Amani “Burt Blackarach” Smith is an award-winning music supervisor, composer, producer, DJ, and publisher whose work spans film, television, global stages, and streaming platforms, with credits including Netflix’s The Perfect Neighbor and Stamped From The Beginning, ABC’s The Wonder Years, and Nat Geo’s Genius: MLK/X. Known for his rare dual role as both music supervisor and composer, he has collaborated for over two decades with Public Enemy’s Chuck D while creating music for major networks, iconic brands, and projects with filmmakers like Mara Brock Akil, Ryan Murphy, and Brian Grazer. Carrying forward his family’s legacy through Salamani Music, Burt continues to innovate with his Airbnb experience Be A DJ For A Day, and his one-man show UnShazamable, bridging generations through music, storytelling, and culture. Summary: In this insightful interview, Burt Blackarach shares his journey through the music industry, emphasizing the importance of finishing and presenting work, building relationships, and managing mental health. Discover practical advice on sync licensing, artist development, and maintaining happiness while pursuing a creative career. Connect with Burt here: https://www.instagram.com/djburtblackarach/ Check out Be A DJ for a Day Here: https://www.airbnb.com/experiences/67342 —----------------- Welcome to the #liveandcreate podcast, hosted by Miguel Antonio, singer-songwriter, speaker and Lead Vocalist of the band Run With It . In this podcast, Miguel engages in meaningful conversations with artists and entrepreneurs, delving into the essence of living a great life and creating great things. Our discussions revolve around the personal stories and inspirations of our guests, touching on practical aspects of both business and artistic creation. These conversations evolve into philosophical explorations, encompassing the art of life, music, and the pursuit of a better world. To be a guest on the show email booking@runwithitband.net To check out Miguel's band Run With It as they release one new song every month https://runwithitband.net live and create, #liveandcreate, music podcast, entertainment industry podcast, sync licensing —---- Chapters 00:00 The Importance of Recording and Candor 02:27 Embracing Candor in Creative Spaces 05:25 The Role of Mentorship and Encouragement 08:13 Understanding Your Worth in the Industry 10:52 Navigating Feedback and Artistic Confidence 13:56 The Journey into Sync Licensing 16:43 Artistry as a Process of Trying 19:22 Building a Career in Sync and Publishing 23:32 The Journey to Music Supervision 26:50 Navigating the Sync World 28:03 The Mental Aspect of Music Creation 31:33 Balancing Artistry and Performance 35:45 The Evolution of a One-Man Show 38:42 Mental Health in the Music Industry 47:48 Navigating Anxiety and Embracing Positivity 50:39 Facing Anxiety: A Journey of Self-Discovery 52:08 Finding Happiness in Music and Life 56:50 Defining a Great Life: Happiness in Simplicity 01:02:30 Creating Great Things: The Importance of Completion _____ keywords music industry, sync licensing, artist development, mental health, songwriting, music production, career advice, creative process