28 JUN 2023 · Building Success As A New Music Industry Professional Feat. Danny Jones In this episode Durell is joined by music producer, audio engineer and music educator Danny Jones. Durell and Danny begin the episode talking about him being from a small town called Jonesboro Arkansas. Danny shares that even though he’s been very fortunate and blessed to have had a successful career he’s worked extremely hard for his success and he definitely feels that has been a major contributor to everything he’s accomplished thus far. Danny and Durell talk about the music industry really being a small industry and that there really being only six degrees of separation in terms of mutual relationships. Danny and Durell talk about when new artists and new aspiring industry professionals come in to the professional space whether it be in front or behind the scenes have no value and must put in the work but also now how to be of value to those who are in a position to share information and teach them what it is they need to know how to do. Danny shares that half of being successful is simply showing up and being ready to take advantage of the opportunity that presents itself. Durell and Danny talk about how important it is when choosing who to hire.Are they a person who would be enjoyable to be around so having a positive attitude is an absolute must. Danny and Durell talk about how he first got introduced to music and his earliest memories of music and when he knew that he wanted to pursue music as a career. Durell and Danny talk about the fact that in the business even though you do the work you don’t always get paid on time and having the mentality of things being unpredictable is paramount to understand. Durell asks Danny about his experience working with black artists as oftentimes the only white person in the room. Danny and Durell end the episode talking about the ability to pivot and learn new things to reinvent yourself to be able to last in the industry. Durell and Danny talk about the changes that have happened along the way and being able to understand how to navigate through it all. For more information on Danny Jones, please visit his website below: https://www.dannyjonesproductions.com/ Got What U Need Network - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwun.network/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GWUNNetwork - Website: https://gwunnetwork.com/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeA-JJasR0-64nBb1efDJ1Q/featured

21 JUN 2023 · In this episode Durell is joined by serial entrepreneur, and master intimacy director and coach. Princess Faith. Durell and Princess Faith begin the episode talking about how they got connected and the mutual respect they have for each other. Durell shares that the subject of sex can be taboo to discuss and that oftentimes due to religion we have to unlearn what we were taught and relearn from a much more open perspective. Princess shares that many of us were never taught how to view sex for pleasure because of the fact that it was usually only presented in the form of only being done for procreation. Princess and Durell talk about the importance of understanding education when it comes to sex because most people usually are making decisions and establishing certain viewpoints often from a misinformed foundation. Durell shares that he often shares a similar correlation when he’s working with new artists/creatives and coaching them because having the right information to work with and informed decision making is what leads to the outcome that is desired. Durell and Princess talk discuss the fact that most women when it comes to making a list of what they want in choosing a life partner aren’t making a conscious first choice of selecting a man with a disability. Princess shares that we are now in a society where women are making the choice of self-preservation and that makes it even more unlikely for them to choose a man with a disability. Durell and Princess end the episode talking about dating expectations between a man and a woman and having the necessary conversations that will lead to a successful and long lasting relationship. Durell and Princess talk about the ability to have honest conversations about sex when meeting someone whether it be online or in the real world, and making the choice to have a sexual experience with someone on the first date doesn’t make either person undesirable or an option for a long term relationship. For more information on Princess Faith, please visit her social media profiles: Instagram- @therealkinkyprincess Facebook: @Princess Faith Got What U Need Network - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwun.network/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GWUNNetwork - Website: https://gwunnetwork.com/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeA-JJasR0-64nBb1efDJ1Q/featured

14 JUN 2023 · Ep 74: Soul Empowerment Music Feat. Elaine E’ssential Episode Info: In this episode Durell is joined by indie creative and record label owner Elaine E’ssential. Elaine E’ssential and Durell begin the episode talking about how much she loves the name of the podcast. Durell and Elaine talk about what it means for her to be all about “Soul Empowerment Music. Elaine talks about starting her musical journey in the children’s choir and moving her way up to being a part of an all girl group. She shares that she is a descendant of Scott Joplin who is the creator of Ragtime Music and what that means for her and how that has impacted and made a difference for her as a creative. Durell and Elaine E’ssential talk about her opening for artists ranging from both the secular and Gospel world. Durell asked the question if it’s still important to open up for major artists in today’s social media era of discovery. Elaine shares the answer of how much it meant to her to come from the era where that was something to get excited about. Durell and Elaine talk about being built for the longevity of an up and down career, and her learning from one of her mentors about the importance of being balanced. Durell and Elaine talk about the work she’s done under her own indie record label. Durell shares how impressed he is to see so many great things that have been released under Elaine’s label E’ssential Music Entertainment. Elaine and Durell discuss her chart topping singles on the UK Soul chart as well as her album entitled “I’m Ready Now”. Durell and Elaine end the episode discussing her singles “Everyday Love” & “Dreamin” and her upcoming EP “Luv, Live Life”. For more information on Elaine E’ssential, please visit her website: http://essentialmusicent.com/ Got What U Need Network - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwun.network/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GWUNNetwork - Website: https://gwunnetwork.com/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeA-JJasR0-64nBb1efDJ1Q/featured

7 JUN 2023 · EP Title: Music Biz, Education & Strategy Feat. Casey Graham Episode Info: In this episode Durell is joined by music publisher and music industry strategist Casey Graham. Durell and Casey begin the episode talking about Casey’s earliest memories of music and how they got connected through a few mutual friends and colleagues within the music industry. Durell and Casey talk about him studying at the Conservatory Of Recording Arts & Sciences in Phoenix Arizona and graduating in 2005. He shared that he made the move to Atlanta with the goal of being a recording engineer in 2006 and then moved into music production around 2008. Durell and Casey talk about his production for artists such as Keith Sweat, Keshia Cole, Faith Evans, Idris Elba, Jamie Foxx, and several others. Casey also shares about his songs being licensed by TV networks such as BET, & TV One as well Rickey Smiley’s reality show “Rickey Smiley For Real.” Durell and Casey end the episode talking about what made him decide to pivot into the music publishing world as well as become a music industry strategist and educator as the creator of “The Music, Money, Makeover Show” For more info on Casey Graham, please visit his website below: https://www.musicmoneymakeover.com/ Got What U Need Network - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gwun.network/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GWUNNetwork - Website: https://gwunnetwork.com/ - YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeA-JJasR0-64nBb1efDJ1Q/featured

17 MAY 2023 · Organizational Leadership & Sustainability In The Entertainment Industry Episode Info: In this episode Durell is joined by Organizational Psychologist, Business Strategist, Recording Artist, and Filmmaker Dr. Indi Tyton. Durell and Indi begin the episode talking about living in an entertainment industry hub and her being born into an artistic family and wanting at times to leave the entertainment industry but always being pulled back in. Indi shares that being in the entertainment industry definitely has its challenges but because most industries present similar challenges you might as well stay involved in an industry that you love. Indi and Durell talk about how people really can't live life without entertainment. Durell shares that the only objective part of entertainment is the technical side but once you release it into the marketplace it then shifts to being completely subjective. Indi shares that she does a lot of work as a district advocate to get the US government to support the entertainment industry. Indi shares with Durell that she spent a lot of time trying to figure out what she was going to do as an artist to create sustainability for herself and still do what she loves. She shares that she realized that she had a lot of other gifts outside of just being an artist that she could bring to artists to help them be able to sustain themselves as well as keep their artistry alive, and that’s why she decided to create the Entertainment Leadership Academy. She shares that artists need to invest in themselves by learning how to lead because they are businesses. Indi shares that without artists the industry wouldn’t move and they do have value and should be more valued then they are. Indi shares that she wanted to pursue her Doctoral PhD program in Organizational Leadership because she wants to not only work with artists and creatives directly but also work with those who work with artists because it is important that those industry professionals working with artists know how to properly lead the organizations of the artists they represent and work with. Durell and Indi end the episode talking about the entertainment industry being a project based business and being able to be smart with the money when it comes because there will be times in between projects where there isn’t any money coming in. Indi and Durell talk about artists making sure that they create a business model that can give them a return on their investment. For more information on Dr. Indi Tyton, please visit her website and social media: https://www.entertainmentleadership.org/ Facebook: @ IndiTyton Instagram: @ IndiTyton

10 MAY 2023 · Songwriting, Music Business, & Shifting Mentality Episode Info: In this episode Durell is joined by Grammy Award Winning Composer, Songwriter, actress, and artist Angélique Cinèlu. Durell and Angelique begin the episode talking about her earliest memories of music and being the daughter of prominent Jazz percussionist Mino Cinèlu. Angelique shares that she enrolled herself into boarding school and then graduated from the University Of Virginia. Angelique shares that she got connected with well known producer D-Moet after graduation and began to put in her time building her craft of songwriting. Angélique and Durell talk about her early days as an artist and having a manager that was very shady and that made her want to quit being an artist because of such a terrible experience but ultimately being brought back to music and songwriting by co-writing. Angélique shares that she moved to L.A. for acting and that’s what allowed her to meet and build relationships that led to her being able to start cutting songs for TV and Film. Angélique and Durell talk about her working with John legend and Smokey Robinson and how she feels fortunate to have the opportunity to work with and know celebrities but she also knows that there are people who may not be able to comprehend that because they aren’t living in that type of environment. Angélique shares that she’s learned to appreciate that her life has been fortunate. Durell and Angélique end the episode talking about songwriters really being producers and being informed on how the music business has changed. Creatives being informed on how the new music business works is a major key in building success. For more information on Angélique Cinèlu, please visit her website below: Website https://www.mscinelu.com/

26 APR 2023 · Episode Info: In this episode Durell is joined by hip-hop artist, disability advocate, and digital marketing specialist George Doman. Durell and George begin the episode talking about his early years and his early memories of music. He shares that he feels like the hip-hop culture relates and shows similarity with what it’s like to have a disability and that’s why he felt such a connection to the culture early on in life. Durell and George talk about what led him to wanting to become a disability advocate. He shares his specific experiences working in a recording studio and being discriminated against and how that really made him want to talk about what it’s like having a disability and paving the way for the future of those living with disabilities. George and Durell talk about his experience meeting Chris Lighty. He shares that he always looked up to the business people behind the scenes which is what led him to want to pivot and shift his focus to working toward getting a job on the business side working for a label. He shares that he’s looked at the data and he discovered that there aren’t many opportunities and positions for people with disabilities at major record labels. Durell shares that’s what prompted and motivated him to write his e-book to share his story about his journey and give people in a similar situation hope and inspiration to chase their dreams. Durell and George end the episode talking about the work he did for the Netflix documentary entitled “Rising Phoenix” and his song being a part of the soundtrack which led to him winning a Sports Emmy in 2020. Durell and George talk about why it’s important to share their stories with as many media outlets as possible because when they get discovered by someone new their old accomplishments are new to those just discovering them. For more information on George Doman, please visit his social media profiles and website below: Website: http://georgetragic.com/ Facebook: @George Doman Instagram: @georgetragic

29 MAR 2023 · Episode Title: Hip Hop & Digital Music Marketing Feat. Faheem Smith In this episode Durell is joined by digital music marketing expert Faheem Smith. Durell and Faheem begin the episode talking about his early memories of music and his love for hip-hop. Faheem and Durell talk about his early experiences entering the music industry professionally as an artist but then getting burnt out and deciding to make the pivot into wanting to learn the business side of the music industry. Faheem talks about his work building street teams for a variety of different major labels which lead to him branching out on his own and starting his own company called Off Spring Entertainment. Faheem shares that while he had a lot of fun working the labels he eventually decided to leave the major record label music space and transition into working with several international brands like BET, Nike, Verizon and Pepsi. Durell and Faheem talk about him deciding to make another pivot and enter the digital marketing space in 2014. Faheem and Durell talk about the early days in digital marketing and their respect for Ryan Leslie and him ushering in the era of caring about data and being able to use the data to make better decisions. Faheem and Durell discuss what makes ads so powerful for independent artists and why he chose to really make that his focus within the space. Durell and Faheem end the episode talking about some of the most common mistakes and misconceptions he has when working with his clients and what he has been working on and coming up with next for him as a digital marketing expert. For more information on Faheem Smith, please visit his social media profile below: Instagram @strikefirstent

22 MAR 2023 · Episode Title: Musicianship And Composition Scoring For TV & Film Feat. Rob Diggy In this episode Durell is joined by musician, television, and film composer Rob Diggy. Durell and Rob begin the episode talking about his earliest memories of music and that even though he was exposed to music early he shares that he wanted to play football because that’s what his friends were doing and he wanted to follow along. Durell and Rob talk about him ultimately deciding to later on in his high school years make his focus on music because he knew that he could get a college scholarship. Rob is a graduate and a Hall Of Famer at The University Of Arkansas Pine Bluff. Rob shares that he began to get opportunities as a musician and producer because he could play piano and to help other producers keep from having to give away large amounts of their publishing royalties. Durell and Rob talk about him getting the opportunity to work with producers who worked with other producers and playing on tracks for the Notorious B.I.G. and a remix for Beyonce’s hit “Crazy In Love”. Durell and Rob talk about his early opportunities to compose and score for film. He shares that he appreciated that his musicianship was able to help create a path for him to make the pivot. Durell and Rob talk about his unique style to composing and film scoring and him becoming known as the sixth man of music because of his cinematic compositions and movie scores. He shares that he appreciates being compared to Brian Tyler and Hans Zimmer. Durell and Rob end the episode talking about the business of Film & TV composing and what Rob sees as the most common mistakes that are made in negotiation and how to get paid. Rob talks about the differences between film/tv composing and synchronization placements. Rob and Durell discuss the importance of having an understanding of music publishing. For more information on Rob Diggy, please visit his social media profiles: Facebook- @Rob Diggy Instagram-@composer4filmz

15 MAR 2023 · Episode Title: Songwriting, Early Success, & Music Education Feat. Curtis Richardson In this episode Durell is joined by songwriter, producer, and music publisher Curtis Richardson. Durell and Curtis begin the episode talking about how they got connected and his earliest memories of music. Curtis shares that he got a late start to his music career compared to most people being in his mid to late 20’s. He shared with Durell that he had a whole different career path in corporate america and made the decision right before September 11th to go hard for one more year and if he didn’t have success he would go back to his career in corporate america. Curtis and Durell talked about the opportunity he had to write his number one hit entitled “All I Have” with Jennifer Lopez & LL Cool J. Durell and Curtis talk about when he understood the power of being international and made a conscious pivot to build his international catalog working with foreign superstars in Asia such as Taemin, Kumi Koda & Tohoshinki. Curtis and Durell talk about the business of songwriting and music publishing. Curtis shares that he sees a lot of mistakes that new songwriters make. He shares that so many of them don’t approach their songwriting career as a business and oftentimes put themselves in situations that don’t set them up to achieve success. Durell and Curtis end the episode talking about something that they are both very passionate about and that is educating songwriters and creatives on the business of music. Curtis shares what really got him excited about education and why he thinks it’s so important. For more information on Curtis Richardson, please checkout his social media profile, Instagram @curtisricha