Yihao Chen is a Music AI researcher and the founder of of OctAI, now GenreX a Generative AI company building the Mid Journey of music. Yihao is a classical flutist, a composer, and an AI music researcher. He was a music AI researcher at the Georgia Institute of Technology and an undergraduate researcher at Cornell University where he worked on automatic harmonization using machine learning. His company, GenreX, has been funded by AI2 a research institute founded by Paul Allen and led by Ali Farhadi, conducting high-impact research and engineering to tackle key problems in artificial intelligence.

In this episode, we're diving into the career of Johnny5, a DJ, Promoter, and producer who's been shaking up San Francisco's music scene. We talk about his transition from his Chicago-based Hip Hop routes to the Bay Area to pursue his passion and the influence his formal education had in propelling him to new heights. After moving to San Francisco in 2005, Johnny5's sound quickly evolved, blending grimy bass and house elements, and he became a force in the city's bass music scene, hosting a prominent bass music night at Temple SF and making his mark on the festival circuit. He also played a significant role in the dubstep scene, co-founding "Ritual Dubstep," a weekly event that grew to be the largest on the West Coast. As a producer, Johnny5 founded Irie Cartel Recordings in 2011, achieving success with releases that climbed the Beatport charts. His productions, like the "Thuggin" EP, offer a diverse range of bass-heavy sounds, showcasing his versatility and impact in the industry. Join us as we listen to his hottest soon-to-be-released tracks and explore Johnny5's remarkable journey in the electronic music world, from his early influences to his thriving career in San Francisco's music scene. Johnny5 CONTACT/ INQUIRIES: Management/Booking/ Collab:[email protected] Beatport: www.beatport.com/artist/johnny5 Owner @blendsandtrendsrecords (Tech & Bass House) Owner @IrieCartelRecordings (Dubstep & DNB) •Founder @bayareaphonk (Phonk Music Monthly) For all the MMM Podcasts visit: www.mentormymix.com Learn to Produce: http://www.pyramind.com

In this episode, we speak with Mr. Bill about his focused approach to electronic music production and touring and how to develop multiple revenue streams with a sample pack company, a website-driven education business,  a label, a podcast and most recently collaborating with a plugin developer, Yum on the VST plugin "Slap".  Learn why he transitioned out of using  Ableton for his live sets and his approach to using over 82 tracks in a one-hour set. We talk about the impact AI is having on music creation and why Mr. Bill doesn't consider it a threat to his career. We even talk about managing anxiety as an important process for all artists to get through their self-limiting beliefs. At the end, Mr. Bill reveals the collaborations on his upcoming release on a yet-to-be-disclosed label. For more on Mr. Bill visit: https://linktr.ee/mrbillstunes Opening & Closing Music: Sol Potion Remix By Imaginate and Gregory J. Gordon, AKA CODE369 https://open.spotify.com/track/2tOdcFvDqwljvfpASSA2DI?si=54f22d9b3da0426b For more MMM Podcasts visit: www.mentormymix.com For information on Pyramind Music & Audio Production Institute visit: https://pyramind.com

Marieme is a Senegalese-American artist whose music focuses on themes of Self Love, Revolution, and Empowerment.  Being uprooted by war at 6 months old shaped Marieme into a messenger of Love who has learned to manifest her way to success in the music industry through strong networking, perseverance, and trust in Flow. Learn how Marieme's talent for singing and songwriting has created numerous opportunities for her as a performing artist and landed her a coveted deal as a Universal Music Group publishing artist being placed in film and television. The podcast opens with her recent hit song "Built For Greatness" which was recently placed on the Michelle Obama and Oprah Netflix special as well as Apple TV campaigns. The podcast highlights Marieme's willingness and ability to call in serendipity to help guide her through career-defining moments including working with Lady Gaga stylist, Nicola Formmichetti and being invited to perform on the infamous art car, Robot Heart at Burning Man. She thanks Greg for the music production classes she has taken through Pyramind that have empowered her in the studio and in her songwriting collaborations. In 2020 she created a video that went viral in Brazil creating a large fan base for her there. The first single from her first full-length album comes out September 2023 with the single "Changing" which has already been licensed to "Grey's Anatomy". Www.Marieme music.com Socials @mariememusic https://hoo.be/mariememusic Built For Greatness https://open.spotify.com/album/3nR4q9NK8GcHYcXPZmMKRl?si=k1bRoUFGS2an-b_ddncOuw It's Me https://open.spotify.com/track/3CSxXvWjAR5oSNQ37GhoSH?si=480wEaMARIquLpawCedxLw  Watch on Youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fihrKqiWGd0

In this episode of The Mentor My Mix Podcast, we had the opportunity to meet with producer, audio engineer, and studio owner Mckay Garner. We discuss his studio setup and the Pros and Cons of Mixing in Dolby Atmos. The interview begins with an analysis and breakdown of the pre-mastered track “Bright Dark”, Written and produced by Ben Flanagan from the rock band “Black Map” with Mckay in the roles of co-producer, arranger, and mixer. Mckay goes on to discuss his day-to-day work life, how he has built an impressive Dolby Atmos configured studio, and how his experimentation with sound design has shifted the way he works and collaborates with artists and musicians.   Learn about object-based mixing and binaural rendering, as well as the optimal environment to set up an Atmos system. The interview concludes with an in-depth discussion of technological advancements in music and the customization of individual listening experiences. Songs Played: Bright Dark By Ben Flanagan: https://www.mckaygarner.com/ Envelopes By Mckay Garner:  https://open.spotify.com/track/77mplqop2qGC8VUdSxA8z1?si=caa8a8d48e0b44bc Find out more about Mckay Here:  http://mckaygarner.com http://goldengatemixers.com http://how-to-make-a-record.com Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckayallday/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mckaygarnermusic

In this episode, we had the pleasure to sit down with Rob Garza from the trailblazing electronic duo Thievery Corporation. Rob shares how he has built an extraordinary enduring career in the music industry, from Thievery Corporation to his own solo project Garza and now the creation of a soon-to-be-released musical documentary telling the story of musicians from war-torn Yemen. Formed in Washington D.C., almost 30 years ago, by Rob and partner Eric Hilton, Thievery Corporation carved its own lane in electronic music by creating a genre-blending sonic gateway unifying diverse cultures. We begin the interview with a brief analysis and breakdown of Thievery Corporation's popular track Lebanese Blonde to better understand the sound design and musical styling that went into creating their biggest hits. Garza takes us back to the very beginning of his musical journey and what led to his passion for electronic music and producing at an early age. He shares the evolution in technology he experienced firsthand that has shifted from the way electronic music was created over twenty years ago to what it is today.  Deepening his international reach, Garza touches on his courageous efforts to amplify the story of the Yemeni people through their rich musical heritage. Garza shares the story of his journey through Yemen and the recordings he has created with select Yemeni musicians to help tell their story through his efforts with the United Nations World Food Project and how that opportunity has opened his eyes to the privilege of making music without social or political limitations.  Lebanese blonde: https://open.spotify.com/track/6k5VMHrwv7mgPpkQSRQtQr?si=Dhsu-5-hRB63xWTH1fspBA Summers , ours (G’s dust up): https://open.spotify.com/album/4sk2k0cvOe7MPIePypjWAC?si=K7xJoA_LRi-9uJhiSn-YMg Amerimacka: https://open.spotify.com/track/55HeOFek7Rylb7FtNy5hli?si=IvWl2x56QPWUtbHLDZtcMg

In this episode, we get to know Kaitlin McGaw and Tommy Shepard, the dynamic duo who lead the children's music collective Alphabet Rockers, and who just won a Grammy for their latest album The Movement.  The collective was born out of their passion for Hip-Hop music and culture, social justice work, and letting the young people in their community be a driving force in the media made for them. The collective includes Kali De Jesus, Tommy Shepard III, and Maya Fleming, as well as other collaborators like DJ Roza Do and Samara Atkins. Kaitlin and Tommy talk about how the goals of the collective have been shaped, deciding early on that young people are sophisticated enough to enjoy authentic Hip-Hop and giving them opportunities to write songs from their perspective, as well as choosing not to compromise their focus on racial justice and bring up uncomfortable topics just because they make children's music. They also talk about what led up to their Grammy win, how the landscape in their field has been changing, and how the win has opened up new opportunities for them, and how they plan to make sure to keep those doors open for others. They talk about their working dynamic and the business model they have developed and how a policy of giving people a chance when it comes to input for the project has led to discovering new talent. Listen to the Grammy-winning album The Movement here: https://open.spotify.com/album/6OJMNs9bxCaxUc72OfzcO9 Check out Alphabet Rockers Website:  https://www.alphabetrockers.com/ Learn more about their projects: https://www.alphabetrockers.com/links Listen to more Mentor My Mix episodes here: http://www.mentormymix.com

Episode #33 of the Mentor My Mix Podcast brings us Vital Powers, a performing artist Born to Jamaican parents and from Wolverhampton, England. Pyramind's social media director initially discovered VitalPowers through engaging and well-produced content on his Instagram & Youtube channels. He sparked our curiosity enough to DM him and invite him down to the studios where his charm & talents convinced us to invite him on as a podcast guest to share his path to success by becoming a BBC talk-show host and a content creator and rep for DITTO Music, one of the UK's leading digital distribution platforms. The interview begins with a world premiere preview of his newest track, Too Savage. Topics range from strategies for hosting festivals and using social networks to book & promote tours with similar artists to using his presenting skills to diversify his visibility and earnings as an artist. They analyze and discuss Vital's various vocal styles and then Greg creates a beat on the spot in Ableton Live using the Push 2 for Vital to freestyle too. Vital's influences & styles come from Grime to Rap and Drill to Dancehall. Vital's influences & styles come from Grime to Rap and Drill to Dancehall. He's been a BBC Presenter and is now a DITTO Music Video Content Creator & Mentor. Affiliated with: BBC R1 / 1X / AN / WM / Introducing / Three, MOBO's, Help Musicians, PRS, Multiple Charities + more. Releases like 2016’s “POWERS" hit the iTunes Hip Hop top 20 charts Performing on over 200 stages like MADE Festival 2016 + BBC Radio 1's BIG WEEKEND Festival 2016 alongside artists such as: Stormzy, JayKae, Lethal B, Dappy, Stylo G, Big Narstie, Alkaline, Wiley, and J Hus. In 2018 BBC West Midlands gave VITAL Powers his own Radio Show. ‘The Midlands Source’ VITAL has over 2 million+ Youtube views collectively including on his personal Channel. 5 music videos featured on Channel AKA & television appearances on #MADEinBrum + BBC 1's Midlands. • SEARCH "VITAL POWERS 力" or @VITAL0 Spotify Playlist: I Came Here For VITAL Tracks Played: ● https://youtu.be/uALU35Y83pk (Too Savage - VITAL Powers) (UNRELEASED) ● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gljz4ZmLEbU (CAMMY RIDDIM - VITAL Powers) ● https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SbBTrn4Po28 (WAKE UP - VITAL Powers) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bay Area Hip Hop legend Big Rich started his career making beats at a young age, which is how he first met a young San Quinn. He quickly developed his love for producing and rapping in the group Fully Loaded, which became the breakout group on San Quinn and Charlie Kelley’s record label. In 2002, Big Rich released San Francisco Anthem with San Quinn and producer Traxamillion, which became the most requested song on 106.1 KMEL and became the theme music for the Giants and 49ers. Big Rich went on to work with other bay area legends like Mac Dre and E-40 and had a number of hit songs in the greater Bay Area.  Rich made the decision to diversify his career in the industry first by starting a marketing agency with his girlfriend and business partner Danielle, by offering label services. They then pivoted to education and artist discovery by launching Project Level and 1015 Management. Project Level is an educational organization that trains underserved youth in San Francisco about jobs at many levels of the music industry, including music production, videography, photography, choreography, talent management, and record label A&R work.  Rich came up with the idea for Project Level because he believed music saved his life at a young age, and he wanted to be able to share that gift with a new generation of young people in the community. 1015 Management is geared toward finding the next generation of talent to help them get developed and signed like 24KGoldn, a Bay Area superstar who Big Rich helped make the introduction to get signed by Columbia Records and go multi-platinum. With a combination of training, management and a discovery showcase called "The Next Big Thing" Project Level is well poised to deliver on its promise. Add to that funding sources and partnerships including Atlantic Records, Time/Warner, YouTube, The Golden State Warriors, and Pyramind Institute, and Big Rich is well on his way to creating an amazing ecosystem of opportunities for career development and finding the next generation of superstars. See the video recap and blog from the interview here: https://pyramind.com/big-rich-discovering-the-next-generation-of-talent Follow Big Rich https://www.instagram.com/big.rich/?hl=en Listen to the music from the podcast https://open.spotify.com/artist/5lkPydJppIPd2K9jJkfmMC Check out Project Level https://www.projectlevel.org/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode was live-streamed to the PyramindSF.TV Twitch channel. Greg speaks with Smasheltooth, a West Coast Dj, artist, and producer whose new album Smashel of Liberty comes out spring of 2023 on Mal Label Music. Smasheltooth, or “Smash” for short, gives us a look into how her life experiences and musical influences shaped her DJ career and her first full-length album, which includes both unreleased music from nearly a decade ago, and new songs from the past few years including collaborations with Rappin' Forte and other notable artists. Her career has taken her from editing Pornography in LA to being a touring DJ and performer, and now working in Tech in Portland. All the while, Smash has unapologetically brought her love for Hip-Hop, Hyphy, Punk, Dance Hall, and especially Mac Dre to the Bass and Dance music scene. After this episode was recorded, Smash headlined Pyramind live, a VIP live audience & streamed event, playing her first-ever set of all original music, with support from fellow female DJ, Source Zero. Soundcloud: www.soundcloud.com/smasheltooth IG: www.instagram.com/smasheltooth FB: www.facebook.com/smasheltooth TikTok: www.tiktok.com/@smasheltooth Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices