The BeatsByTravis Podcast

This is the official podcast of Travis Smith, musician and music marketer working in many fields of the music and hospitality business. Join Travis as he interviews friends, colleagues, and do'ers in the industry!

#45 - Spida (Promoter, Emcee, MC, Host, Content Creator) 08/08/2026

#45 - Spida (Promoter, Emcee, MC, Host, Content Creator) On this episode, Spida aka Spida Verse aka SpidaCrazy8 joins me to talk about his spida-web of music industry work spanning from artist management, product and business promotion, and even being a writing and performing artist. He has worked with his team to put the NW Arkansas Rap & hip-hop scene on the map. From local showcases and concerts to large-scale national-act productions, Spida has been bridging the gap between NW Arkansas and the world. It was great to sit and get his perspective on our local, regional, and global music scene. Spida - BeatsByTravis.com @Beatsbytravis @Beatsbytravispodcast #BBT #BEATSBYTRAVIS Produced by TSP () /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/42363250

#44 - Bruce Bennett 08/08/2026

#44 - Bruce Bennett Bruce Bennett joins me to talk about his music career as a bassist in multiple projects in the Arkansas-Oklahoma region and his journey to performing with country music hit machine Ricochet. Bruce is one of the most loved and respected musicians in our regional music community, where we are located, and he is known for being one of the most reliable and professional bassists you can hire. We dove into his history and his process for sustaining such a long-lasting music career. BeatsByTravis.com @Beatsbytravis @Beatsbytravispodcast #BBT #BEATSBYTRAVIS Produced by TSP () /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/42363240

#43 - First 5 Things I Do When Creating a Band (Email, Socials, Domain, Artwork, Gigs) 08/08/2026

#43 - First 5 Things I Do When Creating a Band (Email, Socials, Domain, Artwork, Gigs) On this episode I dive into the actions I am taking as I start a new band, building the materials and things needed to do business in our regional music industry including: - Creating the email. - Social Media Creation - Domain/Web Host Purchasing - Logos/Artwork - Gigging Strategy of a New Band I am going to keep recording episodes as we continue along, tracking what we are doing every couple of weeks. Hopefully this might help some folks who starting new projects of their own. BeatsByTravis.com @Beatsbytravis @Beatsbytravispodcast #BBT #BEATSBYTRAVIS Produced by TSP () /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/42363235

#42 - Defining & Building Market Value for Artists 08/08/2026

#42 - Defining & Building Market Value for Artists On this episode, we dive into defining market value for artists and how they get paid for their performances at different types of venues. I dive into the science of the value of an original, as well as a cover/tribute band. We also dive into ways to "boost" your market value outside of ticket sales. There are 50 things I could have added, but I hoped to help some folks out on navigating some swim lanes for quoting themselves at future gigs. BeatsByTravis.com @Beatsbytravis @Beatsbytravispodcast #BBT #BEATSBYTRAVIS Produced by TSP () /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/42363220

#41 - King Pimpin 08/08/2026

#41 - King Pimpin The royal highness, King Pimpin, joins me on the podcast to talk about his history in the rap game, where he's from, where he is going, and we make some funny jokes and laugh a lot. Every time I have been around him, it has been nonstop laughter and good energy, and I know others get that radiating off of him as well. My band, The Juice, added him to our 90's hip-hop project, and he came in with that vibe and helped us set the pace for a super fun project. He releases music like a mad man, videos up what feels like every week, and has collaborated with all the folks putting in the work themselves. KP! King Pimpin - BeatsByTravis.com @Beatsbytravis @Beatsbytravispodcast #BBT #BEATSBYTRAVIS Produced by Travis Smith Productions () /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/42363210

#40 - Papa Rap & Lance Wright 08/08/2026

#40 - Papa Rap & Lance Wright This episode has TWO folks who I have great history with. Papa Rap & Lance Wright! Al “Papa Rap” Lopez, originally from Puerto Rico, is an award winning song writer (John Lennon Song Writing Contest) and a charismatic Latino performer, musician, writer, and inspirational motivational speaker. Lance Wright is one of my best buds, we have shared countless hours chatting, on podcasts and not, about music, life, comedy, and more. Lance always brings the funny, and Papa Rap visited BOTH of us at our elementary school as kids. How cool is that?! Papa Rap: https://paparap.net/ /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/42363200

#39 - Makin' Fans 08/08/2026

#39 - Makin' Fans In this episode, I dive into making fans and how important it is in the growth and monetization of your music career. I cover the importance of a website as an HQ controlling your own IP, marketing funnels that point to your HQ, and different marketing tactics for fan retention and building your fanbase. When marketing your brand, Either it is releasing your music or looking to advance your career, real traction and growth won't come until you begin to build a fanbase and learn to communicate with them. Hopefully, this episode sparks some thought! /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/42363195

#38 - Davin Michael Stedman (The Staxx Brothers) (Original Release: March 28, 2023) 08/08/2026

#38 - Davin Michael Stedman (The Staxx Brothers) (Original Release: March 28, 2023) On this episode, I have Davin Michael Stedman, a friend and "music industry collaborator" I met years ago while he was visiting town from Seattle. He loved the jam we were hosting and got a good feel for the energy of NW Arkansas. Over the years, we have kept up with each other on socials as we separately worked to connect artists to opportunities from different corners of the country. In this episode, we dive into the drive of artists and perils of the music industry, pre and post-pandemic, and what we feel it takes to keep BUILDING. Davin is one of the most solid folks I've met in the industry, and I've been waiting to have this conversation with him for a few years; glad this was the time. Davin Michael Stedman on IG: www.instagram.com/davinmichaelstedman The Staxx Brothers: /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/42363175

#37 - "I'm Trippin" (Original Release: March 14, 2023) 08/08/2026

#37 - "I'm Trippin" (Original Release: March 14, 2023) In this episode, I cover some projects I am working on that will provide context for the next episodes. I am traveling from Tulsa to Dallas on a mission for a great company I am working with, and I share some of the cool places I have found in those cities. https://linktr.ee/beatsbytravis IG: @BeatsByTravis & @BeatsByTravisPodcast /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/42363165

#36 - BBTuesday 2.9.21 02/10/2021

#36 - BBTuesday 2.9.21 This week we catch up on the Clubhouse App and I talk about the importance of building your digital presence and under platforms that YOU have control of. Put your eggs in the basket you weave. /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/17892806

#35 - BBTuesday 2.2.21 02/02/2021

#35 - BBTuesday 2.2.21 On this week's weekly episode, I talk about building content out of anything and building stories for yourself and I also tackle what I would use to start a podcast if I had $0, $100, and on up. /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/17789288

#34 - Market Value - How Much Do I Charge? 01/28/2021

#34 - Market Value - How Much Do I Charge? Determining your performance price is something that you have to learn along the way or you have it explained to you so that you don't have to waste your own time. That is what this episode is about. If you are a cover band, your venues and payouts will be different than if you are pushing your own material. On this episode, we talk about the differences in those venues, pay structures, and what MARKET VALUE REALLY MEANS, and how to build it. /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/17730080

#33 - BBTuesday 1.26.21 01/25/2021

#33 - BBTuesday 1.26.21 The podcast returns with an update on what I, Travis Smith, have been up to, where the music industry is headed, and what kind of mindset you need to survive in your industry during AND after the pandemic. /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/17686976

#32 - Don't Panic!... (the Facebook music thing) 09/12/2020

#32 - Don't Panic!... (the Facebook music thing) On this episode I talk about the new Facebook regulations on music coming up and what you should be doing to prepare. Now is the time to be really thinking about how you own your music and your brand as a musician, artist, or brand. On October 1, you can be ready to provide your fans with YOUR content, through your medium. /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/15984569

#31 - Elements of a Successful Cover Band 07/20/2020

#31 - Elements of a Successful Cover Band On this episode I give you the playbook on making money and playing some alternative gigs with a cover band. There are cover bands needed for more events and occasions than one could ever imagine, these bands help provide income for musicians, industry workers, venues, restaurants, and all kinds of workers around the music industry. This episode touches on how to be as efficient as possible in this avenue. /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/15278243

#30 - Talent Buyers & Booking Agents 07/14/2020

#30 - Talent Buyers & Booking Agents On this episode, we take a deep dive into the roles of the "talent buyer" and of the "booking agent." Talent Buyers exist in many different types of venues, we break them down, and talk about their usual workflow per venue-type. Booking agents keep bands on the road so they can focus on writing, and driving, and driving. /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/15199919

#29 - The Purple Banana w/ Rod Gray 07/06/2020

#29 - The Purple Banana w/ Rod Gray Rod Gray, owner and chef at The Purple Banana joins us to talk about their food ventures, the Purple Banana story, their work during the pandemic, and more! Rod, and Sandy (his wife and co-operator) are some of the hardest working folks I know, we chat food, marketing, and more! /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/15103541

#28 - 90'S Basketball w/ Jon Dooly 07/02/2020

#28 - 90'S Basketball w/ Jon Dooly Jon Dooly joins me again to talk something other than music, 90's basketball! Growing up, we were huge basketball fans, not only of the game, but of the players and characters in the NBA. We talk about our favorite players at each position, as well as the run the Arkansas Razorbacks had in the 90's! /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/15067760

#27 - Scheduling Social Media Posts 06/29/2020

#27 - Scheduling Social Media Posts Social Media is the new word of mouth, with hashtags, tags, keywords, and more. If you have a product, or a song, or a brand that you are looking to promote, efficient social media usage can be the contributing factor to success. In this episode, I talk about scheduling posts thru third-party software and how it can be utilized to save the time you can be creating, for creating. /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/15009761

#26 - Sailing The Sea of Venues 06/29/2020

#26 - Sailing The Sea of Venues On this episode, I talk about the types of music venues, how they compensate artists and why, and how to navigate these venues properly, giving you the most return for your efforts. If you are just starting to play different types of shows in your career, this might help you navigate the sea of venues. /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/15009281

#25 - Chris VIllines (Black Cat Studio) 06/09/2020

#25 - Chris VIllines (Black Cat Studio) Chris Villines, owner and operator of Black Cat Studio in Fayetteville, AR joins me to talk about the studio and his run in NW Arkansas. Chris has played with many great bands in the area and has worked with many artists that make up our community. He joined me to talk about the studio and some specials he is running. Check out his website at www.blackcatrecording.com /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/14742407

#24 - Jim Goza (Musician, Personal Trainer, Actor) 06/08/2020

#24 - Jim Goza (Musician, Personal Trainer, Actor) Jim Goza, my bandmate in The Juice and The Next Unknown, joins me to talk music, his acting history and living in LA, personal training, and climbing mountains in Peru. Him, not me. Jim is one of my best friends on the planet, happy to finally have him on the show! /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/14735510

#23 - Zac Slusher (Podcaster) 06/03/2020

#23 - Zac Slusher (Podcaster) Zac Slusher, podcaster and comedian, joins me to catch up from our old comedy days, him as a comic and myself as a venue operator, as well as chatting about his trio of podcasts he is producing. Zac is one of the nicest and funniest folks I know, super pumped to have him on the program. /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/14684786

#22 - Jon Willett 05/25/2020

#22 - Jon Willett Jon Willett is a soundman, which means he is a handful. Just kidding! There is nothing like the bond of a talent buyer and a sound engineer. My good friend Jon comes on the podcast to talk about the early punk scene of NW Arkansas in the early 90's, Rogers drums, living in New Orleans, and we talk about what makes a music venue cool. /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/14443700

#21 - Modeling 05/18/2020

#21 - Modeling Ryan and Connor Brogan from the band Modeling join me to talk about their new release "Lodestone," as well as the history of the band and their influences and inspiration in writing such audibly cinematic pieces of art. /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/14443661

#20 - 10 Signs of a Good Venue 05/16/2020

#20 - 10 Signs of a Good Venue Here are 10 signs of a good venue. Trying to find a cold venue in a new market is always a gamble, this list might help narrow down your decision. I have always been a fan of venues that put things together well and do their part to promote their brand to provide a quality place for musicians to do work. This episode is on this topic. /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/14370281

#19 - Joel Robertson 05/04/2020

#19 - Joel Robertson Joel Robertson, musician and singer-songwriter, formerly of Drawing Blanks, joins me to talk about songwriting. We dive into our mindsets and inspirations for writing new tunes and we dive into the world of hybrid drumming. Joel is working on new material and will be releasing new music soon. /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/14277572

#18 - Jon Dooly 04/29/2020

#18 - Jon Dooly Jon Dooly returns for another round on the podcast. Never afraid to give his opinion, which I love, Jon and I talk music business and what attitude it takes to make it in the music industry and what he has been up to with the pandemic in place. /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/14194709

#17 - How I Make My Podcasts 04/27/2020

#17 - How I Make My Podcasts Being the host of 3 different programs, and the host of several in the past, I have racked up some knowledge on releasing, recording, and producing podcasts. On this episode, I talk about what EXACTLY a podcast is, how I record mine, and how you can record YOURS! /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/13877636

#16 - My First Show Out of Town 04/20/2020

#16 - My First Show Out of Town The first show out of town can be exciting, nerve racking, and an adventure. On this episode, I talk about the first show I every played where we had to travel further than across town to get there. Oklahoma City, home of delicious food and Bricktown, the Bricktown Brewery to be exact. We take you to storyville on this one. /episode/index/show/beatsbytravis/id/13877600

The BeatsByTravis Podcast

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