PODCAST · music
Blue Couch Collective
by Blue Couch Collective
Three guys chatting like they’re back on the old blue couch where it all began. The Blue Couch Collective Podcast pulls back the curtain on life as an independent musician—the highs, the lows, and lessons learned in between. You and Carter get a front-row seat for the creative journeys of hosts Ryan and Will. Tune in for industry insights, special interviews, pop culture buzz, the latest & greatest in music, and more. Delivered with authenticity, transparency, and a little tomfoolery.Branding + Creation + Consumption = BCC, a Community. We saved you a seat, join us on the blue couch :)
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Music Therapists Maddie Alexander & Bekah Rawle on the Power of Music from Hospitals to Stages
Side B | Track 7 - Maddie & Bekah, two passionate music therapists based in Columbus, Ohio, join us for a couch chat to break down the transformative power of their profession + their creative processes outside of work.Through the act of making and sharing music, discover how these music therapists help children’s hospital patients:Normalize long hospital staysBoost emotional resilienceProcess difficult feelingsSpark joys in the most challenging momentsMaddie & Bekah’s zeal for their careers shine through in this episode. They break down the incredible science of music’s grip on the brain, how engaging multiple regions at once makes music an unmatched tool for relief and expression.Plus, as wonderful songwriters themselves (and BCC Open Mic stars!), their advice on organization, perspective-shifting, and trusting your instincts can help you break through creative blocks and craft authentic music. Hear the surprising areas where their jobs boost, hinder, or don't overlap with their own creative endeavors.Whether you’re interested in a career as a music therapist or had no clue it was even a thing, this is a perfect episode to discover paths to that profession and the daily impact it makes. Maddie and Bekah's heartfelt stories and wise perspectives will inspire you to harness your own musical magic for healing, connection, and self-discovery.📲 Keep up with Maddie (@maddie__alexander1) and Bekah (bekahrawle) on Instagram 🎧 Check out the debut song from Maddie's musical duo, Dirty Shirleys, entitled “New Year’s Eve” - Listen on SpotifyDid you learn something new or feel inspired from our chat with Maddie & Bekah?👉 Follow, rate, and share the show!💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok
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The Art of Transforming Art: How Sampling Has Shaped the Modern Music Landscape
Side A | Track 15 - Carter drops wisdom on the evolution, ethical boundaries, and highlights of sampling in musicUnlocking the Fascinating History of Sampling: From early Musique Concrète experiments in France to the revolutionary approach of Kanye West that redefined modern hip hop production, discover how each evolution in sampling created cultural ripples that still resonate today.The Tech Behind the Art: You’ll undoubtedly gain a fun fact or two to share with your friends when hearing the origin stories of iconic hardware like the TR-808 and Akai MPC. Hear how the industry grew to where it stands today, with software making music production more accessible than ever.The Ethical Debate: What constitutes a “lazy” sample as opposed to a creative and thoughtful repurposing? Where is the line between interpolation and sampling? How should hits like Miley Cyrus’ “Flowers” be judged? Are there instances where sampling someone else’s work is morally wrong? Is sampling accessible to indie artists? Best believe we dive into it all!Sampling Legends: The Motown era’s soulful melodies and catchy hooks heavily influenced modern hip-hop and R&B. Modern producers take inspiration from film, hot button issues, and everything in between. The crew shares our personal favorite sample examples and influences.Embrace the Power of Transformation: Sampling serves as a bridge between the past and the present. Recognizing the stories behind each sample deepens your appreciation as a consumer and fuels your innovation as a creator.Feeling enriched by Carter’s wealth of sampling knowledge? Be sure to:👉 Follow, rate, and share the show!💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTokP.S. Did you catch our big announcement? Something pretty cool is happening for the Blue Couch Collective on March 9th...
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Modern Rockstar Mark Dylan on Authenticity, Intentional Branding & Networking Your Way to Success
Side B | Track 6 - NYC —> Columbus rocker Mark Dylan brings an infectious & genuine energy to this episode’s couch chatMark dives into:Authenticity > Imitation — the value of being unapologetically you in a saturated industryThe fulfillment of inspiring young minds as an elementary music teacher + aiming to instill lifelong appreciation for artHoning into an aesthetic + being intentional about what your image conveysInstagram as a digital business cardThe vitalness of networking + how you can master it by “just doing the thing”And, most importantly, we ask his mustache-growing secrets and brainstorm nickname ideas for his fan base!🎸 Check out Mark’s sophomore album “Thank God for Rock N Roll” on Spotify or Apple Music📲 Keep up with Mark on Instagram @markdylanDid you enjoy our chat with Mark?👉 Follow, rate, and share the show!💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok
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The 2026 New Year’s Toolkit for Artists
Side A | Track 14 - Giving you the five-step playbook to own your creativity in 2026📝 Goal Setting: Set resolutions that actually matter and stick. We break down a bulletproof five-part approach to getting the most out of goals as an artist + the mindset shift that will help you create habits to actually hit those goals.💸 Finances: Let's get a little taboo, shall we? We let you in on how we approach finances as artists who also have full-time jobs outside of their creative field — budgeting for projects, when to separate art money, what's worth spending on, money lessons learned the hard way, and more. 🧹 Decluttering: Closets and junk drawers are nice, but what does this look like for artists? We walk through the benefits of and strategies for taking an audit on your digital assets and physical gear to start the new year. Yes, that means we're finally getting those thousands of unnamed voice memos organized!💪🏼 Exercise: Don't be the person who takes up all the gym machines for the first two weeks of the year only to then never be seen again. Hear how consistently exercising your creative muscle and prioritizing wellness pays dividends in artists' growth and longevity.☑️ Punch Cards: It never hurts to have a little fun and hop on a trend. Hear what the BCC hosts' punch cards look like for 2026, and why this can be a fun way to gamify and visualize progress.If you’re planning to implement one of these tools in your 2026 artistry workflow:👉 Follow, rate, and share the show!💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok
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Jack Kinney, Owner of the Original Blue Couch, Educates on Paddington 2 and Rap Beef
Side B | Track 5 - A couch chat with Jack Kinney (owner of THE blue couch — yes, the piece of furniture we’re named after really exists) yields entertaining insights on a smorgasbord of topics.There’s not a dull moment in this one, folks! We catch up with our old roommate to hear about:🛋️ The Blue Couch Collective origin story — turning a shared living space into a hub of creativity🛋️ Observations from being a fly on the wall to the creative process🎬 The transformative power of soundtracks in films & how sounds curate moments in visual media🎬 Why Paddington 2 is in a league of its own🎤 The only stance that matters on the Drake vs. Kendrick beef🎤 How Pusha T’s “The Story of Adidon” forever changed what fans seek from rap beefs and how rappers craft their diss tracksAre you honored to have listened to the first podcast to discuss the Drake vs. Kendrick beef in 2026? If so:👉 Follow, rate, and share the show!💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok
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How Does Our Spotify Wrapped Make Us Better Than Everyone Else?
Side A | Track 13 - 🎶 It’s the most wonderful time of the year! 🎶 Not Christmas — well, that too — but also Spotify Wrapped season! So we did exactly what you don’t care to hear and talked all about our results! We kicked it around the couch to share what stood out from our lists, our thoughts on the quality of this year’s Wrapped product, and plenty more in this top-notch yap session.Plus, to deliver on the BCC mission, we dove into getting Wrapped results from the artist's POV:💡 Using the data strategically to target and grow listeners💡 Dealing with the psychological side of receiving your results💡 Taking advantage of features like the video clip for top fansDid the Blue Couch Collective Podcast make your 2025 top five? Do you want to judge our music taste?💬 Let us know on Instagram and TikTok @BlueCouchCollective👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!
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Austin, TX-Based Guitarist Landry Geiger on Reaching the Musical Flow State
Side B | Track 4 - Special guest Landry Geiger lets us in on the recipe for reaching the musical flow state.Originally from small-town Nebraska, Landry now resides in Austin, TX, the “live musical capital of the world.” He got his start like all the greats: playing the Guitar Hero video game. Fast-forward to today, and he’s got the guitar chops to give you the stank face, along with a natural gift for just about anything musical you throw at him.He breaks down his progression from the scrappy practices of he and co-host Will’s college band “Loose Change” to now being a versatile guitarist in Austin’s vibrant music scene, playing primarily with traditional country musician Dustin De La Garza. Plus, hear how a stint with the Drew Phillips Band was his gateway into loving country music after previously swearing it off and sticking to shredding the rock genre.Landry drops tangible insights left and right in this episode that any musician can apply to their approach, including:💡 Tips for being a good bandmate and ensuring a smooth collaborative experience💡 How he effectively made connections + marketed himself as a guitarist in a brand-new city💡 The fruits of surrounding yourself with musicians who are more talented than you + being open to constructive criticism💡 His strategy for pouring into his craft while balancing a demanding full-time job + life outside music💡 And, of course, the motivation he gets from the desire to reach that “musical flow state” while playing his instrumentLandry’s journey is a reminder of the power of passion and adaptability. His story encourages musicians to embrace opportunities and continuously strive for growth.🎸📲 Follow Landry on Instagram @landry.music to keep up with his creative new videos and upcoming live shows👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok
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Turning Street Corners into Stages: What's the Hidden Value of Busking
SIDE A | TRACK 12 - A tale as old as time: The struggling musician playing on the sidewalk — the busker. But what if turning street corners into stages has a plethora of unexpected benefits for aspiring musicians? AROUND THE COUCH: As always, Ryan & Will start by checking in on each others’ BCCs (Brand, Creation, Consumption) to hold each other accountable in their artist journeys. They first discuss building out the Blue Couch Collective brand kit. Then, Will highlights his “Music Business Minute” video series, which covers a book he picked up to become better versed on the industry. Plus, Blue Couch Collective open mics are soaring in Columbus with the recent addition of live audio recordings + photographers and videographers. Finally, Ryan talks booking out shows for 2026 and, in an ode to the great Jimmy V, what things he’s been consuming have allowed him to laugh, think, and cry each day. BEHIND THE GRIND: Ryan & Will explore the transformative power of busking, sharing personal stories and insights into this unique form of performance. It’s more than just playing music in public; it’s an opportunity to connect with people in an authentic way, hone your craft, and test new material all in a low-stakes environment.The duo delves into the cultural nuances of busking in different parts of the world, including how U.S. cities present more challenges compared to many major cities in Europe, where street performing is ingrained in culture and seamlessly integrated into city design. Plus, what unexpected value can an evening out busking bring? From an old couple dropping a $20 bill in his case to a young pair asking him to play at their wedding, Ryan has seen several doors open as a result of simply putting himself out there and embracing the unknown.So, what the busk?! Whether you're a musician looking to expand your horizons or are simply curious about the world of busking, this episode offers valuable insights and inspiration. As Ryan and Will remind us, creativity knows no bounds, and sometimes the best stages are the ones we create ourselves. 👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok
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Andre Vander Velde on Being an Artist in Community, for Community
Side B | Track 3 - We kick off Season 2 by welcoming special guest Andre Vander Velde to the Blue Couch to break down his tagline “Be an artist in community, for community” and much more.Andre is a “Swiss Army Knife” of the arts, including:🔹 Singer/songwriter, releasing and performing both as a solo act and as the lead singer of soul rock band Jaguar James, a multi-time Outstanding Soul nominee for The Omaha Entertainment and Arts Awards🔹 Founder of Field Co. Creative, an artist studio based in Council Bluffs, IA cultivating space for community and all who want to create🔹 Art major and Communications backgroundAndre stands out as a beacon of community-driven artistry. His journey is a testament to the power of collaboration, an approach to art that is deeply rooted in the belief that creativity flourishes when artists support each other.His courage and commitment shine through the story of starting Field Co. Creative. This multidisciplinary studio is flourishing into a hub for artists seeking connection, a melting pot of ideas, and a platform for others to shine.For Andre, balancing his many creative pursuits with personal commitments is a constant journey. He emphasizes the importance of intentionality and prioritization, ensuring that his faith, family, and creative career coexist harmoniously. Plus, he discusses:💡 Starting and growing a bustling open mic at Stories Coffee Co. in Omaha, NE💡 The simple but critical piece of advice he’s trying to live by that any artist could benefit from living byThis episode is packed with wisdom any creative, and really any human, should hear!📲 Follow Andre on Instagram @drevandervelde👥 Find Field Co. Creative on Instagram @field.co.creative and Facebook @Field Co. Creative🎧 Listen to Andre’s music (New song “Carry My Soul” out November 7th) and his band Jaguar James on Spotify 👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok
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In Tune or Out of Key: A BCC Take on The Newlywed Game
Side A | Track 11 - The boys cap off Season 1 of the podcast with some friendly competition, putting a musical spin on The Newlywed Game. AROUND THE COUCH: Ryan's inching closer to his next song release & got approached by a couple asking him to sing at their wedding ceremony. Will has BCC open mics rolling & artists connecting in Columbus. Carter opens discussion on what type of music is best for fall vibes. IN TUNE OR OUT OF KEY: Carter tries his hand at the role of gameshow host. Meanwhile, Ryan & Will play contestants, taking turns guessing each other's musical habits, past milestones, and dream performance venues, all prompted by Carter’s series of surprise questions. See who knows the other person better and comes out on top in this episode. Or, will both flop and cause a co-host divorce? Looking ahead… Stay tuned for Season 2 of the Blue Couch Collective podcast, starting with a Side B interview episode coming November 6th! 👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok
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Producer James Harker on Owning a Studio “By Indie Artists, For Indie Artists”
Side B | Track 2 - Special guest James Harker sits down on the blue couch to talk about his recording studio Moonlight Audio, built “by indie artists, for indie artists.”Our conversation with James is captivating for any artists or music lovers. And if one of these describes you…🔹 Singer/songwriter looking to bring your song visions to life🔹 Producer building up a clientele🔹 Audio industry professional starting or growing a business🔹 Someone curious about how studios and music recording work…then this is a “can’t-miss” episode full of invaluable insight.Based in Columbus, Ohio, James is a producer, audio engineer, multi-instrumentalist, and frontman of two bands—Spirit of the Bear and Ghost Soul. He co-founded Moonlight Audio, a boutique recording studio in the Old Town East Neighborhood of Columbus. We discuss how the studio’s “By Indie Artists, For Indie Artists” tagline drives their efforts with artists to build songs from ideas to streaming-ready pieces through instrumentation, production, mixing, and mastering.Plus, in true BCC style, he gives us a transparent look in at:💡 Starting his own studio after graduating from Capital University with a music tech degree💡 How the studio 10x their investment on running Instagram ads💡 Dos, don’ts, and answers to FAQs for new artists who haven’t recorded before💡 The studio’s pricing model💡 Accessible grant funding for people in the arts💡 His biggest production influences and role models💡 And so much more!🎧 Follow James on Instagram @jamesharkeraudio🎛️ Find the studio @moonlightaudiocbus on Instagram and online at moonlightaudiocbus.com🎤 Listen to James’ bands: Spirit of the Bear (New song “Bomb Family” out October 3rd) and Ghost Soul👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok
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Answering the Most Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) We Get as Musicians
Side A | Track 10 - This week’s big question? Yours! If you’re one of the people who commonly wonder these things about musicians, here’s your chance to get our in-depth takes. And, if you’re a fellow artist, this episode is a perfect reason to reflect and refine your answers, allowing you to better understand and communicate your artist identity.AROUND THE COUCH: Will gives an update on the BCC Open Mic in Columbus and talks expanding his gigging setlist. Plus, how Justin Bieber led him down a 90s hip-hop rabbit hole. Ryan lets the listeners decide if his 98-item continuous to-do list and year-long themed professional development calendar make him a psychopath.FAQs: We spend the episode hitting on the questions we get most as musicians, especially from people outside our creative spaces. Whether it’s from Aunt Barb at the family function or Joe Schmo the stranger making small talk, you’ve probably heard a handful of the questions we discuss if you’re an artist, including:❔ What your songwriting process is (order of elements, how long it takes, how you come up with ideas, etc.)❓ What instruments you play (and which is your favorite)❔ How to describe what genre of music you make❓ If you’re on Spotify and Apple Music (and how the heck you got our music there)❔ If you make any money from music—we give a transparent look in at this❓ Who your biggest hecklers and superfans have been 🎧 Tune in for a peak behind the curtain of life as an independent artist 👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok
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The Five Social Media Myths for Musicians
Side A | Track 9 - A candid conversation on the five biggest myths tripping up independent musicians looking to grow their career through social mediaThis episode features debate, discussion, and discovery of social media misconceptions surrounding the following topics: 1. Going Viral 2. Gaining Followers 3. Leveling the Playing Field 4. Posting High-Quality, Professional Videos 5. Promoting Your MusicThrough the deep dive into the five myths, the crew unpacks strategies for building a sustainable approach to socials—one that features authenticity, fosters community, and respects your time & resources. 🎧 Tune in for a peek behind the curtain of life as an independent artist 👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok
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Who is “Gus on Da Bass?” Special Guest Gus Kathol Shares Wisdom from a Multimedia Storyteller and Musician
Side B | Track 1 - We couldn’t have asked for a better person to join the show for our very first interview.Gus Kathol is a multimedia professional with a knack for portraying the energy and emotions of live events through his photo, video, and audio work. And, it just so happens he was also the bass player for the Blue Couch Collective band!Gus joins us to share:💡 The unique perspective being a musician gives him working in visual media💡 His most creative projects, including “Press Play,” a concert series likened to NPR’s Tiny Desk, which he helped revive at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln💡 Powerful advice to aspiring media professionals💡 How musicians can most effectively collaborate with media professionals, especially those doing it for the first time💡 A genius outreach strategy that any person can implement to truly make themselves stand out in oversaturated job markets and creative industries💡 A reflection on his time in the BCC band and what the Collective means to him Gus offers a wealth of knowledge well beyond his years sure to inspire any creative wanting to take the next steps toward their passion. Tune in to hear from an OG BCC staple—this is an episode you won’t want to miss!📸 Check out Gus’ work: guswenke.myportfolio.com🔔 Follow Gus on IG @guskathol_photo📹 Watch the Press Play series by The Daily Nebraskan 👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!💬Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok
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Crossing Canvases: How Does Engaging with Other Art Forms Make You a Better Musician?
Side A | Track 8 - We are so back! (Literally!)AROUND THE COUCH: The whole crew is finally back in studio together to recap our recent reunion trip, share our latest creative wins, and celebrate the exciting BCC brand news… the first official Blue Couch Collective Open Mic is a go!BEHIND THE GRIND: Inspiration Beyond Sound - How does visual art stir musical ideas, and vice versa? We dig into the value of immersing yourself in art of all kinds as a musician, and also just as a human being. The Multidisciplinary Artist Identity - What are the advantages of being a “multi-hyphenate” artist in today’s landscape? Is it more beneficial or distracting to dabble in creating other art forms as a musician?🎧 Tune in for a peak behind the curtain of life as an independent artist👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok
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Where’s the Best Place to Write a Song?
Side A | Track 7 - Does environment actually shape your creativity—or are we all just blaming our writer’s block on the lack of a musical blue couch?We start by kicking it AROUND THE COUCH with major updates: Carter’s apartment flooded? Ryan’s song hit the Discover Weekly algorithm jackpot? Will is living out our podcast’s advice and starting an open mic in his town? Hear these updates and more from our recent Brand, Creation, and Consumption highlights.Then, we go BEHIND THE GRIND: Is there really a “perfect” songwriting spot? Ryan & Will discuss the importance of having both a dedicated space and opportunities to get away and write in new places. We give examples of setting affecting the tone and quality of songs, positively and negatively. Plus, how has technology changed songwriting? Is the ability to write on the move an advantage, or has it ultimately been detrimental to artists?Capping off the episode with some fun and humor, we play a BLIND RANKING GAME: Ryan & Will must rank the best places to write a song without knowing which one comes next. Spoiler: Ryan’s last place pick is a slap in the face, and Will ends up with a stinky #1…🎧 Tune in for a peak behind the curtain of life as an independent musician.👉 Enjoying the BCC Podcast? Follow, rate, and share the show!💬 Join the convo and get the latest updates @BlueCouchCollective on Instagram and TikTok.
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Why Should You Be Open to Anything at Open Mics?
Side A | Track 6 - Will & Ryan dive into a sacred—and sometimes unpredictable—rite of passage for independent artists: open mics. AROUND THE COUCH: Ryan gets transparent about his recent songwriting drought and has a realization that the state of Georgia is the hub of all his favorite artists at the moment. Will takes a look back at his first show since embarking on a solo career under the "tagLine" persona. SOUNDCHECK: Will hits the audience with an impromptu performance of an unreleased original song! BEHIND THE GRIND: We discuss why open mics are still one of the best tools for new artists—the value of showing up, the things they can teach you that practicing at home can't, and how to find them in your city. Plus, we detail what makes open mics so unpredictable, but also magical. By sharing our best and weirdest open mic stories, we give a lens into the plethora of possible outcomes and why you should be open to anything, including making some amazing connections and realizations. But, do open mics have an expiration date? Is there a point when they no longer serve you as an artist or where it's wrong to participate? We tackle those questions and more on this week's episode!
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Is Genre Loyalty a Creative Prison or a Career Strategy?
Side A | Track 5 - Artists feel pressure to either stick with what works or take creative risks that may open doors but alienate some fans. Is genre loyalty a smart strategy? Is it even possible in this age of music?AROUND THE COUCH:Ryan, Will, and Carter kick it around the couch to start, sharing about Ryan’s recent 6-hour dive bar gig, Will’s debut show as “tagLine,” Carter’s new summer playlist, and more.IS GENRE DEAD IN THE AGE OF STREAMING AND PLAYLISTS?We crack open this week’s big question by analyzing how streaming has encouraged genre fluidity both in music creation and consumption habits. But, do strict genre lines still serve a valuable purpose?SHOULD EMERGING ARTISTS STICK TO ONE GENRE TO BUILD THEIR BRAND?Early-career artists may benefit from genre consistency—it helps build a niche audience, clarify marketing, and attract label interest. But history tells us that evolution is powerful and fans resonate with an artist’s identity and differentiating qualities. Plus, restricting your creativity as an artist is a recipe for failure.So what’s the right move? From Bob Dylan, to Post Malone, to even us—we walk through the artists who have struggled with this very question, and give our takes on the best approach.
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Where Do Vulnerability, Virality, and Public Perception Collide in Modern Music?
Side A | Track 4 — AROUND THE COUCH: The BCC locked in their first interview, but Ryan got locked out of the studio and prevented it from ever happening… Plus, more on how the boys have been building their brands, creating, and consuming music over the crazy past couple of weeks.YOU’LL BE MARRIED IN A YEAR IN THE SUBURBS: The opinions no one has been waiting for: the BCC cast weighs in on Brendan Abernathy’s viral tippy toe moment that has consumed the internet for weeks. We break down whether it really was cringe, just misunderstood, or a shining example of a deeper problem with society’s aversion to vulnerability. Carter’s hater gene kicks into full gear, while Ryan struggles with it, having met Brendan last month and empathizing with the grinding singer/songwriter.MOONBEAM ICE CREAM: How the heck did Benson Boone get dragged into this? On that note, why is he getting dragged into the brutal comment sections of every cringeworthy video? We debate whether online hate is just something that comes with putting your art into the world, or if the internet goes too far with musicians.
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Carter's Corner | May 22, 2025
Interlude - Hop inside the mind of our resident music consumption connoisseur for this special edition intermission episode. In just 14 minutes, you'll get everything from Simon & Garfunkel to summer smash iSpy by Kyle and Lil Yachty... yes, seriously.
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Is It Possible to Balance a Full-Time Job with Building a Music Career?
Side A | Track 3 – Answering the million-dollar question for aspiring artists…AROUND THE COUCH: How are we seeing, hearing, and living out the three pillars of the BCC (Brand, Creation, Consumption) in our daily lives? Will is on a house music kick, Ryan is going through it with Chelsea Cutler’s new EP & Jayson Tatum’s injury, and Carter has been getting down to computer talk?! Plus, a reflection on the concept of “genre” and more.BEHIND THE GRIND : The struggle is real. Will and Ryan have both entered the full-time workforce within the past year while actively trying to build a full-time career out of music. We share all the challenges we’ve experienced in this balancing act, from burnout to lack of time, financial pressures, and more. But, we also discuss the practical strategies, like scheduling your grind and remembering your why, that can keep you moving in the right direction. And, when it’s all said and done, we give our answers to the big question of the week… is doing both really possible?
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Are Music Stores Still Magical, or Just Overwhelming and Overpriced?
Side A | Track 2 – The cast kicks it around the couch to hear about Ryan and Carter’s experience at The Backseat Lovers’ show in Omaha. Why did Carter love the band’s performance but hate the concert overall?Then, we dive into this week’s big question, getting to the bottom of music stores in 2025. Are they still filled with wonder, or just stress, sticker shock, and stereotypes come true? In this debut of the “Gear Talk” segment, we walk through the music shop experience—the battle between big-box and local gems, how to get the most out of buying equipment, going for new vs. used, the holy grail items of our setups, and much more.Plus, Will and Ryan’s favorite releases of the week + the upcoming drops we’re excited for.
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Banger or Buzzkill? When Fans Forget the Concert Isn’t About Them
Side A | Track 1 – The crew goes around the couch, sharing the recent soundtracks of their lives + exciting updates on Will & Ryan’s single releases. Then, a look back at the best of concerts the cast has experienced recently, including flipturn, Palace, and more. Plus, in a game of “Banger or Buzzkill?,” we discuss the dopest, strangest, and most annoying fan behaviors we encountered at the shows. We cap it off by sharing the mystery, alternate meaning of BCC and how it will shape this podcast.
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Welcome to the Blue Couch Collective
Intro – Join Ryan, Will, and Carter as they introduce themselves and reminisce on their late nights on the Blue Couch
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Three guys chatting like they’re back on the old blue couch where it all began. The Blue Couch Collective Podcast pulls back the curtain on life as an independent musician—the highs, the lows, and lessons learned in between. You and Carter get a front-row seat for the creative journeys of hosts Ryan and Will. Tune in for industry insights, special interviews, pop culture buzz, the latest & greatest in music, and more. Delivered with authenticity, transparency, and a little tomfoolery.Branding + Creation + Consumption = BCC, a Community. We saved you a seat, join us on the blue couch :)
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Blue Couch Collective
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