We are proud to see DIME Head of Drums & Live Music Content, Eric "Rain Man" Gaston on stage living the dream and being an example of hard work to us all. Gaston is the touring drummer for R&B/Soul legend Charlie Wilson, formerly of The Gap Band. Charlie Wilson performed his latest single "Forever Valentine" on Jimmy Kimmel Live with Rain Man on the drums. Watch the full performance below!
Instructor Spotlight: Brad Russell
Bassist Brad Russell prides himself on being a musician that can adapt to multiple genres and styles. His experiences in the music industry range from Rock to Musical Theatre. Arguably, the bass does not receive as much shine as other instruments but Brad brings a specific showmanship and presence whenever he performs. Dive into his Instructor Spotlight interview below!
Tell us about your background; how did you get started working in the music industry? What inspired you to work in music?
I was inspired to start playing music by my family. My older brothers were professional musicians by the time they were teenagers also my father was a drummer & bass player and my mother was and is a great appreciator of music ( she actually saw Charlie Parker, the Beatles and Elvis live!!). My instructor as a teenager was Max Janowsky from the Detroit Symphony Orchestra and he was such a great teacher he inspired me to teach later in life.
What do you do when you’re not working at DIME?
I’m involved in doing some of the things my students aspire to do such as, playing gigs, recording, endorsing brand name music products etc., so I’m able to share with them exactly what it’s like being a professional musician.
What is your favorite class to teach at DIME?
I enjoy teaching at DIME. It’s a perfect school for me to teach, allowing me to share my knowledge in a variety of styles of music.
What has been your proudest moment as a DIME Instructor?
One of the proudest moments so far at DIME is hearing my students be able to successfully apply some of the bass lines or concepts I’ve shown them in musical performance. I’ve seen my students start to be able to connect some of the music theory I’ve taught them to bass lines in a “real world “ sense of application.
Who are your biggest musical inspirations?
Everyone from Bach to Stanley Clarke to Eddie Van Halen to Jazz bass great Ray Brown and my family of course, my older brothers & father all played music professionally.
What are you listening to right now? Do you have any recommendations we should check out?
Animals as Leaders are cool and Jazz Fusion bassist - Janek Gwizdala.
7 Tips from DIME: Successful Incoming Students Complete These On Time!
Student Show & Open House: Friday, December 13th
Our Student Show comes around only twice a year! Featuring performances of original and cover songs from the next generation of Detroit musicians, artists, and songwriters - our talented students have studied, rehearsed, auditioned, and rehearsed some more to prepare - come show your support!
We will also be opening our doors early for a New Student Mixer & Open House, welcoming our incoming Spring/Fall 2020 students as well as musicians, songwriters, and entrepreneurs that may be interested in joining us for a future semester. We will have staff and student representatives on hand to answer any questions about the programs, financial aid, scholarships, and more.
RSVP on Facebook, here.
If you have questions about the event please contact us!
Local Mic Night presented by GRiZ featuring Great Lakes Coffee Brewing Co.
DIME students compete in Motown Museum Competition
Student Spotlight: Chris “Kaz” Kaszuba (Drums)
Student Spotlight: Year 2 Songwriting Student Julia Furlong
From the moment Julia Furlong (professionally known as J. Donahey) stepped into DIME Detroit she had a plan to make the most out of her college experience. As a 2nd year Commercial Songwriting student Julia has kickstarted our newest student-led club and booked a performance spot with the notable and intimate Sofar Sounds. In preparation for her performance at Live & Lyrical: A Songwriter Showcase on Friday, October 11th we asked her a few questions about her background and how she landed in Downtown Detroit.
What is your background and music education? What brought you to DIME?
I am a singer/songwriter from Ann Arbor. After high school in I went to a university to become a Special Education teacher. Although I am passionate about Special Education, I felt drawn to pursue music and transferred out of the university because it was no longer a fit for me. In 2017, I started developing myself as J. Donahey, performing around the Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti area. After attending community college for a few semesters, I stumbled upon DIME through an Instagram advertisement. I wanted to pursue a music education but didn’t see myself in a traditional university setting, DIME was exactly what I was looking for, it was quite serendipitous.
Who are some of your influences?
The answer to this question changes weekly, like many people I go through phases of being obsessed with different artists and bands. Ultimately, I’m inspired by Amy Winehouse, Etta James, Janis Joplin, Joni Mitchell, and Alabama Shakes. Lately I’ve been listening to Sheryl Crow’s self titled album, The Ronettes, and Dolly Parton’s My Tennessee Mountain Home.
What can we expect to see from you at Live and Lyrical Showcase?
It’s going to be me and an acoustic guitar. Having an acoustic accompaniment allows my voice and lyrics to shine. Also I’ll be performing in a trio with my favorite cowriters Violet and Julia!
Credit: Donatella Photography
You often perform your original music as J. Donahey, what has been your experience as an Independent artist?
Being an independent artist is one of the most challenging, yet rewarding, experiences of my life. It’s difficult living in an instant gratification society, you see people going viral and this twisted idea of “making it.” Not to shame artists who have gained their platform like that, but it’s easy to become jaded when you put so much passion and hard work into projects and performances and don’t see immediate results. Building my name from the ground up, I’ve learned patience and the art of trusting the process.
The most rewarding aspect of being an independent artist has been creating my own network and community. I seek to collaborate with likeminded people of all genres who are truly about their craft. I’m friends with my collaborators, and we’re all rooting for each other in our different endeavors. I have done many things for myself, by myself, but at the end of the day I wouldn’t be where I am without all the friends, family and creatives in my corner. Taking the competitive comparison culture out of my art has done wonders for me as a musician and an overall person. I’m growing every day, and I get to witness my friends flourish in their passions. It’s been the most gratifying experience; I could never imagine myself doing anything different in this moment.
How has DIME impacted your songwriting?
Before coming to DIME I considered myself a good songwriter. Being here has challenged me to go outside my comfort zone doing cowrites and writing for all kinds of genres and different perspectives. Now I look at my old stuff and question what I was thinking! Not only have my lyrics improved, but my understanding of music in general has expanded further than I imagined. And I feel I’ve only just entered the rabbit hole!
Any gigs outside of DIME coming up?
Yes! I’ll be performing for Sofar Sounds – Ann Arbor on October 17th.
Credit: Donatella Photography
Where do you see yourself after graduation?
These type of questions always rack my brain because if you asked me 2 years ago where I would be today I would never have guessed where I am currently. But I’ve always felt at home in the studio. I see myself writing and recording my own material, collaborating with other artists and producers, and travelling. Doing what I’m doing now but on a grander scale. Lately I’ve been into music coordination for television and movies too. Who knows where life will take me?
You recently led the first-ever meeting of the DIME Detroit Songwriter’s Circle. How was the experience of facilitating a song workshopping group? What do you see in the future of the Songwriter’s Circle?
Honestly, I was floored by how many people not only showed up, but created a positive, supportive, encouraging environment. I did the logistics, set the date and time, I didn’t even feel as though I was leading it because everything was so mutual. Right now, we are in the process of sharing our originals round robin style and opening the floor for observations and advice. But as we develop, I would love to introduce prompts, cowrites, collaboration, and eventually set up some small performances.
What advice would you give someone considering DIME Detroit?
DIME is a unique experience, we are in the beginning stages of building our legacy in the academic world and the music industry. Here, your voice is not only heard, but valued.
Make sure to catch Julia at the Live & Lyrical Showcase on Friday, October 11th with special guest Emma Guzman, 2019 TIDAL Unplugged Grant Recipient! More information can be found on the Facebook Event Page.
Our next semester begins on January 21st, 2020. Start your application for a Bachelors program in Guitar, Bass, Drums, Vocals, Songwriting or Music Industry Studies today!
No time to study for a full-time degree? Study individual classes for credit at DIME
If you’re interested in in finding out more about DIME Detroit, contact info@dime-detroit.com or check out the homepage: www.dime-detroit.com
Open House: Saturday, October 19th 1-3pm
DIME Detroit’s Open House is a great opportunity to meet our instructors, staff, students, and industry-professional faculty! We will also have live performances from current students, raffle giveaways, as well as onsite admissions representatives to help you with your application and answer questions about our audition process.
Stay tuned, we will be announcing special guests and performers throughout the coming weeks on our website and social media!
DIME Detroit Open House
Saturday, October 19th, 1-3pm
1265 Griswold, Detroit, MI 48226
If you have any questions, please contact us at 313-223-1600 or email info@dime-detroit.com
Instructor Spotlight: Stephanie Belcher
This week’s featured instructor is Stephanie Belcher. Stephanie has managed artists’ street teams, aided musicians who were negotiating contracts, worked venues and festivals, and taught artists how to get their music reviewed, promoted online, written about in magazines, and streaming online. Learn about how our Head of Music Industry Studies started out as a high school journalist writing stories about the Cleveland music scene!
What inspired you to be involved in the music industry?
I come from a musical family and it’s always been a huge part of my life. My entire paternal family belonged to a big Hungarian band, accordion and all. Each of my 6 uncles played an instrument, and everyone sings. My maternal great-grandmother was a classical pianist, so at my grandmother’s request I started taking piano lessons when I was young. I was a member of my church choir and when I joined my high school newspaper, I started covering local rock bands who played out. Writing about music became my goal, and I intended to be a journalist, but in college I found that I wasn’t challenged by a journalism program and I ended up majoring in Telecommunications, with a focus on Media Management. I learned how to program TV and radio stations, marketing, business, and more. During college, I booked shows for our campus activities committee, and this lead me into my career.
What was your first opportunity in the music industry, how has it shaped you today?
In Cleveland, where I grew up, there’s a large battle of the bands competition called The High School Rock Off. At the time, the concert happened at the Odeon, but now, it happens at the Rock Hall. In 1998, two bands from my high school, Trinity, were competing, so I covered their journey in the Features section of our high school newspaper. Local news picked it up, and I started getting paid by the community paper to cover the local music industry. It was here, at the age of 16, that I realized how important music is to local communities.
What do you like about teaching at DIME?
My favorite part is interacting directly with students. I learn as much from them as they do from me. I appreciate their fresh perspectives on culture and human nature, as well as music. Every year on the first day of class, all my students and I have a listening party, where we each pick a track or two to play for the class. The only rule is that you have to listen respectfully. It’s a great ice breaker, especially for a new cohort, and the students tell me that they have made great friends in my class because they quickly found someone with similar music tastes.
What kind of growth have you seen in your students here?
My students know that I am insistent upon them to use their voices. My assessments are usually spoken presentations; I like to make people talk to me. This upcoming fall semester will be my 5th new cohort, and I am proud of how loud my students are becoming. Students who before didn’t know how are now speaking up for themselves and making sure they’re being heard. I’m equally proud of how they are shaping Detroit. All my students are out in the community, taking part in activities and organizations, creating events and concerts. They’re hard workers and they’re doing great.
What kind of things are you involved in outside of DIME that filter back into the classroom?
In my day job, I do taxes, so I see deep inside a business’s structure. Taxes are the government’s way of incentivizing economic decisions, so I tend to see business trends far in advance of when they actually become mainstream. For example, I’m signed up to take an accounting continuing education course about Cryptocurrency and how it will be taxed. For some people, using Bitcoin every day might seem light years away. But in the tax industry, the more people that earn money from a source, the more attention the IRS pays to it. These are the kinds of issues that affect businesses, so since I have access to education about these topics early, I am able to teach my students early, and together we create innovations that seem ahead of their time to the mainstream. I attend thought leadership conferences on issues like this, trying to shape policy and influence decision making. My students are part of that.
What’s one of your proudest moments thus far as a teacher here at DIME?
I’m always blown away by the end of the year student show. The energy in the room is incredible. Everyone’s friends and family are there, dressed up nicely. It’s the end of term, all things are good, we’re ready to flex a little. That’s when I feel the most proud.
Which bands/artists did you enjoy working with throughout your career?
One of my first marketing projects back in the year 2000 was John Mayer’s first solo EP, distributed by Aware Records. I was an Aware rep, and we received 2 discs for free and we could buy more of them at a discount and re-sell at a markup. I hung posters at the student union, played the disc for my friends, made mixes – all before social media and right at the beginning of Napster’s huge rise. I remember using Kazaa to download live John Mayer shows as marketing tools. It was a great learning experience, trying to figure out how to convince someone that a person’s music matters. I’m currently working with a few emerging artists from Michigan. I love The Accidentals, a folk trio from Traverse City, and The Go Rounds, and Michigander, both indie bands from Kalamazoo. On the jazz side, I really enjoy working with Estar Cohen, Travis Aukerman, Galen Bundy, and Heavy Color.
