Almost Famous Enough

Canadian singer-songwriter Ken Yates returns to discuss fatherhood, touring logistics, and his signature sonic evolution. We dive into how he scaled back to a live trio format , his collaborative work with producers Jim Bryson and Daniel Ledwell, and how a late bloomer to indie-folk songwriting defined his unique guitar tunings and raw vocal identity. From DIY house concerts to upcoming Massey Hall performances with Kathleen Edwards , this conversation explores what it really means to cultivate a dedicated, word-of-mouth audience in the modern music industry.

ep45 Ken Yates has range 
released May 21, 2026 
1:31:46

Key Moments

The Unexpected Trio Transformation: 
Ken explains how a "logistical nightmare" of using six different regional backing bands across the country forced him to strip his live sound down to a trio format, helping him discover a live sound that he now prefers over solo performances.

The Nashville Vocal Accident: 
As a self-proclaimed "late bloomer" who went to Berklee for guitar rather than songwriting, Ken reveals he originally planned to stay behind the scenes writing for other artists in the Nashville style. He only sang his own song for the first time because his lead vocalist fell sick before a performance, sparking his career as a frontman.

Embracing Creative Limitations: 
In a highly candid moment, Ken admits he still doesn't consider himself a traditional singer and doesn't even sing around the house or in the car. He explains how having a limited vocal range actually acts as a creative superpower, forcing him to be much more inventive with his melodies.

The "Traveling Salesman" Burnout: 
Ken reflects on the exhausting pre-COVID era of driving his Honda Civic to DIY house concerts and carrying a vintage briefcase of merchandise. While financially positive, he realized playing living rooms wasn't building a sustainable, dedicated audience, prompting a massive shift in his career direction.

Redefining Success Outside of Fame: 
Ken shares how "failing" to reach the mainstream metrics of fame and fortune for over a decade ultimately set him free. He reached a peaceful realization that even if his career never grew past its current size, he would still happily choose to make records because it fulfills him creatively and financially.

Dismantling the Tortured Artist Trope: 
The conversation shifts to how fatherhood and aging have softened Ken's perspective. He notes that he has actively stepped away from trying to be a "tortured artist" all the time, allowing himself to recognize when he is genuinely feeling good and simply enjoying being a dad.

https://www.kenyates.com/
https://www.instagram.com/kenyatesmusic/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqkNO32U_cF0bQDmb79-PoQ

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

00:04:13 Getting Re-acquainted with Ken Yates

00:06:08 Parenthood and Its Impact on Music

00:09:04 Logistical Challenges of Touring with a Baby

00:11:56 Finding a New Band and Live Performance Dynamics

00:14:29 Transitioning from Solo to Full Band Performances

00:17:21 Songwriting Journey and Overcoming Limitations

00:20:01 The Evolution of Sound and Collaborations

00:22:45 Berklee Experience and Early Musical Development

00:25:28 Defining a Unique Sound and Voice in Music

00:28:19 Future Directions and New Music Releases

00:36:32 The Struggles of DIY Music

00:38:25 Finding Clarity in Sound

00:42:14 Personal Growth Through Parenthood

00:52:07 Building an Authentic Audience

01:09:48 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.

Discover the inspiring story of Jake Vaadeland, a young Saskatchewan musician blending traditional prairie country roots with rockabilly and bluegrass influences. Jake shares his journey from small-town beginnings to international stages, winning a Juno Award and self-promoting rural tours, while emphasizing the importance of authenticity, showmanship, and staying true to oneself.

ep44 Jake Vaadeland is a continuation
released May 14, 2026
1:30:51

Key Topics:

• Jake Vaadeland's background and family roots in Scandinavian and rural Saskatchewan culture
• The influence of early musical experiences, bluegrass, and pioneer music on his style
• His unconventional path out of small-town Saskatchewan into music, including early performances and self-branding
• The significance of live performance professionalism, tight showmanship, and entertainment value
• How touring in small communities built his audience outside traditional music industry channels
• The creative process behind his upcoming album, focused on heritage and traditional folk sounds recorded with vintage equipment
• The importance of simplicity in songwriting and authenticity in performance
• Balancing artistic passion with career sustainability and growth strategies informed by legendary artists like Willie Nelson
• Overcoming societal pressures to stand out and living authentically in a small-town environment
• The role of patience, steady growth, and trusting the natural flow of his career and art

https://www.jakevaadeland.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jake_vaadeland/
https://www.youtube.com/@jakevaadeland1712

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

00:03:07 Family Names Ancestry Discussion

00:07:36 Jake's Musical Journey Begins

00:12:36 Growing Up in Rural Saskatchewan

00:17:13 Musical Influences and Family Background

00:19:38 Niche Music Style and Identity

00:26:18 Finding an Audience and Showmanship

00:26:41 Nostalgic Roots of Music

00:29:11 The Evolution of Live Performance

00:32:13 Building a Touring Career

00:34:36 The Road to Recognition

00:37:32 Breaking Free from Conventional Paths

00:42:29 Embracing Individuality and Authenticity

00:49:00 The Art of Songwriting and Performance

00:51:53 The Roots of Songwriting

00:57:16 Exploring New Musical Directions

01:03:07 The Magic of Imperfection in Music

01:09:02 Navigating Career Anxiety and Future Aspirations

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.

Design is the silent partner of every great record, yet the path to becoming a creative director in the music industry is rarely linear. From navigating the Montreal art scene to designing for icons like Tegan and Sara and Arcade Fire, Becca McFarlane shares her journey of "Type A" creativity. We dive into the merch economics of stadium tours, why authenticity beats the algorithm, and how to build a visual brand that resonates long after the music stops.

ep42 Becca McFarlane is a swan
released April 30, 2026
1:44:45

Highlights

• The Swan - on imposter syndrome and hidden effort: Becca uses the swan metaphor to illustrate the hidden struggles of ADHD creatives who appear confident but are constantly working hard beneath the surface.
• The quarter-life crisis that changed everything: At 25, Becca leaves a stable career to rediscover her creativity, taking a prep cook job and returning to school to study illustration.
• "Just because you're good at something doesn't mean it's what you should do": Becca shares the insight that skill alone doesn't dictate career choice, echoed by Glen's record label experience.
• Working with musicians vs. corporate clients: Becca contrasts musicians' self-awareness with corporate clients' indecision, highlighting differences in creative collaboration.

https://beccamcfarlane.com/
https://www.minifists.com/
https://www.instagram.com/minifists/

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 and Technical Insights

00:01:55 Becca McFarlane

00:04:03 Navigating the Job Market and Personal Branding

00:07:02 The Journey into the Music Industry

00:10:00 Creative Pursuits and Career Crossroads

00:12:56 The Balance of Supporting Others vs. Personal Creation

00:16:09 The Transition to Full-Time Creative Work

00:19:17 The Challenges of Being a Type A Creative

00:22:11 Imposter Syndrome and the Creative Process

00:25:10 Finding Your Path in the Arts

00:33:14 Transitioning from Production to Creative Design

00:34:48 The Role of Design in the Music Industry

00:40:14 Collaboration with Artists and Art Directors

00:45:12 The Ease of Working with Musicians

00:51:44 Building a Brand as an Artist

00:56:26 The Importance of Authenticity in Creativity

01:00:54 AI's Impact on Creativity and the Industry

01:04:23 Generative AI and the Human Element

01:07:40 Art vs. Design: Understanding the Differences

01:09:51 The Return to Analog: A Trend in Music and Art

01:14:15 Navigating the Economics of Creativity

01:20:14 Finding Your Creative Collaborators

01:25:00 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.

Explore the intersection of turntablism, indigenous culture, and electronic music with Juno-winning artist Shub. From his early days as a DMC Canada champion to pioneering the powwow step genre with A Tribe Called Red, Shub discusses the technical evolution of his craft and the importance of representation. We dive into his prolific production process, the realities of streaming royalties, and his latest collaborative project, Heritage, which continues to redefine the boundaries of modern Canadian music.

ep42 Shub has timing 
released April 30, 2026 
1:23:24

Key Topics:

• His older brother's influence and getting his first turntables
• The DMC DJ battle circuit - how it works, the politics, and representing Canada at the world finals in England (6th place out of 32)
• Discovering the Electric Powwow scene in Ottawa and how "Powwow Step" was born
• Joining A Tribe Called Red, winning a Juno, and touring internationally
• The importance of management for indigenous artists and controlling your own narrative
• Going solo and sustaining a career through royalties, licensing, and live shows
• AI in music - useful tool or threat?
• War Club and the Heritage album series — 40 songs, split into two parts to maximize reach
• His son following in his footsteps as a DJ

https://www.djshub.ca/
https://www.instagram.com/djshub/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GnlFX64_y-D7A4I8XVQRA

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

00:03:26 Buffalo Roots and Early Influences

00:06:44 From Turntables to Battle Champion

00:15:45 Inside DMC Battles and World Finals

00:23:32 Electric Powwow and A Tribe Called Red

00:33:20 Powwowstep Breakthrough

00:34:32 Management And Narrative

00:41:07 Touring Abroad Perspectives

00:44:10 Culture In The Music

00:48:01 Making A Living Solo

00:54:45 Heritage Collabs Rollout

01:04:20 Album Plug and Farewell

01:05:06 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.

Danielle McTaggart has navigated a fascinating evolution from the early days of Dear Rouge and winning the Peak Performance Project to her evocative new solo venture, Larkk. We explore her roots in Red Deer , the transition from Christian music culture to the indie-rock scene , and the vulnerability of processing infertility and grief through songwriting. Danielle shares veteran insights on maintaining a full-time music career , the importance of creative control , and collaborating with poets to find a raw, mature voice.

ep41 Danielle McTaggart is Larkk
released April 23, 2026
1:16:24

Key Topics

• The importance and power of vulnerability in music and artistry
• Transitioning from band success to solo experimentation
• The influence of Christian roots and artistic grief on songwriting
• The evolving voice and style from Dear Rouge to Larkk
• The role of collaboration with poets and mental health in music creation
• The significance of intentional, curated live performances
• The challenge of navigating social media and attention in modern music
• The importance of mentorship and education opportunities in Canada

https://www.larkkmusic.com/
https://www.instagram.com/larkkmusic
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqGUgS1XUiEvWUqTVBAdcmA

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

00:04:22 Career Beginnings

00:07:04 Influences and Early Music

00:09:59 Transition to Indie Rock

00:19:04 Challenges in the Music Industry

00:21:29 Finding Joy in Music

00:37:39 Larkk's Creative Process

00:54:36 Writing with a Poet

00:57:51 The Meaning of Larkk

01:00:28 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.

Jody Glenham shares her 20-year evolution in the Canadian music industry, from the legendary Sidetrack Cafe door in Edmonton, to the forefront of the Vancouver indie scene. We dive into the making of her new EP, Still Here, her experience producing the "perfect song" in "Overtime," and the unique "artist grants" she utilized while working at John Fluevog. It’s a deep dive into DIY production, building community across the Prairies, and the gritty reality of being a "lifer" musician.

ep40 Jody Glenham is a lifer
released April 16, 2026
1:28:51

Key Highlights:

• Glen Erickson and Jody discuss their history in the Edmonton music scene and Jody's move to Vancouver.
• Jody's experiences working at the Side Track Cafe and her first show opening for Veda Hille.
• The impact of the pandemic on artists and the music industry.
• Jody's new EP "Still Here" and the themes of acceptance, presence, and community.
• The influence of Jenny Lewis on Jody's music style.
• Jody's journey as a musician, including her work with Louise Burns and her experiences touring internationally.

Keywords:

Side Track Cafe, Mood Rock, Community, Acceptance, Presence, Touring, Collaboration

Key Mentions:

• Veda Hille
• Chris Winters
• James Murdoch
• Jack White
• Alice Cooper
• Geddy Lee
• Louise Burns
• Jenny Lewis
• The Wheat Pool
• John Fluvog
• Grant Lawrence

https://www.jodyglenham.com/
https://www.instagram.com/summerwitch/
https://www.youtube.com/c/jodyglenham

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

00:03:48 - The Canadian music scene as a birthplace of grit and perseverance

00:09:44 - Returning to music during the pandemic: resilience and hope

00:12:47 - The journey from Edmonton to Vancouver: community and opportunity

00:15:52 - The decision to move cities for growth and new opportunities

00:22:02 - Navigating career gaps: side jobs, collaborations, and maintaining inspiration

00:26:42 - Producing her own record: confidence in the creative process

00:36:50 - Pandemic challenges influencing band dynamics and output

00:41:43 - Analyzing the themes of hope and connection in recent work

00:44:23 - Inspirations and references: Jenny Lewis and harmonic choices

00:45:19 - Themes of acceptance, presence, and shared struggles in her music

00:51:33 - Upcoming release details and future plans

00:57:56 - A or B Game with Vancouver’s indie music community

01:04:14 - 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.

We catch up with Juno Award winner Mariel Buckley following her big win for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year. We dive into the grit behind the glamour - from the "grateful tired" of life on tour to the evolution of her indie-alt-country sound. Mariel opens up about the pivotal choice to skip Nashville session players for her own band, navigating industry gatekeeping, and the raw vulnerability of songwriting through major life pivots. It’s a masterclass in artistic integrity.

ep39 Mariel Buckley keeps winning
released April 9, 2026
1:31:57

Episode TL;DR:

• The Juno win: What it actually feels like to win Canada's biggest music prize, and why hearing from peers meant more than the award itself
• Career evolution: From playing country covers at Calgary happy-hour gigs to earn rent, to finding her authentic voice and letting go of what didn't serve her
• Record by record: The pivots between Driving in the Dark, Everywhere I Used to Be, and Strange Trip Ahead, including writing through breakups, the pandemic, sobriety, and turning 30 (and 35)
• Sibling harmonies: A fun detour ranking great sibling harmony acts (Louvin Brothers, Everly Brothers, Beach Boys, Haim, and more), and the planned Mariel + Tim Buckley studio project
• The song Anvil: How a co-write with Robbie Heck became a raw meditation on the choice not to have children
• Outspokenness, evolution, and letting go of the fight: How Mariel has shifted from competitive scarcity thinking to genuinely championing her peers
• Defining success: Selling 400 tickets, paying her bills from music, mentoring others, and being known for integrity over metrics

Featured artists mentioned:

Matt Anderson, Kathleen Edwards, Rose Cousins, Donovan Woods, Jason Molina, The War on Drugs, Ruston Kelly, Leeroy Stagger, William Prince, k.d. lang, Lucius, The Staves, Haim

https://www.marielbuckley.com/
http://www.instagram.com/marielbuckley
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTBPYHl4E-O_Cjqn_uQcTXw

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 Introduction

04:57 Meet Mariel Buckley

10:14 Juno Win Aftermath

15:55 Touring and Genre Roots

23:09 Finding Her Sound

30:08 Sibling Harmonies and Collabs

37:19 First Co Write Breakthrough

38:07 Studio Debut With Leroy

38:59 Touring To Level Up

39:56 Pandemic Reset And Therapy

41:35 Synth Country And Fallout

43:32 Vending Machines Recommitment

50:59 Writing Anvil In Nashville

01:07:04 Defining Success And Closing

01:15:51 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.

Canadian indie folk artist Mia Kelly joins the podcast during a rare break at her home base in Gatineau. We dive into her life on the road, her recent Australian tour, and her collaboration with Kim Churchill on the new single "Time’s Easy to Blame." From winning Canadian Folk Music Awards to the meditative thrill of river surfing on the Ottawa River, Mia shares how she’s navigating the industry, building her team, and infusing her singer-songwriter journey with pure joy.

Hot Topics:

• Home base & family: Mia lives in a converted "granny flat" behind her childhood home, steps from the Ottawa River, a perfect setup for a musician who tours 8–9 months of the year
• Advice for emerging artists: Show up in the right spaces, ask questions, reach out - the team will find you when you're ready
• Kim Churchill: How a chance meeting at a Canadian tour stop - answering Kim's callout for local artists — turned into a close friendship, a river surfing session, and ultimately a collaboration on the new album
• River surfing: Mia's meditation, creative incubator, and source of songwriting ideas - she surfs a standing wave on the Ottawa River, sometimes for an entire sunset
• The new album (out in May): Recorded at The Tree House studio north of Montreal with producer Connor Satiell; a conscious shift toward joy, love, and gratitude after two more introspective records; includes the single Time's Easy to Blame featuring Kim Churchill
• Life on the road: Van life (a sprinter van co-funded by her grandparents), running, painting, and intentional relationship-tending as tools for staying grounded
• Hot sauce merch: A genuine passion turned into a fan-favorite merch item in collaboration with Ottawa's Meow That's Hot

ep38 Mia Kelly practices joy 
released April 2, 2026 
1:31:30 

https://miakellymusic.com/
https://www.instagram.com/miakkelly/
https://www.youtube.com/MiaKelly/

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 Introduction

03:35 Meeting Mia Kelly

04:44 Touring Home Base

07:51 Living Near Family

11:34 Career Turning Point

15:52 Building Your Team

26:27 Songwriting Over Genre

36:40 Waves Vans And Kim

51:10 Led Zeppelin Fact Check

51:56 Tour Break And Awards Timing

53:25 Contemporary Folk Category Talk

54:30 Bilingual Identity And Songwriting

56:39 Peers And Validation Moments

58:52 New Record Inspiration And Joy

01:03:58 Cultivating Joy On Tour

01:07:38 Hot Sauce Merch And Hot Ones

01:14:50 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.

Season 3 special brought to you by Post-Fame Plus with Alexi and Glen. Featuring a new segment, HOT TAKES with JOSH. 

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

Aysanabee shares his journey from Sandy Lake First Nation to winning two Junos, exploring his musical influences, the impact of awards on his career, and the importance of authenticity and storytelling in his artistry. This insightful interview tells Aysanabee’s journey as an Indigenous artist, the influence of his grandfather, and the evolving landscape of music and identity. Discover how storytelling, resilience, and authenticity shape his career and creative process.

Aysanabee, Junos, Canadian music, storytelling, musical influences, artist development, Indigenous music, resilience, cultural identity, touring, songwriting, heritage

key topics
Aysanabee's background and early influences Impact of awards on career trajectory Authenticity and vocal style in performance Aysanabee's relationship with his grandfather and its influence on his music The challenges and rewards of touring as an Indigenous artist The significance of cultural identity and storytelling in his work Navigating stereotypes and expectations in the music industry

ep37 Aysanabee is a gift 
released March 19, 2026 
1:28:40

https://www.aysanabee.com/
https://www.instagram.com/_aysanabee_
https://www.youtube.com/c/Aysanabee

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 Introduction 

02:42 Meet Aysanabee 

03:37 Folk Fest Formats 

04:48 Juno Cup Hockey Story 

09:43 Stage Fright And Banter 

12:58 Off Grid Childhood Origins 

19:08 Brother’s Music Influences 

27:16 First Record Breakthrough 

34:19 Juno Wins And Touring Reality 

44:24 Grandfather Bond 

45:40 Family Rock and Support 

47:46 Recording the Stories 

49:21 Healing Through the Album 

50:59 Indigenous Artist Label 

56:28 Racism and Progress 

01:01:56 New Acoustic Release 

01:05:03 Touring Costs and Love 

01:14:53 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.