Joshua David Thayer: From Sideman to Solo Artist

In this episode of Second Verse, host Becky Boyland chats with Joshua David Thayer, a seasoned bassist from Northampton, Massachusetts. After spending decades in supporting roles for various bands, the sudden loss of his father in 2023 inspired Josh to step into the spotlight as a solo artist at age 50. They discuss the creative process, using grief as a catalyst, and the importance of finishing projects over striving for perfection. Josh's journey is a testament to trusting the process and letting the material guide you to create honest and impactful work. Listen in as Josh shares his unique approach to music creation and the challenges of being an independent artist in 2025.

https://youtu.be/1CMNvWBdM9s

Connect with Joshua David Thayer:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/joshuadavidthayer/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/joshuadavidthayer/
• Bandcamp: https://joshuadavidthayer.bandcamp.com/
• YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JoshuaDavidThayer
• Website: www.joshuadavidthayer.com

Mentioned in the episode:

• Subvert: https://subvert.fm/
• Rick Rubin's "The Creative Act: A Way of Being": https://sites.prh.com/thecreativeact
• David Bowie Cut-Up Method: https://www.openculture.com/2019/05/how-david-bowie-used-william-s-burroughs-cut-up-method-to-write-his-unforgettable-lyrics.html

Sponsors:

• Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprint
• Singing / Straw: https://secondverse.com/singingstraw (affiliate link, 10% coupon auto-applied, or use code “secondverse”)

Featured Song:

• ”We Won’t Relent” by Joshua David Thayer, written by Joshua David Thayer. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Teaser: Joshua David Thayer Interview
• 00:28 Introduction to the Episode
• 02:09 Welcoming Joshua David Thayer & Music Beginnings
• 03:26 High School Band to Rock Band
• 06:51 Early Success and Opportunities
• 11:25 Transition to a "Traditional" Career
• 18:19 FEATURING: Attitude Creativity
• 19:40 FEATURING: Singing / Straw
• 20:38 Rediscovering Music After Loss
• 24:10 Josh's Unique Creative Process
• 35:49 When Is the Music Ready?
• 40:57 Challenges and Rewards of Modern Music Creation
• 47:35 Current Projects and Future Plans
• 55:31 How to Support Josh's Music
• 57:35 Coda
• 59:36 Featured Song: "We Won't Relent" by Joshua David Thayer

Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time!

• Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now!

Building Confidence Through Small Steps: Insights from Second Verse Podcast

In this episode of Second Verse, host Becky Boyland emphasizes the importance of building confidence through small steps. She shares personal experiences, including a transformative songwriting retreat in Scotland. Becky highlights how taking minor actions can snowball into greater self-assurance. Featuring stories from past guests like Ben Kintisch, Kelly Hastings, Greig Watts, and Chris Evans, she illustrates how simple, consistent efforts can lead to significant progress in music careers. Becky also addresses common confidence busters, such as comparison and perfectionism, and provides practical micro habits for artists. Download her 'Creative Momentum Map' to help boost your creative journey.

https://youtu.be/YwuJLT61-zg

Download the Creative Momentum Map: 7 Small Actions to Reignite Your Music:

• https://secondversepod.com/confidence

Connect with Becky Boyland:

• https://beckyboyland.com
• https://instagram.com/beckyboyland
• https://tiktok.com/beckyboyland
• https://facebook.com/beckyboylandmusic
• https://www.youtube.com/@beckyboyland

Sponsors:

• Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprint

Featured Song:

• ”You Got Me” by Becky Boyland, written by Becky Joleen Boyland and Christina Ann Casella. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity
• 01:19 Why Small Steps Matter
• 03:31 The Confidence-Action Loop
• 07:04 The Power of Small, Consistent Steps
• 08:59 Overcoming Resistance and Perfectionism
• 12:33 Building a Confidence Ecosystem
• 14:43 Coda
• 15:46 Featured Song: "You Got Me" by Becky Boyland

Songs from the Podcast Playlist:

• Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285

Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)

The Power of Collaboration for Indie Artists

In this episode of Second Verse, host Becky Boyland explores the transformative power of collaboration for indie musicians. She breaks down why working together is crucial, not just in co-writing or production, but also in building community and maintaining accountability. Becky shares her own experiences and provides a step-by-step guide on how to find and foster successful creative partnerships. The episode concludes with her top six benefits of collaborating, emphasizing the importance of community and shared growth in achieving musical success. Tune in to hear inspiring stories and get practical tips to enhance your music journey.

https://youtu.be/6t-Pftkfo6w

Connect with Becky Boyland:

• https://beckyboyland.com
• https://instagram.com/beckyboyland
• https://tiktok.com/beckyboyland
• https://facebook.com/beckyboylandmusic
• https://www.youtube.com/@beckyboyland

Sponsor:

• Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprint

Featured Song:

• ”Ticket” by Becky Boyland, written by Becky Joleen Boyland. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity
• 01:19 Episode Introduction
• 03:14 The Myth of the "Solo Genius"
• 05:03 Finding Your Collaborative Match
• 07:46 Building Trust and Creative Chemistry
• 10:53 Collaboration Beyond the Studio
• 13:20  Top 6 Benefits of Collaborating as an Indie Music Artist
• 15:04 Coda
• 16:01 Featured Song: "Ticket" by Becky Boyland

Songs from the Podcast Playlist:

• Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285

Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link

Building Your Creative Ecosystem: Nurturing Sustainable Artistry for Indie Musicians

In this episode of Second Verse, hosted by Becky Boyland, indie music artists are guided on how to create and nurture a creative ecosystem that supports sustainable artistry. Sponsored by Attitude Creativity, the episode covers the importance of establishing an effective website and brand messaging. Becky emphasizes moving from clarity about one's artistic message to building a supportive environment that fosters growth. Key components include creative spaces, people, systems, and sustainability. Listeners are encouraged to develop intentional creative zones, build supportive circles, utilize structured systems, and prioritize rest in their creative journeys.

https://youtu.be/1ja7IxIw9hU

Connect with Becky Boyland:

• https://beckyboyland.com
• https://instagram.com/beckyboyland
• https://tiktok.com/beckyboyland
• https://facebook.com/beckyboylandmusic

Sponsors:

• Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprint

Featured Song:

• ”Waiting for Wisdom” by Becky Boyland, written by Becky Boyland & Sharon Vaughn. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity
• 01:19 Episode Introduction
• 02:03 Why Artists Need Creative Ecosystems
• 04:42 The Four Components of a Creative Ecosystem
• 16:25 Why a Creative Ecosystem Matters
• 18:09 Coda
• 19:34 Featured Song: "Waiting for Wisdom”

Featured Music Playlist:

• Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285

Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link

Clarify Your Message as an Indie Artist: Practical Steps for Success

This episode of Second Verse, sponsored by Attitude Creativity, delves into the importance of clarity for indie music artists. The host discusses how having a clear message can help artists stand out and connect with their audience, emphasizing the need for consistent brand messaging across their website and social platforms. She offers three practical steps to craft a clear message: defining a one-liner that captures the essence of their music, testing it with friends for authenticity, and consistently applying it across all platforms. The episode concludes with the host's encouraging song, “Running on Empty,” which celebrates those who support us in our lives.

https://youtu.be/g0LtDFLgEbc

Connect with Becky Boyland:

• https://beckyboyland.com
• https://instagram.com/beckyboyland
• https://tiktok.com/beckyboyland
• https://facebook.com/beckyboylandmusic

Sponsors:

• Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprintFeatured Song:
• ”Running on Empty” by Becky Boyland, written by Becky Joleen Boyland. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 S2E6 How to Clarify Your Message as an Artist
• 01:19 Becky's Welcome & Introduction
• 03:05 Why Clarity Matters
• 05:00 Common Mistakes Artists Make
• 07:33 The Three Elements of an Artist Message
• 14:00 Coda
• 16:13 Three Practical Next Steps
• 17:46 Featured Song: "Running on Empty" by Becky Boyland

Songs from the Second Verse Podcast Playlist:

• Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285

Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)

https://youtu.be/snCA8bN_M5A

Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: Embracing Your Creative Journey

In this episode of Second Verse, host Becky Boyland explores the impacts of imposter syndrome on indie music artists and the ways it hinders their creative journeys. Becky shares her personal stories and insights from interviews with fellow artists to shed light on the pervasive nature of doubt as they navigate their second act in music. The episode delves into mindset challenges, offering three practical shifts: reframing fear, finding connection over comparison, and rooting identity in story, not stats. Becky emphasizes the importance of embracing one's authenticity and pushing through self-doubt to share one's art with the world. Tune in for actionable insights, motivational anecdotes, and strategies to overcome creative fears.

Connect with Becky Boyland:

• https://beckyboyland.com
• https://instagram.com/beckyboyland
• https://tiktok.com/beckyboyland
• https://facebook.com/beckyboylandmusic

Sponsors:

• Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprint

Featured Song:

• ”Washed Away” by Becky Boyland, written by Becky Boyland & Rick Molloy. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Related Episodes:

• Rick Molloy: https://youtu.be/AVowKYaPprU
• Bob Strachan: https://youtu.be/-YO_REsMHRs
• Greig Watts: https://youtu.be/jqO8KXZ9LUQ
• Bree Noble: https://youtu.be/vMHK04GMNpk
• Benjamin Kintisch: https://youtu.be/tJKaNe4EFDc
• Kelly Hastings: https://youtu.be/sth9eXvXbdM

Timestamps:

• 00:00 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity
• 01:19 Episode Intro: Imposter Syndrome
• 02:45 Why We Feel Like Imposters
• 06:15 How Imposter Syndrome Shows Up for Creatives
• 08:06 Three Shifts that Help You Push Through
• 13:44 Coda
• 15:14 Featured Song: "Washed Away" by Becky Boyland

Songs from the Second Verse Podcast Playlist:

• Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285

Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)

https://youtu.be/o1OxfMM-rIc

Crafting a Musical Journey: Steven McDonald's Return to Songwriting

In this episode of Second Verse, host Becky welcomes songwriter and lawyer Steven McDonald from Edinburgh, Scotland. They explore his musical journey, starting from his early influences in a musically rich family to his pandemic-driven return to songwriting. Steven shares insights on balancing his legal career with his music passion, the significance of physical music formats, and the value of perseverance. With his debut album Songs About Love, Steven illustrates how meaningful music can be created in life's second act. The conversation emphasizes the importance of pursuing passions without regrets, fostering a supportive community, and the diverse avenues available for indie artists.

Connect with Steven McDonald:

https://linktr.ee/stevenmcdonaldhttps://www.tallboyperformingarts.co.uk/https://instagram.com/tallboyperformingartshttps://shop.lastnightfromglasgow.com/products/steven-mcdonald-songs-about-love-lp-cd-dl-pre-orderSponsors:

Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprint

Singing / Straw: https://secondverse.com/singingstraw (affiliate link, 10% coupon auto-applied, or use code “secondverse”)

Featured Song:

”Songs About Love” by Steven McDonald, written by Steven McDonald. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Timestamps:

00:00 Teaser: Steven McDonald Interview

02:03 Welcoming Steven McDonald

02:11 Early Musical Influences

03:44 Transition to Law and Return to Music

04:18 Songwriting During the Pandemic

07:25 Current Projects and Album Promotion

09:23 The Vinyl and CD Resurgence

16:43 Musical Influences and Mentorship

19:23 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity

20:44 SPONSOR: Singing / Straw

21:41 Balancing Music and Law

37:34 Advice for Aspiring Musicians

41:28 Conclusion and How to Support

43:42 Coda

45:26 Featured Song: "Songs About Love" by Steven McDonald

Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)

https://youtu.be/vMHK04GMNpk

Rediscovering Dreams: Bree Noble's Journey from Finance to Music Entrepreneurship

In this episode of Second Verse, host Becky Boyland interviews Bree Noble, a singer-songwriter who transitioned from being a finance director at an opera company to founding Women of Substance Radio. Bree shares her experience of pivoting from a corporate career to pursuing her passion for music, emphasizing the importance of confidence, community, and treating art as a business. She discusses how she managed to sustain her music career through strategic planning and leveraging connections, while also offering valuable advice for artists looking to reignite their musical dreams. This episode provides inspiring insights into balancing responsibility with passion and the power of mentorship and community in achieving artistic goals.

Connect with Bree:

• https://profitablemusician.com
• https://instagram.com/profitablemusicianllc
• https://www.wosradio.com/

Sponsors:

• Attitude Creativity: https://attitudecreativity.com/blueprint
• Singing / Straw: https://secondverse.com/singingstraw (affiliate link, 10% coupon auto-applied, or use code “secondverse”)

Featured Song:

• ”Healing Waters” by Bree Noble, written by Bree Noble. Used with permission. All rights reserved.

Timestamps:

• 00:00 Interview Teaser
• 00:29 Introduction
• 01:55 Welcome and Early Love for Music
• 02:30 High School Choir and Musical Journey
• 03:40 College and Discovering a Passion for Business
• 06:40 Balancing Music and a Practical Career
• 10:33 Transition to Finance and Opera Company Experience
• 14:02 Health Challenges and Life Changes
• 16:55 Building a Music Career and Forming a Band
• 22:18 Launching Women of Substance
• 26:05 Discovering the Power of Speaking in Music Programs
• 26:49 The Evolution of Keynote Concerts
• 29:22 Adapting to Changes in the Music Industry
• 30:28 Building a Music Career as an Independent Artist
• 33:00 SPONSOR: Attitude Creativity
• 34:21 SPONSOR: Singing / Straw
• 35:19 The Importance of Community and Mentorship
• 43:06 Balancing Multiple Roles and Responsibilities
• 45:35 Encouragement for Aspiring Musicians
• 51:03 Connecting and Learning with Profitable Musician Show
• 52:34 Coda
• 54:31 Featured Song: "Healing Waters" by Bree Noble

Songs from the Podcast Playlist:

• Stream all the released music from Second Verse any time! Add the official Songs from the Second Verse Podcast playlist to your Spotify now! https://open.spotify.com/playlist/5lPUAY9uBYVVg9fmy03Bj3?si=5211c2db80334285

Starting your own podcast? Sign up with Captivate to host your show today! https://fas.st/t/ZHbLxEpe (affiliate link)