Before Measure 1
The Decisions Behind the Music.
A father-and-son video podcast where world-class artists reveal the
creative choices, business decisions, and turning points behind their work.
EVERY GREAT WORK HAS A STORY YOU HAVEN'T HEARD.
A Juilliard composer and an Emmy-winning entrepreneur sit down with world-class artists to uncover the choices behind their work.
We don't just talk about the music. We bring it into the conversation so you can hear and experience the creative decisions for yourself.
Christopher explores the craft. Mario explores the business, career, and life decisions behind it.
GREAT ADVICE SHOULDN'T BE SO HARD TO ACCESS.
HELP US BRING SEASON 1 TO LIFE.
Too many artists never get access to the conversations that could change their careers.
We're bringing world-class artists into open conversations about creative choices and business deals, sharing what they know with the next generation.
Your support helps cover professional filming with 3 cameras, editing, on-site engineer, production essentials, and guest transportation.
$3,600 | Six episodes | Recorded in NYC.
ONLY 15 WILL EVER BE MADE.
A PERSONALIZED, PLAYABLE VINYL RECORD.
Signed and individually numbered, with a personalized audio thank-you, favorite Season 1 moments, reflections from Mario + Chris, and original music by Christopher.
One of several exclusive rewards available to our early supporters.
THE HOSTS
Juilliard-trained, Award-winning composer.
A two-time graduate of The Juilliard School
(B.M. '25, M.M. '26).
He has been commissioned by The Philadelphia Chamber Music Society, The Juilliard School, Chamber Music Detroit, The Denyce Graves Foundation, and more.
His works have been premiered by some of the leading voices in classical and contemporary music including Anthony McGill and Randall Goosby, and he has provided arrangements for artists such as DJ D-Nice & the Baltimore Symphony Orchestra, Lalah Hathaway, Raheem Devaughn and more. And his film scores have screened at major festivals in Beverly Hills, Toronto, LA, and New York.
Christopher Armstrong
Co-Founder
Emmy-winning entrepreneur and interviewer.
A 2x Emmy Award-winning host, NBC TODAY Show contributor, columnist for Entrepreneur Magazine.
He produces original video series content, and builds platforms that teach visual and performing artists how to market, monetize, grow and own what they create.
At his core, Mario is both a host and a builder. He is the creator and host of the Emmy Award-winning Never Settle Show, which he independently built, funded, and produced, from launching the first season in a transformed corporate lobby to scaling the show to Nasdaq Studios in Times Square.
Mario is currently focused on building OWNR!, a video series and AI mentorship platform designed to help performing, creative, and visual artists understand the business side of their work and build sustainable income.
Co-FounderMario Armstrong
FOLLOW THE JOURNEY.
We're building Before Measure 1 from the ground up.
Get behind-the-scenes updates, Season 1 news, and a first look at what's coming.