Derek is an experienced sales, marketing, and business development executive with over two decades working with world-leading brands in the media, technology, advertising and cannabis industries.

In the fall of 2000, while working for Akamai Technologies in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Derek was introduced to the practice of yoga by a few of his sales colleagues who were heading out to a Bikram studio near Boston University.

Josh Baron is a ticketing industry expert, consultant and VP of business development for Project Admission where he works with content owners to facilitate a more connected and integrated ticketing experience for fans and rights holders working across professional sports and live entertainment.

Brad Tucker has served as Senior Project Manager for Dayglo Presents since 2014. Tucker joined the organization in 2010 as Intern to CEO & Founder Peter Shapiro at Relix Magazine, and was quickly promoted to Shapiro’s Executive Assistant.

Lucas Sacks is the Director of Talent Booking for Brooklyn Bowl Williamsburg & Brooklyn Bowl Philadelphia. 

32-year old NYC based Talent Buyer for Brooklyn Bowl Williamsburg, Paul Bacher is a live events industry pro.

During her eleven years of production industry experience, Victoria Butash has been living her dream as a FOH and MON systems engineer, MON engineer, FOH engineer, and live sound professor. She is currently on tour mixing monitors for Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit and Sylvan Esso. Victoria is based in Austin, Texas.

Matt Starr is a drummer, singer, producer, career coach and public speaker. As a drummer, Matt has built a reputation for working with some of rock’s most influential musicians including Ace Frehley (KISS), Joe Lynn Turner (Rainbow), Kevin DuBrow (Quiet Riot), George Lynch (Dokken), and Billy Sheehan and Paul Gilbert in Mr. Big. He has also worked with members of Guns 'n Roses, Bon Jovi and Whitesnake.

Doug Wimbish is probably best known as the cutting edge lead bassist in the Grammy Award-winning hard rock band Living Colour, but looking beyond the obvious, one quickly sees that Doug's influence and impact on the world's musical culture is much more vast and significant than often written or realized.

Noelle Jordan is a U.S. based, multidisciplinary production professional, specializing in lighting, production management and backline for concerts and events. Her portfolio as a touring lighting designer/director and technician personifies the blend of her creative expertise and design technique - currently with PJ Morton ("My Peace Tour", "Watch the Sun Tour"), Moonchild ("Starfruit Tour"), and the "Hoorae Kennedy Center Takeover" with Issa Rae.

Laura Nagtegaal is a self-employed tour & stage manager, guitar & keys technician, and merchandise manager with 25+ years experience across the globe. From intimate single digit audiences to headlining in front of 100k+ audiences, MsGyver specializes in providing the much-needed safety net for the artist.

Greg Jacobs - In 1980, during high school, I was swallowed up by punk rock in Southern California. That scene was a creative incubator where I developed my vision and passion. It started with photography and expanded from there. Later in the 1980's, I worked at several record labels (SST, CRUZ, Enigma, Cargo and even Capitol for 1 day). Throughout most of the Nineties I took a hiatus from photography – I moved to San Diego, had a book published (Hell On Wheels 1994) and was managing bands (Rocket From The Crypt, Drive Like Jehu, Big Drill Car, Supernova), then in 2001, it was over. I moved to Long Beach, CA, and got a straight job.

Laura Clapp Davidson fell in love with music and songwriting at an early age. After graduating from the Berklee College of Music, she moved to Nashville where she made her living singing demos and plugging songs on Music Row. Currently, she lives in her hometown in Connecticut and is thrilled to be working for the legendary Shure Incorporated as their Retail Market Development Specialist.

Ann Mincieli is a renowned Engineer, Mixer, Collaborator and Album Project Manager for Alicia Keys. The 2x GRAMMY winner has worked with some of music’s biggest acts including Mariah Carey and Jay-Z, among others. Mincieli is the owner of Jungle City Studios, which is one of New York’s most elegant and best equipped recording facilities in the world. As a prominent leader in the music industry, Mincieli has been at the forefront of the movement to restore Manhattan to its former prestige as one of the world’s top recording destinations.

Lotje Horvers is a tour manager from Amsterdam. She has been active in the music industry for 20 years. She started out booking local bands when she was a teenager, and since then has covered a great variety of jobs in the live music industry: stagehand, production runner, merch vendor, agent assistant, stage manager & backstage hospitality. But mostly she has been tour managing, traveling the world working with artists playing anywhere from squats to stadiums. In recent years she has worked with M83, Robyn, Royksopp, The Knife, Fever Ray, Susanne Sundfør and ionnalee.

Bob Gruen is one of the most well-known and respected photographers in rock and roll. From John Lennon to Johnny Rotten; Muddy Waters to the Rolling Stones; Elvis to Madonna; Bob Dylan to Bob Marley; Tina Turner to Debbie Harry, he has captured the music scene for over forty years in photographs that have gained worldwide recognition.

Emmy-winning composer Sean Callery has received 17 Emmy nominations and 4 wins, making him one of the most nominated composers of all time. Callery scores Fox’s upcoming series Next, starring John Slattery, which is set to premiere on October 6, 2020; Robert Lorenz’s action/thriller feature The Marksman, starring Liam Neeson, which will come out in early 2021; and CBS All Access’ Bull, starring Michael Weatherly.

Rusty Harmon is a music business veteran from North Carolina who fell in love with the industry while working at his college radio station at NC State University. He soon met the first band he would manage, Hootie and the Blowfish, and guided their career through 25 million records sold, three #1 releases, and awards including multiple GRAMMYs, an MTV Music Award, and Billboard’s Artist of the Year.

April Tucker, Caroline Losneck, and Christoph Gelfund are the filmmaking team behind LIVING SOUND: A Documenatry About Ethel Gabriel. The film began in early 2019, when April Tucker was researching early women record producers, and discovered an article about Ethel Gabriel–someone she'd never heard of before. Co-directors Caroline and Christoph interviewed Ethel for SoundGirls, an organization that supports women and underrepresented groups in the audio industry.

Chris Leonard has been in the professional live audio world for almost two decades, following in the footsteps of his father. As a monitor engineer with Maryland Sound International, he toured with artists like Tears for Fears, Don Henley, Disturbed, Josh Groban, Anthony Hamilton and more.

Joel Miller (AKA Joel Roadie, AKA Rifken) was born in Cambridge, England. His parents emigrated to Los Angeles when he was a child, and he grew up in Southern California. He is the oldest of three children. When he was four years old, Miller's mother was stopped in a shopping mall by talent agent Dorothy Day Otis. Soon after he began working as a child actor and model. One such fun ad campaign featured Miller as one of the young faces for Borax Soap - alongside Tony Randall and an also very young Jaleel White (Steve Urkel.)

Carolina Antón is an internationally recognized leader in the field of live sound mixing, systems design and optimization of sound reinforcement. For more than 15 years, Carolina has established a trajectory within her career, collaborating with distinguished national and international artists and productions.

Harley Zinker is a FOH Engineer born and bred New York City.

Starting at rehearsal studios before moving on to clubs and venues around NYC, Harley has since gone on to mix at venues around the world from clubs to stadiums. With a career in live audio spanning 25 plus years Harley has mixed and worked with a wide range of artists across multiple genres, including long standing relationships with the bands Interpol and The Yeah Yeah Yeahs, among others.

Pierre BUCHER is a Stage Manager, Tour Manager, Production Manager based in LYON France. For the last fourteen years he has worked every sized venue from clubs, theatres, and festivals.

Pierre started as a volunteer, helping local productions in every job possible. His philosophy now is the same as it was then; the more areas you can be knowledgeable about, the hireable you’ll be.

Timothy Burkhead is a Tour Manager, Production Manager, FOH Engineer, entrepreneur and percussionist currently based out of Nashville, TN.

Sandy Espinoza is an industry veteran who is championing the cause to help fellow crew members in need by being the voice behind Roadiecare.com.

Tom Weber has been a much sought after Guitar Tech whose resume includes long-standing support for Eddie Van Halen and CC Deville.

Roadiecare.com seeks to provide assistance to those in the entertainment industry looking for mental health resource referrals or direct monetary support due to the ongoing COVID-19 epidemic.

Rachael Moser is a System Engineer/Crew Chief from Clair Global who is currently based out of Nashville, TN. Over the last ten years she has worked as a PA Tech, Monitor Systems Tech, RF Tech, and Monitor Mixer.

Ben Paletsky is an entrepreneur and co-founder of South Farms, one of the leading agri-tourism and Wedding destinations 2-hours north of NYC.

In 2020, during the COVID-19 Pandemic, South Farms safely hosted outdoor concerts an comedy nights with artists including; Warren Haynes, Grace Potter, Pigeons Playing Ping Pong, MOE., Bill Burr, and many more.

Jeff Slate is an ASCAP award winning singer-songwriter from New York City. He co-founded the 1980’s mod/punk band the Mindless Thinkers, who were mainstays on the Northeast college circuit. In the mid-90’s he released The Townshend Tapes, on which The Who’s Pete Townshend acted as executive producer, and opened for Sheryl Crow on her “Tuesday Night Music Club” tour.

Jake Nelson is a Tour Manager currently based in Brooklyn, NY.

Raised in a creative community, Jake has always found a love for supporting the arts. He’s a strong advocate for the freedom of expression and holds himself to a high standard of reliability.

Dana Wachs is a Brooklyn based composer and audio engineer, that performs under the name Vorhees.

Jason Greenberg is a Front of House and Monitor Engineer based in New Jersey with an extensive resume including such artists as Hot Tuna, Darlene Love, Dion, Trey Anastasio, and the Tangiers Blues Band.

Meegan attended California Institute of the Arts (“CalArts”) and graduated from their technical theater program in 1993. She has worked in the live sound industry for over 25 years touring, doing everything from System Engineer and Technician, to Monitor and Front of House Engineer. She has toured with TOOL, Queens Of The Stone Age, Gorillaz, Natalie Cole, Natalie Merchant and Soul Coughing.

Michael Musburger knows what it’s like to be at the epicenter of something incredible. As a Seattle native, he not only witnessed the rise of the Grunge scene, but as a member of the Posies, and subsequent Production and Stage Manager for the Presidents of the United States of America, he was one of the scene’s first ambassadors.

Fresh from graduating from the University of Hartford, Alan Venitosh promptly landed a job at Telefunken Elektroakustik in South Windsor, CT. A touring musician with a degree in music production and a keen interest in recording techniques, Alan joined owner Toni Fishman in their modest office space, never imagining where this turn of events would lead him.

Parnelli award-winning monitor engineer Greg Looper knows firsthand the role fate can play in a career. For the last several years he has been with Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, first as a systems tech for FOH engineer Robert Scovill, but eventually stepping-in at monitors, where he has proven to be an invaluable asset.  

After nearly 45 years in the music industry it's safe to say that Robert "Nite Bob" Czaykowski does indeed deserve the legendary status that is usually bestowed upon him. 

Bobby Tis, guitar tech and monitor engineer for the Tedeschi Trucks Band, has fostered that trust for close 10 years. I spent an evening with Bobby at a recent gig in Simsbury, CT, and the level of camaraderie and closeness among the band and crew was certainly palpable.

If you haven’t plugged-in and tried a guitar amplifier from Louis Electric Amplifiers yet, I urge you to find the nearest one and do so right away.

Rebecca Wilson is steadfast in her belief that the best way to learn is by doing. No fancy schools, no debt load to carry, just basic hard work, and being passionate about following your dreams.

It was at a Supertramp concert when he was 13 years old where Robert Scovill got his first glimpse of a FOH soundboard, and since that day, he’s followed his insatiable passion for live music all the way the top of his field.

This week I sit down with guitarist/producer Eric Ambel in Brooklyn to mine through the finer points of a career built on desire, attitude, and talent. After all, you don't get to play with the likes of Joan Jett or Steve Earl by pigeon-holing yourself into one style. 

An innovator, leader, and rebel, Hanley is responsible for so many advancements in the area of live sound reinforcement that he's known affectionately as the "father of festival sound."

Paul Marcarelli has done it twice. For fourteen years he was the iconic face of Verizon who asked the question “can you hear me now?” and now, in a historic and unprecedented move, he’s back, representing mobile phone giant Sprint.

Nathan Barr is a composer’s composer. Not only does he love to write music but Nathan seeks out the most unique and original instruments with which he creates his unforgettable compositions.

After thirty-plus years in the film business as a highly sought-after commercial director, John is now crossing over and back to his first love; music and songwriting. Along with singer Abby Layne, he’s chasing the muse, one song at a time.

It only takes a few seconds of watching Mike Bram play drums to know how much joy it brings him. The same can be said of talking to him about music and the incredible journey he’s been on since he climbed behind his first kit at just five years old.

What do all great songs have in common? Most likely they tell a great story. So it’s no wonder Chas Sandford is an award-winning, multi-platinum selling songwriter and producer, he also happens to be an amazing storyteller. 

You don't get to be Jorma kaukonen's guitar tech without possessing serious skills. But more than skills, you need the right temperament.

Logos, posters, album covers, these are just a few of the items that leave an indelible mark on us; visually imprinting the look or vibe of a favorite band, book, or movie. 

FOH engineer and 2 x Grammy Nominee producer Courtney Taylor is a hard man to track down. Every other week he flies from his home in Southern Florida to work overseas, and in between, he's either working for someone else, DJ'ing, or planning his next move. 

It’s not uncommon for someone to start their career working at a place like SIR in New York City and end up on the road. That’s exactly what happened to Randy Brown. He met Roberta Flack while manning the stages at SIR, and the next thing he knew, he was travelling the country. 

Joe Rudge was born to be a music supervisor. It's literally in his DNA. His father is famed Rolling Stones tour manager Pete Rudge, and his step-father was the iconic film director Elia Kazan. So you see, the apple most certainly has not fallen far from the tree. 

To witness the fury that is Laith Al Saadi's guitar playing is to truly behold something special. And when he sings, and you can literally feel his growl in the bottom depths of your soul.

I first met Joe Magistro and Katrine Ottosen in the Summer of 2014 while they were both on tour with Rich Robinson. The gig was in Patchogue, NY, and the trailer hauling all of their gear had broken down in New Jersey on the way to Long Island.

My guest this week is friend and filmmaker Bob Sarles of Ravin’ Films. Editor, producer, and rock music historian with some incredible credits to his name, Bob and his business partner Christina Keating, work on a variety of unique projects throughout the year

30 years as a live sound technician. 25 years as Pearl Jam’s dedicated Monitor Engineer. Several years teaching, mentoring, and empowering the next generation of women in audio.

Tanya has carved an incredible international career for herself as an in-demand artist in the studio and on the road. These are just a few of the amazing artists she’s played with: Maynard James Keenan, Joshua Eustis, Orianthi, Ronnie Wood, and The Coors.

Our trip to Miami may have been cancelled due to the recent snowstorm in the Northeast, but that didn't stop me from getting my interview with Grammy-winning mixer Tom Lord-Alge.

No guest this week, but join me as I wax nostalgic about Marc Ford and the Magpie Salute, updates about our Indie Go Go campaign, the GroundUp Music Festival, Plato, and future guests.

Becky Pell is one of the lucky people who is able to follow two of her passions and turn them into thriving careers. As a monitor mixer she has worked with an incredible range of artist’s including the Black Crowes, A-ha, Anastacia, Take That, Westlife, Kylie, Muse, and Natalie Imbruglia.

Passion. Heartbreak. Angels. Devils. Duende, And of course, Jazz. These are the things that keep guitarist Anthony Purrone driving and striving for the truth in his playing and just a few of the things that we mined through during our time together.

My guests today are songwriting and performing duo Lucinda Rowe and Michael Connelly. Based in the idyllic hills of Sherman, CT and forged out of the iconic rock sounds of the ‘70’s, these two have paid their dues and then some.

When I think of Jazz, the violin is not usually the first instrument that comes to mind, but today’s guest has set me straight. Zach Brock is a monster of his instrument and I’m so glad we found a break in his schedule to have him on the show. 

To kick-off 2017 with style and grace my first guest in the studio is the smart and talented Fawn Segerson, otherwise known as Lullaby Girl. We talk about growing up in small town Connecticut, touring Paris, and her love of Elvis and Dolly Parton.

“I remember the night at the Nightingale that Joan Osborne walked up to me and literally said the following words, ‘Hi my name is Joan and I want to be a singer.” – Jono Manson

With 16 books to his name, Howard is a man of many talents; engineer, producer, songwriter, and musician. Howard's deep knowledge and love of the business is rivaled only by the incredible respect his peers have for him.

For this weeks episode I had the pleasure of sitting down via skype with Mike Bloomfield historian, David Dann. We recently spent time together up in Portland Maine for a screening of the film that I co-produced called Sweet Blues where Dann served as a moderator for the panel discussion.

At the age of 18 he was already a well-established guitar repairman having gained a reputation admired enough to have clients such as Bob Dylan and Eric Clapton seek his talents. 

How does one go from folding airbags for Honda and deboning chickens in South Carolina, to being Christian McBrides FOH audio engineer? To answer that question you are going to have to check out today’s interview featuring Fela Davis.

When I told people Peter Moshay was a guest on the show, the immediate reaction was "WOW!" Right away it was evident that Peter has earned the respect of his peers and colleagues in the industry, and that he is held in high esteem by those that have crossed paths with him. 

Sometimes I have to pinch myself at how lucky I am to spend time with my guests and Jim Weider is no exception to that rule. Jim’s roots in American music run deep, and his fifteen-year tenure with the Band helped to cement his status as a Master of the Telecaster guitar. 

This week’s guest is artist Mike Dubois, from Woodstock, NY. He has created some of the most iconic rock posters, album covers, tour merchandise and special event products of his generation.

Mike "aNaLoGman" Piera is a true renaissance man. Not only is he a devoted husband and father, he's also a record-setting Porsche racing driver, a top-ranked tennis player, and most famously, the man behind one of the most sought after effects pedals today; the King of Tone. 

Doug Redler is one of the most well respected guitar techs in his field. He has spent countless hours and thousands of miles with the likes of K.D. Lang, Paul Simon, Slash, Peter Gabriel, The Counting Crows, the Dixie Chicks....

Mitch Colby is a true veteran of the music industry. After spending an amazing thirty years with Korg USA, Mitch has not only gone on to launch his own successful line of handmade boutique amplifiers, he's resurrected the classic Park amplifier...

Drew Consalvo has been in the business for over 30 years and has been a monitor mixer for the likes of Moby, K.D. Lang, Pat Benatar, and toured with the Black Crowes for the better part of 15 years.

In our inaugural episode we sit down Brian Gerosa, the owner and proprietor of Gerosa Records. Located in Brookfield, Ct., the shop has been up and running since 1986. It is a rare breed of people like Brian that can have a customer walk through his doors with little to no direction as to what they are looking for, and end up leaving equipped with a new favorite record.