Episode 011 // Fred LeBlanc, drummer/lead vocalist of Cowboy Mouth, on the heartdea13r Podcast with chr1stoph3r g0nda
Summary:
- Fred LeBlanc discusses Cowboy Mouth, community over fame, live energy, and the music business.
👀 What you’ll hear
- Turn a fan base into a community you actively participate in, not just cater to
- Reverse-engineer festival slots using live chaos, wireless mic runs, and crowd ignition strategies
- Transform setbacks and label politics into fuel by doubling down on live recordings that capture truth
- Protect mental energy by rejecting worry and practising disciplined positivity during tough touring seasons
- Self-manage bookings until the right agent arrives, be cool with everyone, and keep hustling
- Build longevity by loving the work, embracing misfits, and treating performance as community service
🕰️ Chapters
00:00 Welcome, New Orleans roots, and what’s real vs TV
05:14 From backline to frontman: the singer-drummer path
08:02 Born deaf, vibration, and the green garbage can origin
11:57 Early bands, Dash Rip Rock, and the EMI solo deal
18:00 Major-label grind vs fun and choosing joy
24:58 MCA politics and the “Jenny Says” live single strategy
27:25 Festival tactics: wireless mic runs and morning-slot shock therapy
32:22 Fan base vs community: participation over catering
38:20 Recording philosophy: studio vs live and serving the song
46:00 Onstage inspiration: Norman Vincent Peale and joy of living
49:19 Positivity with honesty: life’s hard, your energy matters
55:28 Career advice: hustle, be cool, and self-manage until an agent
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