Ep.46: Honey Gold Jasmine never lost her inner child, even when people tried to beat it out of her. The Bay Area hip-hop soul artist grew up in a military family where creativity was something to tamp down, not celebrate. But a life-changing teacher in Richmond, a talent show she bombed in sixth grade, and the entrepreneurial energy of Vallejo kept her fire lit. Now she's building something that blends music, fairy festivals, and radical self-expression into a world that feels entirely her own.

In this conversation, we get into:

1. How a second-grade teacher who followed her students for three years changed everything
2. The moment a bombed talent show made her want to get better, not quit
3. Why being unapologetically yourself means owning your shadow, not just your light
4. What actually scares a fearless artist… and it's not the silence
5. Her vision for a traveling festival that's part Renaissance fair, part concert, part carnival

About Honey Gold Jasmine:

Honey Gold Jasmine is an artist who, through every breath & heartbeat, sees a new opportunity for artful action & intentional impact. The multifaceted Hip Hop Soul singer-rapper, actress, & event curator has a vision to help create a more imaginative, inclusive world. HGJ's head can be in the clouds, but she's down to earth & truly gamed up by The Bay Area, a magical product of her hometown Vallejo and Soultown Oakland.

Connect with Honey Gold Jasmine:

Instagram: instagram.com/hi.honeygoldjasmine

Website: honeygoldjasmine.com

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Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Julian on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/

Julian on Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417

Check out Julian’s book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RL

This podcast is managed by Wildwave Podcasting: www.wildwavepodcasting.com

Music Mentioned in this Episode:

Songs:

1. "Frequency Up" — Honey Gold Jasmine
2. "Candy Rain" — Soul for Real

Artists &...

Ep.45: Developing your artistic voice isn’t just about understanding your sound; it’s about permission, confidence, and learning how to trust yourself before the world catches up. In this episode of “loves music,” I sit down with Brandon J Marks to talk about what it actually means to build a creative identity that lasts. We dig into the making of Brandin Land, a bold, genre-bending concept album that blends gospel legacy, R&B, jazz, and pop into something timeless and globally resonant. Brandon opens up about creative freedom, mental clarity, and why learning your voice (mentally and musically) is the foundation of sustainable artistry. This conversation goes far beyond technique, touching on confidence, discipline, spirituality, and the inner work required to show up fully as an artist.

We Chat About:

1. Developing your artistic voice as an independent musician
2. Building Brandon Land as a concept album and creative world
3. Genre-bending music without chasing trends or eras
4. Why mindset is harder (and more important) than technique
5. Vocal mentorship, confidence, and learning your true range
6. Mental Detox: clearing emotional clutter and creative blocks
7. The “seven-second rule” for interrupting negative thoughts
8. Why artists need to learn how to sit with themselves
9. Creative energy, spirituality, and trusting your instincts
10. Choosing fulfillment, joy, and longevity over burnout

About Brandon J Marks:

Producer, Songwriter, Genre-Bending Artist, Brandon J Marks is taking the industry by storm. Born to a family of singers and musicians, Brandon has been singing, recording, and performing professionally since the tender, formative age of fourteen. Brandon has performed with some of music’s greatest talent, from Kim Burrell to pianist and super producer Rodney East. His creative approach to music is vast, rooted in gospel legacy and represents the perfect merging of R&B, jazz, and pop. After years of brand strategy, marketing, and garnering partnerships such as Sony Animation and the Oprah Winfrey Network, Brandon commenced his solo artistry in 2020 with the release of his debut song, Black Man. The release was recognized and endorsed by the Houston mayor for its activism and riveting performance. As a BMI songwriter, Brandon continues to develop a growing catalog of music and is set to pen for some of music’s greatest artists and motion picture soundtracks. A beacon through sound, each song sheds light and shares love.

Connect with Brandon J Marks:

Listen on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/gh/artist/brandon-j-marks/1541380334

Listen on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5F4SnF9qpUSZQe1j6f2qiQ

Listen on TIDAL: https://tidal.com/artist/22280794

Follow on Instagram:

Ep.44: Despite what most folks believe, the hardest part of being an artist isn’t the grind itself, it’s the quiet. The stretch where you’re doing everything “right,” pouring time, money, and heart into your work… and the world gives you nothing back. In this episode of “loves music,” I sit down with That Boy A.B, a storytelling rapper from New Jersey and longtime friend, to unpack what it actually takes to keep going when the applause isn’t there yet. We talk about how his mindset has evolved since his early buzz in the Philly/Jersey scene, why vulnerability is a creative advantage (even when it scares you), and how his experience building a successful seasonal business changed the way he approaches music today. A.B. shares the moment that pulled him back into recording: a wild, unexpected studio connection in South America, and why having a “stack of proof” matters more than motivational advice like “just believe in yourself.” If you’re trying to build something real in music (or any creative lane), this one’s a grounded reminder that success comes from systems, self-trust, and learning how to survive the in-between.

We Chat About:

1. Returning to music with a totally different mindset (and why the new work feels more “him”)
2. How A.B. accidentally discovered traction through TuneCore, and what he would’ve done differently with the data
3. Why vulnerability and relatability became his lane (even when he resisted it)
4. “Belief in yourself” vs. belief built through evidence, feedback, and real-world proof
5. Using business principles in music: targeting, systems, and doubling down on what actually works
6. Why you can’t force creativity, and what to do when you hit a mental wall in the studio
7. The difference between buying “things” and investing in relationships + shared experiences
8. The only advice that really lands: have fun, don’t take yourself too seriously, and double down on what works

About That Boy A.B.:

That Boy A.B. is a story-telling hip-hop artist from New Jersey who makes relatable music about life and relationships. His song Enough, detailing a relationship gone bad, exploded on streaming services in 2015. A.B has found a way to bridge the gap between old school hip-hop and new school rap. Influenced by artists like J. Cole, Fabolous, Drake, and Big Sean, he has mastered the art of story telling and reflecting while providing the listener with memorable wordplay and catchy hooks.

Connect with That Boy A.B.:

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7w3T6KxU9UdcNaUcJl31Zx

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

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify:

Ep.43: Building a real fanbase isn’t about going viral. It’s about being seen and learning how to grow sustainably. In this episode of “loves music”, I sit down with Quinn McGraw, the force behind PARIAH, to unpack how genuine connection is built long before the numbers catch up. We talk about how PARIAH cultivated a devoted community of “Seekers” by leading with honesty, direct engagement, and story-driven content, not gimmicks or empty hype. Quinn shares how Swan Song emerged from grief, addiction, depression, and spiritual collapse, and why those experiences became the foundation for music that feels like a place to land rather than a product to consume. We also dig into the reality of being both an artist and a content creator, why ads only work when there’s already a spark, and how meaningful fan relationships are often forged in the unglamorous, unseen moments. If you’re trying to move beyond surface-level growth and build something that actually lasts, this conversation offers a grounded blueprint.

We Chat About:

1. Why emo metal / post-metalcore gives Quinn the full emotional spectrum he needs to write
2. The “Find Him / Keep Seeking” mythos and what it actually represents
3. Being an outcast, and choosing to build a home instead of trying to fit in
4. The difference between art and the music business (and why merging them breaks people)
5. How PARIAH grew fast: storytelling via short-form + digital ads that amplify momentum
6. Surviving the “deafening silence” between releases (and why most artists quit there)
7. Why touring is expensive audience growth (and what Quinn’s focusing on first)
8. Redefining success: arenas vs. spending most of your time doing what you love

About PARIAH:

All who seek will find. PARIAH is the solo project of Quinn McGraw — a sonic exorcism born from grief, addiction, depression, and spiritual collapse. Blending alt-metal, post-metalcore, and cinematic dark pop, PARIAH creates a sacred space to fall apart, for the faithless, the lost, and those still screaming in silence. It’s ‘heavy music for heavy hearts,’ as Quinn states. Already featured on Revolver Magazine and official Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon Music, and VEVO playlists , PARIAH is quickly amassing a devoted following known as ‘Seekers’ that are drawn to the project’s raw catharsis and brutal honesty. With every track, we are invited to find our voice again and to find the light when we wander in the dark. He is waiting. Find Him.

Connect with PARIAH:

Start here (all links in one place): Find PARIAH on Linktree

Follow + join the Seekers on Instagram: @findthepariah on Instagram

Watch + subscribe on YouTube: PARIAH on YouTube

Catch the short-form content on TikTok: @findthepariah on TikTok

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on...

Ep.42: While most artists chase the dream, others stop and ask whether the dream is actually worth living inside. In this episode of “loves music,” I sit down with Ali “AMAC” McGuire, better known as AMACULENT, to unpack a career that reached the highest levels of the music industry and the burnout that forced her to rethink everything. We talk about her new album On One, a project rooted in healing, alignment, and creative honesty, and why she believes success should feel sustainable, human, and deeply personal. This conversation moves through hip-hop, self-trust, industry myths, and the long road from validation to inner peace. If you’ve ever wondered whether ambition and well-being can coexist, this one will stay with you.

We Chat About:

1. Creating On One as a “love letter to pain” and making positivity feel authentic, not corny
2. Why art doesn’t need suffering to be meaningful, and the danger of the tortured artist myth
3. How burnout became the catalyst for healing, reflection, and realignment
4. Pairing the album with an Inner Compass workbook to support growth beyond the music
5. Falling in love with hip-hop after hearing Biggie for the first time
6. Dropping out of college, betting on herself, and breaking into Philly’s live music scene
7. Networking, likability, and saying yes before feeling ready
8. Starting over in LA and building a career from the ground up again
9. Working at the highest levels of the industry and why “making it” didn’t bring peace
10. Separating excellence from perfectionism and learning to get curious instead of self-critical
11. Listening to your body, honoring rest, and redefining discipline
12. Redefining success as enjoying your life, not just achieving outcomes

About AMACULENT:

Ali “AMAC” McGuire (AMACULENT) is a platinum-selling mix engineer, artist, speaker, and creative mentor who blends music, storytelling, and self-development to help people achieve the dream — enjoying their lives. After years of success in the music industry, working with artists like Joji, Post Malone, and Kelly Rowland. AMAC hit a major burnout and turned that experience into a framework and music album focused on healing, growth, and alignment.

Connect with AMACULENT:

Check out her YouTube

Follow her on TikTok: @amaculent_mindset

Friend her on Snapchat: @amaculentmind

Follow her Instagram: @amaculent

Listen to On One

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music:...

Ep.41: In this episode, I chop it up with Ohio-based producer and podcaster Anthony Church, an artist who treats instrumental music like world-building. We talk about his fall-themed project Leaves and Soil (and the deeper life-cycle concept behind it), how he “paints with sounds” through sample-based production, and why consistency is the real superpower for artists trying to play the long game. Anthony also opens up about how real life shapes his most emotional work, what success looks like outside of mainstream music metrics, and how his podcast The Proven Knowledge Podcast has quietly become a major door-opener in his creative life.

We Chat About:

1. The story and symbolism behind Leaves and Soil, and why fall felt like the perfect creative container
2. What his production process actually looks like
3. Collaborating with musicians like saxophonists and other producers while still protecting his solo “world”
4. How grief and heartbreak influenced the emotional tone of his recent music
5. The feeling he wants listeners to walk away with: inspiration, reflection, and a real emotional impact, even without lyrics
6. Why promotion is the hardest part, and how he’s learned to make marketing feel fun
7. Consistency, planning ahead, and refusing to compare yourself online
8. Turning “no” into fuel, building patience through the long grind, and why most people quit right before the breakthrough
9. The mission behind The Proven Knowledge Podcast and how storytelling can teach creatives there’s more than one path

About Anthony Church:

Anthony Church a music producer with over 9 years of experience working with over 50 different independent artists from around the globe. He creates instrumentals that fall somewhere between Hip-Hop, R&B and Lo-Fi in style. In 2020 he began self-releasing his own music which has led him to put out several instrumental albums, work with artists on full bodies of work, and craft an upcoming compilation album slated for 2026. In 2020 he also began his weekly show titled "The Proven Knowledge Podcast" where he speaks with amazing creatives about their journey and what makes them the people and artists that they are today. This has allowed him to make many amazing connections and open doors he may not have gotten through making music alone. He’s very blessed to be entering his sixth year of podcasting in 2026!

Connect with Anthony:

​​Follow Anthony on Instagram: @anthonychurchmusic

Check out his music on Bandcamp

Listen to The Proven Knowledge Podcast

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​

Ep.40: Some artists entertain. Others reveal. In this episode of loves music, I sit down with Louissa, an artist whose voice, story, and presence feel lived-in, earned, and unapologetically real. From nearly losing her ability to sing to reclaiming her voice through sheer grit and intention, Louissa opens up about healing, rebellion, artistry, and what it really takes to stay in the game when the path gets brutal. This conversation moves through grief, perseverance, creative rebirth, and the unseen work behind an artist who looks effortless on stage but has fought hard for every inch of ground. If you’ve ever questioned your place, your voice, or your timing, this one hits deep.

We Chat About:

• Reclaiming her voice after chronic illness and the emotional weight of starting over
• Why her music is equal parts healing, truth-telling, and rebellion
• The unseen reps, bad gigs, and failures that shape a seasoned live performer
• Writing anthemic songs that still feel intimate and vulnerable
• Collaboration, vocal training, and building a sound that refuses to live in one genre
• Navigating burnout, rebranding, and shedding the pressure to be “put together”
• How grief, family, and loss continue to inform her artistry
• What success really looks like beyond streams, followers, and industry validation

About Louissa:

After nearly losing her voice to chronic illness, Louissa has been on a powerful journey of reclamation. Her music is her truth, her healing, and her rebellion. Now in the midst of a rebrand, she is committed to showing up as her most unmasked and fully realized artistic self—inviting listeners to do the same and discover their own truths within her songs. Louissa has already made her mark, performing at Virginia Beach’s inaugural Pulse Fest and being handpicked to appear at Pharrell’s Mighty Dream Forum. Her collaborations span Grammy winners, Billboard-charting producers, and multi-platinum talent—yet her voice and vision remain unmistakably her own.

Connect with Louissa:

​​Follow Louissa on Instagram: @louissamood

Follow on Threads: @louissamood

Explore Louissa’s official site + info: Visit louissamusic.com

Connect on Facebook: Louissa Mood

Watch on YouTube: Subscribe to Louissa’s channel

Follow on TikTok: @louissamood

Access Louissa’s press/music files: HardDrive

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg

Check out the “loves music” podcast website:

Ep.39: Every now and then, a guest takes the conversation somewhere unexpected. In this episode, I sit down with Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Bright Kelly for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation about art, trauma, faith, fatherhood, and the responsibility that comes with telling the truth through music. Bright’s work resists easy categorization, and so does his story. We talk about his path through touring, his transition into releasing music under his own name, and the emotional excavation behind Funeral Tickets. Along the way, we unpack how personal history, belief systems, and lived experience shape the way he writes, and why he refuses to soften difficult ideas for the sake of comfort. This conversation moves beyond career milestones and into what it actually means to live a creative life with intention.

We Chat About:

• Growing up in Philadelphia and building a life rooted in music
• Touring with major artists while still loving small, local rooms
• The personal history and emotional excavation behind Funeral Tickets
• Writing songs that challenge ignorance, faith, and cultural myths
• Turning trauma into clarity without softening the message
• Why he considers himself a writer before a songwriter
• Concept albums, dystopia, and his upcoming Beggartown project
• Fatherhood, partnership, and balancing art with real life
• Creative stamina, obsession, and learning when to push (and when to pause)
• Why flawed, human-made music matters more than ever

About Bright Kelly:

Bright Kelly is a Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter whose voice lands somewhere between gravel and velvet: soulful, cinematic, and impossible to ignore. Fronting the alt-soul outfit The Great Enough and carving out a striking solo catalog, he’s shared stages with bands as varied as Imagine Dragons and Judah & the Lion, earning a reputation for raw, articulate songwriting that cuts close to the bone. From the hushed confessional of The Quiet Ones to the emotional megaphone of Funeral Tickets, Kelly blurs the lines between folk, soul, and rock with an instinct for melody and truth that feels both bruised and luminous.

Connect with Bright Kelly:

Listen on Spotify: Bright Kelly on Spotify

Support on Bandcamp: brightkelly.bandcamp.com

Follow on TikTok: @brightkelly19

Follow on Instagram: @brightkelly19

Follow on Threads: @brightkelly19

Other Resources:

Follow the OFFICIAL “loves music” playlist on Apple Music: ​​https://music.apple.com/library/playlist/p.4Y0J406i03DQrX

“loves music” playlist on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/0qE3kq89oyg3tFNbmRfHEO?si=vopaKQnNS8OHn0r2fFTVBg

Check out the “loves music” podcast website: https://www.podpage.com/loves-music/

Julian on Facebook: