2 Beers With The Band

Toy Dinosaur on Band Dynamics, Fear of Promotion, and the Evolution of Their Sound

In Part 2 of my conversation with Toy Dinosaur, we dive into the struggles of self-promotion, the evolution of their sound, and the band dynamics that keep them going. The members open up about their hesitation toward marketing, the fear of losing the creative spark, and how past industry experiences have shaped their approach to music today.
We also explore the importance of friendship in keeping a band together, the challenges of breaking into new music communities, and what it really takes to stay motivated as an independent artist. From missed opportunities like Music City Mayhem to rethinking their strategy for the future, Toy Dinosaur reflects on where they’ve been and where they’re headed.
This episode is a deep dive into the mindset of indie musicians, the emotional weight of making art, and the push-and-pull between creativity and business. If you're an artist struggling with the same challenges, this conversation will hit home.

Fear, Creativity, and the Reality of Independent Music - Toy Dinosaur

In this episode, I sit down with Toy Dinosaur to talk about their journey as an indie band, the challenges of making music in today's industry, and the meaning behind their latest music video. We dive deep into the themes of fear, growth, and self-discovery, as the band breaks down how their visuals connect to the music.
Toy Dinosaur shares their approach to songwriting, how personal experiences shape their sound, and why they believe music videos are a crucial part of getting their music heard. From DIY production to balancing life and art, this conversation is packed with insight for musicians and fans alike.
If you love indie music, the creative process, and raw conversations about the music industry, this episode is for you.
 

Creativity, Burnout, and the Struggle of Independent Artists - Bennett.io

In Part 2 of my conversation with Bennett.io, we go deeper into the creative process, the struggles of burnout, and the reality of being an independent electronic artist. Bennett opens up about hitting a creative slump, how they pushed through it, and why covers played a huge role in reigniting their passion for making music.
We also dive into the crossover between music and visual art, exploring how Bennett integrates hand-drawn animations, stop-motion, and physical media into their creative world. From custom merch to unique stage visuals, Bennett is redefining what it means to be an independent artist in the digital age.
This episode is a must-watch for any artist who’s ever struggled with self-doubt, burnout, or feeling like their music doesn’t fit the mainstream mold. Bennett’s journey is proof that staying true to your vision is the key to long-term success.

Breaking Barriers in Nashville’s Electronic Music Scene - Bennett.io

In this episode, I sit down with Bennett.io, an electronic artist and producer originally from Detroit, now making waves in Nashville’s underground scene. We dive into their unique approach to live performance, combining vocals, live clip triggering, and real-time effects manipulation to create an immersive sonic experience.
Bennett shares how Detroit’s deep electronic music roots influenced their style, why they made the move to Nashville, and the challenges of finding a community in a city known for country and rock. We also explore their journey from classical instruments to electronic production, how studying at Berklee shaped their sound, and why independent artists must embrace technology to stand out.
If you’re passionate about electronic music, live production, or discovering artists pushing boundaries, this episode is for you. Watch now and get inspired by an artist redefining what it means to perform electronic music live.
#ElectronicMusic #NashvilleMusic #EDMScene #IndieArtist #MusicProduction

Why Every Musician Needs to Promote Themselves – Keyelement’s Wake-Up Call

In Part 2 of my conversation with Joel McCann, aka KeyElement, we dive deeper into the realities of self-promotion as an artist. From playing one of the biggest shows of his career to realizing he hasn't been showcasing his work the way he should, this episode is a wake-up call for every musician trying to make it.
We talk about the importance of putting yourself out there, why documentation and content are everything in today’s music industry, and how the smallest details—like listing your full skills—can make or break opportunities. Joel also shares his experience juggling live performance and production, running one of the biggest shows at his school, and why Sweetwater was a game-changer for his career.
If you’re an independent artist trying to navigate the industry, this episode is packed with real talk about what it takes to stand out, stay consistent, and claim your spot. Don’t sleep on your own talent—watch this, take notes, and start moving!

From Small-Town Keyboardist to Nashville Hustler – The Journey of KeyElement

I sat down with Joel McCann, aka Keyelement, to talk about his journey from a small-town pianist to making moves in the Nashville music scene.  From working at Sweetwater Sound to taking a leap of faith in Music City, Joel shares his passion for creating music, the struggles of breaking into the scene, and how he's using his business acumen to support artists with merch while launching his own career.
We get real about the challenges of being a working musician—college vs. DIY grind, making connections, and the harsh realities of the industry.  If you’ve ever wondered what it takes to build a career in music without losing your creative spark, this is for you. We also crack open some beers and dive into what makes the perfect brew, why live music hits different in an intimate venue, and how burnout can be the biggest killer of creativity.
Whether you're an aspiring artist, a gigging musician, or just love music culture, this convo is packed with insight and inspiration. Don’t miss out! Hit play, drop a comment, and let’s talk about the hustle.
#MusicIndustry #NashvilleMusic #IndieArtist #MusicBusiness #Keyelement

The Untold Stories of Wes Aaron – Meeting Burt Reynolds, Music, & Life Lessons

Wes Aaron’s journey is packed with unbelievable experiences, deep wisdom, and a passion for music that never fades. In Part 2 of this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, hosted by Chris Schrum, Wes shares his incredible encounter with Burt Reynolds, the lessons he’s learned from decades in entertainment, and how music connects us all.
🔹 The surreal moment when Wes met Burt Reynolds as a child🔹 How that experience shaped his lifelong passion for music & entertainment🔹 Why music is one of the greatest forms of human connection🔹 The importance of staying true to yourself in the entertainment industry🔹 How losing a best friend changed his perspective on life & purpose
This episode is more than just stories—it’s a lesson in passion, perseverance, and why music truly matters.
 
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#MusicPodcast #BurtReynolds #IndependentMusicians #MusicIndustry #2BeersWithTheBand

From Near-Death to Elvis: The INSANE Story of Wes Aaron’s Journey in Music

Wes Aaron’s journey in music isn’t just about performing—it’s about survival, passion, and purpose. From a near-death experience as a child to becoming a renowned Elvis tribute artist, Wes shares his unbelievable life story, the struggles he’s overcome, and what drives him to bring joy to audiences everywhere.
In this episode of 2 Beers With The Band, hosted by Chris Schrum, we dive deep into:
🔹 Wes Aaron’s near-death experience & how it shaped his career 🔹 The truth about being an Elvis tribute artist vs. impersonator 🔹 What it takes to be an entertainer in today’s industry 🔹 How music can change lives & bring hope to those in need 🔹 The power of performing for nursing homes & hospitals
If you’re a music lover, Elvis fan, or someone chasing a dream against all odds, this episode is a MUST-WATCH!
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#ElvisTribute #MusicIndustry #IndependentMusicians #MusicPodcast #2BeersWithTheBand