Balancing Creativity & Commerciality in the Music Industry
In this episode of the Made It In Music Podcast, we’re joined by lifelong friends turned industry pros — Jonathan Gamble, hit songwriter (Seph Schlueter, Ben Fuller, CAIN), and Stephen Floyd, Manager of A&R at Centricity Music.From growing up together and chasing early creative dreams, to carving out unique roles on opposite sides of the industry, Jonathan and Stephen share a rare dual perspective on what it takes to thrive in today’s music business.They dive deep into what “commercial” music really means, how to balance creativity with marketability, and what labels are actually looking for in songs and artists. Whether you’re a songwriter trying to make your art more sync-friendly, or an artist navigating the fine line between authenticity and strategy, this episode is packed with real-world insight and encouragement.You’ll hear stories from the writing room, wisdom from the label side, and honest advice on staying grounded when the industry feels like a rollercoaster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Q&A with Ben Stennis
In this follow-up episode with Grammy-winning songwriter Ben Stennis (Cody Johnson’s “’Til You Can’t,” plus cuts with Morgan Wallen, Tim McGraw, Bailey Zimmerman, and more), we open the floor to questions straight from our Song Chasers community. Ben dives deeper into the topics that matter most to working songwriters—navigating the highs and lows of co-writes, staying grounded in an industry built on comparison, and what it really looks like to align your creative process with faith and purpose. From practical career advice to the heart behind the music, this Q&A offers an unfiltered look at what it takes to build longevity as a songwriter without losing sight of what matters most. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Persistence, Patience, and Purpose in Songwriting
Ben Stennis is a Grammy-winning, multi-week No.1 songwriter behind Cody Johnson’s “’Til You Can’t,” plus cuts with Morgan Wallen, Tim McGraw, Bailey Zimmerman, High Valley, and Jason Aldean. He shares his unlikely path from stuntman dreams to Nashville, the decade-long wait before his first deal, and how faith and biblical wisdom guide everything from co-writes to career decisions. We talk preparation for high-pressure bus runs, the power of writing with your crew (“iron sharpens iron”), guarding your name (Proverbs 22:1), resisting comparison in the scroll era, setting lyrical boundaries, giving generously, and keeping the focus on purpose over hype. If you’re a songwriter, artist, or producer who wants sustainable success without losing your soul, this conversation will light a fire. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Soft Skills in Songwriting with Seth Mosley
This episode of the Made It In Music Podcast focuses on the often-overlooked elements that truly set great collaborators apart: soft skills. Seth Mosley explains why traits like emotional awareness, adaptability, and humility are essential for success in co-writing environments. Learn how mastering the room can be just as important as mastering your craft, and why the way you carry yourself might just open more doors than you think. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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AI and the Future of Music: What Every Songwriter Needs
On this episode of the Made It In Music Podcast, we dive into the reality that AI is no longer a future concept — it’s here, and it’s shaping how songs get written, produced, and even performed. We explore how tools like Suno and Udio are being used by songwriters and producers, the legal and ethical questions they raise, and the impact these technologies are having on the craft of music-making. From groundbreaking opportunities to real concerns for human creators, this conversation will equip you to navigate the new era of music with confidence. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
About Made It In Music: Interviews With Artists, Songwriters, And Music Industry Pros
Many want to "make it" in the music industry. Few successfully make it in. Even fewer stay in. The goal of this podcast is to help bring some clarity to your path towards a music career. We want to help you not only get in, but stay in. To this end, hosts Seth Mosley and X O'Connor will dig deep with luminaries of the music industry. These are people who have "made it" and today have very notable careers. Many are Grammy winners and work with prominent record labels. Some of our listeners might be on the creative side as a songwriter, artist, producer, or engineer. Others might be on the business side interested in marketing, management, A&R, or radio. The "Made It In Music Podcast" is designed to serve both sides; we are certain you will find a place in this community. How do you get a record deal, get a hit artist to cut your song, build fans, or get on tours? We tackle these questions and more. Before you know it, you will be able to say that you too have "Made It In Music!" Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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