Tag

Music Industry

Jun 10
Love41

Robert Emery

By Music, Podcast No Comments

What happens when the thing you love most becomes the thing you can never completely walk away from?

This week on Here’s What We Know, conductor and pianist Robert Emery returns for a conversation about creativity, music, and the curious ways our minds work. From practice rooms to Abbey Road Studios, Robert shares what life is really like for a professional musician, why creative people often struggle to switch off, and what he’s learned from spending a lifetime immersed in music.

Gary and Robert also trade stories about family, parenting, travel, questionable hotel experiences, and the challenges that come with building a career around passion. They explore the lives of Mozart, Franz Liszt, and Berlioz, uncovering the very human struggles, quirks, and triumphs behind some of history’s most celebrated composers.

Robert also shares the story behind Orchestral Meditations, his latest project featuring meditation music recorded at Abbey Road Studios with a full symphony orchestra and choir.

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

In this episode:

• Why musicians never really leave work behind
• The truth about practicing and mastering a craft
• What Mozart and Michael Jackson may have had in common
• How creativity affects everyday life
• Stories from Abbey Road Studios
• The fascinating history of Franz Liszt and musical celebrity
• Why travel helps reset the mind

Quotations:

“The older I get, the more I try not to care too much.” – Robert Emery

“As humans in this world, we all just take note of our surroundings, maybe a little bit more on a day-to-day basis, and be grateful and thankful for some of the beauty that’s on this earth. Because I think we can all be trapped in our own little world, in our own little house, in our own little street, and it’s so easy to forget what is out there.” – Robert Emery

Bio:

Robert Emery is a conductor, pianist, and serial entrepreneur. He is lucky enough to travel the world; ranging from performances in London’s Royal Albert Hall, through to the Sydney Opera House, Robert has seen them all.

Besides music, he is the Founder & Director of The Arts Group, one of the most diverse entertainment companies in the UK. Within the portfolio is a national music tuition agency, symphony orchestra, choir, artist agency, record label, and production company.

Aside from that, he lives in London and Cambridge, has a wife (Mrs. E), a toddler (Master T), a baby (Master A), and 4 cats.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://robertemery.com/

Orchestral Meditation: http://orchestralmeditation.com

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/robertemeryofficial/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/robertemeryofficial/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/robertemeryofficial/

Apr 29
Love42

Trey Calloway

By Music, Podcast No Comments

There’s an idea we all want to believe. If you’re talented enough, you’ll make it.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with singer-songwriter Trey Calloway, a rising country artist navigating the reality of building a career in today’s music industry. And what we uncover is something a lot of people don’t want to admit: Timing matters more than talent.

We talk about country stars like Jason Aldean and Eric Church, artists who feel inevitable now but weren’t always. There were years where nobody knew who they were, years where it could have gone the other way.

Because when you really look at success in the music industry, you start to realize something. It doesn’t happen overnight, and it doesn’t happen just because someone is talented.

It happens when everything lines up. Talent. Timing. Opportunity. And readiness.

Miss one of those, and the outcome can look completely different.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make it in country music, why some artists break through and others don’t, or how timing shapes success in the music industry, give this episode a listen!

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

In this episode:

  • Why some incredibly talented artists never break through
  • How timing, readiness, and life experience all collide
  • The reality of making money in music today
  • Why success often comes later than expected
  • And what keeps someone going when it would be easier to quit

Quotations:

“Once I had lost my ego, once I had lost all of the negative emotions that come with this business, and once I had more maturity about it, I was ready and seasoned to come to Nashville. And I think that’s part of the reason why I’m doing okay is because I feel like I was ready.” – Trey Calloway

“I think if I had moved to Nashville when I was 19, like I originally planned to. I don’t think I would have made it; I was too hot-headed and too headstrong and too conceited and just not in the right headspace.” – Trey Calloway

Bio:

Trey Calloway is a singer/songwriter born and raised in North Carolina. The son of a preacher man, Trey grew up singing in church and was a seasoned performer by the age of 10.  Although southern and contemporary gospel were his first musical loves, he was instantly mesmerized by the sounds of country music after hearing a Garth Brooks Greatest Hits album his parents bought for him.  A deep understanding and passion for the rocking, boot stomping, country music of artists such as Clint Black, Alan Jackson, and Travis Tritt began to grow within him. Trey began writing songs, playing guitar, and performing in clubs at age 15. He knew early on without a shadow of a doubt that he would make music his career. Trey recorded and released his debut Nashville album entitled “Carolina Man” and was able to work with some of his musical heroes including Brent Mason, Lonnie Wilson and Buddy Hyatt on the album. 

Trey penned all twelve songs on the album, including “Daddy from Day One” inspired by the birth of his son Cash, and teamed up with musician and producer Mike Rogers to bring the songs to life. In 2020, Trey released several original singles, working with Nashville producer Kevin Key, including his most recent song entitled “Heal This Family.” Trey created his first ever music video for this new single, which is a timely message of love and unity that he wants to share with the world.  In addition to songwriting, Trey is passionate about inspiring and energizing live audiences and currently travels between Nashville and the Carolinas performing at clubs, festivals and private and charitable events such as Vet Fest Carolinas which he headlined in 2020.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://treycallowaymusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/treycallowaymusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/treycallowaymusic/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/TreyCalloway1

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@treycallowaymusic

Apr 15
Love26

Jerry Flowers

By Music, Podcast No Comments

There’s what people see on stage, and then there’s everything else.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we welcome back Jerry Flowers, a seasoned bassist, an accomplished songwriter, and music industry veteran, best known for his longtime role as Keith Urban’s bass player and bandleader. 

We’ll talk about what life on tour is really like, from playing in front of 80,000 people at major concerts to walking into a room of 50 where no one knows who you are. It’s a side of the music industry most people never see.

Jerry shares what it takes to connect with a live audience, why some artists succeed while others struggle, and how the best performers learn to win over any crowd, whether it’s a stadium or a small private event.

We also get into the realities of touring as a musician, the highs and lows of the road, and the difference between the spotlight and the moments that happen behind the scenes.

This is a conversation about stories. The ones you remember, the ones that shape you, and the ones that don’t seem important at the time… until years later, when you realize they meant everything.

This episode is sponsored by:


(Use code “Gary” to get $89 off any service!)

License #: 679261

In This Episode:

  • What Life on Tour Is Really Like
  • Jerry Flowers on Touring with Keith Urban
  • The Best Concert Experience: 80,000 Fans in Quebec City
  • The Reality of Life After a Big Show
  • From Stadiums to Small Rooms: The Truth About Touring
  • How Great Artists Win Over Any Crowd
  • Early Days on Tour: Bars, Vans, and the Grind
  • Learning Storytelling as a Songwriter and Performer
  • Music Industry Stories: Jack Black, Hugh Jackman, and More
  • Why Storytelling Matters in Music and Life
  • Florida Georgia Line, Jason Aldean, and Artist Development
  • American Idol vs Real-World Experience in Music
  • Why Some Artists Make It and Others Don’t
  • Great Songs That Never Became Hits
  • The Stories You Carry With You

Bio:

Jerry Flowers is a seasoned bassist, songwriter, and music industry veteran, best known for his longtime role as Keith Urban’s bass player and band leader. With a career spanning decades, Jerry has toured the world, shared the stage with music legends, and played a pivotal role in crafting chart-topping hits both on and off the road.

Originally from Pinch, West Virginia, Jerry’s musical journey began at just 12 years old, fueled by a passion for bass guitar. His talent and dedication took him from small-town gigs to global stages, touring with The Chicks, Counting Crows, and more.

Beyond performing, Jerry is an accomplished songwriter, earning #1 hits with Billy Currington, Jason Aldean, Sam Hunt, and Ryan Hurd. His musicality and creativity continue to inspire every session he’s in, making him a sought-after collaborator in Nashville’s thriving music scene.

Guest Contact Info:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jerryflowersmusic/

Mar 11
Love41

Chas Collins

By Music, Podcast No Comments

Sometimes what looks like an overnight success story is really a 25-year journey that most people never see. Country artist Chas Collins knows that road well.

This week on Here’s What We Know, we sit down with Chas Collins to talk about what the music business really looks like behind the curtain. They dive into the long road of touring, the reality of chasing a dream, and why some artists are finally finding success later in life.

Chas shares stories from 25 years of performing across the country, the moment he realized people were actually paying attention, and why faith and timing can sometimes matter more than raw talent.

If you have ever chased something that took longer than you expected, this conversation will probably feel very familiar. Tune in now!

This episode is sponsored by:

(Be sure to tell them Gary sent you!)

In this episode:

• How Chas Collins built a fan base singing karaoke
• Why success in country music doesn’t have an expiration date anymore
• The grind behind life on the road that fans rarely see
• Why faith and timing matter in creative careers
• What it feels like when 25 years of work finally starts paying off

Quotations:

“I was building a fan base and singing karaoke when it came out, and I was like, ‘Man, we’ve got something here. I’ve got to get a band together.” ~ Chas Collins

“You know, people, I guess I’m a better entertainer than I thought I was. And so then I got the band, and the rest is history. ~ Chas Collins

“Every fan deserves to have you at 100%. So you have to push through and go, ‘It’s not about me; it’s about them.’ And so that’s the hard part. It’s not the fans that are hard. It’s keeping going and sustaining.” ~ Chas Collins

Bio:

Chas Collins is a country music artist and Nashville recording artist known for powerful storytelling, raw emotion, and high-energy performances. His songs capture life’s most vivid moments—from the wild energy of a Saturday night to the ache of missing someone on the road. Rooted in the heart of country and Southern rock, his music speaks to the emotions we all experience.

Standing at 6’6″, Chas brings more than just presence to the stage. His sound blends deep country roots with an ‘80s rock influence, creating a bold and unique style. Each performance delivers familiar themes—love, loss, resilience, and hope—with powerhouse vocals and grit that fans across the U.S. connect with.

Born in Belle Chasse, Louisiana, Chas grew up facing constant change until his grandparents gave him a stable home. That moment shaped his future and helped forge the artist he is today. When Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans, Chas lost everything. With $500 and the clothes on his back, he headed to Nashville to chase a dream—only to lose his mother, grandmother, and aunt within four years. Those personal losses added depth to his songwriting and gave his music a rare emotional authenticity.

Since launching his career, Chas has played over 3,500 shows across 43 states, building a loyal grassroots fanbase that spans the country. From venues and festivals to cruises and city stages, his reputation as a touring country music artist is built on connection, passion, and hard work.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Chas made a new home in Tampa Bay, Florida, where he continues to perform while recording new music in Nashville. His upcoming releases reflect everything he’s lived, survived, and shared with the fans who’ve supported him on the road.

Chas’s story is about overcoming adversity, finding purpose through music, and living each moment to its fullest. With every song, he proves that the heart of country music lies not just in the lyrics but in the life behind them.

Guest Contact Info:

Website: https://www.chascollins.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chascollinsmusic/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/chascollinsmusic/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@chascollinsmusic