Welcome to the second P.LAB newsletter of 2024! 🥳 I’m so excited to dive into all that is new in the world of Produce Like a Boss - and there are a LOT of exciting things happening!

As always, before we get started, let’s refresh the acronym we use - S.I.M.P.L.E.- which stands for.

** Scoop. Inspiration. Music. P.Lab. Laugh. Educate **

Here we go! 🙌

Scoop

🗞 What’s New In The World Of Kris Bradley?

Let me tell you, the last few months have been busy, busy, BUSY in my world! 🤩

For starters, I moved house again!! 🏡 This is my fifth time to move in the last four years, starting with moving from Nashville back to LA, but oh my goodness, every place I have landed just kept getting better!! And where I am right now is the BEST!!!

I have been dreaming of a house by the water but also in the trees and also still in LA (yes, all at once!) for the longest time… but that’s crazy, right?! All those things don’t go together!! Well, guess what? That's exactly what I manifested!! 🥰✨

I’m now living out by the ocean, surrounded by trees and yes… I’m still in LA! And it is MAGICAL!

Little squirrels come up to my door, and baby ducklings are born by the lake outside my window. It's a magical moment every single day. 🦆✨

The natural beauty and serenity of this place have truly taken my breath away and I can barely believe how lucky I am to call this beautiful spot my home.

And you know what? I have been feeling more inspired and fired up than I have in a long time! 🔥

I've been inspired to create TONS of new content for Produce Like A Boss and the P.LAB Team and I have been cooking up some really exciting things behind the scenes  that are all coming your way really soon. I think the energy here is just perfect for creativity and productivity. 🏆

It's been a really magical time, and I've been feeling very blessed. This new chapter has filled me with purpose and excitement for the future.

Here's to more adventures and endless inspiration in this dreamy new home! 🌿✨

Want to hear about some more exciting things…?!

Yes?

Then let’s jump in…!

🗞 Welcoming our new P.LAB Members

Before we go any further, let’s take a moment to welcome all the new rockstar members who have been flooding into the P.LAB community! We are absolutely delighted you are here! 🥳

As you’ll see, P.LAB isn’t just a place to learn music production; it's a buzzing network of musicians and producers who are wildly passionate about our craft and eager to support each other. 🐝

Here, creativity, collaboration, and connection come together to create something truly special. We’re all about sharing the love for music and lifting each other up, and you'll find a wealth of knowledge, inspiration, and opportunities to grow as an artist or producer too! 🥰

Please share your productions (especially in progress productions), ask questions and participate in discussions… the more you engage, the more you'll benefit from the incredible resources and support available in our community. Whether you're just starting out or you're a seasoned pro, there's something here for everyone.

Welcome aboard! Time to create! 🎧

🗞 P.LAB Community Campfire 

Can we get a round of applause - heck! - let’s have a standing ovation for the blazing new event we’ve added to the P.LAB schedule - the Produce Like A Boss Community Campfire! 🔥

The P.LAB Community Campfire is a virtual open mic extravaganza, designed to bring together musicians, singers, and performers from our vibrant community. It’s all about musical camaraderie, pure joy, and endless virtual high fives - where participants get to share their music, pre-recorded or live, in an incredibly supportive and enthusiastic environment.

And WOW! Witnessing the mind blowing talent in our community has literally brought tears to my eyes! Hearing the amazing music and voices, and witnessing the heart everyone pours into their performances - it’s been nothing short of phenomenal! The energy is off the charts, and I for one can’t get enough of it.

in case you haven’t joined us for a Campfire yet, here’s the scoop:

✅ The P.LAB Community Campfire is not a listening party or a contest; there’s no feedback, just pure musical magic!

✅ Everyone who wants to share their music gets 3 minutes to shine (to be fair to everyone). 😉 You can play an mp3 of your song, or you can perform live on the call.

✅ All music shares (live and digital) are on a first-come, first-served basis.

How cool is that?

Because of the overwhelming success and the incredible vibes, we’ve made the P.LAB Community Campfire a monthly tradition! 

Come join us at the next one and share your musical magic with the community! 🎤🌟

Want to watch the last one? Click the button below 👇🏻

🗞Track Transformation Before & After Contest

Over the last couple of months, we ran a Track Transformation Before & After Contest!

We know how talented y’all are, so this contest was all about getting to listen to the magical music you’ve created by applying everything you’ve learned in the P.LAB Courses. 🧙🏻‍♀️

All you had to do to enter—and be in with a chance of winning a sweet $100 Sweetwater gift card—was to submit a before and after version of one of your songs.

The “before” version was a demo (rough and ready - think voice notes on your phone) and the “after” version was a fully produced, fully completed song.

That easy?! 😱 Yes!

And WOWZA!! The track transformations were SO GOOD! It was an absolute gift to get to listen to your productions. I was like a proud Mama 😭

But there could only be one winner and that winner was Jacalyn DesJarlais with her track, ‘I Slay The Day” 🥳 

OMG the detail and nuance in Jacalyn’s production transformation was fire!! It gave her that edge, and that is high praise when the other submissions were so AWESOME!

Check out Jacalyn’s winning track transformation below:

🗞P.LAB VIP

We also announced our high-touch, high-accountability coaching program, P.LAB VIP! 🎉

P.LAB VIP is unlike anything we have done before! Previously, our VIP cohorts were designed exclusively to help people with their music businesses, but our brand new P.LAB VIP is designed for musicians and producers at any stage of their journey and is focused on supporting them in their unique transformation. 

So that means if you aim to master your DAW, or produce your own artist releases, or are working to build a thriving home studio production business, or want to start writing custom songs…. Whatever it is for you, P.LAB VIP will help you unlock your full potential in your goal.

We kickstart with a personalized 1:1 call where you will get to create an action plan tailored to YOUR specific music journey. Then, throughout the program, students get 1:1 coaching and DM access to their coach to make sure they are supported every step of the way.

But there's more! 🚀 P.LAB VIP includes specialized expert training calls, detailed song feedback sessions with me, KB, live co-working sessions, exclusive access to a private Facebook Group, and a whole lot more!

The greatest success stories in the P.LAB world come from those who go ALL IN! So if you're fully committed and ready to supercharge your music journey, P.LAB VIP is exactly what you need to create the transformation you have been wishing for!

For all the juicy details and to sign up for this life-changing program, click the button below to get on the waitlist for the next round of VIP.  🎶💥

🗞 Book 1:1 Sessions With A P.LAB Coach

Did you know that you can book personalized 1:1 sessions with your incredible P.LAB Coaches? 🥳

Wait… what?!

YES!!

The very LEGENDS who run your P.LAB Live calls, and who are the mentors in P.LAB VIP, and who have all taken every P.LAB course, who have transformed from beginners to Pro Producers, Sync Artists and absolute experts, and who have become our biggest success stories are all available for 1:1 sessions!

So if you’d like some hands-on help getting up and running in your DAW or if you’d like support with the more nuanced parts of advanced production or you want to score your client… a 1:1 session might be perfect for you!

Our coaches - Katie Dwyer, Ralph Ogunbiyi and Aimee Francis - have expert knowledge of:

• Different DAWs (Logic, Pro Tools, Ableton)
• Vocal recording and production
• Songwriting
• Music production
• Mixing and Mastering
• Setting up your business
• Managing projects
• Branding and creating your website
• Sync
• Audiobooks
• Custom songs 
• and so. much. more.

And… they are all available for personalized 1:1 sessions. With YOU!

All you have to do is click the link below to get started…

🗞 P.LAB LIVE

More exciting news in the P.LAB world is the launch of P.LAB LIVE! 🥳

What’s P.LAB LIVE?! 🤔

Well, if you are thrilled by the idea of four epic live calls every month - where you can get your EVERY question answered, receive expert, directed feedback on your productions, and have the chance to collaborate and network in real time with your fellow P.LAB students, then P.LAB LIVE is literally made for you!

Every month we run 4 engaging Live calls that you will have a front row seat for:

🎧✨ Epic Call #1 - Coffee & Chats Q&A Call with yours truly
The focuses of my call are all things creativity, mindset, productivity, and building your music business (including branding, productivity, getting clients and more). Really, you can bring any question you like! 

🎧✨ Epic Call #2 - Listening Party Call with Ralph Ogunbiyi
Every month you get the opportunity to submit your tracks, productions, or mixes at any stage of development and receive expert feedback from Pro Producer and Sync Artist, Ralph Ogunbiyi. You can submit tracks every month if you like!

🎧✨ Epic Call #3 - Music & Production Q&A Call with Katie Dwyer
Have questions about your DAW, production, songwriting, or mixing? Or anything music-related? Join our Head Coach, seasoned artist, Pro Producer and Home Studio Boss, Katie, and get your every question answered! Never be stuck again!!

🎧✨ Epic Call #4 - Collab Lab Call
Experience the ultimate in real-time collaboration at the P.LAB Collab Lab! Hosted by Katie Dwyer and Coach Michael Averill, on this call you’ll get to be part of breakout groups with fellow community members. The Collab Lab has already resulted in radio releases, sync placements and library placements and a whole load of collaborations and friendships too! 🥰

Want to get in on all of this magic? ✨

Well, today is your lucky day! 🍀 Just click the button below to get a FREE 14-day trial and experience the magic of P.LAB LIVE firsthand. I know you’re going to absolutely LOVE it!

🗞 P.LAB Alumni Roundtable Event

Can we talk for a minute about our phenomenal P.LAB Alumni Roundtable from July?!

We had the most incredible conversation with four of our star students who are absolutely crushing it in their careers and music! ⭐️

I’m talking:

Cindy Slee - A singer-songwriter, producer, and beat maker who proves age is just a number! A rockstar graduate of P.LAB at 70 years young, Cindy has placed tracks with Warner Chappell and Sky Urbano, has crafted countless custom songs, and lent her stunning vocals to clients worldwide. A performer at heart, Cindy loves to perform regularly with her band, "The Rhythm Method". 🎸

Gail Gallagher - A multi-talented maestro with a flair for fun! Whether she's composing catchy jingles for Toyota and Lexus commercials or crafting playful children’s songs about tying shoes, Gail’s musical talent knows no bounds. Gail is dynamo in Chicago’s improv, sketch, and theater scene, and she's also created scores for several musicals and added her magic touch to video game prototypes. 🎧

Mark Wilder - Our multi sync and library legend! He has scored multiple sync and library placements and his production company, Wilder Music Services, has music on broadcast, cable and streaming platforms including FOX Sports, CBS, ABC, NBA, BBC, Bally’s Sports, Hulu, Amazon and Netflix. He also works with top publishers such as Artists First, Atomica Music, Howling Music and Manhattan Production Music. 🥳

Stephen Lyons - An actor, musician, and producer who has made a mark on the New York and Philadelphia music scenes, both performing solo and with his band Bonfire Falls. Stephen honed his production skills through PLAB and scored a job as a vocal producer, landing a placement in the psychological thriller "Last Known Location." He also appears as General George Washington in the International Spy Museum's film "Spying Launched a Nation," part of a permanent exhibit in Washington, D.C. 🏆

These roundtable discussions are so incredibly inspirational for everyone involved. And they’re a real favorite with our community. Congratulations to Cindy, Gail, Mark and Stephen and thank you for being our panelists this July! 

🗞 Audiobook Bundle Coming To P.LAB AAP

Have you ever wanted to create audiobooks, and add another stream of income to your creative business? Well, get ready because something truly exciting is coming to your All Access Pass! 📚✨

Katie Dwyer, your Head Coach, is a Rockstar in the audiobook world!! Katie has produced 8 audiobooks, does repeat work for a publisher - and now you will have the opportunity to learn from her expertise!

We are thrilled to announce that an Audiobook Bundle is coming to AAP, packed with everything you need to kickstart your audiobook creation journey - including the tools, knowledge, and confidence to create your own audiobooks and attract clients. 

Here’s what’s you will learn in this bundle:

• Recording Audio Training: Mastering the art of recording high-quality audio for your audiobooks.
  
  
• Best Plugins Guide: Discover the essential plugins that will make your audiobooks sound professional and polished.
  
  
• ACX Training: Learn all about ACX, including how to navigate the platform, upload a book and secure clients.
  
  
• Direct Hire System: Develop a system to get hired organically and build a steady stream of audiobook projects.

And so much more!!

This hands-on, interactive training is everything you need to get started on this awesome path! 🎧📖 And it’s coming to the P.LAB All Access Pass this month!

🗞 The Produce Like a Boss All Access Pass - BRAND NEW content!

In the P.LAB All Access Pass you get access to all 100 + Produce Like A Boss trainings AND 4 live trainings every month (a Q&A call with me, a Listening Party call with Ralph Ogunbiyi, a Q&A call with Katie Dwyer and a Collab Lab event) but that’s not all...

We are adding content to P.LAB AAP all. the. Time!! 🥳

Audiobook Bundle
This coming month we’ll be adding the Audiobook Bundle to the P.LAB All Access Pass!

Mastering Bundle
Last month we added a comprehensive Mastering Bundle to AAP 🎧

This bundle covers the entire spectrum of mastering techniques, including:

• A quick one-plugin master
  
  
• A full master using Ozone 11
  
  
• An advanced mastering process

Now you will have all the tools and knowledge needed to master your projects, no matter your skill level or preferred method.

Special Addition to Songwriter's Bundle
This month we are adding a special training for songwriters called 13 Sources Of Income For Musicians, Producers, Artists And Songwriters. 🥳

There is so much money that musicians and songwriters are leaving on the table because they don’t understand what all the income sources are - and this applies to sync licensing, doing your own music as an artist, doing cover songs or whatever it may be.

This incredible and important training is given by the legend, Bill O’Hanlon.

Bill is a successful songwriter and author - with one of his books featured on Oprah, no less! - and his last 3 books have been all about songwriting. Bill has had 125 cuts of his songs with independent artists, has landed 14 + sync placements and has had hundreds of songs signed to libraries to date.

You need to know how to get paid and this is the real value that Bill brings to the table in this training.

All of this is only in the P.LAB All Access Pass! If you are thinking “I HAVE to get in on all of this!” then click the link below and come join us!

Daily Dose Of INSPO 

I know you feel a burning desire to create, a pull from deep within your soul to express your unique voice. And I get that sometimes it can feel disillusioning and disappointing if your desires doesn’t get fulfilled the way you want. (I’ve been there! 🙋🏻‍♀️)

Let’s talk a little bit about desire today, because I think I can shed some light on this for ya 😉

You see, desire, in it’s true essence, is a pure and potent force. It springs from the depths of our soul.

We can desire to sing, to create, to serve, to experience, to explore, to love. And those desires are not only sacred but they’re divine.

So it’s not the desire itself that causes suffering, it’s when we cling too tightly to the outcome and try to micromanage the Universe that we find ourselves in turmoil. So don’t be afraid, and certainly don’t be ashamed, of your desires.

Let your desires guide you. And remember, instead of asking ‘What is my purpose?’, which is so heavy, the reframe can become ‘What is my next purpose?’.

Because, at the end of the day, if you think you only have one purpose, you’re going to take life way too seriously. 

Of course you would!

If you think you only have one purpose and you don’t reach a goal you’re going to think that you’ve failed.

But if you can understand that the pursuit of chasing what lights you up - aka following your desires - is the win, and that there’s nowhere to arrive other than the now, and savor every moment - then you will always be living on purpose.

Your purpose is an ever-growing, ever-evolving thing because as a human, you are ever-growing and ever-evolving.

So it’s not just about finding a singular purpose, but rather living your soul’s many purposes.

Music Recommendation 

🎵We have the most talented people in our P.LAB community - and our music recommendations are absolute proof of that! 🎧

This month's music recommendation is "Spending Time With Old Friends" by Dreamboat Beats, the project of Eddie King.

Eddie is a Rockstar P.LAB student - he doesn’t just take the courses, he puts everything he learns in P.LAB into action - producing and releasing beats consistently, working on his branding, getting work - all of it!

The production of Dreamboat Beats tracks is awesome, the branding is on point, and Eddie’s pro energy and attitude are just stellar (that’s why we asked him to host the Community Campfire calls! 😉)

Check out “Spending Time With Old Friends” on the Produce Like A Boss Spotify playlist here! And congratulations, Eddie! You are AWESOME!

P.LAB Student Spotlight 🔦

It’s award time!! 🏆🥳

I love, love, LOVE awarding our wonderful P.LAB Community students who are CRUSHING it in their music! 

These awards give us the chance to celebrate the success, dedication, and hard work of our talented P.LAB students who are excelling in artistic endeavors, forging careers and being absolutely bad@$š!

So let’s jump right in to the awards 🎧

Producer of the Month

Our Producer of the Month for July 2024 just HAS to be Jacalyn DesJarlais! 🥳

Jacalyn’s production of her song, "I Slay The Day '' was the standout win in our recent Track Transformation Before and After Contest 🏆But wait till you hear more of Jaclyn’s story…

Jacalyn's love for singing began in childhood, but her adventure into music production started in 2019. She immersed herself in recording and Logic Pro and, with her band, Below Canada, recorded and released their debut album, "The Wolf Will Be Waiting," in 2020, blending softer rock, Americana, and folk.

Jacalyn then pivoted to her solo pop project under the name J Desja and released "Pink Skies, Ocean Tides" in 2021. Also In 2021, Jacalyn discovered Produce Like A Boss and enrolled in the Home Studio Boss course. 

“Kris made music production seem way more doable than I originally thought. And her excitement for music production was contagious!” Jacalyn says. 

The journey of the song "I Slay The Day '' happened through 2021. Jacalyn started out with a demo version featuring horn loops and vocal effects that didn’t quite hit her vision. 

During a pivotal listening session, Kris's feedback changed everything. Kris suggested hiring a real musician for the horns, adding distortion to the vocals to energize the track, and bringing in a guitarist for some killer licks. Jacalyn took this advice to heart, and the results were spectacular.

With real horns, fresh vocal effects, and a professional mix and master, "I Slay The Day'' transformed into an electrifying, dynamic track that captured Jacalyn's original vision. This transformation also led her to win the recent Track Transformation Before and After Contest! 🏆

After the release of her J Desja album, Jacalyn founded her company, Deja Productions. She began to compose trailer and instrumental music in a range of genres, and has collaborated with other artists, growing a catalog of almost 100 songs, most of which she has already placed in libraries!

Jacalyn also partnered with a company that plays her songs on radio stations in shopping malls and other public spaces worldwide, and that brings her ongoing royalties. 💰

Jacalyn’s career continues to gain momentum and acclaim. Ultimately, her heart lies in creating sync placements for movies, trailers, and TV shows… so watch this space!

But now, let’s take a look at some of Jacalyn wins:

• Released the debut album "The Wolf Will Be Waiting" with Below Canada in 2020 and her solo pop album "Pink Skies, Ocean Tides" under the name J Desja in 2021.
  
  
• Set up her own production company, “Deja Productions”, offering songwriting, toplining, vocal tuning, and voiceover services as well as music for sync and trailers.
  
  
• Has built a catalog of almost 100 songs, most of which are placed in music libraries.
  
  
• Partnered with a company to play songs on radio stations in public spaces worldwide, and generates ongoing royalties from this partnership.
  
  
• Won the Track Transformation Before And After Contest with "I Slay The Day."

HUGE congratulations, Jacalyn! We are thrilled to be part of your journey and can't wait to cheer you on in your continued success! 🎶

You can find out more about Jacalyn here.

Pro Producer Award

We're absolutely thrilled to celebrate Angela Soffe, the winner of the PRO Producer award! This award goes to students hired for 10 or more paying jobs, and Angela has truly earned it.

Angela has taken on multiple custom songwriting gigs, produced music for artists, scored a movie piece, and done incredible vocal work. Plus, she even licensed a track she produced herself!

Angela is leading the way with her talent and dedication, and we couldn't be prouder. Congratulations, Angela! 

Keep rocking it, we're cheering you on all the way!

Song Savant Award 📝 🎶

Huge congratulations to our Song Savant winner, Taron Church! 🎶

Taron co-arranged and co-produced (with Matt Marin) his first completed track, “Rest”. He also co-wrote “Rest” with his wife, Arielle!

Taron credits P.LAB with transforming his journey as a producer and we could not be more proud! 🎧

Huge congratulations, Taron, on your first track! We’re so excited to see where your talent takes you next! 🥳

Sync Star

Let’s give a HUGE round of applause for our Sync Star award winner, Boyd Edwards! 🌟 

Boyd is an awesome sync achiever in our community and his achievements are nothing short of inspirational. Boyd has 9 placements on Apple TV+, 13 on Netflix's SpyOps, 2 in a PBS documentary, and 63 placements in Badanamu kids music and meditation music.

Additionally, he has over 500 tracks in libraries. WOW, right?!

Boyd’ accomplishments highlight the possibilities in sync music, and his verstilitly, consistency and success in all of this make him a deserving winner of our Sync Star award.

HUGE Congratulations, Boyd! 🏆 

Library Legend 

We have two awesome Library Legend winners for this newsletter!

The first is Cindy Slee! Cindy is no stranger to the P.LAB Awards as she is a complete legend in this Community!! 

Now she is also our Library Legend, with multiple instrumental track placements with Amorphous Zoo and Warner Chappell - all of them produced in her home studio!! 🏆

It’s absolutely inspirational to watch your continued success, Cindy. You’re an absolute Boss!! Congratulations! 🥳

Our second Library Legend recipient is another legend in this community, Mark Wilder. 

Mark is our Library Legend because of his submission to Manhattan Production Music. How awesome is that?!

Your dedication and talent are truly remarkable, Mark. Congratulations!

Community Champion Award 

Announcing our Community Champion award for this newsletter: Darrel Cameron! 🥳

Darrel's is always super quick to jump in, offering tech solutions and bringing support and encouragement in our community. His positive energy and good vibes uplift us all.

Thank you, Darrel, for your valuable contributions and for being such an inspiring member of the P.LAB Community. 

And congratulations on being our Community Champion! 🥳

Laugh 😂

Omg, I don’t know what show/movie this is from, but it was too perfect to not share.

This perfectly sums up how I interact with the world 😂

Education Station 👩🏻‍🏫

The Difference Between Being an Artist and a PRO 

Have you ever found yourself torn between the pure love of creating music and art and the practicality of turning your passion into a profession?

I’ve been there and I know it’s not easy finding the delicate balance between honoring your creativity and also stepping up to the demands of a professional career.

So in this video, I do a deep dive into the nuances of this struggle and share valuable insights about how to navigate it successfully. 

Here’s just some of what I’m spillin’ in this video:

🎧 My own journey from just loving music to making it my career.

🎧 The big difference: Creating for me vs. for clients.

🎩 Tips for juggling the artist and pro hats effectively. 

🛠 Why skills matter as much as talent in the pro world. 

✨ How setting "creative containers" frees up more space for artistry.

💰 Why freelance can be your creative day job that fuels your dreams.

🎵 Want to know how to go pro with your music?

You’re gonna love it! 🥳

🎥Watch the Video Here👇

Alright my musical friends, that’s everything for this P.LAB newsletter!! 🥳

Until next time, stay aligned and inspired, and don’t forget to create what you want to see in the world! (And then come back and tell us all about it!)

Bye for now! 

P.S. Have something exciting to share and want to be featured in our newsletter? We'd love to give you a shoutout and celebrate your achievements—whether it's a new release, you've been hired as a session singer, musician, or producer, or you've landed your first sync or library placement! Share your success story with us! Simply email [email protected]. We’d love to hear from you!