Jay Tamez stops by to chat about being a fellow WAMI board member and how it's different from when he was a WAMI member back in the 90's. He shares the story of how his musician father stole his beauty queen mother and how they gave up music careers to raise a family but kept the spirit of music alive. He goes on to tell us about how he bowed to the pressure and got his bioelectronics degree at MATC, and how one day he woke up realizing how dissatisfied he was with his profession.

He emphasizes the importance of taking risks and following one's passion. Jay also discusses the challenges musicians face in marketing and self-promotion. He shares his inspiration to help musicians with the business side of music and his experience recording bands. Carrie Zylka shares her journey in the music industry, from starting a commercial studio to her involvement with the West Bend Music Academy and the Youth Stage at Summerfest. She emphasizes the importance of standing out in the music industry and finding innovative ways to meet demand. Carrie also discusses the success of the West Bend Music Academy and its use of technology in music education. She looks forward to the future and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Takeaways

• Taking risks and following your passion are essential in pursuing a music career.
• The Wisconsin Area Music Industry Board provides valuable support and opportunities for musicians.
• Marketing and self-promotion are crucial for musicians, but many struggle with it.
• Networking and building relationships with other musicians and industry professionals can lead to opportunities and success. Innovation and finding demand areas are key to success in the music industry.
• Standing out and having a gimmick can help artists differentiate themselves.
• Technology can play a crucial role in music education and business.
• Collaboration and teamwork are essential for success in the music industry.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Setting the Stage
02:00 The Importance of Music and the Wisconsin Area Music Industry Board
06:15 Jay's Musical Background and Family Influence
30:30 Jay's Journey in Music and Decision to Pursue a Music Career
20:30 Discovering the Music Department at MATC
22:45 Working at GW Music and the Importance of Networking
26:45 The Challenges of Marketing and Self-Promotion in the Music Industry
30:00 The Inspiration to Help Musicians with the Business Side of Music
32:45 Recording Bands and Creating a Business Model
33:15 Starting a Commercial Studio
36:15 The Next Big Break
43:15 Standing Out in the Music Industry
52:00 The West Bend Music Academy
59:30 Involvement with the Youth Stage at Summerfest
01:05:15 Looking Forward to 2024