In this episode we sit down with audio engineer, musician, and Welcome Music Group's Richard A. Waller III for a conversation about music, creativity, and the art of sound. With a career spanning more than three decades and experience working with legendary artists including John Legend, Grover Washington Jr., Michael Brecker, and The Roots, Richard shares stories and insights from his journey through the music industry.

Together, they explore his early influences, the evolution of audio engineering, the transition from analog to digital recording, mentorship, building relationships, and navigating the business of music. From the recording studio to the lessons learned along the way, this conversation is about more than making music. It's about passion, perseverance, experience, and the people who help shape our journeys.

Watch the MUSIC IS OUR HERO! full podcast interview with Richard A. Waller III on YouTube.

Connect with Richard A. Waller III!
Facebook, The Walcom Music Group, LLC Facebook

Send fan mail

Support the show

Produced, edited, mixed, and artwork designed by Drea Young

Theme song composed by Keith Moffett

Don't miss out! Follow MUSIC IS OUR HERO! on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and listen to our podcast on your go-to streaming service.

✌🏼❤️🎶

#MUSICISOURHERO

In this episode, Drea sits down with Danny McCoy of Moon Peak Productions for a behind-the-scenes look at the world of live music and event production.

Danny shares his journey into the music industry, his passion for music and events, and his role at Moon Peak Productions, including the company's relationship with The Abbey Bar in Harrisburg. The conversation explores the highs and lows of being a talent booker, what bookers look for when working with musicians and bands, and shares valuable insights to help artists land more opportunities.

Whether you're a musician hoping to get booked, an aspiring talent buyer, or simply curious about what goes on behind the scenes of live music, this episode offers a unique perspective on the people who help bring live performances to life.

Watch the MUSIC IS OUR HERO! full podcast interview with Danny McCoy on YouTube.

Connect with Danny McCoy!
Moonpeak Productions Website
From Napster to Now Instagram

Send fan mail

Support the show

Produced, edited, mixed, and artwork designed by Drea Young

Theme song composed by Keith Moffett

Don't miss out! Follow MUSIC IS OUR HERO! on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and listen to our podcast on your go-to streaming service.

✌🏼❤️🎶

#MUSICISOURHERO

In this episode of MUSIC IS OUR HERO!, Drea sits down with Tanner (Senzae), Christian (Dangles), and Lily (Peppy Loops) of Northern Lvghts, an electronic music brand dedicated to bringing people together through music, art, and community.

From curating events and DJing to flow arts and everything in between, the Northern Lvghts crew brings creativity and passion to every aspect of the electronic music scene. Together, they’re building more than just a brand—they’re creating experiences, fostering connections, and growing a community united by their love of music.

Watch the MUSIC IS OUR HERO! full podcast interview with Northern Lvghts on YouTube.

Connect with Northern Lvghts!
Instagram

Send fan mail

Support the show

Produced, edited, mixed, and artwork designed by Drea Young

Theme song composed by Keith Moffett

Don't miss out! Follow MUSIC IS OUR HERO! on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and listen to our podcast on your go-to streaming service.

✌🏼❤️🎶

#MUSICISOURHERO

In this episode, Drea sits down with Ariel E. Monroe, creator and founder of Delta E.M. Wellness and Space Trash PHL.

Ariel is a licensed massage therapist, wellness practitioner, artist, and writer with a passion for helping others find balance and personal growth. Through Delta E.M. Wellness, Ariel offers a holistic approach to mind, body, and spirit, incorporating massage therapy, Reiki, sound healing, mindfulness, and wellness coaching.

Ariel also brings her creativity to life through Space Trash PHL, transforming discarded materials such as plastic, metal, glass, and paper into unique miniature works of art. Each piece is infused with Reiki energy, combining artistic expression, sustainability, and spiritual intention.

Watch the MUSIC IS OUR HERO! full podcast interview with Ariel on YouTube.

Connect with Ariel!
Official Website

Send fan mail

Support the show

Produced, edited, mixed, and artwork designed by Drea Young

Theme song composed by Keith Moffett

Don't miss out! Follow MUSIC IS OUR HERO! on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and listen to our podcast on your go-to streaming service.

✌🏼❤️🎶

#MUSICISOURHERO

That’s a wrap on Season 4! If you haven’t already, take a moment to subscribe to the channel, watch a few episodes, drop a like, and leave a comment—every bit of support you give truly helps.

And whether you joined as a guest, a listener, or a supporter, thank you for showing up and being part of this journey. It means more than you know.

Don’t forget: Sunday, November 8th, we are all meeting at The Gem for The Guest List, a one-year celebration of the MUSIC IS OUR HERO! Podcast and a networking event!

Watch the MUSIC IS OUR HERO! full podcast interview with You're Grounded on YouTube.

The Guest List event details!
Facebook Event

Connect with Drea Young!
Official Website

Send fan mail

Support the show

Produced, edited, mixed, and artwork designed by Drea Young

Theme song composed by Keith Moffett

Don't miss out! Follow MUSIC IS OUR HERO! on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and listen to our podcast on your go-to streaming service.

✌🏼❤️🎶

#MUSICISOURHERO

In this episode, we chat with Kristen from You’re Grounded Coffee Company while Kevin makes a last-minute propane run before the artist rush! We hear the story behind You’re Grounded, explore the role they play in the festival and arts community, and find out what makes their coffee—and delicious food menu—so special. Kristen also talks about the other services they provide at events, what keeps them busy during the off-season, and much more!

Watch the MUSIC IS OUR HERO! full podcast interview with You're Grounded on YouTube.

Connect with You're Grounded!
Facebook, Instagram

Send fan mail

Support the show

Produced, edited, mixed, and artwork designed by Drea Young

Theme song composed by Keith Moffett

Don't miss out! Follow MUSIC IS OUR HERO! on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and listen to our podcast on your go-to streaming service.

✌🏼❤️🎶

#MUSICISOURHERO

Theresa Ratliff knew at a young age that she could sing, and music has been part of her life ever since. But it wasn’t until later in life that she began performing with bands and found a home in the festival community.

In this episode, Theresa shares how the festival community gives her a sense of purpose and helps shape the mission she is on today.

It’s a story of following what you love, finding your community, and sharing peace, love, wisdom, and music along the way.

Watch the MUSIC IS OUR HERO! full podcast interview with Theresa on YouTube.

Connect with Theresa!
Facebook

Send fan mail

Support the show

Produced, edited, mixed, and artwork designed by Drea Young

Theme song composed by Keith Moffett

Don't miss out! Follow MUSIC IS OUR HERO! on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and listen to our podcast on your go-to streaming service.

✌🏼❤️🎶

#MUSICISOURHERO

In this episode we sit down with Joe, owner of Nostalgia Fishtown, to talk about its beginnings, the process of bringing his and his partner’s vision to life, and what’s ahead.

We also explore why spaces like Nostalgia matter to Philadelphia’s arts community — bringing artists and creatives together to connect, create, and grow.

If you care about local music, art, community, and the people creating spaces for it all to thrive, this is a conversation you’ll want to hear.

Watch the MUSIC IS OUR HERO! full podcast interview with Joe on YouTube.

Connect with Nostalgia!
Official Website

Send fan mail

Support the show

Produced, edited, mixed, and artwork designed by Drea Young

Theme song composed by Keith Moffett

Don't miss out! Follow MUSIC IS OUR HERO! on YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, and listen to our podcast on your go-to streaming service.

✌🏼❤️🎶

#MUSICISOURHERO