Episodes

  • Robert Stevenson: Vocal Coach to Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, Kane Brown, SZA & More – Training Over 1,000 Singers

    Robert Stevenson: Vocal Coach to Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Pharrell Williams, Kane Brown, SZA & More – Training Over 1,000 Singers
    Nov 12 2024
    In this episode of the Can We Talk R&B Podcast, Ian Von welcomes vocal coach and musician Robert "RAab " Stevenson. They discuss Robert's journey from a family of singers to becoming a sought-after vocal coach for stars. Stevenson shares his early experiences in music, the transition from group performances to a solo career, and the impact of the New Jack Swing era. He reflects on the creation of his hit song 'Foreplay' and the formation of the group 9-1-1, as well as the challenges he faced in the music industry and his eventual shift towards songwriting and producing. In this segment of the conversation, RAab discusses the importance of faith during challenging times, the impact of vocal coaching, and his commitment to mentoring the next generation of singers. The conversation emphasizes the significance of spiritual guidance and the role of quality over quantity in artistic development. In this enlightening conversation, Ian Von and Robert Stevenson delve into the profound influence of church on music, the importance of artist development, and the challenges faced by modern artists in the music industry. They discuss the necessity of preparation and coaching for artists, the joy of helping others, and share personal anecdotes about working with diverse talents like Justin Timberlake, Rihanna, Charlie Wilson Pharrell Williams, Kane Brown, Sza and Dave Matthews. The conversation highlights the significance of nurturing vocal skills and the full-circle moments that define a successful coaching career. ✅ LISTEN, FOLLOW, AND RATE 🎙️ Hosted & Created by: Ian Von 🚀 Produced by: Launch Pod Studio 🎥 Shot & Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios 📲 Presented by: Revolt Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 9 mins
  • Miki Howard's Journey Through Music, Struggle, and Resilience

    Miki Howard's Journey Through Music, Struggle, and Resilience
    Oct 29 2024
    In this episode, Miki Howard joins Ian Von to share her remarkable journey in music and the life story that inspired her biopic. Miki opens up about her Gospel upbringing and her experiences growing up alongside elite Gospel musicians. She candidly discusses the challenges she faced, including being taken advantage of by a much older producer during her teenage years, and the impact of being raised by a lesbian mother. Miki reflects on her struggles with signing deals that didn’t pay her fairly for her work, her tumultuous marriages to abusive partners, and how her husband Eddie contributed to her being blackballed from the music industry. She also shares her relationship with Gerald Gevert, her battles with drug abuse, and her emotional reaction to seeing footage of Cassie Ventura being abused by Diddy. Join us for an insightful and powerful conversation! ✅ LISTEN, FOLLOW, AND RATE 🎙️ Hosted & Created by: Ian Von 🚀 Produced by: Launch Pod Studio 🎥 Shot & Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios 📲 Presented by: Revolt Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 30 mins
  • Bongo ByTheWay: From Nigeria to 3X Grammy Winning Producer

    Bongo ByTheWay: From Nigeria to 3X Grammy Winning Producer
    Oct 22 2024
    On this episode, Bongo ByTheWay joins us to share his legendary journey. Born in Nigeria, this multi-instrumentalist received his first placement on a Musiq Soulchild album at just 18, and he hasn’t looked back since. Bongo has collaborated with an impressive roster of artists, including Jazmine Sullivan, H.E.R., The Game, Ty Dolla $ign, Kanye "Ye" West, Chloe Bailey, Teyana Taylor, and many more. With three Grammy wins under his belt, he continues to push boundaries and create incredible music. ✅ LISTEN, FOLLOW, AND RATE 🎙️ Hosted & Created by: Ian Von 🚀 Produced by: Launch Pod Studio 🎥 Shot & Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios 📲 Presented by: Revolt Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    58 mins
  • TA Thomas From Boy Band to Solo Southern Soul Artist

    TA Thomas From Boy Band to Solo Southern Soul Artist
    Oct 15 2024
    TA Thomas joins the show to discuss his upbringing in the Mississippi Delta, his musical influences, and the impact Jackson State University has had on his career. He shares insights about joining the R&B boy band Next Town Down, the reasons behind their breakup, and his recent solo project, “Caught Between 2 Worlds.” He’ll also talk about his exciting new signing with Def Jam. ✅ LISTEN, FOLLOW, AND RATE 🎙️ Hosted & Created by: Ian Von 🚀 Produced by: Launch Pod Studio 🎥 Shot & Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios 📲 Presented by: Revolt Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • R&B Legend Tim Kelley: 600 Million Records Sold, 4 Grammys, and a Timeless Legacy

    R&B Legend Tim Kelley: 600 Million Records Sold, 4 Grammys, and a Timeless Legacy
    Oct 1 2024
    In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome R&B legend Tim Kelley! Tim shares insights into his incredible career, during which he has produced hit songs that have sold over 600 million records, earned four Grammy Awards, and garnered 12 nominations. He recounts fascinating stories behind his work as the legendary duo Tim and Bob, including tracks for Bobby Valentino and the infamous "Thong Song" by Sisqo, along with the legal challenges involving Ricky Martin. Tune in for an inspiring conversation filled with behind-the-scenes tales from the world of R&B! LISTEN, FOLLOW, AND RATE 🎙️ Hosted & Created by: Ian Von 🚀 Produced & Shot by:by: Launch Pod Studio 📲 Presented by: Revolt Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    1 hr and 22 mins
  • 90s R&B Vibes: Donell Jones on His Iconic Debut and the LaFace Legacy

    90s R&B Vibes: Donell Jones on His Iconic Debut and the LaFace Legacy
    Sep 24 2024
    In this episode, we’re thrilled to welcome 90s R&B legend Donell Jones! He shares his early beginnings and influences growing up in Chicago, and his journey through the golden age of R&B music on the LaFace label. Donell opens up about the challenges of being on a label with major talents like Usher, Pink, Toni Braxton, and OutKast, and the patience required as he waited for his moment to shine. He reflects on his iconic debut album, Where I Wanna Be, discussing the extensive work that went into its creation and his hopes for its success. Donell also shares his excitement about new artists sampling his music and the joy it brings him when his work gains renewed popularity plus more. You don't want to miss it! 0:00 - 2:59 Intro 2:59 - 3:20 What made you fall in love with R&B? 3:20 - 3:55 Did you sing in Church? 3:55 - 4:30 How did you get to singing 4:30 - 5:21 What made you want to get into songwriting? 5:31 - 6:37 Being apart of a singing group 6:37 - 7:45 Being signed from singing outside 7:45 - 8:20 Being apart of the untouchables album 8:20 - 9:20 Tell me about being signed with Eddie F 9:20 - 9:55 Being signed solo 9:55 - 11:00 In the hood and knock me off my feet 11:00 - 12:02 Being around the right people 12:02 - 13:10 Did you look at male 90s r&b as competition? 13:10 - 15:20 Where I wanna be 15:20 - 16:02 The first single 16:02 - 16:25 You know wassup 16:25 - 21:47 Deep Dive: Where I Wanna Be 21:47 - 22:26 Do you have a favorite song from that album? 22:26 - 23:21 Do you have any regrets creatively? 23:21 - 24:20 What are your thoughts on where the music business is now? 24:20 - 25:08 Independent artists marketing their music 25:08 - 26:40 How does it feel to have independent but still have a legendary catalog? 26:40 - 27:51 The new generation flipping your music 27:51 - 28:50 Do you have stories of being screwed from publishing? 28:50 - 29:41 Have you ever gotten your heart broken in this business? 29:41 - 30:44 Do you have a team or are you self managed? 30:44 - 31:12 Are your hats apart of your signature style? 31:12 - 31:26 The new style of R&B artists 31:26 - 31:53 Are you mentoring any of the new artist? 31:53 - 32:58 Are you listening to new artists? 32:58 - 34:25 Spotlight being on Male R&B vs Women 34:25 - 35:36 Vulnerability in the R&B Space 35:36 - 36:42 Top 5 R&B Songs 36:42 - 37:60 What’s the last song that inspired you? 37:60 - 40:13 Top R&B Group 40:13 - 40:56 What’s up next for you? 40:56 - 41:35 Karma 41:35 - 43:12 What’s your writing process? 43:12 - 44:30 30 years in the game 44:30 - 44:46 Closing ✅ LISTEN, FOLLOW, AND RATE 🎙️ Hosted & Created by: Ian Von 🚀 Produced by: Launch Pod Studio 🎧 Shot by: Chris Foster Media 🎥 Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios 📲 Presented by: Revolt Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    50 mins
  • The King of Christian R&B

    The King of Christian R&B
    Sep 17 2024
    In this episode, the self-proclaimed "King of Christian R&B," Jor'Dan Armstrong, joins us to discuss his humble beginnings, R&B influences, and his mission to create soulful R&B songs with a Christian message. We'll also delve into his musical inspirations and his two Billboard hits and so much more. 0:00 - 3:15 Intro 3:15 - 6:38 Hearing Jodeci’s music 6:38 - 8:11 What made you want to do this professionally? 8:11 - 9:20 Learning how to produce 9:20 - 10:15 Creating music with different producers 10:15 - 11:54 How were you able to merge Gospel and R&B sounds 11:54 - 12:45 The Gospel groups that are influencing R&B sounds 12:45 - 13:58 What hardships did you face early on 13:58 - 15:00 Moving to Atlanta 15:00 - 16:39 Labels not knowing how to market Christian R&B 16:39 - 17:30 What’s the money looking like as an independent artist 17:30 - 18:30 The market for Christian R&B 18:30 - 20:00 Learning the business side of music 20:00 - 21:28 The importance of discussing the business with Gospel greats 21:28 - 23:54 Being influenced by Kanye 23:54 - 26:39 The Deep Dive: My God 26:39 - 28:38 Choosing to stay independent 28:38 - 31:01 Streaming vs hard copies 31:01 - 34:38 Mount Rushmore in Gospel 34:38 - 37:40 Mount Rushmore R&B Artist 37:40 - 39:38 Michael being compared to others 39:38 - 42:00 Beyoncé’s hard work 42:00 - 44:00 If you could remake a Gospel album 44:00 - 47:32 Respect the Pen: On My Mind 47:32 - 50:20 What do you have coming up? 50:20 - 50:45 Closing ✅ LISTEN, FOLLOW, AND RATE 🎙️ Hosted & Created by: Ian Von 🚀 Produced by: Launch Pod Studio 🎧 Shot by: Chris Foster Media 🎥 Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios 📲 Presented by: Revolt Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    56 mins
  • Sammie’s 25-Year Music Journey, From Child Star to Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success

    Sammie’s 25-Year Music Journey, From Child Star to Overcoming Challenges and Finding Success
    Sep 10 2024
    In this episode, Sammie joins the show to dive deep into his remarkable 25-year career in music. He shares his journey from being discovered at just 10 years old after winning Showtime at the Apollo to becoming a platinum-selling artist at 12. Sammie reflects on his experiences with artist development and his hit collaboration with Soulja Boy on "Kiss Me Through the Phone." He discusses the challenges of his career, including dealing with a business partner who took all his money and his subsequent rebuilding process. Sammie also talks about Troy Taylor's significant influence on his music, how he manages mental setbacks through journaling and physical fitness, and the new artists who inspire him. He reminisces about his performance on the 2020 Millennium Tour and his viral moment on VERZUZ with Pleasure P, Ray J, and Bobby V, which led to the formation of their supergroup, R.S.V.P. ✅ LISTEN, FOLLOW, AND RATE 🎙️ Hosted & Created by: Ian Von 🚀 Produced by: Launch Pod Studio 🎧 Shot by: Chris Foster Media 🎥 Edited by: Lazy Pickle Studios 📲 Presented by: Revolt Podcast Network Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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    54 mins