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© 2026 Nik Cherwink, LLC
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The Headliner Mindset podcast explores what it truly takes to succeed as an artist in the EDM industry. Through interviews with some of the biggest DJs, artists and professionals in the game, we dig into not only the business strategies for success but also how to navigate the mental, emotional and spiritual aspects of the artist journey. For more info, go to www.nikcherwink.com.
103 Episodes
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In this episode of the Headliner Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Modestep for an honest conversation about what it really takes to last in the music industry. We talk about the parts of the artist journey that don’t make it onto social media — burnout, mental health, physical wear and tear from touring, and the pressure to keep showing up even when you’re struggling. Josh shares real insight on: Why going viral doesn’t equal selling ticketsThe difference between online hype and real fansDJ c...
What happens when your passion becomes your paycheck? In this episode, San Holo and I unpack the real journey of turning your art into a business — and how to stay grounded when success starts pulling you in every direction. From his first viral remix on SoundCloud to headlining global festivals, San shares the mindset that’s kept him authentic through it all. We talk about the creative struggle, the pressure to keep up with trends, and why staying different is both a blessing and a curse. 🔥 ...
In this episode, Big Gigantic’s Dominic Lalli shares how he went from broke jazz gigs in New York to headlining festivals around the world. We talk about building Big Gigantic from the ground up, the mindset behind 15+ years of success, and how to stay creative, relevant, and inspired in an industry that’s always changing. Whether you’re a DJ, producer, or artist chasing long-term growth, this conversation is packed with lessons on teamwork, consistency, and trusting the process. 🎧 Listen now...
100 episodes. What a milestone! In this solo episode, I open up about the highs and lows of reaching this point with the Headliner Mindset Podcast. I share honestly about the self-doubt that crept in, the voice that told me to quit, and the support that reminded me why I started. From stepping on stage recently with Bella Renee to hearing encouragement from past clients, this episode is about the importance of having people in your corner. We dive into: Why consistency is everything (and what...
RIOT just dropped their new album The Machine on Slander and NGHTMRE’s label, Gud Vibrations, and are hitting the road for their first-ever national headlining tour. In this episode, we talk about what it takes to build a sustainable career in bass music—while staying true to your vision and leveling up every step of the way. We dive into: The grind of moving from support slots to headlining showsHow they balanced singles, a full album, and tour prep all at onceThe investment behind their vis...
What happens when the dream you’ve been chasing no longer feels like yours? In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Fredy Lane returns to the podcast to share why she’s walking away from her artist project at the height of her momentum — and what it really means to let go, evolve, and trust your intuition. We get into: Why she decided to retire the Fredy Lane project and leave the touring DJ lifestyle behindThe pressure to stay in the game vs. the peace of choosing yourselfWhat alignmen...
Steller just wrapped her first headlining tour — and she’s doing things differently. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to build a career with intention, from learning to trust your gut to putting your mental health first in an industry that often glorifies the grind. We get into: How Steller partnered with To Write Love On Her Arms to bring mental health resources to her showsWhy she waited a full year before going on tour — and how she knew the timing was rightThe emotional...
Nostalgix is the definition of a multi-talented artist—producer, rapper, singer, songwriter, and performer—and she’s here to share the REAL story behind her rise. We dive deep into: How she went from bedroom DJ to touring globally (without even planning on becoming an artist)The mindset shifts that took her from just having fun to fully committing to her craftWhy burning out every week was part of the process—and how she finally learned to manage itHer journey to finding community, mentorship...
In a music industry that never stops moving, how do you stay grounded, intentional, and actually enjoy the journey? This week I’m joined by Dr. Sunni, a licensed psychologist and coach for DJs and creatives, whose work sits at the intersection of mental health and the electronic music industry. We dive into the deep end of artist mindset — from burnout and comparison to self-worth, imposter syndrome, and the hustle culture that keeps so many artists stuck. We get into: How to stay connected t...
Use code "MINDSET" for free month of Event Sheet: https://eventsheet.com/ Geoff Shames has been in the game for over a decade, helping shape the marketing strategy behind some of the biggest names in bass music. From launching the marketing division at Circle Talent Agency (which later became UTA) to running his own digital agency, Geoff is a master at helping artists build their brands and following. In this episode, we dive deep into the real strategies artists can use to grow ...
PhaseOne is a undeniable heavy-hitter in the bass music scene, fusing metal and dubstep to carve out a sound that’s as aggressive as it is intentional. In this episode, we talk about what it really means to stay relevant in an industry that moves fast — and why, after 15 years in the game, he’s choosing to slow down and make an album, not just chase singles. We get into: The pressure artists feel to constantly stay visibleChoosing creative fulfillment over algorithmic successHow his sound and...
This time, the mic's turned around. I recently joined my friend Wyatt on the DAW Nation podcast for a deep dive into the mindset, spirituality, and authenticity that fuel a thriving music career. We explored what it truly means to succeed from the inside out—beyond the algorithms and into the heart of artistry. If you're ready to ignite your inner fire and align your energy with your creative journey, this one's for you. Follow DAW Nation here: https://www.dawnation.net https://www.instagram...
If you’re a DJ or producer trying to build a real fanbase, this episode is essential listening. Grahame Farmer — founder of Data Transmission, YouTube educator, and creator of The Artist Blueprint — breaks down exactly how artists are growing in 2025. From social media strategy to automation tools, Grahame shares the real tactics that are helping artists get signed, grow on SoundCloud and Instagram, and actually build community — not just followers. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn: Why most D...
From dropping out of grad school to crushing festival stages — Nikita the Wicked is proving that the real win comes when you stop following the rules and start following your calling. In this episode, we get into the story behind his rise, how he built a viral artist brand without a label and why bringing your full personality into your project is what separates artists from entertainers. We talk about: What it really takes to walk away from the “safe” pathThe moment he knew grad school wasn’...
Wes Mills is living proof that with the right mindset, relentless work ethic, and pure love for the craft, anything is possible. From commuting late nights to ICON Collective to now performing at iconic venues like Red Rocks, Wes shares what it truly takes to become a headliner. In this episode, we dive deep into how he learned music production from scratch, the moment that inspired him to chase his dream, and the role that authenticity, consistency, and feeding the "feeling" has played in bu...
Proppa is a house music producer from Chicago whose recent remixes are lighting up DJ sets across the globe—from Dom Dolla to Cloonee to John Summit and many more. But this didn’t happen overnight... Proppa shares the real story behind his 15-year journey in music—starting out as a drummer, battling perfectionism, finding his sound through consistent remixing and figuring out his brand and identity as an artist. In this episode we talk about: What it really takes to get noticed in today’s mus...
Feeling stuck in your music career—even though you're doing all the things? In this special episode, Nik shares the full recording of his recent live masterclass, UNSTUCK: The Mindset Masterclass for Artists Who Are Ready to Finally Break Through. You’ll learn the 4 mindset and energy shifts that help artists move from burnout and self-doubt to clarity, momentum, and creative flow. If you’ve been grinding, posting, and still feel like nothing’s clicking—this one’s for you. Inside this episode...
JIA is a DJ, promoter, educator, and founder of the 6AM Group and ArtistMap. In this episode, we explore what it really means to be a successful artist in today’s music industry—and it goes way beyond just making tracks and playing shows. JIA shares the full story behind building his promotion company and brand from the ground up, the hard lessons he learned about burnout, ego, and leadership, and why mindset is the foundation of everything. We talk about redefining success, building a career...
Aren Goldberg is a tour manager for some of the biggest artists in the dance music industry including NGHTMRE, Peekaboo, Dimension and more. In this episode we dive into the realities of life on the road, the biggest mistakes artists make when booking their first tours, and how to actually make money while touring—without blowing your budget on things you don’t need. If you’re an artist, DJ, or producer who wants to tour one day—or if you’re already playing shows and want to level up—this epi...
Nick Ruffalo is a music marketing expert who helps artists cut through the noise and build real, engaged audiences with his agency, Unleashd Creative Solutions. In this episode, we break down the biggest mistakes artists make when promoting their music, why simply posting content isn’t enough, and how to actually connect with fans in a way that drives long-term success. We also talk about the platforms that matter most in 2024, the strategies that actually move the needle, and how to market y...
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