S2-Episode 20 - Music Production Secrets - Teach, Lead, and Inspire: Teaching to Students Who Have Given Up On Learning

This transcript features Dr. Jordan Smith and Jordan III, discussing a range of topics from personal technology and teaching experiences to detailed insights into music production, book publishing, and a new venture aimed at tackling student loan debt. The core theme revolves around building a "generational wealth machine" through various entrepreneurial endeavors and mentorship.

Here's a breakdown of the key points:

I. Podcast Introduction & Personal Anecdotes:

The podcast, "Two Generations, One Mission," features a Marine Corps dad (Dr. Jordan Smith) and his Army veteran son (Jordan III) discussing life, legacy, and leadership.
Initial conversation includes lighthearted discussions about iPhone models (titanium vs. aluminum cases), the surprising number of photos stored on phones (Dr. Smith with 13,000, Jordan III with 3,000), and the benefits of a teacher's schedule (long holidays and summer breaks) which Dr. Smith valued while raising his children.

II. Music Production Insights:

Journey to Original Music: Dr. Smith initially used karaoke tracks for singing but realized the legal complexities and costs associated with licensing cover songs.
Legal & Licensing:
- ASCAP: Essential for live performances of cover songs and receiving royalties for original renditions.
- Cover Song Licenses (e.g., Harry Fox Agency/Songbank): Required to legally record and distribute another artist's song, ensuring the original creators receive their cut.
Critique of Cover Songs: Jordan III humorously criticizes Taylor Swift's cover of Earth, Wind & Fire's "September," calling it the "audible epitome of putting raisins in potato salad."
Finding Original Material: Dr. Smith moved to platforms like Rocket Songs, where composers sell unpicked-up songs from major artists, often allowing for exclusive rights.
AI Music Production:
- Discovered an AI music app (rhymes with "Juno") that allows for creating original songs.
- Learned to use the software by going through tutorials, leveraging his experience with AI and his vocal range.
- The app allows for crafting lyrics, adding musical elements (e.g., John Legend-style piano intro), and manipulating song structure (verse, chorus, bridge) which alters the accompanying music.
- It allows users to extend song length and split instrumental and vocal tracks.
- Cost Efficiency: A one-year license for the AI app was significantly cheaper ($200) than the $200-300 per song Dr. Smith previously paid for production.
Distribution Process: Dr. Smith uses platforms like "Landar" to upload and distribute his songs. He self-masters tracks using equipment and software like WavePad (for noise reduction and dynamic compression) before uploading.
Goals: Market songs on all streaming networks (Apple Music, Spotify, Amazon Music) to generate streams and income. His song "The Student Loan Trap" (registered with ASCAP and ISRC code) is an example.

III. Book Publishing & "Shattered Chains":

ChatGPT as an Assistant: Dr. Smith utilized ChatGPT (which he has trained over two and a half years with his writing style and existing books) to go from initial concept to a published book in seven days.
"Shattered Chains": A book about student loan debt, specifically focusing on teachers and veterans, and the idea of young people realizing the long-term debt burden.