Derrick Hodge on sustaining a music career

“In the long run, life, Karma, & God has a way of bringing great opportunities to you if you present yourself as worthy,” says bassist, composer, producer and Maxwell Music Director, Derrick Hodge.

As we sit in his Los Angeles home, we speak about his life, experiences, and he also shares invaluable information about what it takes to sustain a career as a musician. He also tells us about his upcoming album, “Live Today”, featuring Chris “Daddy” Dave, Common, and more.
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Brian Tyler, Film Composer

Brian Tyler is a composer of over 50 films and recent winner of four BMI Film/TV Awards for his work on The Expendables, Fast Five, Battle LA, and Hawaii Five-0. He has composed and conducted the scores for “Eagle Eye“ for producer Steven Spielberg, the box office hit “Fast and Furious,” “The Expendables” and “Rambo” directed by Sylvester Stallone, “Law Abiding Citizen” starring Jamie Foxx and Gerard Butler, the Keanu Reeves thriller “Constantine,” the epic science fiction film “Battle Los Angeles” and “Fast Five.”

In this interview, Brian talks about his beginnings in music and in the industry. He also shares invaluable business and creative advice to those aspiring to be successful writing music for movies and television.
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Fat Joe’s advice to up-and-coming recording artists

Joseph Cartagena (August 19, 1970), better known by his stage name Fat Joe, is an American rapper, CEO of Terror Squad Entertainment, and member of musical groups D.I.T.C. and Terror Squad.

Fat Joe’s first album was Represent, released in 1993, followed by Jealous One’s Envy in 1995. From 1998 to 2006, he was signed to Atlantic Records, releasing four albums under the label, Don Cartagena in 1998, Jealous Ones Still Envy (J.O.S.E.) in 2001, Loyalty in 2002, and All or Nothing in 2005.
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The Suga Mamas: Beyonce’s All-Girl Band

If you’ve been to a Beyonce concert within the past few years or have seen her perform live on TV, you’ve most likely noticed the lovely ladies behind the instruments, locking down the groove. These ladies would be the Suga Mamas, Beyonce’s all-girl band.

We were fortunate to catch up with a few of them while they were in Philadelphia during their US tour. Marcie Chapa, percussionist, Kim Thompson, drummer, Tia Fuller, sax, and keyboardist, Brittani Washington spoke with us about everything from their experiences growing up to the importance of networking and their advice for your music career.

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John Legend’s Horn Section

On the day before America’s birthday at the Art Museum steps in Philadelphia, John Legend does a soundcheck and rehearsal for one of America’s biggest Independent’s Day celebrations. OnTheGig was able to catch up with Allen Arthur, Clayton Riley and Stephen Tirpak for some words about making it music.
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Brian Fraiser-Moore, Drummer (Madonna, Janet Jackson)


One of the most successful drummers in the industry, playing with everyone from Usher and Christina Aguilera, to the Backstreet Boys, Madonna and Janet Jackson, Brian Fraisier-Moore is one of those musicians who continues to not only entertain arenas full of audiences, but also inspire a world of musicians.

We were able to catch up with Brian at his Philadelphia home and chat about getting gigs, keeping them and everything in between.
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