'I Don't Care About Your Follower Count': Slugg's Music-First Philosophy | EF EP 116

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 grounded

Stop 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.com

Tickets: fourvenues.com/chicago-music-nexus-the-link
CMN Main Event: chicagomusicnexus.com

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx