Episodes

  • Kevin Banks - From DJ to Studio Owner
    Feb 21 2025

    I sat down with Kevin Banks, a DJ, producer, and studio owner, to dive into his journey in the music industry. 🎶 From starting in middle school band to running his own studio and making major moves behind the scenes, Kevin shares his insights on creativity, business, and the philosophy that keeps him pushing forward.

    💡 We discuss:

    ✔️ The evolution from musician to entrepreneur

    ✔️ Imposter syndrome & breaking into the industry

    ✔️ The business side of music & working with major labels

    ✔️ The philosophy behind creativity & success


    Our Links: https://solo.to/echoesofikigai


    Kevin Banks:

    https://linktr.ee/djkevinbanks?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAabvKrXdb5shc8cCjU1fCLZzWKXTc1uXnZvPvNoQaBTht861DlZcoUpaX1k_aem_QPfAHzleWMVvzz0u23fTMw


    #EchoesOfIkigai #Podcast #MusicIndustry #IndependentArtists #HoustonMusic #DJLife #Entrepreneurship #MusicProduction #CreativeJourney

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    59 mins
  • Adam Beason - Helping Build The Music Industry In Houston
    Feb 12 2025

    Welcome back to Echoes of Ikigai! In this episode, I sit down with Adam Beason, the owner of Rubix Entertainment Group, to dive deep into Houston’s music industry, venue ownership, experiential marketing, and the future of entertainment in the city.


    From starting as a studio engineer to designing massive concert productions and launching multiple venues, Adam shares his insights on the music industry, entrepreneurship, and the untapped potential of Houston’s creative scene.


    🎙 Topics We Cover:


    How Adam transitioned from the military & trucking industry to building studios & managing venues

    His first major projects in the music industry

    The current state of Houston’s music scene and what’s missing

    Creating opportunities for artists through venue ownership & event production

    The future of digital marketing & experiential campaigns for music & brands

    Wild behind-the-scenes stories from Megan Thee Stallion’s early performances, massive event builds, and more!

    If you’re an independent artist, event organizer, or someone passionate about the music business, this episode is for you!


    📩 Drop a comment below! Who should we bring on next?


    🚀 Follow & Subscribe for More: 🔔 Turn on notifications so you never miss an episode!

    📲 Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/echoesofikigai/

    🎧 Listen on Spotify & Apple Podcasts: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GI4KGbgbVMYCtZD2vjDVg?si=f4fd54de3d4e44c5

    https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/echoes-of-ikigai/id1790521915

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    50 mins
  • Bruce Bang - Inside Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime Show & Houston’s Music Scene
    Feb 5 2025

    We sit down with Grammy-nominated, Emmy-nominated, and Gold Plaque producer Bruce Bang—head engineer for Usher’s Super Bowl Halftime Show and a key player in Houston’s music scene. 🔹 The behind-the-scenes of Usher’s historic Super Bowl performance 🔹 Producing for Paul Wall, Baby Bash, Lucky Luciano, and the Screwed Up Click 🔹 The struggle of getting proper credits and certifications in the music industry 🔹 How Bruce went from being an artist to an elite producer & engineer 🔹 His upcoming Slow-Fi Chronicles project blending music and storytelling 📍 iMix Studios | Weinberg Studios | Dope House Records | Lions Den Studios 📍 Follow Bruce Bang: Instagram: @iMixBruceBang Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5YIbCUuSKpLO5ZcyjuCUfn 📲 Follow Echoes of Ikigai Instagram: @EchoesOfIkigai TikTok: @EchoesOfIkigai Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GI4KGbgbVMYCtZD2vjDVg?si=408ef556fa984514 🎧 Don’t forget to LIKE, COMMENT & SUBSCRIBE for more deep dives into the music industry! #EchoesOfIkigai #BruceBang #SuperBowl #Usher #HoustonMusic #GrammyNominated #Podcast #ProducerLife

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    51 mins
  • Snzzzy - From Hip-Hop Engineer to Afro House Innovator
    Jan 29 2025

    In this episode, I sit down with Snzzzy—DJ, producer, engineer, and all-around creative force—who shares his evolution from engineering hip-hop legends like Slim Thug and Lil Keke to immersing himself in the world of Afro House. 🌍🔥


    We discuss:

    ✅ The transition from hip-hop to electronic music

    ✅ The spiritual connection behind Afro House 🎶

    ✅ Building a music scene in Houston & filling industry gaps

    ✅ The importance of creative freedom over industry pressure

    ✅ How music transcends language and brings people together


    If you're an artist, producer, or just someone passionate about music, this episode is packed with insights on artistry, perseverance, and the power of sound.🚀 Subscribe & hit the bell to never miss an episode!🎙️

    Follow Snzzzy

    Instagram: @Snzzzy

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3E2wkgTFBXaevEi4IAhu4b?si=XeiPz1RlRnOtUQx68LoBEg📲

    Follow Echoes of Ikigai

    Instagram: @EchoesOfIkigai

    TikTok: @EchoesOfIkigai

    Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/5GI4KGbgbVMYCtZD2vjDVg?si=408ef556fa984514

    #EchoesOfIkigai #Snzzzy #AfroHouse #MusicPodcast #DJLife #Producer #HoustonMusicScene #ElectronicMusic #CreativeJourney

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    57 mins
  • Bailo - Music, Authenticity, and Growing a Community
    Jan 22 2025

    In this episode of Echoes of Ikigai, I got to sit down with Bailo and talk about his journey in music, what staying true to yourself really means, and how he's built such a loyal fanbase. We also touched on his creative process and what drives him to keep going in an industry that can be tough. If you're an artist or just someone chasing a dream, there’s a lot here for you. 📲 Follow Bailo on Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/bailomusic?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw== 🎶 Listen to Bailo on Spotify: ⁠⁠https://open.spotify.com/artist/3oLbNoZxAYO4KsXmx6PjTC?si=-M3k0KN6TDWDUXALvzhBmg ⁠⁠⁠🌐 Check out Echoes of Ikigai: ⁠⁠solo.to/echoesofikigai⁠⁠

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    48 mins
  • Maya J. Prince - Finding Creativity and Purpose
    Jan 14 2025

    Singer, songwriter, and future lawyer Maya J. Prince shares her journey through music, philosophy, and spirituality. From navigating the music industry to breaking free from perfectionism, Maya reflects on finding purpose and creating art that resonates. Plus, a sneak peek at her latest track, "Speed."

    📲 Follow Maya on Instagram: ⁠@themayaprince⁠

    🎶 Listen to her music on Spotify: ⁠Maya J. Prince

    ⁠🌐 Check out Echoes of Ikigai: ⁠solo.to/echoesofikigai⁠

    Stay tuned for more!

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    48 mins
  • Maya J. Prince - Finding Creativity and Purpose
    Jan 14 2025

    Singer, songwriter, and future lawyer Maya J. Prince shares her journey through music, philosophy, and spirituality. From navigating the music industry to breaking free from perfectionism, Maya reflects on finding purpose and creating art that resonates. Plus, a sneak peek at her latest track, "Speed."

    📲 Follow Maya on Instagram: @themayaprince
    🎶 Listen to her music on Spotify: Maya J. Prince
    🌐 Check out Echoes of Ikigai: solo.to/echoesofikigai

    Stay tuned for more!

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    48 mins