Journey of an Artist

"I still have lots of goals." - Andrew Sherman Failure or redirection? Inside joke or opportunity? How can you reframe your creative experiences to ensure personal success? The life of a creative professional is full of bumps in the road, but in this episode, Emmeline sits down with photographer, videographer, and podcast host Andrew Sherman to talk about the value of persistence, redirection, and confidence in your artistic skill set. Andrew talks about how he went from being an actor in Los Angeles to a podcast host in Dallas. He also talks about how he transitioned into photography and videography, why he finds being behind the lens so fulfilling, and how an inside joke led him to start the Dallas Famous podcast that airs just after the Journey of series on Deep Ellum Radio! Andrew and Emmeline also talk about their mutual love for the Old 97s and share some podcasting war stories. To learn more about Andrew Sherman, or to follow his artistic journey, visit his official website, or follow him on Instagram. You can listen to his podcast, Dallas Famous, on Deep Ellum Radio or on Spotify. For sneak peeks at upcoming episodes, be sure to follow the show on Instagram! To hear Emmeline's interview on Andrew's show, click here. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"If you're not having a good time, what's the point?" SEO, social media presence, streaming numbers: these are all things in which musicians can become ensnared and with which musicians can become disenchanted if we let ourselves. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Christían Thrailkill and Christian Nguyen of Dallas-based, optimistic rock band Low Key Colors to talk about how the band keeps joy alive as they increase engagement. Chris & Christian also discuss how the band formed, how it has evolved, and how they're planning a show on October 5th, 2024 at Three Links in Deep Ellum to honor their deceased bandmate, Nathan. To learn more about Low Key Colors, or to follow their musical journey, find them on YouTube or at their official website. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"Say yes before you're ready--then figure it out." - Joe Phillips How do you get ahead in the entertainment industry? How can you build a lasting, meaningful career as a creative? As a musician, how can you find a sound that's unique to YOU? In this episode, Emmeline sits down with touring artist, producer, pianist, and teacher Joe Phillips to answer these questions and more. Joe shares how he made the journey from touring band member to sound engineer. He also talks about developing the work ethic that led him to work on sounds for attractions at Universal Studios, the music for Barney & Friends, and sound design for films like Braveheart. Emmeline and Joe discuss how a musician's mentality can and should shift for live shows and studio work. Then, Joe gives a glimpse behind the curtain of his new studio at Campbell Crossing and invites singer-songwriters of all stripes to reach out for recording assistance! To learn more about Joe Phillips, to learn from him, or to follow his musical journey, visit him on Instagram or send him an email at joephillips1@me.com. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"We are all borne from love." - Janna Wilson We all know that creativity can be an essential processing tool in the toolbox for trauma survivors. But creation comes in all shapes and sizes! In this episode, founder of The Love Mic and multi-passionate creative Janna Wilson talks about how she has used her need for an outlet and accountability to build the community of artists that have now formed and supported three iterations of The Love Mic. Emmeline and Janna also talk about overcoming the discomfort of asking for money for your art, celebrating the accomplishments of other artists, why open mics are important for musicians, and how community can lift you up and carry you to your next creative level. To learn more about Janna and her creative ventures, find her on Instagram. To learn more about The Love Mic and how you can get involved as a performer or an audience member, follow The Love Mic on Instagram. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"It's not about you all the time; it's about reading an audience." Your art isn't just something you do for fun; it's your legacy. The things we create are the things we give back to society. If we're musicians, our music has the power to inspire others. If we're entertainers, our work has the power to uplift, unite, and energize an audience. If the thing we create is community, we have the power to bring people together in new and exciting ways for important causes. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Michael Clay, founder of Michael Clay Productions and co-founder of the Texas Music Project, to talk about the primary paradigm shift required to truly change an artist's life. They also talk about how to book gigs as a musician, what goes into a major event production, and how one's career in the music industry can change over time. Michael shares the importance of looking for needs in the industry--and explains why "playing live" is really about serving the venue, client, and audience. He also discusses his #MusicHeals project and the amazing work he's done with the Texas Music Project. To learn more about Michael Clay, or to hire Michael Clay Productions to produce an event, visit his official website. To learn more about the Texas Music Project--or to find out how to donate money, time, or talent to the cause!--visit the organization's official website. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Journey of an Artist kicks off our brand new season with our first ever LIVE recording and audience! Do you ever feel like your education didn't quite prepare you for the creative life you want to lead? Maybe you feel like you're being called in a different direction than you initially planned. If so, musicians Marc Solomon and Amy Curnow have some epic advice about charting your own path with your formal education! In this episode--kicking off a brand new season!--Emmeline sits down in front of a live audience at Zounds Sounds The B Side with Zounds Sounds owners and Charming Gardeners Amy Curnow and Marc Solomon. Amy and Marc talk about moving from formal arts education to careers in entertainment. They also talk about how that shift in their own lives has powered their unique vision for their music school, Zounds Sounds. Plus, hear some live performances of the songs Marc has composed about their experiences and released with Amy as the duo Charming Gardeners! This episode was recorded at Zounds Sounds The B Side in Dallas, TX in front of a live audience, and the entire Journey of team is IMMENSELY grateful to the team at Zounds Sounds for helping us make this vision a reality. To learn more about Marc and Amy, or to follow their musical journey, visit their official websites for Charming Gardeners and Zounds Sounds. You can also find them on Facebook! To catch more of the awesome live events hosted by Zounds Sounds The B Side, follow the venue on Instagram. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"We always want to leave people feeling hopeful." How do you stay passionate and persistent in the face of hardship? How do you keep from feeling discouraged when the universe seems to be throwing obstacle after obstacle in your path? How do you hold onto positivity when negativity seems to be everywhere? Australian natives Sheppard might have the answer. Amy, Emma, and George Sheppard were thrust into the limelight with the massive success of their single, "Geronimo," and their album, Bombs Away. From a multiplatinum certification to a slew of awards, they were riding a tidal wave of success...and then the world shut down. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Sheppard to talk about the personal and professional challenges that the pandemic brought to the band, and how a vital perspective shift--and a relocation to Nashville, TN--ultimately gave the siblings the light they needed to create their beautiful new album, Zora. Designed with their own persistence in mind, Zora is a collection of pop songs that speak to the resilience of the human spirit--even when adversity seemed relentless. They talk about how their spouses have encouraged their musical journey, how Nashville's music scene has welcomed them, and how excited they are to finally go back on tour, bringing the new music of which they're so proud to legions of fans. They also share more about the collaborative process that brought these new songs to light and give Journey of an Artist a special look at two tracks off the new album. To learn more about Sheppard, or to follow their musical journey, visit their official website. You can also catch the band on tour during the entire month of June 2024! For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"I'm just so grateful." That's what legendary jazz vocalist Lisa Nobumoto says over and over to Emmeline in this episode as she talks about her life as a touring vocalist, her time with masters like Teddy Edwards, and the creation of her nonprofit organization, The Jazz Masters Series. In this episode, Lisa discusses her brand new album, A Tribute to Jazz Singer Nancy Wilson. She also talks about how she began making music, what mentorship looks like, and why the parents of musicians should be supportive first and judgmental second--if at all! She also shares with Emmeline her lifelong mission to uplift, honor, and celebrate jazz music of all kinds--from Los Angeles to Las Vegas to Memphis--through the Jazz Masters Series and the Jazz Masters Orchestra. To learn more about Lisa, visit her official website. To learn more about the Jazz Masters Series, visit the official website or stream the incredible new album now. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Songwriters are storytellers. We're emotional photographers who capture the essence of a feeling in a multi-dimensional combination of words and music. We take a clever turn of phrase and pair it with an irresistible melody to create a memory--but what happens when one snapshot isn't enough? Enter the concept album. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with independent musician and producer John Flinchbaugh to talk about the magic of making not just a single, but an album. John shares the inspiration behind his brand new album, Infinite Circle (Forever), and deconstructs the process by which each song was created--and how the songs inform each other. He also talks about how the process of creation was also a process of self-discovery--and how he surprised himself with both the subject matter and the instrumental ideas that surfaced. Emmeline and John also talk about the importance of slowing down, appreciating the people around us, and being witnesses for ourselves. They even end with an exclusive live performance of John's song, "September (Calm Before the Storm)." To learn more about John Flinchbaugh, or to follow his musical journey, visit his Bandcamp profile or follow him on Instagram. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

Being productive as a creative isn't about being perfect or being perfectly in control; it's about taking action. In this first episode of 2024, Emmeline sits down with Simon Pruitt--a 20-year-old writer, venue manager, and live music event curator--to talk about the value of starting before you're ready. The Founder of OTO Experience, Simon booked his first music festival at age 17 by acting on his crazy idea to create a one-time-only concert of Lake Highland High School students and alumni. That one endeavor led helped him build the creative life he leads now, from writing for a city-wide magazine to running Dallas's hottest new venue, The B Side. Simon shares how passion and enthusiasm have driven him to put together "insane" multi-sensory events that connect people to musicians through one-of-a-kind experiences. Simon and Emmeline talk about the importance of live music, the essential but terrifying nature of letting go of control, and how we each benefit from knowing our strengths and delegating our weaknesses. They also talk about some of the artists that have graced both the podcast AND the OTO stage--including Sam Cormier, Billy Law, Zeke Forever, and more. To learn more about OTO, visit the official website or follow OTO and Simon, Zoe, and Grayson on Instagram. You can also follow The B Side on Instagram, or send a booking inquiry to thebsidedallas@gmail.com. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

When do you take the leap out of your comfort zone to invest in yourself? When do you give yourself permission to sound like you, and not like the people you've admired? What is the process by which your differences become your strengths? In this episode, Emmeline tackles these questions and more with singer-songwriter and voice coach Carly Carroll. She comes from a very musical family and has a degree in musical theater, but Carly still considers herself a student of music and is learning all the time. She shares with Emmeline about her decision to take a vocal pedagogy certification, her decision to take the leap and open her own vocal studio, and about the decision to make her debut record as a folk singer slowly and thoughtfully. Emmeline and Carly also talk about the importance of pets in musicians' lives and about the power of empowering female friendships! To learn more about Carly, to take a voice lesson from her, or to follow her musical journey, visit her official website. You can also find her on Instagram as a singer-songwriter and voice coach. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"There's only going to be a certain portion in any given room of people who are broadcasting on the frequency I'm broadcasting on." - Matthew Broyles How important is a niche in the creative arts? What should you do if you're inspired to create something outside your comfort zone or your normal area of operations? Matthew Broyles says, "Go for it!" In this episode, Emmeline sits down with multi-passionate entrepreneur and versatile creative Matthew Broyles of The Matthew Show to talk about his journey as a musician and a writer. Matthew shares the circuitous ways in which he's navigated his creative path--from writing and producing music in bands and as a solo artist to writing novels and producing his first radio play, Rewired. They discuss how creativity is often a combination of hard work and unpredictable circumstances, and Matthew highlights the rewards of leaning into one's deepest artistic desires. To learn more about Matthew, or to follow his artistic journey, visit his official website. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"Clarity is important." Do you feel like there is a story inside of you that desperately needs to be told? Have you always wanted to publish a book, but felt discouraged by the difficulties of the publishing industry? In this episode, Emmeline sits down with independent author and anthologist Adam D. Jones to talk about developing one's creative career as an adult, exploring the world of independent publishing, and why storytelling and writing are not always the same thing. Adam shares his passion for storytelling and talks about how he used that passion to become a better and more effective writer. He also discusses the beauty of the independent publishing industry and the plethora of intensely talented writers who are making it on their own. To learn more about Adam, or to follow his creative journey, visit his official website. You can also celebrate Adam's birthday by downloading his new anthology, The Lost Legends: Book of Monsters--which features a story from Journey of a Song alumna Christine Hand! For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"It is my responsibility to be in control of the narrative of my own life." Calling all women in entertainment! We all need the reminder that we're not alone in the messiness and imperfections of our creative pursuits. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with writer, dramaturg, and librettist Amy Andrews for a heartfelt, honest, candid interview about the twists and turns of Amy's creative journey--and why community among women is SO important when building a life for yourself as an artist. They also share a few funny college stories and talk about the journey from conservatory to the stage. To learn more about Amy Andrews, visit her official website. To learn more about the Women and Theatre Project, co-founded by Amy and Haley Goldenberg, visit their official website. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage or visit Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"I just felt this itch..." Jacob Niemeier had a great, stable life. He had a job in his field that earned him a comfortable wage, a satisfying living situation, and lots of friends with whom he could hang out on the weekends. Deep down, though, something was calling him to do more. To do something scary. To take a risk. Jacob was positive that God was calling him to start his own nonprofit and spend his days creating sustainable water solutions for underprivileged communities. Jacob was NOT immediately positive he wanted to answer that call. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with the Founder and CEO of Vera Aqua Vera Vita, Jacob Niemeier, to talk about his path to nonprofit entrepreneurship. Jacob shares the risks he took, the faith he had, and the challenge of answering a call once we feel it. He also has tips for searching for and seizing opportunities! The two also discuss the importance of purpose and community--and lament the limitations of the social definition of "creativity." To learn more about Vera Aqua Vera Vita and how you can get involved in helping to bring clean water to as many people as possible, visit the official website or donate today. For more about Vera Aqua Vera Vita's 2023 Concert Jam Fundraiser, click here. You can also listen to music by the featured artists--Emmeline, Zuriel Merek, and Travelin' Jed--on Spotify. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

How do you make a living doing what you love in the creative arts? Can music really make full-time money? Brad Thompson has the answer. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with professional musician Brad Thompson of Brad Thompson and the Undulating Band to talk about their reunion show on January 12th, 2023 at The Bartonville Store, how life impacts the process of songwriting, and how Brad has learned to shift from folk-inspired singer-songwriter to party band and back again. They also make some solid John Cage references, discuss their obsessive agonizing over set lists, and talk about the realities of life on tour. At the end, Brad shares "A Moment," the moving song he wrote for his late father. To learn more about Brad Thompson, or to follow his musical journey, visit his official website. For behind-the-scenes info and more about Journey of an Artist, visit Emmeline on social media or visit the Journey of Series official webpage. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"People really just need to be heard." - Lauren O'Connor. It's been a rough few years for mental health. The pandemic, the fear, the feelings of isolation, the political unrest--all of these have contributed to what sometimes feels like a Herculean fight. But if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, or struggling to find purpose and community, there IS hope. Foundation 45 is that hope. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Lauren O'Connor, the President and Executive Director of Foundation 45 in Deep Ellum. A drummer by trade and an audio engineer by training, Lauren didn't initially see herself working in nonprofit--but seeing her friends in the industry suffering from mental health and substance abuse issues drove her to make a difference. Lauren and Emmeline talk about witnessing the healing power of music during their time as volunteers at Girls Rock Dallas. Then, Lauren shares how her passion for mental health and arts advocacy led her to work more permanently in nonprofit. She discusses the amazing resources Foundation 45 provides for those in recovery, those struggling with depression or anxiety, and those in the LGBTQIA+ community who feel marginalized or voiceless. She highlights the incredible work done by Foundation 45's counselors, and the communities the organization has built in its support groups. To learn more about the incredible work Foundation 45 is doing, or to benefit from its services, please visit their official website. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"Lord, thank you for taking me through this journey. Grant me strength as I go through each day. Grant me a cheerful spirit and give me courage to do whatever needs to be done." - Angela Mendoza. Tony Mendoza was a CFO. His wife, Angela, was an accountant. They were, by self definition, not "creative" people. Yet they created a beautiful life together by choosing to love each other through life's complicated curve balls, honoring the wild journey God had given them, and welcoming three compassionate children into the world. Tony took up the guitar at Angela's suggestion, but he didn't necessarily consider himself a creative person--and certainly not a musician! Then Angela was diagnosed with cancer, and everything changed. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with Tony Mendoza to talk about his and Angela's moving love story--from the moment they met to how their love has changed in the wake of Angela's death. Tony shares how Angela's cheerful spirit, persistent grace, and unyielding determination inspired her to share her cancer journey with friends and family through CaringBridge. He also talks about how she survived three incredible years in spite of the doctors' predictions that cancer would take her in six months. He vulnerably explains how Angela's death has challenged him to step more deeply into his creative side, how Angela co-wrote a book with him from beyond, and how their story has become a beautiful song. To learn more about Angela's journey, please check out her phenomenally touching book, Dear Friends and Family. To help Angela's legacy live on through the students she impacts, you can donate to the scholarship in her name here. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"We live in hope." Have you ever wondered how you can contribute to the arts if you don't feel like a traditional creative? Can you still make an impact if you're not the one drawing, or painting, or making music? Dr. Diane Miles says yes. In this episode, Emmeline sits down with arts advocate Dr. Diane Miles to discuss her career in education, her experience in human resources, and how she's used her skills to uplift and empower artists to step more deeply into their creative truth. They talk in depth about Diane's historical neighborhood in Dallas, the inspiration she drew from her parents, and her personal and managerial relationship with the late, legendary artist, Johnice Ingram Parker. In Johnice's memory, Diane is now helping to manage the artist's remaining works, using the sales of those works to fund a financial award for up-and-coming artists who need support and encouragement. To learn more about Johnice Ingram Parker, to purchase her artwork, or to donate to the scholarship fund in her name, please visit her official website. You can also see her work in person at Chocolate Secrets in Dallas through September 2022. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.

"Authenticity is key." What do you do when you have so much creative energy that you can't possibly focus on just one project at a time? How do you balance all of your passion with your desire to stay sane? Joseph Fisher-Schramm knows. Joseph is a musician, a producer, an arranger, and the CEO and founder of the independent record label, A Study in Expression. In this episode, he sits down with Emmeline to talk about the myriad ways in which his passion for music manifests, how he collaborates with other artists, what inspires him, and why he felt the need to create a video game and accompanying board game called Gunpowder Tea. They also talk about the benefits and drawbacks of formal music education and why authenticity is such an important part of being a prolific creative professional. To learn more about Joseph, or to follow his creative journey, visit his official website. You can also find him on Instagram at @joefacethefirst. For behind-the-scenes information and more about Journey of an Artist, visit the Journey of Series official webpage, or follow Emmeline on social media at @EmmelineMusic.