Podcast with Casey Combest and Tiff Randol/IAMEVE

[00:00:00] Welcome to the Blue Sky Studios Podcast. I hope everybody's having a great day. I'm here with a really cool guest guys. I can't wait for you guys to meet Tiff. Tell us your full name and what you do. Yeah. My name is Tiff Randall. Um, I'm a songwriter composer producer, um, and performer and a. I have a project called IAMEVE, which is one of my main projects.

[00:00:31] I have another project called Mama's and Music, which, um, I know we're going to chat about a little bit to support, uh, new mums. Um, I'm also a new mom and, um, Awesome. Also in you, we were talking a little bit before the show you're recording in Berlin right now. Is that correct? Cool. So that's, I mean, that's gotta be the most exotic location for a guest we've had so far, so thank you for hitting that and holding that moniker for us.

[00:01:00] Uh, if you, if you could, we, we like kicking off the podcast with a story. Um, tell us one of the crazier or most interesting moments you've had in your music career so far. Oh, wow. I think the most recent one. That comes to mind was, is, is even with this IME released, I there's so many different, crazy stories.

[00:01:21] So this is just the one that's most recent coming into my mind, but we were, uh, going to Melbourne Australia. We were there for six months before getting to Berlin. And, uh, before we knew that we were going to Australia, I had started preparing. IUPY released for IME of archetype. Um, and I had settled the dates and was planning everything.

[00:01:42] And I have at the time, a two and a half year old, who's now three and we set the date. Everything was like going and I found out I had five days to pack for six months with a toddler on my own to Australia, um, where I would be quarantining for like the very first single of this release. And so I was. In a hotel room stuck for two weeks with my toddler, trying to get this released on the people complain about work from home.

[00:02:10] That's like another level. Oh my God. You have no idea. It was, it was unforgettable. Yeah. That's awesome. Well, it will take us to kind of the beginnings for you. You're at this point in your career now where you're an established artist you're growing, you've had some really cool opportunities and we're going to get to talk about those, but what got you started in the music business?

[00:02:33] Yeah, I, I always loved music. Um, it's always just growing up. I didn't come from a musical family, but I was always expressing myself through song and lyrics and I moved to, uh, New York right away. High school and started playing in bands and learning to write. And I just fell in love with songwriting and, you know, playing with other musicians, just the whole, um, expression and connection of it performing and, um, and being with other people in this like intimate musical way, you know?

[00:03:10] Yeah. It was really. A whole world. To me, that was, that was just calling me forward. So that's, that's how I got into it. Um, just playing with, uh, with, with people that I knew and learning from that. Performing and throwing events and, you know, doing all of that, that crazy early, you know, band getting my feet wet stuff.

[00:03:32] And, um, yeah, that's how I got my start kind of fast forward to the last few years. Uh, most narratively I'm kind of looking at your bio here. You had a song in a, the Percy Jackson, um, movies. Pretty incredible. Uh, some other really neat accolades as far as, uh, being a guest vocalist for mobi. Some really cool stuff here.

[00:03:56] TIFFF. So, uh, take a second and kind of tell us about the last few years, and what's really, uh, it seems like you've gained some traction. Uh, can you speak to that a little bit? Yeah. Um, so I moved from New York to Los Angeles and that was the time where I was just kind of ready to shift towards film and TV.

[00:04:15] I'd always been very focused on. I've always created with visuals and stories in mind, but you know, music for me starts starting early because I didn't come from a musical family and I like a small town and everything. Just this, my whole, I think my whole journey has been this unraveling of knowledge and learning and being exposed to all.

[00:04:38] All kinds of things. So I hadn't even thought about music for film and TV, for example, as being a career path until, you know, until, until much down the line. And then I started, um, you know, getting my, my music and film and TV and commercials and thought that was pretty amazing to be able to do. You know, pay my rent, doing that, you know, and if something, uh, that I've just always, I've always connected visuals with music.

[00:05:07] So it seemed really, really natural and things unfolded pretty naturally. And in LA leading from one thing to the next, um, And I think I've just kept pushing down that path more recently. I would say I've been shifting, but before I was kind of just doing a lot of music that I would pitch out for licensing and film, you know, and I wasn't really focused on any specific dial or, or anything, you know, in general I was kind of, um, I liked so many different kinds of.

[00:05:40] Songs and, and styles of music that I was kind of just experimenting all over the place, um, which is, which is good for a library to be able to have a lot of material that can fit in a variety of ways. And then more recently, um, I've just been really shifting towards specific. Projects that feel really natural to my creativity.

[00:06:03] Um, I think it's been like a long learning curve to get to now where I feel really, um, there's certain areas of music that I'm really pulled towards. And I, and I feel like I can decipher, you know, what projects I'm keen on. Like moving forward with. More intentional way, if that makes any sense. Yeah, absolutely.

[00:06:29] It does. And I'd love to unpack this a little bit because I think you're, you've walked through the natural progression that most people do when they're looking at licensing for film. And you're kind of on the other side of that. So I would love to unpack a little bit of your journey. Yeah. A lot of artists and bands kind of look at licensing and they say, Hey, this is a great way to either supplement or be, uh, the strong core of our revenue as an artist or a band to get these songs.

[00:06:55] And then they're making their catalog, they're building things up. And then it seems like those who are successful like yourself, at some point in the journey, they kind of make a pivot where they almost niche down. Maybe that's the wrong phrasing, but can you talk to us a little bit about that pivotal moment for you and what were some, what were the writings on the wall that led you that direction specifically?

[00:07:19] I don't know necessarily that the, that the, you know, newer directions will, will lead to. I mean, a lot of what I was, what I've gotten licensed has been a pretty diverse catalog. And I wasn't really attached to things sounding any specific way, uh, for better or worse, you know, but I've always been very, um, when I go into an artist project that I'm passionate.

[00:07:46] You know, I have generally a vision for it and, you know, and, and I'm not, and I'm letting that be the guide. And now I think this, this is more where I'm focused, whether it becomes something that is licensable or not. I'm just finding that, you know, now I'm in a place where I don't really want to be doing a whole, you know, landscape of styles and projects to suit a whole variety of.

[00:08:15] You know, slots on TV or film I'm, I'm much more commercials. I'm just much more interested in zoning in on, you know, music. That feels really fresh and expressive to me. Um, in whatever context, you know, whether it's, um, whether it's an IME project or it's, um, you know, a scoring project or something instrumental, or it's an Americana singer song writer project.

[00:08:43] Um, I just, uh, feel like I have to commit to. That project because of it's connecting to my heart, um, as opposed to previously where I was basically like experimenting and learning. Yeah. You know, and that was so the stuff, I mean, I would say if the focus is, you know, film and TV licensing, you know, maybe the approach that I had previously, um, was a more successful one, which was, you know, just kind of listening to what's happening and, you know, experimenting with a bunch of.

[00:09:13] Different sounds and styles and, um, and not being super attached to it being quite as personal. Do you think that's sort of the natural journey that. Artists need to go through, uh, maybe a different way to ask that question is looking back. Do you wish you would have started from the top doing that or do you think kind of doing whatever you can get your hands on to pay your dues is a natural good first step.

[00:09:38] It just depends on the person. I think for me, yes. I wish that I would have had. Self doubt. I wish that I would have listened to myself and my, you know, my spirit, the stuff that I was doing, you know, quietly at home, not playing people. I wish I would have focused more on those things because you know, this is what I know makes me, you know, lift up into the skies and what feels connected to me.

[00:10:08] And, and that's just what. Is, that's what I'm here for personally is just, uh, you know, my person, my spirit, but, but I also think that there's a plenty of people that, that are really successful and really enjoy, uh, doing, uh, you know, uh, variety and learning all of these different things and, you know, doing, um, projects to fulfill.

[00:10:32] Um, certain demands that are needed. And I, sometimes I wish I could do that. Um, you know, cause it's, it's, there's a direction there, but I would say to, you know, to go back to, to your question, I think for me and where I was talking about like having self-doubt, um, you know, early on, I just didn't have the confidence and trusting my instincts because.

[00:10:55] Around me where so many other voices going, like, do it like this or do it like, you know, um, and so that's been an interesting piece of the journey for me getting into a place where I'm like, yeah, actually, no, like I don't, I don't want to do that kind of music or I don't like that. I'm just going to do what feels right to me.

[00:11:15] Okay. You know, see where it lands. You know, uh, I've been thinking a lot about a topic, this sort of similar to this this morning, there's a book I'm working through. And I think the, where I'm getting to, as far as the. Impacted the book is really just to be more authentic to who you're designed to be. I think it's really tempting, especially when we're talking about artistry to want to be fill in the blank because of their talent, or to want to look more like fill in the blank because of what they've done and accomplished where in reality, anytime.

[00:11:50] Lean into our authentic self. And just try to discover that more. That's really where so much more joy lies. Could you give listeners a little bit of advice on how to be courageous and being your authentic self? I wouldn't say for me. Does that question make sense? Is that a bad question? It totally makes sense.

[00:12:08] It's not an easy question to answer for me. I've had to unpack. Uh, so, you know, for, for years, uh, you know, work through, you know, all of the little like wounds inside that maybe led to some great songs, but also, you know, kept me from, you know, being my, my truest self along the way. And it's, you know, it's just taken a lot of consistent work.

[00:12:35] I feel like at the end of the day, if something doesn't light me up or doesn't feel like right on my stomach, um, you know, even if it sounds like a good opportunity or something, I actually have to really go and listen to that and just remind myself, Hey, that's that doesn't feel right for me. So. And, and trust that and not doubt that.

[00:12:57] Um, so I think that's the biggest thing is if something feels exciting and, you know, filling the heart, then that's, that's right for that's the right way to go. And if you're questioning it, you don't just don't even need to question it anymore. You can just walk away. So, yeah, that's, that's one of the biggest, I guess that's what I use for myself.

[00:13:20] And a lot of it just kind of feeling it out and my stomach. Good to get advice. Trust, trusting your gut is how we say it around here. I'm pretty sure part about it. If you have to think too hard about it. It's it's, you know, it's that's that's, that's your answer. Yeah, that's right. Yeah. Yeah. It's a good litmus test for sure.

[00:13:41] Transitioning a bit. You have started something really cool called mamas and music, and there are so many stereotypes about women in the music industry. Uh, I'd love for you to tell us a little bit about what you're doing with that project and, uh, maybe the origins of, of where it came about in the first place.

[00:13:57] Yeah, well, it, it came about after I had my, my son, Luca, um, which was, uh, three and a half years ago. And. Uh, look up before, before I had him, I did a full dome show that I was testing out. I was developing, um, a 360 dome show with formats and visuals and, and I did an eye test when I was eight months pregnant and I was basically planning all of this release stuff and I, on my way to the hospital, I was.

[00:14:28] Get the video to the mastering because in two months we're releasing this, you know, all of these plans. And then, um, and then I had Luca and I was completely blown out of my mind. I had no idea of what I would go through on so many different levels and how much I would really just need time with him and time with myself and, you know, to let go of all of these kind of.

[00:14:57] Rat wheel mentalities that are like, you can't stop or you're, you know, it's all gonna be over for you to actually let that go and surrender and be like, oh, actually, it's okay. It's okay to take time and put everything on hold. So, um, and also I felt like kind of flailing because my team dropped out about six weeks after I had him as well.

[00:15:25] So I kind of was like, wow, I've got a baby. I have all of this material I've been developing. Um, I don't have a team and I'm completely overwhelmed. What do I do? Um, and I felt really. Uh, unsupported and I felt really lost. Uh, so I reached out, I wrote like a big, I wrote a big, I don't know, essay, but this big, um, piece that I shared out with, um, a woman's group in the music industry, and it got passed around and people responding and it was connecting with other women who are moms and new moms that were also having a similar feeling and experience.

[00:16:00] I had led me to, uh, one in particular. My co-founder Mary Lee. Who's a, um, very successful, amazing songwriter in London. And she, and I just began with like our newborns and, you know, our know, we just began connecting and developing this idea for mamas and music, which was to find a way to, you know, address, to, to create a support network for women who are moms in the industry to address a lot of the stereotypes and stigmas.

[00:16:29] And just talk about them and talk about how to make change. In the industry and society, um, and to talk about how we can create, um, partnerships with other organizations and resources for, um, this particular demographic to bring visibility, because, you know, at the end of the day, we all know that, um, being a musician, um, and an artist, and especially in independent, It's hard work.

[00:16:57] It takes every second of every day, all day, all night, you know, to, to get any little breaks, add to that, you know, a toddler, a baby, you know, It's tough. And, uh, and, and I really just believe that, uh, the voices of moms are really important. I feel like my voice is way, uh, has a lot more to say than I did before.

[00:17:22] Different perspective that I think is valuable. And, uh, you know, so, so that's what we're here talking about and supporting is, um, you know, voices of this particular demographic and, um, and trying to create opportunities for visibility and support for them. So. Yeah. And at the end of the show, we got a few more questions for you, but I'd love to transition out of this for a minute, but give our listeners where they can find out more information about your organization and what you guys are doing.

[00:17:50] Um, we have a website that is mobiles and music.com, M a M a S. And M U S I c.com

[00:18:05] just like spell in Mississippi. It's always a challenge. A fun challenge. Yeah. I mean, look, uh, it, it's probably a new update, but we're also on Facebook. We're on Instagram. We're always, um, you know, posting on there and we have a private Facebook group where any moms in music, whether they're on the business side or the creative side, uh, can join.

[00:18:24] We're having zoom calls and connecting and, um, you know, it's still in the early phases. Um, you know, it's a long road to make the changes that we want to make, but, uh, we're having the conversation and it's really beauTifful, beauTifful, um, women and people involved in it. So, yeah, please, uh, find us on any of those.

[00:18:46] Outlets and reach out. That's great. That's great. And TIFF, let's transition to a few more practical, uh, not rapid fire, but little quicker questions for you. Uh, what's something you wish you would have known, uh, say 18 before you started your music career. I wish I would have known not to spend money on college.

[00:19:06] Okay. I wish I would have taken that, uh, you know, that money that, you know, uh, will be forever being paid down in loans. And I wish I would have put that into, uh, directly into doing what I knew I wanted to do, which was be a songwriter and composer and just put it straight in. Are some of the attributes or characteristics that separate those who are successful or kind of walk away from music from those who succeed assistance.

[00:19:38] That's a, you know, just continuing to, continuing to grow, continuing to hammer forward. I mean, there's so many days even like, you know, yesterday when I was like, should I, you know, I just want to give up, you know, and, and then, you know, you have that moment and then you pick yourself up and you say, yup.

[00:19:57] Okay, poor you move forward. Um, what's next? And I think that's, that's it. I feel like in the music industry, has you excited over the next three to five years? Like, what's something we need to keep our own or, or be aware of. I mean, mom wasn't music. I really, I really, I think the, I think the, the shifting I'd like to see the kind of shifting happening in the music industry that is happening so massively in the film industry.

[00:20:27] And I'd like to see it in the film industry happening on the composer side as well, because they still have not. On that side in the film industry, not even close. So I think that's, that's what I'm really keeping my eye on. And what I'm interested in seeing unravel is equality in the opportunities. And for someone listening in, they're like, well, how TIFFF is she's doing, she's living this life that she's excited about and doing this thing she's passionate about.

[00:20:54] So much of that is having the right connections, especially with licensing and composing. Can you give us some advice on building good connections in that world? And, um, Yeah, don't be afraid to get real practical. Yeah. When I started building those, uh, those connections, it was, uh, moving from New York to Los Angeles was an interesting experiment around it because I basically just asked everyone that I knew in New York, who do you know, in Los Angeles, I didn't care who it was.

[00:21:21] I was like, introduce me to people, whether they're in music, whether they're in film, whether you know, creative people. Send them my way. And you know, I went to, I went to LA multiple times before I moved there. Um, and I just met with people and that with people, met with people and. Started creating some interesting relationships and then would get invited to different events.

[00:21:42] Um, and yeah, that's a little tricky to do in a COVID world right now. But, um, but that's how I did. I also think, uh, joining the appropriate groups, like, uh, songwriting groups and things like that are, are ways to do it. Um, but yeah, getting on the ground, I think, I think he goes back to that persistency that you spoke about, um, Yeah.

[00:22:06] Yeah. Yeah. You're just talking to pee there. You have to be there and you have to connect and, and then you have to, um, you know, follow up without being over the top. Make yourself available. I think I know what you mean by that, but just, uh, you know, I mean, like nobody wants to get spammed, um, or, you know, hit with somebody's mailing list.

[00:22:28] Like I'm getting on these mailing lists all the time. And I, and I have no idea who somebody is. Um, so yeah, it's like, don't just put people on a mailing list. Um, you know, you meet people, you follow up, maybe when you have something new, you know, to chat on or once a month, something like that. Is a good rule of thumb.

[00:22:47] I'm trying to get better at consistent follow up myself. It's pretty important. Yeah. But I, yeah, I think you're speaking to the right, uh, idea there. People don't need to know when you updated the contact page on your website now drop the new music. Maybe, uh, it's important to do it when you have something worth listening to, you know, because also your first impressions are everything.

[00:23:12] Everybody's always in such a hurry, and this is a long grind. So I, I think, uh, taking the time to just really be great. Our craft. And then, you know, when, when, when we have enough feedback from trusted advisors and everything else, because, you know, God knows there's plenty of times when I've thought, oh, this has been fantastic.

[00:23:35] What I've done. And now I'm like, oh God, why did I ever released this? Can I take it down? But I can't take it down because, you know, um, so, you know, getting feedback from mentors, trusted advisors, people that, you know, Not even, or not your parents that love you, everything you do and make sure it's good before sending it out to anyone so that you make that impression.

[00:23:56] They think it's worth keeping up with what you're doing. You know, let's have thanks so much for your time today and sharing with us a work and listeners. Find out more about you. Um, my website to randall.com T I F F R I N DOL. And then also I am Eve music.com.

[00:24:16] E V E music.com or of course, on all the socials, you know, to FRAND or IME, if you can find me, I think, um, I am Eve am I, is my. Is my handle for everything. Cool. Well, thanks again, TIFF. And thank you guys so much for listening to another episode of the blue sky studios podcast. Have a great day. Everyone.

[00:24:36] Thanks so much.