Music from A to Z

A riff on my thoughts on how to explore a musician’s works, both their written output and also their musical works. Lots of thoughts on books by guitarist Warren Nunes.

Sometimes networking is overcomplicated. This is how I think of it and how it has helped me on my musical journey.

An approach to speeding up mastery, something I’ve done for years even when I was a student in Berklee College of Music.

This is all about doing things over a long period of time and getting results.

In this episode, you will find one this one seemingly super simple secret that many musicians don’t realise (and even underestimate) in their career as a performer.

Updates on what I’ve been up to, why I’ve been listening to songs from my childhood, the process of growing as a musician… and the struggles.

This is for the perfectionists and procrastinators. How do you start a project and how do you handle failure? Listen to find out one way.

Do you ever feel afraid to publish your content? Do you ever feel your gear is not up to par? Listen to this episode for my thoughts on what stops some musicians from putting their work out on the internet.

Some thoughts on what I have seen stop different musicians and artists.

Platforms have changed over the 21 years but what lasts even when social media platforms and trends change? Find out in this episode.

2nd time Altimet and I hosted Malaysian Musicians on CH and boy was it an amazing line up of speakers... the stories!

Success can mean different things to different people. In this episode, you’ll discover some ways that you can look at it.

Talking about my experience—the first week starting new Clubhouse rooms with Altimet (Malaysian Musicians on CH) and Zee Avi (Nada Music)

Update on what I’m currently practicing on guitar and new courses brewing.

A mish mash of different things I’m working on including some exciting bebop exercises I was checking out from jazz guitarist Cecil Alexander.

Talking about my tooth issues and some important marketing and mindset lessons from Steve J Larsen of Sales Funnel Radio

My first thoughts on using Clubhouse app so far. Are you on it?

Sharing some stories about Joshua Wong from the Hong Kong band, noughts and exes. Joshua passed away on 25 December 2020 after battling cancer.

How a Saturday was for me and how the Ed Sheeran course is developing.

About my next Zoom class/mini course and different things I’m working on.

Progress of things today, future plans, content strategy and I’m on the Gumroad University launch page!

Talking about using Figma, a video that got a lot of likes on Facebook and pivoting to a different course idea for this month’s Kelab Gitar Az Samad.

Got some time off, which meant I had time to study some business topics, work on my design skills on Figma and read Peter Thiel’s famous book about startups and founders.

This was my Saturday, learning and kind of not working (as much).

The one that I talk about making online courses and how it relates to Tony Stark making his Iron Man suit. And cake, I talk about cake and how it …

Flow of consciousness talking about my new courses, gaming life, TV shows I’ve been watching and how it feels like being 39 for the last 30 mins or so.

People die and their knowledge & experience dies with them. In this episode, you’ll find out my perspective on this.

Sharing updates on my experience reacting to the release of No Straight Roads, my new Diminished chords guitar course in Malay, thinking about starting to stream via Twitch and a new guitar club coming up in October.

The world changes. The question is are you changing? Or, are you stuck in the past?

A long day of reflection and thinking.

If you have Gear Acquisition Syndrome (G.A.S), you probably don’t want to listen to this.

How can musicians perform and make a living now in these challenging times? Listen to this episode for my thoughts and forecasts on this topic.

Especially during this era of Covid-19, this one important topic becomes even more important. Don’t make this one fatal mistake.

Some days are pretty horrible, or seem that way. Here’s something you can do to unload those mental burdens.

On deciding your musical direction and the steps you would want to take to get there.

Is it taking you 10 years to release a new album or work? What’s stopping you? Listen to this episode for some thoughts and reflection on this.

The world is changing for artists, musicians and creatives but are you changing? This episode shares key ideas that are important now.

This is what I learned from this one email marketer and it’s been helping me so much. Listen to this to find out what this is.

Talking about music theory, studying, learning, teaching and how this relates to me rewatching the first episode of Dark.

Talking about something I heard Ben Settle talk about and how it relates to music too.

What a mind blowing experience that TV show was and my recent projects (and other things in progress)

Doing a joint guitar workshop/clinic/masterclass what have you this Sunday with professor Jon Finn from Berklee College of Music. You’re invited too. …

An update on my recent shenanigans as Frank Kern would say.

Jose Rosado, Dennis Demori, Ben Settle all influenced me. If you're a musician and you're wondering what platform is best to reach your fans, listen to this episode.

An issue that stems deeper from insecurity, status in society and self image. Listen to find out about my thoughts on this.

Tips for anyone who wants to master more chords in their guitar playing!

Made a new thing, here's some new info about it!

Thoughts on tradition, following what has been done and what an artist can do in the future.

Life can be hard for artists. Listen to me talk about this and my new eBook about this and the creative process.

Simplified but really important things to do as a musician

Making art is hard. But you can do it, here's how.

Observations at the mall while going to the post office today.

More on this important topic! Listen to the first three parts first if you haven't yet.

Did you know that there are many reasons to learn ear training AND the reasons can change how you approach your practice sessions? Listen to this episode to find out.

The the 2nd part of a series of very practical tips for developing your ears as a musician, focused on guitarists in particular. This episode shares …

This is part of a series of very practical tips for developing your ear as a musician, focused on guitarists in particular.

Jazz guitarist Cecil Alexander has new musical exercises available in PDF format on his website. Should you get them? Here are my thoughts.

Lessons from my life as a student

But why you might ask? Listen on...

A review, somewhat? Lessons from this cool 3-day event.

Thoughts on this great book for guitarists interested in expanding their harmonic vocabulary.

Discover my thoughts on gypsy jazz guitarist Robin Nolan's first course in 2020.

An important thought from a discussion yesterday with my friend over lunch

Not sexy stuff but just the truth

In this episode, you'll hear about this concept that I call: fluid content.

My thoughts on this instructional video by Peter Farrell, which is part of his many videos teaching George Benson's approach to playing jazz guitar.

Talking about the creative process of songwriting

Some observations and discoveries from watching Peter Farrell play and teach.

Stopped exercising for a bit and now back at it. Thoughts on negative thoughts and dealing with it.

This seems obvious but very few people do it.

Fiction vs Non-fiction books, which one is better for you? Find out my thoughts on this episode.

Got a guest today for this quick episode

A jumble of thoughts, if you're curious about what I'm doing now, this is the right place.

More of what I've been up to

Working on improving myself, a Black Friday sale and thoughts on studying

Trying this new routine out

Reflections before December hits

What I do on a Saturday

Reflecting on the past decade and thing I've done (and not done).

If you're not sure about what to do on social media as a musician, here are some thoughts.

Talking about gigging, #SuratMuzik and copywriting (Ben Settle, Frank Kern, Peng Joon)

Documenting what I've been up to, have a listen if you're curious.

Ada band? Tapi takde gigs? Kesian, kesian.. Dengarlah episod kali ini untuk dapat tips paling top untuk band awak dapat gigs.

Masuk studio, latih band, lepas tu macam tak improve? Mungkin band awak ada miss tips ini. Dengar, fokus dan selamat mencuba!

Nak dapat gigs? Nak dapat endorsement? Nak peluang lebih baik? 5 benda ini penting untuk band awak. Dengarlah.

Kalau band awak stuck, tak maju ke depan, dengar episod ni dan ambil notes!

Thoughts on the thought process of being a performing musician, stress, coping with stress and the challenges that face musicians internally and externally.

On social norms and expectations

About this mistake and various ways of overcoming this so that you can build and deliver better art

New courses, music I'm writing and upcoming things

A lil hello from one of my heroes!

Some things I'm up to while I am in the UK!

Discover some of my thoughts of handling feelings of being overwhelmed especially with work or challenges in your life.

Some thoughts I have on the song and video!

I answer a question from two UiTM mass comm students who just interviewed me for their research project.

Ini semua tips paling top saya boleh beri. Gunakan yang sesuai untuk awak. Industri ini sukar dan mencabar, jadi kena berilmu baru boleh berjaya …

Semua ini benda yang saya amalkan dan ajar kepada students saya. Dengarkan dan hadamkan.

7 cara yang awak boleh gunakan untuk menjana pendapatan alternatif sebagai pemuzik moden yang bervisi dan berisi.

9 kemahiran penting yang teramat-amat, tapi ramai akan tak peduli. Akibatnya, kerjaya mereka akan tergendala atau tak maju ke depan.

5 asas penting supaya awak mendapat kerja dan peluang dalam industri muzik. Ini semua real world experience ni, bukan teori semata-mata.

4 tips penting untuk era muzik moden kini

Saya bercerita dalam Bahasa Melayu pula kali ini, pasal ilmu 'real world', kongsi tips untuk membantu mereka yang ingin berkerja dalam industri muzik …

Various assorted thoughts on upcoming events and projects.

This wraps up this series of podcast episodes on the topic of, 'How to Make a Living in the Modern Music Industry'.

4 core aspects that define effective social media use. These are not tactics! This is what is behind the actual tactics. The thinking behind the work.

7 ways to make money as a musician besides the common performing, teaching and behind the scenes work route.

In this episode, I share 9 skills that you need (but most people completely mess up).

Important concepts for developing your reputation and identity as a musician.

Some key tips that are important for long term music career development.

Ideas on how to attract work and money as a musician. This is an introduction to some things that I will be covering at my upcoming talk at UiTM Shah Alam.

On my new books, the creative process, my book reviews and things coming up.

Simple truths that are difficult for the ego to accept.

This is so important. Listen to this if you want to be in the music industry.

When people think they are smarter or better than you, listen to this.

This is something missing in standard music degree programs.

Inspired by a DM I received on Twitter, some food for thought.

Went for this 2 day course, learned a lot!

A pattern I've been noticing

A new book and new things in the works!

How do we listen? These are the basics.

How to start making art: a quick guide!

This is an excerpt from a class I taught via Skype, talking about the importance of appreciating the different stages as a creator, as an artist.

Sharing what I've been working on.

On my new #PoeticMusicianFramework and talking about how to develop creative projects.

Had a bad day? Creativity not flowing? Here are some of my thoughts on this.

Answering a question from my student CJ about the benefits of etudes

A practical tip, seems easy but still difficult to implement for most people.

In this episode, I ask this question: what makes you happy? I'll tell you what makes me happy and in return I askyou what makes you happy? Simple question but very important.

In this episode I share some a random assortment of stories from my childhood and how these random thoughts are things you can probably relate in some kind of way.

If you want to be more successful in your music career you have to know WHAT and WHY you're doing something. This is how you get to the HOW of what …

There are so many ways to make a living as a performer. Here I share some thought and considerations for performers to take when choosing gigs.

Reflections on today and yesterday night.

I read this tweet by I am Nick Yates on Twitter and I was inspired to record this podcast episode which talks about my thoughts on consistency and …

In this episode I share my experience trying to keep a morning routine and also working on guitar licks. Also working on the project for the day. A few thoughts on consumerism and the need to buy new stuff for me to …

In this episode, I share what I think people should be learning now if they're musicians and what you need to survive as a musician and thrive in the …

How my day went and a reading of today's Twitter thread.

My phone got fixed and now I am back in full force.

Recap of work for today, including video segmenting, demo video edits, FB Live, Twitter Thread writing and more.

Work today, video editing, talking about a TV show and the state of the Music Industry.

I reveal my E Vs. E concept. This is why you will fail OR succeed in music (and life).

Working on some new ideas, guitar licks and transcribing.

What does a TV show have to do with being a musician? Listen as I share thoughts on this.

This is how I approach learning songs and how I encourage my students to do so as well.

Learn about my recording setup and the basics of what I recommend for musicians who want to start recording their own music.

A summary of how the day went and my experiments at the moment.

What does a TV show have to do with music? Well it made me think about this...

About making new songs, other skills related to making music and surviving/thriving in the music industry.

The neverending desire for gear can stop us from making cool stuff. In this episode, discover how I think about the creative process and the gear …

Hey guys, The #AskAz Show EP 02 was originally done live on my FB page on Jan 18 2019. 

In this episode, I talked about how to practice tremolo …

On Reaper, audio engineering, doing work on mobile and daily life in 2019.

Hey guys, this was #AskAz Live Q&A Episode 1 on Jan 17 2019 originally done live on my FB page. 

In this episode, I talked about why people buy …

Work in Progress and upcoming podcast episodes!

How today went and my plans for what's next...

How to find out whether the job you want is REALLY the job you want.

A 3 step guide, to learn songs by ear.

Check out my new course, How To Start Teaching Guitar Lessons at http://www.azsamad.com/teach

Speed and execution in the tech and startup scene.

Special extended episode sharing the 7 important lessons I learned during my time as a student at Berklee College of Music.

Brand NEW How To Start …

A day of work and learning today. Good stuff... A bit of a ramble but some important thoughts here.

Sometimes it makes more sense the second or third time around

Some takeaways from today's guitar class.

Gary Vee, Yin, Grant Cardone and many folks are responsible for this new thing and the process.

Special extended episode sharing the 3 keys (S, S & S) to being a good guitar teacher.

Brand NEW How To Start Teaching Guitar Lessons Course is out!
➡️ Get it here: https://payhip.com/b/v9Cu

Long term goals and how to fit them in the short term.

Making something new and the challenges behind it.

I made something new, it's in the works, discover more about it here. :)

On different facets of our personality.

Wanna play by ear? This is an exercise you can try.

Super emo responses and trolling online, along with different perspectives of music

What I learned so far after rereading these classic letters from direct response copywriter Gary Halbert

Interesting letters from Gary Halbert

This can be a sensitive or emotional topic for some musicians... but let's talk about this.

Thoughts on growing older and society's expectations

Same things, different things, new things, old things repackaged.

2019, if you don't have a mentor, you're losing.

Reprogram your mind now.

Some ideas that I am currently using with my students.

Some thoughts on the origin of stage fright and a practical way to overcome it

Something I learned from Grant Cardone, about goals and execution.

Lessons from Tai Lopez, Brendon Burchard, #TransformationWeek and more.

Are you a musician, performer or music educator? Focus on these folks and notice what happens.

I really liked what Altimet did on his new album. These are my initial thoughts on it.

A simple way of learning and using the stuff you buy immediately

Trippy stuff, interesting stuff

Things I've learned in 2018, and the 3 things to focus on in a changing music industry in 2019.

How do you maximize daily learning? Here's an experiment that I'm going to try today.

This is it so far

Books, videos, education via different mediums and how value is relative.

What are you consuming? Here are some things that I consume.

Rant.

What's stopping us from going to the next level? Maybe it's just this.

What would you do?

I am guilty of buying so many instructional videos and books. How do you get the most out of all of these things. Here are some tips for you. :)

One of the ways I design my media consumption, work and content creation for the day.

How I make podcast episodes, write blog posts and social media updates. This is how I create in between other things.

Music career considerations: geography! Is where you're based important? Here are some things to consider.

Which gigs matter? How do we get better gigs?

The best advice I ever got on this.

This is one of the ways I use social media so that it works for me and my work.

Reflecting on a talk by Derek Sivers

Some life hacks yo!

About different styles and learning on the job.

Discover how this podcast came about, my process, what I've learned so far and where we're headed next. :)

How do we grow creatively, musically or just as a person in general?

So simple yet fear often stops us!

Wake up, See Things, Perceive

What do you do in this situation?

Fascinated with the whole thing and how the different creative industries collide together

Seemingly simple but it works!

A little behind the scenes on my process and preparation for teaching workshops.

Quantity vs Quality - why I do what I do & what you can learn from my process (and the thinking behind it)

Ever wanted to enter a music competition or talent show? Here are some tips!

About meeting people in person

A simple thing, seemingly

Why do we do what we do? Let's talk about meaning today.

How to find out about things you don't know - a quick guide!

Not sure what to do? Listen to this now.

About my experience doing work beyond performing and teaching

Social norms, communication and networking basics for musicians.

Small things, signs, coincidences or are these meant to be?

Are you really at a boring event or was it just you?

About teaching and learning

I met Guthrie Govan in Kuala Lumpur and it was amazing. Learned so much!

About sight reading and how to learn to read music (and other skills too!)

Late night thoughts and post gig thoughts!

Went for the Nick Johnston workshop and was completely inspired + learned A LOT!

How did learning User Experience and User Interface help me as a musician? Listen and discover what I experienced at Anisa Sanusi's Level Up KL 2018 masterclass.

True story, one of the best pieces of advice I can give you.

Thoughts after 6 days of intense #gamedev and #gameaudio adventures at #levelup2018

A snippet from the masterclass I taught at Level Up KL 2018!

Does it relate? Yes, it's about the work and how much work you put in.

Appreciate what brought you to where you are!

With a special guest today!

Value is the thing and the internet is the great connector... we just have to make the move.

The real deal of your career and your path

The MOST important things for beginners. Learn and share :)

Sharing different ways of learning

The real stuff.

Got a new CD from Malaysian folk songwriter, Sounds Of Kites!

How do we make good decisions for our music career? Here are some possibilities.

College days was life changing

Are you all talk or?

Joel Bauer was in Kuala Lumpur and I attended his talk on Design Your Destiny. Here are some thoughts I had after the event.

This 1 thing can kill your music career. What is it?

A lot of things have been done, don't waste your time and try to reinvent the wheel.

Learning never ends and this is what I've been checking out recently.

This is how I do it. How do you?

But why oh why?

One possible strategy that has worked for me and I've noticed other people have been using.

Why is that?

Some people are trying to make illness optional and land on the moon, and we are trying to...

A simple but deep lesson I've been utilising recently.

And why people get stuck!

What gear do you use brah?

An important lesson for entrepreneurs and also musicians who want to grow.

Learn how to focus in your music career via the exercise that you will learn at the end of the podcast.

Where I talk about why musicians don't progress in their career (it's not illegal downloading or Spotify!)

Thoughts on the real life of a working musician (not an amateur and not a superstar)

Or is it your perspective?

Such a common mistake that can lead to burning out and giving up. Are you doing this?

Discover what made me level up my playing over the years, again and again. (and a story about my class with Jonathan Kreisberg)

What I've learned about taking responsibility and moving beyond blaming others

This is super important. Seems simple but so many don't do this.

Thoughts on thinking bigger

Looking beyond the music industry is important to understand why people get stuck in their careers... And how to get out from the rut.

Some thoughts on how to make a living and steps to take for the working musician

Yes, yes, yes (and get ideas on what you can practice here)

What made me release a new song last night before I went to sleep. Yes, it was...

As a musician, dancing can help you play better music. Wanna find out how? Listen to this latest episode. :)

My thoughts on the idea of talent, nature vs nurture and more.

3 Ideas from Gary Vee and my take on how it relates to being a musician

Thoughts I've had recently

My personal approach to the problem of finding the right band members

Talk is cheap. What have YOU done today?

Just do it

Simple stuff

This is where my state of mind had been in recently.

What to do as a musician!

You can do this!

Ask me a question and I might just answer it in a future episode!

Do you do this mistake? This is the same advice I give myself.

A simple way to think about developing your music career.

And I had this revelation...

2 things to do more,
1 thing to do less.

Thoughts on creating content on social media, connecting with fans and friends as well as considering "the container". Includes insights I've learned from Gary Vee and Jay Abraham too!

These are three main things I learned from catching Gary Vee live today at the National Achievers Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.

I attended the National Achievers Congress in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia and was inspired. As a musician, these are some of my takeaways from attending day 1.

Learn about how I view learning, experimenting with the process and maximising what works.

What I learned after getting 4 degrees in music and embracing the 'real world'. Talking about the other stuff besides just the music.

Just the main stuff, here I share what I think serious musicians should learn to help their understanding of harmony.

Mistakes that musicians do and suggested best practices. Hint: It's more about giving. Also, I talk about an upcoming next project coming soon.

Seems obvious but it's crazy how many people don't do this.

Are you making art or are you trying to fit what you think people want?

It takes the same amount of time for these two things but one is more useful than the other.

Most people are doing this one thing, instead of doing these other two things. And, that's why they don't improve.

Traditional media is dying (or dead?), what are musicians and artists supposed to do?

Artists often feel helpless and have to take unfair deals. This has to stop.

How do you make your own music? Where does it come from?

How I learned more things, deeper and faster every semester and still use now.

TLDL: Sing in tune, know what the song is about

External and internal differences in quality - everything matters.