In this powerful episode of The Indie Unplugged, B. Vaughan sits down with the unstoppable Monique Nikkole—a Grammy-nominated singer, entrepreneur, former detective sergeant, and true queen of reinvention. From her early roots in Brooklyn to her breakout success with “Red Bottoms & Lingerie,” Monique shares her journey of overcoming stage fright, surviving artist management struggles, building her music empire, and finding her voice in activism through her hit single “Queen of the Hustle.”

They dive into everything: her take on the BET Awards, the AI artist debate surrounding Timbaland’s “TaTa,” the reality of being an indie artist wearing multiple hats, and the discipline it takes to maintain her personal health, brand, and mission. Monique also talks about receiving the Presidential Lifetime Achievement Award, launching her upcoming EP Enigmatic, and why staying grounded in your truth as an artist matters more than ever.

This isn’t just an interview—it’s a blueprint for every independent artist chasing purpose over popularity.

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In this inspiring episode of The Indie Unplugged, host B. Vaughan sits down with Madeline Jackson, a rising force in the Atlanta music scene and Director of Events Programming at Rival Entertainment (Center Stage, The Loft, and Vinyl). Madeline shares her journey from growing up in small-town Georgia with a deep love for music to becoming a key player in curating some of the city’s most vibrant live experiences. She opens up about her early career pivots, the importance of internships, and how a pivotal moment at Kanye West’s Donda listening party helped realign her purpose.

Throughout the conversation, Madeline reflects on the power of manifestation, the impact of parental support, and the lessons she’s learned on both the creative and business sides of the industry. She also offers thoughtful insights into the future of live music, including how technology and AI might enhance — but never replace — the irreplaceable connection of in-person performance. Whether you're a future music executive or a creative chasing your path, this episode is filled with practical advice, personal reflection, and industry wisdom.

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In this impactful episode of The Indie Unplugged, host B. Vaughan sits down with Prince Howard, a powerhouse music executive, publisher, and entrepreneur whose influence spans from Montgomery to the global music stage. As CEO of Pacific Music Publishing and President of Royalty Genius, Prince has earned over 60 gold and platinum plaques, contributing to the success of artists like Beyoncé, 21 Savage, Moneybagg Yo, and more. He shares how his legacy—rooted in entrepreneurship and civil rights activism—shaped his business mindset and propelled him into the music industry with purpose and precision.

From military service to financial consulting and ultimately to global music publishing, Prince recounts his unconventional journey with candor and clarity. He dives into the importance of ownership, the hidden power of publishing revenue, and the strategies artists often overlook when building sustainable careers. With insider insights on artist management, royalty structures, and industry pitfalls, this episode is a masterclass in turning creative passion into generational wealth. A must-listen for any artist or entrepreneur navigating the modern music business.

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