Inside The Artist With Rachel Korman

Rachel talks to recording artist Olivia Grace about her move to LA from NY and her single, Higher Ground. Olivia discusses themes of what her music is about by sharing personal experiences and explains how writing is therapeutic to process the rollercoaster of emotions. Olivia also shares what makes her feel most in her element and what her goals are as an artist."If I can make somebody feel connected to through my music, that's one of the most important things" she says.

Rachel talks to actress, host and author Kimberley Crossman on this new episode. Kim discusses her experience working as an actress getting her start on the soap opera Shortland Street, her hosting job for The Project New Zealand and of course we discuss all things Power Rangers Samurai. Kim talks about her book, Love YOU, which she jokes she wrote “back when she knew everything.” She discusses the importance of writing down goals and how she balances all her jobs stating that no day is the same. “That feeling of keep chasing it to me just feels the most like home, the most exciting. I was chasing a feeling. I guess I’m still chasing a feeling,” she says.

Rachel talks to singer/songwriter/musician Mike Mayfield about his experience as a session musician turned solo singer/songwriter describing his style as a Joni Mitchell meets Stevie Wonder. "I like music that's full of soul," says the Brighton born artist. Mike shares that though he started as a guitarist, his musicality has always been linked to his singing. He discusses what he's learned working with other artists such as Emeli Sandé, Leona Lewis and Rita Ora and shares what his favorite thing about being an artist is. "Capturing a moment, that's the light that I'm following," he says.

Rachel talks to guitarist & keyboardist Eric Ruscinski about his experience playing with Alessia Cara and how his drive and determination from a young age got him to where he is today. By meeting people in the industry, starting his own band in high school and becoming a music teacher, Eric soon realized his passion was something he could pursue professionally. He shares lessons he's learned from Alessia and discusses the importance of stepping out of your comfort zone. His gratitude shines through saying, "It's nice to just wake up and create things and be able to be any part of something that might exist forever."

Rachel talks to musician talker about her journey as a solo artist, the importance of writing music from an authentic place, and her involvement in the band Frenship. She discusses the importance of forming relationships, struggles with anxiety and how to balance staying true to yourself while maintaining a presence on social media. She says, "You don't have to be something that's already existed, just do you." Her EP Horror Films comes out Feb 22nd, be sure to check it out!

Rachel talks to writers Frank Smith and Matt Hartman about appearing on the new Netflix show, Tidying up with Marie Kondo. They discuss what they learned through their experience with Kondo and how 'tidying up' has helped their creativity and writing. Both Frank and Matt previously worked as assistants in the entertainment industry and they share how that has influenced their careers now and discuss what goals they have for the future. "I've been lucky in that I feel like every job I've had has moved me closer to the goalpost. But to feel like I've worked hard and got something I really wanted, that is a phenomenal feeling because it doesn't always work out that way," Frank says.

Rachel talks to recording artist Desi Valentine about what makes him a unique and grounded artist. He started out in musical theatre on the West End but it wasn't until a stranger approached him asking if he would consider pursuing music that made Desi realize a singing career was for him. He sang back up for Elton John and was even featured on Elton's radio show. Desi's single "Fate Don't Know You" was placed in the Season 6 finale of Suits and became one of the top 50 streamed songs in the world at the time. He says, "Nothing has ever felt the way that singing your own music feels and having people react to it. It's the best feeling in my life."

Rachel talks to singer/songwriter Fraser Churchill on this season premiere of Inside the Artist. Fraser discusses his recent move to Los Angeles, how he wrote a song on Charlie Puth's new album and what it was like to have a one-on-one with Paul McCartney. Coming from a musical family and someone with a passion/drive to create his own opportunities and move across the globe, it's no surprise to see doors opening for this up and coming artist. He says, "You gotta learn the rules, but then you can't forget what got you so into music to begin with and what got you your first few opportunities, and that was just writing."

Rachel talks to singer/songwriter Lauren Ruth Ward about her music, band, and the vision behind her live shows. Lauren talks about her other passion, hairstyling and why she made the decision to move to Los Angeles from her hometown of Baltimore to pursue music. She discusses love, hustle and her goals of creatively evolving from costumes to hair, dance moves, and production ideas. She humbly shares, "I feel great when I'm performing, it feels really natural. I feel a synergy from my band and I just feel lucky to be doing it, truly."

Rachel talks to actor Mateus Ward (Hostages, Murder in the First, Lab Rats) about what it was like growing up with an artistic family and how his love for film inspired him to pursue acting at the young age of 10. Mateus discusses his experience as a child actor and the challenges that came along with working while attending school.He talks about his decision to be home schooled and then eventually taking the CHSPE which allowed him to continue working with out the on-set school requirement. Mateus is now developing and creating projects with his filmmaker father. You can see him in their new film, The Meanest Man in Texas. Regarding his passion for acting, Mateus says, "It's kept me this long cause there's no other world that I fit into."

Rachel talks to photographer/cinematographer Yoni Goldberg about his decision to pursue the arts over becoming a doctor. Yoni discusses how he took photos for fun with his friends while studying at NYU with plans of going to medical school. It wasn't until his senior year internship in the photo department at Cosmopolitan magazine that made Yoni realize he could see himself pursuing photography seriously. After working with various fashion photographers in New York City, Yoni moved to Los Angeles to continue his work in photography while also getting involved in cinematography. He talks about his work on commercials, music videos and films. Yoni says his goal as an artist is to continue shooting narrative stories. He says, "I think a lot about humanity and our future and I really do want to participate in that conversation and I think narrative is the way for me to do it."

Rachel talks to writer Jason Shapiro about his journey as a comedy writer and developing the popular twitter account, Los Feliz Daycare. Having started as a PA on Lost and moving his way up to write on shows such as Betty White's Off Their Rockers, Jason discusses the importance of standing out in your own way. He tells the story of how he started a fake twitter account and anonymously tweeted to writers he was working with as a way to get noticed while showcasing his writing ability. The idea turned into something bigger for Jason and Los Feliz Daycare is now followed by some of the industry's biggest players and has opened the door to more opportunities for Jason. "There is a very linear path at how to do it, but that's gonna happen for 1% of people. You have to also be doing these things on the side to get noticed and those are the things to get you to the next level," Jason says.

Rachel talks to musician/producer Phil Simmonds. Phil discusses being a touring bass player with Jessie J and how a project at University eventually evolved into him starting his own band, Bassment Project. Phil also discusses how the opportunity tobe the Musical Director for Conrad Sewell presented him the chance to move to Los Angeles where he is now living and producing/writing music for himself and other artists. “I think right now the music I’ve been making, especially for myself, is everything I need to say,” Phil says as he plans to release his new record soon!

Rachel talks to Kat Myers and Elliot Beenk from the Los Angeles Rock and Roll Band, Kat Myers & The Buzzards. They discuss their songwriting, life on the road and the challenges that can come with being a female lead singer."You have to enjoy the process and if you're enjoying the process then you're going to be more productive," Kat says as she looks forward to releasing new music this year!

Rachel talks to singer-songwriter folk band, Luci about their strong bond both musically and personally. Ariana, Ashley and McKail discuss how they spontaneously met and equally share a passion for songwriting while each member brings their own strengths to the group. Having been in Nashville recording an album this year, Luci teases new music and shares fun stories about spending time in a new city. "You can take your emotions and let them live outside of you and then connect them to somebody else" Ariana says about the important responsibility and joy they have in making music.

Rachel talks to writer Lisa Rubin about creating the Netflix series, GYPSY. Lisa explains the trajectory of how the show was developed and discusses her intent to create non-conventional stories by pulling from her own experiences. She expresses the want to tell stories that accurately depict women and women's desires. "It's really important to me to represent things the way they are," Lisa says, as she strives to continue writing stories from the female perspective.

Rachel talks to Los Angeles based Indie Rock band Sleeplust. This creative collaboration includes twin brothers, guitarist Michael Pepe and bassist Joseph Pepe, vocalist Amber Ruthe and drummer Sarah Luffred.The band discusses their songwriting process and the importance of staying open to new ideas and collaborating with others. "The most exciting thing is creating something from nothing," they say as the band just signed a publishing deal and are about to release their second EP. Their new single, Burning is available now!

Rachel talks to writer/director/actor Frankie Shaw about her journey creating the Showtime series SMILF and why this is a worthy story for her to tell. "Our show was part of the movement," she says referring to the timeliness of the series premier and how it unintentionally lined up wth the #metoo movement. Frankie talks about how she was initially drawn to the arts in college after taking an acting and photography class. "This is the only thing I really feel I knew that I could do," she says.

Rachel talks to actress Samantha Colley about her experience on the Emmy nominated show, Genius and how she went from dreams of being a vet to developing rhinoceros skin to pursue a career in acting. Sam discusses how she felt bitten by the acting bug but didn't know how one would become an actor. It was once she attended drama school that she became serious about pursuing a professional acting career. "The best lessons are through failure and learning to pick yourself back up", Sam says as she shares how auditioning is such a big part of the job which comes with challenges along with rewards.

Rachel talks to producer, songwriter and keyboardist Hannah V about her experience touring with pop artists such as Rihanna and Jessie J and why she left the touring lifestyle to follow her passion of producing music. "Music is meant to give you hope" Hannah says as she discusses her process in collaborating with artists. She shares a memorable moment playing on stage with Rihanna, but it was her Grandmother being there watching and supporting her is what made it so meaningful. "I'm so much more then just a producer and writer," Hannah says.