Creative Evolution

Josi J

Welcome to Creative Evolution, the podcast that gives artists of all disciplines a real plan for a long-term career. Hosted by touring artist and creative professional Josi J, we interview industry veterans to bring you actionable business strategies for lasting success in the arts. Tune in each week to learn how to: Master the business side of the creative industries. Navigate the digital era. Turn career stress into creative stability. Lead with professional humility and advocate for yourself. Success as an artist isn't magic - it's a strategy. Drop your ego, tune in, and let's start the evolution! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

  1. Episode 16: Study the Rat and Water the Plants with Mandy Wilson (Full Broadcast)

    Jun 17

    Episode 16: Study the Rat and Water the Plants with Mandy Wilson (Full Broadcast)

    What does it look like to spend twenty years doing the thing nobody could make you stop doing? In Episode 16 of Creative Evolution, independent music and creative business podcast host Josi J welcomes back her dear friend and guitarist Mandy Wilson, aka The Virgin Mandy, for one of the most honest, funny, and genuinely moving conversations of the entire season. Mandy is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and guitarist for Knoxville metal band Summoner's Circle who has spent twenty years playing across genres, bands, and stages of every size. He started playing guitar at thirteen in secret under headphones because in his household music was not just something he loved. It was something forbidden. And the more they tried to skip past it the more he had to have it. In this conversation we dig into what it really means to build a long term creative career when the only thing keeping you going is the love of the thing itself. In this episode we dig into how Mandy cultivated his entire musical identity in secret under headphones and why music was not his first love but his first mistress. The benefit concert that changed everything and showed him for the first time that music could create tangible measurable good in another person's life. Why true talent means doing whatever is in service of the music and not in service of yourself. His dad's most powerful piece of advice: if you want to catch an owl you study the rat. How he learned to put on incredible shows for two or three people at a time and why that humility became the foundation of everything. What it is actually like to tour in an Econoline van with seven people, two generators, and Planet Fitness memberships as your shower strategy. Why he keeps a thing of Narcan in his guitar case and what that says about who he is as a human being. And his final gift to every independent artist listening: remember to water the plants and take care of the people who make all of this possible. This full broadcast includes our signature local music sweeps featuring Summoner's Circle, live cover performances by Josi J and Mandy Wilson, and a special three way cover featuring Josi J, Mandy Wilson, and Evan Thor of Thor and the Reigns. ๐ŸŽธ Featured artists:Summoner's Circle: summonerscircle.comThe Virgin Mandy: facebook.com/thevirginmandyKings Reign: facebook.com/p/Kings-Reign-61573410607825Thor and the Reigns: facebook.com/evanthorreigns ๐ŸŽฌ Connect with Mandy Wilson:summonerscircle.comfacebook.com/thevirginmandy ๐ŸŒ Learn more at:josijanddessert.com/creative-evolutionlinktr.ee/creativeevolutionpodcast Credits:Guest: Mandy Wilson aka The Virgin MandyHost, Producer, Copywriter, Research, Art Director, Editor and Designer: Josie "Josi J" Jones Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 60m
  2. Episode 16: Study the Rat and Water the Plants with Mandy Wilson (Interview Only)

    Jun 17

    Episode 16: Study the Rat and Water the Plants with Mandy Wilson (Interview Only)

    What does it look like to spend twenty years doing the thing nobody could make you stop doing? In Episode 16 of Creative Evolution, independent music and creative business podcast host Josi J welcomes back her dear friend and guitarist Mandy Wilson, aka The Virgin Mandy, for one of the most honest, funny, and genuinely moving conversations of the entire season. Mandy is a multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and guitarist for Knoxville metal band Summoner's Circle who has spent twenty years playing across genres, bands, and stages of every size. He started playing guitar at thirteen in secret under headphones because in his household music was not just something he loved. It was something forbidden. And the more they tried to skip past it the more he had to have it. In this conversation we dig into what it really means to build a long term creative career when the only thing keeping you going is the love of the thing itself. In this episode we dig into how Mandy cultivated his entire musical identity in secret under headphones and why music was not his first love but his first mistress. The benefit concert that changed everything and showed him for the first time that music could create tangible measurable good in another person's life. Why true talent means doing whatever is in service of the music and not in service of yourself. His dad's most powerful piece of advice: if you want to catch an owl you study the rat. How he learned to put on incredible shows for two or three people at a time and why that humility became the foundation of everything. What it is actually like to tour in an Econoline van with seven people, two generators, and Planet Fitness memberships as your shower strategy. Why he keeps a thing of Narcan in his guitar case and what that says about who he is as a human being. And his final gift to every independent artist listening: remember to water the plants and take care of the people who make all of this possible. This is the pure conversation, start to finish. No music sweeps, no breaks. Just you, Mandy, and twenty years worth of hard won wisdom delivered with equal parts humor and heart. Talent gets you the gig but professionalism keeps it. Questions always lead to answers. Keep asking. ๐ŸŽ™๏ธ ๐ŸŽฌ Connect with Mandy Wilson:summonerscircle.comfacebook.com/thevirginmandy ๐ŸŒ Learn more at:josijanddessert.com/creative-evolutionlinktr.ee/creativeevolutionpodcast Credits:Guest: Mandy Wilson aka The Virgin MandyHost, Producer, Copywriter, Research, Art Director, Editor, and Designer: Josie "Josi J" Jones Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 14m
  3. Episode 15: Reinvention, Resilience, and the Queendom with Jeanine Fuller (Full Broadcast)

    Jun 12

    Episode 15: Reinvention, Resilience, and the Queendom with Jeanine Fuller (Full Broadcast)

    In Episode 15 of Creative Evolution, independent music and creative business podcast host Josi J sits down with Jeanine Fuller, the Siren of Soul, at her kitchen table in Knoxville Tennessee. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Jeanine is a powerhouse vocalist, bandleader of the True Funk SOULdiers, CEO of J9 Queendom Entertainment LLC, and one of the most resilient independent artists in East Tennessee. She won a national music competition as a teenager, earned a scholarship to UNC School of the Arts, studied at Manhattan School of Music, auditioned for Juilliard and got in but could not afford to go, left school to go on tour, stepped away from music for nearly two decades, and came back through East Tennessee karaoke bars. In this conversation we dig into what it really means to reinvent yourself, protect your creative energy, and build a career that lasts on your own terms. In this episode we dig into how Jeanine reinvented her entire musical career in Knoxville after stepping away for years and why she says music does not find her, she finds music. How winning a regional blues competition led her to compete at the International Blues Challenge finals in Memphis with just two months to prepare and a scaled down band. Why she officially structured her art into J9 Queendom Entertainment LLC and why women especially need to own their business and demand respect in this industry. How she protects her creative energy as a mother, bandleader, solo artist, and business owner simultaneously by creating firm boundaries and finding peace in the middle of chaos. Why she features local talent in her shows and builds community over competition. And her powerful final gift to every independent artist listening. This full broadcast includes our signature local music sweeps featuring tracks from East ๐ŸŽธ Featured artists:HiDaze: hidazeband.com/homeFeral Kitty: feralkittymusic.com ๐ŸŽฌ Connect with Jeanine Fuller:jeaninefuller.comfacebook.com/JeanineFullerMusicPageinstagram.com/jeaninedfullerBooking: jfullerisawinner72@gmail.com ๐ŸŒ Learn more at:josijanddessert.com/creative-evolutionlinktr.ee/creativeevolutionpodcast Credits:Guest: Jeanine FullerHost, Producer, Copywriter, Research, Art Director, Editor, and Designer: Josie "Josi J" Jones Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 51m
  4. Episode 15: Reinvention, Resilience, and the Queendom with Jeanine Fuller (Interview Only)

    Jun 12

    Episode 15: Reinvention, Resilience, and the Queendom with Jeanine Fuller (Interview Only)

    In Episode 15 of Creative Evolution, independent music and creative business podcast host Josi J sits down with Jeanine Fuller, the Siren of Soul, at her kitchen table in Knoxville Tennessee. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, Jeanine is a powerhouse vocalist, bandleader of the True Funk SOULdiers, CEO of J9 Queendom Entertainment LLC, and one of the most resilient independent artists in East Tennessee. She won a national music competition as a teenager, earned a scholarship to UNC School of the Arts, studied at Manhattan School of Music, auditioned for Juilliard and got in but could not afford to go, left school to go on tour, stepped away from music for nearly two decades, and came back through East Tennessee karaoke bars. In this conversation we dig into what it really means to reinvent yourself, protect your creative energy, and build a career that lasts on your own terms. In this episode we dig into how Jeanine reinvented her entire musical career in Knoxville after stepping away for years and why she says music does not find her, she finds music. How winning a regional blues competition led her to compete at the International Blues Challenge finals in Memphis with just two months to prepare and a scaled down band. Why she officially structured her art into J9 Queendom Entertainment LLC and why women especially need to own their business and demand respect in this industry. How she protects her creative energy as a mother, bandleader, solo artist, and business owner simultaneously by creating firm boundaries and finding peace in the middle of chaos. Why she features local talent in her shows and builds community over competition. And her powerful final gift to every independent artist listening. This is the pure conversation, start to finish. No music sweeps, no breaks. Just you, Jeanine, and a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and owning your worth. ๐ŸŽฌ Connect with Jeanine Fuller:jeaninefuller.comhttps://facebook.com/JeanineFullerMusicPagehttps://instagram.com/jeaninedfullerBooking: jfullerisawinner72@gmail.com ๐ŸŒ Learn more at:https://josijanddessert.com/creative-evolution https://linktr.ee/creativeevolutionpodcast Credits:Guest: Jeanine FullerHost, Producer, Copywriter, Research, Art Director, Editor, and Designer: Josie "Josi J" Jones Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    57 min
  5. Episode 14: Show Up and Stand Out: Evan Thor on Building a 20-Year Music Career (Full Broadcast)

    Jun 3

    Episode 14: Show Up and Stand Out: Evan Thor on Building a 20-Year Music Career (Full Broadcast)

    In Episode 14 of Creative Evolution, host Josi J sits down with veteran frontman Evan Thor of Thor and the Rains, a power trio out of Knoxville, Tennessee that has been delivering wildly eclectic live performances for over 20 years. Evan Thor is not your typical musician. A US Air Force veteran, self-taught guitarist, and Doctor of Business Administration, Thor picked up the guitar at 20, was selected twice to audition for the Air Force's prestigious Tops in Blue touring band, and built a 2,000+ show career entirely on his own terms. In this conversation, he breaks down exactly what it takes to build a long term independent music career from the ground up. We cover: The discipline the military instilled in him and how he applies it to every single show. Why the golden rule of longevity is simple: talent gets you the gig, but professionalism keeps it. How shifting your mindset from self-promotion to self-advocacy changes everything about how you market your music. Why playing for yourself first is the key to staying connected to your art through thousands of performances. How to build a loyal local fan base and why the local music scene offers better talent than any arena concert, for free. What 8 years of writer's block taught him about creativity, burnout, and coming back stronger. Why eclectic is a superpower, not a liability. Whether you are just starting out or years into your career, Thor's story is proof that authenticity, professionalism, and a refusal to give up are the only blueprint you need. As Thor says, talent gets you the gig. Now go find out what keeps it. Your time to evolve starts right now. ๐ŸŽถ Featured Independent Artists: Thor and The Reigns: https://www.facebook.com/evanthorreigns/ Thor and The Reigns, White Girl (Official Music Video): https://youtu.be/rx3YF1UQ8yM?si=neFdatQmPmik7NqV Skyway 61: https://skyway61.com Belfast 6 Pack: https://www.facebook.com/Belfast6Pack/ ๐ŸŒ Connect with Creative Evolution: https://josijanddessert.com/creative-evolutionhttps://linktr.ee/creativeevolutionpodcast ๐ŸŽฌ Credits: Guest: Evan Thor Host, Editor, Producer, Copywriter, Art Director and Designer: Josie Jones Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    2h 2m
  6. Episode 14: Show Up and Stand Out: Evan Thor on Building a 20-Year Music Career (Interview and Thor's Original Music)

    Jun 3

    Episode 14: Show Up and Stand Out: Evan Thor on Building a 20-Year Music Career (Interview and Thor's Original Music)

    In Episode 14 of Creative Evolution, host Josi J sits down with veteran frontman Evan Thor of Thor and the Rains, a power trio out of Knoxville, Tennessee that has been delivering wildly eclectic live performances for over 20 years. Evan Thor is not your typical musician. A US Air Force veteran, self-taught guitarist, and Doctor of Business Administration, Thor picked up the guitar at 20, was selected twice to audition for the Air Force's prestigious Tops in Blue touring band, and built a 2,000+ show career entirely on his own terms. In this conversation, he breaks down exactly what it takes to build a long term independent music career from the ground up. We cover: The discipline the military instilled in him and how he applies it to every single show. Why the golden rule of longevity is simple: talent gets you the gig, but professionalism keeps it. How shifting your mindset from self-promotion to self-advocacy changes everything about how you market your music. Why playing for yourself first is the key to staying connected to your art through thousands of performances. How to build a loyal local fan base and why the local music scene offers better talent than any arena concert, for free. What 8 years of writer's block taught him about creativity, burnout, and coming back stronger. Why eclectic is a superpower, not a liability. Whether you are just starting out or years into your career, Thor's story is proof that authenticity, professionalism, and a refusal to give up are the only blueprint you need. As Thor says, talent gets you the gig. Now go find out what keeps it. Your time to evolve starts right now. ๐ŸŽถ Featured Independent Artists: Thor and The Reigns: https://www.facebook.com/evanthorreigns/ Thor and The Reigns, White Girl (Official Music Video): https://youtu.be/rx3YF1UQ8yM?si=neFdatQmPmik7NqV Skyway 61: https://skyway61.com Belfast 6 Pack: https://www.facebook.com/Belfast6Pack/ ๐ŸŒ Connect with Creative Evolution: https://josijanddessert.com/creative-evolutionhttps://linktr.ee/creativeevolutionpodcast ๐ŸŽฌ Credits: Guest: Evan Thor Host, Editor, Producer, Copywriter, Art Director and Designer: Josie Jones Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 11m
  7. Episode 13: Dispatch No. 3 (Talk and Strategy Only)

    May 28

    Episode 13: Dispatch No. 3 (Talk and Strategy Only)

    Three months in. Thirteen episodes deep. And the blueprint is becoming impossible to ignore. In Episode 13 of Creative Evolution, independent music and creative business podcast host Josi J delivers the May Evolution Report, Dispatch No. 3. This month we are stepping back from individual guest interviews to distill the absolute best lessons from Episodes 10, 11, and 12 into one powerful episode. Plus a very special segment with a living legend, the saxophonist for Josi J and Dessert, George Hunter aka Sugarbear, who has been playing music for over seventy years. In this episode we revisit: Episode 10: Best Friends and Bad Guys with Big N Funky Productions. Luke Walker and Vinnie Vineyard on building a fiercely independent creative partnership, why imperfections give art its human soul, why AI will never replace genuine human creativity, and why you should treat every creative set like a party and drop your inhibitions. Episode 11: Open Mics, Meatball Covers, and Chosen Family with Chris Marshall. The ultimate musician life hack for securing weekly residencies, the meatball cover strategy for commanding a dead crowd, the hard business truths about paying your side musicians and keeping IRS compliant books, and why building a community is more important than chasing the spotlight. Episode 12: Calluses, Chords, and Commitment with Dwight Wilson. Why having a day job does not diminish your identity as a musician, the six P's of prior proper preparation, the Victor Wooten philosophy that there are no wrong notes, and how walking the love walk transforms the entire music ecosystem around you. In this episode we also dig into: A special segment with George Hunter aka Sugarbear. Knoxville native, former music teacher at Austin East High School, veteran whose musical background kept him off the battlefield, and the saxophonist for Josi J and Dessert at seventy nine years old. George shares his brilliant practice hack of playing saxophone along with records as a DJ to make his horn sound like any instrument he wanted, and his timeless advice for young musicians after seven decades of playing. Four major themes that tie together every single episode of Creative Evolution across three months of guests. The harmony of community and why you must champion your local scene. Professional humility and the dark quiet work of preparation. Doing it afraid and failing forward. And radical independence and protecting your worth. ๐ŸŽฌ Connect: Big N Funky Productions: funkmasterv.com Chris Marshall: https://www.reverbnation.com/chrismarshall8 Dwight Wilson: https://www.instagram.com/djrome28 George Hunter aka Sugarbear: josijanddessert.com ๐ŸŒ Learn more at: https://josijanddessert.com/creative-evolution https://linktr.ee/creativeevolutionpodcast Credits: Host, Editor, Producer, Copywriter, Research, Art Director and Designer: Josie "Josi J" Jones Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    19 min
  8. Episode 12: Calluses, Chords, and Commitment with Dwight Wilson (Full Broadcast)

    May 20

    Episode 12: Calluses, Chords, and Commitment with Dwight Wilson (Full Broadcast)

    In Episode 12 of Creative Evolution, host Josi J sits down with Dwight Wilson (aka "The Oneder") guitarist, multi-instrumentalist, church music director, father of five, and lead guitarist of Josie J and Dessert. Dwight's story is a masterclass in what it looks like to build a long-term creative career without burning out, burning bridges, or giving up. Dwight started in church, picking up drums before moving to saxophone (where he always had to be first chair), then guitar, piano, bass, and beyond. He quit guitar in fifth grade because his fingers hurt, came back at 16, and never stopped again. Those early calluses shaped everything. In this episode, we get into: โœ”๏ธ Growing up in a Pentecostal church and how faith shaped his musicianship โœ”๏ธ Quitting guitar at 10, coming back at 16, and what that break taught him about perseverance โœ”๏ธ Joining Josi J and Dessert under fire: learning a full set list in one week and showing up to a show where half the band didn't โœ”๏ธ How he balances being lead guitarist in a touring band, church music director, full-time employee, and dad of five โœ”๏ธ His 11pm practice sessions: one Bluetooth earbud, no amp, everyone else asleep โœ”๏ธ Why he still figures out chords by ear instead of going straight to YouTube โœ”๏ธ The business side of music no one talks about: how your mindset changes everything โœ”๏ธ Why tearing other musicians down will never get you ahead โœ”๏ธ His philosophy on creative burnout, bad shows, and staying grounded โœ”๏ธ His #1 piece of advice for every independent artist: walk your love walk ๐ŸŽถ Featured Independent Artists: Serranna: https://www.facebook.com/sarrennamusic/ Lauren Oxford: https://laurenoxford.com Liv Noelle: https://livnoelle.com ๐Ÿ’Ž Sponsored by: Wizard of Rocks https://www.facebook.com/WizardOfRocks https://www.instagram.com/wizard_of_rocks ๐ŸŒ Connect with Creative Evolution: https://josijanddessert.com/creative-evolution https://linktr.ee/creativeevolutionpodcast ๐ŸŽฌ Credits: Guest: Dwight Wilson Editor: Alison Danielle Host, Producer, Copywriter, Art Director and Designer: Josie Jones Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

    1h 52m
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About

Welcome to Creative Evolution, the podcast that gives artists of all disciplines a real plan for a long-term career. Hosted by touring artist and creative professional Josi J, we interview industry veterans to bring you actionable business strategies for lasting success in the arts. Tune in each week to learn how to: Master the business side of the creative industries. Navigate the digital era. Turn career stress into creative stability. Lead with professional humility and advocate for yourself. Success as an artist isn't magic - it's a strategy. Drop your ego, tune in, and let's start the evolution! Hosted on Ausha. See ausha.co/privacy-policy for more information.

Information

  • Creator
    Josi J
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    28
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    ยฉ Josie Jones
  • Show Website
    Creative Evolution