In this episode, Chuck and Brenda sit down with Michigan native Thea Wood, founder of Herizon Music. Thea shares her journey growing up Downriver, moving south across D.C. and Austin, Texas, and returning home to Michigan.

The conversation dives deep into the realities of gender equity across the music industry—from radio airplay disparities and festival lineups to behind-the-scenes roles like audio engineering and producing. Thea also discusses building community through the “MusicStack” network, the impact of AI on artists, practical advice for independent female musicians creating Electronic Press Kits (EPKs), and her favorite music venues across Michigan.

Featured Substacks & Creators

* Herizon Music – Thea Wood’s publication and podcast dedicated to advancing and spotlighting women in music.

* Caroline in the Garden – Featured indie musician on Substack and debut guest on Herizon Music’s Artist Showcase Series.

* Emm as in Music – Substack newsletter known for curated playlists, “Five for Friday” themes, and music essays.

* Kathy Valentine – Bassist of The Go-Go’s and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer, sharing essays and personal notes on Substack.

* Patti Smith – Rock icon, poet, and author sharing dispatches, personal videos, and reflections.

Mentioned Musicians & Bands

* Jennifer Westwood and the Handsome Devils – Detroit-based soulful Americana band.

* Blue Sky Riley – Michigan indie country/pop singer-songwriter and Herizon Music grant recipient.

* Susan Rogers– Groundbreaking sound engineer noted for her five-year tenure as Prince’s staff engineer during the Purple Rain era.

* Linda Perry – Renowned songwriter and producer (Pink, Christina Aguilera).

* Joan Jett – 2018 Documentary “Bad Reputation” led to the founding of Herizon Music

* And many Michigan Icons such as: Madonna, Bob Seger, Aretha Franklin, Smokey Robinson, Eminem, and MC5.

Mentioned Organizations, Books & Projects

* Herizon Music Official Website – Interviews, articles, and video vault for female artists.

* Book More Women – Arts service nonprofit using data visualization tools to track and advocate for gender equity on festival lineups.

* The Recording Academy / GRAMMYs – Advocacy initiatives pushing for legislative protection against AI scraping and diversifying voting memberships.

* Kalamazoo Gals: A Story of Extraordinary Women & Gibson’s “Banner” Guitars of WWII – Book and documentary project by John Thomas uncovering the women who secretly built Gibson guitars during WWII.

Highlighted Michigan Venues

* The Fox Theatre (Detroit) & The Fillmore Detroit

* El Club (Detroit / Mexicantown)

* The Lager House (Detroit)

* Bowlero Lounge (Royal Oak)

* The Intersection (Grand Rapids)

* Meadow Brook Amphitheater (Rochester Hills) & Pine Knob Music Theatre (Clarkston)

* Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park Amphitheater (Grand Rapids)

* The Ark (Ann Arbor)

* Leon Loft / Leon Speakers & Mothfire Brewing Co. (Ann Arbor)

* Bell’s Eccentric Café / Beer Garden (Kalamazoo)

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