Hey everybody... it's been awhile.  I have some info to share.  Tune in!

Oh No... Mike's Back!

Great conversation with Ben Hilzinger, who is currently the drummer for Eve 6, host of the Big Fat Five Podcast and all-around nice guy.  We chat about how he developed a love for music, what led him to becoming the drummer for Eve 6, how he started the Big Fat Five Podcast, interviewing some huge musical icons and much more!  

Check out Ben's podcast out here-
https://linktr.ee/bigfatfivepodcast

Ben's Website-
http://benhilzinger.com/

Big Fat Snare Drum-
https://www.bigfatsnaredrum.com/

Eve 6-
http://eve6.com/

Episode #54- Ben Hilzinger of Eve 6 and Big Fat Five Podcast

If you run the social media accounts for your band or if you care deeply about improving your brand and online presence, this is the most important podcast episode you could listen to.  I did a 3-month long experiment on whether quality is more important than quantity on Facebook.  The results are intricate and important.  Give this a listen to hear about the difference in results between 15 and 39 monthly posts, the role that quality plays in all of this, how bad it is to go a month without posting anything and what times of day and what day of the week get the best results.  

Click here to listen to The Confused Breakfast Podcast.  http://confusedbreakfast.com

Episode #54- Is Quantity More Important Than Quality on Facebook

Casey Klein, one of the hardest working musicians in the State, joins the podcast.  We discuss the quality of amazing musicians in our area, how we can make the community and scene better, the difference of being a solo artist vs a member of a band, his new album that was just released, making people like music that they said they hated and so much more!

Check out Casey on Facebook
https://www.facebook.com/guitarpie123

Check out Casey on Youtube
https://www.youtube.com/user/guitarpie123

Episode #53- Casey Klein - “There’s A Lot More Going On Than People Think”

On this episode, I discuss two talking points that have been weighing on my brain.  First, is now the time to start a cover charge revolution in Iowa?  Second, I give a detailed social media application rundown and why you should be using all of them.

Episode #52- A Cover Charge Revolution and Social Media Hacks

On this episode, I sit down with Cooper and Sam from Not Quite Brothers.  Before our shows at Oktoberfest Adventureland, we talk the formation of their band, pros/cons of being a younger band, influences, what's next for the band and much more.  Join us!

Episode #51- Not Quite Brothers- “I Feel Like The Music Never Dies”

Two good friends of mine join the podcast to talk about their fundraiser to help raise money for the Cedar Rapids area.  It's called New Roots Grow and is the true definition of "music saves."  Our great music community is using their talents to help raise money.  Enjoy this conversation about how it came about and the amazing artists involved.

Episode #50- New Roots Grow with Ed Bornstein and Andrew Cahak

On this episode, I get to have a great chat with TC VanHooreweghe, the manager for B2wins.  They are an amazing band and one of the most popular acts in the State.  He tells us about the amazing origin story of the band, as well as some talk about branding, advice on getting to the next level, advantages of having a manager and how they have dealt with 2020 in a positive way.

Episode #49- TC VanHooreweghe- Managing the Biggest Band in Iowa

Mike and AJ discuss the weird limbo world we live in.  Is it ok to play shows?  What should we be doing to ensure that the music business doesn't die?  Why can't we all just get along?  Someone give us the answers!

Episode #48 - "Short Term Gain, Long Term Loss"

Episode #47- Nassor Cooper and Tim Frazier- "We Are Products Of Our Environment" by Iowa Music Podcast

Episode #47- Nassor Cooper and Tim Frazier- "We Are Products Of Our Environment"

Well, the governor lifted the restrictions on the remaining counties in Iowa, and many places are allowed to open.  But who is allowed to open, what are the restrictions, will people go out and how does it affect musicians locally?!

Episode #46- After Much Back-Patting, the State is Open... Kinda.

Local venue owner Cale Henderson joins the podcast.  The boys talk about how serious this is becoming for the music industry, especially locally, as well as how it's going to work as we tip-toe out of quarantine and into summer.

Episode #45 - Mike, AJ and Cale Henderson- "2020 is a Dumpster Fire"

Episode #44- Mike, AJ and Dick Prall Ponder The Future of Music by Iowa Music Podcast

Episode #44- Mike, AJ and Dick Prall Ponder The Future of Music

In the light of how serious the coronavirus pandemic is getting, Mike sat down in his kitchen and gave some thoughts about how it affects everyone in our music communities.  He also talks about what you can do over the next couple months, so that you can not only stay relevant now, but be better than ever when the pandemic dies down.

Episode #44- Some Thoughts To Get You Thru the Next Couple Months

Jason Shadrick of Premier Guitar and The Bamboozlers joins the podcast.  We discuss how he got involved with Premier Guitar, crazy stories about interviewing Brian May of Queen, Rush, Roger Waters, Conan O'Brien, hanging out on set of Saturday Night Live, NAMM experiences, playing around the country with The Bamboozlers and much more.  Mike and AJ also discuss if tribute bands are illegal in the intro segment.

Episode #43- Jason Shadrick- "I Can't Believe This Is Real Life"

Ian Draves of Soul Sherpa and Birdchild joins the podcast.  We discuss his musical upbringing, the different things he has learned from being in an original band and a cover band, how to make a living as a professional musician and if we have any hope left for the Cedar Rapids Music Scene FB page.

Episode #42- Ian Draves- "Being Negative Helps No One, Ever"

Mike and AJ are joined by Josh Misener of All But Screaming, JMB, Strays and Janey Rocket.  Josh is one of the most respected vocalists and multi-instrumentalists in the Cedar Rapids area.

Episode #41- Josh Misener- "It Was The Only Audition I Ever Bombed"

Mike and AJ have officially made the change.  This podcast is now known as the Iowa Music Podcast.  With our listenership picking up throughout the state, not just the Cedar Rapids area, we felt that the change was necessary to continue to grow our musician community.  In this episode, we interview Shawn Jaxx of Skin Kandy.  Shawn is a long-time veteran in the music business and he breaks down his career path and all his choices.

Episode #40-  Shawn Jaxx- "They Say Nothing Lasts Forever"

In maybe the most important episode of this podcast that we have done, Mike and AJ talk about mental health and self care as it relates to not only musicians and bands, but humans in general.  The boys share some personal stories and ways that they have been trying to help themselves.

Episode #39-  It's Ok To Not Be Ok

Mike, AJ and Dusty Baker reminisce about MySpace, Mike tells us his childhood nickname and explains why he is stepping away from the music scene group, Carson King and how cancel culture affects your band.

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