Middle Class Musician
Candid conversations with the working force of the music industry. This Nashville based podcast explores what it really looks like to make a living in one of the fastest changing industries in the world. Hosted by singer/songwriter and Nashville For Hire founder: Andrew Galucki
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How to Start a Career in Music | w/ Amy Peters
11/18/2021
How to Start a Career in Music | w/ Amy Peters
Today's guest is Amy Peters, who is a pop singer / songwriter and producer based out of Nashville. I was in a songwriting bootcamp with her and was blown away but her tracks, so I wanted to bring her on. This conversation is a great look into the mind of someone who is extremely talented, and pretty early in her career. I think it will be really helpful to many of you. We cover topics like... the benefits of mastering one piece of gear at a time instead of trying to learn everything at once how she got her music video funded as an indie artist the benefits of doing a studio based training program over a college degree in music the exiting growth of female representation in the music industry how she broke into nashville without college as a buffer how growing up with a dad who was a music professional changed her life her side hustle of doing voice overs for commercials what it's like listening to music with synesthesia why she stopped producing (and why she eventually came back) the difficulty of separating her art from herself and much more! Find Amy Online: @amypetersmusic on socials This episode is sponsored by DistroKid - the best way for artists their music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc. Get 30% off your yearly membership when you use our link to sign up:
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How to harness the power of "baby steps" to grow your music career | with Seth Mosley
10/13/2021
How to harness the power of "baby steps" to grow your music career | with Seth Mosley
Figuring out a direction for your music career can be tricky. Unlike many "traditional" jobs, you don't always know what a clear path to success looks like in music. That's why Seth Mosley (and the rest of the crew at Full Circle Music) created a roadmap for artists, broken into "baby steps". We wanted to have Seth on the podcast to talk about his journey in music and to share his advice for artists looking to make a career of their passion. Topics we hit on in the conversation: the dangers of jumping full time into music before you're ready why most artists search out record deals at the wrong point in their career how to use altruism to create better music why he decided to come off the road and dive fully into the production and business side of music why he cofounded Full Circle Music why you shouldn't try to do it all at the same time (how to harness the power of "baby steps" instead) Get access to a free resource from Seth: This episode is sponsored by DistroKid - the best way for artists their music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc. Get 30% off your yearly membership when you use our link to sign up:
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How to Play Music with others Online in Real Time (without latency getting in the way) | with Mike Dickey
09/24/2021
How to Play Music with others Online in Real Time (without latency getting in the way) | with Mike Dickey
Have you ever tried to play music in real time with others over a zoom call? If so, you probably quickly found that latency (the delay between the time you play a note and they hear you and vice versa) made that task all but impossible. Today's guest, Mike Dickey, solved this problem and we wanted to get him on the podcast to share the amazing implications this has for the future of online collaboration. We talk about: How and why Mike created a device that allows you to play music with others with no noticeable latency What really is latency? And what causes it? How latency happens even when you're "in person" Why the question of latency is more complicated than just internet speeds How Mike sees this tool and technology being used in the future music industry how to get started using this new tool / technology Find Mike Online: This episode is sponsored by DistroKid - the best way for artists their music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc. Get 30% off your yearly membership when you use our link to sign up:
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Is Immersive Audio the future of mixing? | with Webster Tileston
09/15/2021
Is Immersive Audio the future of mixing? | with Webster Tileston
When Webster Tileston first heard about Dolby Atmos (also known as "Immersive Audio") he was fascinated as an audio engineer... but ultimately he assumed it would soon pass along like many other audio trends. But when word that Apple Music, TIDAL and many others were interested in adding Dolby Atmos streaming to their platforms, he took a second look. Now Webster and his business partner run a Dolby Atmos Enabled Mixing and Mastering Group in Nashville and he took the time to sit down with us and explain what you need to know about this new exciting technology. Find Webster Online: This episode is sponsored by DistroKid - the best way for artists their music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc. Get 30% off your yearly membership when you use our link to sign up:
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A New Way to Network as a Songwriter w/ Kevin McCarty & Richard Casper
09/10/2021
A New Way to Network as a Songwriter w/ Kevin McCarty & Richard Casper
Many have said that finding the right songwriting partner is very similar to the process of finding a romantic partner. So what if we could use an app to find fellow songwriters simply by swiping? That's what Richard Casper and Kevin McCarty bet on when they created We Should Write Sometime - an app referred to as "tinder" for songwriters. On today's episode, I chat with them about this game-changing app and the many implications for songwriters and artists all across the globe. Download the app: This episode is sponsored by DistroKid - the best way for artists their music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc. Get 30% off your yearly membership when you use our link to sign up:
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What is the role of an artist in 2021? | with Stephen Day
08/31/2021
What is the role of an artist in 2021? | with Stephen Day
This episode we sit down to talk with Stephen Day about his new album, "". Our conversation covers: the scattered nature of our digital lives affecting the art we create the differences in self producing verses the traditional studio workflow how Covid led him to find the "why" behind being an artist why he thinks it is important to put yourself fully into the work you create how to explore multiple genres while keeping an album cohesive Listen to "The Shapes I'm In": Check out Stephen on tour this fall: This episode is sponsored by DistroKid - the best way for artists their music on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, etc. Get 30% off your yearly membership when you use our link to sign up:
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Is the #grind killing your creativity? w/ Ryan Waczek
07/27/2021
Is the #grind killing your creativity? w/ Ryan Waczek
These days, terms like “hustle culture” and “the grind” are being thrown all the time. But are these concepts helping or hurting your creative output? Host Andrew Galucki and this week’s guest Ryan Waczek explore the dark side of “hustling” and how it may be hurting your creative process. Recording music? Get professional remote music services at discounted rates: Find Ryan Online:
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How to Create an Album During a Pandemic | with Vian Izak
03/29/2021
How to Create an Album During a Pandemic | with Vian Izak
How do you stay creative during super stressful times? Vian Izak did just that and created an album in one of the most stressful years... well, ever. Our conversation covers: collaboration vs working alone the art of creating a purpose for an album the importance of holding your vision loosely to allow the project to find its own voice how to take advantage of remote collaboration to take your music to new levels how to stay creative during stressful times and a LOT more (seriously, it's a great conversation) --- Hire professional music services remotely for less: --- Listen to Find Vian online:
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How to Cowrite Songs When You're Not in the Same Room | with Bryce Cain
02/04/2021
How to Cowrite Songs When You're Not in the Same Room | with Bryce Cain
Covid got you thinking about new ways to cowrite songs? Today we dive deep into the process of cowriting a song when you're not in the same room as your cowriter. Here to share his experiences with us is longtime friend of the show, Bryce Cain. We cover: We cover topics like the necessity of vision for a cowrite Must have tech tools going into a cowrite The importance of creative constraints The pros and cons of remote vs being in the same room The inherent vulnerability of cowriting Why setting the “vibe” for a cowrite matters What you should come to a cowrite with (creatively speaking) And a lot more. Start cowriting new songs today by booking Songwriting Sessions with your PRO Membership: Find Bryce on the interwebs:
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This will help you create more music
11/24/2020
This will help you create more music
Have you ever put a music project on hold because of the cost of hiring music services? Then this announcement is for you. Learn more:
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Serve the Song, Not Your Ego | w/ Kyle May
10/23/2020
Serve the Song, Not Your Ego | w/ Kyle May
This week's guest: Kyle May. Kyle is a drummer and producer who has worked with artists like Kelsea Ballerini, Billy Ray Cyrus, Lynyrd Skynyrd and appeared on shows like Good Morning America, CMT and the Today Show. We cover: how he's adapted to COVID as a musician who relied heavily on touring income how to get the most of hiring a drummer remotely the importance of serving the song and not your own ego how to stay excited about songs that you play night after night the importance of knowing your limits how Play Along Tracks can improve your playing and enhance your practice routine the future of "live only" drummers and much more. Check out Kyle's Play Along Tracks: Where to find Kyle: Learn how to leverage Music Licensing as an artist:
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Balancing Life and Music, Overcoming Freelance Anxieties and How to Make a Band Tour Profitable | with Josh Blaylock
10/09/2020
Balancing Life and Music, Overcoming Freelance Anxieties and How to Make a Band Tour Profitable | with Josh Blaylock
This week's guest: Josh Blaylock Josh is an extremely talented musician, composer, producer and member of the musically delicious group known as Dynamo. He has also performed with many other artists, including Sinclair in 2019 as they opened up for Kacey Musgraves on her Oh What a World Tour. We talk about how Nashville growth looks to someone who grew up here, how to book shows with workshops, how to deal with freelance anxiety around “when is the next gig”, finding balance as a musician, that time he got sleep paralysis in class while he was in music school due to overworking himself and a lot more. Find Josh on the interwebs: --- Get Free Access to the Reverse Songwriting Workshop and learn how to get started in music licensing:
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This one is for the white people like me.
06/15/2020
This one is for the white people like me.
This is not a normal episode. Because these are not normal times. --- Watch
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I want your questions
04/01/2020
I want your questions
I want to know what your questions are as a musician living through this pandemic. Submit here: We are all in this together. Let's start a conversation.
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2019 kind of sucked...
01/13/2020
2019 kind of sucked...
2019 was a rough year for me (Andrew). Professionally and personally. In this solo episode, I get more vulnerable than I have before and explain what went wrong this year and how I'm working to make sure 2020 looks different. P.S. If you're worried because of the title that this will just be 54 minutes of me complaining - don't worry. If you also had a tough year or the best of your life, my hope is that this episode helps you go into 2020 the right way.
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How to Turn Your Music into an Online Business | with Graham Cochrane
10/21/2019
How to Turn Your Music into an Online Business | with Graham Cochrane
In our first ever DEEP DIVE episode, Graham Cochrane (founder of Recording Revolution) walks you through turning your music into an online business. This episode covers: The 3 step process to start creating and monetizing a fanbase how to see yourself as a brand the power of email in the age of social media what do you sell when no one buys music anymore? the importance of creating content that is searchable as an artist looking to grow a fanbase the future of the “content market” and much more! --- Next Steps if you're interested in learning more about online business: Graham's Recording Coaching: Graham's Online Coaching: Graham's Podcast:
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How to Do Music Licensing as an Artist or Songwriter
09/09/2019
How to Do Music Licensing as an Artist or Songwriter
Music Licensing (aka getting your music onto TV / Films / Trailers / Ads) can seem intimidating to jump into as an artist or songwriter. This week I break down the specific approach I use an an artist that has helped music licensing become my primary source of income for the last few years. Get access to my free course on Artist Centric Music Licensing:
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How to Create a Culture Around Your Music | with SAWYER
07/30/2019
How to Create a Culture Around Your Music | with SAWYER
This is a fun one. I got to sit down with the Nashville-based duo SAWYER (Emma Harvey and Kel Taylor) and chat about things like: - how they infuse hooks into every part of their songs (aka the "hookie monster") - staying healthy on the road - how they create culture around their music - the benefits of being blunt in co-writing - how a $20 bill helped them to start being a duo - why they decided to start co-writing with people outside the duo - the release strategy for their next EP - the vulnerability of being joyful as a performer - why they are sticking in Nashville even thought they are going "pop" - who drives slower and MUCH more. FIND SAWYER ON THE INTERWEBS: Instagram: Website: -
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(PART 2) How to Walk Away from the Record Deal of Your Dreams | with Seth Alley
05/31/2019
(PART 2) How to Walk Away from the Record Deal of Your Dreams | with Seth Alley
Here is Part 2 of my conversation with Seth Alley. If you haven't already, be sure to go back and listen to Part 1 first. When we left off, Seth had just left his record deal. So he did the obvious next thing... changed his name and became a rapper. ---- Find Seth online: Socials: @sethalleymusic
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(PART 1) How to Walk Away from the Record Deal of Your Dreams | with Seth Alley
04/23/2019
(PART 1) How to Walk Away from the Record Deal of Your Dreams | with Seth Alley
What happens when everything goes according to plan: you get a huge record deal build a world class team around your music Nashville is buzzing with hype about you But then... it all turns on you? That's exactly what we cover in my conversation with recording artist and songwriter Seth Alley. Get an inside look into getting the record deal of your dreams... and then walking away from it. A story more common than you'd think - that gets a lot less airtime. --- Learn the artist focused approach to getting your songs on TV / Film / Ads: --- Find Seth online: Socials:
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How to Authentically Evolve Your Sound | with Holley Maher
03/27/2019
How to Authentically Evolve Your Sound | with Holley Maher
Our first ever repeat guest! We were so excited to catch up with Holley Maher (from episode 1) about what she's been up to for the last 5 years. We cover: Her journey of creating a pop side project Her process to authentically stay relevant in the sync world as music tastes change over time How pain and heartbreak can at times lead to high levels of creativity - and at other times do the opposite How she uses free writing to create great songs "on demand" in cowriting sessions The differences between an LA cowrite and a Nashville cowrite why the idea of a “tortured artist” is not a helpful construct how to manage multiple income streams at once --- Learn the artist focused approach to getting your songs on TV / Film / Ads: --- Learn more about Holley: Follow on socials: @holleymaher @winkwinkpaperco @officialzoa @we.are.vala @theothernashvillesociety
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Life as a Canadian Country Artist | with Justin LaBrash
02/22/2019
Life as a Canadian Country Artist | with Justin LaBrash
Have you ever wondered what its like to be a country artist outside the U.S.? To have a career around a genre that has its roots so firmly in American culture? We talk all about that this week with Canadian Country artist Justin LaBrash. Out discussion covered: How Canada is creating it’s own form of “country music” Why he’s not trying to move to Nashville How he gets his singles on radio as an indie artist (and why he does it himself) Why he would design a country cover set differently in Canada than he would in America The difference between booking shows in Canada vs. America How he broke 100 gigs in 2018 and was able to make his artist project bring in a full time living Why he’s glad he took online berklee classes (and which classes he’s glad he didn’t take) What the heck “French country music” is Find Justin on the interwebs: @justinlabrash
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The Inner Workings of an Indie Label | with Vian Izak
02/08/2019
The Inner Workings of an Indie Label | with Vian Izak
Kicking off season two with a GREAT conversation with Vian Izak - producer and founder of Vohnic Music. -- We cover topics like -- understanding the "why" behind your own music how to get on Spotify playlists the role "community" plays in your creative process balancing your art with your business how to create systems that allow you to grow your business (whether your business IS your music or otherwise) the confusing response that Vian used to get from labels when submitting his own music (and why he now uses it himself) how to differentiate yourself as an independent artist or indie label ---Learn the artist focused approach to getting your songs on TV / Film / Ads: Learn more about Vian: Check out his label:
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35 | Jordy Searcy (singer/songwriter)
11/15/2018
35 | Jordy Searcy (singer/songwriter)
Great chat this week that I think will be really inspiring to any songwriter and / or indie artist. This conversation covers: why Jordy's debut album is actually his 5th album why taking control of your own music career is so important (especially if you're independent or just starting out) how playing live helped guide the production of his album “Dark in the City” how he gets booked for colleges around the country his philosophy of finding fans over finding venues the crucial difference between “Fan Gigs” vs. “Money Gigs” (and how both are important) his driving force that inspires him to keep creating music and a LOT more! --- Learn the artist focused approach to getting your songs on TV / Film / Ads: --- Learn more about Jordy at and follow him @jordysearcymusic on the socials.
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34 | Tim Buell (drummer, online educator)
11/07/2018
34 | Tim Buell (drummer, online educator)
Trying to figure out the best way to leverage social media as a musician? This one is for you. In this week’s chat with drummer and educator Tim Buell, we cover: Creating passive income as a musician setting yourself up for a future in the music industry how to treat social media as a musician exploring different paths throughout your career the true cost of traveling as a musician selling online courses strategies to get through the slow months as a freelancer why he’d lose to me in Madden and much more! Follow @timbuell on all the things. Free Stuff from Tim: MORE TIM:
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33 | Jessica Lamb (singer/songwriter)
05/30/2018
33 | Jessica Lamb (singer/songwriter)
This week we cover all things pertaining to the indie artist life with singer/songwriter Jessica Lamb. We talk about her motivations for songwriting, how she planned her first tour, how she handles other's opinions about her music, how she stays productive when she's not on the road, the nuances of her transition into doing music full time and MUCH more. Learn more about Jessica: What is the #1 thing you get out of this podcast? Email your answer to (please)
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32 | Charlie Lowell (member of Jars of Clay, HollowHum)
04/26/2018
32 | Charlie Lowell (member of Jars of Clay, HollowHum)
How do you reinvent yourself after being on the road for 20 years? How do you balance family and touring? What are strategies for growing a new network? What are the two main qualities to look for when deciding to collaborate with someone? How do you transition from a "band member identity" to a solo freelance "producer identity"? We cover all that and MUCH more in this week's interview with Charlie Lowell! -- Learn more about Charlie at -- What's the #1 reason you listen to the Middle Class Musician podcast? Email me your answer: [email protected]
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31 | Trevor Larkin (musician, guitarist for Allen Stone)
03/15/2018
31 | Trevor Larkin (musician, guitarist for Allen Stone)
What's it like to be the guitarist for the Allen Stone band? How does a band foster a positive "tour culture"? What is "road life" really like with a band? How do you balance artistic integrity and the prompting of a label in the writing room? What's it like to play on Conan for the first time? Why is it important to develop multiple passion points? Our conversation with Trevor Larkin answers all of those questions and more. Find Trevor Online: -- Artist or songwriter? Download the FREE guide from : "The #1 Reason Your Music Isn't Getting Synced: Get your music on TV / Film / Ads / Trailers by correcting this ONE thing"
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30 | Chit Chat Monday
10/31/2017
30 | Chit Chat Monday
Andrew and Bryce do a casual deep dive into what their lives / careers are looking like at the moment. Some big announcements, discussions of the pros and cons of working from home and much more. This episode is brought to you by Nashville For Hire - the easiest way for you to hire Nashville's best music professionals for your next recording project from anywhere in the world. Find the music pros your music deserves at
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29 | Whitherward (indie-folk duo)
10/23/2017
29 | Whitherward (indie-folk duo)
If you are an indie artist looking for tips on how to book shows and get out on the road more often. This one's for you.
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