Going on tour can be exhausting and difficult no matter what level of success an artist is at. Wether you're riding in a million dollar tour bus for months at a time or an 80s Chevy Astro as a weekend warrior, Murphy's Law reigns supreme. It's impossible to plan for every single scenario, but there are some steps you can take to be more prepared, and to lighten the mental and physical load. In this episode, Melody and Dustin share some of their tips for ensuring that your tour goes smoothly the next time you hit the road.

Becoming a teacher is a common pathway taken by many people along their never-ending musical journeys. For some, it can be a great way to make a little extra money during college or between gigs. For others, it can be a life-long passion and career. Regardless of how you approach it, there are a plethora of reasons to consider stepping into the world of music education; and some reasons why you shouldn't...In this episode, Melody and Dustin share the pros, cons, and some methods they've learned as both students and teachers, and offer some advice and thoughts on how you can do it too.

Sometimes the idea of personal property is easy to understand. Take for example, the ownership of a house, a car, or a guitar. These physical items come with deeds, registration, or receipts that legally verify in writing who owns them and provide evidence of that ownership in cases of theft and disputes. But what about the intangible things like ideas and songs? You can't see or touch a thought, and sounds are just vibrations transferred through the medium of air, into our ears, and then converted by our brains into something we can comprehend. So how do you protect THOSE things from theft? In today's episode, Melody and Dustin discuss copyright laws, intellectual property, and the myths and misconceptions surrounding them.

Whether you're a film aficionado, an aspiring composer, or simply someone fascinated by the art of storytelling, the creative process of cinematic creation and the music that brings cinema to life is multi-faceted and can be complex to navigate. Donnie Gee takes listeners through his unique journey from film school to being part of a production company currently creating a full-length feature film titled "Tom Doesn't Care." Join Melody and Dustin as they gain valuable insights into the collaborative and dynamic world of composing music for films.

Trust is a valuable and intimate thing to share with another person. It can make or break relationships, bands, and even entire nations. Having another person's trust is like holding their heart and soul in your very hands and must be treated in a similar manner. In this episode, Melody and Dustin sit down with their incredibly talented friends, Hannah Zale and Carly Gibson of The Pussywillows, to discuss the importance of trust in others and trust in yourself in all aspects of art and life.

Few other periods of American history are as emotionally potent and relevant as The Civil Rights movement. While the invention and proliferation of the television gave us a first-hand look at the injustice being inflicted around the nation, the radio provided a timeless soundtrack for freedom fighters and activists everywhere. In today's episode, Melody and Dustin discuss the music of artists like Curtis Mayfield, Gil Scott-Heron, and Marvin Gaye, and how those songs became anthems for generations to come.

Join Dustin and Melody as they bid farewell to the old and welcome the new with a three-part spectacular New Year 2024 Special filled with trivia, reflections, and exciting plans for the year ahead.

Almost everyone who celebrates would probably agree that Christmas is not quite complete without the massive catalogue of music that makes up the soundtrack of this world-famous holiday. From the old classics like "Carol Of The Bells" and Bing Crosby's take on "White Christmas," to that one 1994 pop hit that every retail worker dreads (Mariah Carey's "All I Want For Christmas Is You."), one thing can be sure: These songs are here to stay. In this episode, Melody and Dustin break down the common lyrical tropes and harmonic consistencies that bind these songs together and plant them firmly into the zeitgeist of the 20th and 21st centuries.

From navigating low-pay offers to assessing the impact of a horrible gig on your brand, knowing when it's time to walk away from a gig is hard for most musicians. Whether you are a seasoned performer or just starting out, there's a fine balance between valuing your craft, setting boundaries, and making strategic decisions in your musical career. Join Melody and Dustin as they explore the delicate art of saying "no" as a musician!

In the music industry, anything can happen. From unexpected stage antics to backstage shenanigans to chaotic and unpredictable business practices, the industry often mirrors the outrageous lawlessness of the Old Wild West. Join Dustin and Melody as they delve into the untamed world of the music industry and share some of their wildest experiences in the business so far!

Very few movies are truly complete without an epic soundtrack, especially the ones meant to strike fear and terror into the minds of those who dare to watch. Classics like Psycho, Rosemary's Baby, Carrie, and Halloween all have instantly recognizable themes and motifs that have lasted the test of time and continue to haunt viewers all over the world. In this special spooky episode, Melody and Dustin speak with composer, teacher, and avid horror fan Daniel Garneau about what makes the perfect score for a chilling thriller or slasher flick, and why music is such an important element in horror. Happy Halloween!

Being a musician is hard! From mastering the art of practice to the secrets of stage presence, collaboration, and the ever-changing dynamics of the music business, having some practical insight can greatly enhance the experience of creating a career in music. In this episode, Dustin and Melody share 8 lessons they've learned on their musical journeys, from the art of performance to the business of music.

"Who were the three original inductees into the Rock N' Roll Hall Of Fame? What was the band Blondie named after? What color of M&Ms did Van Halen famously ban from their rider?" Whether it's music history, music theory, the physics of sound, or anything else in our field, the quest for knowledge is never truly over. In this laid-back episode, Melody and Dustin (and YOU, dear listener) play a game of music trivia that will answer those questions, and many more. So grab your favorite snack or beverage, kick back, and play along with us as we discuss a slew of interesting and surprising facts about famous musicians and much more!

From the searing wail of a Les Paul to the thunderous growl of a P-bass, the quest for the ultimate guitar and bass tone has been a lifelong pursuit for musicians and enthusiasts alike. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting your musical journey, understanding the intricacies of technique, pickups, wood types, effects, and amplification is crucial. In this episode, Dustin and Melody discuss their thoughts on the importance of tone and what actually matters regarding tone on guitars and basses.

Many successful musicians go their whole lives with little to no formal music education, while others pursue advanced degrees in the subject. For some, an education in music can lead to a multitude of opportunities. On the flip side, that same path can also lead to disillusionment and frustration. In this episode, Melody and Dustin are joined by their friend and colleague, Kane Lewis, to discuss the pros and cons of getting a degree in the field of music.

What is your relationship with music like? Whether you are a consumer, a creator, or somewhere in between, music has surely shaped your life in some way. For many of us, it is as important as breathing. For others, it's just a small part of their day. Unfortunately, there are also many people who have been pushed away form it by a bad music teacher, or by the different barriers of entry like lack of time or proper guidance. In this episode, Melody and Dustin discuss their individual relationships with music and offer some thoughts on how you can redefine your musical experience to make it more enjoyable and attainable.

Music has a profound impact on our emotions, memories, and experiences. For musicians, the soundtrack of their lives affects not only their personal life, but their professional journey as well. In this episode, Dustin and Melody explore the songs that have shaped them into who they are today.

In many ways, working in a creative field is completely different than working a typical 9-5 job. Musicians often face numerous challenges and obstacles trying to find an equilibrium between their personal lives and the many tasks involved in making a living through music. Though establishing this balance may look different for every individual, the need to do so is crucial. In this episode, Melody and Dustin share their experiences and a little advice on how to find balance as a working musician.

Almost every musician has found themselves in a situation where they were not fully prepared for the gig. Whether they were lacking knowledge in music theory, famous music references, or even how to trouble-shoot equipment malfunctions, we’ve all been there before. And it sucked! However, many of these situations can be avoided with just a little preparation and research. In today’s episode, Melody and Dustin will share some of their advice on things you should know before you throw yourself in the fire.

Technology has always had a massive impact on how we, as musicians, can create, produce, and distribute music. However, with the growth of AI technology, it can be argued that tech is overstepping the boundaries of what music actually is and should be. In this episode, Dustin and Melody discuss their initial thoughts on how AI can be used in the music industry as a creative tool and how it may revolutionize the industry as a whole in coming years.