Two Michigan artists walk into a room at the Michigan Music Econ Summit and spark an entertaining conversation about modern music careers, collaboration, and finding your place in the scene. Multi-instrumentalist Keala Venema and pop country singer-songwriter Jacki Daniels share stories that are funny, revealing, and useful for anyone building a career in music.
Jacki talks about her journey from progressive rock into pop country, her work hosting songwriter showcases across Michigan, and how performing at South by Southwest (SXSW) became a career highlight. She also shares the unforgettable story of being mistaken for another Jacquie Daniels at the Grand Ole Opry—and what happened when the two musicians met again.
Keala discusses her many creative projects, including Future Time String Band, Whorled, and Candid Antics, as well as her work as a music educator. She explains the roots of old-time music and bluegrass, the time-traveler concept behind her string band, and how her original music draws inspiration from nature, migration, and the world around us.
Together, the guests explore the importance of community, collaboration, adaptability, and staying open to unexpected opportunities. From judging live music competitions to curating showcases and developing original projects, this episode offers a lively look at how musicians build momentum in today’s industry.
