Mixed and Mastered
Mixed and Mastered is where the music industry tells the stories you never hear.
Hosted by Jeffrey Sledge, veteran music executive and former VP of A&R at Atlantic Records and Jive Records, the podcast goes behind the scenes of the people shaping today’s sound. Not the headlines—the real journeys, hard lessons, and pivotal moments that define careers.
From executives and producers to artists, songwriters, and managers, Mixed and Mastered centers the voices that actually build the culture. These are the stories rarely told, despite driving the industry forward.
There’s a gap in how music stories get told—and Mixed and Mastered exists to close it. One honest conversation at a time. Because the best stories come from the people who lived them.
Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Follow @UnglossyPod and join the unfiltered conversation.
Produced by Merrick Studios — where culture takes the mic.
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Episodes
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Tuesday Apr 15, 2025
Send us a textFrom Far Rockaway to the global stage, Vivian Scott Chew has spent a career turning "no" into new lanes. In this episode of Mixed and Mastered, Vivian sits down with Jeffrey Sledge to share her boundary-breaking journey—from becoming ASCAP’s first African-American female rep and launching the Rhythm & Soul Awards, to fielding a call from Little Richard and reshaping the global music landscape.With humor, insight, and fierce determination, Vivian recounts pivotal moments: a 37-minute unemployment window that ended with a bike crash and a new career, bringing dancehall to America through Epic Records, and founding Time Zone International—the first Black-owned international music marketing company.We dive into the glamour and grit of the business, the myths she dismantled (like “Black music doesn’t sell overseas”), and the legacy she’s building today through the Power to Inspire foundation with her husband, Ray Chew—including a mobile studio changing lives in real time.This episode is a tribute to vision, perseverance, and the power of building what doesn’t yet exist. Vivian’s story is not just about music—it’s about movement. Don’t miss it.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Tuesday Apr 08, 2025
Send us a textIn this captivating episode of Mixed and Mastered, we are thrilled to welcome the phenomenal Whitney-Gayle Benta, a Harlem native who rose to become a pivotal figure in the music industry. From her roots in a community rich with history and culture to her ascent as a top music executive, Whitney-Gayle shares her inspiring journey.Whitney-Gayle recounts her experiences at Def Jam, where she faced immense pressure while working on groundbreaking projects like Jay-Z's The Blueprint and Ashanti's debut album. She reflects on her transition to MTV and then to Revolt, emphasizing the fast-paced changes in the music industry and her evolution from coordinator to vice president.Whitney-Gayle also dives into her recent roles at tech giants like Facebook and Spotify and her current involvement in music finance at Harvard View Equity. Throughout, she discusses the importance of adapting to technological advancements and the crucial role of relationships in her career.Tune in to explore Whitney-Gayle Benta’s journey through the music and tech industries, filled with insights on innovation, resilience, and strategic growth.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Monday Mar 31, 2025
Send us a textStep into the extraordinary world of Sean C — legendary DJ, producer, A&R, and true architect of hip-hop. From Harlem block parties to Grammy nominations, Sean’s journey is a masterclass in resilience, reinvention, and cultural impact.In this powerful episode, Sean shares how a cancer diagnosis became the unlikely spark that launched him from the mailroom at LOUD Records to producing era-defining records. He takes us back to where it all began — from his name being given by DJ Master Don, to co-founding the Executioners, to shaping the sound of artists like Big Pun, Jay-Z, Dead Prez, and Beyoncé.Hear the untold stories behind the making of “Still Not a Player,” the creative battles that birthed “Hip Hop” by Dead Prez, and the cinematic vision that powered American Gangster. Sean also opens up about teaching RZA’s techniques to actors on Wu-Tang: An American Saga and his shift into music supervision and mentorship.More than just stories — this is a conversation about the soul of hip-hop, the balance between art and industry, and the power of staying true to the craft.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Tuesday Mar 25, 2025
Send us a textEver wonder how the biggest music careers are built behind the scenes? Nicole Bilzerian's story is a masterclass in music industry evolution.Nicole shares her journey in the music industry, starting from her early interest in music to her internships at RCA Records and Jive. She discusses her experiences working with major artists, the transition to Interscope, and her role in building Geffen Records during the pandemic. Nicole reflects on the challenges and successes she faced as a woman leading urban marketing in a predominantly male industry, emphasizing the importance of integrity and hard work in her career. In this engaging conversation, Nicole shares her insights into the music industry, discussing her experiences with marketing new artists like Olivia Rodrigo, the evolution of artist-fan engagement, and her new venture, 81B. She emphasizes the importance of genuine connections between artists and their fans, the strategic planning behind successful music releases, and her vision for helping indie labels with operational support. Nicole also reflects on her favorite artists and memorable songs she has worked on, providing a comprehensive look at her career and aspirations.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Monday Mar 17, 2025
Send us a textHow do unknown artists become household names? On this episode of Mixed and Mastered, legendary A&R Shawn Barron pulls back the curtain on the moves that shaped modern music—from discovering Drake on MySpace to signing Ty Dolla $ign against all odds, and spotting Leon Thomas at a traffic light.Shawn keeps it real on trusting your gut over chasing trends, almost signing Kendrick Lamar, and crafting hits with Kanye West and Bruno Mars. This episode is packed with rare industry gems—tap in and hear how the hits really get Mixed and Mastered.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Monday Mar 10, 2025
Monday Mar 10, 2025
Send us a textMixed and Mastered is the podcast where the untold stories of the music industry come to life. Hosted by Jeffrey Sledge, a veteran music executive and former VP of A&R at Atlantic Records and Jive Records, each episode dives deep into the journeys, challenges, and triumphs of the people shaping the sound of today. From label executives and producers to artists, songwriters, and managers, Jeffrey brings you behind the scenes to meet the minds driving the industry forward. There’s a gap in the marketplace for these voices, and Mixed and Mastered is here to fill it—one conversation at a time. Because the best stories are told by those who lived them.Support the showMixed and Mastered is produced and distributed by Merrick Studio, and hosted by music industry veteran, Jeffrey Sledge. Tune in to the discussion on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you catch your podcasts. Follow us on Instagram @MixedandMasteredPod to join the conversation and check out all our episodes at www.wearemerrickstudios.com/mixed-and-mastered-pod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices