Frequently Asked Questions
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We offer a range of solutions designed to meet your needs—whether you're just getting started or scaling something bigger. Everything is tailored to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.
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Getting started is simple. Reach out through our contact form or schedule a call—we’ll walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.
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We combine a thoughtful, human-centered approach with clear communication and reliable results. It’s not just what we do—it’s how we do it that sets us apart.
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.
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We offer flexible pricing based on project type and complexity. After an initial conversation, we’ll provide a transparent quote with no hidden costs.
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Collaborative, honest, and straightforward. We're here to guide the process, bring ideas to the table, and keep things moving.
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Sideman is where I work one-on-one with music creatives on the business side of their careers: artist development, A&R direction, and the decisions that come before and after a release. I started it in 2008. The name comes from the sideman, the player who makes everyone else on stage sound better. That's the job.
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I've spent nearly three decades in A&R, artist development, and music business. That includes ten years as an A&R executive at EMI Gospel (now Motown Gospel), and work on more than 200 major-label projects with artists like CeCe Winans, Donald Lawrence, Tye Tribbett, Travis Greene, Kierra Sheard, Aaron Neville, and the Backstreet Boys. Those projects have earned 18 GRAMMY recognitions, 26 Billboard No. 1s, and 13 RIAA certifications. I'm also Education Director of Audio Arts at Full Sail University.
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Artists, songwriters, producers, and managers who are serious about building a career, not just a moment. Most of my clients are independent or in between deals. Some are just starting to take music seriously; others have had real success and want a clearer plan for what comes next.
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No. A lot of my label career was in gospel, but I've worked across pop, R&B, and adult contemporary too. Every genre is welcome. The things that hold artists back (unclear identity, weak business setup, no real plan) look about the same everywhere.
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No one can honestly promise that, and you should be wary of anyone who does. What I can do is show you what labels, publishers, and partners actually look for, and help you close the gaps. Talent gets you noticed. Readiness gets you signed.
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It's the framework behind everything I offer. It's built on the Five Pillars of Artist Development: Craft, Identity, Business, Relationships, and Career. The tools, assessments, and sessions all map back to those five areas, so whether you buy a $19 workbook or book a Career Diagnostic, you're working inside the same system.
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A&R Readiness Scorecard ($19): a full assessment of where your career stands today.
90-Day Artist Development Plan ($29): turns your priorities into a 90-day plan you can actually follow.
Artist Development System ($99): all eight tools in one package, including the Scorecard, the 90-Day Plan, and the Industry Readiness Checklist.
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If you're early on or just want a clear picture, start with the Scorecard. If you already know what needs work and want structure, get the 90-Day Plan. If you want everything and plan to work through it over time, the Artist Development System is the better value.
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Instant download after checkout. If something doesn't arrive, contact me and I'll sort it out.
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VAM stands for Virtual Artist Mentor. It's how I work with artists directly, one-on-one.
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Music Feedback ($150): send me your music and get honest, specific A&R feedback in writing.
VAM 1-on-1 Session ($350): a live session to work through your questions, your plan, or a decision you're facing.
Career Diagnostic ($750): a full review of your career across all five pillars, delivered as a written Career Diagnostic Report.
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If you mainly want an honest opinion on your songs, start with Music Feedback. If you have specific questions and want to talk them through, book a 1-on-1. If you want a full 360-degree look at all you have going on and tell you how to level up from there, the Career Diagnostic is the one.
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You fill out a detailed intake form and send your music and materials. I review everything and send back your Career Diagnostic Report within 14 days. It covers where you're strong, where you're exposed, and the order to tackle things in.
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Yes. Through Sideman Professional Services, I handle A&R direction, project management, production administration, and song or album mixing and mastering. I do this work alongside a small group of trusted colleagues I've worked with for years.
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Every project is different, so these are quoted individually. Reach out with what you're working on, your timeline, and your budget, and we'll talk through scope.
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VAM Sessions are typically via Zoom. You'll get the details as soon as you book.
If you are local to the Orlando, FL area and would like to do your session in person, let’s discuss.
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Come with your questions written down and links to the music you want to discuss. If you've already done the Scorecard, bring your results. We'll get much further.
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Contact me via email by replying to your session confirmation email.
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No refunds. However, if you have concerns, please contact me to discuss.
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Absolutely. Anything you send me stays between us and is used only for your session or project. If you authorize sending your music to another party (industry connection, etc), I cannot be held responsible for what happens after leaving my possession.
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Yes, through DreamLAUNCH, my general career coaching service. It covers resumes, interview prep, college planning, and career strategy for any field.
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I developed that course based on my experience of working with music creatives over the past 30 years. The course provides an intimate look into what A&Rs look for and how the record company machine works to develop artists. The services offered via Sideman are a great complement to the course by providing access to proven and trusted resources to help you apply what you’ve learned, to your specific situation.
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I'd be happy to. Contact me using the button above.
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Send it through the contact page and I'll get back to you.
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