Ep. 212: How Russ Built An Indie Empire: Business, Burnout & Self-Belief

In this powerful 10-minute blueprint, Russ breaks down what every artist needs to know to build a real career in today’s music industry. From his mindset of delusional self-belief to strategic release plans and business truths, this clip will change the way you approach your music journey forever.Subscribe for more industry insight and give us a rating if you enjoyed this! It helps us keep this show free forever, which is our commitment to the industry and our audience.Presented by NMPAhttps://www.nmpa.org/Chapters:0:00 Why Songs Don’t Blow Up0:15 Is Inspiration Overrated?0:33 Writing Big Songs While Uninspired1:05 How Russ Would Start From Zero Today1:24 Stockpiling Songs & Posting Strategy1:57 Do You Want Success Bad Enough?2:01 Russ’ Duality: Confidence vs. Doubt2:21 The Power of Delusional Self-Belief3:02 Why Songwriters Should Stop Giving Songs Away3:51 Why Most Artists Stay Broke5:06 Taking Control of Your Music Business6:38 The Purity of Creating Without an Audience7:04 The Audience Picks The Hits8:07 Russ’ Song-a-Week Strategy Explained8:39 When a Song Flops: Russ on Bankrupt9:13 Why It’s Okay If It’s Not The One Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a fearless storyteller whose voice is as raw as her lyrics—bold, emotional, and unapologetically real. A first-generation Colombian-Canadian, she turned hustle into art, weaving her experiences into songs that hit like truth bombs. Whether she’s penning heart-wrenching ballads or delivering razor-sharp verses alongside icons like Eminem and Beyoncé, her work is grounded in authenticity and fire. She’s busked, she’s bartended, she’s broken through. And now, with her third studio album, she continues to push boundaries—proving that vulnerability, grit, and honesty never go out of style. From Toronto to the world… And the writer is… Jessie Reyez!Produced by Joe London, Ross Golan, and Jad SaadSpecial thank you to our season sponsor NMPA!Chapters:00:01:36 – Start Here: Why This Episode Will Change You00:02:37 – How Jessie Met Eminem and Earned His Respect00:09:50 – What Jessie Learned Giving Back to Songwriters00:16:52 – Jessie’s First Song Ever (It’s Cringey… and Brilliant)00:18:28 – Jessie’s Crazy Lyric Memory & Why It Matters00:18:51 – From Choir Rooms to Stadiums: Where It All Began00:27:57 – The Moment She Gave Herself One Year 00:31:12 – How Her Mom’s Brutal English Drills Made Jessie a Genius00:35:35 – What Happens After the Hit? Jessie Tells All00:37:11 – The Exact Moment She Knew Her Life Was Changing00:42:36 – The Video That Changed Everything (She Almost Didn't Post)00:45:14 – How a $50 Bus Ride Got Her Into the Remix Project00:48:18 – Why She Stayed Up 14 Hours Editing Her First Video00:50:12 – The Brave Story Jessie Told That Changed Everything00:51:17 – Writing 'Figures' — The Raw, Drunken, Real Truth00:56:44 – The Writing Camp That Sparked Her Breakthrough Hit00:57:11 – How 'Figures' Was Really Written (And Why It Still Hurts)01:00:00 – Gatekeeper: Calling Out Sexism in the Music Industry01:01:42 – What MeToo Missed — And What Jessie Risked to Say01:02:58 – The Heavy Cost of Telling the Truth01:05:43 – Why Being Vulnerable is Jessie’s Greatest Superpower01:06:20 – Jessie on Drake, Bieber, The Weeknd & Canadian Greatness01:07:14 – Why So Many GOATs Come Out of Canada01:08:11 – From Open Mics to Eminem: The Legacy She’s Building01:18:14 – The Insane Calvin Harris Story (You Won’t Believe This One) Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a musical architect whose fingerprints are on some of the most emotionally resonant and sonically rich records of the last decade. He’s not the loudest in the room—but when he’s in the studio, every note, every tone, every beat matters. A multi-instrumentalist, songwriter, and producer with an unmatched intuition, he brings out the soul in every song, guiding artists to their most authentic performances. From Grammy-winning collaborations with Kacey Musgraves to shaping records across indie, country, rock, and beyond, he’s the quiet force behind the soundtracks to our lives. All the way from Nashville, Tennessee, this master of nuance proves that subtlety can be a superpower. And the writer is… Ian Fitchuk!0:00 – Intro: Sobriety, Fear & Creativity 0:55 – NMPA Sponsor Message 3:25 – Growing Up in the Chicago Suburbs 6:15 – Musical Upbringing: Classical Roots & Church Influence 9:05 – Early Influences: CDs, Cassettes & Graceland 12:05 – Bear Killer, Drums & Songwriting Beginnings 17:30 – From Church Bands to Writing Real Songs 20:50 – Leaving Home & Moving to Nashville 27:30 – First Touring Gig & Life Lessons 30:50 – Discovering Production via the Christian Music Scene 35:50 – A Decade of Struggle Before the Breakthrough 40:50 – Why Ian Never Quit (Even With Kids) 45:00 – Golden Hour Era: Writing With Kacey 50:50 – Making Golden Hour Using Logic Stock Sounds  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week’s guest is one of the most successful independent artists in modern music.He’s a rapper, singer, songwriter, and producer who built his career from the ground up. in this rare conversation, he opens up about the side of the journey we don’t usually hear:The emotional weight of ownership, the mental toll of doing it all alone, and the belief system that kept him going when no one else did.This is a blueprint for any creative who wants to build something real without losing their peace.And The Writer Is... Russ!Chapters00:00 – Intro02:14 – How Russ Beat the System Without Selling His Soul04:16 – Childhood Chaos, Cop Cars & Creative Spark07:06 – Soulja Boy, Pep Rallies & Atlanta Music Culture08:19 – Rock Ballads & Soul Roots You Didn’t Expect10:11 – The Guitar That Started It All11:49 – GarageBand & Making Beats for Friends12:41 – Wayne, Wiz & Folk Rock: A Weird Musical Diet13:56 – Why Russ Doesn’t Sound Like Anyone Else15:29 – Publishing Wars: Russ vs. Drum Programmers26:18 – Why Songwriters Are Fighting for the Wrong Money29:32 – The $850K Sample Mistake30:21 – Power, Control & Protecting His Business34:05 – Why He Still Handles His Own Deals35:11 – A Wake-Up Call to Songwriters: Keep Your Records39:03 – When a Song Hits Mid-Dinner, You Leave41:44 – Burnout, Collaboration & Creative Revival45:11 – The Line He’ll Never Cross in Rap48:01 – Turning Fights Into Hits (Literally)50:07 – Writing in the Shower & Whispering Hooks at 2AM54:14 – Harmonizing with His Partner—In Music and Life56:02 – When He Doesn’t Create, Everything Unravels57:09 – The 20% Rule That Changed His Sanity58:07 – How Columbia Let Him Stay Indie (Kind Of)61:06 – Ownership, Spending, and Where the Real Money Is63:56 – What Russ Would Do If He Had to Start Over65:19 – Vulnerability vs. Confidence: The Real Inner Battle66:07 – Why He Samples Even Though He Can Write Anything66:38 – Burnout & Building a Life Outside of Music67:52 – Being Your Own Engine (and Breaking Down)69:25 – The Hidden Prison of Fame70:38 – Panic Attacks, Depression & Healing72:01 – Therapy, Faith & Finding Balance75:17 – Music as Medicine (and a Mental Trap)78:42 – Dopamine Detox & Spiritual Warfare81:11 – Why He Hates LA82:22 – “I Can Make a Hit in 20 Minutes”—But Should I?83:33 – Escaping the Productivity Hamster Wheel84:38 – A $25M Lesson Every Artist Should Hear86:51 – Love, Identity, and the Power of a Creative Partner89:09 – Real Talk on Timing, Trust, and Tension90:54 – What Actually Grounds Russ (That You Don’t See Online)92:33 – What He Hopes to Be Remembered For94:10 – For the Dreamer Who’s Almost Out of Gas96:22 – Why Gratitude Isn’t Optional97:47 – Ego vs. Purpose: The Shift That Saved His Career99:21 – Navigating Hate, Criticism & Longevity102:06 – Owning Your Story Without Needing a Comeback104:33 – Faith, Flow & Letting Go107:18 – Redefining Wealth: What Energy Are You Leaving Behind?109:55 – Art as Therapy: Why He’ll Never Stop Writing112:11 – Leaving a Legacy Without Forcing It115:03 – What He Still Doesn’t Feel Comfortable Sharing117:12 – A Final Message to Artists Who Feel Alone120:10 – Outro: What Russ Hopes You Take From This Episode Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, Ross Golan sits down with David Israelite, the influential President and CEO of the National Music Publishers Association (NMPA). A fierce and tireless advocate for songwriters, David has spent nearly two decades fighting for the rights, recognition, and fair compensation of music creators in an ever-evolving industry.From spearheading groundbreaking legislation like the Music Modernization Act to navigating complex battles over streaming royalties and copyright protections, David shares a behind-the-scenes look at the work that goes into defending the value of songwriting. With unique insights into policy, publishing, and the business of music, this candid conversation reveals why David is one of the most pivotal figures working on behalf of songwriters today.If you care about music creators and the future of songwriting, this is an episode you won’t want to miss.00:00 – Intro: Why This Episode Matters More Than Ever03:40 – How Songwriters Get Paid (Explained Like You’re 15)05:19 – The Truth About Songwriter Pay: 75% Controlled by the Government07:28 – The Music Modernization Act: Progress or Political Cover-Up?09:13 – The Broken System: Why Songwriters Can’t Say No12:01 – Artists vs. Songwriters: The Industry's Unspoken Divide13:50 – Ghostwriting, Publishing Abuse & The Elvis Tax Nobody Talks About20:16 – Why Unionizing Won’t Save Songwriters (And What Might)23:55 – What the CRB Is — And Why It Still Screws Creators26:22 – Free Market vs. Rigged Game: Labels Win, Songwriters Lose28:33 – Why Songwriters Have No Real Political Power31:01 – Consent Decrees Explained: The 1940s Laws Holding Music Back33:19 – Selective Withdrawals: A Strategy That Could Change Everything39:10 – Are Big Publishers Quietly Crippling Independent Writers?45:25 – The Power of ‘No’: The One Tool Songwriters Don’t Actually Have46:25 – Are Labels and Publishers Working Against Each Other?49:45 – The Billion-Dollar Boom: Why Everyone’s Selling Their Catalogs54:37 – Final Word: Gratitude, Hope & the Fight Ahead Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is an artist whose voice cuts through like a blade—sharp, emotional, and unforgettable. Emerging from the shadows of alternative R&B and electro-pop, she’s crafted a sonic identity that’s both intimate and cinematic. Her lyrics are deeply confessional, fearless in their vulnerability, and her production choices push boundaries while staying rooted in undeniable emotion. From viral beginnings to critical acclaim, she’s stayed true to her vision, building an aesthetic that’s dark, empowering, and always evolving. All the way from Los Angeles, California—this is the sound of raw artistry at its finest. And the writer is… BANKS!00:00 - Intro 01:07 - Growing Up in L.A. 03:52 - Music as Math? 06:16 - 100% Songs, No Concept First 08:08 - First Song Became a Jack Collab 10:04 - Social Anxiety + Going Out Hard 12:06 - Fans, Fame & Divine Feminine Energy 15:41 - Jillian vs. BANKS 18:10 - Stage Fright to Frontwoman 21:13 - Regrets & Album Titles That Got Away 22:28 - Streaming Era Beginnings 27:02 - Indie Artist Real Talk 31:12 - Viral Hits vs. Tour Culture 34:09 - “Don’t Try To Write a Hit” 36:04 - Underrated BANKS Songs 38:05 - Why This Album, Why Now 39:28 - How “I Hate Your Ex” Happened 41:24 - Voice as a Shape-Shifter 42:02 - Collaboration Energy Shift 43:03 - Studio Magic Stories 44:14 - Writing for Other Artists? 46:18 - Why Artists Look to BANKS 48:06 - 3 Life-Changing Decisions 49:40 - Five-for-Five Lightning Round 53:08 - Music + Visuals Are One 54:16 - Ross on BANKS’ Legacy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is one of the most original minds in modern music—a genre-defying powerhouse who returns to this podcast six years after his first unforgettable visit. Hailing from Long Island, this producer, performer, and lyrical architect has built a sonic universe entirely his own. He’s the mastermind behind cinematic pop records that blur the line between the underground and the mainstream, with a resume that spans from crafting platinum hits for chart-toppers to delivering soul-baring solo projects that redefine authenticity. Now a father of three, his creativity has only deepened, as he balances vulnerability and virtuosity with relentless hustle. He’s not just a hitmaker—he’s a visionary, a builder, and a storyteller for a generation that craves depth. And the writer is… Jon Bellion!Episode Timestamps:0:00 Bellion’s Return & Industry Fire 0:36 Ross ATWI Intro2:05 Supporting Songwriters’ Rights 2:41 Jon Bellion Returns After 6 Years 3:56 Jon vs. the Algorithm 6:56 AI, Effort & Meaning 9:22 Craft Over Convenience 11:57 Identity, Process & Philosophy 18:21 Credit, Ego & Industry Power 25:32 Sponsor Message from NMPA27:09 Staying Dangerous with Purpose 32:06 Becoming the Label 45:07 Removing Ego from the Process 50:41 Returning to Joy in Creation 54:58 Art vs. Math in Production 57:23 Hits Beyond the U.S. 1:05:16 On Raising Creative Kids 1:07:52 Jon's Words of Advice to His Younger Self1:18:06 Grief, Healing & Writing Through Loss 1:22:32 What Success Really Means in 2025 1:25:00 Writing vs. Recognition 1:47:58 ATWI Credits & Closing Reflections Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a genre-shifting phenomenon who’s redefining what it means to break through in music today. With a sound that fuses indie, alt-pop, R&B, and emo influences, he’s crafted a raw, emotionally charged catalog that’s connected with a generation—and he did it all from his sister’s closet on a phone. In just a few years, his music has racked up billions of streams, topping global charts and earning him a fiercely loyal fanbase. But beyond the numbers, he’s an artist who leads with vulnerability, reshaping how young creators think about art, success, and authenticity. He’s not just making songs—he’s shifting culture, and sharing how at the same time.And the writer is… D4vd!0:00 Trailer Hook — Billion Streams Surprise 1:32 Intro — From Phone to Playlist 3:15 Growing Up — Early Life and Music Influences 8:45 First Uploads — BandLab, YouTube, and Finding His Sound 13:20 Going Viral — The Moment Everything Changed 17:50 Pressure and Expectations — How He Handled the Blow-Up 20:42 My Process — How I Make Music on a Phone 23:10 Behind the Hits — How ‘Here With Me’ + ‘Romantic Homicide’ Happened 26:17 What SZA Told Me That Changed Everything 34:08 Advice for Young Artists — Make Music Nobody Wants 36:09 Beyond Music — Directing, Acting, Manga Dreams 43:35 Disrupting the Industry — Freaking Out the Business 44:40 Validation Moment — Sitting Where Legends Sit Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is a Latin music powerhouse whose pen has changed the game globally. With a genre-defying catalog that spans regional Mexican, reggaeton, pop, and bachata, he’s crafted chart-topping hits that cross borders and break records. His work has earned him 26 Grammy wins, making him one of the most decorated writers in the industry today. But beyond the accolades, he’s a true musical chameleon—effortlessly fusing cultural roots with modern sounds to create melodies that resonate worldwide. He brings heart, hustle, and authenticity to everything he touches.And the writer is… Edgar Barrera!Timestamp | Chapter Title00:00 | Intro and Sponsor00:45 | Meet Your Host: Ross Golan01:08 | Follow @AndTheWriterIs01:17 | Presented by NMPA02:09 | Guest Introduction: Edgar Barrera03:00 | How Edgar Became a Hitmaker06:30 | Global Success and Crossover Hits10:00 | Writing for Regional Mexican Artists15:00 | Secrets Behind Chart-Topping Songs19:00 | Challenges and Pressure of Success23:00 | Building a Cross-Cultural Career28:00 | The Power of Simplicity in Songwriting32:00 | Lessons from Collaborating with Legends37:00 | How Edgar Approaches Artist Development42:00 | Staying Grounded Amid Global Fame47:00 | Behind The Scenes of Major Hits52:00 | Edgar’s Advice to the Next Generation57:00 | Wrapping Up: Gratitude and Staying Inspired Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today’s guest is the mastermind behind some of the most captivating sounds in modern R&B and pop. With an ear for creating melodies that feel as intimate as they do expansive, he’s responsible for shaping hits that make you feel everything from joy to heartbreak. Whether he's behind the boards or penning the perfect lyrics, his ability to blend vulnerability with irresistible hooks has made him a go-to collaborator for some of the biggest names in music. From soulful ballads to undeniable bangers, his tracks are the ones that never leave your head—and always leave you wanting more. And the producer and songwriter is...Dernst "D'Mile" Emile II!00:00 - Cold Open: Gaga, Bruno & a Midnight Session 00:28 - Intro: Welcome to And The Writer Is  01:22 - How D’Mile Got His Name  05:10 - Growing Up with Jazz, Gospel & Biggie  10:30 - Producing His First Song at Age 6  12:15 - Almost Signed to Universal at 19  16:45 - Rodney Jerkins & Darkchild Studio Era  21:05 - 9 Creatives in a 3-Bedroom Apartment  25:30 - Inspiration vs. Competition in the Come-Up  27:20 - D’Mile Nearly Quit Music in 2017  34:17 - The Comeback: Lucky Daye & Victoria Monét  38:16 - How Silk Sonic Started from One Song  46:44 - Making “Leave the Door Open”  50:18 - “Die With A Smile” feat. Gaga & Bruno  51:58 - Producing the Artist’s Soul  59:00 - Copy-Paste Industry vs. Timeless Records  01:01:08 - Final Thoughts: Doing It His Way Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.