From House Parties to Throwing Festivals: Josh Baker's Journey | EF EP 103
Tired of waiting for someone to give you a chance? Josh Baker's story proves you don't need permission to start building something meaningful in music.Starting with literally nothing - a £20 generator and field parties where people told him to "turn this shit off" - Josh created his own opportunities when no one would book him. Fast forward to today, and he's co-founded You & Me 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
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Stop Waiting for Permission: How to Put Yourself On in Music | EF EP 102
🎫 PRESALE ALERT: Chicago Music Nexus 2025 presale tickets are now live for 2 weeks only! Last year completely sold out, so don't sleep on this. GET YOUR TICKETS HEREWant to know what separates artists who complain about the industry from those who actually change it? This conversation between the co-founders of Chicago Music Nexus reveals the mindset and actions required to "put yourself 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
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Your Hometown Won't Make You Famous: How to Build Beyond Local Scenes with Hiroko | EF EP 101
Think your local scene holds the key to your DJ success? This conversation with Hiroko Yamamura will change that perspective entirely. Even in a major music city like Chicago, waiting for local validation can be a career-limiting strategy.Hiroko reveals why looking beyond your hometown - even when it's a music capital - might be the most important move you make. But this conversation goes 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
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The Overnight Success Story that Took 15 Years | EF Episode 100!
For our milestone 100th episode, we're celebrating in our brand new Chicago studio with someone who's been part of this journey from day one - my brother, Proppa. His recent success with Warner Bros. offers the perfect case study in what it really takes to break through in music.From years of producing remixes to finally seeing his work gain major label support, Proppa's journey embodies the persistence required in this industry. Our conversation explores the reality behind "overnight success" stories and the importance of staying true to your vision even when progress seems slow.Key Takeaways:The truth about how long success actually takes in musicHow to maintain belief in yourself when no one else doesThe mindset shifts that transform challenges into opportunitiesFinding balance between day jobs and creative pursuitsBuilding genuine connections that survive industry challengesThe importance of documenting your journeyWhy consistency matters more than overnight viralityHow siblings can help each other navigate the industryReady 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/oliviamancusoFollow Proppa's journey: @itsproppaPlus: Stay tuned for the announcement of our Chicago Music Nexus 2025 contest winner at the end of this episode!Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
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The Artist-to-Manager Journey: Lessons from Both Sides of the Table | EF EP 99
Want to know what it takes to navigate the music industry from both sides of the table? This week's conversation with Mouna Dif offers a unique perspective from someone who's journeyed from singer-songwriter to respected manager and label executive.After experiencing firsthand how artists can be taken advantage of - from having vocals used without approval to never receiving payment - Mouna transformed these challenges into motivation to protect others. Now, after co-founding Quality Goods Records and working with artists like UZ, she shares insights on building a career with integrity in a complex industry.Key Takeaways:The reality of transitioning from artist to managementHow multicultural backgrounds influence music industry perspectivesThe challenges women face in gaining respect in the industryBuilding a career through consistent value rather than shortcutsThe importance of resilience when facing rejectionHow to maintain your passion through industry challengesFinding your unique voice in a crowded landscapeThe evolving landscape for artist development and supportReady 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/oliviamancusoThis conversation offers a candid look at the realities of the music industry and how to navigate them with your dignity and passion intact.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
Entrepreneur and Chicago Music Nexus co-founder Olivia Mancuso cues up insider tips and real-world stories to help aspiring house and techno artists turn their passion into profit.
After scaling her business from zero to six figures in six months, Olivia is ready to help with everything from setting up an LLC to building your personal brand.
Each week, she’ll share personal insights alongside interviews with artists, promoters, label owners, and agents - all with the aim of elevating your house and techno journey.
For personalized advice on growing your career, brand, and business, check out Olivia’s artist development program at patreon.com/oliviamancuso
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