Conversation with renowned guitarist/educator Corey Congilio on the art of 'reading the room' and learning to cultivate a nurturing environment where self-love and positivity thrive even in an unassuming environment like the recording studio. 

In the dynamic world of independent music, navigating the path to success can feel like a thrilling yet daunting adventure, full of creative freedom entwined with incessant uncertainty. Imbuing oneself with a growth mindset becomes not just advantageous, but essential, transforming every setback—be it rejection from a label or a creative block—into golden opportunities for learning and improvement. 

Artistic sensitivity is often mislabeled as fragility, but this heightened awareness serves as a powerful conduit of creativity. This article distinguishes sensitivity from fragility, unraveling the societal misconceptions that can stifle artistic expression. 

Navigating the complex landscape of the music industry as an independent artist can feel daunting, especially when seeking reliable support and guidance. While academia offers credible information, it often comes with red tape and a conservative mindset that may not translate well into real-world applications. Friends and family provide essential emotional support, yet their advice can be biased and lack the necessary industry insight. Commercial agencies, though equipped with qualified advice, are ultimately driven by profit, which may not align with an artist's definition of success. 

A discussion with Jake Sherman (Meshell Ndgeocello, Bilal), that dissects the nuanced differences between a 'career' and an 'artistic practice.' 

How setting healthy boundaries and utilizing the internet can revolutionize the way you connect with and learn from diverse figures, forming meaningful, trust-based connections over time. Could this be the fresh perspective on mentorship you've been searching for? 

Essential lessons learned from lived experience  during my artist residency at the 70th anniversary of the Deutsches Jazz Festival. This experience underscores the importance of confronting imposter syndrome, the futility of faking authenticity, and the necessity of thorough preparation despite its inevitable shortcomings. 

Embark on a profound exploration of how an artist's 'why' evolves over time, delving deeply into the fluid nature of intent. Dare to contemplate: What if your 'why' isn't static but a dynamic, ever-changing force that fuels your creative endeavors? 

Excerpt from my interview with renowned artist Sheila Chandra, whose career evolution from a pioneering singer to an esteemed author and artist-coach provides invaluable insights into the ever-evolving world of music. This compelling blog post unravels the crucial role of mentorship and support systems for artists navigating the modern creative landscape. 

Bassist/Composer Esther Rojas reveals how her understanding of discipline has evolved from a dreaded obligation to a harmonious balance of consistency and self-compassion.

In today's digital age, musicians face the challenge of maintaining authenticity on social media without succumbing to the pitfalls of oversharing and burnout. This post delves into strategies for striking the perfect balance, such as adopting the 1-hour business day to manage posting schedules and taking breaks to recharge. Discover how artists like Zoe Keating and Kam Franklin navigate these waters, prioritizing their mental health and engaging with fans in meaningful ways. 

The realities behind the trending jargon that floods our digital lives. Not all buzzwords are mere fluff; some help to connect our personal artistry with external realities.

In today’s rapidly expanding digital education landscape, discerning the authenticity of online mentors can be as challenging as finding a needle in a haystack. Unveiling the intricacies of mentorship, this blog post navigates through the flooded market of online 'gurus' and 'coaches', exposing the disparity between cleverly marketed offerings and genuine educational value. 

The challenge of balancing creation with effective self-promotion can feel hypocritical, often leading artists into a spiral of doubt and comparison. How do you authentically nurture your musical creations while ensuring they reach the right audience? An email exchange with my friend and collaborator, Robert Koch, where he talks about marketing not as a separate chore but an integrated part of the creative journey, with a thought-provoking comparison to parenting as an example.