Amplifier Community Connections

Amplifier Community Connections

Amplifier is a free, artist development program equipping creatives with knowledge about the music & entertainment fields. In each episode, industry professionals give advice and answer audience questions. Powered by Radio Milwaukee, Amplifier is recorded live and hosted by Grammy-nominated producer, writer & engineer Chad "C-Note" Roper. Executive Producer: Kim Shine, HYFIN

Episodes

March 24, 2025 46 mins
🎙️ In this episode of Amplifier, Chad "C-Note" Roper sits down with DirectConnectMKE specialist Jason Thompson to explore how the City of Milwaukee is transforming workforce and development programs through innovation and opportunity. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on community empowerment and the future of work in Milwaukee. 

Amplifier is filmed and recorded in front of a live audience at the Radio Milwaukee studios in Milw...
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In this episode of Amplifier, Director Chad "C-Note" Roper leads a conversation with 5x Grammy Award-Winning Producer Paul "PDA" Allen, one-half of the iconic production team PAJAM. 

PDA has collaborated with some of the biggest names in the music industry, including Beyoncé, Justin Timberlake, Backstreet Boys, J Moss, Karen Clark-Sheard, James Fortune and Kirk Franklin.

In this podcast, PDA shares insights from his remarkable career...
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    September 29, 2024 79 mins
    Amplifier Director Chad "C-Note" Roper sits down with the star of Showtime's Hit Series "The Chi" Jacob Latimore. The Milwaukee native is one of the leading young actors of today's time.

    He started his career as a singer on Jive records at the age of 12. Now, he's at the top of the acting game. The two discuss his experience in the industry, his transition from singing to acting and more.

    Amplifier is filmed and recorded in front of ...
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    Milwaukee Bucks minority owner Dr. Valerie Daniels-Carter sits down with Chad ‘C-Note’ Roper for Amplifier - "The Art of Business".

    Dr. Daniels-Carter is one of the most pre-eminent business leaders in the country. In addition to the Bucks, she is a board member of the NFL Green Bay Packers and was the first African American female chair of the Automobile Association of America (AAA). She also built an orphanage in Kenya, East Afric...
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    June 30, 2024 89 mins
    Grammy-nominated producer, and Milwaukee native, Bizness Boi sits down with Chad ‘C-Note’ Roper for Amplifier - "The Art of Production".

    He's worked with some of the biggest artists w/ credits alongside Rihanna, Summer Walker, Elton John, J. Cole and more. Based in L.A., the producer/songwriter talks about his method behind producing, the importance of relationship building and success in the music business.
     
    Amplifier is filmed and ...
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    Licensed Professional Counselor Cedric Dale Hoard, (MS, LPC) joins Chad ‘C-Note’ Roper for Amplifier to encourage creatives, and all individuals, to take care of their mental health.

    Beyond his therapeutic endeavors, Hoard is a speaker, father, husband and poet. On his podcast, The Therapist's Desk, he delves into meaningful conversations on mental health, faith, personal development and other topics.

    Amplifier is filmed and recorded...
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    Finance expert Lamont Smith joins Chad ‘C-Note’ Roper for Amplifier to talk business and financial literacy.

    Smith is a titan in financial literacy, an acclaimed author, and the acclaimed Worldwide Finance Award winner for Best Business Credit & Financial Solutions in Wisconsin! His mission? To empower YOU with the capital and credit to chase your dreams and to offer life-altering advice on credit repair.

    Amplifier is filmed and ...
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    A very special guest joins Chad ‘C-Note’ Roper for this premiere episode of Amplifier. In collaboration with Grace Weber's Music Lab (GWML), Chad and GWML Coordinator B~Free sit down with renowned recording and mixing engineer Marcella Araica.

    Since the early 2000s, beginning with her days at Miami's Hit Factory, Araica has helped pop and R&B stars reframe their sound. The Grammy-winning engineer has collaborated with artists as...
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    December 25, 2023 56 mins
    Amplifier Director & Host Chad ‘C-Note’ Roper sits down with songwriter, producer and preacher Marcus McFarlin. He discusses his journey to success, entering the music industry, writing and producing for other artists and how leaning on his faith helps him stay humbled and focused. McFarlin was a member of the Amplifier cohort in 2021. Since then, he’s been on the road in the hit stage play ‘Hood Book’ with gospel legend Fred H...
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    Amplifier host Chad Roper sits down with Atlanta-based attorney Mario Breedlove. Breedlove specializes in several areas including Business & Commercial Litigation. In this episode, the two talk about law and the entertainment industry: contracts, deals with publishing companies and more. This episode was recorded live in June 2023.

    Amplifier is filmed and recorded in front of a live audience at the Radio Milwaukee studios in Mil...
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    Amplifier host Chad Roper sits down with multi-faceted musician, singer & producer Shonn Hinton. The Milwaukee native has worked with countless artists, including touring as a guitarist/musician for Mary J. Blige, John Legend and Jay-Z. He's also ventured out as a solo artist.

    In this episode, Hinton talks about the art of live performance, production and what makes a song evoke true emotion. This episode was recorded live in Ap...
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    Amplifier host Chad Roper sits down with Carla Nealy, owner Perspectives Counseling and Clinical Consultation Agency, LLC. In this episode, the two talk about mental wellness and different ways to protect yourself and your peace. This episode was recorded live in May 2023.

    Amplifier is filmed and recorded in front of a live audience at the Radio Milwaukee studios in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. For more information, visit the Amplifier web...
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    August 18, 2023 75 mins
    Amplifier host Chad Roper sits down with artist, producer & songwriter BWM Kenny. Known for creating the viral #wipeitdown challenge, he’s also worked on tracks for Rihanna, Justin Bieber, One Chance and Brandy. In this episode, BMW Kenny talks with Roper about patience, developing your talent, advocating for credit on productions and working on Rihanna’s song ‘Skin’ ('Loud', 2010). This episode was recorded live in July 2023.

    A...
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    In this episode of Amplifier, Chad ‘C-Note’ Roper sits down 'Credit King' Will Roundtree. Roundtree is a financial strategist, motivational speaker and author of books "Full Time CEO" and "Credit is King".

    The two discuss Roundtree's upbringing in Milwaukee, Wisconsin and how he went from being homeless to becoming an established credit repair and financial expert. He also gives listeners key messages and advice on: being a 'student...
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    In this episode of Amplifier, Chad ‘C-Note’ Roper sits down with highly respected, industry veteran Vincent Searcy. He’s an entertainment executive and entrepreneur based in Atlanta. Searcy is founder of Crown World Entertainment, a full-service company specializing in music, TV & film, catalog acquisition and publishing. He’s worked with notables as Rico Love and Usher, and helped guide the careers of artists as Milwaukee’s ow...
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    In this episode of Amplifier, Chad ‘C-Note’ Roper talks with singer & songwriter Tiyon “TC” Christian. The two friends talk about TC’s start in Atlanta transitioning from recording covers to songwriting.

    He’s worked with classic producers as Rodney Jerkins, and done records for artists as Brandy, Backstreet Boys, Justin Bieber. He gives advice on getting placements, negotiating contracts (splits, recouping publishing) and the bu...
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    March 1, 2023 70 mins
    "You can't manifest anything if your mind isn't on point."

    Having control over your mental health is critical for success in any industry, including music and entertainment. Chad 'C-Note' Roper sits down with four Milwaukee-area counseling and crisis experts to discuss ways to strengthen your mental health and stay motivated. The panelists also explore the signs of depression and offer ways to overcome it and get help.

    Panelists
    • L...
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    March 1, 2023 65 mins
    In this episode of Amplifier, Chad 'C-Note' Roper sits down with reknowned film director, videographer and Milwaukee native Philly Fly Boy. Philly has worked with artists as T.I., Jadakiss, Kevin Gates and Sean Kingston.

    Philly details his journey from the beginning: unpaid gigs, falling forward, getting creative and staying consistent. For independent artists, he gives advice on navigating low-to-no paying opportunities, building a...
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    In this episode of Amplifier, Chad ‘C-Note’ Roper sits down with marketing and branding expert Carmen Esteves. She has more than 17 years of experience as a Film & TV award-winning, multi-platform production and commercial creative expert.

    Esteves talks about how to diversify and market your brand, developing partnerships and content creation. Through her company, Esteves Creative Group, she assists clients with their digital &a...
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    March 1, 2023 97 mins
    Amplifier host Chad Roper sits down with Grammy-award winning songwriter, singer and producer, Rico Love. He's known for creating hit records with artists as Beyonce ("Sweet Dreams"), Usher ("Throwback", "There Goes My Baby") and Kelly Rowland. He's also been featured on tracks as a solo artist and has mentored countless others in the industry.

    In this episode, Love talks about the art of songwriting, understanding royalties and th...
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