What's The Rate?

Gotham Network

A show where we get into the raw and real of pursuing creative success as an indie artist in their 20s in New York City. This podcast is produced by Gotham Production Studios and is a part of The Gotham Network. ⁠https://www.gothamproductionstudios.com/

  1. APR 9

    Indie Film Production in NYC! Rugby Otis Productions: Episode 11

    LAST INTERVIEW OF SEASON 2!!! My heart is so full. Season 3 coming in August! This episode features the host, Breonn Lyons, interviewing the founding team of Rugby Otis Productions: Jacob Boatsman (CEO/creative director), Sadie Prenda (CFO/creative director), and Chris Stucker (sound and post-designer). *Rugby Otis Productions Origins and Philosophy* Based in Brooklyn, the independent production company was founded by roommates Jacob and Satie. Their philosophy is built on "scrappy creativity," bold ideas, and a refusal to wait for permission. The founders were motivated by a desire to remain independent rather than pursuing traditional paths in the "Hollywood machine". After facing personal hardships and professional uncertainty, they solidified their partnership, emphasizing that their "ignorance is bliss" and naivety helped them drive their business forward. The group gained momentum through a year-long challenge of creating 52 films in 52 weeks. Cardboard Island is highlighted as a major project, showcasing their ability to create high-concept visual effects on a negligible budget—reportedly costing only $60 to film—by teaching themselves technical skills through trial and error. Their work is characterized by "wearing too many hats" and utilizing a supportive community of friends and local business owners to secure locations and resources. They advocate for "changing the industry" by treating actors with dignity, ensuring transparent production practices, and creating stories driven by hope and love rather than anger. The team minimizes costs by using owned equipment and leveraging sponsorships, while also crowdfunding for larger projects like their feature *Poor Man's Palace*. They emphasize the importance of mentors, specifically mentioning their connection to a comedian and Kickstarter board member who provided guidance on crowdfunding and navigating the business. To manage the demands of their creative pursuits, they adhere to a strict schedule of weekly meetings to hold each other accountable. The guests stress that "closed mouths do not get fed," encouraging creators to simply ask for what they need and to be kind in the process. They suggest that while fame may play a factor in the current industry, the primary goal should be to inspire others and prove that unconventional, independent routes are viable. They urge creators to be the change they wish to see, emphasizing that they do not have to replicate the traditional industry models that they find unsustainable. *Filmography and Creative Process**Funding and Operational Challenges**Advice for Aspiring Creators* SUBSCRIBE!!! NEW EPISODES EVERY THURSDAY!! Follow the show! Instagram:   / whatstheratepod   Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast... Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IoUxOa... Youtube:    / @whatstheratepod   Follow Rugby Otis! Instagram:   / rugbyotisproductions   Website: rugbyotis.com Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/rugbyotis Linktree: linktr.ee/rugbyotis #indiefilm #filmmaking #nycpodcast #filmproduction #podcast #productionhouse #sounddesign #director #brooklyn Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 38m
  2. APR 8

    Resources: DJ Mode- The Journey of Becoming A DJ

    How NYC DJs Build Real Careers (Intern to Music Director) | DJ Mode Interview If you're a DJ or artist in your 20s trying to break into the New York City music scene, this episode breaks down what it actually takes! In this episode of What’s The Rate?, DJ Mode shares: - His 22-year journey from interning at 17 to becoming a music director, creative, and investor in NYC - How to start as a DJ in NYC with no connections- Why internships can be valuable early on - When to stop working for free and start charging your worth- How to price yourself as a DJ or creative - Building a unique sound instead of copying trends- The importance of mentorship and organic relationships - When to get management and when to wait- DJ set strategy: pacing, energy, and reading the crowd - Balancing multiple jobs while pursuing a creative career - Trusting your intuition when choosing gigs - Why moving too fast can hurt your long-term growth! This episode is for DJs, producers, and artists in their 20s navigating the NYC music scene and trying to build something sustainable. SUBSCRIBE!!! NEW EPISODES EVERY THURSDAY!! Follow the show! Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatstheratepod/ Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-the-rate/id1823954393 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IoUxOa2mBBACALeQK1TEs?si=8da25244bba5434d Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WhatsTheRatePod Follow DJ Mode: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djmodeyc/ Linktree: https://linktr.ee/djmodenyc #NYCDJ #DJLife #ArtistsInNYC #MusicIndustryTips #IndependentArtist #MusicCareer #CreativeEntrepreneur #HowToDJ #NYCMusicScene #emergingartists Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    33 min
  3. MAR 12

    "IDK" Album Release! Piatt Pund: Episode 9

    ISSA ALBUM RELEASE!!! In this episode, we break apart Piatt Pund’s new album, “IDK” and explore the musicality, lyrics, and the work behind its production. Much like the album cover, the conversation stretches across different avenues such as the vulnerability behind “Free,” the sentimental value and relatability of “Awkward,” and the toying with tempo on the closing track, “IDK.” We also dive into Piatt’s process with lyrics and melodies and how to truly squeeze all the creative juices out of the box. Piatt opens up about his support system and his everflowing source of love which inspires most of his songwriting.This album takes you on a funky, jazz flavored journey with pop elements that make you feel the joy in every beat. Piatt’s guitar playing pulls you into his world whether it’s at the club, the bar, in a park on a sunny day with your crush, or smoking in the rain.  SUBSCRIBE!!!!!!!! Follow the show:  INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/whatstheratepod Listen on Youtube: https://youtu.be/RmqXXXZtLFA Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-the-rate/id1823954393 Check out “IDK” on all streaming platforms! Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0EDeq8MJ3vO7hqA4pjd1CG?si=youLEo8zQESFdyFbugTriQ Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/piatt-pund/1450497133 Follow Piatt Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/piattpund/?hl=en NEW EPISODES EVERY THURSDAY!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 2m
  4. MAR 9

    RESOURCES: Entertainment Lawyer Marcie Cleary: Episode 3

    On this episode we are welcoming Marcie Cleary, one of the top and most sought after entertainment lawyers in the business. According to fkks.com, “The Hollywood Reporter named her to its 2025 “Power” list of the Top 33 Attorneys for A-List Athletes, Teams, and Leagues, and to its 2024 and 2023 “Power Lawyers” lists of top entertainment lawyers in New York. Variety featured Ms. Cleary in its Legal Impact Report in 2025, 2024, 2023, 2022, 2021, and 2020, its Women’s Impact Report: New York in 2024, and its Dealmakers Impact Report in 2021, 2022, and as a 2025 Dealmaker. Best Lawyers in America recognized Ms. Cleary in its 2026 and 2025 “Best Lawyers” editions for Entertainment and Sports Law and in its “Ones to Watch” list in 2024 and 2023. Ms. Cleary was ranked in Chambers USA for Entertainment & Media: Advisory in 2025, 2024, and 2023. The Legal 500highlighted Ms. Cleary in its Media & Entertainment Law edition in 2024, 2023, and 2022. And both Super Lawyers and Business Insider have recognized Ms. Cleary as one of the leading lawyers for digital creators and influencers.” SUBSCRIBE for more episodes and helpful resources like this! Like comment and share! Follow the show! Youtube: www.youtube.com/@WhatsTheRatePod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/whatstheratepod/ Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-the-rate/id1823954393 Check out Marcie: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/marciecleary/?hl=en Website: https://fkks.com/attorneys/marcie-cleary Resources that Marcie listed Diverse Representation https://www.diverserepresentation.com/ Volunteer Lawyers For The Arts https://vlany.org/ HAPPY RESOURCE MONDAY!!!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    25 min
  5. FEB 26

    The Band BONNY: Episode 7

    From radio silence on a camping trip to performing on stages across New York City! BONNY is a fresh retro duo reviving the spirit of rock bands with grit, groove, and heart. With co-lead vocalists bringing that timeless dynamic back to the forefront, BONNY blends folky warmth with punchy rock flare that feels nostalgic, vintage, and homely. As a three-piece, they talk about how, though a smaller group, it keeps everything raw, by distributing not only energy but responsibility equally and sonically. Inspired by legends like Patti Smith, Rush, and Fleetwood Mac, they embrace old-school studio recording techniques and then mix it in a way that feels fresh and modern. There’s an unspoken communication between them built on deep trust, spontaneity, and the freedom to jam together vulnerably, which I really admire. We also dive into: What it means to build a “patchwork” career as multi-hyphenate artists How they handle time management and disagreements as a band that also lives together Their favorite venues and how to secure gigs Their songwriting process, including their debut single, “What Are You Doing?” Their plans for the future as a team. SUBSCRIBE!!!!!!!! FOLLOW THE SHOW: INSTAGRAM: https://www.instagram.com/whatstheratepod TIK TOK: https://www.tiktok.com/@whatstherate Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/7IoUxOa2mBBACALeQK1TEs Listen on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/whats-the-rate/id1823954393 FOLLOW BONNY: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thebandbonny/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0XBiWPvb2wyuJg0hYBKYeI Apple Music: Bonny NEW EPISODES EVERY THURSDAY!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    1h 4m

About

A show where we get into the raw and real of pursuing creative success as an indie artist in their 20s in New York City. This podcast is produced by Gotham Production Studios and is a part of The Gotham Network. ⁠https://www.gothamproductionstudios.com/