Now more than ever, people are on the hunt to find a new hobby. While some turn to reading and yoga, there are many opting to learn how to play the guitar. After years of guitar sales trending downwards, the pandemic has shown the instrument
I travel the country giving talks, conducting workshops, and implementing strategies for small business. But many have noticed that I don’t look like a typical ad man. They normally tilt their head to one side and try to figure out why I don’t appear to
When it comes to cranking out good music, Shawn “ETCETERA” McClain cuts no corners. He has evolved into a musical force all his own. ETCETERA has been featured multiple times on the red carpet for the Grammy’s. He has worked on multiple platforms of this
Dimitri Tee has always had a love for music. As a young boy, he surrounded himself with all different types of genres; he listened to rock ‘n’ roll, hip hop, new wave, classical, the international sound, and, of course, house music. When he was in
Innovation comes in many forms. Meet the creative minds inspiring others through art. International singer, producer, and songwriter Feifei Yang has offered her talents to bring a universal song of hope during this difficult time. We had the opportunity to chat with her about how
Innovation comes in many forms. Meet the creative minds inspiring others through art. Kenya McGuire Johnson, known professionally as Kenya, is a jazz and soul-inspired songwriter, music business podcaster, and mother of two. Her first album My Own Skin took the #1 spot on the
Innovation comes in many forms. Meet the creative minds inspiring others through art. Erik Findling is the founder and lead guitarist for High Street, a hard rock and heavily blues-influenced group from Los Angeles. Having started playing at venues when he was 7 years old,
Innovation comes in many forms. Meet the creative minds inspiring others through art. Before gaining recognition as a rapper, Old Man Saxon did the unthinkable. He quit his job as a game tester to pursue a career in music full-time. Breaking through the industry was
“Music is Life.” Or so I used to scribble in the margins of my spiral notebooks in middle school. Music has always evolved for me to meet me where I’m at. So although I no longer write my music afflictions in graffiti format, like an adult,
Innovation comes in many forms. Meet the creative minds inspiring others through art. Matt B is the definition of a hustler. Born in Oak Park and raised on the southside of Chicago, Matt has been passionate about music since a young age. He grew up
Innovation comes in many forms. Meet the creative minds inspiring others through art. Chicago artist Jason Watts leads a busy life as both the president of his own design company and as a working muralist. Coming from an artistic, supportive family, Jason graduated from the
Many people wonder how they can accomplish more throughout their days or at their jobs. The experienced entrepreneurs interviewed for this article shared some of their favorite morning routines for increasing productivity with me. Read on for tips to stop feeling overwhelmed and start getting
The I Don’t Care That You Don’t Care podcast is a series of conversations from indie artists about creativity, the labor of love, plight, and time management. Join me, Wes Speight, as I explore what it truly means to be an independent artist. Jess Pillay Indie
Industry experts claim that the golden age of music started in 1960 and ended at the turn of the century. This era gave birth to many great musical acts from the Chicagoland area such as Earth, Wind & Fire, Styx, and The Smashing Pumpkins. However,
This month I launched my new podcast titled I Don’t Care That You Don’t Care, which is not necessarily what it sounds like. It’s about not caring about artist acceptance over the need to make art. Not all art can be great and to get
Independent artists juggle many hats by necessity. I’m not sure it works any other way. Ask a barista, teacher, waiter, techie and possibly even a biochemist. They probably have other passions and part-time jobs. As an indie artist today and probably throughout history, one finds
At 27, Brooklyn rapper Young M.A is known for being an independent rap superstar touring the world and being a voice for LGBTQ women of color
Prince wasn’t just a style icon, he was a trendsetter. From his perfectly tailored clothes to his hair and custom-designed jewelry, Prince was very much ahead of the curve.
If you haven’t yet heard the music of recording artist and producer CARSON, you soon will. At just 22 years old, he’s writing and producing lyrics far beyond his years. His music is passionate, romantic, catchy and mature. In his own words, the musician describes
Writing pop music is easy, once you know all the tricks. You better believe every musician from Maroon 5 to The Beatles uses them. Take a look at our pop music breakdown and see exactly what makes the top 40 hits so hot.