Almost Famous Enough

Sammy Volkov has taken an uncommon path to his sophomore solo record, Songs from the Goodbye Garden. We dive into the indie music hustle, as the common thread of "audacity" required to move ahead as an artist. Sammy shares his journey from an Edmonton "record nerd" to an LA door-to-door salesman, and how he was always building his music career while supposedly working on other things. We get Sammy to explain all those retro-pop influences like Roy Orbison and Dusty Springfield shaping his songwriting, as well as explore the importance of queer representation in today’s evolving music industry landscape.

ep36 Sammy Volkov is a classic tale 
released March 12, 2026 
1:31:08

https://www.sammyvolkov.com/

https://www.instagram.com/sammyvolkov/

https://www.youtube.com/@sammyvolkov3009

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson 

Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com 

AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough 

Almost Famous Enough 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

03:10 New Album and Prom

06:09 Building Musical Connections

12:07 Edmonton Roots and Dual Life

13:34 Oldies Radio and Record Hunting

18:52 First Songs and Acting School

23:26 NYC to LA to Toronto Detours

30:55 COVID Reset and Going All In

46:51 Identity Meets Art

47:40 Religious Boxed In

49:07 Queer Visibility Pressure

51:46 Records As Refuge

53:05 Why Representation Matters

01:01:25 Retro Influences And Niche

01:05:14 Dream Song Vs Craft

01:10:19 Collaboration And Production

01:16:59 Tour Audiences And Wrap

01:22:01 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.

Dan Cleary and Tim Brown are two members of Edmonton-based heavy metal powerhouse Striker. As they approach two decades in the music industry, the guys discuss their DIY recording roots, the reality of independent record labels, and conquering the European metal festival circuit. From winning a Juno Award mid-pandemic to their 2024 stylistic evolution on Ultra Power, learn how these Canadian metal veterans maintain longevity by prioritizing brand authenticity and pure, unadulterated fun.

ep35 Striker just wanna have fun
released March 5, 2026
1:40:43

https://www.striker-metal.com/
http://instagram.com/strikermetal
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU67S5jpv-oENDrjRZEcmuA

Takeaways

• Striker is approaching their 20th anniversary as a band.
• Touring life is often glamorized, but the reality includes a lot of waiting and driving.
• The perception of metal genres has evolved, with more blending and acceptance of different styles.
• The visual and stylistic changes in Striker's image were a conscious decision to embrace fun and creativity.
• They emphasize the importance of having fun in music, especially in the face of industry challenges.

Striker, Canadian metal, longevity, independent labels, music industry, Juno Award, touring, band dynamics, Edmonton music scene, metal genres, band dynamics, authenticity, new music, fun in music, advice for bands

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough 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

03:26 Meet Striker and Origins

05:40 20 Years of Metal Longevity

11:09 DIY Demos and First Deal

16:05 Edmonton Scene and Europe Breakthrough

27:52 Fame Myths Touring Reality

40:30 Junos Get Canceled

41:43 Does A Juno Matter

44:21 Pandemic Tour Limbo

45:59 Band Nearly Breaks

50:48 Ultra Power New Vibe

01:11:24 What’s Next And Drummer

01:18:14 Fill-In Drummers Policy

01:19:11 Advice For New Bands

01:20:01 Fun Over Money In AI Era

01:21:38 DIY Skills And Self Investment

01:24:41 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.

Award-winning blues artist Shawn Hall (The Harpoonist) joins Glen for a candid conversation about reinvention nearly two decades into his career. From gritty breakout moments to recording a vulnerable new solo album in Paris under his own name, Shawn reflects on identity, creative risk, and stripping his music down to its emotional core. It’s a deep dive into growth, longevity, and what happens when you step outside your comfort zone to rediscover your voice.

ep34 Shawn Hall The Harpoonist 
released February 26, 2026 
2:02:53

Key Topics Discussed

• Working with producer Renaud Letang in Paris and embracing creative vulnerability
• Taking creative risks later in a career, not just at the beginning
• Approaching harmonica as rhythmic punctuation rather than solo virtuoso playing
• Recording the iconic sweaty Regina show with broken gear - blowing harmonica straight through the vocal mic
• Influences: Brownie McGee, Paul Reddick, Parliament/Funkadelic approach to harmonica

"I wanted to be an outsider again."

Guest website: https://theharpoonist.bandcamp.com/track/good-people
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_harpoonist/
Guest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theharpoonistshawn

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough 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
03:11 Island Life Talk
12:35 Paris Reset Record
27:10 Vulnerability In Studio
41:55 Origins Of The Harpoonist
46:34 Trailblazing Blues Identity
49:00 Banter Versus Gatekeeping
53:16 BreakOut West Buzz
01:06:31 Duo Mechanics Trance
01:11:06 Harmonica Style And Gear
01:27:00 Solo Records And Longevity
01:29:58 New Songs Not Nostalgia
01:33:16 A Regina Memory
01:35:32 Winter Wrap Up
01:37:29 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 kicks off with Canadian artist Julianna Riolino, whose genre-defying music blends fifties soul, rock and roll, and Canadiana influences. Glen caught her electrifying performance at Edmonton Folk Fest 2024 and knew she'd be the perfect guest to launch the new season. Julianna reflects on how her 2025 album “Echo in the Dust” keeps revealing itself as she grows, and why she identifies first as a songwriter. She discusses leaving Daniel Romano and The Outfit to protect her own output, choosing independent releases and distribution for control and integrity, and resisting label deals that compromise ownership. She also recounts the Subaru commercial placement “Against the Grain” and shares touring realities, including her devotion to a Vox AC30 guitar tone. 

ep33 Julianna Riolino feels a lot
released February 19, 2026
1:35:18

Key Topics Discussed

• Musical Journey & Identity
• Creative Process
• Genre & Influences
• Business of Music
• The "Against the Grain" Story
• Touring & Performance
• Creative Outlets Beyond Music

"I feel first and foremost I'm a songwriter. I have been trudging through life with my guitar and the melodies in my head."

"I feel a lot and deeply and I'm very hard on myself."

"You have to really sit down and ask yourself, why are you doing this? I'm not doing this to be a millionaire. I'm not doing this to be famous."

Guest website: https://juliannariolino.com/
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliannariolinoofficial/
Guest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@juliannariolinomusic

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough 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
02:38 Meet the Guest: New Album, Pandemic Growth & the Subaru Sync
04:14 How the Record Keeps Changing: Songs, Subconscious & Meaning Over Time
07:23 Songwriter First: Early Shows, Identity & Making Art Beyond Music
12:14 Stained Glass, Side Quests & Avoiding Burnout
20:27 Leaving Daniel Romano & The Outfit: Boundaries, Family Vibes & Going Solo
30:39 Genre, DIY Producing & Surviving the Modern Music Business (Labels, Masters, Content)
55:14 Keeping the Joy: Staying Authentic Without Getting Jaded
56:51 TikTok, AI & the Attention Economy: Marketing vs. Human Intent
01:00:34 Song Spotlight: How “Against the Grain” Landed a Subaru Commercial
01:06:07 Saying Yes (and Getting Paid): Indie Cred, Sync Work & Creative Survival
01:11:59 Tour Prep Anxiety: Problem-Solving, DIY Logistics & Life on the Road
01:13:55 Amp Nerd-Out: Vox AC30 Devotion, Guitar Tone & the Tromsø Epiphany
01:22:11 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.

s2 Post-Fame-Plus Wrapped 
Dec 18, 2025 
00:47:43

In this special episode of Post-Fame Plus, Alexi and Glen reflect on their Spotify Wrapped for 2025, discussing their top genres, songs, albums, and artists of the year. They share their surprises and insights, ponder the influence of their listening habits, and discuss new features in Spotify's end-of-year feature. They also highlight their favorite songs released in 2025 and touch on plans for the next season of their podcast.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:21 Post Fame Plus Overview

00:59 Spotify Wrapped Discussion

03:06 Top Genres Breakdown

09:19 Listening Age Analysis

11:42 Top Songs Countdown

23:23 Discussing Favorite Songs

24:08 Top Albums of the Year

24:36 Concert Memories and Music Preferences

26:31 Top Artists Breakdown

29:29 Spotify Wrapped Insights

32:43 AI-Generated Music Stories

39:32 Favorite Songs of 2025

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough 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.

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

ep32 Eamon Mcgrath was always punk
released Dec 11, 2025
2:05:54

Eamon McGrath is a Canadian musician, songwriter, and author from Edmonton, Alberta, currently based in Windsor, Ontario. He has been active in the music industry since 2006, known for his prolific output and genre-blending style that fuses punk rock, indie rock, folk, and country. This episode features a candid conversation with Eamon discussing his 20-year career in music. McGrath delves into his DIY ethos, the punk rock mentality beyond music, and reevaluating success. He shares about enduring excessive tours, coping with substance abuse, and his journey to sobriety. Highlighting the Canadian music landscape, he emphasizes creating genuine connections with audiences over industry-driven metrics and forecasts a renaissance in independent music post-pandemic.

Keywords
Canadian music, punk rock, touring, music industry, authenticity, community, joy, curation, music career, DIY, independent music, live music venues, personal fulfillment

Takeaways
The Canadian music scene has a unique and challenging landscape.
Community and connection are vital in the music industry.
The modern music industry is unpredictable and fragmented.
The future of music creation is shifting towards more authentic experiences.
Eamon's journey highlights the balance between art and personal well-being.

Guest website: https://eamonmcgrath.bandcamp.com/music

Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/eamon_mcgrath/

Guest youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@eamonmcgrath4286

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough 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
02:41 Eamon's Early Music Journey
04:05 The Canadian Music Scene
09:03 Defining Punk Rock
19:49 The Evolution of the Music Industry
28:56 Finding Peace in Music
46:42 The Complexity of Artistic Journeys
49:40 Stages of Artistic Development
52:17 The Evolution of Music and Personal Growth
55:38 The Impact of DIY Culture
01:00:32 Navigating the Music Industry
01:07:30 Struggles with Substance Abuse
01:15:15 The Changing Landscape of Live Music
01:30:37 Reflections on Career and Future Directions
01:33:32 Choosing Optimism in the Music Industry
01:35:00 The Reality of a Musician's Life
01:36:46 Maintaining Passion and Avoiding Burnout
01:38:04 Adapting to a Changing Music Landscape
01:40:30 Highlighting Inspiring Artists
01:43:36 Upcoming Shows and Touring Insights
01:46:20 Reflecting on Edmonton's Music Scene
01:53:33 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.

ep31 Terra Lightfoot is charm(ed)(ing) 
released December 4, 2025 
1:36:50

In this engaging conversation, Terra Lightfoot shares her journey from Halliburton, Ontario, to becoming a recognized musician in Canada. She discusses her early influences, the transition from classical piano to guitar, and the importance of community and connections in the music industry. Terra delivers meaning insights such as the significance of kindness in building career relationships. She also shares insights on her first record, the leap to full-time music, and the collaborative nature of her career. Glen Erickson and Terra Lightfoot explore the nuances of gender perspectives in guitar playing, the fluidity of musical expression, and the ongoing journey of redefining success in the music industry. Terra shares her personal epiphanies about happiness and the importance of taking breaks, as well as her creative process behind her new album 'Home Front'. The discussion also touches on the reactions to her latest work and the challenges of live performances, emphasizing the need for balance and authenticity in the music world.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of community and connections in the music industry.
• Success should be redefined to prioritize happiness.
• The leap to full-time musician involved significant risk and support from peers.

Sound bites

"We're all on an even playing field." 
"I was losing big parts of myself." 
"Taking a break is not bad."

Guest website: https://www.terralightfoot.com/
Guest instagram: https://www.instagram.com/terralightfoot
Guest youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCBUk6guA6llVgZujqA6Xz0w

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson

Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough 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

03:17 Conversation with Terra Lightfoot

04:33 Canadian Geography and Life in Halliburton

10:40 Musical Beginnings and Influences

20:23 Early Career and First Record

26:23 Breakthrough Moments and Touring

33:00 Challenges and Overcoming Stereotypes

36:48 Reflections on Guitar Playing

39:04 Incredible Guitarists and Gender in Music

39:29 Creating an Even Playing Field

40:15 Fluidity of Gender and Guitar Playing

42:33 Personal Success and Validation

43:33 Early Musical Influences

46:24 Defining Success and Personal Growth

49:05 Balancing Work and Well-being

55:40 The Longest Road Show

01:01:11 Creating the Album 'Home Front'

01:06:57 Covering Treble Charger's 'Red'

01:16:49 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.

ep30 Begonia unravels the fantasy
released November 27, 2025
1:26:37

In this engaging conversation, Glen Erickson speaks with Begonia, a Winnipeg-born artist, about her journey in the music industry. They discuss her early inspirations, the impact of the Winnipeg music scene, and her transition from band member to solo artist. Begonia shares her experiences with touring, the challenges of the music industry, and the importance of authenticity in her performances. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of age and gender in the industry, as well as the significance of awards like the Juno in shaping an artist's career. In this engaging conversation, Begonia discusses her artistic journey, emphasizing the importance of embracing discomfort in her music creation process. She reflects on her growth as an artist, describing her evolution as an amplification of her true self rather than a transformation. The discussion delves into the complexities of defining success in the music industry, the challenges of balancing personal life with touring, and the emotional toll of performance. Begonia expresses her desire to connect with audiences and her aspirations for the future, highlighting the importance of authenticity in her artistic expression.

Keywords

Begonia, Glen Erickson, Winnipeg, music industry, solo artist, touring, Brothers Landreth, Juno, live performance, music, artist journey, success, performance, touring, emotional connection, amplification, discomfort, creativity

Guest website: https://www.hellobegonia.com/
Guest Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/hellobegonia
Guest youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCKMptlDdQgKglySBjYJ7MGg

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough 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

03:02 Meet Begonia: Beginnings and Publicity

04:23 Winnipeg Roots and Mennonite Connections

06:08 The Journey of Begonia's Music Career

06:55 Touring and Performing Live

16:04 Early Musical Influences and Aspirations

20:04 The Impact of Canadian Idol

22:39 Transitioning from Band to Solo Artist

26:10 Navigating the Music Industry

40:45 Defining Success and Future Goals

48:15 Navigating the Artist's Journey

48:42 The Emotional Toll of Creating Music

49:16 The Challenges of Live Performances

50:24 The Rollercoaster of Touring

51:26 Balancing Life and Career

51:48 The Slow and Steady Rise

52:25 Dealing with Post-Release Emotions

57:37 Maintaining Vocal Health

58:53 The Importance of Indie Ownership

01:03:23 The Desire for Artistic Freedom

01:05:07 Concluding Thoughts and Future Aspirations

01:10:08 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.

ep29 Tyson Boyd sells optimism
released November 20, 2025
1:46:39

Tyson Boyd, a prominent figure in Edmonton’s music scene, discusses his multifaceted career as a venue owner, concert promoter, and talent buyer. Starting with Alberta’s local bands and transitioning to working at prominent venues like the Starlight Room, Tyson highlights the challenges and passion driving the live music industry. He reflects on the evolution of audience habits, the impact of economic changes, and the importance of sustaining local music communities. Tyson's journey underscores the significance of small venues and developing artists amidst a shifting industry landscape.

Guest website: https://starliteroom.ca/ Guest website: https://concertworks.ca/en/

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough Almost Famous Enough 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

03:57 Conversation with Tyson Boyd

19:02 Challenges in the Music Industry

26:50 Tyson's Musical Beginnings

38:36 Early Influences and Formative Years

39:32 Transition to the Oil Field and Festival Adventures

40:06 Discovering the Local Music Scene

40:27 First Steps in Promoting Shows

41:46 Career-Ending Injury and New Beginnings

42:43 Pursuing Arts and Cultural Management

43:39 Balancing Day Jobs and Night Gigs

44:35 Starting a Concert Company

47:01 Challenges and Evolution in the Music Industry

49:31 The Role of Venues and Community Building

52:46 The Financial Realities of Promoting Shows

57:58 Impact of Societal Changes on the Music Scene

01:04:18 Optimism for the Future of Live Music

01:21:57 The Role of Music in Community Building

01:22:52 Changing Demographics at Folk Festivals

01:23:22 Encouraging Community Engagement

01:23:51 Reflecting on the Conversation

01:23:55 Tyson Boyd's Career Journey

01:25:49 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.

ep28 Greg Gillespie is my bestie
released Nov 13, 2025
1:40:26

Greg Gillespie Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greg_gillespie/

In this heartfelt and wide-ranging conversation, Glen Erickson sits down with longtime friend and collaborator Greg Gillespie—videographer, musician, and dad. The episode explores the unique bond between Glen and Greg, tracing their shared history from church music circles in Edmonton to creative adventures in Vancouver, Iceland, and beyond.

Together, they reflect on:

• The journey from making music to supporting the music community in new ways
• The importance of staying connected to creativity, even when it’s not a full-time career
• Navigating FOMO, ambition, and the evolving meaning of “success” in music and art
• The value of being an “ambassador of culture” and the unsung heroes who keep local scenes alive
• How spiritual backgrounds and the search for transcendence shape their relationship with music
• Memorable stories from their time making records, touring, and filming documentaries—including their trip to Iceland for “Iceland Calling”
• The power of live music, community, and empathy in a changing world

The episode is a candid, unscripted conversation between friends who have seen each other through decades of creative pursuits, personal growth, and the ever-changing landscape of music and art. Whether you’re a musician, a fan, or someone who loves a good story about friendship and following your passion, this episode offers insight, humor, and inspiration.

Mentioned in this episode:

• Trainsleeper (Greg’s music project)
• F&M, The Wheat Pool, and other Edmonton/Vancouver music connections
• Jonathan Anderson / Jonathan Inc (producer)
• “Iceland Calling” documentary project
• Reflections on Spotify Wrapped, playlist culture, and the joy of discovering new music

Connect with us:

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough 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

02:39 Catching Up with Greg

03:37 Revisiting Old Memories

07:08 Musical Journeys and Church Influence

12:32 Creating and Collaborating in Music

38:47 Transition to Video Production

42:22 Balancing Passion and Practicality

45:59 The Importance of Community in Music

49:35 Dealing with FOMO and Creative Desires

54:04 Reflecting on the Music Industry

55:00 Balancing Passion and Practicality

55:50 The Importance of Music Communities

56:20 Personal Integrity in Music

56:48 The Role of New Sounds

57:11 The Impact of Familiarity

57:33 Sharing Music and Experiences

58:44 The Iceland Documentary Project

01:02:18 Ambassadors of Culture

01:03:10 The Struggle of Creatives

01:08:39 Spirituality and Music

01:25:37 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.