Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Nick Phelps. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Nick, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. If you could go back in time do you wish you had started your creative career sooner or later?

No, not at all. I am right where I need to be. I firmly believe in the saying, “It is never too late.” Everything I’ve been through, all the closed doors, and all the setbacks have enabled me to write better songs, have thicker skin, and know my lane as an artist, music producer, and entrepreneur. I am also not afraid to wake up one day and completely reinvent myself or chase another dream burning inside of me. This is the beauty of life. You get to choose what you want to pursue in life, and how much energy you will put toward making it come true.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I started off like any kid with a dream who wanted to make music. I just wanted to be famous and make lots of money! In 20013, after working on my craft for 14 years, I was finally about to get my big break at the age of 26. My older brother had connections with Sony, I was on the verge of producing a track for Nipsey Hussle and Avril Lavigne, and there were talks of an MTV reality show for up-and-coming Music producers that my brothers and I were going to star in. At this point in life, I had already been married for nine years with three children. Ages two and three. So, believe me when I say I needed this big break to provide for my family!

One by one, all of the opportunities fell through the cracks and never saw the light of day. I was so depressed that I laid music down for three years. I could not touch it. Music hurt me so bad I felt I could never trust it again. Although I was broken, having those doors slam in my face was my greatest gift. I would not be who I am today had it happened any other way. During those three years, I worked on myself, my marriage, and my faith. I also discovered many other parts of me I never explored. Music was no longer solely my identity. I got my degree in ministry & leadership and my board certification as a Chaplain. My newfound passion was people and walking alongside them on whatever journey they were on.

After three years, I felt the urge to pick music back up. This time, music no longer consumed me; I had balance and felt no need for fame; I just wanted to create and inspire. I stumbled upon a sync licensing course run by Cathy Heller. This course would change the trajectory of my life. Within four months of the program, I landed my first sync placement. This opened the floodgates to many artists wanting to work with me and produce their music. This was the start of a lucrative music production business. I built a great career as a reputable music producer and sync artist within five years. My music can be heard on Sony Pictures, ABC, Adobe, BET+, CW, Disney+, ESPN, HBO MAX, MTV, NBC, Nickelodeon, Nordstrom Rack, Paramount+, USA, VH1, and more.

My Success in sync licensing, family life, and social media presence intrigued many people. To many, it was rare to see someone married with four children making a living off their music. I began getting many instant messages asking If I could coach them on music production and sync licensing. I often talked about balance, workflow tips, and time management on these coaching calls. These coaching calls catapulted me to launch my Music And Life Mindset business, a holistic approach to helping aspiring artists and music producers find their lane and voice within this fast-paced industry. Shortly after, I launched Make That Sh!t Modern, my first-ever music production course. My 8-week course was an instant hit! Not only helping people all across the globe with music production but also with mindset, encouragement, and time management skills to retain balance and escape burnout.

Music And Life Mindset is constantly evolving. Not only have I had the privilege to help hundreds of people around the globe learn how to produce music and discover their lane. I’ve had the privilege to emcee events, be a keynote speaker, host numerous workshops, and run my Make That Sh!t Modern Academy program, a monthly subscription music production program. And I still feel like I am just getting started.

How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?

When I launched my coaching business, it was a flop. I only had one person sign up for a paid coaching call. I spent hours doing it for free, but the minute I decided to believe in myself and put a price tag on the information and time I gave others, I heard crickets! Although I felt defeated, I did not give up. I kept promoting while learning how to make this business successful as my music production business. I started going live on Facebook once a week, breaking down beats. To my surprise, I got lots of traction and messages asking If I could teach them how to produce. This gave me the idea to host my first free music production workshop, Make That Sh!t Modern. The workshop got great feedback, and lots more people asked me to teach them how to produce music. That is when it clicked. I announced the start-up of my 8-week course and got 25 sign-ups as soon as I announced it. I added a tier selection as well, where you can also get four one-on-one coaching calls to accompany the course. It was a success. I had so many one-on-one coaching calls it was hard to find the time to manage them all. Starting the course was the missing link to having my coaching business take off. If it were not for the flop, I would have never discovered this new lane and what a great instructor I am. Never be afraid to start and/or pivot, flops and disappointment can lead to more tremendous success.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I aim to inspire and motivate as I continue to grow and figure things out. I can’t help but give back. I grew up in LA, Watts, the hood. There weren’t many people to look up to and aspire to be like. I want people to know anything is possible. Whatever dream you have in your heart, go for it! Why not? This is not practice life. This is real life!
I want people to get out of their own way and stop worrying about what everyone else will think. Once I learned no one really cared as much as I perceived them to, I started doing what I felt like doing. I began to embrace my journey to the fullest, I don’t have to have it all figured out in order to take a first step or be proud of what I am doing.

My message to the world is, never dim your light because you feel someone in the room is more qualified than you. There is only one you. Own who you are, your unique experience, and the learning curve of your journey.

Contact Info:

• Website: musicandlifemindset.com
• Instagram: @musicandlifemindset, @mrphelpsmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/musicandlifemindset
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nick-phelps-28173a150/