She was mistaken for a groupie at her OWN SHOW. 

When we pre-judge artists - for their gender, age, appearance, or background - we all lose out on potential innovation and creativity. This week's guest, Haylee Wood, shares how she went from making bedroom DJ sets during COVID to becoming one of dance music's rising stars, and why maintaining authenticity while navigating industry challenges has been key to her success.

Whether you've been pushed aside, underestimated, or had to prove yourself repeatedly, this conversation offers practical strategies for building confidence and turning challenging situations into opportunities for growth. Because when artists have to spend mental energy proving they belong somewhere, it takes away from the energy they could spend on their art.

Key Takeaways:

• How to maintain confidence when facing industry prejudice
• Practical strategies for commanding respect in professional situations
• Building authentic relationships while maintaining boundaries
• Converting challenging situations into opportunities
• Why creating inclusive spaces benefits everyone's creativity
• The importance of finding champions in the industry
• Balancing authenticity with professional growth

Ready to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Follow Haylee's journey on TikTok: @itshayleewood

Stop letting preconceptions hold you back. Hit play now to learn how creating space for authenticity can transform your career in electronic music.

Connect with me on Instagram: @oliviamancuso__

Video editor/audio engineer: James Fixx

Think you know what your audience wants? This week's guest might change your perspective entirely. Moody Jones, GM of Disposable Records under EMPIRE, shares crucial insights about understanding how people actually experience music - insights that have helped his label generate over 20 million streams and launch careers across 10 countries.

From smuggling illegal CDs in Saudi Arabia to running a successful label, Moody's unique journey offers a fresh perspective on what really matters in today's music industry. If you're struggling to connect with audiences or wondering why your releases aren't getting traction, this conversation will help you understand what you might be missing.

Key Takeaways:

• Why understanding WHERE people listen is as important as WHAT they're listening to
• How to identify which contexts your music works best in
• The importance of experiencing music from your audience's perspective
• Why stepping away from the industry made him a better label executive
• How cultural shifts affect music preferences (and how to capitalize on them)
• The real reason some music connects more easily than others
• Why accessibility doesn't mean compromising artistry 

Ready to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Want to learn more about Disposable Records? Follow @disposablerecs on Instagram.

Stop making music in a vacuum. Hit play now to learn how understanding your audience's experience could be the key to your success in electronic music.

Connect with me: instagram.com/oliviamancuso__
Connect with Moody: instagram.com/moodyjones

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

In an era where festivals are shutting down left and right, Same Same But Different Festival grew revenue by 17% while others struggled. How? By challenging the "bigger is better" mindset and putting community first. In this episode, SSBD CEO Brad Sweet shares actionable insights about building trust, taking calculated risks, and creating experiences that keep people coming back.

Whether you're an artist looking to throw your own events or trying to understand where festival culture is heading, this conversation offers a blueprint for sustainable success through community-first thinking.

Key Takeaways:

• Why smaller, focused events can be more profitable than massive festivals
• How to identify and fill gaps in your local scene
• The business impact of prioritizing experience over expansion
• Strategic ways to build trust with your audience
• How giving away 500 free tickets led to long-term growth
• The importance of creating spaces for genuine connection
• Why transparency in pricing and decision-making matters

Ready to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Want to experience SSBD Festival for yourself? Visit ssbdfest.com for tickets and information.

Stop chasing bigger numbers at the expense of genuine connection. Hit play now to learn how putting community first can transform your career in electronic music.

Connect with me: http://www.instagram.com/oliviamancuso_

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Think vision boarding is just arts and crafts? Think again. In this special episode, I'm breaking down the exact manifestation framework that helped me scale my business from zero to six figures in six months, book dream gigs, and create multiple revenue streams in the music business.

But this isn't just another "new year, new me" episode. I'm sharing a completely new addition to my goal-setting process that changed everything: the rules list. Because here's the truth - goals without rules are just wishes. 

Learn why most artists fail to achieve their goals (hint: it's not lack of talent or motivation) and how to create a framework that actually works.

Key Takeaways:

• Why traditional goal-setting fails most artists
• The step-by-step vision boarding process that went viral
• How to create rules that protect your time and energy
• Why quarterly goals work better than yearly ones
• The four categories of rules every artist needs
• Real examples of manifested goals and how they happened
• Common pitfalls and how to avoid them
• Implementation strategy for Q1 2025

Want to dive deeper? Join my Strategy Circle on Patreon for access to the complete workshop recording, implementation guides, and monthly coaching calls: patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Don't wait until January 1st to start planning. Hit play now, and let's set you up for success in 2025.

Connect with me: https://www.instagram.com/oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Want to know what dance music fans really care about in 2024? This week's guest has her finger on the pulse of festival culture. Content creator and podcast host Emma Kapotes has built a community of over 36,000 subscribers by being boots on the ground at festivals, having real conversations with fans, and truly understanding what they want from their music experiences.

If you're an artist trying to build stronger connections with your audience, this episode is your insider guide to what fans are actually saying about everything from set times to crowd control to artist accessibility.

Key Takeaways:

• How fan expectations have evolved in the post-COVID festival landscape
• What makes certain artists stand out and build devoted followings
• The role of authenticity and accessibility in building fan loyalty
• Why community building matters more than ever in dance music
• How to bridge the gap between artist intentions and fan experience
• Common mistakes artists make when trying to connect with their audience
• Practical ways to make your fans feel seen and heard

Want personalized guidance on implementing these strategies? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Don't miss this unique perspective on what your fans really want from their music experiences. Hit play now to learn how to build genuine connections that last.

Connect with me: https://www.instagram.com/oliviamancuso__ 
Follow Emma: https://www.instagram.com/emmakapotes 
Check out Rave Culture Cast: https://www.instagram.com/raveculturecast/

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Think your non-music experiences don't matter to your artist career? Think again. This week's guest, Henry Fong, reveals how becoming a national laser tag champion and competitive fisherman taught him the universal patterns of excellence and discipline that would later fuel his success in dance music.

From growing up in a small Florida town to becoming an internationally touring DJ/producer, Henry shares how recognizing these patterns across different domains - whether it's martial arts, surfing, or music production - has been key to building a sustainable career in dance music. His story challenges the stereotype of the party DJ lifestyle, showing how discipline and high performance habits are crucial for longevity in this industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Why the blueprint for excellence remains the same across different domains
• How early competitive experiences shape your approach to success
• The importance of building sustainable routines and habits
• Why being a high performer requires more than just musical talent
• How to maintain physical and mental health while touring
• The role of discipline in creative pursuits
• Why consistent habits matter more than sporadic motivation
• Practical ways to apply lessons from other areas of life to your music career

Want personalized guidance on implementing these strategies? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Don't miss this unique perspective on what it really takes to be world-class. Hit play now to learn how your diverse experiences and disciplined approach might be the key to your success in music.

Connect with me: https://www.instagram.com/oliviamancuso__
Follow Henry: https://www.instagram.com/djhenryfong
Check out Henry's artist mentoring program: https://www.djhenryfong.com/

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Ever wondered who's behind the most talked-about festival account on Twitter? In this exclusive reveal, ARC Music Festival's marketing lead, Alan Brant, finally steps out from behind the curtain to share how a small but mighty team built one of house and techno's most powerful brands.

If you're trying to break into the music industry, feeling overwhelmed by social media, or curious about how major festivals operate behind the scenes, this conversation is your backstage pass. Learn how authenticity and a strong point of view can help you build a cult following - even with limited resources.

Key Takeaways:

- How ARC built a global festival brand with a micro-team
- Why being polarizing on social media can be your secret weapon
- The real story behind ARC's launch and early marketing strategy
- Practical advice for breaking into festival marketing
- How to balance education and entertainment in your brand voice
- The importance of honoring dance music history while pushing culture forward
- Strategic ways to build community through social media

Want personalized guidance on growing your career, brand, and business? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Stop letting limited resources hold you back. Hit play now to learn how authenticity and strategic storytelling can help you stand out in a crowded industry.

Connect with me: instagram.com/oliviamancuso__
Follow ARC on twitter: x.com/arcmusicfest

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Ready to take your DJ sets beyond mixing tracks? This episode is your blueprint for incorporating live elements and creating unforgettable experiences. Rhizome Music founders Calhoun McDougall and Louis DeMarco share their decades of experience managing hybrid electronic acts and producing major festivals to help you level up your performance game without breaking the bank.

If you've ever wondered how to start adding live elements to your shows, felt intimidated by the technical requirements, or worried about the costs involved, this conversation will give you a clear roadmap. Learn how to build memorable performances that get you booked again and again.

Key Takeaways:

• How to start incorporating live elements into your shows on any budget
• The most common mistakes artists make when adding production elements (and how to avoid them)
• Why intentional show design matters more than expensive equipment
• Practical tips for working with lighting directors and VJs
• How to write music with live performance in mind
• Strategic ways to build your brand identity through performance
• The business considerations of transitioning from DJ to live act

Want personalized guidance on implementing these strategies? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Stop letting limited budgets hold back your creative vision. Hit play now to learn how to build unforgettable performances that will set you apart from the crowd.

Connect with me: https://www.instagram.com/oliviamancuso__
Follow Rhizome: https://www.instagram.com/rhizomemusic/

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

In this powerful episode, dance music icon Nadia Ali—the voice and songwriter behind explosive hits like "Rapture" and "Pressure"—breaks her silence on the industry's biggest blind spot—the lack of recognition for singers, songwriters, and collaborators who help create electronic music's biggest tracks. With 23 years of experience and countless chart-topping anthems, Nadia shares candid insights about collaboration, credit, and creating authentic art in an increasingly individualistic scene.

From her unexpected start as a Versace executive assistant to becoming one of dance music's most recognizable artists, Nadia reveals how the industry's "bro culture" affects artistry and why a more inclusive approach to recognition benefits everyone in the scene.

Key Takeaways:

• Why proper recognition of singers, songwriters and collaborators is crucial for dance music's future
• How cultural differences shape attitudes toward collaboration in the industry
• The real impact of social media on artist recognition and relationship-building
• Why treating artists as transactions hurts the creative process
• Practical ways producers can better celebrate their collaborators
• How to maintain artistic authenticity in an ego-driven industry
• The importance of building direct relationships with your audience

Ready to level up your music career with more industry insights? Join us at Chicago Music Nexus, where you'll connect with top professionals and learn cutting-edge strategies for success. Reserve your spot now: www.chicagomusicnexus.com

Want personalized guidance on implementing these strategies? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Don't miss this rare, candid conversation with one of dance music's most influential voices. Hit play now to learn why recognition, authenticity, and collaboration are key to creating lasting impact in electronic music.

Follow Nadia
Follow Olivia

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Tired of posting randomly and hoping something sticks? In this game-changing episode, former BET and VH1 social media strategist Sabrina Diamond reveals her proven framework for creating months of engaging content—without the burnout.

Learn how the same strategies that powered major music brands can help independent artists build a loyal following and consistent engagement. Sabrina breaks down her proprietary approach that takes the guesswork out of what to post, when to post it, and how to make it resonate with your audience.

Key Takeaways:

• The exact content pillar framework used by major music brands (and how to adapt it for artists)
• How to create 3 months of content in a single planning session
• Why most artists burn out on social media (and the simple fix you're probably missing)
• The secret to maintaining authenticity while scaling your content
• How to benchmark your success without getting lost in vanity metrics
• Practical strategies to stay consistent even when inspiration runs dry

Ready to level up your music career with more industry insights? Join us at Chicago Music Nexus, where you'll connect with top professionals and learn cutting-edge strategies for success. Reserve your spot now: www.chicagomusicnexus.com

Want personalized guidance on implementing these strategies? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Don't miss this opportunity to transform your social media strategy from scattered posts into a powerful career-building tool. Hit play now to learn how to create content that converts followers into superfans.

Connect with Sabrina: https://www.sabrinadiamond.com/

Connect with Olivia: https://www.instagram.com/oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx