The Indie Unplugged Interviews

A Deep Dive Into The Indie Music Journey

The Indie Unplugged Interview is a one-on-one spotlight series featuring music creatives and industry professionals who are shaping the sound and business of independent music. Hosted by B. Vaughan, each interview is a deep dive into the guest’s journey — from breakthrough moments to behind-the-scenes lessons — offering indie creators a front-row seat to real stories, expert insights, and actionable wisdom they can apply to their own paths. wecreatemusictv.substack.com

  1. How International Nova Overcame NYC Struggles to Make Billboard Hits

    27/08/2024

    How International Nova Overcame NYC Struggles to Make Billboard Hits

    In this dynamic episode of The Indie Unplugged, hosts B. Vaughan and Yohance sit down with the genre-blending powerhouse International Nova. Hailing from the Bronx and now based in Atlanta, Nova shares his remarkable journey from gritty New York beginnings to becoming a Billboard-charting artist. Known for his seamless fusion of Latin, dancehall, R&B, and Afrobeat, Nova reflects on his early influences, his time with the group Street Corner, and the cultural tapestry that helped him craft his signature sound. With collaborations alongside icons like Ne-Yo and Petey Pablo, Nova’s story is one of perseverance, adaptability, and unwavering authenticity. The conversation dives deep into the realities of navigating the music industry, the value of meaningful relationships, and the significance of staying true to one's voice. Nova speaks candidly about personal growth, the lessons learned from both triumphs and setbacks, and how music has served as a universal language in his life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone curious about the grind behind the spotlight and the resilience it takes to thrive as an independent artist in today’s evolving music landscape. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Thanks for reading We Create Music TV! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wecreatemusictv.substack.com/subscribe

    2 h y 11 min
  2. How Amadeus Overcame Bronx Struggles to Produce Hits for Legends

    20/08/2024

    How Amadeus Overcame Bronx Struggles to Produce Hits for Legends

    In this powerful episode of The Indie Unplugged, B. Vaughan sits down with the legendary Dr. Antwan “Amadeus” Thompson Sr.—multi-platinum producer, CEO of Platinum Boy Music, and a cornerstone of the iconic Bad Boy Hitmen production team. With credits spanning artists like Jennifer Lopez, Chris Brown, 50 Cent, and Trey Songz—whom he also serves as musical director and tour drummer—Amadeus shares an inspiring look at his journey from the Bronx streets to global stages. He reflects on how music became his refuge, and how sheer determination, from church drums to studio sessions, paved his way to his first major break with Foxy Brown. Amadeus offers a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into his dynamic relationship with Trey Songz, revealing what it takes to lead live shows at the highest level night after night. The conversation also explores the pressure of sustaining greatness in the ever-evolving music industry and his unwavering drive to give fans unforgettable performances. Wrapping up the episode, Amadeus speaks about the future of Platinum Boy Music and his passion for mentoring the next generation of creatives. It’s an essential listen for music fans, producers, and aspiring professionals looking to learn from one of the industry’s most consistent and respected forces. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Thanks for reading We Create Music TV! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wecreatemusictv.substack.com/subscribe

    1 h y 44 min
  3. How Plan B 85 Went from Church Drums to Scoring Tyler Perry's Sistas on BET

    13/08/2024

    How Plan B 85 Went from Church Drums to Scoring Tyler Perry's Sistas on BET

    In this engaging episode of The Indie Unplugged, host B. Vaughan sits down with Brandon "Plan B 85" Ross—music producer, recording engineer, and founder of 1985 Music—to unpack his dynamic journey through the music industry. From playing drums in his grandmother’s church to landing placements on MTV’s Guy Code, Catfish, and scoring Tyler Perry’s Sistas, Brandon reflects on how his passion was shaped by early influences like his singer-songwriter mother and his self-taught approach to production. His story is one of grit, evolution, and staying true to his creative instincts. The conversation dives deep into Brandon’s philosophy on authenticity in sync licensing, the power of creative freedom, and why the music he enjoys making tends to open the biggest doors. He also shares his commitment to mentoring emerging producers and the inspiration behind his brand, 1985 Culture—a fusion of music and fashion rooted in personal expression. Whether you're a producer looking to break into sync or just curious about what it takes to build a sustainable music career, this episode is packed with insight, inspiration, and real-world advice from a creator who’s doing it his own way. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Thanks for reading We Create Music TV! This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wecreatemusictv.substack.com/subscribe

    1 h y 23 min
  4. Da Fingaz Reveals the Secrets to Sync Licensing & Producing for TV/Film

    25/06/2024

    Da Fingaz Reveals the Secrets to Sync Licensing & Producing for TV/Film

    Dive into the multifaceted world of music production with Marcus 'Da Fingaz' Manderson in this engaging episode of 'The Indie Unplugged', co-hosted by B. Vaughan and Yohance. This session explores Marcus's journey from his roots in Northern Virginia to becoming a renowned composer, producer, and sync licensing expert. Discover how influences from gospel, reggae, hip-hop, and more shaped his unique sound, which spans across genres like hip-hop, R&B, and cinematic trailer music. In this episode, Marcus shares his experiences in navigating the music industry, crafting sounds for major platforms like Disney and National Geographic, and his deep involvement in the sync licensing space. Learn about his approach to blending diverse musical styles, his strategies for sync success, and his passion for mentoring up-and-coming artists through his podcast 'Syncrets to Success'. With insightful contributions from Yohance, this episode is a treasure trove of knowledge for anyone interested in music production or the business of music licensing. This Substack is reader-supported. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. Thank you for reading We Create Music TV. This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit wecreatemusictv.substack.com/subscribe

    1 h y 18 min

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The Indie Unplugged Interview is a one-on-one spotlight series featuring music creatives and industry professionals who are shaping the sound and business of independent music. Hosted by B. Vaughan, each interview is a deep dive into the guest’s journey — from breakthrough moments to behind-the-scenes lessons — offering indie creators a front-row seat to real stories, expert insights, and actionable wisdom they can apply to their own paths. wecreatemusictv.substack.com