Ep #04: Overcoming loss and grief with sweet musical healing

Ep #04: Overcoming loss and grief with sweet musical healing

Bad break ups, divorce, pain, sickness, death, grief...sometimes bad shit happens in life and we can't control it. Sometimes we just can't play the cards we're dealt because they all suck. So what do we do? I talked with my friend and guitar wizard B.J. Jaggers about all this. I hate to say he's an expert on the subject of grief, but he's dealt with lots of it in the past few years and somehow found a way to lean on music to heal himself and help others in big ways. B.J. is definitely one of my heroes and I'm proud to call him a good friend.

Ep #03: The dos and don'ts of booking and promoting your music

Ep #03: The dos and don'ts of booking and promoting your music

We have songs, we've practiced and we're ready to play a show. How do we get booked at the right venue and make sure people turn up? It can be tough if you don't already have a big fan base or haven't played very many shows. I talked to Brian Bender about all this jazz to learn the Do's and Don'ts of booking and promoting your music. He has a unique perspective because he comes from a booking/talent buyer background and plays in a very successful band that plays lots of shows and gets paid well. Brian actually booked my band several times and is one of the nicest guys in the biz. He says he's in the business of "making people simile." What's that about? I don't know, why don't you listen and find out!

Ep #02: How to find management and record labels

Ep #02: How to find management and record labels

The DIY route isn't always the best way to go when it comes to promoting your music, finding meaningful shows and taking your band to the next level. Sometimes we hit a ceiling and need some professional help, ya dig? I talked with Chris Phillips from IAmDynamite, a rock duo from Detroit, about how they found management and record label help. P.S. if you haven't heard of them yet, you will!!

Ep #01: How to keep musical momentum when life happens

Ep #01: How to keep musical momentum when life happens

What happens to the musician part of us once life changes things? We get married, have a kid, the band breaks up, we move cities...insert big life changing moment. Our artistic desires don't just disappear, right? Of course not, so we have to adapt and find new ways to continue our craft. In this very first episode of the Cool Music Dad podcast, I talk to Jay Della Valle about how he continues to be productive and successful even when life happens.