Category Archives: interview

Caffeinated Creatives: How Can We Change the Music Industry?

Posted on by Leave a comment

Over the summer, I was invited by musician, producer, and music technologist Danny Nagy to join him for an in-depth conversation about the state of the music industry, the origin story of Underground Music Collective, and how we define success.

The result? An EPIC conversation that covers all the bases. Among the topics discussed:

  • How a quest for purpose led to the launch of The Quinn Spinn.
  • The role of ArtsQuest and the city of Bethlehem, Pennsylvania in shaping our vision.
  • How we ended up in Nashville (and how the people around me responded).
  • The definition of success in America and elsewhere.
  • The loss of originality in the music industry.
  • Overcoming perfectionism and fear of judgment.
  • The AI elephant in the room.
  • How we can eliminate gatekeeping and create a more equitable music industry.
  • Why today’s artists must function as entrepreneurs…

…and SO MUCH MORE!

I want to thank Danny for his time, insight, the opportunity to speak openly, and the incredible coffee!. If you’re an independent artist, an industry professional, or someone who just wants to know how all of this works, this conversation is a great place to start!

Creating Your Own Opportunities (ft. Eli Blackshear)

Posted on by Leave a comment

Eli Blackshear is an Americana artist hailing from the small mountain town of Manitou Springs, Colorado. Now residing in the Atlanta area, Eli has built a career and life for himself rooted in creativity, community, and advocacy — and he’s done it from the ground up!

Learn about Eli’s story and his new album, In Love and War, on this week’s edition of The Quinn Spinn!

This episode of The Quinn Spinn was recorded and produced at City Limit Studios, Old Hickory, TN.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Learn more about The Quinn Spinn

Building Community Through Common Values (ft. Ben Harris)

Posted on by Leave a comment

Ben Harris has turned the pain of loss into purpose, and a love of people into incredible community-building initiatives.

The Georgia native is the co-founder of Sibling Strong Retreats, a peer-support retreat program for bereaved siblings built on three pillars of adventure activity, grief work, and rest.

In the music industry, Ben also serves as the manager for Americana artist and fellow community builder, Eli Blackshear — who is our guest on next week’s episode!

Today, Ben joins us to talk about the importance of creating meaningful connections from one’s values — and the full array of experiences that shaped them.

Learn more about Ben: ⁠https://benharris207.com⁠.
This episode of The Quinn Spinn was recorded and produced at City Limit Studios, Old Hickory, TN.
Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become
Learn more about The Quinn Spinn: ⁠https://umcworldwide.com/thequinnspinn⁠

The Quinn Spinn Live at Cellovision 2026: Day 3

Posted on by Leave a comment

Here we are again, gathered around the Cellotree for the third and final installment of Cellovision 2026.

It’s a race against time and fleeting battery life, as we pack another half-dozen interviews into this hour-long finale. Gather ’round for conversations and insight from…

Eli Alger of Faster Horses
Abigayle Oakley
Mario Monterosso
Kristin Linegan Monterosso
Pi Jacobs
Xanthe Alexis & Ben Mathews

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

⁠Learn more about The Quinn Spinn

The Quinn Spinn Live from Cellovision 2026: Day 2

Posted on by Leave a comment

We’re back again for the second of three installments recorded at this year’s magnificent Cellovision 2026 house concert festival in East Nashville — and we have ourselves quite a talented guest lineup!

Somewhere in this episode, musician and Cellovision co-founder Sarah Clanton joins us to chat about how this unique event (and the community around it) grows year over year.

We also have the privilege of hearing from…
Julie from Midnight Rubies
Tai Shan
Nicole from Cast Iron Shoes
Yonna Jones
Erin Eades

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Learn more about The Quinn Spinn

The Quinn Spinn Live from Cellovision 2026: Day 1

Posted on by Leave a comment

Cellotree Arts has put together an impressive community of musicians and creatives that breaks past genre and geographic boundaries. Year-round, Sarah Clanton and Andy Beckey host artists for house concerts and other special events — including Cellovision, a three-day festival featuring more than 50 performers in Nashville.

We attended all three days of this year’s Cellovision event, and had the opportunity to sit down with artists, industry professionals, and attendees to get their take on the event, the importance of community, and the state of the creative ecosystem.

This episode features:
Anjlee Khurana (Prolific Entertainment Law Firm)
Gabe Baker (Musician)
Alyssa Mongiovi (Musician)
John Milton (Musician)
Eli Blackshear (Musician)
Angie Jayne (Musician/Founder of Creative Pulse Nashville)

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Learn more about The Quinn Spinn

SEPT. 22: The UMC Creator Lab Content Experience!

Posted on by Leave a comment

Level up your artist profile and make it easier to get booked.

On Tuesday, September 22 from 7-9 p.m., join us at City Limit Studios (14919 Lebanon Rd., Old Hickory) for the UMC Creator Lab Content Experience, an event designed specifically for independent musicians and creators who want clean, professional media assets. For one evening, rotate through dedicated rooms or pick individual stations to get everything you need for your promotional materials.

The Experience & Individual Station Pricing

  • The Infinity Room (Headshots with Gerard): Clean, professional portraits that look great for press features, social media, and booking profiles.
    Individual Price: $50
  • The Creator Lab (Interviews with Kelsey Muse): A short, friendly 3 to 5 minute interview that helps showcase your personality and background to fans and industry folks.
    Individual Price: $50
  • The Saloon (One Mic Performance with NuRenaissance): A clean, single take live performance video for songs under 3 minutes with professionally mixed audio.
    Individual Price: $75

Choose Your Package

1. The Artist EPK Package

Includes Professional Headshots and the Interview.

The core package to get your visual and background profile ready for sharing.

  • Early Bird (Register by September 7): $60
  • Advance (September 8 to September 21): $70
  • Day Of (September 22): $85

2. The Raise the Bar Package (Best Value)

Includes Headshots, Interview, AND the One Mic Performance.

The complete package so you walk away with a full set of promotional media.

  • Early Bird (Register by September 7): $100
  • Advance (September 8 to September 21): $125
  • Day Of (September 22): $150

Want to sign up for just one station instead? Individual station options are available at checkout.

Important Details

  • Turnaround Times: Headshots and interviews will be ready within 5 business days. Performance videos will be ready within 10 business days because of audio mixing.
  • Capacity is Limited: To keep things running smoothly and ensure quality, we are only taking a limited number of artists. Lock in your spot now before early bird pricing ends on September 7.

Got questions? Send a direct message to us on Instagram @umcworldwide. Ready to register? Do it now!

Trusting Your Creative Vision (ft. Jesse Lynn Madera)

Posted on by Leave a comment

Jesse Lynn Madera is making some of the most authentic music of her career. The LA-based songwriter’s latest single, “Woke Up In LA,” is a tender slice of Americana which serves as “a testament to resilience and the persistence of love, even through ‘the dog days.’

We get to know Jesse Lynn on this episode of The Quinn Spinn, where she discusses the many stops along the road that have led her to uncover and share her truth, as only she can.

This episode of The Quinn Spinn was recorded and produced at The Russell, Nashville, TN.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Learn more about Jesse Lynn: https://www.jesselynnmadera.com/
Learn more about The Quinn Spinn: https://umcworldwide.com/thequinnspinn

The Carolinas’ Place in the Music Landscape (ft. Rick Thurmond)

Posted on by Leave a comment

There is a cultural revolution taking place in the Carolinas, and Rick Thurmond is one of the people shaping the movement.

Rick spearheads Confluence Carolinas, a boutique music industry conference in Charlotte, North Carolina that brings artists and industry minds into the same room — and onto a level playing field — every October. The four-day event takes place this year from October 7-10, and gives the musical world an opportunity to connect, all while exploring an arts and cultural destination on the rise.

Pre-sale passes are available now: ⁠https://confluencecarolinas.com/

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

This episode of The Quinn Spinn was recorded and produced at The Russell, Nashville, TN.

Learn more about The Quinn Spinn: ⁠https://umcworldwide.com/thequinnspinn⁠

Is Your Music Ready for PR? (ft. Dr. Brandi Sims)

Posted on by Leave a comment

Today on The Quinn Spinn, we feature a long overdue conversation with a longtime friend and colleague!

Dr. Brandi Sims is the founder of Brandinc PR, a boutique public relations agency based in Austin, TX. Brandi’s extensive career in public relations — and specifically, the entertainment sector — has empowered her to help clients develop their stories and gain widespread recognition throughout the creative universe.

Brandi joins us today to discuss her journey, shares best public relations practices for any independent creative, and offers a special resource for independent artists looking to make a sustainable splash in the ecosystem.

This episode of The Quinn Spinn was recorded and produced at The Russell, Nashville, TN.

Opening theme: REVEL 9 – All I’ve Become

Learn more about Brandinc PR
Learn more about The Quinn Spinn

« Older Entries