Ross Valory, Journey founding member

After accepting the top honor at the Billboard Touring Awards for “Legends of Live”, I was able to speak with Ross Valory for a brief moment to get his advice for musicians.

Ross Valory is Journey’s noted bass player. He and Neal Schon, who also accepted the Billboard award, are the only original members of the band still performing with the group. Ross Valory also played for The Vu, The Storm, Frumious Bandersnatch and the Steve Miller Band.
Watch Interview

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.
Watch Interview

R.I.P. Steve Jobs

By now, I’m sure that you already know that one of the most important and influential men in our lifetime has passed away. He had been battling pancreatic cancer since 2004. The world will miss him. Musicians will miss him.

There’s no doubt that without Apple, and the brilliance of Steve Jobs, the music industry would be completely different; We can create great music with Logic Studio on our Mac Pros, sell it on iTunes and then listen to it on our iPod. Might as well make a few calls on our iPhone and tell people to buy it. Obviously, this scenario illustrates a very true life that many of us live thanks to the legacy of Steve Jobs.

R.I.P. Steve
Watch Interview

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.
Watch Interview

Brian Tyler, Writing Music for Fast Five

Brian Tyler talks about writing music for the summer blockbuster, Fast Five.
Watch Interview

George “Spanky” McCurdy, Lady Gaga


George “Spanky” McCurdy started playing the drums at a young age in church. By the age of 13, he was known for his unique and innovative style of drumming.

He has played with an impressive roster of artists including Lady Gaga, Kanye West, Tye Tribbett, Diddy, Jill Scott, Justin Timberlake, and Ciara.
Watch Interview

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.
Watch Interview

John Legend’s Musicians Jam

John Legend’s Rashid Willams and Eugene Roberts jam for about 15 minutes after a rehearsal
Watch Interview

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.

Watch Interview

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.
Watch Interview