Elevated Frequencies

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

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 makes people move, period. From his early days in Orlando to playing Paradise with Jamie Jones in Ibiza, his journey proves that staying true to your sound - even when others don't understand it - eventually pays off.Key Takeaways:• Why music quality should always trump social media metrics when signing artists• The entrepreneurial mindset every modern DJ needs: labels, events, and multiple revenue streams• Why patience and learning from mistakes are essential for long-term success• How to "play the room" and adapt your sets while staying true to your sound• Building genuine fan relationships that create superfans who travel across the country• The importance of surrounding yourself with people who keep you groundedStop chasing metrics and start chasing musical excellence. Hit play now to learn how authenticity built Slugg's career from the ground up.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

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, cold plunges, meditation, and meal prep routines that most people think are impossible for a DJ lifestyle.The result? Fisher is now playing his tracks in Ibiza, he's signed to Catch & Release, and his Mind Eraser tour is selling out venues across the country. This isn't just a comeback story - it's a blueprint for what happens when you treat your body and mind as seriously as your music.Key Takeaways:• Why getting comfortable in your career is the most dangerous place to be• How 13 years of sobriety unlocked his true creative potential• The morning routine that gives him 3 hours of distraction-free time daily• Why he switched from G-House after years of success and how he navigated the transition• The psychology behind why fans stick with artists through genre changes• How meal prep and fitness routines directly impact studio productivity• The mindset shift that turned career crisis into creative breakthrough• How building genuine fan connections creates loyalty beyond any single sound• Why discipline, not talent, determines long-term success in musicStop making excuses about your schedule. If a touring DJ can wake up at 6 AM, meal prep, and maintain strict routines while traveling the world, you can build better habits too. Hit play now to learn how discipline became Bijou's secret weapon.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 success that matches their influence. Lady D breaks down why focusing on the past might be holding the scene back, and what artists need to do differently to build sustainable careers.This isn't just about Chicago house music - it's about every artist who's wondered why talent doesn't always equal success, and what you can actually control in an industry that loves to celebrate history while the future slips away.Key Takeaways:• The controversial truth about focusing on history vs. building profitable careers• How to navigate the cyclical nature of the music industry without burning out• Why "moderation is sexy" and could save your career and your life• Why giving back to your community isn't just good karma - it's good business• How to balance creative passion with financial sustainabilityThe industry rewards who it wants to reward, but your response to that reality is what defines your career. Hit play now to hear the truth most people won't tell you.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 working with a 10-piece marching band and Outkast horn players in Atlanta to collaborating with indigenous Navajo tribes in Utah, each show is completely different while maintaining the core Night Tales DNA.Key Takeaways:• Why owning your IP is crucial for long-term career sustainability • How to expand your brand without confusing your core fanbase• The importance of building community-focused experiences over traditional DJ sets• How to handle inevitable setbacks when building something new • How to balance multiple creative projects under one artist umbrella • Why building your own infrastructure gives you creative freedomStop limiting yourself to one revenue stream. Hit play now to learn how Night Tales built a music empire that goes far beyond the decks.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 where he controls the quality, sound, and standards. When the industry shifts in ways you don't agree with, you have two choices: adapt completely or build your own lane where your values still matter.Key Takeaways:Why building your own platform is essential for long-term survivalHow Chicago's house music culture shaped modern dance music standardsThe controversial truth about sync buttons vs. traditional beatmatching skillsWhy technical proficiency still matters in an automated worldHow to maintain artistic standards while the industry evolves around youThe importance of controlling your own distribution and releasesHow sobriety can unlock your true creative potential and productivityThe evolution from underground warehouse parties to global recognitionWhy waiting your turn and building organically leads to lasting successThe balance between staying true to your roots and adapting to changeWant to create your own events? Get my complete 9-part DIY Pop-Up Party Guide for $25 - everything from permits to promotion, venue negotiation, content creation, and more. Get it here. The industry keeps changing, but your standards don't have to. Hit play now to learn how to build something you can control.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 community craving something different from traditional club experiences. His story proves that when you stop waiting for permission and start solving real problems for real people, growth happens organically.Note: Apologies for the shorter episode format - we lost some footage due to technical issues from the flood, but the story and insights remain powerful.Key Takeaways:Why starting with 10 people is better than waiting for the perfect momentHow to identify gaps in your local scene and fill them yourselfUsing your unique skills and perspective to create something originalThe power of consistency and respect in building sustainable eventsHow word-of-mouth marketing outperforms paid promotionWhy authentic experiences attract the right communityBuilding something that serves people rather than just promotes yourselfHow to evolve your concept while maintaining your core audienceThe importance of contributing something beautiful to your communityWhy morning events create different energy than traditional nightlifeWant to create your own events? Get my complete 9-part DIY Pop-Up Party Guide for $25 - everything from permits to promotion, venue negotiation, content creation and more. Grab it here.Stop waiting for opportunities. Hit play now to learn how to create the scene you want to be part of.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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. Their secret? Understanding that one superfan with 1,000 followers can sell $50,000 worth of tickets because they have genuine influence within their network.Key Takeaways:Why superfans matter more than follower counts in tough economic timesHow to identify and nurture your most engaged fans into ambassadorsThe psychology behind what actually motivates people to attend eventsWhy word-of-mouth marketing outperforms digital advertisingHow to build genuine relationships instead of transactional interactionsThe difference between fans and superfans (and how to create more of the latter)Why people want to go where their friends are goingHow to create authentic community around your musicThe evolution from digital ads back to relationship-based marketingWhy consistency and authenticity build sustainable fan basesStop chasing metrics and start building relationships. Hit play now to learn how superfans could transform your music career.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 tickets here: https://www.deeptropics.org/Think starting your own label is always the right move? Kyle Watson's insights about the current industry landscape might change your perspective entirely. While everyone is rushing to launch their own platforms, few are discussing the unintended consequences this creates for collaboration, content creation, and building careers.From running No Context with his wife, Tash, to navigating the realities of social media as an artist, Kyle reveals the challenges and opportunities facing today's music industry. His 15+ year journey offers hard-won wisdom about persistence, authenticity, and building something sustainable in an increasingly complex landscape.Key Takeaways:-Why the proliferation of artist-owned labels is changing collaboration dynamics-How to navigate release decisions when multiple labels are involved-The reality of social media pressure -Why content creation has become as important as music creation-How to balance artistic integrity with business and social media demands-The reality of learning label management from scratch-Why having a supportive partner in business can be a game-changer-How to maintain creative authenticity while building something sustainable-Why persistence and long-term thinking trump viral moments-The new rules of collaboration in an oversaturated label market-How to build genuine connections in an increasingly competitive industryReady to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: patreon.com/oliviamancusoThe industry has changed - make sure your strategy has too. Hit play now to understand the new dynamics shaping modern music careers.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 tickets here: https://www.deeptropics.org/Think you need to appeal to everyone to succeed? This conversation with John Hanna of Deep Tropics will completely change your perspective on building a sustainable music career.While most artists chase broad appeal and try to please every possible audience, Deep Tropics has built North America's greenest festival by doing the exact opposite - doubling down on their specific values of sustainability, mindfulness, and community. Their approach proves that depth of connection trumps reach every single time.Key Takeaways:Why trying to appeal to everyone naturally dilutes your artistic visionHow to build deeper connections with your audience instead of casting a wider netWhy talent buyers prefer artists with clear positioning over generic crowd-pleasersThe business case for niching down rather than broadening your appealHow to identify and communicate your unique values as an artistWhy authentic positioning creates more opportunities than mass appealBuilding a sustainable career through community-first thinkingHow to stand out in an oversaturated market by being specificThe courage required to niche down and why it pays offCreating memorable experiences that people want to be part of, not just attendReady to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: patreon.com/oliviamancusoStop trying to be everything to everyone. Hit play now to learn why the riches really are in the niches.Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 destroyed by a malfunctioning pipe in the bathroom above.But this isn't a sob story. It's a lesson in resilience, emotional regulation, and why the way you handle setbacks determines your success more than the setbacks themselves.What You'll Learn: • Why every DJ needs business insurance• How to move through the stages of grief quickly instead of staying stuck for months • The difference between emotional regulation and toxic positivity • Why your support system is your most important business investment • How to audit your surroundings when crisis hits • The mindset shift that separates successful entrepreneurs from those who give upKey Takeaways:It's not what happens to you, it's how you react to itPeaks and valleys are inevitable - flexibility beats rigidityTomorrow isn't promised, so start taking risks nowTrue entrepreneurs choose uncertainty over safety every timeSupport the Show: This show is sponsored this month, but this is the first and only month the show has been sponsored. In order to reach that as a regular milestone, I need your help. If you found value in this episode, please share it with someone who needs to hear it, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and subscribe if you haven't already.For personalized advice on growing your career, brand, and business, check out my artist development program at patreon.com/oliviamancusoVideo Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 tickets here: https://www.deeptropics.org/Want to know what separates artists who build lasting careers from those who flame out? It's not talent, connections, or luck - it's ego management. Damon DeGraff's journey from managing music's biggest names to launching his own artistic career reveals how ego quietly sabotages more careers than any external factor.After decades of developing artists like D'Angelo and Mark Ronson, Damon breaks down the ego traps that keep artists stuck: focusing on what other DJs are doing instead of your own work, hoarding opportunities instead of creating abundance, and protecting your position instead of expanding your influence. His philosophy challenges everything we think we know about competition and success.Key Takeaways:-Why focusing on other artists' success is killing your momentum-How to shift from scarcity mindset to abundance thinking-The vulnerability required to transition from behind-the-scenes to spotlight-Why helping others succeed creates more opportunities for yourself-How to compete without letting ego drive your decisions-Why "what's for me will be for me" is a career game-changer-How work ethic and consistency trump natural talent-The power of putting ego aside to allow others to succeedReady to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: patreon.com/oliviamancusoConnect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 of the industry's most respected selectors, Ms. Mada reveals what it really takes to move people through music. Her philosophy of immersive learning and strategic positioning proves that sometimes the best education comes from putting yourself directly in the environment you want to master.Key Takeaways:- How to read rooms with multiple audience types and expectations- The psychology behind effective crowd control and energy management- Why immersive learning beats online education every time- Building credibility through proximity and consistent value- Handling industry frustrations and difficult situations with grace- The importance of understanding venue dynamics and crowd psychology- How to balance artistic vision with crowd expectations- Why working in the industry while building your career accelerates growth- The art of selection: choosing tracks that move diverse audiences- Building relationships that support long-term career developmentReady to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancusoStop trying to learn from your bedroom. Hit play now to discover why immersive learning could be the key to mastering your craft.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 label owner proves that expansion doesn't require aggressive tactics or massive budgets - just the right strategy.Key Takeaways:- How to identify the right partners and promoters in new markets- Why working with independent promoters can be more effective than major players- The importance of aligning your expectations with realistic demand- How to maintain your brand identity while adapting to different scenes- Building relationships that support long-term expansion rather than one-off events- Why being intentional about market selection prevents costly mistakes- The power of organic relationship building over forced networking- How to create events that feel authentic to each local scene- Strategic timing for multi-city tours and label showcases- Why sustainable growth beats rapid expansion every timeReady to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://www.patreon.com/oliviamancusoStop limiting yourself to one market. Hit play now to learn how to strategically expand your reach across multiple cities.CHICAGO MUSIC NEXUS PRESALE ENDS TONIGHT, 6/19, AT MIDNIGHT. SECURE YOUR PASS AT THE LOWEST PRICE POINT POSSIBLE: http://www.chicagomusicnexus.comConnect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 parties, created Hide and Seek Festival, and launched Syntho, his artist education platform.This isn't about becoming a mogul overnight. It's about taking the first step when you're tired of waiting for others to validate your vision.Key Takeaways:Why you need initiative when no one's asking you to DJHow Josh went from £20 field parties to successful eventsThe power of leverage: understanding when and how to hire helpWhy starting small with generators and boomboxes leads to bigger opportunitiesHow to prove your worth when you can't get traditional bookingsThe evolution from solo artist to team leaderWhy house music wasn't mainstream 13 years ago (and what that meant for early adopters)How multiple projects can complement and support each otherThe importance of taking action rather than waiting for permissionReady to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancusoStop waiting for permission. Hit play now to learn how to create your own opportunities in music.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

🎫 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 on" and create the opportunities you wish existed.From Sherm's journey building Sherm in the Booth into a respected platform to my own path creating Elevated Frequencies and building an artist development program, we both understood what it meant to create rather than wait. This discussion explores how our shared frustration with the lack of industry education events led us to co-found Chicago Music Nexus, transforming our individual visions into a collective movement that's changed an entire community.Key Takeaways:- Why waiting for permission kills more careers than rejection- How to identify gaps in your scene and fill them yourself- The mindset shift from consumer to creator of opportunities- Building something valuable even with limited resources- Why taking initiative opens doors you didn't know existed- How to turn frustration with the industry into fuel for change- The compound effect of consistently showing up and adding value- Creating community around shared vision rather than personal gain- Why the industry rewards people who take action over those who wait- How one event can transform an entire scene's trajectoryReady to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: patreon.com/oliviamancusoStop waiting for the industry to change. This conversation reveals how to become the catalyst for the opportunities you want to see.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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 far deeper, offering insights into the psychology of DJing, crowd management, and what it really takes to sustain a career in this demanding industry.Key Takeaways:-Why local scenes often overlook talent in their own backyard-How to build a career when your hometown doesn't support you-The strategy of representing your city while building elsewhere-How to read and control rooms with multiple distractions-The psychology behind effective DJ transitions and crowd management-Why empathy is essential for DJs - understanding crowd comfort and safety-Why international opportunities can be easier than local ones-Balancing artistic integrity with reading what the crowd needs-Learning from different venue types and their unique dynamicsReady to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancusoStop waiting for your local scene to validate you. This conversation reveals how to build a thriving career by thinking beyond your backyard while mastering the essential skills every DJ needs.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Connect with Hiroko: @hiroko__musicVideo Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx