The Soares Effect

Pedro H. Soares
  • 5.0 (1)
  • Music Interviews

Welcome to The Soares Effect — the podcast where the music industry speaks for itself. I speak with a wide range of music professionals: local musicians grinding in the trenches, touring artists living on the road, studio owners building hit records, promoters packing venues, managers, producers, songwriters, and everyone in between. No fluff, no gatekeeping—just honest conversations about the realities of the music business today. You'll hear firsthand insights on gigging and touring life, building sustainable careers, navigating deals and royalties, marketing your music, surviving the hustle, creative blocks, industry changes, and so much more. Whether you're an aspiring artist, an established player looking for fresh angles, or just passionate about how music actually works behind the scenes, this show delivers diverse, actionable knowledge straight from the people making it happen. Subscribe now and join the conversation—because the best way to level up in music is to learn from those who've walked (and are still walking) the path.

Episodes

  1. May 16

    09: ZombieKing

    The conversation delves into the band's influences from South Texas culture, shaping their sound and the impact of blending genres and cultural experiences on their music. We talk about the influence of influential guitar heroes, the balance between studio recording and live shows, the band's identity shaped by zombie culture and horror influence, and the strategic approach to new music releases and future plans. Chapters 00:00 Blending Genres and Cultural Experiences32:22 Influential Guitar Heroes43:39 Zombie Culture and Horror Influence48:57 New Music Releases and Future Plans

    50 min

  2. Apr 25

    08: Tony Gomez

    Our guest today is a seasoned performer who has been part of the music scene since the late 1980s. Known for his powerful vocals and energetic stage presence, he has played in various bands, including Killamora and Anialator. His journey began with a pivotal moment at a Kiss concert, which ignited his passion for performing. With over three decades in the business, he has a wealth of knowledge to share.

    38 min

  3. Apr 4

    07: Eric Calvert

    The conversation covers a range of topics including the physical toll of performing live music, aging, health challenges of musicians, injuries and performances, musical creativity and health, and recording and sound engineering. The conversation delves into the art of customizing guitar tone and understanding amplifier components, providing insights into the nuances of creating unique guitar tones and the technical aspects of amplifiers. Eric delves into the importance of building relationships with musicians and demo users to gather valuable feedback on pedal designs. He also emphasizes the significance of maintaining high quality standards for pedal components to ensure consistent sound and performance. Chapters 00:00 Pizza Buffet Mishap05:45 Aging and Physical Strain11:58 Injuries and Performances18:03 Musical Creativity and Health28:46 Customizing Guitar Tone and Amplifiers01:04:00 Building Relationships for Feedback01:09:18 Maintaining Quality Standards

    1h 31m

  4. Mar 21

    06: Kris Redus

    In this episode, Kris Redus shares insights on the process of creating music, the impact of musical education, and the challenges of writing music for church. He also discusses his experience producing a personal album and the balance between personal music projects and income-generating work. The conversation covers topics such as the fear of making mistakes in the studio, the creative process in the early morning, the role of a producer in music production, the use of AI and digital tools in music creation, and the pursuit of unique and human creativity in modern music. Chapters 00:00 Pursuit of Unique and Human Creativity34:29 Influences and Creativity46:03 Musical Education and Church Music59:31 Personal Album Production

    1h 6m

  5. Mar 14

    05: Clarissa Serna

    As a musician and a mother, finding the right balance between your passions and responsibilities can feel overwhelming. How do you juggle late-night gigs with early morning playdates? For Clarissa, motherhood has changed how she approaches her music career. Initially, she struggled with the demands of gigging and the late hours associated with her profession. However, after welcoming her daughter, she made a conscious decision to prioritize quality over quantity in her performances. In this episode, we’ll explore the insights shared by performing artist Clarissa on how she navigates the roles of being a mom, a realtor, working for a law firm, and a musician.

    39 min

  6. Mar 8

    04: Jimmy Smithwick

    Ready to uncover the raw, unfiltered truth about life as a musician, fixer, filmmaker, and total local legend? This high-energy, laugh-filled episode dives deep into Jimmy’s wild journey — from shaping the local scene through passion, to side hustles, and pure grit. If you’ve ever thought “Can I really make it in this town?” or wondered how to turn your chaos into creativity, this episode is your new playbook. Jimmy is a bona fide icon in Corpus Christi — a musician, guitar guru, screenwriter, and community builder with stories that sound like a movie, and laughs that hit just right. He shares his unlikely start fixing guitars from pawn shops, stories of crashing shows, and how he’s been amidst some of the best local talent — from punk to metal to jazz. You’ll discover insights on how to navigate the messy, beautiful world of independent music and creative arts, including practical tips like logging your gigs for royalties, building a scene from scratch, and why the local scene’s health depends on collaboration, not competition.We break down: Jimmy’s behind-the-scenes tales of fixing legendary guitars and making musical magic happen in South Texas.The secret sauce behind building a local scene that thrives on community and shared passion.How to leverage online platforms without losing the core of live music culture.The inspiring journey of creating films, scripts, and products while juggling a full musical life.Why the right management, networking, and hustle can turn a small-town dream into big-time success.This episode matters because the music and arts communities are facing a new wave of challenges, from online saturation to city planning hurdles. But with the right mindset, strategy, and a little bit of punk rock audacity, you can turn those obstacles into opportunities. Whether you’re a seasoned pro, an aspiring artist, or just someone who loves stories of grit and passion, this conversation is packed with practical wisdom and so much humor you’ll forget you’re learning.Get inspired, laugh hard, and realize that the secret to making it in the local scene is simple: show up, do the work, log your gigs, and keep the passion alive. Hit play — your creative journey starts right here.

    1h 9m

  7. Mar 8

    03: Damon Scott

    Most musicians dream of turning their passion into a full-time career, but few know how to make that leap — and even fewer share the secrets behind it. In this episode, we sit down with a seasoned indie musician whose journey from shy beginner to thriving solo artist will leave you inspired and ready to take your shot. Imagine stumbling onto your first paying gig at a cozy coffee shop, battling imposter syndrome, and realizing that the secret to success isn't some secret at all — just consistent hustle, smart networking, and mastering your craft. Our guest drops candid stories about how he built his reputation, navigated rejection, and learned to warm up his voice without fancy techniques — just pure experience and old-school routines. You'll discover how he went from working nights at a mental hospital to playing four to five gigs a week, all while managing gastric issues and staying in shape. We break down practical strategies you need to start playing in front of real crowds: from crafting a killer setlist that evolves with your skills, to leveraging social media like TikTok and YouTube to attract new gigs, and cultivating relationships that turn casual bookings into steady income. You'll also hear honest tips on handling rejection, the importance of recording every performance, and the mindset shifts that help you stay motivated after years of passion-driven hustle.Why ignore these insights, and risk missing the wave? This episode is your crash course in the realities of turning music into a sustainable career — full of humor, tough truths, and a lot of laughs along the way. Perfect for aspiring musicians feeling stuck, and seasoned players craving fresh perspectives, this conversation will ignite your drive to get started or push even harder.Ready to make moves and build your reputation? Hit play now and learn from someone who’s been there, done that, and is still loving every second on stage. Don’t just listen — get inspired, take notes, and start turning your musical dreams into reality today.

    50 min

  8. Mar 8

    02: Mason Shirley

    In the world of music production, the landscape is ever-changing—especially in the wake of technological advancements. As someone who has been involved in the music industry for over 17 years, Mason Shirley reflects on the costs and commitments required to run a successful studio. In this podcast, Mason shares insights on starting a music business today, the impact of technology on traditional studios, and what aspiring producers need to know.

    1h 8m

  9. Mar 8

    01: Marcos Leal

    In the world of music, genre fusion is becoming increasingly popular, as artists seek to break free from traditional boundaries. In this blog post, we dive into a fascinating conversation with Marcos Leal, the former lead singer of Ill Niño and current frontman of Swim the Current. Marcos shares his unique journey of merging rock and country music, his early inspirations, and valuable insights for aspiring musicians. Marcos is a talented singer-songwriter known for his powerful vocals and dynamic stage presence. With a rich background in rock music and country, he embodies a modern artist willing to explore and experiment with different sounds. His experience includes performing with bands like Shattered Sun and Ill Niño, and now he is taking a bold step into the world of country-infused rock with Swim the Current. Discover the journey of Marcos Leal as he blends rock and country music. Learn about his influences, challenges, and insights from his music career.

    53 min
  • 9 Episodes

About

Welcome to The Soares Effect — the podcast where the music industry speaks for itself. I speak with a wide range of music professionals: local musicians grinding in the trenches, touring artists living on the road, studio owners building hit records, promoters packing venues, managers, producers, songwriters, and everyone in between. No fluff, no gatekeeping—just honest conversations about the realities of the music business today. You'll hear firsthand insights on gigging and touring life, building sustainable careers, navigating deals and royalties, marketing your music, surviving the hustle, creative blocks, industry changes, and so much more. Whether you're an aspiring artist, an established player looking for fresh angles, or just passionate about how music actually works behind the scenes, this show delivers diverse, actionable knowledge straight from the people making it happen. Subscribe now and join the conversation—because the best way to level up in music is to learn from those who've walked (and are still walking) the path.

Information

  • Creator
    Pedro H. Soares
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    9
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Pedro H. Soares
  • Show Website
    The Soares Effect