Elevated Frequencies

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, or knowing when you actually need professional financial help. By the time most artists realize they're in trouble, they've already made costly mistakes that set them back years.Jasmine Kwok has seen it from every angle. From artist relations to booking during the Avicii era, to banking, and now running ICONAC as a business manager for top DJs—she knows exactly where artists go wrong and how to fix it.This isn't just about managing money. It's about understanding the difference between a business and gambling, building the right team at the right time, and recognizing that financial literacy isn't optional if you want longevity in this industry.Key Takeaways:- The critical difference between a business manager, CPA, and financial advisor (and when you need each one)- Why most artists wait until there's a financial emergency to get help—and how much that costs them- The invisible infrastructure behind every successful artist that fans never see- What to actually do with your first big paycheck (hint: it's not buying a Rolex)- The "need vs. want" test that stops impulse purchases in their tracks- Red and green flags when interviewing business managers- Why communication matters more than technical expertise- How lifestyle creep kills more careers than bad musicWhether you're just starting to make money from music or you're already earning six figures, this conversation will change how you think about building sustainable wealth in the music industry.Want personalized guidance on your music career? Book a one-on-one consultation with Olivia on GreenRoom where you can get tailored advice on branding, business strategy, and sustainable career growth.Connect with Olivia on InstagramVideo Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 started hurting her.In January 2025, she checked herself into rehab. Not just for the drugs and alcohol, but for exhaustion. For being a workaholic who couldn't remember the last time she just breathed. What she found there changed everything.If you've ever felt like giving up, like the industry is too much, like you're losing yourself in the chaos—this conversation is for you. Because on the other side of rock bottom, Sam found something unexpected: a new era, a new label (555), and a profound new energy that's redefining what success means.Key Takeaways:Why being a workaholic is just as dangerous as being an alcoholicHow Sam went from hating her first sober gig to thriving in sobrietyThe real cost of 25 years on the road and how burnout compounds over timeHow rehab unlocked her creativity and led to writing "Scars" about addiction and faithWhat it means to rebuild your career when you can't even listen to music anymoreThe art of the 5-hour set and why going back to grassroots venues mattersHow losing her mother became the catalyst for finding herselfWhy the industry needs more female producers, not just more female DJsHow to maintain your standards while the industry evolves around youSam's journey proves that hitting rock bottom doesn't mean it's over—it means you finally have solid ground to rebuild from.Want personalized guidance on building a sustainable career in dance music? Book a consulting call with me on GreenRoom and let's map out your next move.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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, DJing longer than he hasn't, and sometimes the only way to remember why you started is to imagine walking away.Key Takeaways:- Why the artist career is gambling  - and what that really means- The truth about sacrifice: how to know if what you're giving up is worth it- Why playing more bad gigs than good gigs is the only path forward- The windscreen vs. rearview mirror: why regrets are valid but what's ahead matters more- Why dating outside the industry might save your sanity- The real question: would you still make music if no one was listening?If you're struggling with whether this career is worth the sacrifice, this conversation will give you the framework to decide.Need personalized guidance on building your career and protecting your mental health in this industry? Book a consultation with me on GreenRoom. and let's create a strategy that works for your life.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 artists have no idea what they're signing up for.We get into his bootcamp tour with Eric Prydz (9 shows in 12 days, every set different), the imposter syndrome that comes from calling yourself an artist when you grew up in an immigrant household, and the difference between being a producer who makes things sound good versus being an artist who has something to say.Key Takeaways:• The actual breakdown of what it costs to release music on your own label• Why promo companies are eating most of your budget (and why you need them)• The difference between producers and artists - and why most never make the shift• Why imposter syndrome doesn't go away even after you've "made it"• The economics of running a label without burning your artistsNeed help building your artist brand or navigating the business side of dance music? Book a call with me on GreenRoom for personalized strategies that actually work: https://greenroomnetwork.com/creator/OliviaMancusoConnect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 plateau at year three from the ones who build sustainable, growing careers: Working ON your career versus working IN your career. And by the end, you'll have a four-week action plan to map out your entire 2026 strategy.Key Takeaways:• The difference between working IN (day-to-day tasks) vs ON (strategic planning) your career• Why most DJs spend 95% of their time on the wrong things and plateau as a result• How I built Chicago Music Nexus by spending 6 months exclusively working ON the business• Why some gigs are strategic moves and others are just survival mode• The 5 key areas where you need to work ON: strategic planning, content & releases, marketing assets, relationship building, and career development• The Weekly CEO Hour: How to implement strategic thinking without adding more work• The post-performance analysis framework (featuring insights from Rituals founder Rami Dabura)• Your 4-week action plan to completely map out Q1 and set yourself up for successWhy This Matters: You cannot build momentum if you're constantly in the weeds responding to DMs, tweaking tracks that are already done, and staying busy without actually growing. Strategic thinking is what separates successful artists from everyone else - and it's the one thing most DJs completely skip.Want help building your 2026 strategy? Book a 1-on-1 artist development call with me on GreenRoom where we'll map out exactly what you need to focus on to reach your goals. Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 4,000 people (the largest crowd Catch One has ever hosted), and NYC brought 3,600 across two days.Nobody was competing against each other. Complete strangers were hyping each other up like lifelong friends. No one was on their phones unless they were recording their friends perform. Pure community, pure support.The LA winner was Ashley Wilkins (@jellybean.dj), a 29-year-old wellness consultant from Santa Clarita. NYC's champion was Jade Letlow (@punkybutter), a 34-year-old Senior Claims Examiner from Brooklyn. These aren't industry insiders - they're regular people who committed six weeks to betting on themselves.In this conversation, Rashna Krishnan explains why Your Shot teaches the soft skills and industry etiquette that no one else does. How to approach promoters correctly. Why showing up for your scene matters more than your mixing ability. The difference between networking and asking for gigs. And why putting yourself in uncomfortable situations is the fastest way to grow.Key Takeaways:• Your DJ career starts on the dance floor, not behind the decks• Industry etiquette and soft skills matter more than technical ability• Show up for your scene before expecting your scene to show up for you• The right way to approach venues, promoters, and other DJs• Why building genuine community beats competition every time• How six weeks of pressure with a deadline creates transformation• Creating your own opportunities when they're not presenting themselvesRegistration for Your Shot 2026 is now open. Even if you never do the competition, the principles in this conversation will change how you approach your career.Follow Your Shot: @yourshot_usaConnect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 or playing hard to get. It's about understanding that every yes to the wrong opportunity blocks you from the right one.In this conversation, ANATTA breaks down his approach to selective booking, reveals his genius content creation hack that involves ditching your phone entirely, and explains how fashion and visual identity play into building a recognizable brand in dance music.Key Takeaways: → The camcorder hack for creating better tour content without distractions → How to know when to turn down bookings → Why planning content while traveling beats scrambling for posts later → The real reason top artists say no more than they say yes → How fashion choices impact your brand identity as a producerIf you're struggling with FOMO around opportunities or don't know which bookings to take, this episode will shift your entire approach to career strategy.Want personalized guidance on building your brand and making strategic career decisions? Schedule a one-on-one session with me on GreenRoom where we can dive deep into your specific goals and create an action plan.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 signature "clock" element that's hidden in every track to balancing a touring career with family life, this conversation reveals what it actually takes to build longevity in dance music.Key Takeaways:• How to distinguish between creative evolution and chasing trends • Why consistency and discipline matter more than viral moments • The power of having a signature sound (even if it's subtle) • Navigating the pressure to speed up your BPM when the market shifts • Why the work never stops - no matter what level you reach • How touring impacts family life and what sacrifices look like • The importance of having your own sound versus following what's popularThe industry will keep changing whether you're ready or not. But artists who last are the ones who know when to adapt and when to hold their ground.Want personalized guidance on navigating your own career decisions? Book a strategy session with me on GreenRoom to gain clarity on your next steps and build a career development plan tailored to your goals. Chat with me on GreenRoom.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 timeline of building a sustainable music career. From playing for $200 as the "promoter DJ" to touring Europe all summer, Malóne's journey shows why patience and strategic thinking beat impulsive leaps every time.Key Takeaways:How to know when the timing is actually right to go full-timeWhy years of grinding creates sustainable successThe hidden truth about "dream labels" vs. labels that actually support artistsHow to build a label that puts artists first while staying profitableThe real financial considerations when you have a family depending on youWhy some of the best opportunities come from labels you never consideredReady to build your own sustainable music career? Book a strategy call with me on GreenRoom for personalized guidance on timing your transition, building your brand, and creating multiple revenue streams in dance music.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 woo-woo manifestation - this is strategic psychology that changes how you show up, make decisions, and attract opportunities.Key Takeaways:• The brutal rejection that forced me to bet everything on myself• Why operating from gratitude beats desperation every time• The psychology behind why your brain can't tell the difference between real and imagined success• How to use gratitude strategically (not just "be thankful for what you have")• The difference between genuine gratitude and toxic positivity• My exact morning practice that rewired my entire career trajectory• Why grateful artists make better business decisions and attract better opportunities• How to maintain gratitude during setbacks (like when my studio flooded)• The strategic gratitude framework you can start using todayThe Bottom Line: When you operate from genuine appreciation instead of desperation, you become magnetic to the people and opportunities that can transform your career. Your dreams aren't just possible - they're inevitable when you align your energy with them.Stop chasing success from a place of lack. Start attracting it from a place of gratitude.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 content, Rebūke taught himself Cinema 4D, Unreal Engine, and AI visual generation. His shows now feature production value that looks like a massive team but runs with just him and his VJ, sometimes creating content on planes between gigs.Key Takeaways:• Why learning adjacent skills can become your biggest competitive advantage • How to identify which of your existing talents could enhance your music career • The strategic decision between outsourcing vs. learning new skills yourself • How visual content has expanded his career beyond traditional DJ bookings • Why being the "computer nerd" in school set him up for success in modern music • The mindset shift from "I just make music" to "I create experiences" • How childhood interests can become professional superpowers • Why artists who embrace technology early gain massive advantagesStop limiting yourself to just music production. Your "other" skills might be exactly what sets you apart in a crowded industry. Hit play to learn how to identify and leverage the talents you already have.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 beginnings in rural Wales to building Paradise into a global phenomenon, this is the blueprint for sustainable success in dance music.Key Takeaways: • The mindset shift that transformed his relationship with performing and creativity • The strategic psychology behind moving Paradise from DC-10 to Amnesia  • Why he evolved from being mentored to becoming the mentor everyone credits • How his 8-year sobriety journey transformed his relationship with performing and creativity • How he restructured his entire life around family without sacrificing career momentum • The counterintuitive approach to scaling a brand globally while keeping its soul intactThis isn't just another "how I made it" story. This is a masterclass in longevity from someone who's watched entire generations of DJs come and go while he continues to thrive. If you want to build something that lasts in this industry, this conversation is essential.REMINDER: You have ONE WEEK LEFT to secure your Chicago Music Nexus pass! This is the industry event of the year - don't miss your chance to connect with the people shaping dance music's future. Get tickets now before they're gone.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 deserves access to everything.While other promoters were chasing numbers, Dom was implementing no-phone policies in 2010 and hand-selecting who could enter his parties. The result? A cultural phenomenon that grew from 150 to 5,000 people weekly and is still talked about fifteen years later.Key Takeaways:• Why saying "no" at the door created safer spaces and legendary experiences• How the no-phone policy became Dom's secret weapon (years before it was trendy)• The psychology behind why exclusivity creates more demand than inclusion• The difference between being seen vs. creating genuine experiences• Why artists need to give authentically to the community before expecting anything back• How door hosts became the "ethos" of successful parties• Why themed events require every element to serve the overall experienceThe Controversial Truth: Dom openly admits "I am discriminating" - and explains why this approach built multiple successful businesses while creating genuinely safe spaces for marginalized communities.Actionable Strategy: Learn why your standards aren't gatekeeping - they're brand building. Discover how scarcity creates value and why the most powerful word in your vocabulary might be "no."Stop chasing everyone and start curating intentionally. Hit play to learn how exclusivity became Dom's path to building a legendary career in dance music.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 money. Why? Because they're the early adopters buying early bird tickets and bringing their friends along.From throwing underground events at a loss for a decade to building the "Salesforce for live entertainment," Ritesh breaks down how data intelligence can transform any artist's career - whether you're throwing 30-person pop-ups or planning festival expansions.Key Takeaways:• Why your early bird buyers are more valuable than big spenders (and how to identify them)• The 3 essential data points every artist must track from their first 30-person event• What $300M in global ticket sales reveals about fan behavior and market opportunities• The difference between vanity metrics and revenue-driving data• How to turn casual fans into people who travel to your shows using data insights• Why most artists completely misunderstand what their audience actually wantsStop guessing and start knowing. Your fans are giving you all the data you need to build a sustainable career - you just need to know how to read it.Looking for more insights on your artist journey? Join us November 22nd at The Joinery for industry education, networking, and career-defining connections. We're covering the same essential topics as the major conferences - monetization, brand building, industry evolution - plus professional headshots, pitch consultations, and premium food and drinks. We sold out last year, so don't wait. Get tickets at chicagomusicnexus.comConnect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 showing up, how to build credibility when nobody knows who you are, and why your biggest limitation might not be money - it might be mindset.Key Takeaways:• How to market events with zero budget and no industry credibility • Content strategies that actually convert followers into ticket buyers • Why authenticity beats polish when building your brand • The psychology behind getting people to take action on your events • How to leverage relationships when you're starting from nothing • Why feeling "average" might mean you just haven't found your alignment yet • Practical steps for building buzz around your shows and careerWhether you're a DJ trying to get booked, a producer planning your first event, or an artist wondering how to build a following from scratch, Kyle's blueprint shows you exactly how it's done.Stop waiting for permission and start creating the opportunities you want to see.Can't make it to ADE? Chicago Music Nexus is your answer. Join us November 22nd at The Joinery for industry education, networking, and career-defining connections. We're covering the same essential topics as the major conferences - monetization, brand building, industry evolution - plus professional headshots, pitch consultations, and premium food and drinks. We sold out last year, so don't wait. Get tickets at chicagomusicnexus.comConnect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 overnight and opened doors he never imagined. But here's the twist - the real success came when he pivoted from touring to education, working at Crossfader, and helping thousands of DJs worldwide.Key Takeaways:• Why one viral moment can unlock opportunities beyond your local market • The platforms and strategies actually moving the needle for DJs in 2025 • Why networking and speaking to people still outperforms social media algorithms • Why being super niche wins over trying to appeal to everyone • How to document your journey from day one (even the embarrassing parts) • Why entering competitions and putting yourself out there always pays offLawrence's biggest lesson? Stop waiting for permission and start putting yourself out there. Whether it's entering DJ contests, networking at events, or just filming that routine you've been perfecting -- you never know which door will open next.Can't make it to ADE? Chicago Music Nexus is your answer. Join us November 22nd at The Joinery for industry education, networking, and career-defining connections. We're covering the same essential topics as the major conferences - monetization, brand building, industry evolution - plus professional headshots, pitch consultations, and premium food and drinks. We sold out last year, so don't wait. Get tickets at chicagomusicnexus.comConnect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 simultaneously. From knowing when it's safe to quit your day job to why DJ snobbery is costing you serious cash, Danner breaks down the financial strategies that separate struggling artists from those building real wealth.Key Takeaways:The 6-month survival test before going full-timeWhy wedding DJs can earn $1500/night while club DJs make $300How to diversify your DJ income beyond nightclubsThe biggest financial mistakes artists make early in their careersAlternative DJ opportunities beyond nightclubs (gyms, spin classes, corporate events)Ready to level up your career AND your finances? Meet Danner in person at Chicago Music Nexus on November 22nd at The Joinery - he's both our sponsor and speaking on our financial planning panel. Want to network before the main event? Join us at the pre-party where tickets are moving fast and you don't need a CMN ticket to attend (but we highly encourage both for the full experience).All details: chicagomusicnexus.comConnect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 building genuine fan loyalty. Whether you're playing other people's shows or creating your own opportunities, this is about becoming the artist people seek out, not just stumble upon.Key Takeaways:• Why your personal brand matters more than the venues you play or labels you're on• How to build trust with your audience so they show up for YOU, not just the lineup• The psychology behind creating anticipation and genuine excitement around your music• Why most artists fail because they have no consistent identity or standards• The difference between building community and just collecting followers• Why Instagram metrics and streaming numbers don't guarantee packed shows• How to create experiences people can't get anywhere else• The art of setting standards that make people respect your brand• Why consistency in quality beats viral moments every timeThe Link - Chicago Music Nexus Pre-Party is LIVE!Join us on November 21st, 10 PM - 2 AM at Loft 22 for the official CMN pre-party. Network with fellow attendees, panelists, and Chicago's music community before the main event.Tickets: fourvenues.com/chicago-music-nexus-the-linkCMN Main Event: chicagomusicnexus.comStop being forgettable. Start being the artist people actively seek out.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 electronic music, featuring his Filipino family cooking for 300 people and Vietnamese pho vendors serving soup at club events. The result? Sold-out shows and deeper fan connections than any viral post ever created.Key Takeaways:• Why community building beats content creation in oversaturated markets • How to turn your cultural background into your unique competitive advantage • The business lessons learned from coordinating a large-scale event • Why going above and beyond with experiences creates lasting fan loyalty • How to evolve your sound and strategy when the industry shifts around you • The psychology behind creating something fans can't get anywhere else • Why learning every part of your business before outsourcing is crucial • How to maintain momentum when social media algorithms change • The difference between chasing trends and building your own lane • Why phone calls still matter more than DMs in building real relationshipsStop fighting for attention in crowded spaces and start creating experiences only you can deliver. Henry's story proves that the artists building their own worlds are the ones who'll survive the next industry shift.THE LINK - Chicago Music Nexus Pre-Party is LIVE!Join us on November 21st, 10 PM - 2 AM at Loft 22 for the official CMN pre-party. Network with fellow attendees, panelists, and Chicago's music community before the main event.DJ CONTEST: Submit your 20-30 minute mix by October 6th for a chance to win the opening slot, free CMN 2026 ticket, and more! Send mix + bio + tracklist to hello@chicagomusicnexus.comTickets: fourvenues.com/chicago-music-nexus-the-linkCMN Main Event: chicagomusicnexus.comConnect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 recognition. Alongside Parker Cohen, they reveal why the artists everyone wants to work with share one crucial trait: authenticity.While most artists are trying to be the next John Summit or copy viral TikTok trends, Metatone has built their reputation by developing artists who stay true to themselves. Their approach? Treat artists like additional managers on their own projects and focus on entrepreneurial mindsets over follower counts.Key Takeaways:• How Output NYC's no-phone policy created the perfect training ground for real DJing skills• The real reason behind launching MADMINDS label (hint: it's not just about release schedules)• Why Parker looks for artists who can be "another manager on the project"• How social media is a tool, not everything - and why authenticity beats algorithm chasing• The psychology behind why people can "sniff out" fake artists immediately• Why building your own path matters more than copying someone else's success• How the European vs. American underground scenes shaped Layton's evolution• The importance of learning to "warm up rooms" and create club chemistry• Why timing and natural relationships lead to the best career opportunitiesThe Bottom Line: Stop trying to be the next someone else. The most successful artists in dance music today got there by being authentically themselves and treating their career like a business. Your path is your own - embrace it.THE LINK - Chicago Music Nexus Pre-Party is LIVE!Join us on November 21st, 10 PM - 2 AM at Loft 22 for the official CMN pre-party. Network with fellow attendees, panelists, and Chicago's music community before the main event.DJ CONTEST: Submit your 20-30 minute mix by October 6th for a chance to win the opening slot, free CMN 2026 ticket, and more! Send mix + bio + tracklist to hello@chicagomusicnexus.comTickets: fourvenues.com/chicago-music-nexus-the-linkCMN Main Event: chicagomusicnexus.comConnect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx