S2 Episode 5 | Joann Cho

S2 Episode 5 | Joann Cho

Max Hatlem

Owning your own business in the music industry can be challenging to say the least. The chosen community and location can play a big role in the success of a business. In one of the most revered suburbs in America, Oak Park, Illinois, a music school is forging a unique path to attract and maintain music students. Oak Park School of Music Founding Director Joann Cho speaks with Tom Joyce about engaging students from all walks of life, providing community, and sharing some of her secrets to running a successful music school.

S2 Episode 4 | Tatum Langley

S2 Episode 4 | Tatum Langley

Max Hatlem

Being a touring artist is one of the most demanding but enjoyable positions one could have as a performer. A different city each night brings vast opportunities to explore as well as see the world. Powerhouse Tatum Langley has been having the time of her life as a singer & theatre artist specializing in big band jazz and Broadway styles. She's spent the past years performing across the US everywhere from intimate jazz clubs, big band swing dances, cabarets, and concerts, to regional musical theatre, Shakespeare, large-scale theme park productions, and most recently she has joined a tour with internationally renowned Post-Modern Jukebox. She sits down with Tom and Kelci to give them a glimpse into the world of a multi-faceted performer.

S2 Episode 3 | Katy McIlvaine

S2 Episode 3 | Katy McIlvaine

Max Hatlem

One of the most exciting parts of the music industry involves an area that can seem quite complicated, but given proper tutelage, artists can use sync licensing to their advantage. In this conversation, Tom and Kelci chat with Katy Mcllvaine, owner of Dawn Patrol Music which is a sync licensing company that represents a bevy of independent artists and songwriters for film, tv, commercial ads, tv & movie trailers. This conversation will cover such wide-ranging topics as: working in the entertainment industry, selecting music for a variety of projects, and starting and maintaining your own company.

S2 Episode 2 | Paulina Vo

S2 Episode 2 | Paulina Vo

Max Hatlem

Though artificial intelligence seems to be on everyone’s mind these days, there are other ground-breaking technologies in the music industry that is making things easier for creatives in the music world. Paulina Vo is at the forefront of the music tech industry as a co-founder of Highnote, which is a secure central hub that lets audio creatives stream full-quality audio, manage feedback, and streamline workflow so audio creatives could stay in sync on audio projects from anywhere in the world. Paulina sits down with Kelci and Tom to discuss music technology, entrepreneurship, and finding time as a music professional to record and produce her own music.

S2 Episode 1 | Jordan Holland

S2 Episode 1 | Jordan Holland

Max Hatlem

Have you ever met someone who has appeared in the blockbuster movie Elvis? Tom and Kelci have! Season two of A Day in the Life podcast kicks off with a bang! Jordan Holland, a world renowned classically trained vocalist and performance coach stops by the podcast to discuss opera, music coaching, and being a guest artist on music performances throughout the Nashville music scene. And yes, he will be discussing at great length his performance in the Oscar winning film Elvis.

Episode 7 | Shaylin B.

Episode 7 | Shaylin B.

Shelby Steele

Shaylin B. has been a rising star in the entertainment industry as a singer, songwriter, and actress. Originally from Chicago, she began performing at the mere age of five years old! At nine years old she was tapped to perform in the Tony Award winning musical, Lion King, on Broadway in New York. At eleven years old, she moved to California to immerse herself in the entertainment field and built her career as a singer/songwriter, which has seen her open for Anderson Paak, Ty Dolla Sign, and many more. Additionally, she entertained the crowds as a performer at Lollapalooza last summer in Grant Park. She will break down with Kelci and Tomwhat a day in her life looks like, advice for entertainers from any area of the field, and go over what it was like to have success at an early age.

Episode 6 | Niko Ivanov

Episode 6 | Niko Ivanov

Shelby Steele

Niko Ivanov and his company, NOX Media, have been at the forefront of marketing and taking brands to the next level. Along with his 9-5, he finds time to be a successful artist manager of three artists including one that is signed to the legendary indie label Epitaph Records. Niko discusses his big break in the industry which came about through connecting and then managing one of the biggest Soundcloud artists from the past ten years. Niko walks Tom and Kelci through his whirlwind of a day, the essentials of band management, and how being a good person in the industry can pay dividends.

Episode 5 | Sonta

Episode 5 | Sonta

Shelby Steele

Chicago singer/songwriter Sonta has been a force in the music scene by showcasing  her numerous talents which include singing, songwriting, directing videos, and creating her brand. After initialing breaking big on YouTube with millions of views, she created a unique style of music which she calls, “rhythm and drill.” She’s prolific, and that can be traced to her honest approach to songwriting, and everything she does. She sits down with Kelci and Tom to go over career highlights, day-to-day activities, how good management can make or break an artist, and upcoming projects.

Episode 4 | Typhanie Coller

Episode 4 | Typhanie Coller

Shelby Steele

Typhanie Monique Coller is a not only a professional singer/songwriter, but she has also built a successful teaching career as a faculty member and coordinator of vocal studies at in the Music Department at Columbia College Chicago. She speaks to Tom and Kelci about her daily schedule, tips for artists looking to secure gigs, branding yourself as an artist, and the importance of collaborating with other music artists.

Episode 3 | DJ White Shadow

Episode 3 | DJ White Shadow

Shelby Steele

What does it take to work with some of the biggest pop stars in the world? DJ White Shadow visits with Kelci and Tom to chat about writing and producing with Lady Gaga, Selena Gomez, Common, and so many more. Additionally, he will break down what a day in his world looks like, offer pertinent advice, and inspire listeners to take their skills to another level.

Episode 2 | Ryan Shore

Episode 2 | Ryan Shore

Shelby Steele

As a two-time Emmy and Grammy nominated composer with more than 100+ scoring credits on his resume, Ryan Shore has worked on some of the most recognizable tv projects and films in the world. Included in his repertoire is Star Wars Forces of Destiny, In the Heights, Love in the Villa, and many more. Tom and Kelci discuss with Ryan his illustrious career, his day-to-day work output, and his experience as an integral part of the 2015 Academy Awards.

Episode 1 | Aya Ito

Episode 1 | Aya Ito

Shelby Steele

To celebrate Chicago women in music, Kelci and Tom welcome Aya Ito, a Japanese and Black American multilingual, multi-genre, Chicago based singer/songwriter. This University of Chicago graduate discusses her rise in the industry, what inspires her to write music, being signed to a Chicago-based record label, the importance of taking advantage of opportunities, and her day-to-day experiences as a singer, songwriter, and performer.