Most artists say they want a real career.
Very few are willing to live the life that actually creates one.

Rogan May spent seven years fighting wildfires and jumping out of planes into burning forests before fully committing to music — and somehow that still might be the least interesting part of his story.

This is a conversation about what it actually takes to build a life in music when there are no shortcuts, no guarantees, and no clear path. The years of figuring things out in real time. The moments where identity shifts without you fully noticing it yet.

We get into songwriting, discipline, learning your voice, and what it feels like to slowly move from “trying to be an artist” into actually becoming one. There’s talk about independence, collaboration, and the people and environments that quietly shape the work over time.

If you care about music beyond just releasing it — this one will sit with you for a while.

LINKS:

Podcast Website Page

Follow Rogan Mei

Most producers try to fit into a lane.

This episode is about what happens when you don’t.

Dawson breaks down how he went from not playing a single instrument in high school to building a career off his ear — not theory, not technique, just knowing what feels right and pushing songs in that direction. We get into the real path: failed internships, terrible early beats, learning on the fly, and saying yes to whatever work was in front of him.

We also dig into:

• Why “fix it in the mix” is a trap (and what actually matters instead)
• The balance between technical skill and instinct
• Recording vocals that are basically mixed before you touch a fader
• Nashville vs. everywhere else — and how to actually get in rooms
• AI, and why it’s not the threat people think it is

If you’re trying to get better, get work, or just make songs that actually hit — this one matters.

LINKS:

DAWSON on INSTAGRAM

Universal Audio (Apollo & Volt Interfaces, Sphere DLX Mic, Etc)

Follow CARV

Big Red sits down with Francesca Panetta for an honest conversation about what it actually takes to build a lasting music career as an independent artist. They talk about creative direction, trusting your instincts, and navigating the gap between making music and making a life from it.

Follow along Francesca's Journey:

https://thesinginghippie.com/