Authenticity Episodes

Ready to take your DJ sets beyond mixing tracks? This episode is your blueprint for incorporating live elements and creating unforgettable experiences. Rhizome Music founders Calhoun McDougall and Louis DeMarco share their decades of experience managing hybrid electronic acts and producing major festivals to help you level up your performance game without breaking the bank. If you've ever wondered how to start adding live elements to your shows, felt intimidated by the technical requiremen...

Are headlining DJs truly untouchable, or do they face the same hurdles as rising stars? Dive into a unique episode of Elevated Frequencies, where we unravel the reality behind the excitement of festival fame. I joined forces with ARC Music Festival to bring you candid interviews with top-tier artists, revealing the persistent challenges and strategies that define their careers. This isn't just another festival highlight reel; it's a profound look into the industry's core, highlighting that...

How do you thrive as a DJ in a competitive industry? What strategies support authentic growth in music? Why is community support vital, especially for women in DJing? This episode features an inspiring conversation with AQUTIE, a trailblazing DJ whose rapid rise is marked by authenticity and community engagement. Learn more tips like these from experienced DJs, producers, managers, and more at the upcoming Chicago Music Nexus. Get presale tickets here: www.chicagomusicnexus.com Join my Pat...

Have you thought about pivoting to a full-time music career? What would leaning into your authentic passion do for your overall well-being and happiness? How can mental health support or detract from the success of your creative career? In this conversation with producer Fredy Lane, we talk through her own mental health journey when transitioning from running a successful events company to pursuing music. Learn more tips like these from experienced DJs, producers, managers, and more at the...

Are you scared to promote your music on social media? Do you feel lost on how to make entertaining content? Do you get stuck on negative feedback from peers or online comments? In this conversation with DJ, producer, and social media expert Goshfather, we discuss the importance of social media promotion for artists and how to effectively commit to creating content. Learn more tips like these from experienced DJs, producers, managers, and more at the upcoming Chicago Music Nexus. Get presal...

NOTE FROM OLIVIA: Hey guys! I shot this episode live at my friend's pizzeria. You may hear some slight background noise - so just a fair warning if you use headphones. Special shoutout to Professor Pizza for sponsoring this episode: How can you convert social media followers to loyal fans of your music? Can going viral make you an overnight music success? How can a manifestation and meditation practice support your music career goals? Learn more tips like these from experienced DJs, pr...

Do you know where to find resources to take your music business to the next level? When should you invest in tools, products, or additional people on your team? How can you negotiate deals in a professional manner? Watch this episode to learn the common mistakes music industry professionals make when trying to grow their careers. Learn more tips like these from experienced DJs, producers, managers, and more at the upcoming Chicago Music Nexus. Presale tickets go live on June 21, 2024. ...

Does your creative process fuel your motivation? How can you build up your tenacity and self-confidence in your craft? How can you intentionally create timeless, career-building music rather than get caught up in trendy sounds? This interview with Kevin Knapp shares his expertise on fostering longevity in your music career. In this episode, we cover: Living and working with a partner (Kevin's spouse, Hutch, is co-owner of Plump Records) Building a creative process that inspires and ...

Do you always need to keep consistent in your artist branding? When can you begin to experiment and explore new branding elements? What parts of your music identity are recognizable as unique to you? REAPER shares their expertise on building a consistent brand, while leaving room for evolution. In this episode, we cover: How to explore other music genres while maintaining your recognizable brand Having identifiable branding markers, like REAPER’s signature mask An intro to the Drum ...

We're running it back with Lucati! How can you take part in controversial conversations and still get booked? How can you share your beliefs in a productive and open way? What do you do when you realize your take isn't quite right? In this conversation with Lucati, we talk about his ability to own his voice and engage his audience in a real way. In this episode, we cover: Finding purpose in your art Standing up for your beliefs, but knowing when to admit if you were wrong Buildin...

Do you need a big social media presence to become a successful DJ? Do you need to go viral for your music career to thrive? How can you create a social media strategy that feels authentic, sustainable, and on your terms? DJ duo Z3LLA prioritizes their music over social media, meaning that when they are on social, they engage with intention. Find out their tips for building a brand off of social media and navigating as women in electronic music. In this episode, we cover: The balance betwe...

Are your limiting beliefs holding you back? What current mental blocks do you have surrounding your career? How can a manifestation and mindset practice build your music business? How can you effectively tap into your spiritual energy to become a better creative? This episode teaches you how to find your worth as an artist and lay the foundation for a successful career. In this episode, we cover: Manifesting your music business Overcoming career obstacles with mindset Unlocking y...

How do you build confidence in your artistic brand? How do you overcome the fear of putting yourself out there, either on stage or on social media? How do you put 100% into your dreams while still managing other responsibilities and self care? Listen to Sherm share his journey of owning his identity as a DJ through being present, open, and confident in his instincts. In this episode, we cover: How to build confidence as an artist knowing that not all audiences will resonate with you...

How can authentic branding help make music into your full-time career? How can you build a sharp brand image while leaving room for artistic growth and exploration? Discover how developing your brand to align with your genuine self can propel your creative passion into a full-time career. Cloverdale’s story of self-expression and branding strategy is a must-listen for artists looking to grow their music business. In this episode, we discuss: Unveiling the liberating power of staying tru...

Grammy award-winning producer Nitti, aka Nitti Gritti, half of Side Piece and half of Say My Nitti, joins me today to talk about how he achieves high-level success without burnout. This episode of Elevated Frequencies is a must-listen for anyone looking for the push to invest in their entrepreneurial goals. Nitti explains his philosophy of being a social media maven, active on multiple social platforms while still managing the creative side of his business. As an entrepreneur, he balances ...

When Barclay Crenshaw, previously known as the renowned house music DJ Claude VonStroke, chose to step back and realign his career, it marked a profound shift not just in his professional life but also in the music world. This episode of Elevated Frequencies is a must-listen for anyone feeling cornered in their current career trajectory and seeking inspiration for a more fulfilling path. Barclay Crenshaw originally captivated audiences under the alias Claude VonStroke, carving out a career...

In today’s episode, we're talking to DJ and producer Bijou. We talked about how he finds inspiration, overcomes challenges, and stays true to himself in the music industry. Bijou shared how he draws inspiration from different genres, such as hip-hop, to create his own unique sound. He emphasized the importance of originality and pulling inspiration from a variety of sources to create his own brand. Bijou discussed the challenges he faced as a creative entrepreneur and how he found the motivation...

In today’s episode, we're talking to a DJ and producer you may recognize from TikTok, Jake Shore. His popular social media series, House Music You Should Start Your Day With, put him on the map and helped him transition from teaching into a full-time music career. Looking at his socials, it's like a masterclass in content creation, with his emphasis being to entertain, inform, or inspire in every video. He shared his authentic life of being a teacher who loves house music. That kind of genuin...

In today’s episode, we're talking to DJ and producer Dateless. He is a disruptor in the electronic music scene. Brother of Elevated Frequencies alum, Lucati, he leans on his family for support and inspiration. Dateless takes a lot of pride in his work, managing always to stay authentic to himself and not get sucked into industry trends. He developed his vision early alongside Dirtybird Records. His influences come from his Latin American culture and hip hop. All of it rings true to his dream...

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In today’s episode, we're talking to producer Salvione. We spoke about his visualization and manifestation practices. He says they have been pivotal in achieving his dreams, from playing a specific gig in Ibiza to starting his show Elevated Radio. Elevated Radio is his weekly show with now 3.9M listeners. His goal was to share his favorite artists and up-and-comers with his community. He credits his ability to manage so many creative projects to his robust journaling practice. He sits down every...

In today’s episode, we're talking to the fashion-forward duo, RaeCola. Born and raised in the home of house music, Chicago, this DJ pair shared their journey into the music scene, from childhood clarinet to being on the road. RaeCola gave their thoughts on the energy exchange we experience at intimate shows and a look into their creative process. Like all of us, they faced the fears of being new at something. We discussed how to push past your own insecurities in order to create. I had to ...

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY BONBUZ. Bonbuz is an award-winning female-founded alcohol-free beverage company that is pioneering the future of drinking and how we get buzzed. Their new line of ready-to-drink Functional Fizz cans empowers consumers with enhanced mood states to combat the midday slump like never before. Functional Fizz contains a blend of over 970MGs of nootropics, adaptogens, and medicinal mushrooms that work symbiotically with our body’s natural functions to elevate mood...

THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY BONBUZ. Bonbuz is an award-winning female-founded alcohol-free beverage company that is pioneering the future of drinking and how we get buzzed. Their new line of ready-to-drink Functional Fizz cans empowers consumers with enhanced mood states to combat the midday slump like never before. Functional Fizz contains a blend of over 970MGs of nootropics, adaptogens, and medicinal mushrooms that work symbiotically with our body’s natural functions to elevate mood...