Christmas in July: Unwrapping the Music Business with Shane Stevens and Tekitha Washington @TheMLC
Christmas in July: Unwrapping the Music Business with Shane Stevens and Tekitha Washington  @TheMLC
Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 2 weeks ago
A little holiday spirit in the summer sets the perfect mood for real talk about the music business. In this festive episode of Taking Care of Your Music Business, Jamie Dominguez of The MLC celebrates "Christmas in July" at Nashville's beloved Santa's Pub with two remarkable guests. Grammy-nominated songwriter Shane Stevens has penned hits for Carrie Underwood, Lady A, Selena Gomez, Walker Hayes, Meghan Trainor, and Ariana Grande, and co-wrote a song that went viral on TikTok before earning seven-times Platinum certification. He's joined by Tekitha Washington — artist, creative entrepreneur, and co-creator of the genre-bending mother-daughter act O.N.E The Duo — who is celebrated for her soulful voice and work with Wu-Tang Clan. After being signed to Epic Records, she went on to build her career as her own executive, protecting her artistic vision.

Shane, Tekitha, and Jamie unpack the realities of building a sustainable, authentic career. They break down the different types of publishing deals — co-publishing, full publishing, and administration — the role of performing rights organizations (PROs) like ASCAP, BMI, and SESAC, and why split sheets and catalog ownership matter more than you might think. They also get honest about protecting your mental health and creative energy against the pressure of the "9-to-5" songwriting grind. Tune in for practical advice to help you take care of your music business.

Subscribe to The MLC's podcast wherever you choose to tune in: go.themlc.com/TCYMBpodcast


If you need additional help, send us an email, chat, or give us a call. The MLC Support Team is available Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-6 p.m. CT.
portal.themlc.com/contact-us

Follow The MLC on Socials!

Instagram:
instagram.com/mlc_us

TikTok:
tiktok.com/@mlc_us

LinkedIn:
linkedin.com/company/the-mechanical-licensing-collective

Facebook:
facebook.com/MLC.US
Christmas in July: Unwrapping the Music Business with Shane Stevens and Tekitha WashingtonThe MLC em 60 Segundos (Portuguese - Brazil)The MLC Presents: Q&A for Self Administered SongwritersThe MLC Presents: Q&A For Publishers and AdministratorsWhat Is An ISWC?Cover Song Licensing in the MMA EraWhat is the Difference Between The MLC and My PRO?El MLC y SONA presentan un Fireside ChatJust joined The MLC? Don’t stop after creating your account. 👀Calling all SONGWRITERS and PUBLISHERS!! Are you collecting all of your streaming money?Quatro maneiras de receber seus royalties de streaming (Portuguese - Brazil)Do I Need to Become a Member of The MLC if I Have a Publisher or Administrator?
The MLC |

Christmas in July: Unwrapping the Music Business with Shane Stevens and Tekitha Washington

SHARE TO X SHARE TO REDDIT SHARE TO FACEBOOK WALLPAPER