A Musical Mind

Rick chats with his college buddy, and the CEO of Trala, Sam Walder. Sam dishes out the inside scoop on the process of starting an online music school that has delivered high-quality music lessons to thousands of students in over 50 countries. Today on A Musical Mind:The real purpose of music lessons Trala’s origin story: Door to door to one million downloads Untangling the skill to confidence ratioReminiscing on their favorite house venue, Audible MeatsSoundcloud Trax ft. Rick & Sam:Lime Forest BantraDying From DensityDrowned In SoundWhere to find Sam:App Store: TralaWebsite: trala.comWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:Guest Playlist: A Collective Musical Mind“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond IIPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

As musician turned lawyer, Alex explains why he’s so passionate about helping musicians to capitalize on the opportunities presented for today's independent artists. Today on A Musical Mind:Why labels no longer develop artistsHoning your chops as a musician and entrepreneurThe new opportunities presented to independent artists Taking on investors as an LLCWhere to find Alex:Website: musicianslawyer.comWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:Guest Playlist: A Collective Musical Mind“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond IIPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

Rick sits down with fellow Colorado Springs producer and engineer, Daniel Lamb aka Theodore Lion, to shoot the breeze and gain a better understanding of PROs. Today on A Musical Mind:How being a triplet influenced Daniel’s relationship with music What is a PRO and how do they distribute royaltiesValidating all forms of music-making Highlighting the benefits of actually playing an instrumentHow to register with BMIWhere to find Theodore:Instagram: @theodore.lionSpotify: Theodore LionWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii Spotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:Jimi W. on YoutubeGuest Playlist: A Collective Musical Mind“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond IIPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

Rick explains why he set on reinvesting in musicianship and shares his promo plans for his forthcoming single.Today on A Musical Mind:Future episode ideasAI and its influence on musicRick’s promo plans for his new single, “Sunset Bluff”Where to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:Rick Beato: How Auto-Tune DESTROYED Popular MusicGuest Playlist: A Collective Musical Mind“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond IIPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Pack

Bob and Rick shoot the shit, talking about their influences, side hustles, psychedelic experiences and more.  Today on A Musical Mind:How Bob’s musical upbringing led to the making of “The Good American Songbook” Why working at Sprouts influences Bob’s sensibilityWhat does and doesn’t make music “psychedelic”  Where to find Bob:Instagram: @bobcumminsjrSpotify: Bob Cummins Jr.Where to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:Guest Playlist: A Collective Musical Mind“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond IIPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

From singing songs to a somber glass of whiskey to consistently gigging throughout Chicagoland, Conrad Richards shares his unique story. Today on A Musical Mind:Unpacking Conrad’s compulsion to write songsConrad’s most memorable shows as an attendee and performerLiving in Two Worlds: Contrasting artistry & family lifeThe pros and cons of the ever-changing music industry  Where to find Conrad RichardsInstagram: @mrconradrichardsMusic: Conrad RichardsWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond II“Wahsatch Sahwatch” by Old 45’s“Big Hits” by Lime ForestPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

Adrian and Rick discover similarities in their musical upbringings and bond over their love for both music and sports.  Today on A Musical Mind:How basketball impacted Adrian’s artistryA love for character development and plot: Adrian’s “prompt first” writing processCreating space for basketball and music Where to find Adrian:Instagram: @adrian_d_watkins Spotify: Adrian WatkinsWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:Guest Playlist: A Collective Musical Mind“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond IIPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

After doing time straight out of high school, Johnny tells Rick how he became the acclaimed singer and producer he is today.Today on A Musical Mind:Salsa & Soul: How being raised in NYC influenced Johnny’s tasteHow making beats helped Johnny find his calling as a singer What happened after getting hacked *twice* on IGJohnny’s forthcoming record, “All I Ever Wonder”Where to find Johnny:Instagram: @johnnyburgosmusicSpotify: Johnny BurgosWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:Guest Playlist: A Collective Musical Mind“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond IIPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

Rick chats with the man of many mallets, Jake Chapman. Jake opens up about the discipline behind his recent social media success writing, recording and filming original music to ultimately be performed by his own percussion ensemble.Today on A Musical Mind:Gaining 200,000 followers in two weeksUsing pedals on the vibraphone Jake’s renewed drive to write original musicEntrepreneurial mode: future goals, performances & releasesWhere to find Jake:Instagram: @chappymilkshakeSpotify: Jake ChapmanYoutube: Jake ChapmanTikTok: Jake ChapmanWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:Guest Playlist: A Collective Musical Mind“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond IIPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

Today on A Musical Mind, Rick chats with his good friend and bandmate, Andrew Stump. Andrew’s a piano player, music teacher and a member of the Chicago-based jam band, Lost Pyramids. Drew may have started playing music a lot later in life than most of his peers, but it certainly hasn’t restricted him from developing a reputation as a premier pianist and classical composer. Tune in to hear all about the mindset that’s made him the player he is today. Today on A Musical Mind:Toying with guitar pedals on the pianoFrom McDonald’s worker to premier pianist—Drew’s piano journey Life as a working musician: Financial security and money mindset Applications of music theoryBreaking down the seven modes and their moods  Where to find Andrew:Instagram: @drewstumpSpotify: Lost Pyramids Where to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:Guest Playlist: A Collective Musical Mind“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond IIPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

Marcus talks about his relationship with music and why you need to build intimate relationships in order to truly tap into beautiful, cohesive music collaboration.Today on A Musical Mind:How collecting records and sampling led to learning keysWhat happened when Marcus saw his dad for the first time in 20 yearsExploring long-distance polyamoryMarcus’ upcoming releasesWhere to find Marcus:Instagram: @marcussdarlingSpotify: Marcus DarlingWebsite: marcusdarling.comWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:Guest Playlist: A Collective Musical Mind“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond IIPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Pack

Showing no signs of slowing down, Gina & Rick share how they’ve managed to stay creative amidst parenthood.Today on A Musical Mind:Performing while pregnant and Gina’s postpartum plans Abolishing self-limiting beliefsHow Gina produces music using only her voiceMiss Moon EP: Inspo, creation and impactWhere to find Ginamaya:Instagram: @ginamaya__Spotify: GinamayaWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:“Miss Moon EP” by GinamayaGuest Playlist: A Collective Musical Mind“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond IIPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Pack

Life-long drummer, Chandler Dixon, talks about how he stumbled into the world of engineering and production as an adult.  Today on A Musical Mind:How Chandler accidentally started producing othersWhy his career as an ultrasound technician gave Chandler a leg up in musicChandler’s most impactful recording sessionFavorite mics and their applicationsWhere to find Chandler:Instagram: @chando.dixWebsite: chandlerdixon.comWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:Live @ Chandler’s Video SeriesChandler’s Free Drum Sample PackGuest Playlist: A Collective Musical Mind“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond IIhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

Rick & Minno talk about why they choose to eat red meat and Minno explains what he’s learned about Spotify’s innerworkings throughout the years. Today on A Musical Mind:Why Minno’s exclusively eating meatCritiquing the sadboi archetype Minno’s best Spotify strategies Separating the creative and mixing processesWhere to find Minno:Instagram: @itsminno Spotify: MinnoWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:Andrew Southworth on Youtube“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond IIGuest Playlist: A Collective Musical Mind“Wahsatch Sahwatch” by Old 45’s“Big Hits” by Lime ForestPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

Duke and Rick talk about their lives, old and new, and what they’ve been doing to stay musical.Today on A Musical Mind:Why where you live will impact your creativity—for better or worse Duke’s life as a music teacher and gigging musicianHow Duke got 40,000 plays on one songTips for staying disciplined with your instrumentWhere to find Duke:Instagram: @dukehiattSpotify: Duke HiattWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:“Stay Young or Die” by Lime Forest“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond II“Wahsatch Sahwatch” by Old 45’s“Big Hits” by Lime ForestPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

Two appearingly calm musicians talk about the stress that lies behind the curtain.  Today on A Musical Mind:The role of stress in Drew’s creative processRecording and releasing an album on an iphoneHow to become a dad: Yoga, Mushrooms and Brian EnoPot & Kavas’ influence on Drew’s musicWhere to find Drew:Instagram: @ejrmmusicSpotify: E J R MWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest Email: [email protected] Resources:Watch Knobs on Youtube“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond II“Wahsatch Sahwatch” by Old 45’s“Big Hits” by Lime ForestPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

Now in his tenth year as a full-time musician, Alex Thompson’s story is proof that you can make a living in music. Today, Alex shares what he’s been up to for the past decade and opens up about his plans and aspirations for the future.Today on A Musical Mind:Why Alex started making youtube videosDiscovering jazz, quitting musical theater and pursuing musicHow Alex has sustained himself for 10 yearsWhat it’s like living, working and performing with your partnerWhere to find Alex:Instagram: @alexthompsonkeys Youtube: Alex Thompson | The Jazz ApplesWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond II“Wahsatch Sahwatch” by Old 45’s“Big Hits” by Lime ForestPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

Mark and Rick talk about sample packs, why bands tend to drop off and the labor of love that is the music industry.  Today on A Musical Mind:Why Mark hired Rick & what to expect in a 5Pin Media sample packThe record that sparked Mark’s interest in sound designHow a tax rebate tax rebate funded Mark’s first studio setupMaintaining creative relevance and the innocence of discovery Mark’s latest take on loudness warsWhere to find Mark:Website: 5pinmedia.comLoopmasters: 5Pin MediaWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond II“Wahsatch Sahwatch” by Old 45’s“Big Hits” by Lime ForestPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

Today on AMM, Rick chats with his good friend, the self-proclaimed recordist extraordinaire, John Fitzgerald. Having learned production alongside one another throughout college and their early twenties, Rick and John reflect on the shared journey that wound up plopping them where they sit today. From late night acid trips to John’s experience interning at an acclaimed studio, this one has a little bit of everything.Today on A Musical Mind:Balancing two bands, a full-time job and a freelance recording business The evolving repertoire of a full-time audio engineer Debunking the myth of ‘best practice’What happened that time Rick and John took acid at 4am John’s experience interning at Chicago’s Gravity Studio’s The value of acoustic treatment Where to find John:Instagram: @jftizaudio | @homeentband | @amammothtask Where to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond II“Wahsatch Sahwatch” by Old 45’s“Big Hits” by Lime ForestPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

One of music’s most beautiful qualities is that there’s a time and place for all its types. We’ve got jazz for the ballroom, jam bands for the open road and binaural beats for the sauna. Whatever music you feel called to make, you can be damn sure someone out there will feel that it was specifically crafted just for them. In today’s episode, Chuck and Rick bond over their love for the unpredictable nature of improvisational music whilst still acknowledging the undeniable power of repetition. Today on A Musical Mind:What the Grateful Dead mean to ChuckBonding over a shared love for improvisational musicA case study: Improvisation vs repetition Making an album of 60 one minute songsThe state of being a live band in 2023Dramaturgical analysis—What our clothes say about usWhere to find Chuck:Instagram: @chuckwilson23 | @lostpyramidsbandSpotify: Lost PyramidsWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond II“Wahsatch Sahwatch” by Old 45’s“Big Hits” by Lime ForestPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

Danny Kulasik is a Music and Podcast Producer, who moonlights selling ad space for Downbeat Magazine. Having a foot in both doors of the industry, Danny has a unique perspective that he shares with us today, giving us the dos and don’ts when it comes to pitching and planning your next release.  Today on A Musical Mind:Wrestling to Theatre—Resisting the Cultural Push towards hypermasculinity The Gear Hunter: What happened to Danny’s Podcast from 2016Creating parameters to catalyze & streamline workflow  What to include when pitching for publicity Rick’s experience with attachment parenting and creating Where to find Danny:Instagram: @dannykulasikWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:Guest Playlist: A Collective Musical MindBALANCED mixes are BORING mixesWhat The Fu** Is Happening?“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond IIPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Packhttps://www.mountainmusicexchange.com/

Today’s show is all about the host, Rick Sniegowski aka Richard Raymond II. We learn about how he got his start writing & recording music and how he’s become the freelancing audio engineer, and father, he is today.Today on A Musical Mind:Rick’s upbringing and college years Life in Chicago: Bars, Spliffs & Sample PacksRick’s current projectsWhy Rick is stoked for his podcastWhere to find Rick:Instagram: @richard_raymond_ii | @yourdads_old45s | @welcometolimeforestSpotify: Richard Raymond II | Lime Forest | Old 45’sEmail: [email protected] Resources:“Glimmers” by Richard Raymond IIGuest Playlist: A Collective Musical Mind“Wahsatch Sahwatch” by Old 45’s“Big Hits” by Lime ForestPsychedelic Soul & Downtempo Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Sample PackLaid-Back n’ Groovy Guitars Sample Pack

Musician, producer and sample pack creator, Richard Raymond II, hosts musical minds on a bi-weekly basis.  Each conversation is designed to teach you something that inspires you to go all in on your art, refine your mindset and challenge the way you think about making music.