"Not Everyone Deserves Access": The Controversial Strategy Behind Chicago's Biggest Nightlife Success | EF EP 124
Most people think inclusivity is the key to building a successful venue or event. Dom Brown built his empire doing the exact opposite - and he's not apologetic about it.As the founder of Porn & Chicken (Chicago's most legendary weekly party), owner of Never Have I Ever bar, and touring manager for Green Velvet and Shermanology, Dom has one controversial principle: not everyone deserves access to everything.While other promoters were chasing numbers, Dom was implementing no-phone policies in 2010 and hand-selecting who could enter his parties. The result? A cultural phenomenon that grew from 150 to 5,000 people weekly and is still talked about fifteen years later.Key Takeaways:• Why saying "no" at the door created safer spaces and legendary experiences• How the no-phone policy became Dom's secret weapon (years before it was trendy)• The psychology behind why exclusivity creates more demand than inclusion• The difference between being seen vs. creating genuine experiences• Why artists need to give authentically to the community before expecting anything back• How door hosts became the "ethos" of successful parties• Why themed events require every element to serve the overall experienceThe Controversial Truth: Dom openly admits "I am discriminating" - and explains why this approach built multiple successful businesses while creating genuinely safe spaces for marginalized communities.Actionable Strategy: Learn why your standards aren't gatekeeping - they're brand building. Discover how scarcity creates value and why the most powerful word in your vocabulary might be "no."Stop chasing everyone and start curating intentionally. Hit play to learn how exclusivity became Dom's path to building a legendary career in dance music.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
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Your Most Valuable Fans Aren't Who You Think They Are | EF EP 123
Think you know who your most valuable fans are? This conversation with Ritesh Patel, co-founder of Ticket Fairy, will completely flip your understanding of fan value and event data.While most artists focus on big spenders and VIP customers, Ritesh has discovered through processing over $300 million in ticket sales that your most valuable fans are actually the ones who spend the LEAST money. Why? Because they're the early adopters buying early bird tickets and bringing their friends along.From throwing underground events at a loss for a decade to building the "Salesforce for live entertainment," Ritesh breaks down how data intelligence can transform any artist's career - whether you're throwing 30-person pop-ups or planning festival expansions.Key Takeaways:• Why your early bird buyers are more valuable than big spenders (and how to identify them)• The 3 essential data points every artist must track from their first 30-person event• What $300M in global ticket sales reveals about fan behavior and market opportunities• The difference between vanity metrics and revenue-driving data• How to turn casual fans into people who travel to your shows using data insights• Why most artists completely misunderstand what their audience actually wantsStop guessing and start knowing. Your fans are giving you all the data you need to build a sustainable career - you just need to know how to read it.Looking for more insights on your artist journey? Join us November 22nd at The Joinery for industry education, networking, and career-defining connections. We're covering the same essential topics as the major conferences - monetization, brand building, industry evolution - plus professional headshots, pitch consultations, and premium food and drinks. We sold out last year, so don't wait. Get tickets at chicagomusicnexus.comConnect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
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$9K Debt to $200K Months: Marketing Events When Nobody Knows You | EF EP 122
Think you need a big budget and industry connections to throw successful events? Kyle Cassico proves otherwise. He went from $9,000 in credit card debt to building a thriving experiential company, and his guerrilla marketing tactics work whether you're throwing your own events or trying to get booked.Kyle breaks down exactly how to create content that moves people from scrolling to showing up, how to build credibility when nobody knows who you are, and why your biggest limitation might not be money - it might be mindset.Key Takeaways:• How to market events with zero budget and no industry credibility • Content strategies that actually convert followers into ticket buyers • Why authenticity beats polish when building your brand • The psychology behind getting people to take action on your events • How to leverage relationships when you're starting from nothing • Why feeling "average" might mean you just haven't found your alignment yet • Practical steps for building buzz around your shows and careerWhether you're a DJ trying to get booked, a producer planning your first event, or an artist wondering how to build a following from scratch, Kyle's blueprint shows you exactly how it's done.Stop waiting for permission and start creating the opportunities you want to see.Can't make it to ADE? Chicago Music Nexus is your answer. Join us November 22nd at The Joinery for industry education, networking, and career-defining connections. We're covering the same essential topics as the major conferences - monetization, brand building, industry evolution - plus professional headshots, pitch consultations, and premium food and drinks. We sold out last year, so don't wait. Get tickets at chicagomusicnexus.comConnect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
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"Going Viral Changed Everything": Lawrence James on Breaking Out of Your Local Scene | EF EP 121
Think you need millions of followers to break out of your local DJ scene? Lawrence James from Crossfader proves that one viral video can change everything - but only if you know what to do next.Lawrence went from playing the same local clubs seven nights a week to touring internationally, all because he decided to film one garage routine with a cheap camera. That video hit 80,000 views overnight and opened doors he never imagined. But here's the twist - the real success came when he pivoted from touring to education, working at Crossfader, and helping thousands of DJs worldwide.Key Takeaways:• Why one viral moment can unlock opportunities beyond your local market • The platforms and strategies actually moving the needle for DJs in 2025 • Why networking and speaking to people still outperforms social media algorithms • Why being super niche wins over trying to appeal to everyone • How to document your journey from day one (even the embarrassing parts) • Why entering competitions and putting yourself out there always pays offLawrence's biggest lesson? Stop waiting for permission and start putting yourself out there. Whether it's entering DJ contests, networking at events, or just filming that routine you've been perfecting -- you never know which door will open next.Can't make it to ADE? Chicago Music Nexus is your answer. Join us November 22nd at The Joinery for industry education, networking, and career-defining connections. We're covering the same essential topics as the major conferences - monetization, brand building, industry evolution - plus professional headshots, pitch consultations, and premium food and drinks. We sold out last year, so don't wait. Get tickets at chicagomusicnexus.comConnect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
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Stop Being Broke: The Financial Wake-Up Call Every DJ Needs | EF EP 120
Think you need to wait until you're making six figures to start planning your financial future? Think again. DJ and financial advisor Danner destroys every excuse artists make about money management and reveals why wedding DJs often out-earn nightclub residents by thousands.This isn't your typical "save money" advice - this is real talk from someone who's built two successful careers simultaneously. From knowing when it's safe to quit your day job to why DJ snobbery is costing you serious cash, Danner breaks down the financial strategies that separate struggling artists from those building real wealth.Key Takeaways:The 6-month survival test before going full-timeWhy wedding DJs can earn $1500/night while club DJs make $300How to diversify your DJ income beyond nightclubsThe biggest financial mistakes artists make early in their careersAlternative DJ opportunities beyond nightclubs (gyms, spin classes, corporate events)Ready to level up your career AND your finances? Meet Danner in person at Chicago Music Nexus on November 22nd at The Joinery - he's both our sponsor and speaking on our financial planning panel. Want to network before the main event? Join us at the pre-party where tickets are moving fast and you don't need a CMN ticket to attend (but we highly encourage both for the full experience).All details: chicagomusicnexus.comConnect 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 more content on growing your career, brand, and business, check out Olivia’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/oliviamancuso__
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