Welcome to the House Music Connection podcast - hosted by Tony Fuel. Each week you'll feel more connected to the house music community as you hear Tony Fuel and other house music producers and DJs discuss their stories and offer their perspectives. Topics include:
-- How producers and DJs got their start
-- The state of the music industry today
-- Traxsource and Beatport charts
-- Mindset and staying motivated
-- Scene politics
-- And more
The styles of podcast guests include deep house, soulful house, funky house, jackin' house, garage house, and tech house.
From Gospel to House Music - A Chat with Singer Monique B Thomas, Ep. 29
DJs: Get free downloads of vocal and dub mixes here: https://tonyfuel.com/open-up-ft-monique-b-thomasListen to Open Up on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5wD7P2BxvR7LQrmbqK8OcX?si=dOpjL7-xSaSD3z06gtFoggLINKSMonique’s website: https://moniquebthomas.com/enTony Fuel’s website: https://tonyfuel.com/SUMMARYIn this conversation, vocalist Monique B. Thomas shares her journey from Philadelphia to France, her experiences in the music industry, and her insights on collaboration with producers. She discusses her work on the Open Up Project, the importance of rhythm in music, and offers valuable tips for both vocalists and producers. Monique emphasizes the need for clear communication in collaborations, the significance of recording for singers, and the evolving role of AI in music production. Her passion for music and teaching shines through as she encourages artists to explore their creativity and develop their skills.TAKEAWAYSMonique has lived in France for 27 years and has a diverse musical background.She emphasizes the importance of rhythm in singing and music production.The Open Up Project allowed her to explore house music, blending it with her jazz roots.Collaboration with producers should involve clear communication and understanding of expectations.Vocalists should be adaptable and open to direction from producers.Training and technical proficiency are crucial for vocalists in the music industry.Recording oneself helps singers understand their sound and improve their skills.AI in music production is growing, but human connection remains vital.Vocalists should prioritize their development and seek quality training, even if infrequent.Monique encourages singers to be curious and explore different styles.CHAPTERS00:00 Introduction to Monique B. Thomas02:49 Life and Career in France05:44 Exploring the Open Up Project08:40 The Art of Collaboration11:36 Vocal Production Insights14:38 Tips for Producers Working with Vocalists22:47 Navigating Ego and Professionalism in Music26:46 The Importance of Versatility and Technical Skills30:41 Advice for Aspiring Vocalists34:38 The Role of Training and Online Resources37:55 Recording: A Path to Self-Discovery42:46 Embracing Technology and AI in Music46:45 The Spiritual Connection in Music
27 Aug 2024
Jason Merle - Holding Down House Music in Fresno California, Ep. 28
--Overwhelmed with producer tasks? Learn how my free Release Roadmap tool can help: https://tonyfuel.com/roadmap
Jason Merle and 4E&A Links
https://www.instagram.com/jasonmerle_/
https://www.instagram.com/4eanda/
https://www.traxsource.com/label/57152/4e-and-a
Summary
In this episode of the House Music Connection podcast, Tony Fuel connects with Jason Merle: a house music artist, DJ, producer, and owner of 4E&A Records based in Fresno, CA. They discuss Jason's background in house music, the music scene in Fresno, and the challenges of running a record label. They also touch on the changing landscape of the music industry, the importance of artist experience, and the role of charts in promoting music. In this conversation, Tony Fuel and Jason Merle discuss the challenges of promoting and charting music in the digital age. They explore the role of charts in the industry and the motivations behind charting tracks. They also discuss the decline of music sales and the shift towards streaming, as well as the importance of supporting artists and the labor of love involved in the music industry.
Takeaways
Jason Merle started in house music in 1996 and has been involved in the Fresno music scene for many years.
The music scene in Fresno is vibrant and diverse, with different crews focusing on various genres within the house scene.
Starting his own label, 4E&A Records, allowed Jason to have creative control and learn about the process of releasing music.
Promotion in the digital age has evolved, with social media and video snippets playing a larger role.
The challenges of running a record label include managing artist expectations and finding the right balance between different ways of doing things.
Traxsource charts can help get more exposure for music, but they are not the sole determinant of a track's success. Promoting and charting music in the digital age can be challenging due to the vast amount of music available.
Charts can be helpful in gaining exposure and recognition, but their impact on sales is uncertain.
The decline of music sales has shifted the focus towards other revenue streams, such as merchandise and live events.
Authenticity and genuine support from other artists can be more valuable than chart positions.
Throwing parties and organizing events can be a labor of love, and the focus should be on celebrating the music and the community.
Receiving and listening to demos is an important part of the music industry, and it's crucial to provide timely and respectful feedback to aspiring artists.
Chapters
0:00:00 Introduction and Background
0:03:03 The Fresno Music Scene
0:07:51 Starting 4E&A Records
0:13:19 The Changing Landscape of Music Promotion
0:15:43 Managing Artist Expectations
0:20:04 Keeping track of all the tasks
0:23:26 The Role of TraxSource Charts
0:30:20 Are Traxsource Charts Helpful?
0:33:31 The Challenge of Music Promotion in the Digital Age
0:41:41 The Decline of Music Sales and the Shift to Streaming
0:51:34 The Labor of Love in the Music Industry
0:59:27 The Importance of Listening to and Supporting Demos
1:02:38 Release Roadmap Template
13 Aug 2024
DJ MJ: Launching Back2House Radio, Ep. 27
Interview with DJ MJ, Founder of Back2houseradio.com (http://back2houseradio.com) || Overwhelmed with producer tasks? Learn how my free Release Roadmap tool can help: https://tonyfuel.com/roadmap (https://tonyfuel.com/roadmap)
DJ MJ Links
https://back2houseradio.com/ (https://back2houseradio.com)
https://www.youtube.com/@djmjofficial6141 (https://youtube.com/@djmjofficial6141)
https://www.instagram.com/theofficialdjmj/ (https://instagram.com/theofficialdjmj/)
https://www.traxsource.com/artist/281829/dj-mj?ipp=100 (https://traxsource.com/artist/281829/dj-mj?ipp=100)
Summary
DJ MJ, a versatile underground DJ, producer, promoter, and radio station owner, shares her journey and experiences in the house music scene. She recently started her own radio station, Back to House Radio, after broadcasting on MixLR. DJ MJ emphasizes the importance of supporting others in the industry and being a team player. She discusses the challenges she has faced, including threats and negativity, and the need to develop a strong mindset. Networking and social media play a crucial role in getting bookings and promoting oneself in the music industry. In this conversation, DJ MJ discusses the importance of putting yourself out there and sharing your story on social media. She emphasizes the power of being authentic and opening up about your experiences. DJ MJ also talks about the need for collaboration and unity in the music industry, particularly in terms of gender representation. She shares her journey into music production and the joy she finds in creating tracks. DJ MJ encourages listeners to keep it real, do it for the love of music, and not be afraid to promote themselves.
Takeaways
Supporting others and being a team player is crucial in the music industry.
Developing a strong mindset is essential to overcome challenges and negativity.
Networking and social media are important for getting bookings and promoting oneself.
Being proud of your achievements and promoting yourself is necessary in a competitive industry. Put yourself out there and share your story on social media
Authenticity and opening up about your experiences can lead to more engagement
Collaboration and unity are important in the music industry
Gender representation should be balanced in lineups and events
Music production can be a fulfilling and enjoyable creative outlet
Keep it real, do it for the love of music, and promote yourself without fear
Chapters
00:00:00 Introduction and DJ MJ's Background
00:02:39 Starting Back to House Radio
00:07:02 The Decision to Start a Radio Station
00:10:22 Expanding the Lineup and Looking for DJs
00:11:23 DJ MJ's Journey in the House Music Scene
00:16:10 Influences and Musical Eclecticism
00:21:22 Networking and Getting Bookings
00:24:23 Promoting Yourself and Being Proud of Your Achievements
00:27:02 Putting Yourself Out There on Social Media
00:29:32 The Importance of Being Authentic
00:36:42 The Journey into Music Production
00:43:47 Keeping It Real and Doing It for the Love of Music
00:51:59 Release Roadmap Toolkit
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