Santa Monica is famous for many things, but three popular landmarks top the city’s list of must-see spectacles: the pier, the beach, and TrueTone Music. Run by musicians, for musicians, TrueTone is an independently owned and operated guitar shop that attracts local and touring musicians alike. Over three decades in business, TrueTone has established itself as a destination spot for the greater Los Angeles area—and the rest of the world as well. 

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Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music business today. In today’s episode, host and LA-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with TrueTone co-owners Sunir Patel and Paul Flynn to discuss the success story behind their legendary guitar shop. “[TrueTone Music] really is the people,” says Paul. “We can put whatever gear [we want] up on the walls. You can’t just get a room and put gear in it, and people will come in and buy it. It does not work that way.” 

“The vast majority of the [staff] has been there for 10-plus years,” Sunir adds. “That’s a really big thing. The most important part of the vibe and the culture of the store are all the guys working there.”

In today’s conversation, Paul and Sunir discuss TrueTone’s origin story, the timeless quality of guitar-based music, and the major differences between their indie shop and the big-box retailers. Tuning in, you’ll also gain insight into the inner workings of TrueTone, including their commitment to creating a welcoming community that treats regular customers like celebrities and celebrities like regular people. (That said, TrueTone has seen its fair share of musical luminaries, including Prince, Andy Summers, Reverend Billy Gibbons, Tenacious D, Tom Petty, and Steely Dan, among others.

As you’ll discover in today’s episode, both Paul and Sunir harbor a deep love for music and the people who craft it, regardless of their celebrity status. They believe it’s the people, not the gear, who make TrueTone Music the special place it is. “If we keep making customers happy, we can keep doing this,” says Paul on their plans for the future. “It’s as simple as that. We like what we do, we like the customers, we like the gear. It’s generally a very nice work environment!”

In the realm of music recording, small labels are not merely entities; they are hubs of ingenuity and resilience. Running an independent recording label can be both challenging and rewarding. Building a strong brand, nurturing relationships, and staying innovative are the keys to success for smaller music recording labels. California-based boutique record label RidingEasy, which specializes in classic rock, heavy psych, and proto-metal, embodies all the crucial aspects of prosperity within the indie sphere. 

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Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music business today.

In today’s episode, host and LA-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with RidingEasy Records founder Daniel Hall to discuss the label’s formation and subsequent success. “I have been really lucky with how things have flown with [RidingEasy],” he says. “I think the difference with independent labels is we are putting out records we feel great about, even if it does not sell a million copies.”

RidingEasy Records is more than a label; it’s a passion-turned-phenomenon. Their tracks have found homes in commercials, films, TV shows, and online content, making them an indomitable force in the industry.

Daniel himself is more than a seasoned professional in music marketing; he’s a trailblazer in the industry. From artist to promoter, his journey through the music industry is marked by life-changing relationships and a profound understanding of the mechanisms of success. “I think one of the things I learned about in the music business is that what you think you are going to be doing is not always what you are going to be doing,” he says. 

In our conversation, Daniel unpacks the roots of RidingEasy Records and how stoner rock band Salem’s Pot ignited the label’s formation.

He shares the experiences that shaped his belief in the power of music and waxes poetic about strong graphics as the backbone of a marketing campaign: “Pre-internet days, you would go to the record store, and a lot of times you couldn’t hear what something sounded like. You had to look at the [album] cover.” Daniel discusses the album art and labels that ignited his passion before forming RidingEasy Records, his contemporary marketing approach, and how his DJ background helped shape his career.

Grab a backstage pass into the inner workings of an indie record label by tuning into our conversation with Daniel Hall. 

“I am a music lover first,” says musical polymath Danny Holloway. “I don’t care where the tune is from.”

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Born on the West Coast, Danny is a producer and music journalist whose life is guided by his passion for creativity and music. From a young age, he knew he wanted to be part of the music industry, even if his own bands never made it big. “I was most dedicated to having a career in music,” says Danny, who tried on multiple hats before finding the right path. “It didn’t necessarily have to be playing it; I just needed to be a part of it,” he continues. A former employee of Island Records, Danny is also a record collector and DJ with Los Angeles-based internet radio station dublab.

Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music business today.

On today’s episode, host and L.A.-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Danny Holloway to discuss the producer’s long and winding road through the world of music. During their conversation, Danny shares stories about industry legends, his personal evolution, and the multiple turning points he’s encountered along the way. 

One such turning point occurred when Danny relocated to the UK for his career. There, he connected with Island Records head Chris Blackwell, who sent him to work with Bob Marley in Jamaica, an experience that allowed Danny to bring reggae to a larger, transatlantic audience.

“When you brought reggae to people for the first time that were unfamiliar with what it was, the beat was backwards to them,” he says. Danny also discusses writing for NME, a music journalism gig that kick-started his career, and why he eventually decided to return to the U.S. with his family.

Later in the episode, Dan and Danny chat about the changes that have upended the world over the last decades, including the fame, materialism, and the difference between today’s stars and the icons of the ‘60s and ‘70s.

Ultimately, Danny’s story exemplifies how passion and tenacity can lead to bigger and better things over time: “Don’t get too locked into one thing!” he says, taking his own advice to heart. Tune into today’s episode of The Conduit for a fascinating conversation on Danny Holloway’s incredible career in music. 

On this episode of ‘The Conduit,’ host Dan Ubick sits down with Paul Broucek to discuss the producer’s role as president of music at Warner Bros. Pictures.

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Crafting an engaging, emotive film score is a complex process that demands a harmonious blend of artistic flair, collaborative prowess, and an acute understanding of the film’s narrative. A great score transports listeners to the heart of the story, instilling the audience with awe, fear, elation, and despondence in the space of two hours.

The musicians behind these scores are responsible for compositions that imbue the story with an unforgettable essence, constructing themes that stimulate the imagination and evoke a range of emotions. Today’s guest, Paul Broucek, is an entertainment heavyweight who oversees Warner Bros. Pictures’ score production as their president of music. 

Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music business today.

In today’s episode, host and L.A.-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Paul Broucek to discuss the producer’s fascinating career in film scoring. “I wanted to be the kind of producer who understood the tools and understood how [making music] is done,” says Paul, who, as a talented pianist and composer, has written music for a variety of projects over the years. 

As the president of music at Warner Bros. Pictures, a position he’s held since 2012, Paul supervises all aspects of music production for the studio’s films, working alongside filmmakers and composers to craft scores that leave an indelible mark on audiences: “My favorite space in the world is to be in a recording studio,” he says. Paul is also a frequent speaker and panelist at industry events, generously sharing his insight and expertise with aspiring musicians. 

In our conversation, Paul discusses the path that led him to his career, the various projects he’s completed, and the magic of scoring a soundtrack for a film.

We dive into the art of managing expectations, the process of making music for a movie, and why composing scores is an ego-driven business.

Paul also shares the musical inspirations with the greatest impact on his work and why it pays to be prepared: “[Luck] is preparing yourself for things that you are interested in so you can recognize when an opportunity comes along—then you can act on it.” Tune into today’s episode of the Conduit and discover what it takes to excel in the film scoring industry with invaluable insights from Paul Brocek.

For Michael “Fish” Herring, a veteran guitarist with 25 years of touring experience, playing with industry luminaries like Dru Hill, Christina Aguilera, Stevie Wonder, Justin Timberlake, and Prince is just a fraction of his diverse and illustrious career.

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Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music business today. In today’s episode, host and LA-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Michael “Fish” Herring to discuss the musician’s philosophy on creativity, collaboration, and learning. “I try to listen and learn [from] people first,” he says. “That makes it easier to thrive in a situation, whatever the situation is.”

Michael grew up listening to a wide variety of music, including progressive rock, jazz, classical, and musical titans like Grover Washington Jr., who hails from Michael’s hometown of Philadelphia.

While he still tours with Christina Aguilera and other illustrious artists, Michael spends most of his time producing, recording, and developing new talent.

He also composes and arranges music for TV and film from his studio and home in Burbank, California. “Every time I meet a new person, a new musician, somebody creative, I’m [inspired],” he says of his career. “I think everybody has got to keep that mindset and help each other out and inspire each other.”

In today’s episode, Michael reflects on the influence his family and schooling had on him while growing up and shares some hilarious and inspiring anecdotes from his journey through the music industry.

From starting the band Psychedelic Mushroom at just nine years old to catching a joint thrown by Rick James as an adult, Michael has seen it all: “I have a fond memory of [Rick James] lighting a joint in the control room and the joint catching on fire and him tossing it to me while it was on fire,” he muses. “Rick can do whatever he wants!”

Tuning in, you’ll find out about Fish’s “listen and learn” approach (“listen to every note that every player is playing because that affects you”) and how he continues to push himself creatively by allowing recording artists to guide him. “The future of music is always uncertain,” he quips. “It’s constantly changing with technology. It’s constantly changing as an art form. It’s constantly changing as a job. Who knows where the next gig is going to come from, [but there are] always gigs.”

For world-class professional advice from musician, songwriter, guitarist, composer, producer, author, inventor, screenwriter, and all-around music industry veteran Michael “Fish” Herring, tune into today’s episode of The Conduit.

On this episode of ‘The Conduit,’ host Dan Ubick sits down with Ric’key Pageot to discuss the musician’s upbringing in Montreal among a family of musicians.

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Location and geography hugely impact a child’s development, from the friends they make to the schools they attend. While it’s not always recognized as such, Montreal is a uniquely vibrant city with exceptionally high rates of integration that differentiate it from cosmopolitan areas like New York or Los Angeles, both diverse cities that contend with significant levels of segregation.

Today, accomplished L.A.-based musician Ric’key Pageot joins us to discuss his unusual upbringing in Montreal among a family of talented musicians. “Montreal is so integrated; you’re surrounded by every culture,” Ric’key says. “Montreal is really underrated for that.”

Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music business today.

In today’s episode, host and LA-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Ric’key Pageot to discuss the musician’s journey from “classical nerd” to pop-star-supporting touring artist. “Anything outside of classical, I really wouldn’t [listen to],” says Ric’key of his years at McGill University in Montreal. “I don’t think I really listened to anything other than hip-hop, R&B, and stuff like that. It’s only when I grew older [that] I started appreciating other types of music.”

Today, Ric’key is a Steinway Artist, a title granted to only the very best pianists. In the past, he’s played piano and accordion on tour for the likes of Diana Ross, Madonna, and Cher.

During today’s episode, Ric’key shares details about his upbringing in Montreal, how it exposed him to a multitude of ideas and cultures, and why he chose to attend McGill University: “It was a great school. I loved it. And it’s kind of sad today. I don’t even think they have the same program anymore. They lost government funding. And it’s really unfortunate that music is not a priority anymore. The arts are not a priority anymore in schools.” Ric’key also describes what it was like growing up in a family full of talented musicians—and the concerts they held—before reflecting on his life as a performer.

“I’m all about tradition and moving tradition forward,” says Ric’key, describing Parlor Social, the band he formed with his wife, Dessy Di Lauro. “That’s how Parlor Social came about. It was about paying homage to the Harlem Renaissance culture and moving it forward.” Ric’key’s life as a musician has led him down incredible paths; in today’s show, he reflects on his journey, the many lessons learned, and the amazing people he’s met along the way.  

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“Mario C. likes to keep it clean,” raps Mike D. on the Beastie Boys’ 1998 single “Intergalactic.” The Beasties have a delightful habit of name-checking their friend and go-to producer, Mario Caltado Jr., who’s mentioned on three of their studio albums.

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Born in Brazil and raised in L.A., Mario Caltado Jr., better known as Mario C., grew up listening to AM radio during music’s golden age in the ’60s and ’70s, which led him to start his own band: “It was a very exciting moment to be able to make our own music and impress our friends and family with the music that we created,” he says. The rush Mario experienced while playing live cemented his passion for performance, and he continued experimenting with different sounds and instruments. As Mario got older, he became interested in the technical side of music. And the rest, as they say, is history.

Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music industry. In today’s episode, host and LA-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Mario Caldato to discuss the producer’s work with industry titans like Beck, Bjork, Cibo Matto, John Lee Hooker, Los Lobos, and Yoko Ono.

Mario is well known for his work with the Beasties, a collaboration that catapulted his career into the stratosphere. The producer formed a tight bond with the Beasties, becoming close friends while recording Paul’s Boutique, Check Your Head, Ill Communication, and Hello Nasty. Mario is also known for his early work on Tone Loc and Young MC hit singles and albums. “[Recording] was an experimental learning process that we slowly figured out and improved,” says Mario, who owns and operates L.A.-based production facility MCJ Studios.

In today’s conversation, Dan and Mario talk about the producer’s incredible collection of tapes, how he set up a recording studio with very little capital, and the power of hip-hop to bring people and music genres together. He also shares his influences in engineering, what it’s like working with Money Mark (“he is still the same witty wise-guy”), and how he designed a sound studio for DJ Matt Dike of Delicious Vinyl. “It was a really beautiful beginning […] at the studio, which eventually became Delicious Vinyl,” he says. Mario also discusses his current roster of creative projects, so pop on your headphones to hear the details from a true music legend.

From an early age, Bernie Grundman knew he wanted to dedicate his life to sound. “I knew where I needed to be when I was a little kid,” says the world-renowned mastering engineer. “I already knew the things that attracted me, and I was wide open to it. I knew where my passions were.”

The following comes from Crewest Studio, a company DMN is proud to be partnering with.

Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music industry. In today’s episode, host and LA-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Bernie Grundman to discuss the legendary engineer’s Hollywood studio, Bernie Grundman Mastering, and its long-term impact on the music industry’s soundscape. “Music is an expression, emotionally, of the human experience,” says Bernie. “We all are the same. We all have the same emotions.”

A jazz fanatic who followed his passion for music through the Air Force and on to Hollywood, Bernie is the man behind a myriad of landmark recordings, including Carole King’s Tapestry, Steely Dan’s Aja, Michael Jackson’s Thriller, Prince’s Purple Rain, Dr. Dre’s The Chronic, and Snoop Dogg’s Doggystyle. Since opening his Hollywood recording studio in 1983, Bernie has mastered thousands upon thousands of records, winning numerous awards along the way. In 1997, he opened a studio in Tokyo, Japan, with engineer Yasuji Maeda.

Bernie began his career with Roy DuNann and Lester Koenig at Contemporary Records, where he mastered gems by jazz greats like Art Pepper and Sonny Rollins. Before long, the engineer moved on to Herb Moss and Jerry Alpert’s famed A&M Records in 1968, where he worked for the next 15 years before launching his own studio. As you’ll discover in today’s episode, Bernie’s easy-going demeanor, his never-ending quest to better himself, and his attention to detail are unrivaled—scrolling through his discography could take up the better part of your day.

In today’s podcast episode, Bernie talks about his decision to become a recording engineer and the steps he took to pursue that passion. He also emphasizes the importance of demonstrating enthusiasm, responding emotionally to music without prejudice, and making yourself unconditionally available to the artists. Ultimately, Bernie believes that if you do what you’re passionate about, you’ll never run out of steam. “I’m 81 years old, and I’m still enthusiastic and excited about this business,” he says. “The thing is, if you’re working in your passion area, you’re never going to run out of energy.”

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Adrian Quesada is music royalty in Austin, Texas. The songwriter is a former member of Grammy Award-winning Latin-funk orchestra Grupo Fantasma, a founding member of Latin-funk band Brownout, and one-half of psychedelic-soul phenomenon Black Pumas.

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A producer and multi-instrumentalist, Adrian is renowned for his unique blend of soul, psychedelic rock, and traditional Latin music the world over. But his was no overnight success. Adrian’s been grinding for the better part of two decades now, consistently working to refine his sound and build genuine connections in the industry.

Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music business today.

In today’s episode, host and L.A.-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Adrian Quesada to discuss the musician’s slow and steady climb to the top of the music mountain. “Every time I spoke to somebody, it would open a new door,” says Adrian, reflecting on his early experiences in the music industry.

Born in South Texas and raised on a steady diet of hip hop, soul, and Mexican culture, Adrian has collaborated with everyone from Prince and Los Lobos to David Garza and Wu-Tang Clan’s GZA.

“[Prince] believed in us,” says Adrian, referring to his Latin-funk orchestra Grupo Fantasma. “That gave me a lot of confidence as a guitar player; that gave everybody a ton of confidence as a band. That was a big turning point for all of our musical developments and careers.

“I learn something from everybody I work with,” he continues. “I feel like [collaboration] is really important, particularly for somebody like me, who works alone a lot.”

Today, Adrian owns and operates Electric Deluxe, a recording studio and creative space “where analog meets digital.” Self-produced, recorded, and performed, the musician’s latest album, Boleros Psicodélicos, is a sprawling tribute to the golden era of Latin American psychedelia. The record is a funky testament to the dedication and craftsmanship Adrian poured into his work from the very beginning.

Above everything, Adrian loves what he does. Passionate and generous, the seasoned pro reflects on his journey as a musician, offers wisdom on the joys and pitfalls of songwriting, and recommends love and appreciation as the ultimate ice-breakers. Tune into this month’s episode of The Conduit for a fascinating conversation about collaboration, craftsmanship, and appreciation.

Photo Credit: Crewest Studio

Like Sly and the Family Stone, The Clash, and Public Enemy before them, Los Angeles rockers Ozomatli believe change is possible through the power of music.

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Formed in 1995, the Grammy-winning group mixes the eclectic sounds of Chicano SoCal—salsa, funk, jazz, reggae, and hip-hop—with socially charged lyrics that preach freedom and denounce injustice. Over the last 20 years, Ozomatli’s energetic live shows and political activism have earned them critical acclaim and a devoted fan base.

Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music business today.

In today’s episode, host and L.A.-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Wil-Dog Abers and Raul Pacheco of Ozomatli to discuss the group’s eclectic musical influences and their commitment to social and political activism.

“Every movement has artists and music attached to it,” Will-Dog tells Dan early in the episode. “James Brown didn’t say it’s a universal language for nothing.”

Set to infectious rhythms and catchy melodies, Ozomatli’s music reflects the melting pot of cultures that is Los Angeles.

While they’re known for their distinctly SoCal sound, the group is popular around the world thanks to their extensive touring schedule.

Whether supporting Carlos Santana on his Supernatural tour, working with reggae duo Sly and Robbie, or creating music for children, Ozomatli strives for growth both as a group and as individuals.

“As a group, we’re [always] working hard at being better singers,” says Raul. “I’m taking jazz piano, and it’s been opening me up more [to understanding how] different notes create different feelings, which I never understood before,” chimes in Will-Dog. The two also talk about their scores for Happy Feet 2 and Elmo’s Musical Monsterpiece, a video game that teaches children about instruments, music, and sound.

“[Making music for kids’ films] gave us more freedom to be characters, to play different roles, to not worry about what Ozomatli fans think about it,” says Raul. “That process was actually really helpful for us as writers and how we make music.”

In today’s conversation, Raul and Will-Dog share key lessons from the last two decades of their career. The two chat about leveraging their label’s marketing strategy, treating their manager like a business partner, and their new LP, Marching On.

Order the album here, then tune into this month’s episode of The Conduit for a fascinating conversation with the purveyors of SoCal sound, Ozomatli.

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Breaking into the music business and building a sustainable career is a tall order. It requires hard work, a little luck, and a single-minded commitment to the music, traits that today’s guest has in spades. Best known for his work reissuing historical albums, Andrew Sandoval is a Grammy-nominated engineer, author, DJ, and songwriter whose love of ‘60s rock shines throughout his storied career.

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Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music business today.

In today’s episode, host and LA-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Andrew Sandoval to discuss how the producer leveraged his deep love of music into an enduring career. His journey began in 1986 as editor and publisher of the fanzine New Breed, a project that blossomed into a career compiling and reissuing albums for labels like Rhino and Polygram.

“I wanted to communicate with people about music, talk about music, and learn about it, and the only way I could do that was [through New Breed],” says Andrew. “I didn’t have the best writing abilities, but I learned by doing, and I can say the same of my entire musical career.”

Enamored with ‘60s rock, Andrew has reissued classic albums by everyone from the Bee Gees to Big Star. A Monkees superfan, he also manages the group, oversees their reissues, produces their tours, and helps with their set list on the road.

In 2005 he authored The Monkees: The Day-by-Day Story, a deep dive into the band’s history that has since been fully updated and expanded. “If you want to sell a book, it has got to be more than just a one-sheet pitch page,” Andrew says of the publishing process. “If people are interested at all, they want to see a sample chapter from you, even if the book isn’t done.”

In this episode, Andrew highlights the importance of self-motivation, experiential learning, and varied skill sets in his success. His story illustrates that passion is paramount, but doing your homework is the bedrock of long-term, sustainable growth.

“The best way to get started is how I got started with my fanzine,” Andrew says. “To make something yourself, discover something yourself.”

For more classic ‘60s tunes, catch Come to the Sunshine, a weekly podcast where Andrew “ushers you into his record room for a two-hour assortment of scintillating 1960s sounds,” Make sure to catch today’s episode of The Conduit for an especially “scintillating” conversation with Andrew Sandoval.

In the ‘90s, rock was rock, hip-hop was hip-hop, and never the twain did meet. Then, at the turn of the century, a 73-minute, genre-bending bomb exploded onto the music scene, shattering notions about the limits of creativity and collaboration. Uneasy Listening, Vol. I, a joint record from like-minded DJs P and Z-Trip, broke genre conventions by mixing rock ‘n’ roll mainstays like Rush and Pat Benatar with dance and hip-hop cuts from Madonna, Redman, and The Pharcyde.

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Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music industry. In today’s episode, host and LA-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Zach Sciacca (better known as DJ Z-Trip) to discuss the musician’s pioneering work as a key player in the mash-ups movement.

“It wasn’t like I set out to become a DJ,” says Z-Trip, whose Uneasy Listening arrived on the scene in 2001, just as samples, remixes, and mashups were gaining credibility as a valid form of self-expression. “It was very much about me having this music and wanting to share it,” he continues. “Once I realized that I could put it together and I could expose people to the things that I liked, the DJ thing came into play.”

Widely known as both the godfather of mashups and “America’s Best DJ,” an award he received in 2009 from the DJ Times, Z-Trip is also renowned for his technical abilities and production skills. Over the years, he’s collaborated with innovative artists like Nas, Beck, Public Enemy, and DJ Shadow, remixing songs from artists as varied as Bob Marley and the Butthole Surfers. In his interview, Z-Trip shares the brightest pearls of wisdom he’s pocketed along the way: “One thing I learned through the arc of my whole career is take chances,” he says. “Be risky, try to push boundaries. Don’t always play it safe. There’s a time to play it safe, there’s a time to lock in.”

Z-Trip also touches on his favorite genre-bending tracks (see Afrika Bambaataa’s “Planet Rock”), why creative consistency trumps big milestones, and how to find like-minded artists traveling a similar career path. His advice to aspiring DJs? “Every gig, go into it like it’s your first [and last],” he says, adding, “put your heart and fucking soul into it because you never know who’s watching.”

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Founding an indie record label is no easy feat, but making that same label thrive over two decades is truly awe-inspiring. Stones Throw Records ringleader Chris Manak (better known as Peanut Butter Wolf) balances the stress of running a tiny but influential label with a healthy dose of enthusiasm: “When I sign new artists, I feel like I’m living through them,” he says. “When I see stuff that excites them, it excites me!” From record-collecting fifth grader to internationally acclaimed DJ, Wolf maintains a deep love of music that guides him through the valleys and peaks of life.

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Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music business today. In today’s episode, host and LA-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Peanut Butter Wolf to discuss the DJ’s struggles and successes over the last 20 years at the helm of Stones Throw. Wolf shares his thoughts on making mixtapes, finding positive mentors with eclectic musical tastes, and working with the biggest names in hip-hop, from Madlib and MF Doom to J Dilla and Anderson Paak. He also touches on the ins and outs of running Stones Throw, why streaming services might be good for indie record labels, and which records in his now-massive (and famous) collection came first.

Wolf began collecting records in the late ‘70s, right as hip-hop emerged as an exciting new genre from the Bronx. As a precocious high schooler and “bedroom DJ,” Wolf saved his lunch money for the latest singles from indie labels like Sugarhill and Sunnyview. In 1990, he met 16-year-old Charles Hicks, who would become Wolf’s ride-or-die creative partner as MC and rapper Charizma. Wolf discusses the duo’s origin story, reflecting on their close friendship and creative output over a three-year period in the early ‘90s. He also touches on Charizma’s untimely passing at age 20, the subsequent grief that swallowed his creativity, and what eventually brought him peace: “Making beats and making tracks was what really got me out of [mourning Charizma’s death],” Wolf says. “It was my therapy more than anything.”

If there’s one lesson listeners can learn from Wolf and his 20-plus years of experience in the music industry, it’s how to stay excited about art in the face of adversity. “I’m still really proud and thankful for all of the great music I am able to surround myself with,” he says. Tune in to this month’s episode of The Conduit for a fascinating conversation about stamina and passion with the legendary Peanut Butter Wolf.

Photo Credit: Mike Bugaoan

West Coast producer DJ Nu-Mark has a surprising confession: “I bought a drum machine before I bought turntables,” admits the legendary DJ when asked about his start in the music industry. A longstanding member of experimental hip-hop group Jurassic 5, Nu-Mark laid the foundations for success early in life with school band, drum lessons, and an eclectic collection of rock ‘n’ roll, hip-hop, and Persian records.

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Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music business today. In today’s episode, host and LA-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with DJ Nu-Mark to discuss the producer’s personal blueprint for success in the music industry. Nu-Mark shares his thoughts on developing a rock-solid work ethic, how to successfully collaborate with other musicians, and why he chose to put all his eggs in the music basket. Above all, Nu-Mark attributes his success to a curious mind and an open heart: “A sense of wonderment is what keeps me alive in this business,” he tells Dan early in the interview.

In the ‘80s, Nu-Mark began spinning records at LA house parties, a door-opening experience that helped the young DJ segway into the next phase of his career: working with Jurassic 5. Formed in 1994, the group released their first record, Jurassic 5 EP, in 1997, followed by a revised, full-length version of the album in 1998. Widely acclaimed, their debut cemented the group’s position as power players in alternative ‘90s hip-hop. Around the same time, Nu-Mark crossed paths with a little-known producer by the name of Kanye West who handled much of the production for Chicago rapper Grav’s Down To Earth album. Working through Correct Records, Nu-Mark ignited his career by releasing the record.

In today’s episode, Nu-Mark touches on some practical tips for musicians, doling out advice on audience engagement and creative relevance after many years in the limelight. Listeners will also hear about Nu-Mark’s popular sample packs, his viral video series, and his recent foray into film and television scoring. While there are still plenty of twists and turns ahead, Nu-Mark maintains balance by cultivating a sense of fun, excitement, and adventure in everything he does. Tune in to this month’s episode of The Conduit for an engaging conversation with DJ Nu-Mark on the perks of curiosity, compassion, and perseverance.

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For many musicians, finding the right balance between creative evolution and acclaim is a crucial, yet difficult task. Fans expect one sound, while record producers want another. In the middle, musicians walk a tightrope between experimentation and outside expectations. Today’s guests, Joe Karnes and Jeremy Ruzumna of soul-pop masterminds Fitz and the Tantrums, are no strangers to this highwire act. The chart-topping group has managed to produce a roster of incredibly diverse records while maintaining, even growing, their dedicated fanbase.

The following comes from Crewest Studio, a company DMN is proud to be partnering with.

Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music industry. On today’s episode, host and LA-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Joe Karnes (bass, guitar) and Jeremy Ruzumna (keyboards) of Fitz and the Tantrums to discuss the duo’s journey through the music industry, both before and after joining the Tantrums.

While the two are best known for their work in Fitz and the Tantrums, both Joe and Jeremy are accomplished musicians with long histories in the industry. Joe found success playing bass in the glam rock band Imperial Drag, who opened for Alanis Morissette on her 1996 Jagged Little Pill tour. Jeremy picked up a Grammy nomination for his songwriting work with the legendary Macy Gray and has played live with artists like Nikka Costa, Bootsy Collins, Big Daddy Cane, Carlos Santana, and even our host, Connie Price.

In today’s episode of The Conduit, Joe and Jeremy discuss their separate paths through the music industry, and what their lives were like before joining Fitz and the Tantrums. The two chat about the challenges that come with finding a unique style, and why that’s such a benefit in an oversaturated industry. “It’s more important to have your own style than it is to be able to play every style,” says Jeremy. He goes on to explain that fans often have certain expectations for a band or artist, but those same fans “don’t realize that as musicians, you do want to change.” If musicians stick to their guns, Jeremy says, they’ll find their niche.

Our conversation also touches on the importance of work ethic and professionalism, what to look out for when signing record deals or advances, and the value of being kind toward other musicians. Not only are Joe and Jeremy gifted musicians, but the two are incredibly compassionate people who work to support the artists surrounding them. Tune in to this month’s episode of The Conduit for a fascinating conversation about creativity, compromise, and compassion.

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Growing up in a creative family has its advantages. Just ask today’s guests, Jack “Wildchild” Brown and his son, actor Miles Brown, who you may recognize from his breakout role on ABC’s hit show Black-ish.

The following comes from Crewest Studio, a company DMN is proud to be partnering with.

Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music industry. On today’s episode, host and LA-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Jack and Miles Brown to discuss the duo’s separate endeavors in the entertainment industry.

A founding member of cult-favorite hip-hop group Lootpack, Jack recently released OMOWALE, his first solo album since 2014. The seasoned rapper joins his son Miles—stage name Baby Boogaloo—to discuss the young actor’s burgeoning career in the arts and how early exposure to music informed his creative drive. “The funk, that was the first genre of music that I actually started liking, because I danced to it—that is what made me like it,” says Miles, whose claim to fame can be traced back to childhood appearances on The Ellen DeGeneres Show and America’s Got Talent, where he performed as part of dance duo Future Funk. “There were times when I wouldn’t play funk or whatever,” Jack remembers. “And literally [Miles] would say, ‘Can we hear some funk?’”

On this episode of The Conduit, Jack and Miles guide listeners through the exciting trajectory of Miles’ career, from dancing to acting to rapping. Miles chats about his role as sensitive, introverted Jack Johnson on Black-ish, now in its eighth and final season, and reminisces about his years as a child actor. “I was never like all these acting kids who take everything so seriously,” he says. “If I came out of the audition room, I just stopped focusing on the audition. I was just on to the next fun thing of the day.”

The father and son duo also share their respective projects in music and recording, including details about future releases. Miles discusses his musical inspirations, the very best moments from his young career, and why he continues to broaden his range of skills and interests. Toward the end of the episode, Dan, Miles, and Jack conduct a very important conversation about the greatest rappers of all time that you won’t want to miss. Tune in to this month’s episode of The Conduit for a fascinating conversation about the power of funk, family, and creative excellence.

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Some artists are chameleons, constantly evolving to meet the demands of a changing creative landscape. Today’s guest, Sy Smith, meets that definition, and then some. Sometimes called “the hardest working woman in underground soul” by her peers, Sy is a renowned actor, songwriter, and session singer who helped cultivate Los Angeles’ progressive nu-soul scene over a decade ago.

The following comes from Crewest Studio, a company DMN is proud to be partnering with.

Welcome to The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music industry. In today’s episode, host and LA-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Sy to discuss her creative journey as a vocalist and performer. “Singing is such an intimate thing,” she tells Dan early in the interview, which delves into the vocalist’s precocious start in the music industry and traces her ascent to the “Queen of Underground Soul.”

Born in New York City and raised in Washington D.C., Sy understood the value of creativity thanks to her parents, who exposed the young girl to reading, writing, museums, and theater at an early age. “Traveling was always a part of my life,” adds Sy, who learned about regional hip-hop by crisscrossing the country on her creative journey. Eventually landing in LA, where she now lives and works, Sy got her start as a session vocalist, providing backup to legendary artists like Whitney Housten, Chaka Khan, Usher, and Sheila E along the way. Over the decades she’s released five critically acclaimed albums, including her most recent, 2018’s Sometimes A Rose Will Grow In Concrete and her acclaimed debut, Psykosoul. Sy is the recipient of two NAACP Theater Award nominations, and has numerous television acting credits. You may recognize her from the hit FOX show Ally McBeal, where she had a long-term recurring role backing Vonda Shepard. Her voice can also be heard as the character Aisha on Saints Row, an action-adventure video game that features original music and production from the artist.

Sy also shares her thoughts on singing and making music for a living, what it felt like to be a Black artist on a predominantly white record label, and why she ultimately decided to strike out on her own. She offers some practical advice to emerging singers and musicians that covers auditions, recording, publishing, and performing rights. “Publishing and performing rights are constantly in flux,” she says, urging working artists to keep pace with the rapid changes in the music industry.

Inspired by her surroundings wherever she goes, Sy appreciates how being raised in a creative environment fueled her imagination for a lifetime. Her curious and flexible nature allowed the nu-soul artist to forge an eclectic career path she’s deeply passionate about. Tune into today’s episode with Sy Smith for an inspiring tale of fortitude, persistence, and gratitude.

On the inaugural episode of ‘The Conduit,’ host Dan Ubick sits down with Bootie Brown to discuss the rapper’s winding journey through an often cutthroat industry.

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“Whether it’s good or bad, it’s always a learning experience,” says West Coast rapper Bootie Brown, who catapulted to fame early in his career as a founding member of seminal hip-hop group The Pharcyde. Whether touring the world with his crew in The Pharcyde or perfecting his skills as a producer, Bootie maintains a remarkably grounded attitude for someone who made it big early in life. His solution for surviving an often cutthroat music industry ultimately centers on cultivating a positive mindset and developing supportive relationships to sustain creativity.

Welcome to the inaugural episode of The Conduit, a podcast featuring candid conversations with professional musicians who give listeners the unvarnished truth about being an artist in the music business today. In today’s episode, host and LA-based DJ, producer, and musician Dan Ubick (aka Constantine “Connie” Price) sits down with Bootie to discuss the rapper’s long and winding journey through the music industry. Bootie shares his thoughts on making music for a living, finding constructive mentors and role models to guide the way, and what he learned about breaking the rules. He also touches on practical tips for musicians, covering topics like ownership, publishing, copyright, and signing a record deal. “The money that you make on records is not necessarily as big as the fame and notoriety,” he cautions about halfway through the interview.

Before finding his way into music, Bootie studied under the tutelage of renowned choreographer Toni Basil, who worked on American Graffiti. Soon after he joined The Pharcyde, along with founding members Imani (Emandu Wilcox), Slimkid3 (Trevant Hardson), and Fatlip (Derrick Stewart), a career path he never expected. Yet once the rhyming bug bit, there was no going back for Bootie. He reflects on The Pharcyde’s work with producer J Dilla, who was unknown at the time, but garnered praise from A Tribe Called Quest’s Q-Tip for his groundbreaking beats: “Watching J Dilla work and just being in the studio, I realized that breaking that traditional ‘rulebook’ of what you’re supposed to do and how you’re supposed to do your song, it’s what is going to make that moment count.”

Bootie also discusses his ongoing and fruitful collaboration with Damon Albarn and Gorillaz. A frequent touring member of the group, Bootie is also featured on “Dirty Harry,” a highlight from Gorillaz debut album, Demon Days. Look out for Bootie’s latest collaboration with Tame Impala and Gorillaz, “New Gold,” which debuted in summer 2022.

Though Bootie rose to fame early in his career, he cautions listeners not to feel discouraged if it takes them longer to find success. “You not getting everything that you want so fast at a young age makes you decipher what’s right and what’s wrong,” he says. As he’s grown older, Bootie’s openness and generosity allows him to find inspiration in a variety of sources. His desire to express the beauty of the human spirit gives him reason to create, collaborate, and contribute for many years to come. Tune into today’s episode for an uplifting conversation with the one and only Bootie Brown.