Cale Hawkins is a songwriter and music producer based in New York City.

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(00:00) From western New York to New York City

(01:10) Discovering music, country, and the Beatles

(03:55) Taking music seriously as a kid

(05:05) Finding mentors at the Infinity Program

(07:15) Talent, improvisation, and learning from better musicians

(10:18) Why the Beatles remain the gold standard

(14:30) High school and choosing music professionally

(19:17) Knowing music was the only path

(20:29) Professionalism, listening, work ethic, and rejection

(24:35) The music industry’s unwritten rules

(26:40) Berklee, Derek Sivers, and moving faster