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Jeremy Douglass is a world class musician living here in Florida. He is the creative force behind The Florida Björkestra. I invited him on the podcast to talk about his experiences in music, the current craziness we’re all living in, and his grapplings with Imposter Syndrome. TheFloridaBjorkestra.com @floridabjorkestra

My guest today is Will Scecina.  This is his second appearance on the show, but this time we’re talking about more serious issues.  He told me a story of something he went through while on tour and this impacted me.  I asked him to have this conversation with me so we could bring to light things that may not often get talked about.  Mental health is important to everyone, but musicians may be more exposed to unhealthy situations, especially on tour.  Let’s dive deeper. Will has written a song that deals with this particular subject.  It will appear on an upcoming album, but for now you can download it below, and watch the video on his YouTube channel.  Listen to the end of the episode for the world premiere of this song. Pull Me Through BandCamp YouTube WillThomasMusicFL.com Instagram   Joe Bonamassa – Keeping the Blues Alive KeepingTheBluesAlive.org   @musicgrindpodcast

Special edition episode!  Here we catch up with Alfred Sheppard and we get an update on how he’s been coping with the current lockdown and economic situation. Please follow him on these platforms. IG: @alfredsheppardmusic YouTube Also, please support the local music scene by purchasing a shirt at Project-Mar.org — @musicgrindpodcast

Special edition episode! I’m excited to have Brandon Williams on today’s show. He is a gifted entertainer here in Tampa Bay and has now started the “Let Music Be The Cure” initiative. He’s partnered up with Project Mar to raise money to help support local musicians in need. Together they are running a T-shirt drive and hosting a telethon this coming Friday, May 1 at 8pm EST. Purchase a shirt and donate: Project-Mar.org Apply for aid: Project-Mar.org/application Telethon: facebook.com/TheMarStPete @stayathomedude @themarstpete @diffchurch TheMarStPete.com — @musicgrindpodcast

Special edition episode!  Here we catch up with Dave Hamar and we get an update on how he’s been coping with the current lockdown and economic situation. Please follow him on these platforms. @davehamar @themarstpete TheMarStPete.com Also, please support the local music scene by purchasing a shirt at Project-Mar.org — @musicgrindpodcast

Special edition episode!  Here we catch up with Lance Cox and we get an update on how he’s been coping with the current lockdown and economic situation. Please follow him on these platforms. @lancenormandrums @deadbrotherband Also, please support the local music scene by purchasing a shirt at Project-Mar.org — @musicgrindpodcast

Special edition episode!  Here we catch up with Jaymee Granell and we get an update on how he’s been coping with the current lockdown and economic situation. Please follow him on these platforms. @jaymeegranell @reflection_of_surrender @from_me_to_you_band Also, please support the local music scene by purchasing a shirt at Project-Mar.org — @musicgrindpodcast

Special edition episode!  Here we catch up with Joe Cosas and we get an update on how he’s been coping with the current lockdown and economic situation. Please follow him on these platforms. JoeCosas.com Instagram YouTube Also, please support the local music scene by purchasing a shirt at Project-Mar.org — @musicgrindpodcast

Samantha Leigh is an accomplished entertainer. She’s performed on grand stages around the country, indeed around the world. After having performed with, and opened for, big name artists she is now focusing on expressing herself through her own songs.  To become a songwriter she’s had to overcome her own insecurities about it.  That’s what we talk about here. @samanthaleighmusic SamanthaLeighMusic.com Also check out Project Mar to learn how you can help support the local music scene in Tampa Bay. Project-Mar.org

Dan Navarro is a virtuosic bassist in Tampa Bay. In fact, he is my personal favorite bass player around. We talk about his musical upbringing and how he had such a high pedigree from a young age. When he discovered Geddy Lee he knew he’d caught the bass guitar bug. Once he started playing in the Tampa scene, word of mouth helped to propel him to the top tier gigs and he’s cemented his reputation as a consummate professional. @danielnavarromusic @modernmeasureband @anyandeveryband

Willy Colon is an incredibly talented guitarist and a phenomenal entertainer. He’s well known in the local scene but he’s also played with national and international acts such as Coast City, Blanca, Yandel, and most recently, Luis Fonsi. We talk about how he’s living the dream that he’s had since he was a young musician. He also reveals how anxiety has crept into his life and how he’s learned to cope and recover from it. We also talk about how he’s looking ahead to developing new artists, starting with Casey Conroy. @willycolon @iamcaseyconroy @tenintwelveofficial

Geo Ponce is a consummate musician and producer.  His talent and skill have been bolstered by his work ethic, all of which have landed him on worldwide stages with reggeaton artist J. Balvin. We talk about his upbringing, his musical influences, and surprises he encountered on the road.  You can follow Geo on Instagram and keep up with his work in Orlando, LA, and abroad. @geoponce

Justino is a talented guitarist and singer, but he considers himself, primarily, as a songwriter.  It shows in his total approach to music. He’s one of the hardest working musicians in Florida so he definitely knows about the grind. His focus right now is his original band, Anthill Cinema. “Creativity Over Everything” isn’t just a catchy mantra. It’s saved him from some darkness, and now fuels his art. @JustinoHQ @AnthillCinema

Alfred Sheppard is an accomplished pianist, composer, arranger, and music director.  Most recently he’s been playing with Mandy Harvey. Serving as her musical director, he’s been able to tour the US, write for pops orchestras, and play her music in all kinds of venues.  Now he’s moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of composing and scoring for films.  Hear how he talks about him “cheating on jazz”, surprise Scientology gigs, and his rendition of our theme song.z AlfredSheppardMusic.com @alfredsheppardmusic

Jonathan Thomas is an exceptional drummer in the Tampa Bay area.  From an early age, he’s been playing with most of the heavy-hitters in the Tampa music scene and he continues to do so.  He rose to a national level with the band Ascend the Hill.  Hear how he started out paying his dues, and he’s continuously working on his craft. JonathanThomasDrums.com @jonathanthomasdrums  

Matt Poynter is an accomplished drummer who actually started out on piano. He discovered his gift at a young age and has been musically active for most of his life.  Now he’s part of a band called “The Hip Abduction.”  Their star has been rising and they’re playing national stages like Jannus live, and Red Rocks Amphitheater. Here we talk about how he got started, and how he balances touring with working at home. mattpoynter.com @mattpoyntermusic

He was given the moniker, Giambi, in the studio.  Now, after working his way up this is how he’s known in the industry.  Giambi has worked with acts like Dead Prez, Nappy Roots, Big Pun and Sean Price and his story is the quintessential networking and hard work story. Follow him on social media, and reach out to him if you’re in NYC. Instagram: @giambi_aka_el_duro Facebook: Giambi

Jaymee Granell is a bassist, band-leader, and songwriter here in Tampa. He started out playing bass to simply join his friends in a band. Now he’s an in-demand sideman as well as a leader of several musical projects in the Tampa Bay area. This is the 2nd part of my conversation with him.  To catch Jaymee’s backstory check out episode 6. From Me To You frommetoyouband.com Rocketman rocketmanband.com Instagram instagram.com/jaymeegranell instagram.com/reflection_of_surrender

Melissa Petrescue is an up and coming pianist in the Tampa Bay area.  Today I talk with her about growing up with a classical music background and how that applies to her current musical situation.  She realized that music could be more than just a hobby, and is now successfully working full-time as a professional musician. Facebook YouTube

Lance Cox is a local drummer playing the wedding scene, Busch Gardens, and freelancing whenever he can.  We talk about his story getting into music, why we might (or might not) need music school, and the benefit of listening to the whole group. Follow him online: instagram.com/lancedrumlove twitter.com/lancecox Check out these groups he plays with: The Florida Bjorkestra Mighty Mongo