In this episode of Guestlist, we speak with Mike Sunda, co-founder of PUSH Japan, who has produced projects for artists including Megan Thee Stallion, Rosalía and Ye. Mike shares his experiences of building a global creative career, and how his beginnings in Japan led to creating content for some of the largest brands and artists in the world.The conversation explores:– Moving out of the UK and building a career from scratch– Producing the Japan shoots for Megan Thee Stallion’s “Mamushi” and Rosalía’s “Tuya”– Winning clients and building an independent creative studio amid a pandemic – Advice for people who want to build an international career in entertainment– What Western brands and entertainment companies often misunderstand about JapanCOMING NEXT WEEKIn next week's episode of Guestlist, we sit down with Jasmine Dotiwala OBE, broadcaster, producer, cultural commentator and media leader, for a wide-ranging conversation about music, television, representation and the changing media landscape. From MTV and music television to social media, creators and algorithm-led discovery, Jasmine reflects on more than three decades of cultural change, the artists and moments she experienced first-hand, and the question of who gets to shape culture, and whose voices get heard.Subscribe to Guestlist and turn on notifications so you don’t miss it. New episodes every Wednesday!FOLLOW GUESTLISTInstagram: @guestlist.podTikTok: @guestlist.podLinkedIn: @GuestlistYouTube: @GuestlistPodSpotify: @GuestlistTIMESTAMPS⁠00:00⁠ Episode preview⁠00:54⁠ Intro with Mike Sunda⁠1:38⁠ From a Journalism Degree to Agency Founder ⁠4:41⁠ Is it better to be a generalist or specialist creative?⁠7:26⁠ What creative skills are in demand? ⁠8:43⁠ The importance of storytelling ⁠13:44⁠ Moving From London To Tokyo⁠15:07⁠ Advice and lessons from a Founder⁠22:45⁠ Learning The Skill Of Discernment⁠24:48⁠ Thoughts On Work From Home Culture ⁠27:03⁠ Mike’s Early Creative Influences⁠32:50⁠ Private Equity And The Arts⁠34:20⁠ One Piece Of Advice For Creatives⁠35:42⁠ Cross Cultural Investment: Rosalía, Megan Thee Stallion & more⁠38:00⁠ Working With Global Artists ⁠41:08⁠ Founder Hardships⁠43:12⁠ Emotional Discipline And Being Optimistic ⁠47:25⁠ The Future Of Entertainment ⁠49:18⁠ Advice Mike Is Glad He Didn’t Take ⁠50:14⁠ Traits Mike Looks For In Interviews ⁠52:14⁠ Creative Pillars That Stand The Test Of TimeABOUT GUESTLISTGuestlist is an independent, video-led media platform leading candid conversations with the people shaping entertainment, culture and technology. We go beyond the polished version of people’s stories to explore how careers are built across the entertainment industry, what people learn along the way, and what’s coming next in the world of creativity.DISCLAIMERGuestlist is an independent media platform. This episode is not produced, sponsored or officially endorsed by any current or former employer(s) mentioned. The participants speak in a personal capacity, and the views expressed are their own.

How do you turn a genuine love of music and culture into a distinctive content platform, and build an audience that trusts your taste?In Episode 3 of Guestlist, we speak with Baylee Lefton, the founder and creator behind @ayybaybay_radio, about music discovery, building a recognisable creative identity and growing an audience of more than 600,000 on Instagram - built in just a year and a half.Baylee shares how she found her voice online and built a global community, connecting people through her love of music.The conversation explores:– Realistically building a career as a full-time content creator– Building an audience around music discovery– Developing trust and credibility to build a following– Staying consistent and avoiding burnout - without sacrificing creativity– The films, art and creative work she believes people should be paying attention toCOMING NEXT WEEKNext on Guestlist, we speak with Mike Sunda, co-founder of PUSH Japan, who has produced projects for Megan Thee Stallion and Rosalía. Mike discusses building a global creative career across cultures, and how his beginnings in Japan led to creating content for some of the largest brands and artists in the world.Subscribe to Guestlist and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next episode - catch us here every Wednesday!FOLLOW GUESTLISTInstagram: @guestlist.podTikTok: @guestlist.podLinkedIn: @GuestlistYouTube: @GuestlistPodSpotify: @GuestlistTIMESTAMPS00:00 Episode Preview00:59 Meet Baylee Lefton @ayybaybay_radio05:05 What Makes Baylee’s Content Stand Out?06:38 The Turning Point to Becoming a Full-Time Creator08:22 Building a Global Perspective Through Culture11:45 Transitioning From a Full-Time Job Into Content Creation14:14 Where Does Ayybaybay Radio Go Next?16:24 Baylee’s Content Creation & Curation Process18:18 Why Film Soundtracks Matter So Much19:59 Helping a Song Reach a Bigger Audience22:35 The Less Glamorous Side of Content Creation24:16 Staying Creative When the Algorithm Rewards Consistency25:02 The Future of Music Discovery27:04 An Artist That Changed Her Life: Michael Jackson28:18 Advice for Aspiring Content Creators30:29 This Week’s Song on Repeat30:42 The Advice She’s Glad She Didn’t TakeABOUT GUESTLISTGuestlist is an independent, video-led media platform leading candid conversations with the people shaping entertainment, culture and technology. We go beyond the polished version of people’s stories to explore how careers are built across the entertainment industry, what people learn along the way, and what’s coming next in the world of creativity.DISCLAIMERGuestlist is an independent media platform. This episode is not produced, sponsored or officially endorsed by any current or former employer(s) mentioned. The participants speak in a personal capacity, and the views expressed are their own.

This episode answers some of the biggest questions applicants have about creating a strong application and securing an internship in a competitive landscape.

In the second episode of Guestlist, we speak with Charlotte Tindle from Talent Acquisition at Sony Music Entertainment about applying for internships, demonstrating your potential and approaching the process with confidence.

Charlotte shares practical insight into the internship application process, including:

– Creating a standout application

– What applicants should understand about the process before applying

– Common mistakes candidates should avoid

– The importance of authenticity in music

– Building relevant experience before entering the industry

– Dealing with rejection and remaining perseverant

– Starting a career in music without following ‘one prescribed route’

Whether you are currently preparing your Sony Music internship application, or exploring how to begin a career in the music industry, this conversation shares tips directly relevant to early-career applicants.

COMING NEXT WEEK

In next week’s episode on Guestlist, we speak with Baylee Lefton, the creator behind @ayybaybay_radio, who has built an audience of more than 600,000 followers on Instagram through her distinctive approach to music content. We discuss her distinct voice online, building a loyal following, maintaining a career as a content creator, and much more.

Subscribe to Guestlist and turn on notifications so you don’t miss the next episode - catch us here every Wednesday!

FOLLOW GUESTLIST

• Instagram: @guestlist.pod
• TikTok: @guestlist.pod
• LinkedIn: @Guestlist
• YouTube: @GuestlistPod
• Spotify: @Guestlist

Timestamps:

00:00 Episode Preview

01:07 Introduction

01:20 The People Behind Sony Music & the Internship Experience

07:04 Inside the Sony Music Internship Programme

10:16 What Qualities Matter Most in the Music Industry?

12:52 Building Confidence Early in Your Career

16:00 Generalist or Specialist: Which Path Is Better?

17:42 Breaking Into Music: Standing Out in a Competitive Industry

23:17 The Less Glamorous Reality of Working in Music

25:33 The Shared Love of Music

28:40 Can Recruiters Tell If You Genuinely Love Music?

29:52 Hiring With Impact: Shaping the Future of Music

32:26 The Video Cover Letter: What Recruiters Look For

35:57 What Makes Someone the Right Fit?

37:40 Access, Representation & Who Gets Through the Door

41:18 How Quickly Can You Read a Candidate?

42:35 Final Comments

ABOUT GUESTLIST

Guestlist is an independent, video-led media platform leading candid conversations with the people shaping entertainment, culture and technology. We go beyond the polished version of people’s stories to explore how careers are built across the entertainment industry, what people learn along the way, and what’s coming next in the world of creativity.

DISCLAIMER

Guestlist is an independent media platform. This episode is not produced, sponsored or officially endorsed by any current or former employer(s) mentioned. The participants speak in a personal capacity, and the views expressed are their own.