Nanseera: Artist Identity, Culture, and Belonging

Readiness for Music College or the Industry

Meet our guests: Dr. Christine Gangelhoff Free Artistic Readiness Self-Assessment for Young Musicians [https://preview.mailerlite.io/forms/586448/183050873735218522/share] SoundPath Consulting [https://www.mysoundpath.com/] Dr. Alaina Johnson Parenting Talent [https://parentingtalent.com/] (resources) And your host, Melissa Mulligan Music Career Mastermind  [https://www.mastermindroad.com/] Mel on IG  [https://www.instagram.com/music_career_mastermind?igsh=MW4yeG02NTYzZHo%3D&utm_source=qr]

Social Media Misery: This Ends Now

100% of music makers that I polled reported that social media is making them miserable. This is by design, because social platforms are built like casinos, not careers. Social media was meant to deepen relationships, not create fans out of strangers. Virality isn’t a strategy. It’s a slot machine. And once someone follows you, there’s a good chance they won’t even see your work. There is a better way to use this. Let's dive in!

Nanseera: Artist Identity, Culture, and Belonging

In this episode, Melissa sits down with recording artist and songwriter Nanseera for a thoughtful conversation about artist identity, culture, and what it means to find a sense of belonging in the music industry. Nanseera shares how growing up across Uganda, Ethiopia, and the United States, and now building her career in Nashville, has shaped the way she approaches music and creative spaces. As a multicultural, genre-blending artist, she reflects on what it feels like to walk into different rooms that don’t always know where to place you. Melissa and Nanseera also explore a concept Melissa often teaches her artists: evolving beyond the word genre. Instead of trying to fit into a category, artists can learn to state clearly who they are and what they create, which often expands creative possibilities rather than limiting them. The conversation also turns into some real-time coaching around music release strategy and touring, as Nanseera prepares for her upcoming shows. Toward the end of the episode, Nanseera speaks candidly about her process of rediscovering her artistic voice after graduating from music school, and what she describes as healing “art scars.” She also shares thoughtful advice for younger artists navigating the transition from school into the real world of music.

Going Viral vs Musical Empowerment: With Robin Tucker

This is a true story. Robin Tucker is a gifted vocalist, songwriter, and producer, and someone I’ve had the joy of coaching for the last 2 years. Here's what happened in that time:  Robin... - Went viral - Received harmful DMs and online abuse - Considered quitting social media forever (relatable) - Evolved his musical identity - Developed a music career road map that doesn't rely on an algorithm - Built an amazingly dedicated fan base - Is a featured artist on a Grammy nominated album for 2026! In this deeply inspiring conversation, Robin and I walk through how we worked together to live through the viral fall-out, build a real fanbase, and create something more grounded and sustainable. Robin also opened up to me about his years at a (very popular) music college, the parts that helped him grow, and the parts that left him untangling a lot of mixed messages about identity, genre, and what a young artist is “supposed” to create. He talks about how hard it was to be told, again and again, to make commercial pop music instead of exploring what made him unique. And he shares what changed when he finally began following his own voice. This is a conversation about resilience, craft, identity, and the steady work of becoming who you are. Robin is thoughtful, open, and incredibly talented, and I think you’ll feel that from the moment he starts talking.

Cheryl B. Engelhardt, 2026 Grammy Nominee, on Community and Creativity

My friend and colleague Cheryl B. Engelhardt  is nominated for a Grammy this year for Best New Age, Ambient, or Chant Album! According to the Moon is beautiful from top to bottom, especially if you love music that makes space for reflection and breath. We talk about the path that brought Cheryl here, including her first Grammy nomination when she became the first person ever to record an entire album on a transcontinental train using only a laptop and a small MIDI keyboard. Cheryl shares what she learned from that experience and why this new nomination feels different, softer, and more communal. One of the highlights is our shared admiration for my student Robin Tucker, who is a featured vocalist on one of the tracks. Cheryl introduced me to Robin (a longtime collaborator of hers) at her Amplify retreat for career musicians, and it is a joy to see the work recognized in this way. We also dig into what draws Cheryl to this genre, how the new age landscape is shifting, the creative decisions behind According to the Moon, and what it means to her to share this moment with her collaborators. As always, it is deeply grounding to walk beside Cheryl in this journey. I love all of our conversations and I'm grateful we get to share this one with you! If you’re a music maker, a collaborator, or someone who just loves hearing artists talk about the real process behind their work, this one is a good hang :)