Almost Famous Enough

Glen Erickson talks with Winnipeg musician, radio host and country historian Sean Burns. Sean is the frontman of Lost Country and the bassist for Corb Lund and the Hurtin' Albertans. They talk about a career built on work ethic, from Ontario bar gigs at 17 to a sold-out Winnipeg release show. Sean also explains his shift from lost Canadian honky-tonk to Texas dance hall country on his new record, Better Off in Time and Other Songs for the Dance Floor.

Key Topics

• Blue-collar musicianship: Sean never had a plan B. He has gigged for a living since 2001 and describes himself as a working musician, whether solo, with Lost Country or with Corb Lund.
• Country music as an inheritance: He avoided his father's music as a kid, then dug into his dad's record collection. The conversation covers their complicated relationship and his dad's passing nine years ago.
• Preservation of lost Canadian country: Sean shines a light on regional labels and barroom singers from the 60s to the 80s, and on the Texas dance hall tradition behind his new record.
• Earning the Corb Lund gig: Sean was not the best bassist at the audition. He bet on himself, learned 40 songs when he was given 15, and got the job through preparation and getting along with the band.

Keywords, names and places

• People: Corb Lund, Grant Siemens, Lyle Molzan, Joanna Miller, Skinny Dyck (Ryan), Scott Franchuk, Roy Payne, Ian Tyson, Gordon Lightfoot, Merle Haggard, Buck Owens, Steve Earl, Johnny Bush, Ray Price, Faron Young, Jake Vaadeland, Danny Michel
• Bands, labels and projects: Lost Country, Corb Lund and the Hurtin' Albertans, Leaf Rapids, The Wheat Pool, Department Store Records, Boots and Saddle Show, ARC, Paragon, Marathon, Banff Records, Rodeo Records
• Places: Winnipeg, Edmonton, Saskatoon, Medicine Hat, Southern Ontario, Toronto, Texas, Crown and Anchor (Edmonton), The Aviary, Folk Fest
• Post-fame music recs: Kiwi Jr., Midnight Faces, Slow Pulp, The Haunted Youth, Allegra Krieger

ep54 Sean Burns is very comfortable
released November 5, 2026
1:25:49

https://seanburns.ca
https://www.instagram.com/seanburnsmusic
https://www.youtube.com/@seanburnsmusic

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
AFE: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:03:23 - Fresh off the road: a Western Canada run and the exhaustion of coming home
00:06:26 - Touring with a four-year-old at home and feeling the road differently in your forties
00:08:28 - How Glen and Sean first crossed paths at a birthday show in Edmonton
00:10:25 - Gigging for a living since 2001: Ontario bars, cruise ships and early touring
00:14:00 - Better Off in Time and a run of themed albums
00:15:47 - Rejecting his dad's music, a punk-rock adolescence and a country bar job
00:20:24 - A complicated father-son relationship and what music resolved
00:27:35 - Lost Canadian country: Roy Payne and regional labels
00:31:57 - Texas dance halls and the sound of the new record
00:34:12 - Stage patter, throwback delivery and what radio taught him about confidence
00:38:54 - A tight band: three lead players and knowing when not to play
00:42:23 - Drummer Joanna Miller and a nine-year musical partnership
00:47:37 - Juggling Corb Lund's touring schedule with his own band
00:50:34 - Adjusting from loud bars to polished theaters and in-ear monitors
00:54:32 - Winning the Corb Lund bass audition through preparation and betting on himself
01:00:00 - Skinny Dyck as producer and the friendship behind the record
01:03:54 - What's next: a short-term view and no big trajectory
01:07:30 - The Boots and Saddle Show and curating traditional country on the radio
01:13:19 - Post-fame with Alexi

Alexi pitches her dad's upcoming show with this old band, The Wheat Pool, Nov.21/2026 at The Aviary in Edmonton.

Juno-nominated singer-songwriter and CBC Music host Damhnait Doyle returns with her deeply authentic EP, Bird and Flame. We dig into her surreal start being discovered in Newfoundland at 17, navigating major label pressures, and writing songs alongside icons like Steve Earle. Damhnait opens up about late-diagnosed ADHD, creative burnout, breaking up with the music industry, and finally rediscovering the pure joy of making rhythm-driven indie records strictly on her own terms.

Featured topics

• A return to herself: Damhnait describes how Bird and Flame feels like a full-circle return to the creativity and authenticity she had as a teenager.
• Grief as a catalyst: The loss of her mother prompted Damhnait to reconsider how she wanted to spend her time and what she wanted to pursue.
• ADHD and rejection sensitivity: She discusses how her late ADHD diagnosis helped her understand the emotional challenges she faced in the music business.
• Creating without pressure: Damhnait explains how making music without depending on it for income or identity has brought more freedom and joy to her work.

ep53 Damhnait Doyle is finally free
released October 29, 2026
1:27:18

https://www.damhnaitdoyle.com/
https://www.instagram.com/damhnaitdoyle
https://www.youtube.com/user/damhnaitdoyle

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
AFE: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction
 00:03:00 - Pronouncing Damhnait's name and the new EP Bird in Flames
00:10:31 - Her mother's passing as a catalyst, breaking up with music, and making it now without career pressure
00:14:29 - Late-diagnosed ADHD, rejection sensitivity dysphoria, and why the music business feels like constant rejection
00:19:48 - ADHD isn't always a superpower: reading every room, burnout, introvert vs. extrovert, and guarding her energy
00:24:42 - Discovered at 17 in a St. John's record shop, signing with an East Coast label, and her first Juno nomination
00:28:48 - A versatile voice, the trio Shea with Kim Stockwood, and a Juno night beside Nickelback's Chad Kroeger
00:32:37 - Imposter syndrome after sudden fame, opening for Steve Earle, learning guitar, and working with producer Jay Joyce
00:39:35 - The long waits behind a "fast" career, the Montreal record, The Heartbroken, and Serena Ryder's advice to let go
00:44:24 - Grieving a music career, Glen's band reunion, and how CBC and Canadian artists made her want to create again
00:49:47 - The meaning of Bird in Flames and her long road to hosting CBC Mornings
00:55:19 - Writing the EP through COVID, her mother's death and her divorce, and getting the songs out in one sitting
00:58:46 - The fear before release, the relief after, and her all-time favourite songs
01:06:10 - Future plans, how music is curated at CBC Mornings, advice for artists, and the goodbye
01:15:00 - Post-fame with Alexi

Alexi pitches her dad's upcoming show with this old band, The Wheat Pool, Nov.21/2026 at The Aviary in Edmonton.

Brandon on Yukon Blonde, solo music, and building a sustainable creative life

Brandon talks with Glen Erickson about balancing his long-running role in Yukon Blonde with solo work, how a busy Canadian indie career has evolved over 20 years, and what it takes to keep making music without burning out. They also discuss the Vancouver music scene, trusted collaborators, and how visual art continues to shape his songwriting.

Feature moments

• Brandon reflects on early acclaim, touring momentum, and the burnout that followed.
• He explains how Yukon Blonde rebuilt its team and made the band more sustainable.
• Brandon and Glen discuss Vancouver’s music community and why Green Auto matters.
• Brandon shares how collaboration helped shape his solo EP Pressed Flowers.

ep52 Brandon Wolfe Scott non blonde
released October 22, 2026
1:32:01

https://brandonwolfescott.bandcamp.com/
https://www.instagram.com/brandonwolfescott/
https://www.youtube.com/@brandonscott1984

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
AFE: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:03:11 Balancing solo work with a full-time band

00:05:09 Why Yukon Blonde stays the priority

00:07:28 The awkward middle stage of a music career

00:09:10 How longtime fans respond as the band evolves

00:11:25 Early acclaim, CBC Radio 3, and what success felt like

00:13:26 Touring, burnout, and writing solo songs

00:16:13 Mismanagement and hard lessons

00:18:23 Rebuilding the team and making the band sustainable

00:20:43 Vancouver bands and scene connections

00:23:17 Flaming Lips as an early creative influence

00:24:20 Growing up in Quesnel and finding a path into music

00:27:23 The long runway to becoming a solid band

00:28:23 Women, Calgary’s indie scene, and musical peers

00:30:07 What’s thriving in music and why Green Auto matters

00:33:15 Green Auto Fest and DIY infrastructure

00:35:17 Shape and Space, visual art, and film-adjacent work

00:38:42 Creative control over art direction and album visuals

00:41:02 How the solo records differ from Yukon Blonde

00:43:14 Slide guitar, harmonies, and Beatles influences

00:47:09 Pressed Flowers and letting go of control

00:48:11 Collaborating with Gavin and James

00:52:28 Playing live with Dan Mangan and testing new songs

00:54:29 Why the solo project has stayed EP-based

00:58:30 Post-fame with Alexi

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way. 

Alexi pitches her dad's upcoming show with this old band, The Wheat Pool, Nov.21/2026 at The Aviary in Edmonton.

Joel Plaskett on music, identity, and the tension between analog life and AI

Joel Plaskett joins Glen Erickson for a wide-ranging conversation that moves from privacy and digital fatigue to the realities of sustaining a long music career. They unpack what it means to make art in an increasingly algorithmic world, reflecting on place, age, and the changing shape of creative work. Joel shares how his life has been split between Nova Scotia and Vancouver Island, why that tension remains creatively productive, and how honors like the Order of Nova Scotia and the Portia White Award fit alongside his local identity. The conversation also explores Thrush Hermit, the Halifax music scene of the 1990s, building a studio, and why he still feels compelled to make new work rather than settle into legacy mode.

Key topics

• Joel’s move to Vancouver Island while maintaining ties to Nova Scotia, family, and his studio and business.
• Digital privacy, data collection, AI, and the risks of algorithmic culture.
• Why humanities, philosophy, and art matter beyond material efficiency.
• Aging, touring, and the realities of sustaining a music career into your fifties.
• Thrush Hermit, the Halifax scene, and regional music identity.
• Artists like Nick Lowe and Gillian Welch as examples of staying creatively vital over time.

ep51 Joel Plaskett thinking out loud
released October 15, 2026
1:47:18

https://joelplaskett.com/
https://www.instagram.com/joelplaskett
https://www.youtube.com/@joelplaskett

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
AFE: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:02:24 Moving to Vancouver Island and living between coasts

00:07:37 Nova Scotia, recognition, and identity

00:12:20 Turning 50 and finding a sustainable pace

00:18:45 Defining success beyond recognition

00:25:37 Building a studio, shop, and creative community

00:31:23 Restlessness, risk-taking, and creative focus

00:35:47 Burnout, aging, and digital saturation

00:38:31 Maps, algorithms, and the value of getting lost

00:41:12 Speed, communication, and Marshall McLuhan

00:44:26 AI, meaning, and the limits of efficiency

00:47:07 Imperfection, analogue sound, and making art human

00:50:14 The efficiency paradox and the cost of “more”

00:55:07 Making space to think instead of react

01:01:15 Thrush Hermit and the Halifax indie-rock scene

01:07:21 Touring lore, regional scenes, and early career lessons

01:15:42 Staying creatively alive across a long music career

01:19:12 Playing the hits while still making new work

01:23:10 Why long-form conversations still matter

01:26:35 Post-Fame with Alexi

Alexi pitches her dad's upcoming show with this old band, The Wheat Pool, Nov.21/2026 at The Aviary in Edmonton.

Chevy Beaulieu talks through the long road from playing family gigs in the Northwest Territories to signing with 604 Records and releasing his self-titled album. He also shares how his roots, his mixed background, and a wide range of influences shaped a sound that sits between traditional country, outlaw country, rock, and a little bit of everything else.This is a story about learning the craft first, then learning the business later. Chevy also gets honest about the frustration of being ignored by labels, the value of staying authentic, and why he believes “overnight success” is a myth.

Key topics

• Chevy Beaulieu explains the pronunciation of his last name and the family history behind it, including his father, a three-time Canadian fiddle champion.
• Music was always around him at home through fiddle tunes, family band performances, and influences like Merle Haggard, Texas Tornadoes, Doug Kershaw, and Cajun music.
• Family gigs meant being “always ready,” with little rehearsal and a set list built around weddings, bars, First Nations gatherings, funerals, and old standards.
• His first self-released album, Firecracker, came out in 2019 while he was still working full time at a diamond mine and had no real understanding of royalties, registrations, or the business side of music.
• Chevy describes the frustration of submitting demos and often getting no response, including blunt rejections from labels that did not even listen to the songs.
• He eventually signed with 604 Records after being invited down for what he thought was just an acoustic office performance, not a real audition.
• He also talks about the realities of touring, casino gigs, and why live music pay has become harder for working musicians.

https://chevybeaulieumusic.com/
https://www.instagram.com/chevy_beaulieu_music
https://www.youtube.com/@chevybeaulieu2294

ep50 Chevy Beaulieu is a bush baby
released October 8, 2026
1:34:44

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
AFE: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:00 - Introduction
00:02:42 - Meeting Chevy Beaulieu
00:07:01 - Roots, Heritage, and Identity
00:09:12 - A Family Legacy of Music
00:14:32 - The Family Band and Learning the Craft
00:18:33 - Early Songwriting and Finding Direction
00:23:37 - Developing a Voice as an Artist
00:25:16 - Funding the First Record
00:32:13 - The Story Behind the Name Chevy
00:33:26 - Rejection, Demos, and Breaking Into the Industry
00:36:54 - Finding a Home at 604 Records
00:42:02 - Country Music Influences and Musical Identity
00:49:25 - Songs, Covers, and Country Music Legacy
00:53:24 - Signing a Deal, Waiting, and Building a Team
01:00:59 - New Music, Awards, and Life on the Road
01:15:08 - Post-Fame with Alexi

Alexi pitches her dad's upcoming show with this old band, The Wheat Pool, Nov.21/2026 at The Aviary in Edmonton.

Glen Erickson talks with Jon Bryant about the winding path from art school album covers to a career in indie folk, acting, and voice work. The conversation traces the moments that shaped Jon’s creative identity, including early luck, personal loss, the Nexium experience, pandemic disruption, and how fatherhood and returning home to Nova Scotia informed his upcoming record Harbor. They also dig into what it means to market art honestly in the age of social media, how vulnerability can deepen connection without becoming a gimmick, and why Jon sees his voice as the center of everything he makes.

Key topics

• Jon’s art-school assignment that sparked his first album, and the unexpected Apple Canada breakthrough.
• Building an audience through DIY touring, visual design, and changing approaches to marketing.
• His reflections on church culture, Nexium, and the complex mix of harm and belonging.
• The pandemic’s impact on his career, his creative identity, and connecting with fans.
• Acting, voice work, fatherhood, and the return to Nova Scotia that shaped Harbor.

https://www.jonbryantmusic.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jonrbryant
https://www.youtube.com/@JonBryant

ep49 Jon Bryant is more at home
released October 1, 2026
1:55:17

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
AFE: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:00 — Introduction
00:02:37 — Glen and Jon’s First Connection
00:07:39 — From First Record to a Music Career
00:10:22 — Art, Design, and Finding a Creative Voice
00:13:04 — Growing Up and Leaving Home
00:15:57 — Learning the Independent Artist’s Grind
00:21:35 — Early Breakthroughs and Building Momentum
00:24:27 — Marketing Music Without Losing the Story
00:31:52 — Vulnerability, Social Media, and Self-Doubt
00:39:06 — Life Changes, Cult Classic, and Creative Growth
00:46:36 — The Pandemic and Finding a New Path
00:51:28 — Therapy Notes, Mental Health, and Songwriting
00:56:58 — When Songs Become Part of Someone Else’s Story
00:58:20 — Acting, Voice Work, and New Creative Outlets
01:02:31 — Identity, Adaptation, and Being Yourself
01:09:49 — The Connection of Live Performance
01:12:01 — Harbor, Parenthood, and Returning Home
01:24:16 — Post-fame with Alexi

Alexi pitches her dad's upcoming show with this old band, The Wheat Pool, Nov.21/2026 at The Aviary in Edmonton.

Freelance musician and multi-instrumentalist Lisa Jacobs joins me to discuss her diverse career as an award-winning bass player and a dedicated music therapist. We dive into the grit of touring, studio recording sessions, and how she balances the energy of massive festival stages with the quiet intimacy of clinical music therapy. Lisa shares her unique mindset on finding longevity in the music industry, overcoming performance anxiety, and the real definition of confidence.

ep48 Lisa Jacobs finds little joys
released June 18, 2026
1:53:26

https://www.instagram.com/lisajuliejacobs/

Key Takeaways

• Dual Dualities & Symbiotic Career Paths: Lisa successfully balances a high-energy performance career with the quiet intimacy of music therapy, allowing both worlds to uniquely inform and feed into each other .
• The Clinical Power of Music Memory: Because music is stored across multiple areas of the brain, it acts as a powerful non-verbal tool to unlock memories and restore personal identity for dementia and palliative care patients .
• The Reality of Passion Projects: Disproving the cliché myth that loving your job means never working, Lisa emphasizes that even dream careers require immense sacrifice, unglamorous behind-the-scenes toil, and dealing with burnout .
• True Confidence is Earned Through Failure: Genuine confidence is not unearned bravado; rather, it is built incrementally by leaning into discomfort, making mistakes, and actively working to get better at a skill over time .
• Strategic Cultivation of Small Joys: To survive the grueling demands of the music industry and prevent professional misery, Lisa intentionally hunts for tiny moments of connection and beauty on and off the stage .

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:04:15 Catching up with Lisa Jacobs

00:06:44 Life as a Freelance Musician

00:09:42 The Dual Role: Musician and Music Therapist

00:12:43 The Power of Music Therapy

00:15:45 Connecting Through Music: A Personal Story

00:18:43 Finding Balance: The Performer and the Healer

00:24:34 Rediscovering Self: The Journey of Balance

00:31:40 Understanding Emotional Patterns

00:34:07 The Journey of a Musician

00:37:58 Early Musical Influences and Opportunities

00:41:06 The Freelance Musician's Path

00:46:45 Finding Joy in the Journey

00:53:55 Authenticity on Stage and Off

01:00:01 The Value of Vulnerability in Music

01:03:22 Fashion Influences and Sisterhood

01:06:02 The Power of Personal Style

01:09:17 The Balance of Light and Dark in Music and Fashion

01:14:24 Confidence Through Experience

01:19:23 The Journey of a Musician

01:24:26 Embracing Opportunities and Personal Growth

01:33:04 Post-Fame with Alexi

Alexi pitches her dad's upcoming show with this old band, The Wheat Pool, Nov.21/2026 at The Aviary in Edmonton.

What does it take to sustain a 12-year independent music career? Canadian rock-and-folk artist Skye Wallace joins the conversation to dissect the realities of the modern touring landscape, independent album funding, and shifting toward DIY touring sustainability. From her classical vocal roots to heavy guitar distortion , Skye shares how raw adaptability has defined her trajectory. Plus, she opens up about challenging music industry ageism and sexism while proudly navigating new parenthood on the road.

ep47 Skye Wallace is adaptable 
released June 11, 2026 
1:49:55

Key Takeaways

• Navigating Parasocial Dynamics: Independent artists must balance a unique social dynamic where fans online and in public feel a deep, one-sided personal connection with them.
• Early DIY Grit: Building a long-term music career often requires a foundation of intense solo hustle, booking grassroots gigs, and navigating early touring challenges independently.
• The Power of Creative Adaptability: Longevity in a volatile industry relies heavily on an artist’s willingness to constantly adapt, whether by upgrading live performance technology or shifting musical directions.
• Pivoting for Touring Sustainability: Rising industry costs and widespread artist burnout are forcing creators to return to grassroots, DIY touring models like intimate house shows for better financial feasibility.
• Reclaiming Agency in Motherhood: Choosing to openly balance a rock-and-roll career with new parenthood allows female artists to directly challenge systemic industry ageism and sexism.

https://www.skyewallace.com/
https://www.instagram.com/skyewallacemusic/
https://www.youtube.com/c/Skyewallace

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
AFE: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:03:09 Navigating Social Dynamics in Music

00:06:14 Returning to the Stage: A Musician's Journey

00:09:10 The Evolution of Live Performance Technology

00:12:09 From Classical Training to Creative Expression

00:14:59 The Path of a Solo Artist: Challenges and Triumphs

00:18:12 Support Systems: The Role of Family in Music

00:21:12 Speaking Out: The Artist's Voice in Society

00:29:50 Embracing Authenticity in Music

00:31:25 Navigating a Decade of Music Production

00:34:02 Building Connections in the Music Industry

00:36:49 Evolving as an Artist Through Collaboration

00:40:00 The Impact of Production on Artistic Growth

00:42:31 The Importance of Learning from Experience

00:45:40 Adapting to Change in the Music Landscape

00:49:18 The Role of Public Funding in Music Careers

00:52:43 Sustainability and DIY Approaches in Music

00:56:51 Facing Challenges as a Female Artist

00:58:33 Parenthood and Its Impact on Artistic Expression

00:59:05 The Iced Tea Incident

01:01:16 Flag in the Ground Moments

01:02:58 Living Your Truth

01:06:11 The Journey of Parenthood and Career

01:11:04 The New Record and Creative Process

01:15:11 Performance Dynamics: Solo vs. Band

01:24:19 Post-Fame with Alexi

Alexi pitches her dad's upcoming show with this old band, The Wheat Pool, Nov.21/2026 at The Aviary in Edmonton.

What does music genre even mean anymore? Former guest Matthew Willox returns to challenge traditional Billboard classifications like rock, country, and classical. This Hot Take sends us on a deep dive into how digital streaming platforms and Spotify algorithms have completely shifted the landscape, swapping rigid labels for curated aesthetic vibe playlists, workout tracks, and hyper-niche sub-genres. Discover how, we think, music listeners are taking back control from corporate power structures, ultimately democratizing how we define, discover, and consume new music in the modern streaming era.

s3 Post-Fame Plus presents Hot Takes with Matthew
released June 4, 2026 
49:20

Key Moments

[05:56] The Rise of the "Vibe" Genre: Matthew drops his primary hot take, arguing that traditional Billboard categories like rock and country are dead, replaced by context-driven vibe genres like lo-fi, hype, and workout tracks.

[08:37] The 90s Rock Club Abomination: The guys share a laugh over a modern algorithmic playlist that mashed Tool and Blink-182 together - a chaotic musical pairing that never would have survived the strict sub-culture divides of the 1990s.

[11:40] Context-Driven Listening: Glen explores how modern music taxonomy has fundamentally flipped. Instead of labels telling us what we're listening to, genres are now built entirely around the user’s immediate context: where they are, how they feel, and what they want to feel.

[24:00] Triangulating Music Tastes: The guys unpack how the younger generation completely struggles to define their music taste. Instead of naming genres, listeners now list a trio of hyper-specific artists to help others "triangulate" their exact sonic aesthetic.

https://matthewwillox.art/

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson AFE: https://www.almostfamousenough.com AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:08 Introduction to Hot Takes

00:02:15 Self-Policing and Personal Freedom

00:06:10 The Evolution of Music Genres

00:07:07 Vibe Over Genre: A New Perspective

00:11:12 The Contextual Nature of Music Genres

00:20:01 The Influence of Technology on Music Creation

00:23:28 The Evolution of Music Taste

00:26:19 Defining Genres in a Blended Era

00:30:32 The Impact of Historical Context on Music

00:33:25 Listener Influence on Genre Creation

00:37:38 The Democratization of Music Consumption

00:41:39 The Knowledgeable Listener and Genre Fluidity

Alexi pitches her dad's upcoming show with this old band, The Wheat Pool, Nov.21/2026 at The Aviary in Edmonton.

Jacob Brodovsky uncovers his journey as a singer-songwriter from Winnipeg’s rich music community while discussing his highly anticipated new album, Tell the Kids We Tried. We dive into the grit of indie songwriting, the creative liberation of tracking live to tape, and the power of local music networks. From navigating imposter syndrome to balancing family life and finding his authentic voice, this conversation is an honest look at building a sustainable creative life in today's music industry.

ep46 Jacob Brodovsky is serious
released May 28, 2026
1:31:47

Key Highlights:

The Power of Creative Accountability (The "Song Every Week Club"): Jacob highlights how a strict, high-accountability weekly writing circle in Winnipeg forces creators to bypass the ego and tap into a raw stream of consciousness.

Navigating Toxic Industry Pressures vs. Authentic Balance: The discussion tackles the "toxic bullshit" narrative that artists must sacrifice everything or quit their day jobs to be taken seriously. Jacob and Glen advocate for a healthier, realistic approach to balancing real life while still making award-winning art.

The Vulnerability of "Brutal" Editing: Jacob opens up about his relationship with mentor John K. Samson (The Weakerthans), who agreed to edit his first record on the condition that he could be "brutal" with a red pen. It’s a great lesson for all creatives on checking your ego at the door and treating songwriting as a long-term process of refinement.

Spontaneity Over Perfection (Recording Live to Tape): Moving away from an album that was labored over for years, Jacob’s new record was arranged in a room in three hours and tracked live to tape. This highlight celebrates the magic of capturing spontaneous, flawed, and honest musical moments that can't be easily fixed in post-production.

Community as the Ultimate Antidote: When unexpected professional and personal transitions hit Jacob, the local creative scene "scooped up" his family with gigs and immense support. This highlights the beautiful, reciprocal nature of a healthy music ecosystem—taking space when it's your turn to promote, and pumping everyone else's tires when it's not.

http://www.jacobbrodovsky.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jacobbrodovsky
https://www.youtube.com/@jacobbrodovsky

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
AFE website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:03:07 Introduction and First Impressions

00:05:00 The Importance of Reaching Out

00:08:09 Musical Roots and Identity

00:11:04 The Role of Community in Music

00:14:00 Exploring Jewish Camp Experiences

00:17:04 The Value of Summer Camp

00:20:02 The Journey to Becoming a Musician

00:22:27 Recognition and Bittersweet Success

00:23:40 Navigating the Pandemic and Personal Struggles

00:25:37 Imposter Syndrome and the Artist's Journey

00:30:12 The Changing Landscape of the Music Industry

00:34:09 Creating a New Album: Inspiration and Process

00:38:08 The Joy of Being a Solo Artist

00:40:17 Writing from Experience: The Birth of New Songs

00:47:40 Collaborative Creation: The Making of the Record

00:50:12 Influences and Inspirations in Songwriting

00:53:58 The Importance of Editing in Music

00:56:22 Community and Support in the Music Scene

01:05:30 Navigating the Future of Music and Personal Growth

01:10:52 Post-Fame with Alexi

Alexi pitches her dad's upcoming show with this old band, The Wheat Pool, Nov.21/2026 at The Aviary in Edmonton.