below: Facebook: Dee Wile Instagram: @DeeWileSativa TikTok: @DeeWileSativa Got What U Need NetworkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwun.network/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GWUNNetwork Website: https://gwunnetwork.com/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeA-JJasR0-64nBb1efDJ1Q/featured

In this episode Durell is joined by songwriter, artist, and music producer O’Jizz. O’Jizz is a Baltimore Maryland native and Durell and him begin the episode chatting about how they discovered each other initially through previous guest on the podcast hip hop artist and entertainment attorney Tracey Lee. Durell and O’Jizz discuss his early love for music and ultimately learning how to make beats on FL Studio which ultimately led him to go to school to learn audio engineering. Durell asks O’Jizz about how he was able to land some of his early industry placements in the mixtape era with Lloyd Banks and several others. As well as working with artists such as Eric Roberson, Sy Smith and producers such as Troy Taylor just to name a few. O’Jizz shares that he was passionate about starting his own independent record label On The Trak Music Group and finding artists to make a difference with. The episode ends with O’Jizz sharing with Durell about his life living with Sickle Cell Anemia and how that has shaped him in his journey in life and music. For more information on O’Jizz, please visit his Instagram profile Instagram @iamojizz

In this episode Durell is joined by songwriter, producer, composer and artist Keith Andes. Keith has sold over 150 millions records sold collectively. Keith and Durell begin the episode talking about how they got connected and how he fell in love with music. Durell and Keith talked about Keith studying choral arrangement, orchestration and composition in college and what fascinated him about choosing a path of study that is not very popular. Keith shares his experiences working with musical legends such as Michael Jackson, Prince, Lionel Richie and Babyface just to name a few and before that making a living as a session player. Keith shares that after watching how the production was made, he knew that he eventually wanted to sit in the producer’s seat. Keith and Durell pivoted to then discuss a bit about the business of music and talked about him only taking a small publishing deal when he first moved to Los Angeles and after recouping him deciding to never do another publishing deal again but rather self publish his music and do what’s called an “At Source” deal. Durell and Keith end the episode talking about him keeping integrity and not getting caught up in the hustle of the music industry but rather fall in love with the work. Keith shares that because he lived below his means he could afford to say no about things that he didn’t feel comfortable doing. As he says he’s kept his soul intact. For more information on Keith Andes please visit his Instagram @keithandesproducer

In Episode 86 of the N’Courage & N’Spire Podcast, hosted by Durell, veteran Music Producer and sound designer Keith Clizark joins the conversation. The episode kicks off with a heartfelt discussion on their connection, highlighting Keith's admiration for Durell's accomplishments. The duo delves into the power of networking on platforms like LinkedIn to expand beyond creative realms in the music industry. Listeners are taken on Keith's journey, from humble beginnings to his current standing in the industry, as he emphasizes the importance of understanding the dynamics of record deals. Keith advocates for independent artists to bet on themselves, steering away from traditional deals and crafting alternate financial strategies. The episode wraps up with insights on education, the significance of understanding contracts, and Keith's impactful work through companies like Team MASHN Entertainment, Team Winning Consulting, and Team MASHN Records & Team MASHN Sound Design. For more details on Keith Clizark, visit his website: TeamMASHN (https://teammashn.co/consulting-services/)

Building Community, Telling Stories, and Revenue StreamsIn a captivating episode of The N’Courage & N’Spire Podcast, brand strategist and music business consultant Terri Thomas joins host Durell for an insightful conversation rooted in over 25 years of experience in terrestrial radio. Together, they explore the profound impact of music as a universal connector, delving into the emotions it evokes and the communities it builds. Terri shares invaluable insights on the essential elements for cultivating success, emphasizing the global reach and the power of community building. The duo delves into the mechanics of a traditional radio campaign and the strategic investments made by record labels to effectively launch artists into the spotlight. Terri's firsthand experiences with the "chitlin circuit" and her role in supporting Jermaine Dupri's breakthrough acts offer a unique perspective on the music industry's evolution. From the enduring allure of country music to the challenges facing urban radio, Terri and Durell navigate the intricate landscape of storytelling and audience engagement. Unpacking the significance of simple revenue streams and the potency of merchandise, Terri imparts crucial advice for aspiring artists. The episode concludes with a nuanced exploration of live performances, strategic advertising, and the art of timing. For more captivating insights, be sure to connect with Terri Thomas on Instagram at @territhomas.Got What U Need NetworkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwun.network/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GWUNNetwork Website: https://gwunnetwork.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeA-JJasR0-64nBb1efDJ1Q/featured

Empowering Creative Minds: Navigating the Music IndustryIn this compelling episode of The N’Courage & N’Spire Podcast, mindset coaches and former music entrepreneurs, JUICE & SELF, take us on an inspiring journey through the highs and lows of the music industry. Joined by host Durell Peart, they delve into SELF’s personal odyssey as an artist, shedding light on the challenges and triumphs along the way. The dynamic duo also share their transition from independent music publishing to their current role as mindset coaches, emphasizing the pivotal moment that led to this transformation. They recount the powerful impact of their hit track "Racks On Racks" with hip-hop artist Lil Pump, and the sobering event that galvanized their mission to support struggling creatives in the industry. Join Durell for an eye-opening conversation as he explores the resilience, empathy, and determination that drive SELF & JUICE in their quest to fortify the mental fortitude of music entrepreneurs. For more insights on SELF & JUICE, be sure to connect with them on their website and social media accounts! Stay connected with JUICE & SELF: Website: www.ceoselfcoaching.com Instagram: @ceoselfcoachingGot What U Need NetworkInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwun.network/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GWUNNetwork Website: https://gwunnetwork.com/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeA-JJasR0-64nBb1efDJ1Q/featured

The Got What U Need Network Team got together to have a fun convo about podcasting, life and how things been going while in this podcast world. Got What U Need Networkwww.GWUNnetwork.comInstagram: @gwun.network