This week, I'm joined by Malik Roberts, also know as, Top Shelf Leek.In this episode, Malik and I talk about his music career and the importance of his early musical influences. We get into how he taught himself how to make music - a skill that’s actually harder than it seems and how 2020 was a turning point where he discovered he could turn his passion into a lucrative career.
Later, he shares his experience on the evolving landscape of the industry, the business of music producing, the need for a respectful and safe environment in the industry, particularly for women, and advice for aspiring producers navigating their careers.
As always, don't forget to subscribe to the podcast and follow us on Instagram @ABrightIdeaPodcast for behind-the-scenes content and updates. And if you're enjoying the show, leave us a review—it really helps spread the word. Let’s get into this episode!
Sponsors:
Chosen Advisory Group: https://www.northwesternmutual.com/financial/advisor/bilal-afolabi/
Resources:
To work with TopShelfLeek, you can follow him on Instagram @TopShelfLeek
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to the Podcast and Guest
02:05 Malik's Musical Journey Begins
06:20 The Formation of HOH and Early Influences
11:09 Transitioning from Art to Music Production
15:22 Self-Taught Music Production Techniques
19:34 Turning Passion into a Lucrative Career
21:58 Opportunities in the Music Industry Beyond Performance
24:13 The Creative Process in Music Production
28:19 Overcoming Creative Blocks
30:23 Memorable Collaborations and Professional Growth
31:57 The Value of Passion Over Training
32:36 Adapting to Different Artist Personalities
34:04 Trends in the Music Industry
37:33 The Role of Women in Hip Hop
41:33 Navigating the Music Business
43:47 Challenges and Misconceptions in Music Production
46:36 Advice for Aspiring Producers
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