In this episode of Do That Music Thing, host Christopher Foust sits down with Amy Kline, co-founder of The Parking Pad, to pull back the curtain on the often overlooked world of show promotion. From grassroots house concerts to large-scale community events, Amy shares her extensive knowledge on what it really takes to put on a successful show—and how artists can best engage with promoters to land better gigs.

The Parking Pad began in 2021 as an intimate house concert series in Dormont, PA, and has quickly evolved into a vital part of the South Pittsburgh music scene. With concerts hosted at social clubs, parks, theaters, and their home base at 1516 Hillsdale Avenue, The Parking Pad is building a growing network of artists and community-driven venues. Amy brings over two decades of experience in arts and box office management, which she uses to fuel the project's continued growth alongside co-founder and engineer Stefan Flower, who handles production and technical direction.

This episode is packed with real-world advice for bands, solo artists, and promoters alike—from crafting effective pitches and understanding the business side of booking, to the power of community-based music scenes.

About the Host:
Christopher Foust is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer, and the founder of 1840 Music Group. On Do That Music Thing, he offers up honest conversations and practical strategies to help musicians build lasting careers in today’s industry.

🎧 Whether you’re trying to book your first gig or take your live shows to the next level, this episode will give you the tools to do that music thing right.

In this episode of Do That Music Thing, host Christopher Foust sits down with Anthony DeChristo, the creative force behind Art Over Algorithm, to discuss the evolving landscape of social media and content creation in the music industry. Anthony shares insights into building a sustainable music career by prioritizing authentic storytelling over fleeting trends.

A key focus of their conversation is the launch of the AOA Collective—a private, artist-driven community designed to provide musicians with practical tools, strategic guidance, and genuine support. Members gain access to weekly growth strategies, branding assistance, custom guides, and a network of like-minded artists, all within a dedicated Discord server. This initiative emphasizes the importance of community and intentional content in achieving long-term success.

Explore the AOA Collective: ⁠artoveralgorithm.com/collective⁠

Whether you're just starting out or looking to deepen your connection with your audience, this episode offers valuable perspectives on navigating the digital music landscape with purpose and authenticity.

About the Host:

Christopher Foust is a multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, songwriter, and producer, as well as the founder of 1840 Music Group. Through Do That Music Thing, he provides musicians and industry professionals with actionable insights to grow their careers and connect more deeply with their audiences.

More about 1840 Music Group: https://1840music.com/

More about Christopher Foust: https://christopherfoust.com/

This episode is sponsored by Chris Keaton

We all know the music business ain't easy but it IS simple!  Learn exactly how simple making a plan can be from THE CONNECTOR Chris Keaton.  This award winning songplugger, management consultant, Recording Academy and North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Member can help you move the needle on your career. Email ⁠chris@chriskeaton.com⁠ or visit his website ⁠www.chriskeaton.com⁠ for more information.

About The Episode

On this episode of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, Chris Foust chats with Jim Ivins. Jim is the lead singer and guitarist in the rock band The Ivins. He is also the founder and producer of the incredibly successfull Nashville 90's tribute show, Grunge Night. They talk about Jim's crazy travels through the music industry, touring internationally, and the importance of community and networking as it applies to making it in the music business.

About The Ivins:

Charging into a rejuvenated rock n’ roll cultural landscape comes Nashville’s The Ivins. Led by vocalist/guitarist Jim Ivins and drummer Jack Ivins, the band have been electrifying Music City audiences with towering riffs, a pummeling rhythm section, sugar-sweet melodies and introspective lyrics since the release of their 2017 debut album, The Code Duello. Along with bassist Regan Akers and lead guitarist Hatton Taylor, the band followed The Code Duello with the hypnotic, Eastern-influenced commentary on societal indecision, 2018’s “Certain,” an atmospheric, rock n’ roll reimagining of Halsey’s “Graveyard” in 2019 and later, in 2020 and 2021, a trilogy of singles composed in quarantine - the stadium-ready “Composure,” the early 2000’s angsty love of “Bloom” and the modern, bouncy alt of “Don’t.”

The band's sophomore album, 2021's Conditions, expands on Duello's sonic palette; the heavy songs are heavier, the poppy songs are poppier, with new artistic ground broken in the middle. A brutally honest affair, Conditions examines modern anxiety and life's big changes that come in your thirties, brought out by Jim Ivins heading alone to a one-room cabin in the Tennessee wilderness to write the album's lyrics.

With stylistic touch-points ranging from Stereophonics to Biffy Clyro to Nothing But Thieves to Silversun Pickups, The Ivins are prepared to take their adventurous sound into the future.

On this episode of the Do That Music Thing Podcast. Chris interviews the DownTown Mystic, aka American rocker Robert Allen, and Chris Keaton on making it as an independent artist. Theuy discuss always saying 'yes' to opportunity, how to utilize your back catalogue, and how synch licensing can be a game changer.

ABOUT ROBERT ALLEN:

DownTown Mystic, aka American rocker Robert Allen, cut his teeth as a recording artist and hired gun for bands playing around NYC - observing crowds from the stage at CBGBs, The Bitter End, Lone Star Cafe, The Fast Lane and The Stone Pony. It was a steady diet of Beatles, Stones and the acoustic influence of CSNY that sharpened his songwriting wits. But It wasn’t until 1996 when he set his sights on a solo career. Allen’s success in the sync licensing industry has been somewhat unparalleled for an indie solo artist with over 240 TV shows and film placements. This exposure, along with airplay on over 5000 radio stations in 44 countries  and getting name checked by outlets like American Songwriter, gave Allen’s second career wind real wings. His now nine LP catalog includes DownTown Mystic On E Street which features Max Weinberg & Garry Tallent from Bruce Springsteen’s E Street Band.

ABOUT CHRIS KEATON:

Chris Keaton Presents is a full service management consulting and publishing services company with offices in Nashville and Roanoke VA.  Primary, Chris Keaton (THE CONNECTOR), has pitched songs which resulted in millions of record sales including Brooks and Dunn - Building Bridges, Lonestar - Let's Be Us Again among others. Also multiple film and tv placements.  CKP also offers consulting and artist development services.  Keaton is a 30 year voting member of the Recording Academy and a 2016 Inductee, North Carolina Music Hall of Fame.  He is also an author (DAPPER) and charter member of Macy's Style Crew.

Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, was able to catch up with the incredibly busy and delightful Neil Mason to discuss the formation of War Buddha Records, the importance of long-term relationships in the music industry, and authenticity in the creation process and songwriting. Neil Mason is the powerhouse drummer behind one of the best country and southern rock groups on the charts today, The Cadillac Three. He is also the head-guy over at Badlands Management, working with artists such as Ray Fulcher, Austin Jenckes, Holden James, and Jive Talk. Most recently, he is the co-founder (along with The Cadillac Three front man Jaren Johnston) of the wave-making record label War Buddha Records.

Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g

Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, catches up with THE CONNECTOR Chris Keaton. Chris is a Nashville-based entertainment industry executive, award winning music publisher, artist management consultant and a 2016 Inductee in the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame. In this episode they talk songwriting, the importance of song plugging, and how building a team of connectors can change turn the tide in your music career.

Learn more about Chris Keaton here: http://chriskeaton.com/

Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g

Christopher Foust, Nashville based songwriter, producer, and host of the Do That Music Thing Podcast, had a wonderful conversation with Philadelphia based country music artist and songwriter Matt Freedman. Christopher and Matt discussed Freedman's journey from college athlete to musician, making it in 'country music' without being in Nashville, and great strategies on making your co-writing and writing sessions more creative and productive.

About Matt Freedman:

Before opening and supporting major country acts like Miranda Lambert, Brantley Gilbert, Brett Young, Chris Young and other country legends, Singer/Songwriter Matt Freedman was playing the Bucks County PA circuit. Freedman is 20 year music industry veteran who’s style ranges from big rock anthems to soulful rootsy ballads. A former HS and Collegiate quarterback, Freedman was on the rise until a career ending knee injury pushed him into music. In his early twenties, Freedman grew up playing in rock and acoustic acts throughout PA, NJ, Delaware and NYC. Today, Freedman and his band The HERD is fresh off of their 2022 National American Sun Tour, highlighting Nashville's CMA Fest and other iconic venues. His first single "Good Love" was picked up and spun by over 90 country radio stations and has received almost 1 million streams. He recently signed with 3MA in Nashville, TN as an artist and songwriter.

Freedman blends acoustic country drawing roots from the likes of Chris Stapleton, Eric Church and Zac Brown, mixed with today’s modern country like Dustin Lynch and Thomas Rhett. His first radio single “Good Love” caught fire with several of Spotify’s top country playlists like Wild Country, Next from Nashville and New Country Friday.

A seasoned writer who goes deep into personal experiences about family life, nostalgic views about being an athlete growing up, and marries scenic imagery with big stadium anthems.

Intro and outro music: 'Leaving' by FOUST | Listen here: https://open.spotify.com/album/44tXVJqJtaHLrDer4HlUOV?si=oMrOdx7qSm6GZjiHLwQT7g