In a world driven by algorithms and streaming services, it's sometimes easy to forget the raw, authentic journeys of musicians who've carved their paths with talent, tenacity, and a bit of luck. Janet Robin, a celebrated guitarist and Grammy-winning artist, shared her incredible story on TMI, offering insights into her career, passion for music, and the lessons she's learned along the way. From fateful encounters with rock legends to her philosophy on creativity, Janet's journey is a testament to resilience and dedication in the ever-evolving music industry.

Learn more about Janet at www.janetrobin.com.

In this episode of TMI with Laura, I catch up with my college friend, Chrissi Poland—a powerhouse vocalist who has made her mark both as a solo artist and a backing singer for some legendary acts. We reminisce about our days at Berklee, navigating the industry, and the wildly different paths our careers took after college. Chrissi shares her journey from hustling in New York, chasing her dream of working with musicians she admired, to touring the world with Scissor Sisters and singing duets with Michael Bolton (yes, really!).

We also dive into what it's like balancing motherhood with a career in music, the emotional rollercoaster of ending a major tour, and how having clear goals and a manifestation mindset kept her moving forward. Chrissi gets real about the challenges of being a woman in the industry and the importance of building a supportive network. She gives us a peek into her newest project, "Forever Muscle Shoals," inspired by the legendary recording studios of Alabama and fueled by her soul music roots. If you're curious about what's next for Chrissi, from European tours to collaborations with Chris Botti, we cover all of it.

This episode is packed with honest stories, practical advice for musicians, and lots of laughs as we reconnect. Whether you're new to the music industry or a longtime fan, you'll find something to relate to in our conversation.

Follow TMI with Laura @tmiwithlaura

Visit www.tmiwithlaura.com for show notes, insights and more!

Learn more about Chrissi Poland at www.chrissipoland.com

Welcome to the first episode of TMI with Laura! For the first show, I sat down with my longtime friend and industry pro, Dan O'Neil (or as some call him, Borga or Danny). We went way back—think 2009—reminiscing about when we first crossed paths and how the music industry has changed over the years. Dan has done it all: he's been a guitar tech and production manager for some of the biggest names out there, from Orianthi to Janet Jackson, and most recently, Bon Jovi.

We got into what it really means to be a guitar tech versus a "roadie," and Dan broke down what goes on behind the scenes—from making sure guitars are stage-ready and squeaky clean (plus the all-important towel and water service!) to the gnarly logistics and relentless schedules that come with being a production manager. You'll hear hilarious road stories, get a peek at what it's like to manage a sprawling tour crew, and find out what makes touring with legacy artists both challenging and rewarding.

We also talked about how COVID shook up the touring world, the organizations stepping up to help crew members, and the huge shift in attitudes among the road crew—the balance between paying your dues and creating a healthy work environment. Dan didn't hold back with his advice for newcomers: keep your eyes and ears open, be humble, and respect those who've come before you.

If you've ever wondered who keeps your favorite shows running smoothly, or what really happens on the other side of the stage, this one's for you—and it's only part one! Stay tuned for part two where we'll dig even deeper into life on the road.

Listen to Dan's Rockstar Roadie Podcast at https://rockstarroadiepodcast.com/!

Check out my Rockstar Roadie episode here.

It's been almost four years since I launched Song 43 from my flight to the NAMM show. Now, we've come full circle and its time to wind down this show and launch TMI with Laura!

Join me as I talk about my latest trip to Anaheim and updates about Chameleon, and be sure to follow @tmiwithlaura so you get the news of when I get this new beast up and out!

In this episode, I talk about some of my favorite Christmas traditions, including hanging up holiday cards from friends and family. You'll also hear about a Stranger Things watch party, complete with themed food and reflections about the busy holiday and work season ahead. Additionally, you'll get to hear the joys of living with severe hip pain and the potential need for a hip replacement. But it's not all doom and gloom. I talk about self-care and joy, decorating with new garland and indulging in Christmas treats.

00:00 Holiday Cards and Family Traditions

00:27 Stranger Things Watch Party

00:56 Craft Market Visit

01:09 Dealing with Chronic Pain

01:55 Christmas Decorations and Self-Care

02:21 Antique House Adventure

02:35 Musical Journey and Personal Reflections

02:52 A new podcast in the works

In this episode of Song 43, Laura returns after a long hiatus since April. She shares exciting news about her upcoming podcast 'TMI with Laura,' dedicated to the music industry, which will launch in January. She reflects on her journey with over a hundred episodes of Song 43 and reveals details about her new album 'Chameleon,' plans to release singles, and the involvement of collaborators Robbie Bronnimann and Mark Rahilly. The host discusses crowdfunding challenges, provides insights into the album mastering process, and talks about various upcoming shows and events, including a toy drive for Bigger Beast Records. She also shares her holiday preparations and expresses gratitude towards her listeners.

00:00 Introduction and Welcome Back

00:57 Reflecting on the Hiatus

02:21 Album Progress and Challenges

03:34 Crowdfunding and New Podcast Plans

05:12 Excitement for TMI Podcast

07:29 Upcoming Shows and Holiday Preparations

09:01 Community Engagement and Final Thoughts

Welcome back to Song 43! In this episode, Laura Clapp Davidson takes us behind the scenes of her whirlwind week celebrating Shure's 100th anniversary in Chicago. From performing in three different bands—everything from Motown medleys to Spice Girls covers—to witnessing an incredible production team bring a four-hour show to life, Laura shares what it's like to juggle creative pursuits, a full-time job, and mom life all at once. She also reflects on the magic of connecting with one of her favorite artists, Luca Fogale, and the small but mighty joys of community events like the Baldwin Talent Show. Stick around as Laura updates us on her latest music project and shares a new version of her cover, "Half Saved." Whether you're a fellow creator, parent, or music lover, this episode is filled with inspiration, honesty, and plenty of heart.

Join me as I sit down with the multi-talented Shawn 'Doc Rock' Boyd. Known for his dynamic career as an Army medic, DJ, and prolific content creator, Doc brings his unique perspective on creativity and purpose.

Get ready to explore how he manages to stay driven and inspired, creating something new every day without fear of burnout. Plus, discover the fascinating world of foley artistry and its role in filmmaking.

Tune in for an insightful conversation that promises to inspire and empower you to start your own creative journey, no matter where you are or what you do. Join us and learn how to push past perfectionism, embrace your purpose, and make your mark. Whether you're a seasoned creator or just starting out, this episode is packed with motivation and practical tips to fuel your creative fire. Let's dive in!

Follow Doc Rock @docrock

https://www.youtube.com/@DocRock

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