The Music Lens Podcast

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Happy Women's History Month! We're celebrating two women who were both deemed mothers of their genres: Sylvia Robinson and Mother Maybelle Carter. Join us as we discuss these two pioneers and how Hip-Hop and Country wouldn't be what they are today without these incredible women's contributions.

Resources:

Sylvia Robinson

Lesley Riddle

Maybelle Carter Wikipedia

Maybelle Carter, The Mother of Popular Country Music

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February (and end of January) was filled with new music! Join us as we discuss our favs!

New Music:

Ella Langley: "Dandelion" and "Be Her"

Ian Munsick: "Geronimo"

Tim McGraw, Eric Church, HARDY, Morgan Wallen: "McArthur"

Amanda McCarthy: Looking For The Light

Russell Dickerson: "The Roses"

Luke Combs: "Be By You"

Sam Ferrara: "Second Place"

Emily Ann Roberts: "Whipped"

The Band Perry: "PSYCHOLOGICAL"

Chloe Collins: Bombshell

Alex Amato: On...

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Happy Black History Month! We're taking the time to highlight Black voices who have been trailblazers in the music industry. Join us as we learn about the pioneer of neo-soul, D'Angelo, as well as the Black Opry, a movement to raise awareness for Black artists in country music.

Resources:

D'Angelo - Wikipedia

D'Angelo - Variety

Black Opry

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In our second episode of our Widening The Lens series, we welcome Kristian Veech to the podcast!

Taking a songwriter-centric to production, Kristian Veech is a Nashville based producer, and mixing & mastering engineer whose work covers a wide variety of genres. From country, to pop, to rock, and everything in between, Kristian blends classic and familiar sounds with modern production techniques to create cutting edge, and fresh sounding productions. 

Go give Kristian a follow and check out her music here!

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It's time again for our annual Grammy Awards episode! Join us for a recap and review of this year's looks, performances, and awards!

Have a question, story, or feedback to share? Email us at: themusiclenspodcast@gmail.com

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We’re kicking off February with a roundup of new music we enjoyed from January, along with a few industry headlines, including the Songwriters Hall of Fame inductees and a recent copyright case involving Drew Barrymore.

Resources:

Songwriters HOF Inductees

Drew Barrymore Copyright Infringement Case

New Music:

Amanda McCarthy: "LOL WTF"

BANDANA CHEYENNA: "The Artist's Pilgrimage: ACT 1: THE DREAM"

Kate Cosentino and Melina KB: "Two Kids in a Trench Coat"

SJ McDonald: "You Say Ve...

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Before producers were household names, Joe Meek and Sam Phillips were quietly (and sometimes chaotically) changing the sound of popular music. In this episode, we explore how Meek’s DIY experimentation and Phillips’ work at Sun Records helped launch new sounds, new artists, and a whole new way of thinking about recording.

Resources:

Joe Meek

Sam Phillips

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Welcome to our new monthly series, "Widening The Lens", where we invite guests onto the pod to broaden our perspectives about different aspects of the music industry. Our guest for the inaugural episode is our good friend and collaborator, Sammy Kay.

Sammy Kay is an independent folk-pop singer-songwriter based in Nashville, TN. Her music inspirations include Taylor Swift, Ingrid Michaelson, and Vance Joy. She just released two new singles last year titled “Baby Shower” and “Pearl” that you can find on all streaming platforms!

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Welcome back to the latest part in the Artist Inventory series, a dive into how to build an EPK. EPKs are essential tools for artists looking to book gigs, gain press, and showcase their work to potential industry collaborators. Join us for a discussion on the elements that make up an EPK as well as other tips and tricks to set you up for success.

Resources:

Earlier Podcast Episode: How to Tour as an Independent Artist

How to Create a Successful EPK

How to...

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Happy New Year, everyone! We're kicking off our first episode of 2026 with a chat about new music and music news, including the Songwriters' Hall of Fame Induction nominees and more!

Resources:

Songwriters Hall of Fame Nominees

Songwriters Will Get Paid More for Streaming Royalties Starting Today

Amanda McCarthy's "Lifeline (Healed)"

BANDANA CHEYENNA's "Colorado Baby" and "Back to Light"

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For our final episode of the year, we’re hitting pause and looking back on the music that defined it for us. We talk favorite albums and songs, artists we loved seeing live, shows we played ourselves, and the moments that made this year unforgettable. We also look ahead to what’s next, sharing a few goals and hopes for the year to come. Thanks for being part of the ride — we’ll see you next year.

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In this episode, we kick things off with a run-through of the history of music videos from technical invention to MTV to YouTube before getting into why they still matter today, just for totally different reasons. We talk branding, storytelling, fan connection, and why videos aren’t about chasing TV play anymore… but they do still shape how an artist shows up in the world.

Resources:

The Music Video: Before Television

Music Video - Wikipedia

How YouTube Changed The Music Industry Forever

MTV...

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AI “artists” showing up on charts? Yeah… we have thoughts. We run through a few of the names popping up, why it’s frustrating to see them take up space, and why the chart they landed on isn’t even that important. Plus, we get into why AI can’t replace real human creators—no matter how good the tech gets.

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ICYMI, the nominations for the 2026 Grammy Awards were announced last week! Join us for a discussion on who's nominated, who should've been nominated, and more!

Have a question, story, or feedback to share? Email us at: themusiclenspodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube at: @themusiclenspodcast

You can also follow Alex and Katie on all socials at: @alexallegramusic and @katiefeemusic

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We're diving into the world of parasocial relationships — those one-sided bonds fans form with artists, celebrities, or even fictional characters. From the rise of Stan culture to the pressures it puts on independent musicians, we explore how these connections can both help and harm. We talk about healthy fandom, setting boundaries, and what happens when the line between admiration and obsession starts to blur.

Resources

Psychology Today

THE RISE OF THE STAN: DO PARASOCIAL RELATIONSHIPS HELP OR HINDER INDEPENDENT MUSICIANS?

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Deluxe albums: marketing genius or creative overload? We break down the history of the deluxe release, the songs we love that wouldn’t exist without it, and whether they still serve a purpose in today’s music industry.

Have a question, story, or feedback to share? Email us at: themusiclenspodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube at: @themusiclenspodcast

You can also follow Alex and Katie on all socials at: @alexallegramusic and @katiefeemusic

Get 15% off your Comfrt order: https://www.comfrt.com/TheMusicLensPodcast

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We’re back with a new roundup of the latest music and news! From fresh tracks by Jordan Davis, Lainey Wilson, Old Dominion, and more, we’re sharing what we’ve been loving—and what’s left us on the fence. Plus, we dive into deluxe albums: are they really necessary, or should artists just move on to their next chapter?

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Guess who’s back?! After a little summer hiatus, we’re kicking off the pod again. In this episode, we’re catching up like old friends—swapping stories from our summer, sharing some behind-the-scenes updates, and talking about what’s next for the podcast. It feels good to be back, and we can’t wait to bring you along for the ride!

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Happy Pride Month!
We're spotlighting two groundbreaking LGBTQ+ artists who helped pave the way for generations to come. First, we dive into the legacy of Ma Rainey, the “Mother of the Blues,” whose bold lyrics and unapologetic identity made her a trailblazer in early American music. Then, we explore the story of Jobriath, the glam rock pioneer whose short but impactful career in the 1970s challenged norms and opened doors for queer representation in rock. Join us as we celebrate their contributions, impact, and the importance of visi...

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We’re recapping our CMA Fest experience—from stormy setbacks to sweet puppy snuggles and, of course, nonstop country music. Tune in as we share the highs, the lows, and everything in between from one of the biggest weekends in country music!

Have a question, story, or feedback to share? Email us at: themusiclenspodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube at: @themusiclenspodcast

You can also follow Alex and Katie on all socials at: @alexallegramusic and @katiefeemusic

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After a recap of Eric Church's one-of-a-kind show at The Pinnacle, we're diving into the basics of a record label contract. Join us as we break down the basics, from key beginner terms to a few advanced ones that every artist should understand before signing a deal.

Resources:

What a Record Label Deal Looks Like

Recording Contracts Terminology

Recording Contracts Explained

All You Need To Know About The Music Business - Donald S. Passman

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Step into the hazy hills of Los Angeles and uncover the story of Laurel Canyon — the unlikely neighborhood that became the epicenter of a musical revolution. In this episode, we dive into how this tucked-away enclave in the Hollywood Hills transformed into a creative sanctuary during the 1960s and '70s, attracting legends like Joni Mitchell, The Byrds, Frank Zappa, Crosby, Stills & Nash, The Mamas & the Papas, and more.

Resources:

'The Truth Doesn't Rhyme'

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The 60th American Country Music Awards was more than just a celebration of 2024’s biggest stars — it was a tribute to six decades of country music history. This week on the podcast, we’re breaking down the night: the standout performances, the surprising wins (and snubs), and the fashion moments that had us talking.

From heartfelt tributes to the future of the genre, we’re recapping all the highlights and sharing our unfiltered thoughts on what made this milestone show one to remember.

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This week, we’re unpacking some of the freshest drops in music and major tour announcements. Tune in as we explore Eric Church’s bold new album Evangeline vs. The Machine, Maddie & Tae’s heartfelt release Love & Light, plus the buzz around Katy Perry’s Lifetimes Tour and Beyoncé’s epic Cowboy Carter Tour.

Have a question, story, or feedback to share? Email us at: themusiclenspodcast@gmail.com

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Festival season is officially underway — Coachella and Stagecoach have already set the stage, and now it’s our turn to join the celebration in our own way. In this fun-filled episode, we kick things off by designing our ultimate dream festivals— complete with fantasy lineups, fun names, and all the vibes we wish we could experience in real life.

But the party doesn’t stop there! After curating our personal mega-festivals, we dive into a music-themed board game that puts our knowledge and creativity to the test. It’s a laid-back, laughter-filled episode pe...

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This week on The Music Lens Podcast, we’re trading music business talk for neon lights and rooftop bars. Join us as we recap an unforgettable night on Broadway in Nashville—made even more wild by storms, downpours, and a full-on tornado warning.

But that’s not all! We also break down our night at an Ian Munsick concert at Nashville's newest music venue, The Pinnacle, where modern country met mountain soul in the best way possible. Whether you're a die-hard fan or new to his music, you'll want to hear our take o...

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In part two of music production DIY, we're discussing the last two steps to producing a song: mixing and mastering. Join us to hear about the difference between the two, setting levels, EQ, compression, and more!

Resources

Avid How To Mix Music

LANDR How To Mix Music

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Following a discussion into the nominees for the 60th ACM Awards, we're turning our attention to a cornerstone of Nashville's songwriting scene: the writers' round.
If you've ever played—or watched—one, you know it's a special kind of magic. But do you know where the format came from or how it started? In this episode, we explore the roots of the writers' round and how it became a beloved tradition in Music City. Tune in and uncover the story behind the round.

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With today's technology, anyone can learn how to produce music on a relatively low budget. From which equipment you need to setting up and actually recording, we're discussing what you need to do to get started producing music by at home!

Resources:

LANDR Music Production

LANDR Home Studio

LANDR 50 Best MIDI Controllers

How To Set Recording Levels

AVID: How To Produce Music

AVID: How To Edit Audio

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There's always something (or many, many things) going on in the music industry, so we're taking this episode to catch up on some of its current events. Join us for some new music, some award shows, Broadway happenings, and more!

Resources

Billboard Women in Music

Sabrina Carpenter

Anna Vaus

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When you hear the term "ghostwriter", you probably think of books, but did you know that ghostwriting happens in music industry too? Join us for a discussion about what a ghostwriter is and how it differs from a work-for-hire in this week's episode.

Resources

Famous Artists Who Moonlight As Ghostwriters

The Power of Ghostwriting in Music

Invisible Musicians

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Happy Women's History Month! It's our second year celebrating and we're discussing updated statistics on women in music as well as highlighting women who achieved great success in the past year.

Resources:

Barbie Career of the Year

Inclusion in the Recording Studio

2024's Top Women in Music

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Happy Black History Month! Join us as we discuss the lives and achievements of two important Black artists in the history of recorded music, the first commercially recorded African American, George W. Johnson, and the Queen of the Blues, Mamie Smith.

Resources:

NPR

Hearing the Americas: George W. Johnson

Hearing the Americas: Mamie Smith

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After Chappell Roan used her Best New Artist acceptance speech time at the Grammy's to advocate for labels to pay artists a living wage and provide health insurance, we decided to talk about how artists currently get paid by labels with what is known as advances as well as go over some healthcare resources that are available for artists.

Resources:

Recording Contracts Explained

Unraveling Music Artist Advances

Healthcare Resources For Music Artists

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It's hard to believe we've been podcasting for a whole year already! Join us as we celebrate our one year anniversary by discussing the 2025 Grammy Awards.

Resources:

2025 CMT Awards Canceled

Have a question, story, or feedback to share? Email us at: themusiclenspodcast@gmail.com

Follow us on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, and YouTube at: @themusiclenspodcast

You can also follow Alex and Katie on all socials at: @alexallegramusic and @katiefeemusic

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It's February and that means Valentine's Day is right around the corner, so we took a look at the history of love songs this week. But before that, hear us talk about our experience at Kelsea Ballerini's sold-out Bridgestone Arena show on her first ever arena tour!

Resources:

The World's Oldest Love Poem

Deconstructing The Love Song

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The 67th Grammy Awards will take place on Sunday, February 2nd in Los Angeles. To prepare for the big event, we're giving you an update on LA wildfire relief before diving into the history of the Grammy Awards as well as the award process and some fun facts about the gilded gramophones. Check out the episode description for places you can donate to LA wildfire relief efforts.

Donate to LA Wildfire Relief:
Red Cross
Habitat for Humanity of Greater Los Angeles
Pasadena Humane Society
Musicares
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After a discussion about the potential banning of TikTok (this was recorded the day prior to when the ban was supposed to begin), we are back to our Artist Inventory series with a look at music producers. What is a producer and what do they do? If you're an artist, how do you find one to work with? We're covering all that and more in this episode.

Resources:
Lemon8 Article
Music Production: What Does a Music Producer Do?

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We're returning to our series of taking a look at the history of different cities that are music hubs in this episode! This time, we're covering New York City: home to Broadway, but also places like Tin Pan Alley and the Brill Building.

Resources:
History of Music in NYC Timeline
A Walking Tour of Music Landmarks in New York City
A Look Back at 100 Years of Pop Music in NYC

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Happy 2025! Join us for a discussion on how you can get you and your career prepped for the year by turning your new years resolutions into SMART goals, creating vision boards, and taking a look at your show booking/music release plans for the year.

Resources:
A Psychologist Explains The Power Of 'Vision Boarding' For Success

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