Meet Me in Music

Neil Salsich
  • 5.0 (3)
  • Music Commentary

Meet Me in Music is a podcast that explores the sound, stories, and soul of St. Louis music—past, present, and future. Hosted by Neil Salsich, each episode features conversations with artists, musicians, and creatives who are shaping the culture of the city and beyond. From legendary influences to rising voices, the show dives into what makes St. Louis a powerful and often overlooked force in the music world. Through real conversations, behind-the-scenes stories, and live performances, Meet Me in Music uncovers the artistry, collaboration, and community that define the St. Louis sound. Whether you're a lifelong musician or just a fan of great music, this podcast invites you into the room—where creativity happens, connections are made, and the music speaks for itself.

Episodes

  1. 5d ago

    Brian McCormac - Building Mr. Meyers, STL's First Hi-Fi Vinyl & Improv Jazz Lounge

    On this episode of Meet Me in Music, host Neil Salsich sits down with Brian McCormac — longtime St. Louis talent buyer and the founder behind Mr. Meyers Live & Vinyl Lounge, a hi-fi vinyl and improv jazz concept opening in downtown Clayton. Brian traces his path from picking up a mandolin at 16 and booking his first 600-person sellout in college, to cold-calling his way into the St. Louis scene, to landing the job running Old Rock House at just 24 years old. He shares the stories behind six years of buying talent there — booking Sturgill Simpson's first three St. Louis shows before anyone knew his name, catching Alabama Shakes a week before their Rolling Stone cover, and the outdoor bluegrass festival that lost $12,000 but drew Paul Simon to the crowd. The conversation turns to what Brian learned after leaving St. Louis to work for Red Bull Music in Minneapolis — where he saw an artist-development infrastructure St. Louis has never had — and how a Sound Diplomacy study confirmed the gap: St. Louis lacks both a music identity and the creative spaces to build one. Brian explains how the loss of his best friend, Jack Meyer, became the spark for Mr. Meyers: a venue built around a resident house-band program, soundboard recordings artists can take home and build on, and a mission to keep St. Louis talent from getting poached by LA, Nashville, and Chicago. It's a conversation about grief turned into purpose, and what it takes to finally build the infrastructure a music city has been missing. They discuss:  - Growing up on drums and mandolin, and discovering bluegrass through Prairie Home Companion  - Booking a 600-ticket sellout as a college student in Missoula, Montana  - Cold-calling his way into the St. Louis scene and working with Josh Loyal and Pat Hagan  - Booking the Webster University jazz crowd — Elastic Soul, Ryan Marquez, Fresh Air, Phonics  - Losing money on early shows and borrowing from a weed dealer to cover a deposit  - Getting hired to run Old Rock House at 24 and turning the job into college credit  - The outdoor bluegrass festival that lost $12,000 but drew Paul Simon to the crowd  - Booking Sturgill Simpson's first three St. Louis shows before his breakout  - Catching Alabama Shakes at 157 tickets, a week before their Rolling Stone cover  - What St. Louis' music scene has always been missing: artist development and management  - Comparing St. Louis to Minneapolis and Denver/Boulder's built-out music industries This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors — Swade Dispensary, Brick City Yoga, Kuva Coffee, and 4 Hands Brewing Co.

    Brian McCormac - Building Mr. Meyers, STL's First Hi-Fi Vinyl & Improv Jazz Lounge

  2. Jul 3

    Janet Evra — Finding Jazz Through Bossa Nova, Bass, and the Blues

    On this episode of Meet Me in Music, host Neil Salsich sits down with award-winning jazz vocalist, bassist, bandleader, and composer Janet Evra for a conversation about immigration, discovery, the St. Louis jazz scene, and building an international career from the Midwest. Janet shares how a gap year that brought her from Gloucester, England to Principia College in 2006 evolved into a lifelong home in St. Louis. What started as a singer-songwriter path inspired by Joni Mitchell turned toward jazz almost by accident — first through a life-changing encounter with a Getz/Gilberto bossa nova record as a teenager, then through her husband Will, when the two of them decided, early in their marriage, to simply start playing the jazz songs they both loved. That decision led Janet to buy a bass off Craigslist and teach herself an instrument that's now central to her sound. The conversation explores place, community, and the tension between staying rooted and reaching beyond it. Janet discusses her forthcoming album of Burt Bacharach music, recorded at Midtown Sound House in Grand Center and set for release ahead of a September 25th show at City Winery, as well as her online video series St. Louis Music Box, which has connected her with Grammy-winning collaborators far beyond St. Louis. Neil and Janet also dive into the global life of jazz — from Django Reinhardt and Édith Piaf's wartime Paris to bossa nova's journey from Brazil back into American pop — the realities of touring internationally as a St. Louis-based artist, and why building bridges beyond your hometown scene matters as much as being rooted in it. Along the way, they talk singing craft, scat, and the bass players and vocalists who shaped Janet's ear. More than anything, this episode is about welcome — finding a hometown 5,000 miles from where you started, discovering an art form later in life than you'd expect, and using music as a bridge between St. Louis and the wider world. They discuss: Leaving Gloucester, England for a gap year at Principia College in 2006Falling into jazz almost by accident, through her husband WillBuying a bass on Craigslist and teaching herself to playGrowing up in a "hi-fi" household with her dad's records — Miles Davis, Dave Brubeck, and moreWhat's good (and not-so-good) about the St. Louis jazz scene in 2026 — Blue Strawberry, Pepper, Webster University's jazz programWhy St. Louis musicians struggle to break out and tour nationally and internationallySinging in French, Portuguese, and Spanish, and building a genre-hopping international soundHer bossa nova album Love in Rio and the forthcoming Burt Bacharach recordSt. Louis Music Box, her online collaboration series with Grammy-winning guestsThe vocalists and bass players — from Ella Fitzgerald to Esperanza Spalding — who shaped her musical earWhat she misses (and doesn't) about England, and what St. Louis vs. Europe taught her about pace of life 🎙 New episodes of Meet Me in Music every other Friday CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/ Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors — Swade Dispensary, Brick City Yoga, Kuva Coffee, and 4 Hands Brewing Co.

    Janet Evra — Finding Jazz Through Bossa Nova, Bass, and the Blues

  3. Jun 19

    Royce Martin — From Ragtime to Rap and the Soul of St. Louis

    On this episode of Meet Me in Music, host Neil Salsich sits down with pianist, composer, and musical innovator Royce Martin for a conversation about St. Louis history, ragtime, jazz, hip-hop, and the creation of an entirely new musical genre he calls “Swagtime.” Royce shares how a fascination with ragtime evolved into a deeper exploration of St. Louis culture, architecture, race, and the city’s often-overlooked musical legacy. Blending the rhythmic foundations of ragtime with bebop, rap, and modern storytelling, Royce explains how Swagtime became his vehicle for connecting past and present while creating something completely original. The conversation explores the influence of North St. Louis, the city’s rich but complicated history, and the connections between music, place, and community. Royce discusses his upcoming album Once Upon a Swagtime, a concept project inspired by mythology, personal discovery, and the stories embedded within St. Louis itself. Neil and Royce also dive into the evolution of jazz, the social forces that shaped ragtime and bebop, the role of artistic innovation, and why preserving cultural history is essential to imagining a better future. Along the way, they discuss classical music, architecture, storytelling, creative curiosity, and what it means to carry a musical tradition forward while reinventing it for a new generation. More than anything, this episode is about discovery — uncovering forgotten stories, challenging old assumptions, and using music as a bridge between history and possibility. They discuss: The creation of Royce Martin's original genre, SwagtimeThe connection between ragtime, bebop, hip-hop, and storytellingSt. Louis' role in the history of ragtime and jazzHow North St. Louis influenced Royce's music and perspectiveThe social and political history behind musical movementsScott Joplin, Charlie Parker, and the evolution of jazzArchitecture, memory, and the cultural identity of St. LouisRoyces upcoming album Once Upon a SwagtimePreserving tradition while embracing innovationLive performance and freestyle Swagtime 🎙 New episodes of Meet Me in Music every other Friday 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/ Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors — Swade Dispensary, Brick City Yoga, Kuva Coffee, and 4 Hands Brewing Co.

    Royce Martin — From Ragtime to Rap and the Soul of St. Louis

  4. Jun 5

    Tim Convy — Ludo, Comedy & Building a Creative Life in St. Louis

    On this episode of Meet Me in Music, host Neil Salsich sits down with musician, comedian, radio host, and longtime St. Louis creative Tim Convy for a conversation about chasing creativity across multiple worlds — from touring in a nationally recognized rock band to building a career in stand-up comedy, radio, and live entertainment. Tim shares the story behind Ludo, the cult-favorite band that grew from DIY tours and local shows into a nationally touring act with appearances on late night television, MTV, and major festival stages. He reflects on the band’s rise, the realities of life on the road, and how Ludo unexpectedly became a phenomenon with fans still flying in from across the country for reunion shows today. The conversation also explores Tim’s transition into comedy and radio after stepping away from music full time. He opens up about rediscovering performance through stand-up, learning to embrace authenticity on-air, and balancing creativity with marriage, fatherhood, and everyday life in St. Louis. Neil and Tim dive into the evolution of radio, the overlap between music and comedy, the importance of community, and how creative ambitions shift over time. They also discuss punk rock Disney shows, touring memories, local music scenes, and why learning to appreciate the present matters just as much as chasing the next milestone. More than anything, this episode is about reinvention — continuing to create, staying connected to what inspires you, and finding new ways to evolve as an artist. They discuss: The rise, breakup, and reunion of LudoTouring, late night TV, and life on MTVTransitioning from music into stand-up comedy and radioThe evolution of radio and podcast cultureBalancing creativity, family life, and fatherhoodPunk rock Christmas and Disney cover showsBuilding creative communities in St. LouisLearning to appreciate success in the momentThe realities of touring, burnout, and reinventionPerforming Tim’s comedy song “Chiropractor” live 🎙 New episodes of Meet Me in Music every other Friday 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors — Swade Dispensary, Brick City Yoga, Kuva Coffee, and 4 Hands Brewing Co.

    Tim Convy — Ludo, Comedy & Building a Creative Life in St. Louis

  5. May 22

    Thomas Paden — Film Scores, Creative Curiosity & Building Beyond St. Louis

    On this episode of Meet Me in Music, host Neil Salsich sits down with St. Louis pianist, composer, and multi-instrumentalist Thomas Paden for a thoughtful conversation about creativity, inspiration, and carving out a musical path that reaches far beyond city limits. Thomas reflects on growing up in a deeply musical family rooted in church, learning through self-exploration, and developing a sound shaped by jazz, gospel, film scores, and modern fusion. He shares how influences ranging from Oscar Peterson to Broadway and movie soundtracks continue to shape the way he approaches music today. The conversation explores everything from artist wellness and self-care to the relationship between music and logic, staying inspired, and maintaining childlike curiosity as an artist. Thomas also opens up about traveling to NAMM, earning artist endorsements, collaborating across the country, and composing music for the Amazon Prime film Meet Cute in Manhattan. Neil and Thomas dive into the realities of building a creative life in St. Louis, discussing the city’s artistic ecosystem, the importance of community, and what it could look like if local creatives had stronger infrastructure and support. More than anything, this episode is about possibility — remaining inspired, staying curious, and continuing to build even when the path isn’t clearly laid out. They discuss:  - Growing up in a multigenerational musical family  - Church roots, jazz influences, and self-taught musicianship  - Health, wellness, and caring for the artist’s body  - Learning through curiosity and exploration  - Film scores, Broadway, and creative inspiration  - Traveling to NAMM and receiving artist endorsements  - Scoring Meet Cute in Manhattan  - The future of St. Louis music and creative infrastructure  - Why artists are ambassadors for their cities  - Staying optimistic and inspired as a creative Chapter Markers:  00:00 Welcome & Meeting Thomas Paden  00:57 Artist Wellness, Self-Care & Breathwork  05:02 Growing Up Around Music & Church  08:24 Self-Taught Learning & Musical Influences  10:26 Reimagining Songs & Musical Identity  11:19 Sponsor Break: Swade Dispensary  12:03 NAMM, Travel & Artist Endorsements  17:23 Creativity, Inspiration & Film Scores  21:13 Youth, Curiosity & Staying Inspired  23:34 Music Theory, Logic & Creativity  27:23 Sponsor Break: Brick City Yoga  27:55 Film Scoring & Meet Cute in Manhattan  30:17 The St. Louis Creative Scene  32:10 Music Infrastructure & Supporting Artists  38:09 Being Creative Ambassadors for St. Louis  43:14 Closing Thoughts  44:22 Sponsor Break: Kuva Coffee  45:07 Live Performance 🎙 New episodes of Meet Me in Music every other Friday 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram  Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors — Swade Dispensary, Brick City Yoga, Kuva Coffee, and 4 Hands Brewing Co.

    Thomas Paden — Film Scores, Creative Curiosity & Building Beyond St. Louis

  6. May 8

    Anita Jackson — Gospel Roots, New York Dreams & The Purpose of Art

    On this episode of Meet Me in Music, host Neil Salsich sits down with St. Louis vocalist Anita Jackson for a soulful and deeply reflective conversation about music, purpose, and the journey of a lifelong artist. Anita shares her path from discovering gospel music and church harmonies to building a career that took her all the way to New York City. She reflects on the artists and sounds that shaped her—from jazz legends and R&B greats to gospel icons—and how those influences continue to live in her voice today. The conversation dives into the realities of life as a working musician, including her early days in New York with just $100, navigating the highs and lows of the industry, and eventually finding her way back to St. Louis. Anita also shares unforgettable stories from her career, including performing with Cissy Houston and learning what it truly means to be a professional artist. More than anything, this episode explores a powerful idea: that music isn’t just about performance or success—it’s about service. Anita opens up about using art as a way to heal, connect, and give something meaningful to others, while Neil reflects on his own evolving relationship with music. They discuss:  - Growing up with jazz, R&B, and gospel influences  - Discovering harmony and singing in church  - The difference between lead singing and background vocals  - Finding purpose and identity as an artist  - Moving to New York with no plan (and $100)  - Early career struggles and breakthrough moments  - Performing and working with Cissy Houston  - The role of faith and spirituality in music  - Music as therapy, healing, and service  - Navigating the modern music industry and social media  - Returning to St. Louis and building a career locally 🎙 New episodes of Meet Me in Music every other Friday 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST:  Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram  Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST  Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode?  Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com  Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors — Swade Dispensary, Brick City Yoga, Kuva Coffee, and 4 Hands Brewing Co.

    Anita Jackson — Gospel Roots, New York Dreams & The Purpose of Art

  7. Apr 24

    Mattie Schell — Creativity, Growth & Life as a St. Louis Musician

    On this episode of Meet Me in Music, host Neil Salsich sits down with St. Louis artist Mattie Schell for an honest and wide-ranging conversation about creativity, growth, and what it really means to live life as a working musician. Mattie shares her journey from small-town roots and family jam sessions to performing on stages alongside some of the most respected musicians in the industry. She opens up about finding her identity as an artist, building confidence over time, and learning how to stay grounded in a career that often demands constant productivity and comparison. The conversation dives into the realities of the modern music industry—from touring and recording to navigating streaming, expectations, and the pressure to “make it.” Mattie also reflects on her evolution as both a singer and songwriter, including her recent recording sessions in California and the story behind her song “No Stone.” They also explore the unique energy of the St. Louis music scene, the importance of storytelling through music, and how place and upbringing continue to shape her sound. More than just a conversation about music, this episode is about finding your rhythm, trusting your path, and redefining success as an artist. They discuss:  - A day in the life of a working musician  - Letting go of productivity guilt  - Performing with confidence and staying present on stage  - Early influences: family, bluegrass, and musical theater  - Finding her path from college back to music  - Growth as an artist over time  - Recording in California with legendary musicians  - The story behind “No Stone”  - The realities of streaming and the modern music industry  - What it means to be a St. Louis artist 🎙 New episodes of Meet Me in Music every other Friday 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors — Swade Dispensary, Brick City Yoga, Kuva Coffee, and 4 Hands Brewing Co.

    Mattie Schell — Creativity, Growth & Life as a St. Louis Musician

  8. Apr 10

    Brian Owens — Legacy, Influence & Finding Your Voice in Music

    On the very first episode of Meet Me in Music, host Neil Salsich sits down with acclaimed St. Louis artist Brian Owens for a powerful conversation about performance, purpose, and the legacy of music in the city. Brian shares how he approaches the stage—not as something to control, but as a shared experience with the audience. From overcoming nerves to learning how to truly connect in the moment, he breaks down the mindset that has shaped his career and made him one of the most respected performers in the region. The conversation expands into the deeper story of St. Louis music—what defines its sound, why so many influential artists come from the city, and how its cultural “gumbo” of gospel, blues, jazz, and classical traditions continues to shape music today. They also reflect on unforgettable career moments, from recording with legendary musicians to building creative communities, and discuss what it means to be a “bridge” for the next generation of artists. More than just a conversation about music, this episode explores identity, collaboration, and the responsibility artists have to carry culture forward. They discuss:  - Managing nerves and building confidence on stage  - The difference between “working” a crowd vs. working with them  - What defines the St. Louis sound  - The city’s influence on global music culture  - Mentorship, collaboration, and creative community  - Why being a “bridge” matters for the next generation 🎙 New episodes of Meet Me in Music every other Friday 🔗 CONNECT WITH STL BUCKET LIST: Instagram ▶ https://www.instagram.com/stlbucketlist/?utm_source=Instagram Website ▶ stlbucketlist.com 🤝 WORK WITH STL BUCKET LIST Interested in partnering or sponsoring an episode? Email ▶ show@stlbucketlist.com Website ▶ https://www.bucketlistcreative.com/about-us This episode is brought to you by our amazing sponsors — Swade Dispensary, Brick City Yoga, Kuva Coffee, and 4 Hands Brewing Co.

    Brian Owens — Legacy, Influence & Finding Your Voice in Music
  • 8 Episodes

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
3 Ratings

About

Meet Me in Music is a podcast that explores the sound, stories, and soul of St. Louis music—past, present, and future. Hosted by Neil Salsich, each episode features conversations with artists, musicians, and creatives who are shaping the culture of the city and beyond. From legendary influences to rising voices, the show dives into what makes St. Louis a powerful and often overlooked force in the music world. Through real conversations, behind-the-scenes stories, and live performances, Meet Me in Music uncovers the artistry, collaboration, and community that define the St. Louis sound. Whether you're a lifelong musician or just a fan of great music, this podcast invites you into the room—where creativity happens, connections are made, and the music speaks for itself.

Information

  • Creator
    Neil Salsich
  • Years Active
    2026
  • Episodes
    8
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Meet Me in Music
  • Show Website
    Meet Me in Music