The Jay Franze Show: Your backstage pass to the entertainment industry Jay Franze

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Matt Oakley: Critically Acclaimed Recording Artist

Ever wonder how a rising country star finds his voice in the midst of a global pandemic? Matt Oakley joins Jay Franze, to share his tale of musical evolution, from the spark of creation during quarantine to harnessing the power of TikTok for skyrocketing fame. We reminisce about the soul-stirring narratives that thread through his songs, a testament to legends like Rascal Flatts, and the unexpected journey that turned isolation into a launching pad for his country music career.

Strap in for a thorough breakdown of musical alchemy, where Matt spills the secrets of his fruitful collaborations with Nashville's finest, from the seasoned pros to the young guns adding a fresh beat to the scene. Their chat navigates through the technical tango of production with industry mavens, highlighting the strategic release of singles and Matt's anticipation for his Southeast tour. Candid revelations about embracing his unique sound underscore his emergence as a formidable force in the country music landscape.

As they round off the episode, Matt and Jay tackle the delicate interplay between an artist's personal touch and the influential might of social media. Witness how authenticity defines Matt's rise, from the shared moments of vulnerability in songwriting to the strategic finesse of marketing teams. This isn't just a peek behind the curtain; it's a deep-dive into the heart of what it takes to carve out a legacy in the beats of country music, one authentic chord at a time. Join in for a session that's as much about the rhythm of life as it is about the twang of a guitar.

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Host: Jay FranzeGuest: Matt OakleyRecorded: May 6, 2024Links
Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com Support the Show.

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From the covert world of international espionage to the imaginative realms of historical fiction, Jay's friend and guest, former CIA agent turned author Robert Schreiner, reveals the serendipitous sparks that ignited his novel "The Wolves and the Greyhounds." Their heart-to-heart uncovers Bob's three-year odyssey into the depths of the Battle of Coronel, illustrating his transformation of a WWI event into a mesmerizing story. As they traverse Bob's unique path, they uncover how the echoes of his children's history projects and a fervent love for military lore have woven into the fabric of his writing.

The maze that is the publishing industry is no stranger to the tenacious. Bob guides us through the rollercoaster of pursuing traditional publication—where the thrills of positive feedback meet the chills of rejection letters. Their conversation touches on the perseverance of authors and the nuanced challenges they face, especially in marketing a niche like WWI naval combat. However, their narrative doesn't end there. Bob and Jay also chart the empowering journey of self-publishing, where the creative control and success stories are reshaping the dreams of modern writers.

In the final act, they ponder the evolution of storytelling in their digital landscape, discussing the art of captivating book covers and the finesse required for a potent blurb. They flirt with the future, considering the thrill of adapting literature for the screen or interactive media. As they close, Bob shares a heartfelt nod to the silent heroes behind every creative venture, with a special mention of his wife Diane's steadfast support. Join us on The Jay Franze Show for a dialogue that bridges the clandestine corridors of intelligence with the boundless possibilities of fiction.
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Chelsey Parker: Critically Acclaimed Musician (Kyle Fields, Kid Rock, Phil Vassar)

Join Jay Franze, as he pulls back the curtain on the world of live music with the incredible fiddler and vocalist Chelsea Parker, whose passion for performance is as captivating as her command of the strings. Feel the adrenaline of stepping on stage at Rock The Country, where Chelsea and her 'band fam' electrify 32,000 fans, and get an insider's look at the rituals that ground her amidst the chaos. From the synergy of harmonizing vocals while fiddling to the backstage intricacies that few witness, this episode is a symphony of stories for the sound-obsessed and the casually curious alike.

Imagine the rush of opening for a music legend like Phil Vassar or the intricate dance of adapting your art to fit the mood of various venues, from the cozy corners of theaters to the vast embrace of open-air festivals. Chelsea's journey through the soundscape of collaboration reveals how connections with fellow musicians like Kyle Fields fuel her creative fire and transform each performance into something uniquely memorable. Whether it's fitting the fiddle into unconventional songs or navigating the waters of musical partnerships, Chelsea's insights resonate with the rhythm of an artist truly in tune with her craft.

As they strum through the chords of Chelsea's story, the conversation meanders from the resonance of family-influenced songwriting to the dynamic between formal education and the relentless pursuit of learning in the arts. Diving into the essence of Chelsea's approach to lyrics and melody, Jay uncovers the heartbeat of her original music and the role lifelong learning plays in refining one's artistry. For the dreamers who yearn for the life of a musician or those who simply savor the sweet sounds of dedication, this episode is a serenade to the undying spirit of musical exploration.

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Host: Jay FranzeGuest: Chelsey ParkerRecorded: April 29, 2024Links
Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com Support the Show.

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Keldamuzik: Critically Acclaimed Recording Artist / Actor / Host (The Hodges)

Step into the kaleidoscopic world of music with Keldamuzik, hip-hop artist turned EDM dynamo, as she shares her journey on shifting soundscapes in our latest podcast episode. The conversation with Kelda is an illuminating ride through the realms of creativity, as she spills the secrets behind her artistic evolution and the deep influences that propel her forward. From her homage to Michael Jackson to the fluidity of blending rap with spoken word, Kelda's narrative is a testament to the power of genre fusion and its impact on the creative soul.

Join us in the intimate corners of the recording studio, where Kelda opens up about the rituals and mindset that guide her in laying down tracks with precision and passion. She swears by the calming effects of kava tea—a little-known studio companion—and the spontaneity of perfecting ad-libs in a single take. As we peek behind the curtain, Kelda gives us a front-row seat to the artist-engineer synergy, the stringent mix and mastering process, and how she ensures her music emerges with a professional sheen, ready to hit the airwaves.

We round out our session with a dive into the maze of social media marketing and personal branding, where Kelda leads by example with her hands-on approach to fan interactions. From acknowledging birthday wishes to handling the whirlwind of messages, her online presence is as dynamic as her music. We even explore her latest entrepreneurial leap into fashion, launching her exclusive beret line, and her adventures on the set of "The Hodges." Kelda's story is a mosaic of creativity, with each tile—a song, a fashion statement, an on-screen role—revealing a larger portrait of an artist in constant motion.

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Host: Jay FranzeGuest: KeldamuzikRecorded: April 22, 2024Links
Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.comKeldamuzik: https://keldamuzik.com/ Support the Show.

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Bruce Reiter: Critically Acclaimed Live Sound Mixer (Five Finger Death Punch, Megadeath, Slayer)

Step behind the curtain of the live music scene with Jay Franze and the legendary sound mixer Bruce Reiter from Five Finger Death Punch. In a rare conversation, Bruce unveils his sonic journey, detailing his rise from modest beginnings to orchestrating the thunderous soundscapes for arena rock giants. He credits early mentors like Dave Natale for honing his craft, and offers an intimate look at the dynamics within the band, from Zoltan Bathory's strategic vision to Ivan Moody's heartfelt fan connections. It's a foray into the often-unseen emotional labor of sound engineering, revealing how Bruce's meticulous touch amplifies the raw exchange between artists and audiences.

When the stage lights blaze and the crowd roars, the unsung heroes at the sound console ensure every chord strikes true. This episode pulls back the festival curtain, highlighting the symphony of challenges and triumphs that sound engineers like Bruce Reitr face. From the seamless orchestration of the setup to the magic of virtual soundchecks, step into the collaborative world that transforms musical chaos into harmony. Learn how the subtlest variables, such as audience attire or the warmth they radiate, can sway the soundscape. Bruce's narrative underscores the vital, yet often invisible, camaraderie among the touring crew, who together, bring the concert experience to life night after night.

Join us as Bruce Reiter shares a masterclass in live sound mixing, from the comfort of his home studio to the electric energy of stadium shows. Discover the meticulous preparation that defines a touring sound engineer's life and the technological tools, like Smaart RTA, that ensure performances resonate with unfailing clarity. Bruce serves up an array of sound mixing techniques and tips for music connoisseurs and aspiring mixers alike, emphasizing the craft's blend of art and science. His commitment to continuous learning and mentorship shines through, offering valuable insights into an industry where precision meets passion, and every live show is an opportunity to reach sonic perfection.

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Host: Jay FranzeGuest: Bruce ReiterRecorded: April 21, 2024Links


Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.com Support the Show.

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Garrett Landers: Critically Acclaimed Musician (Britney's Lipstick, IP6)

Strap in for a rollercoaster ride with the electrifying Garrett Landers, whose guitar riffs are as epic as his stories. We kick off with a laugh or two as Garrett spills the beans on his unexpected musical voyage, ignited by a mistaken upright bass and the legendary Sting. From his self-taught riffs to the thrill of his first band, it's a tale of rock ambition met with the rhythmic heartbeats of family encouragement and the quirky twists of fate that catapulted him onto the stage.

Take a seat at the edge of your seat while Garrett takes you on a wild ride through his most memorable gigs. From battling the sweltering heat with chapstick-as-sunscreen to taking cues from a lone audience member on treble settings, these are the moments that musicians live for. But it's not all about the notes; Garrett's anecdotes reveal the magical connection between performer and crowd, inspired by icons like Stevie Ray Vaughan and Eddie Van Halen, and how that shared energy transforms a gig into something you just can't forget.

Finally, get the insider scoop on the high-octane world of corporate bands and their battles that rival any rockstar's dream. You'll be hanging on every word as I recount our ascent to the legendary Rock and Roll Hall of Fame stage—complete with tales of rehearsal drama, stage fright, and the blood, sweat, and tears it took to get there. And because the devil is in the details, we'll top off with a nod to the unsung heroes of live music—the sound people—whose magic fingers turn chaos into concert hall clarity. Join us for a symphony of stories that'll have you feeling like you're right there in the mosh pit with us.

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Host: Jay FranzeGuest: Garrett LandersRecorded: April 17, 2024Links


Jay Franze: https://JayFranze.comBritney's Lipstick: https://www.britneyslipstick.com/ Support the Show.