From 30 to 400 People in 12 Months: How to Build Your Own Scene | EF EP 111
Most DJs complain about not getting booked. Sarat, a drone pilot and DJ, created his own bookings instead. In just one year, he grew his sunrise sets from 30 people to 400+ people by building the scene he wanted to be part of.Starting with nothing but a unique perspective of Chicago from his drone footage and a love for melodic house music, Sarat created sunrise events that serve a community craving something different from traditional club experiences. His story proves that when you stop waiting for permission and start solving real problems for real people, growth happens organically.Note: Apologies for the shorter episode format - we lost some footage due to technical issues from the flood, but the story and insights remain powerful.Key Takeaways:Why starting with 10 people is better than waiting for the perfect momentHow to identify gaps in your local scene and fill them yourselfUsing your unique skills and perspective to create something originalThe power of consistency and respect in building sustainable eventsHow word-of-mouth marketing outperforms paid promotionWhy authentic experiences attract the right communityBuilding something that serves people rather than just promotes yourselfHow to evolve your concept while maintaining your core audienceThe importance of contributing something beautiful to your communityWhy morning events create different energy than traditional nightlifeWant to create your own events? Get my complete 9-part DIY Pop-Up Party Guide for $25 - everything from permits to promotion, venue negotiation, content creation and more. Grab it here.Stop waiting for opportunities. Hit play now to learn how to create the scene you want to be part of.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
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The $3 Million Marketing Strategy Every Artist Needs to Know | EF EP 110
Think you need millions of followers to build a successful music career? This conversation with Alex Hilburn, Co-Founder of Surge Marketing, will completely change how you think about fan engagement and marketing.While most artists are burning money on digital ads and chasing follower counts, Surge has generated $3 million in ticket sales by turning regular fans into active ambassadors. Their secret? Understanding that one superfan with 1,000 followers can sell $50,000 worth of tickets because they have genuine influence within their network.Key Takeaways:Why superfans matter more than follower counts in tough economic timesHow to identify and nurture your most engaged fans into ambassadorsThe psychology behind what actually motivates people to attend eventsWhy word-of-mouth marketing outperforms digital advertisingHow to build genuine relationships instead of transactional interactionsThe difference between fans and superfans (and how to create more of the latter)Why people want to go where their friends are goingHow to create authentic community around your musicThe evolution from digital ads back to relationship-based marketingWhy consistency and authenticity build sustainable fan basesStop chasing metrics and start building relationships. Hit play now to learn how superfans could transform your music career.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
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When Everyone Has a Label: The New Rules of Music Collaboration with Kyle Watson | EF EP 109
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY DEEP TROPICS.Deep Tropics is an immersive dance experience in the heart of Music City, Nashville, where party truly meets purpose. Known as the most sustainable festival in North America, Deep Tropics is an energetic celebration of culture, community, and the planet. Catch headliners like Chris Lake, Lane 8, Subtronics, and more on August 15th and 16th. Secure tickets here: https://www.deeptropics.org/Think starting your own label is always the right move? Kyle Watson's insights about the current industry landscape might change your perspective entirely. While everyone is rushing to launch their own platforms, few are discussing the unintended consequences this creates for collaboration, content creation, and building careers.From running No Context with his wife, Tash, to navigating the realities of social media as an artist, Kyle reveals the challenges and opportunities facing today's music industry. His 15+ year journey offers hard-won wisdom about persistence, authenticity, and building something sustainable in an increasingly complex landscape.Key Takeaways:-Why the proliferation of artist-owned labels is changing collaboration dynamics-How to navigate release decisions when multiple labels are involved-The reality of social media pressure -Why content creation has become as important as music creation-How to balance artistic integrity with business and social media demands-The reality of learning label management from scratch-Why having a supportive partner in business can be a game-changer-How to maintain creative authenticity while building something sustainable-Why persistence and long-term thinking trump viral moments-The new rules of collaboration in an oversaturated label market-How to build genuine connections in an increasingly competitive industryReady to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: patreon.com/oliviamancusoThe industry has changed - make sure your strategy has too. Hit play now to understand the new dynamics shaping modern music careers.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
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How to Build a Profitable Music Career by Serving Fewer People | EF EP 108
THIS EPISODE IS SPONSORED BY DEEP TROPICS.Deep Tropics is an immersive dance experience in the heart of Music City, Nashville, where party truly meets purpose. Known as the most sustainable festival in North America, Deep Tropics is an energetic celebration of culture, community, and the planet. Catch headliners like Chris Lake, Lane 8, Subtronics, and more on August 15th and 16th. Secure tickets here: https://www.deeptropics.org/Think you need to appeal to everyone to succeed? This conversation with John Hanna of Deep Tropics will completely change your perspective on building a sustainable music career.While most artists chase broad appeal and try to please every possible audience, Deep Tropics has built North America's greenest festival by doing the exact opposite - doubling down on their specific values of sustainability, mindfulness, and community. Their approach proves that depth of connection trumps reach every single time.Key Takeaways:Why trying to appeal to everyone naturally dilutes your artistic visionHow to build deeper connections with your audience instead of casting a wider netWhy talent buyers prefer artists with clear positioning over generic crowd-pleasersThe business case for niching down rather than broadening your appealHow to identify and communicate your unique values as an artistWhy authentic positioning creates more opportunities than mass appealBuilding a sustainable career through community-first thinkingHow to stand out in an oversaturated market by being specificThe courage required to niche down and why it pays offCreating memorable experiences that people want to be part of, not just attendReady 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 trying to be everything to everyone. Hit play now to learn why the riches really are in the niches.Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
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I Spent $15K on a Studio That Got Destroyed in 2 Months | EF EP 107
My studio flooded on June 25th. Everything is damaged. However, I'm here to show you how to navigate setbacks in your career without losing your momentum.In this deeply personal episode, I share the story of losing my dream podcast studio just two months after investing $15,000 into building it. From vintage furniture sourced across Chicago to countless hours of equipment setup - all destroyed by a malfunctioning pipe in the bathroom above.But this isn't a sob story. It's a lesson in resilience, emotional regulation, and why the way you handle setbacks determines your success more than the setbacks themselves.What You'll Learn: • Why every DJ needs business insurance• How to move through the stages of grief quickly instead of staying stuck for months • The difference between emotional regulation and toxic positivity • Why your support system is your most important business investment • How to audit your surroundings when crisis hits • The mindset shift that separates successful entrepreneurs from those who give upKey Takeaways:It's not what happens to you, it's how you react to itPeaks and valleys are inevitable - flexibility beats rigidityTomorrow isn't promised, so start taking risks nowTrue entrepreneurs choose uncertainty over safety every timeSupport the Show: This show is sponsored this month, but this is the first and only month the show has been sponsored. In order to reach that as a regular milestone, I need your help. If you found value in this episode, please share it with someone who needs to hear it, leave a review on Apple Podcasts or Spotify, and subscribe if you haven't already.For personalized advice on growing your career, brand, and business, check out my artist development program at patreon.com/oliviamancusoVideo 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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