Not Just Music Podcast

AI can give you an answer—but how do you decide what to do with it?

On this episode of Not Just Music Podcast, Duan sits down with Minister Rhonda Wilson and licensed clinical mental health therapist Michelle Tillman to discuss faith, mental health, and the human connections that matter as AI becomes part of everyday life.

From spiritual discernment and checking AI-generated information to loneliness, emotional dependence, and the importance of therapeutic relationships, we explore using the technology while staying grounded in who we are.

Candace joins the conversation to share the pu...

Artificial intelligence has changed the way music is created—and even the way people listen. Instead of simply asking whether a song is good, listeners are increasingly asking, “Was this made with AI?”

In this episode of Not Just Music Podcast, Duan Barrino continues the conversation about AI’s growing influence on music. He explains why AI can be a powerful creative tool, but should never become the sole determining factor behind an artist’s work.

Prompting alone is not a golden ticket into the music industry. Artists still need talent, substance, presentation, a personal identity...

What happens when the music you create becomes bigger than a moment—and starts representing who you are?

In this episode of Not Just Music Podcast, Duan and Quincy Murdock slow down for a real conversation surrounding Quincy's new gospel record, This Is Called My Learn Song, and the personal growth, faith, lessons, and experiences behind it.

Quincy explains why this record isn't simply a switch to another genre. It's a reflection of where he is in life. He opens up about creating from a difficult place, stepping further into his faith, making music that re...

Every independent artist wants to know how to make money from their music—but maybe we're asking the wrong question.

Instead of worrying about how to make your first $1,000, what can you do to make your first dollar?

In this episode of Not Just Music Podcast, we break down what it really means to approach your music like a business. From selling directly to fans and getting back to hand-to-hand promotion to live performances, sync licensing, websites, merchandise, and other opportunities outside of streaming platforms, there are more ways to make money with your music th...

Communication Could Be Costing You Opportunities

Are you trying to build a music career through Instagram DMs and Facebook Messenger? It may be time to rethink your approach.

In this episode of the Not Just Music Podcast, we discuss why professional communication is one of the most overlooked skills in the music industry. The team explains why emails, phone calls, Zoom meetings, and proper business etiquette still open more doors than social media messages ever will.

We also break down how artists should submit music professionally, why details matter when contacting radio stations...

Making great music is only half the battle. The real question is: Can you perform it?

In this episode, we dive into one of the most overlooked skills in the music industry—showmanship. We discuss why performing live requires preparation, confidence, and consistency, and why every performance, whether it's for two people or two thousand, deserves your absolute best.

Quincy Murdock shares lessons from years of performing everywhere from street corners to large stages, while we break down how preparation, crowd engagement, stage presence, and professionalism separate artists from entertainers.

If you're serious ab...

Being independent has never been more accessible—but it's also never been more misunderstood.

In this episode of the Not Just Music Podcast, we pull back the curtain on the hard truths that every independent artist needs to hear. From the misconception that paying for distribution makes you a record label, to the dangerous belief that great music alone will find an audience, we break down why talent is only one piece of the equation.

We also discuss why chasing viral moments without a real business foundation is a losing strategy, and why trying to we...

Think you need thousands of dollars to market your music? Think again.

In this episode of the Not Just Music Podcast, we break down how independent artists can build momentum without breaking the bank. From creating engaging short-form content to building a loyal community, we're sharing real-world strategies that help artists grow using creativity instead of cash.

We discuss why chasing viral moments isn't always the answer, how to repurpose one song into weeks of content, and why having a small group of dedicated supporters can be more valuable than thousands of passive listeners. We...

In today’s episode, we bridge the gap between text and melody! Join us for a fascinating conversation as we explore two of the most transformative frontiers in technology: AI Prompting and AI Music Composition.

We are thrilled to welcome special guests Courtney Daniel and Candace Lee to the show.

What to Expect:

Beyond the Mic: Transitioning from Rapper to Entertainer

On the Not Just Music Podcast, hosts discuss why simply being a great rapper is only the first step toward a sustainable career. This episode explores the vital importance of moving beyond lyrics to become a true entertainer who can command a platform and build a lasting legacy.

Many emerging artists fall into the trap of imitating popular trends instead of carving out their own unique musical territory. By focusing on originality and intentionality, creators can develop a "sonic fingerprint" that resonates across all platforms, from the...

Using AI to Find Your Purpose: From Getting By to Taking Control

On the Not Just Music Podcast, host Duan Barrino talks with Keisha Nicole, Emilia Felix, and the team from "The AI Pivot Group." This episode shows how AI can help people find their life's work and move from just surviving to truly being in charge of their own lives.

Emilia Felix tells her story of how a health scare in 2024 made her stop living in survival mode. She says AI helps her brain connect ideas, turning messy thoughts into clear plans like her...

Moving Your Career into AI: Helping Everyone Succeed

On the Not Just Music Podcast, host Duan Barrino talks with Aunt Candace Lee and Attorney Nicole Wylie Bell about their new "AI Career Pivot Group." This group helps people from all backgrounds learn how to use AI tools in their daily work.

They explain how AI makes businesses run better. It helps with marketing, makes writing easier, and handles customer questions automatically. By using tools like Gemini, workers can quickly summarize long papers, understand data by just asking questions, and create pictures to help their business...

Growing Your Career in the Music Industry

In this episode of the Not Just Music Podcast, we discuss factors in everyday life that can change the course of trying to grow your music career. Building a sustainable path requires more than just talent; it involves navigating real-world technical and business challenges while providing a professional platform for your art.

Success in the music industry is a balance between mastering the creative craft—maintaining dedication and authenticity—and proactively learning the business side, such as copyright, royalties, and contract literacy. Whether you are establishing your starting rate...

Professional Guidance for Emerging Music Therapists

Welcome to the NJMP podcast, where we answer your career questions about the music industry. Today, we're diving into a crucial question from our community regarding how much to charge for services fresh out of college. Tap or click the contact button to submit your own career questions.

We believe in providing a professional platform for music professionals to share their perspectives on building a sustainable career path. This isn't just about set rates; it's about building a community that understands the financial value of professional music therapy.

Welcome to another episode of the Not Just Music Podcast, where we celebrate the history of independent recording while providing a professional platform for emerging artists. Today, we dive into the real-world technical problems that occur after the recording light goes off, focusing on the vital importance of file management.

Building a community around authentic artistry requires the same technical discipline found in professional studios. Proper organization prevents software malfunctions and ensures your unique sound reaches listeners without the shaky quality caused by technical glitches.

Why Backups Matter

In the busy world of...

Finding Your Unique Sound: The Cornerstone of Longevity

Welcome to the NJMP podcast, where today we're diving into a critical pitfall that many "Beginner Music Artists Often Do," and more importantly, how to avoid it. The core mistake? Copying artists of the present or past.

We believe that true, lasting success in the music industry isn't about fitting into a mold; it's about finding a sound that is unique for them. This isn't just about originality for its own sake—it's about creating a sustainable identity that resonates deeply with an audience.

The Pr...

Picking up where we left off, this episode continues our discussion on budget-friendly studio setups.

Introducing BandLab: Free, Mobile, and Cloud-Based DAW

We will use BandLab, a powerful, free, cloud-based DAW available on mobile (iOS/Android) and desktop browsers. It's ideal for beginners with professional features and a low barrier to entry.

BandLab GUI Walkthrough

The Graphical User Interface (GUI) has five key areas:

Welcome back to NJMP! This episode helps independent musicians budget for studio recording to achieve professional sound without high costs, covering both pro studios and DIY solutions.

The Professional Studio Path

Maximize studio investment by prioritizing preparation:

History of Collaboration

Music has always been about making art together. But today, the music business has made the process of working together much more formal. It's now a smart way to grow artistically and reach a bigger market, instead of just an unplanned jam session.

Early Examples: Jazz and Classical Music

Before pop music took over, mixing genres was key to new ideas. Jazz, for example, is naturally collaborative, relying on musicians talking to each other through improvisation. Classical music also often involves composers working closely with great players, creating pieces made...

In this NJMP episode, we talk about Boddie Recording Studio, celebrating its huge importance as the first of its kind. It was started on their own by two great people, Thomas and Louise Boddie. The studio laid the foundation for making music independently. We discuss the studio's early days, its special way of recording sound, and how it became a key spot for R&B, Gospel, and Soul artists in Cleveland, Ohio. It gave a much-needed stage to artists that bigger record companies often ignored.

Why Independent Studios Matter

The groundbreaking work of Boddie Recording...

This NJMP episode summary centers on the long-lasting careers of jazz greats Ella Fitzgerald and Count Basie. We start by highlighting their major historical win at the 1959 Grammy Awards, where they became the first Black artists to earn Grammys in the main, non-classical categories. This achievement was a huge moment for representation and recognition in the industry.

We then use their success stories to teach modern songwriters how to build sustainable careers in music. The main takeaway is that lasting success requires focusing on two equally important things:

This episode of the NJMP looks closely at the real-world problems in making a podcast today. We talk about ways to fix tech issues when recording online, like when the audio doesn't line up, the internet is shaky, or the recording software acts up.

We also go into the small, strict rules that music and podcast platforms, like Tunecore, demand when you upload. This includes getting the song titles and names just right, using the correct audio file types and length, meeting cover art standards, and tagging explicit content properly.

Finally, we share advice on...

This NJMP episode talks about our wild journey of recording music, which has always had its good moments and bad moments.

Start: We began recording in simple home spaces. We had lots of passion and creative freedom (good), but the equipment was cheap, we had technical problems, and the sound quality was low (bad). Funnily enough, these limits often caused "happy accidents" that shaped our early sound.

Moving to the Studio: Going to real professional studios meant great sound quality (good), but it brought the pressure of time and money (bad). We had to get...

This NJMP episode is about how today's activists can become major cultural forces, similar to Al Sharpton and Jesse Jackson.

To have a lasting impact, they need to follow the main lessons from Sharpton and Jackson: being great at organizing protests, working with politicians, and using the media well. However, they must apply these lessons to the modern digital world.

Today's major figures must change from using the "Pulpit & Protest" style to a "Platform & Policy" approach. This means using social media and online streaming to control the message and create action through viral movements.

In this podcast, we explore the history, present, and future of music production, focusing on how a distinctive sound is created. We're concerned that music is losing its unique "sonic fingerprint."

The Power of a Signature Sound

Historically, great producers defined eras with their unique sound:

What's up, sports fans? On this episode, we're diving deep into two incredible athletes who just owned their missions—one finally nailed it, and the other just keeps on winning! Get ready to celebrate the huge accomplishments of Laila Edwards and Claressa Shields, two women who are seriously making history.

Laila Edwards: Olympic Gold is Hers

Laila Edwards just completed the ultimate goal, bagging her first ever Olympic gold medal. We're going to break down her amazing journey to the top: the must-see moments, the insane grind of her training, and the pure mental toughness it...

The life story of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., a vital Civil Rights leader, is made complicated by claims made during FBI spying led by J. Edgar Hoover, who wanted to hurt King's reputation.

The main claims are:

This podcast episode talks about a huge moment in music and sports: Ella Fitzgerald's historic performance at the Super Bowl Halftime Show. As the "First Lady of Song," her appearance was a major step forward for Black artists.

What Halftime Used to Be Like

Before the big, flashy pop concerts we see now, Super Bowl Halftime Shows were simpler. They mainly featured local acts and marching bands.

The Big Moment

Ella Fitzgerald is famous for being the first Black woman to headline a Super Bowl Halftime Show.

This episode is deeply important and special for everyone here at the Not Just Music Podcast. This year, we are joining the whole country in recognizing a huge milestone: 100 years of officially celebrated Black History. This moment is much more than just an anniversary; it marks a century since the start of what was called Negro History Week, created by Dr. Carter G. Woodson. This has since grown into the annual, month-long celebration we know now.

The meaning of this 100th year is enormous. It is a chance to look at and honor the lasting and essential...

Welcome to the podcast! Today, we're talking about Oscar Micheaux, the true start of Black movie-making. He was the first big African-American director to make a long movie.

Micheaux (born 1884) didn't like the bad ways Black people were shown in movies made by white people. He was a writer who became a director so he could tell honest stories about how complex Black life really was.

His most important movie, "The Homesteader" (1919), is seen as the first long movie written and directed by a Black person. This started the "race film" business, making movies just...

It's Black History Month, and the same famous people always pop up: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Malcolm X, Muhammad Ali. These people are hugely important—they were key to the civil rights movement and changed the world. But their fame often hides the thousands of other amazing people who made history. Their stories matter, but when they are the only stories we hear, we get a thin, incomplete picture of Black success and struggle.

The truth is, Black history is not just about a few heroes. It's a huge story with many parts, including inventors, artists, sc...

This special Homeisode is dedicated to charting the inspiring career and remarkable progress of Laila Edwards, a young African American hockey prodigy. We will delve deeply into her compelling journey, from her early days on the ice to her current status as one of the sport's most promising talents.

The episode will focus extensively on the pivotal milestones she has achieved, the challenges she has overcome, and the relentless dedication that has positioned her squarely in the spotlight as a serious contender for a spot on the national team heading to the upcoming Winter Olympics. We'll explore...

This special Homeisode is all about giving a huge shout-out and recognizing Crystal N. Feimster for being absolutely awesome. Seriously, her contributions, dedication, and leadership have been exceptional!

Crystal really stands out because of her strong Integrity, incredible Problem-Solving Prowess (she can figure anything out!), and her total Commitment to Quality in everything she touches.

You can see her huge impact across all our key areas:

This Homeisode covers the tragic death of Vivian Strong, a 14-year-old Black girl fatally shot by a white Omaha police officer, James Loder, on June 24, 1969, in North Omaha, Nebraska. Her killing exposed deep-seated racial injustice and police brutality, becoming a pivotal moment for the city.

Cairo claimed he shot Strong, who was unarmed, after she ran from a group of teenagers he suspected of being "prowlers" near the Sacred Heart Convent.

Aftermath and Legacy

Strong's death immediately sparked outrage, leading to large-scale protests and civil unrest against systemic racism and discriminatory policing.

This Homeisode discusses the killing of 15-year-old Latasha Harlins and its reflection in the film Menace II Society.

On March 16, 1991, Latasha Harlins, an African American girl, was fatally shot in the back of the head by store owner Soon Ja Du at Empire Liquor Market after being wrongfully accused of shoplifting. Harlins was holding $2 for orange juice. Du received no jail time, fueling deep racial tension between the Korean American business community and Black residents of South Central L.A. This injustice was a major catalyst for the 1992 Los Angeles riots.

The 1993 film Menace II...

Happy New Year from NJMP!

Please like and subscribe to all of our networks.

https://www.notjustmusicpodcast.com/follow/

More Labs’ Morning Recovery is the #1 alcohol recovery supplement that helps you wake up clear-headed and refreshed. Clinically proven and trusted by thousands, with 20M+ bottles sold and a 4.9-star rating, it works. Try it risk-free! Enjoy an exclusive discount with our promo code! "NJMP" Head over to More Labs now.

Discover the unique taste of New Jersey's coast with Norman's Shuck Vodka from Garden State Distillery. Smooth, pure, and infused with oy...

This Homeisode delves into the often-overshadowed complexities of George Washington's life, focusing on his relationship with slavery and his persistent dental ailments.

George Washington and Slavery

We explore the historical nuances surrounding Washington's status as a slaveholder, contrasting the reality of his plantation at Mount Vernon with his decision to manumit(set free) his slaves in his will—a highly unusual act for a figure of his prominence at the time. This discussion covers:

Welcome to this special Homeisode!

In this episode, we're linking up to discuss the heart of the holiday season and so much more. The holidays are a time for reflection, joy, and connection, and we'll dive into what that means for us and for our community. We'll be sharing some personal holiday traditions, discussing the memories that define this time of year, and looking at how we can all embrace the spirit of giving as the year winds down.

As we reach the conclusion of another incredible year, we want to take a moment for...

In this homeisode, we delve into a truly new, groundbreaking technological development that is fundamentally changing how incarcerated parents can maintain a meaningful connection with their children. This innovation, which has captured the attention of prison reform advocates and family welfare organizations alike, centers around the creation of a dedicated, secure mobile application.

The application, which was officially launched in 2025, serves as a crucial bridge over the physical and emotional distances created by incarceration. While traditional prison visits are often infrequent, strictly scheduled, and can be logistically challenging for family members. This new technology offers a more...

In this Homeisode we give insight to the Harlem Globetrotters, and their rise to fame. Their story is a captivating blend of competitive sports history, cultural significance, and groundbreaking entertainment that has lasted for nearly a century.

Please like and subscribe to all of our networks.

https://www.notjustmusicpodcast.com

More Labs’ Morning Recovery is the #1 alcohol recovery supplement that helps you wake up clear-headed and refreshed. Clinically proven and trusted by thousands, with 20M+ bottles sold and a 4.9-star rating, it works. Try it risk-free! Enjoy an exclusive discount with our promo co...