🎙️ Dylan Lloyd on Publishing Deals, Syncs, and the Unsustainable State of the Music Industry | The IWXO Show (Season 2)

In this packed episode of The I’m With Love Show, Nathan Darmody sits down once again with platinum-level songwriter and artist Dylan Lloyd for a raw, master-class-style conversation on the business behind songwriting and publishing.

Dylan shares his journey from signing his first publishing deal with Radar Music/BMG to navigating today’s music landscape as an independent artist landing major syncs with Netflix and film placements. Together, they dive deep into the realities of publishing contracts, sync licensing, ownership, and why so many talented songwriters are choosing independence over traditional deals.

You’ll learn:

• What a publishing deal really is (co-pub vs admin vs collection)

• How to protect your writer’s share and master rights

• Why many companies have become risk-averse and disconnected from real talent

• The mindset and networking approach that keeps Dylan landing syncs without a deal

• How technology is empowering artists to thrive creatively and financially on their own terms

It’s a brutally honest look at the modern music industry — with lessons every songwriter, producer, and artist needs to hear.

💡 “Follow your creative gut. If it gives you goosebumps, that’s God leading you somewhere.” – Dylan Lloyd

🎧 Listen now and tap into real-world insight from two artists redefining what it means to build a sustainable, independent music career.

👉 Learn more about Nathan’s artist mentorship and production services at imwithlove.com/services

In this episode, Nathan Darmody sits down with rising artist Dresito during a creative trip to Cartagena, Colombia , a city that shaped the heart of his upcoming EP En Cartagena. Together, they dive deep into the power of collaboration, faith, and culture, reflecting on how studio setbacks turned into divine redirections, how love and language influence sound, and why “mixed signals” often spark the best songs.

From rooftop conversations to late-night studio sessions, Dresito opens up about his Latin roots, his evolving bilingual sound, and the team behind the magic, producers, writers, and friends from all over the world. It’s a raw, honest look at the creative process and young love through the lens of a new generation of global musicians.

🌀 The IWXO Show is a podcast for music entrepreneurs, musicians, and agents , exploring creativity, purpose, and the stories behind the songs.

Episode Title: Fox Haynes: From Sweet Spine to Synth Horizons

Description:

Fox Haynes, former frontman of Sweet Spine, joins us to talk about his transition into solo work and the release of his latest track “Mattress.” The song opens with an indie rock feel reminiscent of Atlas Genius before shifting into a more synth heavy direction, layered, dynamic, and subtly experimental with nods to LANY. It’s a fresh take that taps into the energy of late 2000s nostalgia through a modern lens.

We also talk touring with Sawyer Hill, long drives through winter roads, and the quiet in between moments like 3am bus rides and making the most of limited gear. Whether it’s recording vocals through a webcam mic or finding creative workarounds, Fox shares how constraints can become part of the process, not a setback.

A conversation about change, process, and pushing forward with whatever tools you’ve got.

In this lively and heartfelt episode, we sit down with DÕUBLE IDENTITY— the dynamic twin duo from Illinois, Arden and Courtney Kurhayez — to dive into their musical journey, from childhood drum lessons to commanding the stage with their electric sound.

We talk about the origins of the band (yes, it started with a gifted drum set at age five), why Arden picked up a guitar "for some reason" (maybe Hannah Montana?), and the moment they realized it was time to create something all their own. From their early cover band days to writing empowering originals like "Your Anything", the twins share funny stories, deep reflections, and what it's like to sound exactly the same on mic (good luck guessing who’s who).

✨ Plus:

• ​What it’s like to be in a band with your sibling
• ​How they named their bassist “Starburst”
• ​Why they dropped the “Band” from their name
• ​And the evolution from covers to creating music that actually says something

Season 1 Finale: Dylan Lloyd — A Life Shaped by Music, Identity, and the Streets of Chicago

In the powerful final episode of Season 1, we sit down with Dylan Lloyd, a multi-talented artist whose journey is as raw and real as it gets. Dylan takes us back to his roots on the South Side of Chicago - a place where survival meant more than just street smarts. Growing up bi-racial in the heart of the city, his identity became a powerful thread woven into his music, influencing everything from his writing to his unique sound.

But Dylan's story is more than just about music. It’s about resilience, about finding your voice in a world that doesn’t always make room for you. With a major publishing deal under his belt and a record deal to match, Dylan reflects on his unconventional childhood. He didn’t grow up like most kids — no playing outside with friends, no typical childhood games. Instead, he spent countless hours inside, learning to play music by ear, with the sound of a church bell ringing outside his window, a constant reminder of the challenges and beauty of his surroundings.

From working with major publishers to crafting songs that blur the line between genres, Dylan opens up about how his music became his escape, his language, and ultimately, his calling. He shares the lessons learned from living with a baby grand piano in his home and how the streets of Chicago shaped his sound in ways words can’t always capture.

This isn’t just another episode about success; it’s about finding meaning in the struggle, connecting with your deeper self, and creating from a place of truth.

Don't miss the season finale. Tune in now.

Leading with Love and Positivity: Staybarii Talks Chicago, Kanye, and Protecting Your Energy.

Artist Staybarii spills his journey, influences, and the driving forces behind his music. Barii opens up about the powerful significance of his name and how it serves as a daily reminder to lead with love and positivity, no matter the obstacles.

We explore his Chicago roots, discussing the impact of local legends like Derrick Rose and Kanye West, who’ve shaped Staybarii’s mindset and approach to both music and life. Staybarii shares personal experience having the chance to get recognized by music legends, offering a rare glimpse into what it’s like to learn from one of the most iconic figures in music.

The conversation indulges in the importance of protecting your energy a key principle Staybarii believes in for staying grounded and focused. He also emphasizes the significance of surrounding yourself with the right team, highlighting the invaluable role that music engineers and other key music reps play in an artist's success.

Join us on The IWXO Show as we sit down with the incredibly talented Lake Drive to discuss their creative journey, personal growth, and the moments that have shaped their music. In this episode, we talk about their changing creative process, how they find inspiration from both within and the world around them, and the turning points that impacted their approach to music. They share how they push through creative blocks, the moment they know a song is ready for release, and the balance between staying true to their art and considering outside expectations.

Vulnerability is at the heart of their music, and we discuss how they balance personal expression with their public image. We also cover their views on success, unforgettable moments of feeling in sync with their music, and how the silence and space between notes add to their sound. With influences from other art forms like film and visual art, Lake Drive provides insight into the inspirations that fuel their creativity. Wrapping up, they share some of the life lessons music has taught them. Don’t miss this thoughtful and engaging conversation that offers a closer look into the artistry behind some of your favorite songs.

In this episode, we sit down with an artist who’s not only making waves in the music world but also balancing an incredible career as a firefighter, reality TV star, and motorcycle enthusiast.

We dive into the heart of firefighting as our guest shares behind-the-scenes stories from the second-largest wildfire in California history, the Dixie Fire. Having been a firefighter for over seven years, they offer insights into the challenges of the job that most people don’t see.

Next, we explore his time on reality TV, including The Bachelorette and Bachelor in Paradise. We discuss how those experiences have shaped their life and get the scoop on their upcoming show, Not Famous.

Music fans won’t want to miss our chat about their exciting collaboration with Vanderpump Rules star James Kennedy on the track "Down to Ride" and the journey from their first single in 2018 to their recent pop-punk releases. We also dive into the stories behind standout tracks like "Same Old Psyche" and "Six Feet Deep."

We take a trip to Bali as they share their recent experiences exploring the island, its customs, and must-visit locations. And for motorcycle enthusiasts, we discuss what it’s like riding a bike in LA.

From firefighting to music and reality TV, this episode is packed with fascinating stories, including how they manage to juggle so many passions and stay grounded through it all.