Share

Bridge The Atlantic
JT Tollas: Famous Last Words, Concept Albums & Making Mistakes
•
This week we’re joined by Famous Last Words vocalist JT. Famous Last Words recently signed to past guest Shawn Milke’s label, Revival Recordings, and released their new album “The Incubus” in September.
Since forming in 2009, the band has released 3 concept albums and 3 EPs, and toured the US extensively. In this interview, we chat with JT about what to look for in a record deal, concept albums, and why it's important to make mistakes.
Highlights:
- We hear about the influence JT’s education has had on the art he creates with Famous Last Words
- JT tells us how he balances fatherhood and being in a touring band
- “Creativity, if you have multiple passions, why hold yourself back?” - Marcio Novelli
- JT tells us how his daughter always reminds him to never give up
- We talk about the importance of signing to a label where the relationship is mutually beneficial
- JT tells us about why they chose Revival Recordings over other labels
- “I’ll spend a million dollars to make sure the art is up to par, even if it leaves me in the red - everytime” - JT Tollas
- We talk about Famous Last Words’ decision to release concept albums vs EPs
- JT tells us how he likes to tell stories through music
- “Every time I make a mistake, I learn from that mistake” - JT Tollas
Advice:
- When signing to a label, know what your non-negotiables going to be
- Get a lawyer to look over any record label contracts - the language is confusing for a reason
- Make sure there is an exit clause in your contract so if promises aren’t being kept, you are protected
- “Make sure you’re protected, even if you 100% trust the person you are working with” - JT Tollas
Guest Links:
- Facebook:/famouslastwordsmusic
- Twitter: @JT_Tollas / @FLW_Music
- Instagram: @jtflw / @famouslastwordsband
- Merch: famouslastwords.merchnow.com
Sponsors:
- Chris Keaton @ Chris Keaton Presents
- Christine Infanger @ Thirty Roses
- Joe Settineri
- The Rock/Star Advocate
- Music Launch Hub
- Bob Baker
- Buck Naked Soap Company
- Wendy Donaldson
---
For more episodes, visit http://bridge-the-atlantic.com
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/bridge_atlantic
Subscribe on iTunes: http://bridge-the-atlantic.com/itunes
Support us on Patreon: http://patreon.com/bridgetheatlantic
More episodes
View all episodes

Digital Detox: A Guide to Unplugging & Social Media Breaks | B-Sides
10:24|In this episode we talk about the importance of taking a break from social media and doing a digital detox, as a musician. A few of the topics we discuss include:The pros and cons of social mediaExamples of reasons you might take a break from social mediaHow to keep social media manageableAvoiding outrage cultureSponsors:Social SurgeElectric Kiwi
Are Singles the New Album? | B-Sides
10:14|In this episode, we ask the question - what matters more in today's music industry: quality or quantity? A few of the things we discuss include:The strategy of releasing singles rather than albums (especially when it comes to the Spotify algorithms)Whether focusing on quantity means that the quality suffersThe benefits of releasing cover songsSponsors:Social SurgeElectric Kiwi
Livestreaming 101: Connecting with Your Audience Online | B-Sides
09:49|In recent years, live streaming has grown in popularity as it allows artists to perform and connect with a worldwide audience. And with the current pandemic enforcing social distancing and quarantines all over the world, it's one of the few ways artists can currently perform for an audience.In this episode we talk about the benefits of live streaming, how to get started, promote, and monetize your streams.Sponsors:Social SurgeElectric Kiwi
Album Artwork: Does It Still Matter? | B-Sides
09:59|In this episode we're talking about album artwork, and whether it matters in the streaming age. We cover how album artwork plays a role when it comes to streaming; the resurgence of vinyl and the impact this has on the album artwork; and how to approach album artwork to cover all bases.Sponsors:Social SurgeElectric Kiwi
How to Regain the Trust of Your Fans After a Scandal | B-Sides
10:01|In this B-SIDES episode we're talking about the fallout from the downfall of Pledge Music, and what musicians can do next. Our discussion includes:How this has affected artistsHow this has affected fans who have contributed to campaignsWays that artists can help to rebuild trust with their audienceOther crowdfunding options for the futureSponsors:Social SurgeElectric Kiwi
Coronavirus: A Guide to Succeeding in the New Music Industry | B-Sides
10:07|It's hard to escape the fact that we're currently living in a pandemic. And we know that many musicians are unsure of what to do in these times. In this episode we discuss:How the coronavirus pandemic has affected musicians and everyone else who works in the music industryWhat musicians can do to stay productiveWhy self care is so importantThe role livestreaming can play in staying engaged with your audienceThe importance of entertainment at a time like thisSponsors:Social SurgeElectric Kiwi
Avoiding Burnout in the Music Industry | B-Sides
11:34|We’re back, baby! In this B-Sides episode, we talk about why we took a break, what burnout is, and how to avoid it, particularly when it comes to working in the music industry.Sponsors:Social Surge
Musicians: Should You Quit Your Day Job? | B-Sides
10:08|In this B-SIDES episode, we talk about balancing your passion with a paycheque and when it might be time to quit your day job. We look at the pros and cons, and also how to decide when it’s time to take the leap into music full time.
Does Your Band Need an Online Store? | B-Sides
09:54|In this B-SIDES episode we're looking at the options available for selling music and merch online, and whether you should have a store on your website.--Sponsors:Social Surge