Project Freelance

Project Freelance - Season 2, Ep.10 When everything is urgent and needs to be answered now, you are forced to organize yourself, or fail. Choosing between getting the right saltine crackers for the green room and figuring out how much gear you can pack into the trailer are both urgent to different parties, but as a tour manager, you've got to decide what's more important. Welcome to episode 23 of the Project Freelance podcast! I apologise for the awful audio in this episode. Jon doesn't....technology very well. Jon Syverson is a veteran tour manager, who has worked with Black Veil Brides, Andy Black, and more. He started out as a drummer and went on his first tour as a junior in highschool. He didn't come from money, and didn't care about it, because he just wanted to make music.  In this episode of the podcast, Project Freelance, I speak with Jon about his life as a tour manager, his duties, and how he's been able to make a living as a freelancer. Jon has toured as a musician and tour manager with alcoholics and drug addicts, he's watched bands jump into the "rockstar" lifestyle as youngsters, and later grow out of it and become, often times, surprisingly calm. Most of your favorite artists that you think are "hard," actually get off stage and jump into a onesie, light up a blunt, and watch Chappie for the 80th time. In 2017 he was on the road for more than 28 weeks, which, if you've never been on tour, well....imagine living in a..school bus (I'm trying to be relatable, but some bands actually renovate school busses and use them as tour busses) with anywhere from six to twenty-one other people, whether it be band or crew members, partners, random pet raccoons... On top of that, if one of you gets sick, you all get sick within about eight hours, YOU CAN NOT POOP IN THE BUS TOILET, someone probably ate your food, the drummer is nailing some rando in the bunk above you, and you're going to die via third wheel. Oh..and there is no job security, so imagine being stressed..but like...HULK SMASH stressed! Enjoy this episode of Project Freelance and let me know what you think of the podcast by leaving a review and (5 star) rating.   Listen to last week's episode with Casey Steinmiller: https://goo.gl/Q2RReG For classes/booking: http://justtheletterk.com/booking Read on to support the podcast! Get Socialistic with me: PUBLIC FACEBOOK GROUP:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/213571199185683/learning_content/ http://Twitter.com/projectfreelnce  Get Updates: http://Instagram.com/projectfreelance My Music: http://Chasingsatellitesmusic.bandcamp.com

Want to become a professional photographer or filmmaker in the music industry, but you don't know how this industry works? Well, this week I'd like to help you with that. My guest this week is the incredibly talented Casey Steinmiller, a 23 year old photographer, videographer, and content creator who specializes in the music industry. At the age of 21, in a local Pittsburg Kansas bar, he discovered music photography as the perfect bridge between two loves, art and music. In this episode we discuss many things including lessons in working with major bands and labels, drama in the industry, how to balance a 9-5 job with freelancing, post production and important it is to make sure you are always improving at your craft. If you're trying to shoot a show, definitely try to shoot at a local venue, because you don't necessarily need to shoot under a publication or even reach out to managers, which is so relieving when you're first starting out. Having to put yourself out there and potentially get rejected over and over again is terrifying in itself, but it's going to happen, so buckle in.  For those of you that are trying to build a business through freelancing, and you have no idea how to balance both, this is a very important episode for you. Casey was screwed over by a magazine, and he tells his crazy story about what happened and what he did to get justice. If you want to hear how to earn a living as an artist and travel the world, or if you're curious about how it really is to live life on the road, check this episode out.  Podcast Mentions: The Sweet Accent  Adam Elmakias  Ashley Osborne If you guys would like to hear some of Casey's tour stories, check this episode out!  Get Socialistic with Casey Website: www.steinmillerproductions.com Facebook: Steinmiller Productions Instagram: Steinmiller_productions Twitter: Steinmillerc Enjoy this episode of Project Freelance and let me know what you think of this episode!  Tip the podcast in #bitcoin and get $10 of bitcoin! : https://goo.gl/8nhdxz For classes/booking: http://justtheletterk.com/booking Read on to support the podcast! Get Socialistic with me: PUBLIC FACEBOOK GROUP:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/213571199185683/learning_content/ http://Twitter.com/projectfreelnce  Get Updates: http://Instagram.com/projectfreelance My Music: http://Chasingsatellitesmusic.bandcamp.com

Project Freelance - Season 2 - Episode 7 In this episode of Project Freelance, I "sit down" (skype) with Josh Balz, a 28 year old entrepreneur. He is the creator and owner of the two Strange & Unusual Oddities Parlors in Pensylvania; one in Philadelphia and the other in Kingston.  He is mostly known for his time in the band, Motionless in White, as a keyboardist. And while Josh has no professional training in classical piano, he picked it up and ran with it. He left everything behind him and grew up on the road. I met Josh in 2011 at Vans Warped Tour 2011, where I was invited to join the band on stage to join them in singing/screaming in their song Abigail, which I had covered on Youtube, which you can see here: https://youtu.be/ZL930LFmhTM As a fan first, I had so many questions to ask Balz about his time on tour. He grew up on the road, living on broke, and loved every second of it. However, touring for long periods of time puts a lot of mental strain on the artists and crew, which is what I really wanted to dig into in this episode. Okay, listen, let me tell you something about Vans Warped Tour. If you have the opportunity to go on the tour this last year, take it. No excuses. It will be the most humbling and eye opening experience you will ever have in your life.  Okay, so now, the main focus of this podcast: Now, the following is not meant to persuade you either way about living the #tourlife; I don't make these episodes to tell you how shitty it is to tour or tell you not to go on tour, because of what I'm going to say next paragraph; It is simply a reality of tour that I believe should be discussed more so that we can help each other and build each other up.  Josh and I go into detail about what it's like to spend large periods of time on tour, away from family, friends, and basically life, all in pursuit of something greater than us. We struggle so much that we write music about it, and yet, people still want to brush mental illness off like it's nothing. Being down on tour can be debilitating, not only to yourself, but to everyone on that bus. Not being able to feel safe enough to be vulnerable can be hazardous, so it needs to be discussed. If you want to hear how to earn a living as an artist and travel the world, or if you're curious about how it really is to live life on the road, check this episode out.  Thank you so much for your time and crazy stories, Balz.  The Strange & Unusual Oddities Parlor: https://thestrangeandunusual.com/ https://www.instagram.com/joshbalz http://twitter.com/joshbalz Podcast Mentions:  The Strange & Unusual Motionless in White For classes/booking: http://justtheletterk.com/booking Read on to support the podcast! Get Socialistic with me: PUBLIC FACEBOOK GROUP:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/213571199185683/learning_content/ http://Twitter.com/projectfreelnce 

What is Vero-True Social? All of your friends are talking about it, all of your favorite creators are joining it, and here's why you should become one of the Vero Revolutionaries! I have made a comprehensive video review which you can watch to get a feel of the app and how it functions: http://kenagoniophotography.com/Vero-True-Social I first heard about the new Vero - True Social App via Instagram and was pulled in by its sleek logo design. I decided to download the app and give it a scroll through, and you guys, I have to say, I haven't been this excited about a social media app since...well..ever. We have always had limitations on what we can post and how we can post it on apps like Tumblr, Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, etc. For example, instagram is a photo/video sharing site. Twitter is for short, condensed thoughts (posting links on twitter sucks), and Facebook posts don't even reach your audience or friends, unless you sell your right kidney. I can't tell you how much I've spent on facebook and instagram marketing, to only see few click throughs or attention. Vero, however, is different. We now live in a network where we are constantly being targeted and harassed through our favorite social media apps by companies trying to make a quick buck. Making creators PAY TO GET THEIR CONTENT SEEN IS SO BEYOND FUCKED UP! Vero won't do that. No ads. No scheme, other than the clever incentive. :p As an LGBT member I have seen the effects of the Youtube Apocalypse. Vero is giving us the chance to put the "social" back in "social media."  This app will give creators the opportunity to actually reach their audience, without being drowned by ads or getting fucked from analytics. This means not only will your followers and friends be sent your post WHEN you post it, but you can also sell things through the app, without your users having to first click through an advertisement, or go to your "link in bio." Let's face it, we are all sick of saying that, so thanks Vero for making this app! Haha By giving artists and creators the ability to sell to their audience directly, means that we will have higher sale rates. It's a no brainer. So, everyone, calm down and check that box for those terms and conditions that you didn't actually even care to read, and join us on Vero. Find me K Enagonio.  Enjoy this episode of Project Freelance and let me know what you think of this episode!  Listen to last week's episode with Jordan Grossman If you want to hear how to earn a living as an artist and travel the world, or if you're curious about how it really is to live life on the road, subscribe to the podcast! For classes/booking: http://justtheletterk.com/booking Read on to support the podcast! Get Socialistic with me: PUBLIC FACEBOOK GROUP:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/213571199185683/learning_content/ http://Twitter.com/projectfreelnce 

Project Freelance - Season 2, Ep.5 He had to sneak out from under his police officer mother's nose to go on tour. Inspired by acts on MTV, VH1, and more, he joined band in school, and then went on to join every band under the sun. All he wanted to do was play videogames, make music, and go to shows. In this episode we talk about the importance of supporting local bands to keep the scene alive, touring with bands as a hired gun, dealing with their bullshit, your own bullshit, and having to occupy the same space for 23 hours a day. Wolfe has dealt with some seriously awful people in his career, but he's also gained friends and memories that will last an eternity. Being a hired musician also gives you the added security of future work, especially if you play, or can learn, a vast array of musical styles. It's similar to acting as a star in a movie vs. a TV show. Movie stars get parts in multiple movies, because they can play many types of characters, while a TV Show regular, though they may have long term work, they are more at the mercy of the show's ratings. If a show like Grey's Anatomy were to get canceled, it could take much longer for those actors to get roles, because they've spent the duration of the show playing medical professionals. Essentially, Wolf and I discuss why being a freelance musician can be much more lucrative than trying to start from scratch in the event of sudden loss of employment. Enjoy this episode of Project Freelance and let me know what you think of this episode! Listen to last week's episode with Matt Yanni, bodyguard for Andy Black, Black Veil Brides, and Blackbear, and come back next week to hear more! If you want to hear how to earn a living as an artist and travel the world, or if you're curious about how it really is to live life on the road, check this episode out. Podcast Mentions: Chain Reaction - Anaheim, CA YMCA HQ - Perth, Australia Jon's Socials: http://instagram.com/wonjolfe http://facebook.com/vesperaofficial For classes/booking: http://justtheletterk.com/booking Read on to support the podcast! Get Socialistic with me: PUBLIC FACEBOOK GROUP:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/213571199185683/learning_content/ http://Twitter.com/projectfreelnce 

Project Freelance - Season 2, Ep.6 "I now work with amazing clients and am forever grateful for who is in my life today and the opportunities that have made themselves available. It all started in 2003 for me, here we are 15 years later. I just want to help people." My guest this week is Jordan Grossman, my current manager, and while I have only worked with him for a short time, I can already say that I have never been more excited and motivated to create content! In this episode of my podcast, Project Freelance, Jordan and I discuss the idea that failure can be a good, or even life changing thing. No matter what peril you face, you have to learn how to become comfortable failing. You can't grow if you don't fail. Failure teaches you what not to fuck up on next time. Love failure, and if you don't, go fail some more! Podcast Mentions: 2 Dog Night Allison Caplin Willy B. - Talk Productions - Bietek Productions Barry Squire - Barry Squire Music Brian Sammans - The Neighbourhood The Roxy Ronnie Radke - Falling in Reverse Dave Shapiro - UTA Music For classes/booking: http://justtheletterk.com/booking Read on to support the podcast! Get Socialistic with me: PUBLIC FACEBOOK GROUP:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/213571199185683/learning_content/ http://Twitter.com/projectfreelnce  Get Updates: http://Instagram.com/projectfreelance My Music: http://Chasingsatellitesmusic.bandcamp.com

Crazy fans attacking artists, coping with the mental strain of being away from home for months at a time, struggling to make a living, the the love for travel, music, and unforgettable memories that sitting behind a desk doesn't offer; these are some of the aspects of living the...#tourlife. This episode features the oh-so-buff Matt Yanni. Yanni has been touring since 2011 as bodyguard and security director for different artists and tours. He’s been in the security world since 2007. He’s traveled all over the world protecting some of the biggest names in the business, including black veil brides, black bear, Andy black, and previously, the Steelers football team. In episode 17 of Project Freelance, Yanni and I discuss what it's like to be not only on tour with a band, but to be their protector from not only crazy fans, but also people who would potentially try to harm or harass his clients. However, Yanni has been working with Andy Black and Black Veil Brides since 2011, so he has learned how to balance protecting with being respectful of his clients' space. We talk about everything from crazy fan stories to the challenges with touring non stop, touring overseas, and basically being dropped into a war zone, otherwise known as Warped Tour. If you want to hear how to tour successfully, full time, travel the world, or if you're curious about how it really is to live life on the road, check this episode out. From overly excited, screaming fans to fights with people, Yanni has seen just about everything that the touring world has to...offer.   Thank you so much for your time and for sharing your unforgettable stories. I'll see you side stage with your tobacco cup and silly faces.  You can catch Yanni out with Black Veil Brides and Blackbear this year! Feel free to pick his brain! If you'd like to keep up with him, please please do!  Twitter.com/mryanni89 Instagram.com/mryanni10 Podcast Mentions:  Alternative Press Magazine Andy Black Black Veil Brides Blackbear For classes/booking: http://justtheletterk.com/booking Read on to support the podcast! Get Socialistic with me: PUBLIC FACEBOOK GROUP:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/213571199185683/learning_content/ http://Twitter.com/projectfreelnce 

The worst thing that someone can ever tell you is "no." With that being said, fuck that. No stands for "New Opportunity! In the touring world, it's important to realise that you are more valuable to a band if you have more than one skill to offer. Lindsey explains why this is so important and how she often takes on many more roles than what she is asked to do. Her experience on the road added an additional dynamic to her already diverse roster of talents. She and I will share with you just how important it is to make yourself an asset on the road if you want to STAY on the road. If you want to hear how to tour successfully, full time, travel the world, or if you're curious about how it really is to live life on the road, check this episode out. From persistence to sneaking into shows, to landing dream jobs, Lindsey has quite the story! Thank you so much for your time and for sharing your amazing unorthodox methods. I'll see you at a show, girl! You can catch Lindsey at Level Exchange, any Women in Music conference, or any of Watsky's shows. Feel free to pick her brain! If you'd like to keep up with her, please please do!  www.levelexchange.co, www.lindseylerner.com Podcast Mentions:  Watsky Skullcandy Keep a Breast Music Saves Lives For classes/booking: http://justtheletterk.com/booking Read on to support the podcast! Get Socialistic with me: PUBLIC FACEBOOK GROUP:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/213571199185683/learning_content/ http://Twitter.com/projectfreelnce 

Project Freelance - Season 2, Ep.2 From shooting his first show, which happened to be Vans Warped Tour, to shooting under Buzznet, by posting content onto Flikr, this once aspiring music photographer now tours full-time as a professional content creator.  In this episode, content creator Bryce Hall and I get down to the nitty gritty parts of the music photography industry and touring life. From people walking onto our tour busses to working with horrible clients, this episode of Project Freelance is definitely one of my favourites, which is why I forced Bryce to talk to me for an hour. In the touring world, it's important to realise that you are more valuable to a band if you have more than one skill to offer. Bryce shares a lot about how he grew from a photographer with dreams to shoot live music, to becoming a full time, freelance content creator, tour manager, VIP coordinator, and merchandise manager. Bryce and I will share with you just how important it is to make yourself an asset on the road if you want to STAY on the road. If you want to hear how to earn a living as an artist and travel the world, or if you're curious about how it really is to live life on the road, check this episode out.  Thank you so much for your time and crazy stories, Bryce. I'll see you at a show, boo boo!  Bryce is currently out on the road with Motionless in White, creating content for them, and exploring the world. If you'd like to keep up with him, please please do!  instagram.com/wheresbryce twitter.com/wheresbryce facebook.com/Wheres-Bryce-Photography Bryce's First Camera: Nikon D340, Current Gear: Sony A7sii,  Glass: Sony 55mm 1.8, Sony 28mm 2.0, Sigma 24-105mm art f/4 Accessories: Pilotfly h2 gimbal The video Bryce is referring to that we created together was the 2017 Alternative Press Music Awards announcement video, in which All Time Low hands off the award show to Andy Biersack of Black Veil Brides. You can see it here: https://youtu.be/ABblFpQZj4Q For classes/booking: http://justtheletterk.com/booking Read on to support the podcast! Get Socialistic with me: PUBLIC FACEBOOK GROUP:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/213571199185683/learning_content/ http://Twitter.com/projectfreelnce 

EPISODE 1 OF SEASON 2 IS HERE! AND! SURPRISE! EVERY EPISODE OF THIS SEASON HAS A SPECIAL GUEST! Up first, Matty Mullins from Memphis May Fire, and owner of On Pointe Pomade. In this episode he and I cover everything from holding down a real job while trying to pursue a successful touring career, to dealing with financial struggles, relationship compromises, and more! Matty not only gives you an insight on how to navigate the music world, but he also teaches me quite a bit, which has been a huge goal of mine. I remember a few years back I had a client that told me, "if you want to become a master, you must learn from a master." Now, I know Matty is too humble to consider himself a master of anything, but I think that I can speak for everyone that listens to this episode, or has the opportunity to meet Matty, when I say that Mullins is definitely a master of his trade.  If you want to hear how to earn a living as an artist and travel the world, or if you're curious about how the music industry works, or how to start a side business to help give yourself some additional financial stability, give this episode a listen!  Thank you so much for your time and wisdom, Matty. I'll see you at a show, my man!  Follow Matty and all of his endeavours below! http://instagram.com/mattymullins http://twitter.com/mattymullins http://facebook.com/mattymulls http://mattymullins.com This episode of Project Freelance is generously sponsored by my guest's pomade company, On Pointe Pomade. http://OnPointePomade.com | Use Code "ProjectFreelance" for 15% off! For classes/booking: http://justtheletterk.com/booking Read on to support the podcast! Get Socialistic with me: PUBLIC FACEBOOK GROUP:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/213571199185683/learning_content/ http://Twitter.com/projectfreelnce 

If you're new to photography, videography, and/or other creative freelancing work, you might be wondering what kind of gear you should buy. In this podcast I talk about the perks of buying used gear over new gear, and vice versa, where you can get cheap camera gear both at a brick and mortar camera store or online. I also share some of the top camera rental sites with you. Just because you're not rich doesn't mean you can't become a creator. You're an artist, so be an artist and get creative! Podcast Mentions: RENT CAMERA GEAR HERE: https://www.lensrentals.com/ https://www.bhphotovideo.com/ https://www.borrowlenses.com/ Abandoned Insane Asylum in Baltimore: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VdFStbQnEIs For classes/booking: http://justtheletterk.com/booking Read on to support the podcast! Get Socialistic with me: PUBLIC FACEBOOK GROUP:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/213571199185683/learning_content/ http://Twitter.com/projectfreelnce 

Project Freelance - Season 1, Ep.12 If you're just starting out as a photographer I highly recommend that you look into joining some free online photography contests. Not only can you win prizes like exposure, free gear, and discounts/free memberships to Adobe products, but you can also win monetary prizes. This isn't a sponsored podcast, but Viewbug...hit me up though... What would you like me to talk about next week? Tweet me @KEnagonio or hit me up on Instagram @projectfreelance and use #ProjectFreelance if you dig the podcast. For classes/booking: http://justtheletterk.com/booking Read on to support the podcast! Get Socialistic with me: PUBLIC FACEBOOK GROUP:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/213571199185683/learning_content/ http://Twitter.com/projectfreelnce 

Project Freelance - Season 1, Ep.10 What would you like me to talk about next week? Tweet me @projectfreelance or hit me up on Instagram @projectfreelance and use #ProjectFreelance if you dig the podcast. Podcast Mentions: Seph Lawless: @sephlawless Freelance To Founder The Side Hustle Show For classes/booking: http://justtheletterk.com/booking Read on to support the podcast! Get Socialistic with me: PUBLIC FACEBOOK GROUP:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/213571199185683/learning_content/ http://Twitter.com/projectfreelnce 

In this weeks episode I wanted to give you guys some advice on when it's okay to break the fundamental rules of your craft and share some of the fundamentals of photography and videography with you so that you can figure out the ways you can break them. What would you like me to talk about next week? Tweet me @KEnagonio or hit me up on Instagram @projectfreelance and use #ProjectFreelance if you dig the podcast. For classes/booking: http://justtheletterk.com/booking Read on to support the podcast! Get Socialistic with me: PUBLIC FACEBOOK GROUP:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/213571199185683/learning_content/ http://Twitter.com/projectfreelnce 

So, you want to go on tour and work for your favorite band? If you answered "yes," then this is the podcast for you! In this week's episode I will give you my perspective of being a photographer on the road. I want to help you guys as much as I can. I will have a future episode or blog post (http://justtheletterk.com/blog) that will be more in depth as I get more requests about touring! What would you like me to talk about next week? Tweet me @KEnagonio or hit me up on Instagram @projectfreelance and use #ProjectFreelance if you dig the podcast. Podcast Mentions: Escape The Fate: @escapethefate New Years Day: @NYDBand For classes/booking: http://justtheletterk.com/booking Read on to support the podcast! Get Socialistic with me: PUBLIC FACEBOOK GROUP:  https://www.facebook.com/groups/213571199185683/learning_content/ http://Twitter.com/projectfreelnce