Episodes

  • AI Is Changing the Music Industry Faster Than You Think | Dead RoseZzz

    AI Is Changing the Music Industry Faster Than You Think | Dead RoseZzz
    Oct 11 2026
    Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid. To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires Merch: https://mikesquires.shop Join The Squires Squad (Early Access): https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires Connect with Mike Squires: https://set.page/mikesquires/ Stream Mike Squires & Friends: https://pods.to/mikesquires 00:00 Intro & Importance of Knowing Your Money 00:24 Podcast Intro & Sponsor Message 01:14 Meet Dead Roses: Artist and ANR Journey 02:05 Discovering Music in High School 03:12 First Success: Collab with Rose Boy 03:54 How the Big Collaboration Happened 04:34 Writing and Recording Sad Music 05:16 Channeling Emotions for Songwriting 06:45 Overcoming Industry Struggles & Scams 07:46 Learning from Industry Scams 09:42 Journey into ANR & Music Business 10:53 Opportunities and Connections in ANR 12:16 Helping Artists Land Sync Deals 12:49 Giving Back to the Artist Community 13:27 The Reality of Artist Scams and Industry Pitfalls 14:33 The Value of Masters and Catalog Ownership 15:31 Should You Sell Your Catalog? 16:42 Personal Choices & When to Sell Music Rights 17:57 Other Income Streams for Artists 19:39 Importance of Publishing & Understanding Your Business 20:53 Making Money Through Sync Licensing 21:57 AI and the Future of Sync in Music 23:00 The Value of Human Touch in Music 24:54 AI Music, Identity & Industry Verification 26:40 Most Rewarding Moments: Helping Other Artists 28:48 The Power of Uplifting Artists & Community 30:24 Final Reflections & Legacy 31:38 Where to Find Dead Roses & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    33 mins
  • He Got Robbed… Then His Life Took a Different Turn | HallofFameAJ

    He Got Robbed… Then His Life Took a Different Turn | HallofFameAJ
    Oct 8 2026
    Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid. To get 30% off youMike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid. To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires Merch: https://mikesquires.shop Join The Squires Squad (Early Access): https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires Connect with Mike Squires: https://set.page/mikesquires/ Stream Mike Squires & Friends: https://pods.to/mikesquires 00:00 A Rough Beginning: Getting Robbed and Early Lessons 00:23 Intro & Podcast Housekeeping 01:15 Meet the Guest: Hall of Fame AJ 01:57 AJ’s Unique Style and Influences 02:14 Early Inspirations: Family & Music 03:16 Growing Up in Mass & Local Connections 04:55 Role Models & Local Rap Scene 05:19 The Reality of Making It from Massachusetts 06:16 Industry Insights & Advice 07:07 AJ's Life Story & Music Approach 08:04 Upbringing: Struggles, Family, and Influences 09:07 Effects of Family on Personal Growth 10:25 Street Life: Temptation & Lessons 11:40 Early Mistakes and Learning Experiences 12:00 The Music Industry as a Business 13:04 Humbling Moments and Insights 14:23 Followers vs. Real Success 15:37 Influence of Massachusetts Background 16:05 Finding Artistic Identity 17:21 Journey into the Army 18:22 Lessons Learned from Army Life 19:08 Making Music While Deployed 20:54 Dropping Songs from the Bunker 22:17 AJ's Recent Work & Local Scene 23:46 Being Funny, Being Real 24:46 Changing for the Better: Faith and Family 26:12 Overcoming Addiction and Family Lessons 28:06 Looking Ahead: What’s Next for AJ 29:08 Final Thoughts: Legacy and Being a Good Man 32:08 Where to Find Hall of Fame AJr first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires Merch: https://mikesquires.shop Join The Squires Squad (Early Access): https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires Connect with Mike Squires: https://set.page/mikesquires/ Stream Mike Squires & Friends: https://pods.to/mikesquires 00:00 A Rough Beginning: Getting Robbed and Early Lessons 00:23 Intro & Podcast Housekeeping 01:15 Meet the Guest: Hall of Fame AJ 01:57 AJ’s Unique Style and Influences 02:14 Early Inspirations: Family & Music 03:16 Growing Up in Mass & Local Connections 04:55 Role Models & Local Rap Scene 05:19 The Reality of Making It from Massachusetts 06:16 Industry Insights & Advice 07:07 AJ's Life Story & Music Approach 08:04 Upbringing: Struggles, Family, and Influences 09:07 Effects of Family on Personal Growth 10:25 Street Life: Temptation & Lessons 11:40 Early Mistakes and Learning Experiences 12:00 The Music Industry as a Business 13:04 Humbling Moments and Insights 14:23 Followers vs. Real Success 15:37 Influence of Massachusetts Background 16:05 Finding Artistic Identity 17:21 Journey into the Army 18:22 Lessons Learned from Army Life 19:08 Making Music While Deployed 20:54 Dropping Songs from the Bunker 22:17 AJ's Recent Work & Local Scene 23:46 Being Funny, Being Real 24:46 Changing for the Better: Faith and Family 26:12 Overcoming Addiction and Family Lessons 28:06 Looking Ahead: What’s Next for AJ 29:08 Final Thoughts: Legacy and Being a Good Man 32:08 Where to Find Hall of Fame AJ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins
  • The Song I Thought Was a Joke Changed My Entire Career | Amaru Son

    The Song I Thought Was a Joke Changed My Entire Career | Amaru Son
    Sep 20 2026
    Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid. To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires Merch: https://mikesquires.shop Join The Squires Squad (Early Access): https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires Connect with Mike Squires: https://set.page/mikesquires/ Stream Mike Squires & Friends: https://pods.to/mikesquires 00:00 Intro, Sponsor, and Guest Introduction 01:12 Amaru's Unique Style and Musical Journey 03:54 Discovering Melodic Rap and Mom's Advice 06:56 First Success with Lost and Found 09:41 Viral Moments and Recognitions 12:00 On Kansas City and Its Scene 14:07 Getting Started with Music and Early Success 18:12 The Power Rangers Song and Meme Rap 20:40 Lost and Found: The Unexpected Hit 26:00 SoundCloud Era and Streaming Success 28:08 Dealing with Recognition and Staying Grounded 30:00 Gaming Hobbies and Personal Interests 31:01 Final Reflections and Advice 33:12 Where to Find Amaru & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    36 mins
  • Lil Jon Was My Camp Counselor | skullydied! & Zyneas

    Lil Jon Was My Camp Counselor | skullydied! & Zyneas
    Sep 13 2026
    Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid. To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires Merch: https://mikesquires.shop Join The Squires Squad (Early Access): https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires Connect with Mike Squires: https://set.page/mikesquires/ Stream Mike Squires & Friends: https://pods.to/mikesquires 00:00 Camp Spinoff & DJ Origins 00:29 Podcast Intro & Sponsor Shoutout 01:12 Meet the Guests: skullydied! & zyneas 01:36 Unique Styles & Genre-Blending 03:28 How Scully Got His Name 03:55 Recent Projects & New Music 04:32 How Zyneas & Skully Met 06:27 Biggest Success Moments 08:38 Where They're From & Reno Stories 10:55 Growing Up with Music in New Orleans 11:57 Getting Into Music: Early Influences 13:04 Production Rivalry & Finding Passion 14:54 Project Moves, Friendships & Nevada Scene 17:05 Studio Life & Staying in Florida 18:48 Looking Forward: 5-Year Goals 21:00 Avoiding Beat Store Mentality & Artistic Ownership 24:21 Networking, Retreats & Digital Collaboration 27:42 Closing Reflections & Messages to the World 29:19 How to Connect With Scully & Zenius 30:53 Outro & Final Thanks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    32 mins
  • Nobody Warns You About the Music Industry | Noah Millen

    Nobody Warns You About the Music Industry | Noah Millen
    Sep 6 2026
    Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid. To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires Merch: https://mikesquires.shop Join The Squires Squad (Early Access): https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires Connect with Mike Squires: https://set.page/mikesquires/ Stream Mike Squires & Friends: https://pods.to/mikesquires 00:00 Stay Focused & Podcast Intro 00:30 Supporting the Podcast & Sponsor Message 01:13 Meet Noah: Background & Artistic Journey 02:08 Growing Up in Small Towns & Chasing Opportunity 03:01 Moving to Raleigh & Music Scene Insights 03:38 Getting Started in Music & Early Inspirations 04:43 Early Breaks: Freestyles, Investors & Lessons Learned 05:54 Industry Realities: Value of Money vs. Mindset 07:12 Facing Disappointment & Building Resilience 08:18 New Breakthroughs: Networking in NYC & Atlanta 09:02 Backstage at Revolt Summit & Meeting Big Artists 11:12 Opening for Stars & The College Circuit 12:08 Defining Success: Metrics, Viral Videos & Consistency 14:29 Content Volume Over Perfection 16:00 Persistence, Burnout, and The Reality of the Music Grind 18:01 Overcoming Personal Struggles & Distractions 19:37 Making Music Hungry: 'Radio City' Album Story 20:44 Keeping the Hunger Alive & Inspiration From Peers 22:09 What Drives Noah: Family, Friends & Camaraderie 23:17 Hidden Talents: Freestyling & Tennis 24:54 Dedication in Sports & Music Careers 26:06 What's Next: Upcoming Music, Videos & Album Plans 28:29 Teamwork, Visuals & North Carolina Scene 29:48 Parting Advice: Stay Locked In & Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    31 mins
  • I Had to Lose Everything to Find Myself | Modo

    I Had to Lose Everything to Find Myself | Modo
    Aug 30 2026
    Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid. To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires Merch: https://mikesquires.shop Join The Squires Squad (Early Access): https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires Connect with Mike Squires: https://set.page/mikesquires/ Stream Mike Squires & Friends: https://pods.to/mikesquires 00:00 Opening Motivation & Podcast Intro 00:19 Meet Moto – Identity & Creative Journey 01:32 Early Music, Writing & Video Evolution 02:28 Kansas City Roots & Foodie Culture 03:49 Favorite Food Spots & Pizza Debates 04:49 Kansas City Barbecue & Local Pride 05:50 First Big Break With 'Tomahawk Bop' 07:01 Reflecting on Early Work & Growth 08:54 Naming Mistakes & Lessons Learned 10:01 Show Opportunities & Kansas City Venues 10:55 Balancing Event Frequency & Artist Mystique 12:12 Landing a Management Deal 13:12 Branding, Social Media & Growing as an Artist 14:45 Leaving Management & Career Reflection 15:01 Pivotal Moments & Personal Growth 16:48 Life Events Fuel the Music 17:57 Addiction, Grief & Artistic Transformation 20:06 Sobriety, Reinvention & New Album Era 21:15 Visual Identity & Storytelling in Music 22:24 Dad's Influence & Life Lessons 24:20 The Pursuit of 100% Effort 25:27 Proudest Works & Self-Improvement 26:22 Behind the Making of 'Shaun and Moto' 26:51 Therapy's Direct Impact on Songwriting 27:57 Family, Forgiveness & Healing Through Music 28:49 Sparking Listener Connections 30:01 Turning 30 & Self-Discovery 31:16 Celebrating 30 – Stories & Reflection 32:20 MMA, Humility & Growth From Fighting 34:34 Physical Challenge and the Value of Sparring 35:59 Nostalgia – The Runescape Economy & Gaming 37:18 Final Reflections & Life Message 38:01 Where to Find Moto & Closing Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    40 mins
  • The Rise, Fall & Comeback of Justin Stone | Justin Stone

    The Rise, Fall & Comeback of Justin Stone | Justin Stone
    Aug 23 2026
    Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid. To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires Merch:: https://mikesquires.shop Join The Squires Squad (Early Access): https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires Connect with Mike Squires: https://set.page/mikesquires/ Stream Mike Squires & Friends: https://pods.to/mikesquires 00:00 Intro, Podcast Welcome & Sponsor 01:15 Meet Justin Stone: Background & Early Life 03:40 Discovering Hip-Hop and Starting Music 04:46 First Songs & Early Music Hustle 05:29 Breakthrough with Swaggy Tracks 07:04 Impact of Abstract and Artist Collaborations 08:23 The Power of Swaggy Tracks & Viral Growth 09:11 MrBeast Follows Justin & Viral Moments 10:46 Biggest Hits & Life-changing Playlists 12:10 Tour Stories: HighRes, Aaron Carter, I Prevail 16:17 Red Rocks, Manifestation & Stage Memories 18:01 Financial Highs, Lows & Selling Songs 20:28 Money Management, Mistakes & Friendship Lessons 23:53 Mental Health Struggles & Coping Mechanisms 25:51 Fatherhood, Recovery & Life Turnaround 26:52 Dopamine Crashes After Tour & Coping 28:08 Financial Lessons, Side Hustles & Resilience 30:15 Relatability, Vulnerability & Real Content 31:27 New Music Plans & Social Strategies 32:55 Growth, Algorithms & Social Media Changes 34:44 Creative Retreats & Newfound Motivation 36:04 Mental Health, Faith & Resilience 37:17 What’s Next: Weekly Drops & Fresh Styles 37:56 Artist Identity, Process & Finishing Songs 39:42 Message to the World & Final Thoughts 40:11 How to Connect with Justin & Podcast Wrap Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    41 mins
  • Why Your Music Isn’t Standing Out (Yet) | Jeremy Amato

    Why Your Music Isn’t Standing Out (Yet) | Jeremy Amato
    Aug 16 2026
    Mike Squires & Friends is proudly sponsored by Distrokid. To get 30% off your first year’s membership, check out: http://distrokid.com/vip/mikesquires Merch: https://mikesquires.shop Join The Squires Squad (Early Access): https://app.grouped.com/mikesquires Connect with Mike Squires: https://set.page/mikesquires/ Stream Mike Squires & Friends: https://pods.to/mikesquires 00:00 Resilience and Introduction 00:22 Podcast Opening and Sponsorship 01:12 Meet Jeremy Amato—Background and Interests 01:54 Early Musical Journey and Video Game Music Aspirations 02:44 Breaking Into Hip-Hop: Chrome Nasty and Musical Style 04:04 Artistic Evolution and Describing the Sound 05:09 Life Experiences That Shaped the Music 05:50 Creative Drive and Influences 06:34 Balancing Fun vs. Seriousness in Music 07:17 Touring Stories and Lessons Learned 08:38 From Touring with Bands to Solo Vision 09:06 Future Goals and Next Steps 09:33 Releasing Music: Label vs. Independent 11:56 Breakout Success and Leveraging Visuals 12:59 Marketing, Identity, and Standing Out 14:14 Style, Image, and Halloween Theory 15:49 Coming Up in LA—Community and Challenges 17:37 Notable Projects and Building Strong Collaborations 20:04 Lessons from the Industry and Choosing the Right Circle 23:10 Going Solo After Band Breakup 25:00 Resilience in the Face of Setbacks 27:09 Mental Health, Consistency, and Dealing with Waves 30:08 Vulnerability, Criticism, and the Importance of Showing Up 31:45 Hate Comments, Polarization, and Finding Your Audience 32:28 Looking to the Future—Hopes and Vision 32:44 Final Words, Staying True, and Outro Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    35 mins