Mixed and Mastered

Angelique Miles

Send us a textFrom A&R meetings to ab workouts, Angelique Miles has lived many lives—and in this episode of Mixed and Mastered, she’s telling all. Join us for a powerful, no-holds-barred conversation as Angelique takes us from her roots in Queens, NY, to the boardrooms of Warner Chappell and Universal, where she helped shape the sound of hip-hop and R&B alongside legends like Michael Jackson, Missy Elliott, and Busta Rhymes.But the journey doesn’t stop there.Angelique opens up about navigating personal loss, the shifting tides of the music industry, and how she boldly stepped into a new chapter as a wellness and lifestyle influencer. We talk beauty, balance, the art of the pivot, and why being over 50 is just the beginning. Get ready for a masterclass in reinvention, resilience, and staying real in a world that’s constantly remixing itself.Hit play—you don’t want to miss this one.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

Extra Credit: Whitney-Gayle Benta

Send us a textClass is back in session! In this bonus episode, we hit Whitney-Gayle Benta with three rapid-fire questions. From the tracks that first lit her fuse to the wildest “you-had-to-be-there” label moments, Whitney pulls back the curtain on the soundtrack of her life and the lessons she’s learned shepherding superstar careers.Craving the whole story? Queue up our earlier full-length convo with Whitney for the deep dive on breaking artists, building bridges, and surviving the music biz with style.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

Joseph Patel

Send us a textOscar-winning filmmaker, producer, and journalist Joseph Patel joins Jeffrey Sledge for a deep, honest, and inspiring conversation about music, media, and finding your true voice.Patel shares his journey from growing up in the Bay Area to becoming a key part of the college radio and underground hip-hop scenes at UC Davis—where he connected with legends like DJ Shadow and Blackalicious. He opens up about his rise through the industry, from early music journalism to producing groundbreaking content at MTV, including the acclaimed My Block series.Joseph also talks about teaming up with Questlove to create Summer of Soul, the award-winning documentary that unearthed the lost history of the 1969 Harlem Cultural Festival—and went on to win the Academy Award for Best Documentary Feature.Now, he's turning his lens toward the next chapter: directing a documentary on the legendary J Dilla.🎧 This one’s for the culture, the creators, and anyone chasing the real.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

Damon DeGraff

Send us a textIn this episode, Damon DeGraff joins host Jeffrey Sledge to trace his journey from his musical roots in Bermuda to the heart of New York’s nightlife and DJ culture. Damon opens up about the early influences that shaped his sound, the rise of celebrity DJs, and the challenges he faced building a career in music management and nightlife. They dive into his experiences at Cheeba Sound, pivotal industry connections, and the evolution of DJ culture in the social media era. Damon also shares insights on mentorship, the power of cultural growth, and finding purpose beyond the spotlight.Listen now and get inspired by a true pioneer.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

Terrell Jones

Send us a textThis week on Mixed and Mastered, Harlem-born stylist Terrell Jones pulls back the curtain on his journey from the block to the big stage, styling icons like Mary J. Blige and Fat Joe. Terrell breaks down how growing up in Harlem shaped his eye, why individuality is everything in fashion, and how the game has changed in the age of social media.From wild stories with fashion legends to building a new lane in the art world, Terrell keeps it real about creativity, culture, and staying true to your style.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

Faith Newman

Send us a textThis week on Mixed and Mastered, we sit down with the incomparable Faith Newman — a true architect of hip-hop history and a champion of timeless music.From cataloging records as a kid to co-executive producing Illmatic and signing legends like Nas, Jamiroquai, and The Isley Brothers, Faith’s journey is nothing short of iconic. As one of the first five employees at Def Jam and now EVP at Reservoir, she’s spent four decades shaping culture—always with a sharp ear, real passion, and a strict no asshole policy.Tap in for a conversation with the woman who’s kept the soul of the music alive. 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

Vivian Scott Chew

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

Whitney-Gayle Benta

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

Sean C

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

Nicole Bilzerian

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