Almost Famous Enough

Aysanabee shares his journey from Sandy Lake First Nation to winning two Junos, exploring his musical influences, the impact of awards on his career, and the importance of authenticity and storytelling in his artistry. This insightful interview tells Aysanabee’s journey as an Indigenous artist, the influence of his grandfather, and the evolving landscape of music and identity. Discover how storytelling, resilience, and authenticity shape his career and creative process.
Aysanabee, Junos, Canadian music, storytelling, musical influences, artist development, Indigenous music, resilience, cultural identity, touring, songwriting, heritage
key topics
Aysanabee's background and early influences Impact of awards on career trajectory Authenticity and vocal style in performance Aysanabee's relationship with his grandfather and its influence on his music The challenges and rewards of touring as an Indigenous artist The significance of cultural identity and storytelling in his work Navigating stereotypes and expectations in the music industry

ep37 Aysanabee is a gift 
released March 19, 2026 
1:28:40
https://www.aysanabee.com/
https://www.instagram.com/_aysanabee_
https://www.youtube.com/c/Aysanabee
hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
AFE website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480
Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction 
02:42 Meet Aysanabee 
03:37 Folk Fest Formats 
04:48 Juno Cup Hockey Story 
09:43 Stage Fright And Banter 
12:58 Off Grid Childhood Origins 
19:08 Brother’s Music Influences 
27:16 First Record Breakthrough 
34:19 Juno Wins And Touring Reality 
44:24 Grandfather Bond 
45:40 Family Rock and Support 
47:46 Recording the Stories 
49:21 Healing Through the Album 
50:59 Indigenous Artist Label 
56:28 Racism and Progress 
01:01:56 New Acoustic Release 
01:05:03 Touring Costs and Love 
01:14:53 Post-Fame with Alexi

Sammy Volkov has taken an uncommon path to his sophomore solo record, Songs from the Goodbye Garden. We dive into the indie music hustle, as the common thread of "audacity" required to move ahead as an artist. Sammy shares his journey from an Edmonton "record nerd" to an LA door-to-door salesman, and how he was always building his music career while supposedly working on other things. We get Sammy to explain all those retro-pop influences like Roy Orbison and Dusty Springfield shaping his songwriting, as well as explore the importance of queer representation in today’s evolving music industry landscape.

ep36 Sammy Volkov is a classic tale 
released March 12, 2026 
1:31:08
https://www.sammyvolkov.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sammyvolkov/
https://www.youtube.com/@sammyvolkov3009

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson 
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com 
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough 
Almost Famous Enough Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480
Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:10 New Album and Prom
06:09 Building Musical Connections
12:07 Edmonton Roots and Dual Life
13:34 Oldies Radio and Record Hunting
18:52 First Songs and Acting School
23:26 NYC to LA to Toronto Detours
30:55 COVID Reset and Going All In
46:51 Identity Meets Art
47:40 Religious Boxed In
49:07 Queer Visibility Pressure
51:46 Records As Refuge
53:05 Why Representation Matters
01:01:25 Retro Influences And Niche
01:05:14 Dream Song Vs Craft
01:10:19 Collaboration And Production
01:16:59 Tour Audiences And Wrap
01:22:01 Post-Fame with Alexi

Dan Cleary and Tim Brown are two members of Edmonton-based heavy metal powerhouse Striker. As they approach two decades in the music industry, the guys discuss their DIY recording roots, the reality of independent record labels, and conquering the European metal festival circuit. From winning a Juno Award mid-pandemic to their 2024 stylistic evolution on Ultra Power, learn how these Canadian metal veterans maintain longevity by prioritizing brand authenticity and pure, unadulterated fun.
ep35 Striker just wanna have fun
released March 5, 2026
1:40:43
https://www.striker-metal.com/
http://instagram.com/strikermetal
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU67S5jpv-oENDrjRZEcmuA
Takeaways
Striker is approaching their 20th anniversary as a band.
Touring life is often glamorized, but the reality includes a lot of waiting and driving.
The perception of metal genres has evolved, with more blending and acceptance of different styles.
The visual and stylistic changes in Striker's image were a conscious decision to embrace fun and creativity.
They emphasize the importance of having fun in music, especially in the face of industry challenges.
Striker, Canadian metal, longevity, independent labels, music industry, Juno Award, touring, band dynamics, Edmonton music scene, metal genres, band dynamics, authenticity, new music, fun in music, advice for bands
hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480
Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
03:26 Meet Striker and Origins
05:40 20 Years of Metal Longevity
11:09 DIY Demos and First Deal
16:05 Edmonton Scene and Europe Breakthrough
27:52 Fame Myths Touring Reality
40:30 Junos Get Canceled
41:43 Does A Juno Matter
44:21 Pandemic Tour Limbo
45:59 Band Nearly Breaks
50:48 Ultra Power New Vibe
01:11:24 What’s Next And Drummer
01:18:14 Fill-In Drummers Policy
01:19:11 Advice For New Bands
01:20:01 Fun Over Money In AI Era
01:21:38 DIY Skills And Self Investment
01:24:41 Post-Fame with Alexi

Award-winning blues artist Shawn Hall (The Harpoonist) joins Glen for a candid conversation about reinvention nearly two decades into his career. From gritty breakout moments to recording a vulnerable new solo album in Paris under his own name, Shawn reflects on identity, creative risk, and stripping his music down to its emotional core. It’s a deep dive into growth, longevity, and what happens when you step outside your comfort zone to rediscover your voice.
ep34 Shawn Hall The Harpoonist 
released February 26, 2026 
2:02:53
Key Topics Discussed
Working with producer Renaud Letang in Paris and embracing creative vulnerability
Taking creative risks later in a career, not just at the beginning
Approaching harmonica as rhythmic punctuation rather than solo virtuoso playing
Recording the iconic sweaty Regina show with broken gear - blowing harmonica straight through the vocal mic
Influences: Brownie McGee, Paul Reddick, Parliament/Funkadelic approach to harmonica
"I wanted to be an outsider again."
Guest website: https://theharpoonist.bandcamp.com/track/good-people
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_harpoonist/
Guest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theharpoonistshawn
hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480
Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.
Chapters 
00:00 Introduction
03:11 Island Life Talk
12:35 Paris Reset Record
27:10 Vulnerability In Studio
41:55 Origins Of The Harpoonist
46:34 Trailblazing Blues Identity
49:00 Banter Versus Gatekeeping
53:16 BreakOut West Buzz
01:06:31 Duo Mechanics Trance
01:11:06 Harmonica Style And Gear
01:27:00 Solo Records And Longevity
01:29:58 New Songs Not Nostalgia
01:33:16 A Regina Memory
01:35:32 Winter Wrap Up
01:37:29 Post-Fame with Alexi

Season 3 kicks off with Canadian artist Julianna Riolino, whose genre-defying music blends fifties soul, rock and roll, and Canadiana influences. Glen caught her electrifying performance at Edmonton Folk Fest 2024 and knew she'd be the perfect guest to launch the new season. Julianna reflects on how her 2025 album “Echo in the Dust” keeps revealing itself as she grows, and why she identifies first as a songwriter. She discusses leaving Daniel Romano and The Outfit to protect her own output, choosing independent releases and distribution for control and integrity, and resisting label deals that compromise ownership. She also recounts the Subaru commercial placement “Against the Grain” and shares touring realities, including her devotion to a Vox AC30 guitar tone. 
ep33 Julianna Riolino feels a lot
released February 19, 2026
1:35:18
Key Topics Discussed
Musical Journey & Identity
Creative Process
Genre & Influences
Business of Music
The "Against the Grain" Story
Touring & Performance
Creative Outlets Beyond Music
"I feel first and foremost I'm a songwriter. I have been trudging through life with my guitar and the melodies in my head."
"I feel a lot and deeply and I'm very hard on myself."
"You have to really sit down and ask yourself, why are you doing this? I'm not doing this to be a millionaire. I'm not doing this to be famous."
Guest website: https://juliannariolino.com/
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliannariolinoofficial/
Guest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@juliannariolinomusic
 
hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480
Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:38 Meet the Guest: New Album, Pandemic Growth & the Subaru Sync
04:14 How the Record Keeps Changing: Songs, Subconscious & Meaning Over Time
07:23 Songwriter First: Early Shows, Identity & Making Art Beyond Music
12:14 Stained Glass, Side Quests & Avoiding Burnout
20:27 Leaving Daniel Romano & The Outfit: Boundaries, Family Vibes & Going Solo
30:39 Genre, DIY Producing & Surviving the Modern Music Business (Labels, Masters, Content)
55:14 Keeping the Joy: Staying Authentic Without Getting Jaded
56:51 TikTok, AI & the Attention Economy: Marketing vs. Human Intent
01:00:34 Song Spotlight: How “Against the Grain” Landed a Subaru Commercial
01:06:07 Saying Yes (and Getting Paid): Indie Cred, Sync Work & Creative Survival
01:11:59 Tour Prep Anxiety: Problem-Solving, DIY Logistics & Life on the Road
01:13:55 Amp Nerd-Out: Vox AC30 Devotion, Guitar Tone & the Tromsø Epiphany
01:22:11 Post-Fame with Alexi