Elevated Frequencies
Entrepreneur and Chicago Music Nexus co-founder Olivia Mancuso shares insider tips and real-world stories to help aspiring house and techno artists turn their passion into profit. She covers topics from setting up an LLC to building a personal brand, drawing from her experience scaling a business from zero to six figures in six months. Each week features personal insights and interviews with artists, promoters, label owners, and agents. The podcast aims to elevate listeners' house and techno journey.
Episodes
Anyone Can Drop a Banger. Almost Nobody Can Build a Night. ft. Mishell | EF EP 165
This episode is sponsored by Trackstack: the operating system built for music professionals who invest in each other. Trackstack Pro gives you access to a network of labels, curators, and artists where every connection you make is yours to keep. No algorithms, no platform holding your contacts hostage. Just real professional relationships that can turn into collaborations, bookings, and o
Do You Actually Need to Chase Bigger Rooms? ft. Deeper Purpose | EF EP 164
This episode is sponsored by Trackstack: the operating system built for music professionals who invest in each other. Trackstack Pro gives you access to a network of labels, curators, and artists where every connection you make is yours to keep. No algorithms, no platform holding your contacts hostage. Just real professional relationships that can turn into collaborations, bookings, and o
The One-Way Ticket to Ibiza That Built Hot Creations ft. Lee Foss | EF EP 163
This episode is sponsored by Trackstack: the operating system built for music professionals who invest in each other. Trackstack Pro gives you access to a network of labels, curators, and artists where every connection you make is yours to keep. No algorithms, no platform holding your contacts hostage. Just real professional relationships that can turn into collaborations, bookings, and o
How to Break Into a Scene From the Outside ft. Daniel Orpi | EF EP 162
This episode is sponsored by Trackstack: the operating system built for music professionals who invest in each other. Trackstack Pro gives you access to a network of labels, curators, and artists where every connection you make is yours to keep. No algorithms, no platform holding your contacts hostage. Just real professional relationships that can turn into collaborations, bookings, and o
Chasing Gen Z Is Overrated ft. Party Pupils | EF EP 161
This episode is sponsored by Trackstack: the operating system built for music professionals who invest in each other. Trackstack Pro gives you access to a network of labels, curators, and artists where every connection you make is yours to keep. No algorithms, no platform holding your contacts hostage. Just real professional relationships that can turn into collaborations, bookings, and o
She Walked Away From the Sound Everyone Wanted From Her (ft. J. Worra) | EF EP 160
This episode is sponsored by Trackstack: the operating system built for music professionals who invest in each other. Trackstack Pro gives you access to a network of labels, curators, and artists where every connection you make is yours to keep. No algorithms, no platform holding your contacts hostage. Just real professional relationships that can turn into collaborations, bookings, and o
You Don't Have to Be a DJ to Build a Label ft. PNK Records | EF EP 159
This episode is sponsored by Trackstack: the operating system built for music professionals who invest in each other. Trackstack Pro gives you access to a network of labels, curators, and artists where every connection you make is yours to keep. No algorithms, no platform holding your contacts hostage. Just real professional relationships that can turn into collaborations, bookings, and o
How Festival Lineups Get Picked with Will Runzel (Prodigy Artists) | EF EP 158
This episode is sponsored by Trackstack: the operating system built for music professionals who invest in each other. Trackstack Pro gives you access to a network of labels, curators, and artists where every connection you make is yours to keep. No algorithms, no platform holding your contacts hostage. Just real professional relationships that can turn into collaborations, bookings, and o
How All Day I Dream Grew on Word of Mouth Alone ft. Lee Burridge | episode 157
This episode is sponsored by Trackstack: the operating system built for music professionals who invest in each other. Trackstack Pro gives you access to a network of labels, curators, and artists where every connection you make is yours to keep. No algorithms, no platform holding your contacts hostage. Just real professional relationships that can turn into collaborations, bookings, and o
Inside Beatport's #1 Selling Label ft. Mark Knight | EF EP 156
Mark Knight went from freezing on a construction roof to running Beatport's number one selling label. Host Olivia Mancuso sits down with the Toolroom founder. He explains why making a record is like managing a construction project, and why he never took a single day off building the company.Inside Toolroom: 24 staff, 45 plus releases a year, fully self-funded with no investors, surviving
Still Playing Bars When His First Hit Dropped (ft. Bontan) | EF EP 155
At 38, Bontan still looks 23. He quit school at 17 to DJ pubs five nights a week, took a 6-month pay cut to chase the Bontan project from his parents' house, and just launched his own label North Drum at Fabrik London. He's signed to Hot Creations, releases on No Art, and his latest track just went viral overnight after a major pop star used it on a reel.In this episode, Olivia sits down
How Francis Mercier went from Frat Parties to Selling Out Clubs Worldwide | EF EP 154
From a perfect SAT math score to a residency at Hï Ibiza, Francis Mercier built his career on networking, not luck. Olivia Mancuso sits down with Francis Mercier, the Haitian DJ, producer, and Deep Root Records founder.He breaks down spinning $300 frat parties at Brown and throwing his own New York parties when no club would book him yet. Francis also shares the seven-year grind to earn a
The Rejected Track That Built Life And Death, ft. DJ Tennis | EF EP 153
What does it really take to get signed to a respected electronic label? Hint: it has nothing to do with your follower count. Olivia Mancuso sits down with DJ Tennis, founder of Life and Death, who didn't earn his first real DJ recognition until he was 40.He traces his path from Italy's punk and DIY scene into Italo disco, house, and techno, and explains why wedding DJ work is underrated t
Delete These 4 Things From Your Career Strategy Before It's Too Late | EF EP 152
Most of what you call career work isn't actually moving your career forward. In this one, I'm breaking down the four habits quietly stalling most DJ careers right now.I get personal about why I'm giving up my studio over a $1,100 rent hike, and why "knowing your worth" can be a costume for ego. I cover Instagram hack culture, the prerequisites you invent for yourself, and the feedback hab
How to Stay in the Game When the Game Keeps Changing ft. Laidback Luke | EF EP 151
What happens when one hate comment almost ends a 30-year career? Olivia Mancuso sits down with Laidback Luke, the Dutch DJ behind Mixmash Records and mentor to a generation of EDM giants. He opens up about losing the underground scene after his first hit, and the silent year that followed his MTV breakthrough. But he's still here. Still hungry. Still winning.This conversation goes deep on
Why Hate Comments Means Your DJ Content is Working with Tres Mortimer | EF EP 150
Going viral takes the same time as making the song. That's the mindset shift Tres Mortimer credits for breaking out of the Chicago local DJ scene. Olivia Mancuso sits down with Tres Mortimer, the producer behind Optics Records and the new party brand Slavic House Society.They unpack the local to touring jump, why content has to be funded like studio time, and how hate comments means your
How He Got Signed by The Martinez Brothers (feat. AJ Christou) | EF EP 149
AJ Christou went from hanging out at Sankys with a fake ID to becoming a resident at the same club, signing with The Martinez Brothers, and playing his first official Miami Music Week set at Wynwood Studios. In this episode, Olivia Mancuso sits down with AJ to break down how a Manchester teenager who hated electronic music the first time he heard it built a career in the global house and
Why 1M Followers Can't Sell 100 Tickets (feat. Laylo) | EF EP 148
Laylo is the drop platform and CRM used by artists and promoters like Fisher, Chris Lake, James Hype, Mochakk, Whethan, and TekSupport to create hype around big moments and build a direct line to fans. With Laylo, you can capture phone numbers from social media and message your biggest supporters when tickets or merch go live, plus reward them with exclusives. It works across SMS, email,
Jonas Blue Sold Everything and Started Over | EF EP 147
What happens when billions of streams stop meaning anything? In this episode of Elevated Frequencies, Olivia Mancuso sits down with multi-platinum artist Jonas Blue to talk about the moment commercial success stopped being enough.Jonas opens up about the summer of 2024, when years of touring and making EDM left him feeling creatively empty and personally unhappy in London. Instead of stay
500 Tracks. 2 Brothers. 1 That Changed Everything. | EF EP 146
Ever wonder what happens when two brothers make 500 tracks before one finally breaks through? In this episode, Olivia Mancuso sits down with Murphy's Law, the UK brother duo taking the US dance music scene by storm.From growing up in a studio at the end of their garden (their dad played with Stevie Wonder) to making rap music as teenagers, Sonny and his brother Finn built their careers th
How Flashgea Went From Bottle Service Clubs to Techno Touring | EF EP 145
What does it actually take to go from bottle service gigs to touring techno DJ? Flashgea has a very specific answer.Olivia Mancuso sits down with Flashgea, a Bronx-born, Ecuadorian-Trinidadian producer and DJ who discovered rave culture at 20 years old on an illegal boat party during COVID lockdown and never looked back.They cover the story behind Took the Night, his biggest track to date
TikTok Is Changing How DJs Make Music (feat. Archie Hamilton) | EF EP 144
Laylo is the drop platform and CRM used by artists and promoters like Fisher, Chris Lake, James Hype, Mochakk, Whethan, and TekSupport to create hype around big moments and build a direct line to fans. With Laylo, you can capture phone numbers from social media and message your biggest supporters when tickets or merch go live, plus reward them with exclusives. It works across SMS, email,
Make Better Music in 3 Hours (feat. Josh Butler) | EF EP 143
Ever struggle to finish tracks because of endless screen time and studio distractions? Host Olivia Mancuso sits down with underground house heavyweight Josh Butler to discuss how strict time limitations actually fuel his creativity.Josh reveals how balancing fatherhood with his DJ career forced him to embrace constraints, proving you can produce a great track in just three hours by steppi
Virality Doesn't Fill Shows (feat. SIPPY) | EF EP 142
Laylo is the drop platform and CRM used by artists and promoters like Fisher, Chris Lake, James Hype, Mochakk, Whethan, and TekSupport to create hype around big moments and build a direct line to fans. With Laylo, you can capture phone numbers from social media and message your biggest supporters when tickets or merch go live, plus reward them with exclusives. It works across SMS, email,
The FBI Method: From Miami Music Week to Opportunities | EF EP 141
Laylo is the drop platform and CRM used by artists and promoters like Fisher, Chris Lake, James Hype, Mochakk, Whethan, and TekSupport to create hype around big moments and build a direct line to fans. With Laylo, you can capture phone numbers from social media and message your biggest supporters when tickets or merch go live, plus reward them with exclusives. It works across SMS, email,
Making a 10-Year Hit (feat. Valentino Khan ) | EF EP 140
The music industry's trend cycle is moving faster than ever, but surviving for over a decade requires more than just bowing to the algorithm.Host Olivia Mancuso sits down with iconic DJ and producer Valentino Khan (@ValentinoKhan) to dissect his unique journey from making hip-hop beats on basic software to dominating the dance music scene with decade-defining hits like "Deep Down Low."Th
12 Years to Go Viral (feat. OKAYVAL) | EF EP 139
Viral fame looks like overnight success, but building a sustainable music career often takes a decade of grinding behind the scenes.Host Olivia Mancuso sits down with tech house artist OKAYVAL ( @OKAYVAL ) to dissect her journey from making beats in 2013 to dominating charts with viral hits like "Techno" and "Designer."They dive deep into the reality of modern music production, discussin
Singles Are Holding DJs Back (feat. ALLEYCVT) | EF EP 138
Creating a cohesive body of work is the ultimate challenge for rising artists. We explore the pressure of music production while balancing a relentless release schedule and touring.Host Olivia Mancuso sits down with bass music powerhouse ALLEYCVT to discuss her journey from professional songwriting to becoming a headlining EDM producer.We dive into technical sound design, the complexity o
Why Avello Stopped Teasing His Music | EF EP 137
Stop dreaming about the mainstage and start building your music career today. Discover how a bedroom producer went from downloading an Ableton Live trial to performing with Illenium at Lost Lands.Host Olivia Mancuso sits down with EDM artist Avello to decode his rapid ascent in the electronic music industry. Learn how he turned a basic studio setup into a touring reality through sheer foc
The Financial Mistake That Ends More Music Careers Than Bad Music | EF EP 136
You're finally making money from music. Shows are coming in. Maybe you just got your first $10K, $50K, or $100K check. This is the moment every artist works toward—and the moment where most careers start falling apart.The music industry doesn't teach you what to do when the money actually arrives. There's no handbook for navigating profit vs. expenses, budgeting for inconsistent income, o
Sam Divine on Sobriety & Starting Over | EF EP 135
When success starts destroying you, do you walk away or do you rebuild on your own terms?Sam Divine spent 25 years grinding her way to the top—from handing out flyers on Ibiza streets to becoming the Queen of Defected. But the journey nearly broke her. Depression, addiction, relentless touring, and the loss of her mother pushed her to a breaking point where the music that once saved her s
It's a Burden, But What Does It Outweigh? Will Clarke on the Artist's Trade-Off | EF EP 134
Will Clarke posted that he was retiring. For 48 hours before revealing it was a remix album announcement, he experienced something unexpected: complete freedom. "I woke up the next day after retiring and was like, my god, this is so free."That moment revealed a truth most artists won't admit - this career is both a calling and a cage. Will's been doing this since he was nine years old, DJ
The Hidden Costs of Starting a Label with Charles D | EF EP 133
Think running a label is just passion and good taste? Charles D is learning the hard way what it actually costs to build something from scratch.With releases on Drumcode and Pryda Presents, Charles has earned his stripes in techno. But now that he's launched KONKRTE, he's pulling back the curtain on what nobody talks about: the $2,500 per release, the £1,000 promo campaigns, and why most
Map Out Your DJ Career in 2026 Using This Framework | EF EP 132
New year, same you? Good. Because I'm not here to tell you to hustle harder or add seventeen new habits to your routine. The artists crushing it right now aren't doing MORE than you - they're doing DIFFERENT. They've figured out how to stop being a full-time employee in their own career and start being the CEO.In this episode, I'm breaking down the one framework that separates DJs who pla
No One Is Teaching Industry Etiquette (This Competition Is Changing That) | EF EP 131
Think learning to DJ means mastering your equipment? You're missing the entire point.Your Shot just wrapped their first-ever US competition after 15 years of success in Australia, and what I witnessed at the LA finals completely shifted my perspective. Hundreds of people across LA and New York signed up for six weeks of free DJ training - most had never touched a deck. The LA finals drew
'I Turn Down More Gigs Than I Accept': The ANATTA Approach | EF EP 130
Most artists think saying yes to every opportunity is how you build a career. ANATTA proves the opposite is true.Since our last conversation, ANATTA has mastered one of the hardest skills in this industry - strategic rejection. He turns down more bookings than he accepts, including clubs he's been dying to play and gigs that could pay six months of rent. This isn't about being difficult o
Should You Adapt to Trends? Ferreck Dawn's 20-Year Answer | EF EP 129
The world is at 134 BPM right now. Your sound sits at 125. Do you adapt or wait for the trend to pass? This is the choice every producer faces, and Dutch house legend Ferreck Dawn has navigated it for over two decades.Fresh from Amsterdam Dance Event, Ferreck breaks down how he's built a career that's lasted through multiple industry shifts, sound evolutions, and market changes. From his
The Real Timeline to Quitting Your Day Job as a DJ with Malone | EF EP 129
Most artists agonize over when to quit their day job. Malóne spent 9 years building his career strategically until the timing was finally right. After nearly a decade of playing Miami clubs, growing his WHYNOTUS label, and building the right relationships, quitting his corporate job before Miami Music Week wasn't a risk - it was the natural next step.This conversation reveals the real tim
Why Desperate Artists Fail (And Grateful Ones Succeed) | EF EP 127
Most artists think gratitude is just feel-good fluff. But what if I told you it's actually one of the most powerful business strategies you can use to transform your career?In this deeply personal episode, I'm sharing the exact gratitude practice that took me from making $30,000 a year in a job I hated to building multiple businesses in the music industry. This isn't toxic positivity or w
How to Turn Your Other Skills into Career Gold with Rebūke | EF EP 126
Most artists compartmentalize their lives - music over here, other interests over there. Rebūke shows how to fold your entire self into your music career. The same kid who got pulled out of geography class to fix teachers' computers now creates stunning 3D visuals that have transformed his live shows and opened entirely new revenue streams.While other artists outsource their visual conten
How Jamie Jones Mastered the Long Game | EF Ep 125
Most DJs burn out, fade away, or get replaced by the next big thing within five years. Jamie Jones has been dominating dance music for over two decades. So what's his secret to mastering the long game?In this rare, in-depth conversation, we dive into the strategic decisions and mindset shifts that have kept Jamie relevant while countless others have disappeared. From his isolated beginnin
"Not Everyone Deserves Access": The Controversial Strategy Behind Chicago's Biggest Nightlife Success | EF EP 124
Most people think inclusivity is the key to building a successful venue or event. Dom Brown built his empire doing the exact opposite - and he's not apologetic about it.As the founder of Porn & Chicken (Chicago's most legendary weekly party), owner of Never Have I Ever bar, and touring manager for Green Velvet and Shermanology, Dom has one controversial principle: not everyone deserve
Your Most Valuable Fans Aren't Who You Think They Are | EF EP 123
Think you know who your most valuable fans are? This conversation with Ritesh Patel, co-founder of Ticket Fairy, will completely flip your understanding of fan value and event data.While most artists focus on big spenders and VIP customers, Ritesh has discovered through processing over $300 million in ticket sales that your most valuable fans are actually the ones who spend the LEAST mone
$9K Debt to $200K Months: Marketing Events When Nobody Knows You | EF EP 122
Think you need a big budget and industry connections to throw successful events? Kyle Cassico proves otherwise. He went from $9,000 in credit card debt to building a thriving experiential company, and his guerrilla marketing tactics work whether you're throwing your own events or trying to get booked.Kyle breaks down exactly how to create content that moves people from scrolling to showin
"Going Viral Changed Everything": Lawrence James on Breaking Out of Your Local Scene | EF EP 121
Think you need millions of followers to break out of your local DJ scene? Lawrence James from Crossfader proves that one viral video can change everything - but only if you know what to do next.Lawrence went from playing the same local clubs seven nights a week to touring internationally, all because he decided to film one garage routine with a cheap camera. That video hit 80,000 views ov
Stop Being Broke: The Financial Wake-Up Call Every DJ Needs | EF EP 120
Think you need to wait until you're making six figures to start planning your financial future? Think again. DJ and financial advisor Danner destroys every excuse artists make about money management and reveals why wedding DJs often out-earn nightclub residents by thousands.This isn't your typical "save money" advice - this is real talk from someone who's built two successful careers simu
The Secret to Packed Shows (Hint: It's Not Big Names) | EF EP 119
Why do some artists pack rooms while others play to empty floors? It's not about follower count, label releases, or who you know. BINGEWATCH from Blind Tiger cracked the code - he built a brand so trusted that people show up before they even know who's playing.In this conversation, we break down how he created LA's most reliable underground experience and what every artist can learn about
How to Turn Your Culture Into Your Competitive Advantage w/Henry Fong | EF EP 118
Think you need to post every day to stay relevant? Henry Fong went from viral post after viral post to completely rethinking his social media strategy - and discovered something way more powerful than chasing algorithms.While most artists are burning out trying to keep up with content demands, Henry created his own world. His Night Market concept brings Asian street food culture to electr
Stop Copying DJs: Layton Giordani & Parker Cohen on Creating Your Own Lane | EF EP 117
Think you need to follow someone else's blueprint to make it in dance music? This conversation with Layton Giordani and Parker Cohen, co-founder of Metatone, will completely change how you think about building a lasting career.Fresh off his performance at ARC Music Festival, Layton rarely gives interviews - but he opened up about his journey from New York warehouse parties to global recog
'I Don't Care About Your Follower Count': Slugg's Music-First Philosophy | EF EP 116
Most labels won't sign you without 10,000 followers. Slugg's Get Busy label will sign an artist with 20 followers if they make better music than someone with 20,000. This conversation will completely change how you think about building a music career in the social media age.While the industry obsesses over vanity metrics, Slugg has built his reputation on a simple philosophy: good music m
"I ALMOST QUIT DJING": Bijou's Brutal Career Reset | EF EP 115
Most artists think talent is enough. Bijou proves that discipline is what separates the successful from the struggling. After 13 years of building his career around G-House, he hit a wall - he hated his music, hated touring, and wanted to quit everything.Instead of giving up, he rebuilt his entire approach to artistry. We're talking 13 years of sobriety, 6 AM wake-ups even while touring,
The Uncomfortable Truth About Who's Really Winning in House Music | EF EP 113
Most artists won't say this out loud, but DJ Lady D will: the house music scene has a problem, and it's not what you think. Chicago's House Music Queen is calling out the uncomfortable truth about who's really getting rewarded in dance music - and it's not always the people who deserve it.While the world's best DJs created the culture in Chicago, only a handful are seeing the financial su
How to Build Multiple Revenue Streams as an Artist w/Night Tales | EF EP 113
Think you need to stay in one lane to build a successful music career? Night Tales just proved that wrong by creating CLR (Colour, Love, Rhythm) - a groundbreaking event series that's taking them around the country.CLR is a hybrid experience that partners with local bands, dancers, and cultural performers in each city, creating shows that reflect each community's unique identity. From wor
The Industry Will Change Whether You Like It or Not: Gene Farris' Strategy | EF EP 112
The music industry will change whether you like it or not. Chicago house legend Gene Farris has watched it transform completely over three decades - from needing vinyl releases to get overseas gigs to watching sync buttons replace beatmatching skills. His survival strategy? Build your own infrastructure.With over 500 releases on Ferris Wheel Recordings, Gene has created his own platform w
From 30 to 400 People in 12 Months: How to Build Your Own Scene | EF EP 111
Most DJs complain about not getting booked. Sarat, a drone pilot and DJ, created his own bookings instead. In just one year, he grew his sunrise sets from 30 people to 400+ people by building the scene he wanted to be part of.Starting with nothing but a unique perspective of Chicago from his drone footage and a love for melodic house music, Sarat created sunrise events that serve a commun
The $3 Million Marketing Strategy Every Artist Needs to Know | EF EP 110
Think you need millions of followers to build a successful music career? This conversation with Alex Hilburn, Co-Founder of Surge Marketing, will completely change how you think about fan engagement and marketing.While most artists are burning money on digital ads and chasing follower counts, Surge has generated $3 million in ticket sales by turning regular fans into active ambassadors. T
When Everyone Has a Label: The New Rules of Music Collaboration with Kyle Watson | EF EP 109
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY DEEP TROPICS.Deep Tropics is an immersive dance experience in the heart of Music City, Nashville, where party truly meets purpose. Known as the most sustainable festival in North America, Deep Tropics is an energetic celebration of culture, community, and the planet. Catch headliners like Chris Lake, Lane 8, Subtronics, and more on August 15th and 16th. Secure
How to Build a Profitable Music Career by Serving Fewer People | EF EP 108
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY DEEP TROPICS.Deep Tropics is an immersive dance experience in the heart of Music City, Nashville, where party truly meets purpose. Known as the most sustainable festival in North America, Deep Tropics is an energetic celebration of culture, community, and the planet. Catch headliners like Chris Lake, Lane 8, Subtronics, and more on August 15th and 16th. Secure
I Spent $15K on a Studio That Got Destroyed in 2 Months | EF EP 107
My studio flooded on June 25th. Everything is damaged. However, I'm here to show you how to navigate setbacks in your career without losing your momentum.In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of losing my dream podcast studio just two months after investing $15,000 into building it. From vintage furniture sourced across Chicago to countless hours of equipment setup - all dest
Why Your Ego Is the Biggest Threat to Your Music Career | EF EP 106
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY DEEP TROPICS. Deep Tropics is an immersive dance experience in the heart of Music City, Nashville, where party truly meets purpose. Known as the most sustainable festival in North America, Deep Tropics is an energetic celebration of culture, community, and the planet. Catch headliners like Chris Lake, Lane 8, Subtronics, and more on August 15th and 16th. Secur
The Space Miami Formula: How to Handle Any Crowd | EF EP 105
Want to know how to read and control any room, no matter how diverse the crowd? Ms. Mada's unique perspective as both booking operations manager and resident DJ at Space Miami offers insights that most artists never get access to.From handling Miami's most eclectic crowds - mixing Space regulars with first-time tourists experiencing the legendary venue - to building her reputation as one
How to Take Your Music to New Cities with Jeff Sorkowitz | EF EP 104
Want to expand your music career beyond your home market? Jeff's strategic approach to building Short Circuit across multiple cities offers a blueprint for sustainable geographic expansion.Jeff reveals how he identifies the right partners in each market and creates authentic events that resonate with local scenes while maintaining his brand identity. His journey from corporate lawyer to l
From House Parties to Throwing Festivals: Josh Baker's Journey | EF EP 103
Tired of waiting for someone to give you a chance? Josh Baker's story proves you don't need permission to start building something meaningful in music.Starting with literally nothing - a £20 generator and field parties where people told him to "turn this shit off" - Josh created his own opportunities when no one would book him. Fast forward to today, and he's co-founded You & Me parti
Stop Waiting for Permission: How to Put Yourself On in Music | EF EP 102
🎫 PRESALE ALERT: Chicago Music Nexus 2025 presale tickets are now live for 2 weeks only! Last year completely sold out, so don't sleep on this. GET YOUR TICKETS HEREWant to know what separates artists who complain about the industry from those who actually change it? This conversation between the co-founders of Chicago Music Nexus reveals the mindset and actions required to "put yourself
Your Hometown Won't Make You Famous: How to Build Beyond Local Scenes with Hiroko | EF EP 101
Think your local scene holds the key to your DJ success? This conversation with Hiroko Yamamura will change that perspective entirely. Even in a major music city like Chicago, waiting for local validation can be a career-limiting strategy.Hiroko reveals why looking beyond your hometown - even when it's a music capital - might be the most important move you make. But this conversation goes
The Overnight Success Story that Took 15 Years | EF Episode 100!
For our milestone 100th episode, we're celebrating in our brand new Chicago studio with someone who's been part of this journey from day one - my brother, Proppa. His recent success with Warner Bros. offers the perfect case study in what it really takes to break through in music.From years of producing remixes to finally seeing his work gain major label support, Proppa's journey embodies
The Artist-to-Manager Journey: Lessons from Both Sides of the Table | EF EP 99
Want to know what it takes to navigate the music industry from both sides of the table? This week's conversation with Mouna Dif offers a unique perspective from someone who's journeyed from singer-songwriter to respected manager and label executive.After experiencing firsthand how artists can be taken advantage of - from having vocals used without approval to never receiving payment - Mou
Your Release Marketing Strategy Is Outdated: Here's What Works Now | EF EP 98
Want to know why most dance music marketing fails? In this eye-opening conversation, former TikTok UK/EU music marketing lead Dan Roy Carter reveals the insider metrics, hidden paid strategies, and fundamental shifts that are reshaping how music is promoted in 2025.From his early days working with Avicii and Tiesto to leading TikTok's global music initiatives, Dan has seen the evolution o
Building an Empire: Mark Knight's Toolroom Blueprint for Artists | EF EP 97
Want to know how Mark Knight built Toolroom Records into one of dance music's most enduring empires? In this conversation with the legendary DJ, producer, and label founder, he breaks down the exact blueprint that's kept him at the top of his game for over two decades.While most artists chase trends and quick wins, Mark has methodically constructed something built to last through principl
The 10-Year Rule: Why Mary Droppinz Says You Can't Quit Before Then | EF EP 96
In an era obsessed with overnight success, Mary Droppinz offers a radical perspective: give yourself at least 10 years in this industry before you even consider throwing in the towel. This conversation is a wake-up call for anyone looking for shortcuts in dance music.From her recent move to Miami to her journey of staying true to her musical vision despite industry pressure to conform, Ma
James Hype & Tita Lau’s Content Strategy (That Most DJs Won't Try) | EF EP 95
Want to know how one of dance music's biggest stars built a movement through vulnerability? In this special Miami Music Week episode, James Hype and Tita Lau reveal the counterintuitive strategies behind their massive online communities and why authenticity trumps "cool factor" every time.From being called "cringe" to having fake news articles written about him, James has faced every form
From $970M Twitch Exit to Burning Man's Massive Art Car | EF EP 94
What happens when you sell your company to Amazon for nearly a billion dollars? For Twitch co-founder Justin Kan, it meant following an unexpected passion - building one of Burning Man's most impressive art installations and launching a music label focused on community.From constructing a 70-foot iceberg with 200,000 LEDs to learning to DJ while building it, Justin's journey offers powerf
Miami's Most Notorious Venue: The E11even DJ Experience Revealed | EF EP 93
Want to know how to read a room when multiple distractions compete for attention? This week's guest, Mister Gray, has mastered this skill during his 11-year residency at E11even, a unique venue that combines the energy of a nightclub with the dynamics of a strip club.From sharing decks with Tiesto and Marshmello to working 12-hour marathon shifts, Mister Gray reveals practical insights ab
Collect More Failures: The Counter-Intuitive Path to Success | EF EP 92
Want to know what it really takes to build something in dance music? When Jason Euler's emails to Relentless Beats went unanswered, he didn't just try again - he threw his own block party, betting everything he had. We're talking maxed-out credit cards, a pink slip against his car, and a call to his mom saying, "If this fails, I'm moving home."From losing thousands in a single night to ma
Miami Music Week: The Insider's Guide You Can't Afford to Miss | EF EP 91
Want to know why some artists leave Miami Music Week with game-changing opportunities while others just leave broke? This week's guest Paul Campbell isn't just another industry veteran - he's the ultimate Miami insider who's seen it all from every angle.From throwing his first party at Club Space at age 16 to co-founding the legendary Dayglow events to now managing Grammy-nominated duo Si
From Viral Hit to Identity Crisis: The Story Artists Need to Hear w/GUDFELLA | EF EP 90
Want to know why some artists crumble under success while others turn it into sustainable careers? When GUDFELLA's remix of "Rule the World" exploded, getting picked up by major European soccer teams and even Tiësto, it marked the beginning of an incredible journey - but one that came with unexpected challenges that would ultimately make him a stronger artist.In one of the most honest con
Industry Wake-Up Call: Your Health Can't Afford to Ignore This | EF EP 89
In an industry where burnout is normalized and careers end before they begin, most DJs don't realize they're one health crisis away from losing everything. This week's guest, Ethan Schiff, knows this reality all too well - after watching countless artists sacrifice their health for success, he's on a mission to change how the music industry thinks about wellness.After transforming his own
DJs, Stop Getting Played: My Exact System for Getting Paid On Time | EF EP 88
Name another industry where it's normal to wait three months to get paid for work you've already done. In this episode, I'm sharing my exact system for getting paid on time - the same system that earned me the nickname "The Collector."From crafting bulletproof invoices to handling awkward payment conversations, I break down how I went from timidly waiting months for payment to running a p
Tired of Making No Money? Industry Experts Share Their Solution | EF EP 87
Want to know why most DJs struggle to make a living while others build sustainable careers? In this special episode from Chicago Music Nexus, a powerhouse panel of industry experts breaks down the revenue streams you're probably missing and the mindset shifts needed to monetize your brand effectively.From sync licensing deals worth $80,000 to building academies and D2C revenue streams, ou
Your Music Isn't Enough: A Stylist's Guide to Getting Noticed | EF EP 86
Want to know why some DJs instantly capture attention while others fade into the background? This week's guest, Wardrobe Consultant, Stylist, and My Friend Camille Ries reveals how developing your signature style can be the difference between being forgettable and unforgettable in dance music.In an oversaturated market where everyone has access to the same music and technology, your perso
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