• Episode 422 - Discovering Sasha Moreau's World: Punk Rock, Theater, and the Art of Stage Illusion
    May 28 2025

    In this episode of the When Words Fail Music Speaks Podcast, host James Andrew Cox interviews Sasha Moreau, a self-styled punk rock Willy Wonka who has created chaos at the intersection of music and theater. Sasha shares his journey in the music industry, his experiences with magic and stage illusion, and his passion for punk rock. They discuss the importance of connecting with fans, the challenges musicians face in the digital age, and Sasha's innovative platform, FairVU, which aims to revolutionize how musicians monetize their art.


    Key Topics:

    • Introduction to Sasha Moreau and his unique persona as a punk rock Willy Wonka.
    • Sasha's background in music and theater, including his experiences on Broadway.
    • The importance of connecting with fans during live performances.
    • The challenges musicians face with streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music.
    • Sasha's company, FairVU, and its mission to provide better revenue streams for musicians.
    • The impact of music on mental health and the healing power of music.
    • Sasha's favorite punk rock bands and his eclectic taste in music.
    • The significance of live performances and merchandise sales for musicians.
    • Sasha's vision for FairVU and how it aims to support musicians and venues.


    Guest Information:

    • Guest Name: Sasha Moreau
    • Website: FairVU
    • Instagram: @fair.vu


    Sponsor:

    • BetterHelp: Get 10% off your first month of therapy at betterhelp.com/musicspeaks


    Call to Action:

    • Visit Fairview's website to learn more about their mission and support their fundraising efforts.
    • Follow the podcast on social media for updates and more interviews with artists and bands.


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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Episode 421 - From Drumming Passion to Social Media Empire: The Journey of Dan Shinder
    May 22 2025

    Episode Summary:

    Join host James Cox as he interviews Dan Shinder, the pioneering social media strategist and founder of Drum Talk TV. Dan shares his journey from a young aspiring drummer to creating a global lifestyle brand with nearly 1.5 million followers.


    Discover the healing power of music, the art of drumming, and how Dan built an empire without paid advertisements or SEO tactics.


    Key Topics:

    • The importance of mental health and therapy
    • Dan's early influences and passion for drumming
    • The impact of Led Zeppelin on Dan's career choice
    • The evolution of Drum Talk TV and its organic growth
    • The significance of listening to diverse music genres
    • Tips for beginner drummers on choosing drum kits
    • The debate between cross-handed and open-handed drumming
    • Insights into Dan's marketing strategies and workshops


    Special Offer:

    Listeners can get three free months of premium membership at Drum Talk TV Brilliance by using the code "DTTV3FREE" at checkout.


    Connect with Dan Shinder:

    • Website: drumtalktv.com
    • Membership Site: drumtalktvbrilliance.com
    • Facebook: Drum Talk TV
    • Instagram: Drum Talk TV
    • YouTube: Drum Talk TV Channel
    • Marketing Workshops: advancedsocialmarketing.com


    Follow Us:

    • Podcast: The When Words Fail Music Speaks Podcast
    • Host: James Cox


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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Episode 420 - Discovering The Warning with David Ruff: A Journey Through Their Music and Rise to Fame
    May 19 2025

    Episode Highlights:

    

    • Introduction:
    • Host James welcomes listeners and introduces the episode's theme.
    • Special guest: David Ruff, returning to discuss the band The Warning.


    • Main Discussion:


    • The Warning's Backstory:
    • Origin: Three sisters from Monterrey, Mexico.
    • Viral fame from a YouTube cover of Metallica's "Enter Sandman."
    • Musical upbringing and family support.


    • Musical Journey:
    • Transition from viral sensations to a polished rock band.
    • Discussion of their growth and evolution over the years.
    • Insights into their songwriting process and musical influences.


    • Live Performances:
    • Analysis of their live shows, including performances at MTV and the Pepsi Center.
    • The band's dynamic stage presence and audience interaction.


    • Musical Style and Influence:
    • Exploration of their unique sound blending rock, punk, and pop elements.
    • Discussion on their use of harmonies and musical arrangements.


    • Featured Songs:
    • "Evolve" and "Automatic Son" from MTV performances.
    • "Disciple" and "Hell You Call a Dream" from the Pepsi Center.
    • "Sick" from their Jimmy Kimmel performance.
    • "Breathe" and "Choke" from the Pepsi Center.


    • Personal Reflections:
    • James and David share personal connections to the music.
    • Discussion on the emotional impact of The Warning's lyrics and performances.


    • Conclusion:
    • Encouragement to explore The Warning's music further.
    • Invitation for listeners to share their thoughts and experiences with the band.


    Follow Us:

    • Stay updated with The Woodward Show Music Speaks Podcast on social media.
    • Join the conversation and share your favorite moments from the episode.


    Next Episode Teaser:

    • A hint at the next band to be explored in future episodes.


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    2 hrs and 23 mins
  • Episode 419 - New App for Musician's "Bass Parlour" with Creator Darryl Stephens
    May 14 2025

    Sponsor: Thank you to BetterHelp for sponsoring this episode. BetterHelp offers affordable online therapy. Get 10% off your first month at betterhelp.com/musicspeaks.


    Episode Summary:

    In this episode, host James Cox interviews Daryl Stephens, an Atlanta-based entrepreneur and music enthusiast. They discuss the healing power of music, the vibrant music scene in Atlanta, and Daryl's innovative app, Bass Parlor, which connects musicians for collaboration and learning.


    Key Topics:

    • Introduction to Daryl Stephens: Daryl shares his background, growing up in Atlanta, and his journey from aspiring baseball player to music entrepreneur.
    • Music Preferences: Daryl talks about his favorite artists, including Curtis Mayfield and David Gray, and his preference for the Rolling Stones over the Beatles.
    • Bass Parlor App: Daryl introduces the Bass Parlor app, a platform for musicians to collaborate, host workshops, and monetize their knowledge.
    • Music Scene in Atlanta: Discussion on the diverse and growing music scene in Atlanta, covering genres like hip-hop, R&B, and alternative rock.
    • Collaboration in Music: The importance of collaboration in music creation and how Bass Parlor facilitates connections between musicians.
    • Personal Insights: Daryl shares personal stories, including his time at EA Sports working on video game music and his passion for music production.


    Guest Information:

    • Daryl Stephens: Founder of Bass Parlor. Connect with him on Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn, and download the Bass Parlor app.


    Call to Action:

    • Download the Bass Parlor app to start collaborating with musicians worldwide.
    • Follow Daryl Stephens on social media for updates and insights into the music industry.


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    43 mins
  • Episode 418 - The Journey of George Ajjan: From Mashups to Original Music
    May 13 2025

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode of The When Words Fail Music Speaks Podcast, host James Cox interviews George Ajjan, a talented singer-songwriter and the creative force behind the band The Ajjancy. George shares his journey from learning music as a child to becoming a one-man band, exploring themes of love, loss, parenthood, and politics through meticulously crafted chamber rock. He discusses his unique approach to music, blending pop sensibilities with progressive elements, and his experiences with creating mashups and covers of iconic songs.


    Key Topics:

    • The importance of mental health and therapy, with a special offer from BetterHelp.
    • George Adrian's musical journey and influences, including classic rock and progressive rock.
    • The creative process behind George's mashups and covers, including his recent cover of "Blackbird" by The Beatles.
    • The challenges and rewards of being a self-produced artist in today's music industry.
    • George's personal experiences as a father and how they inspire his songwriting.
    • The evolving music industry and the role of covers and mashups in keeping classic music alive.


    Featured Guest:

    • George Ajjan - Singer-songwriter and the creative force behind The Ajjency. Known for his unique blend of pop and progressive rock, George shares his insights into the music industry and his passion for creating meaningful music.

    Connect with George Ajjan:

    • Website: theajjancy.com
    • Social Media: Apple Music, Facebook, Instagram, Spotify, TikTok, X, YouTube


    Upcoming Releases:

    • "Blackbird" cover - Available now
    • "More Than Words" cover - Releasing June 1st
    • "Jude and I" - Releasing July 13th


    Closing Remarks:

    Thank you for tuning in to this episode of The When Words Fail Music Speaks Podcast. Remember, when words fail, music speaks.

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    1 hr and 5 mins
  • Episode 417 - The Bali International AI Film Festival: A New Era of Creativity and Technology with Ben Makinen
    May 9 2025

    Guests:

    • Ben Makinen, Jazz Musician and Filmmaker

    Hosts:

    • Amanda Dolan
    • James Cox


    Episode Highlights:

    • Introduction to the Bali International AI Film Festival, the first of its kind in Indonesia.
    • Discussion on the intersection of technology and organic creativity in filmmaking and music.
    • Ben Makinen's journey with AI and its impact on his creative process.
    • The potential of AI in mental health and its role as a conversational partner.
    • The implications of AI in the music industry and its potential to create music.
    • The importance of human connection and the unique experiences of live performances.
    • Encouragement for creators to submit their work to the Bali International AI Film Festival.


    Special Offers:

    • BetterHelp is offering listeners 10% off their first month of therapy. Visit betterhelp.com/musicspeaks to get started.

    Festival Submission Details:

    • Submit your shorts, documentaries, features, commercials, and music videos to the Bali International AI Film Festival.
    • Use the code BIAIFF50Z for 50% off your submission fee at Film Freeway.


    Links:

    • Ben Makinen's Website: benmakinen.com
    • Bali International AI Film Festival: BIAIFF.com
    • Film Freeway Submission: filmfreeway.com/BaliAIFF
    • Ben's Patreon: patreon.com/benmakinnon


    Contact:

    • Follow the podcast on social media for updates and more episodes.
    • Closing Remarks:
    • Website: benmakinen.com
    • Bali International AI Film Festival: BIAIFF.com
    • Film Freeway Submission: filmfreeway.com/BaliAIFF
    • Ben's Patreon: patreon.com/benmackinnon

    Contact:

    • Follow the podcast on social media for updates and more episodes.

    Closing Remarks:

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    1 hr and 52 mins
  • Episode 416 - Joseph Stam and David Alford on Music's Power in Storytelling and Film
    May 8 2025

    Episode Description:

    In this episode of the When Words Fail Music Speaks podcast, host James Cox welcomes co-directors Joseph Stam and David Alford to discuss their upcoming film, "Searching for the Elephant." The conversation delves into the powerful role of music in film, the creative process behind scoring a movie, and the personal musical influences of the guests. Joseph and David share insights into their film's narrative, which explores themes of second chances, faith, and family. They also discuss their experiences in the Christian music scene and the impact of music on their lives and work.


    Key Topics:

    • Introduction to "Searching for the Elephant" and its themes
    • The importance of music in film and the scoring process
    • Personal musical influences and favorite bands
    • The role of music in character development and writing
    • Reflections on the Christian music industry


    Special Mentions:

    • BetterHelp sponsorship and mental health awareness
    • The Beatles, U2, Prince, DC Talk, and more as musical influences
    • Availability of "Searching for the Elephant" on Amazon Prime, Tubi, Apple TV, and Roku


    Call to Action:

    Listeners are encouraged to check out "Searching for the Elephant" on their preferred streaming platforms and to follow the Windward's Tale Music Speaks podcast for more engaging discussions on music and film.

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    47 mins
  • Episode 415 - Dr. B's Journey: From DJ to Bestselling Author and Music Innovator
    May 7 2025

    Episode Summary:

    In this episode, James Cox, your host, interviews the talented Dr. B, also known as the "mad scientist." Dr. B shares his journey from being a DJ to becoming a best-selling author and musician. He discusses his experiences in the music industry, the challenges he faced, and how he found his passion for creating unique audio films. Dr. B also talks about his latest projects, including his albums "The Asylum" and "Echoes Through Time," and his upcoming album "Dragonfire." The conversation delves into the healing power of music, mental health, and the creative process behind his work.


    Key Topics:

    • Dr. B's journey in the music industry and transition to independent artistry
    • The concept of audio films and how they differ from traditional music
    • The inspiration behind Dr. B's albums and the stories they tell
    • The importance of mental health and how music can be a therapeutic tool
    • Dr. B's upcoming projects, including his art book "Coffee and Art" and the "Elysium" series
    • The creative process and collaboration with voice actors and musicians


    Special Mentions:

    • BetterHelp sponsorship offering 10% off the first month of therapy for listeners
    • Dr. B's book "The Elysium: The Holy War" available on Amazon
    • Upcoming art book "Coffee and Art" featuring coffee recipes and storyboards


    Connect with Dr. B:

    • Website: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb79XEsOT1A8mHKS2cKFJ9Q
    • Social Media: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCb79XEsOT1A8mHKS2cKFJ9Q

    Connect with The When Words Fail Music Speaks Podcast:

    • Website: www.whenwordsfailmusicspeaks.com


    Sponsor:

    • BetterHelp: Visit betterhelp.com/musicspeaks for 10% off your first month of therapy.


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    45 mins