Why Your Ego Is the Biggest Threat to Your Music Career | EF EP 106
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/Want to know what separates artists who build lasting careers from those who flame out? It's not talent, connections, or luck - it's ego management. Damon DeGraff's journey from managing music's biggest names to launching his own artistic career reveals how ego quietly sabotages more careers than any external factor.After decades of developing artists like D'Angelo and Mark Ronson, Damon breaks down the ego traps that keep artists stuck: focusing on what other DJs are doing instead of your own work, hoarding opportunities instead of creating abundance, and protecting your position instead of expanding your influence. His philosophy challenges everything we think we know about competition and success.Key Takeaways:-Why focusing on other artists' success is killing your momentum-How to shift from scarcity mindset to abundance thinking-The vulnerability required to transition from behind-the-scenes to spotlight-Why helping others succeed creates more opportunities for yourself-How to compete without letting ego drive your decisions-Why "what's for me will be for me" is a career game-changer-How work ethic and consistency trump natural talent-The power of putting ego aside to allow others to succeedReady to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: patreon.com/oliviamancusoConnect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
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The Space Miami Formula: How to Handle Any Crowd | EF EP 105
Want to know how to read and control any room, no matter how diverse the crowd? Ms. Mada's unique perspective as both booking operations manager and resident DJ at Space Miami offers insights that most artists never get access to.From handling Miami's most eclectic crowds - mixing Space regulars with first-time tourists experiencing the legendary venue - to building her reputation as one of the industry's most respected selectors, Ms. Mada reveals what it really takes to move people through music. Her philosophy of immersive learning and strategic positioning proves that sometimes the best education comes from putting yourself directly in the environment you want to master.Key Takeaways:- How to read rooms with multiple audience types and expectations- The psychology behind effective crowd control and energy management- Why immersive learning beats online education every time- Building credibility through proximity and consistent value- Handling industry frustrations and difficult situations with grace- The importance of understanding venue dynamics and crowd psychology- How to balance artistic vision with crowd expectations- Why working in the industry while building your career accelerates growth- The art of selection: choosing tracks that move diverse audiences- Building relationships that support long-term career developmentReady 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 trying to learn from your bedroom. Hit play now to discover why immersive learning could be the key to mastering your craft.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
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How to Take Your Music to New Cities with Jeff Sorkowitz | EF EP 104
Want to expand your music career beyond your home market? Jeff's strategic approach to building Short Circuit across multiple cities offers a blueprint for sustainable geographic expansion.Jeff reveals how he identifies the right partners in each market and creates authentic events that resonate with local scenes while maintaining his brand identity. His journey from corporate lawyer to label owner proves that expansion doesn't require aggressive tactics or massive budgets - just the right strategy.Key Takeaways:- How to identify the right partners and promoters in new markets- Why working with independent promoters can be more effective than major players- The importance of aligning your expectations with realistic demand- How to maintain your brand identity while adapting to different scenes- Building relationships that support long-term expansion rather than one-off events- Why being intentional about market selection prevents costly mistakes- The power of organic relationship building over forced networking- How to create events that feel authentic to each local scene- Strategic timing for multi-city tours and label showcases- Why sustainable growth beats rapid expansion every timeReady to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://www.patreon.com/oliviamancusoStop limiting yourself to one market. Hit play now to learn how to strategically expand your reach across multiple cities.CHICAGO MUSIC NEXUS PRESALE ENDS TONIGHT, 6/19, AT MIDNIGHT. SECURE YOUR PASS AT THE LOWEST PRICE POINT POSSIBLE: http://www.chicagomusicnexus.comConnect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
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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
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
Ireland