Michigan Creates
ABOUT MICHIGAN CREATES:
Explore the vibrant arts and culture landscape of Michigan, a state with a thriving creative ecosystem that has birthed iconic movements like Motown and The Purple Rose Theater. Home to legendary musicians, writers, and artists, Michigan boasts a rich tapestry of cultural heritage known worldwide. Michigan Creates is a podcast series that will connect listeners with gifted artists and cultural institutions that are nurturing Michigan's vibrant creative landscape.
PODCAST HOST:
Join your host, Ara Topouzian, an award-winning Armenian musician and advocate for the arts in Michigan. Ara will converse with artists and cultural institutions while exploring the intersection of music and culture and highlighting their work to bolster the artist community that sustains Michigan's creative economy.
Michigan Creates
Business in the Key of D: Helping Michigan Musicians Master the Business Side of Music | Chris Simpson
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On this episode of Michigan Creates, Ara Topouzian sits down with Wayne State University alum and musician Chris Simpson to explore what it really takes to build a sustainable career in today’s music industry.
Chris shares his journey from rock-influenced guitarist to jazz studies major, and ultimately to music business entrepreneur. After realizing that talent alone wasn’t enough, he pivoted to understanding contracts, branding, booking, marketing, and the often-overlooked business side of music.
Through his company, Catch and Play Songs, Chris now helps Michigan artists develop strategy, build community, and navigate the evolving music landscape. He also serves on the board of the Michigan Music Alliance, where he helped launch Business in the Key of D — a statewide professional development event connecting musicians with industry leaders, mental health resources, record labels, and practical business tools.
In this conversation, Chris and Ara discuss:
- Why musicians must think like small business owners
- The shift from physical albums to streaming and home studios
- The power of branding and storytelling
- Mental health in the music industry
- How collaboration can strengthen Michigan’s music ecosystem
If you're an emerging artist — or a seasoned musician looking to better understand the business side of your craft — this episode offers practical insight and inspiration.
Connect with Chris at catchandplaysongs.com
Michigan Creates is a podcast series highlighting artists and art & culture organization in Michigan. Produced and hosted by Ara Topouzian, award winning traditional Armenian musician. Podcast theme music: Song: Sun Never Sets Music by: CreatorMix.com
