In an era obsessed with overnight success, Mary Droppinz offers a radical perspective: give yourself at least 10 years in this industry before you even consider throwing in the towel. This conversation is a wake-up call for anyone looking for shortcuts in dance music.

From her recent move to Miami to her journey of staying true to her musical vision despite industry pressure to conform, Mary breaks down why persistence might be the most underrated skill in an artist's toolkit. Her insights on building a sustainable career through consistent action rather than viral moments offer a refreshing counterpoint to today's quick-win culture.

Key Takeaways:

• Why the 10-year timeline is essential for building a lasting career
• How to stay true to your sound when others suggest you change
• The reality of relocating to a new music scene and building from scratch
• Practical approaches to social media that don't compromise your vision
• The importance of community in sustaining your motivation
• How to weather creative droughts and rejection
• Building habits that support long-term growth
• The competitive advantage of playing the long game when others quit

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 Mary's journey: @marydroppinz

Stop looking for shortcuts. Hit play now to learn why the marathon mindset might be your greatest competitive advantage.

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Want to know how one of dance music's biggest stars built a movement through vulnerability? In this special Miami Music Week episode, James Hype and Tita Lau reveal the counterintuitive strategies behind their massive online communities and why authenticity trumps "cool factor" every time.

From being called "cringe" to having fake news articles written about him, James has faced every form of criticism possible - yet he's built a following of millions by deliberately showcasing the struggles behind his success. Meanwhile, Tita has cultivated a YouTube community of 200,000+ through consistent live streams that prioritize connection over performance.

Key Takeaways:

- Why showcasing your struggles creates stronger connections than highlighting success

- How to find your place on the spectrum between "cool" and "cringe"

- The truth about criticism and why polarizing content builds stronger communities

- Why social media might be equally as important as music in 2025

- How to build global communities through live streaming

- The importance of representation and diversity in lineups

- Practical content strategies that work even without millions of followers

- Why documenting your journey creates powerful storytelling opportunities

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

Six weeks of consistent TikTok content connected me with one of the biggest DJs in the world. What could happen if you started today?

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

What happens when you sell your company to Amazon for nearly a billion dollars? For Twitch co-founder Justin Kan, it meant following an unexpected passion - building one of Burning Man's most impressive art installations and launching a music label focused on community.

From constructing a 70-foot iceberg with 200,000 LEDs to learning to DJ while building it, Justin's journey offers powerful insights about community building that apply at any scale. His transition from tech entrepreneur to artist reveals principles about authenticity, collaboration, and finding fulfillment that transcend industries.

Key Takeaways:

• Why community-first thinking creates sustainable projects
• How to build something meaningful without focusing on profit
• Practical approaches to collaborative creative projects
• Why giving value to others creates stronger communities
• The importance of enjoying the process over the outcome
• How to maintain authenticity while scaling a creative project
• Building something that lasts beyond your involvement

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

Learn more about Titanic's End: @titanicsend

Behind every billion-dollar exit are principles that work at any scale. Hit play now to discover insights that apply whether you're just starting out or are already established.

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Want to know how to read a room when multiple distractions compete for attention? This week's guest, Mister Gray, has mastered this skill during his 11-year residency at E11even, a unique venue that combines the energy of a nightclub with the dynamics of a strip club.

From sharing decks with Tiesto and Marshmello to working 12-hour marathon shifts, Mister Gray reveals practical insights about crowd psychology, handling requests, and maintaining your passion, which apply to DJs in any setting. His approach to creating experiences rather than just playing music offers valuable lessons for artists at every level.

Key Takeaways:

• How to read and control a room with multiple distractions
• Practical strategies for handling song requests professionally
• How to maintain energy during marathon sets
• Balancing your artistic vision with crowd expectations
• Creating experiences that keep people coming back

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

Follow Mister Gray's journey

Stop focusing only on the music. Hit play now to learn how understanding room psychology could transform your DJ sets.

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Want to know what it really takes to build something in dance music? When Jason Euler's emails to Relentless Beats went unanswered, he didn't just try again - he threw his own block party, betting everything he had. We're talking maxed-out credit cards, a pink slip against his car, and a call to his mom saying, "If this fails, I'm moving home."

From losing thousands in a single night to massive success, Jason's journey proves that the people who 'make it' in this industry aren't the ones who never fail - they're the ones who refuse to stay down. Now, as Senior Director of Partnerships at Relentless Beats, he reveals exactly what it takes to turn setbacks into comebacks.

Key Takeaways:

• How to approach industry relationships with zero expectations
• Specific strategies for adding value before asking for anything
• When to go all-in vs when to pivot
• The exact mindset shifts that transform rejection into opportunity
• Practical ways to build resilience in tough moments
• How to turn small losses into long-term wins
• Strategic risk-taking: knowing when to bet big
• Building genuine connections in a competitive industry

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 Jason's journey

Stop letting fear of failure hold you back. Hit play now to learn how collecting rejections might be the key to your success.

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Want to know why some artists leave Miami Music Week with game-changing opportunities while others just leave broke? This week's guest Paul Campbell isn't just another industry veteran - he's the ultimate Miami insider who's seen it all from every angle.

From throwing his first party at Club Space at age 16 to co-founding the legendary Dayglow events to now managing Grammy-nominated duo Side Piece, Paul reveals exactly how to navigate one of the most important weeks in dance music. As a lifelong Miami resident who's been part of Miami's scene for over two decades, his insights go far beyond the surface-level advice you've heard before.

Key Takeaways:

• Why most artists approach Miami Music Week completely wrong
• How to network effectively when events are spread across the city
• The real cost of MMW and how to maximize your budget
• Strategic differences between daytime and nighttime networking
• Why timing your activities throughout the week is crucial
• How to get into events when you're on a tight budget
• The importance of preparation months before the event
• Why some relationships take years to pay off (and why that's okay)

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 Paul

Connect with me

Don't let another Miami Music Week go by without a strategy. Hit play now to learn how to make the most of this career-defining opportunity.

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Want to know why some artists crumble under success while others turn it into sustainable careers? When GUDFELLA's remix of "Rule the World" exploded, getting picked up by major European soccer teams and even Tiësto, it marked the beginning of an incredible journey - but one that came with unexpected challenges that would ultimately make him a stronger artist.

In one of the most honest conversations I've had on the show, GUDFELLA opens up about transforming viral success into authentic artistry. His ability to navigate early wins, overcome imposter syndrome, and build genuine fan connections offers invaluable insights for any artist facing similar crossroads. What makes his story so powerful is how he turned every challenge into an opportunity for growth, proving that authenticity always wins in the long run.

Key Takeaways:

• Why viral success often triggers imposter syndrome (and how to handle it)
• How to navigate the pressure of following up a big release
• The truth about balancing partying with performing
• Why authenticity matters more than numbers
• Converting viral moments into real fans
• Finding your voice beyond remixes
• Building genuine connections with your audience
• The mindset shifts that transform careers

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 GUDFELLA's journey

Stop letting success become your biggest obstacle. Hit play now to learn how to turn moments into momentum.

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

In an industry where burnout is normalized and careers end before they begin, most DJs don't realize they're one health crisis away from losing everything. This week's guest, Ethan Schiff, knows this reality all too well - after watching countless artists sacrifice their health for success, he's on a mission to change how the music industry thinks about wellness.

After transforming his own life with a 130-pound weight loss journey, Ethan left his successful artist management company to focus on something even more important - helping artists stay healthy on the road. His company, Optimized Touring, is revolutionizing how we think about wellness in dance music.

Key Takeaways:

• The real impact of sleep vs. alcohol on performance
• How to maintain healthy habits with an irregular schedule
• Why most artists' approach to exercise is backwards
• Practical nutrition strategies for touring life
• The connection between mental health and career longevity
• How to build sustainable routines that actually work
• Why your current wellness approach might be hurting you
• Simple shifts that create massive impact

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 Ethan's journey and learn more about Optimized Touring

Stop letting poor health habits hold back your career. Hit play now to learn how prioritizing wellness could be the missing piece in your artist journey.

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__ and @elevatedolivia

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Name another industry where it's normal to wait three months to get paid for work you've already done. In this episode, I'm sharing my exact system for getting paid on time - the same system that earned me the nickname "The Collector."

From crafting bulletproof invoices to handling awkward payment conversations, I break down how I went from timidly waiting months for payment to running a professional operation that gets paid on schedule. If you're tired of chasing payments or afraid to seem "difficult," this episode will transform how you handle your business.

Key Takeaways:

• Essential elements every professional invoice needs
• The follow-up system that never fails
• How to handle late payments without burning bridges
• Why your fear of being "difficult" is costing you money
• Red flags to watch for before accepting work
• The exact templates I use for payment follow-ups
• Why deposits aren't just for big projects
• How to create professional distance in payment discussions

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

Get my complete collection of payment follow-up templates and my professional invoice template on Patreon now.

Stop letting late payments drain your energy and bank account. Hit play now to learn the system that will transform your business.

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Want to know why most DJs struggle to make a living while others build sustainable careers? In this special episode from Chicago Music Nexus, a powerhouse panel of industry experts breaks down the revenue streams you're probably missing and the mindset shifts needed to monetize your brand effectively.

From sync licensing deals worth $80,000 to building academies and D2C revenue streams, our panel reveals how thinking beyond gigs could transform your financial reality in dance music. If you're tired of struggling to make ends meet in this industry, this conversation is your wake-up call.

Key Takeaways:

• Why relying solely on gigs is a dangerous game
• How to identify and leverage your unique value
• The truth about building multiple revenue streams
• Real numbers: What's possible beyond performing
• Why your personal brand matters more than ever
• Practical steps to start monetizing your expertise
• How to build sustainable income in dance music

🎫 EXCLUSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT: Year One loyalty tickets for Chicago Music Nexus 2025 dropping soon! Follow @chicagomusicnexus for first access to early bird pricing and exclusive perks.

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

Featured Experts: Mike Salvione, Celia Rose - What Up Pitches! Anj Fayemi - Rivet App

Don't let another year go by struggling to make money in music. Hit play now to learn how to turn your passion into profit.

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx