Elevated Frequencies

Want to know how one of dance music's biggest stars built a movement through vulnerability? In this special Miami Music Week episode, James Hype and Tita Lau reveal the counterintuitive strategies behind their massive online communities and why authenticity trumps "cool factor" every time. From being called "cringe" to having fake news articles written about him, James has faced every form of crit...

What happens when you sell your company to Amazon for nearly a billion dollars? For Twitch co-founder Justin Kan, it meant following an unexpected passion - building one of Burning Man's most impressive art installations and launching a music label focused on community. From constructing a 70-foot iceberg with 200,000 LEDs to learning to DJ while building it, Justin's journey offers powerful insig...

Want to know how to read a room when multiple distractions compete for attention? This week's guest, Mister Gray, has mastered this skill during his 11-year residency at E11even, a unique venue that combines the energy of a nightclub with the dynamics of a strip club. From sharing decks with Tiesto and Marshmello to working 12-hour marathon shifts, Mister Gray reveals practical insights about crow...

Want to know what it really takes to build something in dance music? When Jason Euler's emails to Relentless Beats went unanswered, he didn't just try again - he threw his own block party, betting everything he had. We're talking maxed-out credit cards, a pink slip against his car, and a call to his mom saying, "If this fails, I'm moving home." From losing thousands in a single night to massive su...

Want to know why some artists leave Miami Music Week with game-changing opportunities while others just leave broke? This week's guest Paul Campbell isn't just another industry veteran - he's the ultimate Miami insider who's seen it all from every angle. From throwing his first party at Club Space at age 16 to co-founding the legendary Dayglow events to now managing Grammy-nominated duo Side Piece...

Want to know why some artists crumble under success while others turn it into sustainable careers? When GUDFELLA's remix of "Rule the World" exploded, getting picked up by major European soccer teams and even Tiësto, it marked the beginning of an incredible journey - but one that came with unexpected challenges that would ultimately make him a stronger artist. In one of the most honest conversatio...

In an industry where burnout is normalized and careers end before they begin, most DJs don't realize they're one health crisis away from losing everything. This week's guest, Ethan Schiff, knows this reality all too well - after watching countless artists sacrifice their health for success, he's on a mission to change how the music industry thinks about wellness. After transforming his own life wi...

Name another industry where it's normal to wait three months to get paid for work you've already done. In this episode, I'm sharing my exact system for getting paid on time - the same system that earned me the nickname "The Collector." From crafting bulletproof invoices to handling awkward payment conversations, I break down how I went from timidly waiting months for payment to running a professio...

Want to know why most DJs struggle to make a living while others build sustainable careers? In this special episode from Chicago Music Nexus, a powerhouse panel of industry experts breaks down the revenue streams you're probably missing and the mindset shifts needed to monetize your brand effectively. From sync licensing deals worth $80,000 to building academies and D2C revenue streams, our panel...

Want to know why some DJs instantly capture attention while others fade into the background? This week's guest, Wardrobe Consultant, Stylist, and My Friend Camille Ries reveals how developing your signature style can be the difference between being forgettable and unforgettable in dance music. In an oversaturated market where everyone has access to the same music and technology, your personal styl...

When TikTok vanished for 12 hours, most creators panicked. But Miami-based DJ and artist manager 2AR stayed calm - because he'd built something bigger than just a following. His twice-daily streams have evolved into a digital morning show, creating a community that shows up whether TikTok is working or not. In this episode, 2AR breaks down his journey from Denver club DJ to founding Silent Movemen...

Want to know how I went from being an awkward outsider to building genuine industry relationships? In this episode, I break down my complete networking playbook - including the FBI agent strategy that changed everything. If you've ever felt uncomfortable at industry events or struggled to turn connections into opportunities, this conversation will transform how you approach networking in dance mus...

If you've ever felt pressure to change your sound, this episode is your permission slip to stay true to your vision. Chicago house legend Terry Hunter shares how refusing to compromise his artistry led to three Grammy nominations and working with artists like Beyonce and Aretha Franklin.  When industry experts told Terry his music was "too musical" and needed to be stripped down, he faced a choice...

She was mistaken for a groupie at her OWN SHOW.  When we pre-judge artists - for their gender, age, appearance, or background - we all lose out on potential innovation and creativity. This week's guest, Haylee Wood, shares how she went from making bedroom DJ sets during COVID to becoming one of dance music's rising stars, and why maintaining authenticity while navigating industry challenges has be...

Think you know what your audience wants? This week's guest might change your perspective entirely. Moody Jones, GM of Disposable Records under EMPIRE, shares crucial insights about understanding how people actually experience music - insights that have helped his label generate over 20 million streams and launch careers across 10 countries. From smuggling illegal CDs in Saudi Arabia to running a s...

In an era where festivals are shutting down left and right, Same Same But Different Festival grew revenue by 17% while others struggled. How? By challenging the "bigger is better" mindset and putting community first. In this episode, SSBD CEO Brad Sweet shares actionable insights about building trust, taking calculated risks, and creating experiences that keep people coming back. Whether you're an...

Think vision boarding is just arts and crafts? Think again. In this special episode, I'm breaking down the exact manifestation framework that helped me scale my business from zero to six figures in six months, book dream gigs, and create multiple revenue streams in the music business. But this isn't just another "new year, new me" episode. I'm sharing a completely new addition to my goal-setting p...

Want to know what dance music fans really care about in 2024? This week's guest has her finger on the pulse of festival culture. Content creator and podcast host Emma Kapotes has built a community of over 36,000 subscribers by being boots on the ground at festivals, having real conversations with fans, and truly understanding what they want from their music experiences. If you're an artist trying...

Think your non-music experiences don't matter to your artist career? Think again. This week's guest, Henry Fong, reveals how becoming a national laser tag champion and competitive fisherman taught him the universal patterns of excellence and discipline that would later fuel his success in dance music. From growing up in a small Florida town to becoming an internationally touring DJ/producer, Henry...

Ever wondered who's behind the most talked-about festival account on Twitter? In this exclusive reveal, ARC Music Festival's marketing lead, Alan Brant, finally steps out from behind the curtain to share how a small but mighty team built one of house and techno's most powerful brands. If you're trying to break into the music industry, feeling overwhelmed by social media, or curious about how major...

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...

In this powerful episode, dance music icon Nadia Ali—the voice and songwriter behind explosive hits like "Rapture" and "Pressure"—breaks her silence on the industry's biggest blind spot—the lack of recognition for singers, songwriters, and collaborators who help create electronic music's biggest tracks. With 23 years of experience and countless chart-topping anthems, Nadia shares candid insights a...

Tired of posting randomly and hoping something sticks? In this game-changing episode, former BET and VH1 social media strategist Sabrina Diamond reveals her proven framework for creating months of engaging content—without the burnout. Learn how the same strategies that powered major music brands can help independent artists build a loyal following and consistent engagement. Sabrina breaks down her...

Are you looking to stand out in the music industry and secure more bookings? This episode features Drew Dapps, who shares how creating a unique community around his concept, Camp Dappington, not only differentiated him from the crowd but directly led to numerous gig opportunities. Drew discusses his journey as a boutique house artist and the strategic moves behind Camp Dappington, a themed activat...

Have you ever felt like you don't belong, even with some significant achievements under your belt? Today, I'm diving deep into a scenario that might hit close to home for many of you: battling imposter syndrome. This isn't just about feeling out of place; it's about understanding why high-achievers like us often feel undeserving of our successes and how we can conquer this crippling mindset. Don’t...