Elevated Frequencies

What does it take to create your own record label? What are the benefits of having your own label? How can you take control of your music career by running releases and events? 

This interview with Maxinne shares her step-by-step experience in creating Red Alert Records.

In this episode, we cover: 

• A comprehensive guide on creating your own label 
• The level of control you have over your music career when you have your own label 
• How to set up label operations and build a brand 
• How to balance building a label with your own music career 

Maxine is a DJ, producer, and founder of Red Alert Records, known for her groove-driven percussion, catchy vocals, and infectious bass lines. Maxinne has gained global recognition for her exclusive releases on Toolroom Records, Saved Records, and Knee Deep In Sound, as well as regular features on various line-ups in Ibiza, Italy, and the UK, including the Labyrinth and Resistance official pre-parties at Tantra Ibiza, Café Mambo, Sankeys, and DJ Mag.

Follow Maxinne

Join my Patreon and get exclusive access to branding and business resources for your artist journey.

Instagram

Does your creative process fuel your motivation? How can you build up your tenacity and self-confidence in your craft? How can you intentionally create timeless, career-building music rather than get caught up in trendy sounds? 

This interview with Kevin Knapp shares his expertise on fostering longevity in your music career. 

In this episode, we cover: 

• Living and working with a partner (Kevin's spouse, Hutch, is co-owner of Plump Records)
• Building a creative process that inspires and fuels motivation 
• The importance of tenacity in your business and craft 
• Low alcohol or sober life as a DJ 

Kevin Knapp is a pioneer of the sounds crowds yearn for through his own individual production style and his proclivity for vocal contributions. His stand-out vocals turned our heads back in 2012, proclaiming “My Beat Will Control You" with Audiojack, and his first Hot Creations cut, "The Drums” alongside A&R head Richy Ahmed in 2013, is still owning dance floors to this day. Kevin has taken every opportunity to continue his craft, leading him from San Francisco to the capital of Techno: Berlin.

As a world-touring DJ, Kevin has performed at many seminary festivals and stages, including Dirtybird Campout, Lucidity Festival, Paradise, Get Lost, Cityfox, Sonar, Fabric, Kater Blau, Elrow, and Sankeys. Knapp founded Plump Records alongside his spouse, Hutch Knapp.

Follow Kevin Knapp
Instagram

Do you always need to keep consistent in your artist branding? When can you begin to experiment and explore new branding elements? What parts of your music identity are recognizable as unique to you? REAPER shares their expertise on building a consistent brand, while leaving room for evolution. 

In this episode, we cover: 

• How to explore other music genres while maintaining your recognizable brand 
• Having identifiable branding markers, like REAPER’s signature mask 
• An intro to the Drum & Bass genre 
• Appreciating live music and the artist behind the decks 

Known for their signature masked appearance, REAPER is a unique drum & bass flavor that piques the interest of Bass music enthusiasts across the spectrum. Following their debut, REAPER has had a massive touring schedule, joining Kayzo on both of his 2021 and 2022 NA tours as well as performing at major festivals, including Insomniac’s EDC Las Vegas, Nocturnal Wonderland, EDC Orlando, Countdown NYE, Excision’s Lost Lands, and many more. REAPER’s latest project, CHALLENGER, is the culmination of over two decades of production experience. Their music is a portal to the new era, a gateway to Drum & Bass.

Follow REAPER
TikTok
Instagram
Sign up for free weekly goal-setting prompts for career growth

What qualifies success or failure as a House music artist? For DJ and producer XIE, it's perseverance in the face of a challenging industry. So, how do you keep yourself motivated? How do you support your artistic endeavors with self-care? How do you balance hard work and filling up your own cup?
 
In this episode, we cover: 

• Pulling inspiration from House music and other genres 
• The work-life balance of putting in the hours to your craft and self-care to reduce stress and creative burnout 
• Perseverance in the face of common House music career challenges 

XIE is a Los Angeles-based Chinese-American producer, DJ, and singer-songwriter. With her multi-hyphenate skillset in writing, producing, performing, designing her own artwork, and more, XIE creates moody, melodic soundscapes with a unique touch. XIE performed at Coachella's DoLab, HARD Summer, and EDC Vegas. Check out her latest single, 'Birds In Paradise' from Thrive Music.
 
Follow XIE
Instagram

Sign up for free weekly goal-setting prompts for career growth

We're running it back with Lucati!

How can you take part in controversial conversations and still get booked? How can you share your beliefs in a productive and open way? What do you do when you realize your take isn't quite right? 

In this conversation with Lucati, we talk about his ability to own his voice and engage his audience in a real way. In this episode, we cover: 

• Finding purpose in your art 
• Standing up for your beliefs, but knowing when to admit if you were wrong
• Building a community that wants to engage in real conversations 
• The fear of being controversial and owning your point of view 

Lucati is a DJ and producer with over 10 years in the House music scene. Garnering support from House music legends such as Claude Von Stroke, Dennis Ferrer, Green Velvet, Chris Lake, Lee Foss, and countless others has brought Lucati into the spotlight. He's played at EDC Vegas, EDC Mexico, HARD Summer, and more. Mixing deep, unrelenting grooves with sensual minimal vibrations, Lucati's one-of-a-kind sound emerges at the forefront of the new wave.

Special thanks to DJ Simoné and Key Club Studios for hosting our conversation!

Follow Lucati
TikTok
Instagram
Sign up for free weekly goal-setting prompts for career growth

In Relevant Frequencies, we cover all of the hot topics in the electronic music industry, from making friends on SoundCloud, brand cohesion across projects, pivoting creative ideas, and inspiring yourself with a secondary creative outlet in addition to music. 

We spoke about having fun with your social media and promotion and finding the balance between mindfulness of others and authenticity. We discussed filling up your own cup and protecting yourself from media burnout. 

In this episode, we cover: 

• Having a secondary creative outlet other than music.
• Creativity in content creation to build a unique brand.
• Pivoting and adapting as an essential step for growth.
• Protecting your mental health and be mindful of the content you consume. 
• Using past experiences to find gratitude in your present. 
• Maintaining mental health against digital fatigue and overwhelm. 

Follow Proppa
Follow Andrew Lux

TikTok
Instagram
Sign up for free weekly goal-setting prompts for career growth
 

What steps can you take to ensure you're supporting diverse EDM artists? 

What opportunities are gatekept from BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, women, and gender-expansive artists? 

How can you, as part of the music scene, engage in conversations around these topics effectively? 

This episode is guided by two experts in diversifying electronic music. Lauren HERMIXALOT Spalding and Lauren "Mini Bear" Kop give their advice on how to be an activist in the music industry. In this episode, we cover: 

• Inclusivity in the EDM industry
• Ways to diversify your lineup to be representative and inclusive of the roots of house music 
• How to engage in conversations around representation and diversity 
• How to ensure your event is a safe space for everyone 

FEMME House creates opportunities for women, gender-expansive, BIPOC, and LGBTQIA+ creatives in the technical and behind-the-scenes areas of music. They are developing the future producers, mixers, engineers, DJs, artists, and executives of the industry by providing education and scholarships, cultivating community, furthering visual representation, and leveraging their platform to amplify the voices of marginalized communities. Lauren HERMIXALOT Spalding serves as their Co-Founder and Executive Director and Lauren "Mini Bear" Kop as their Chief Education Officer.

Follow FEMME House

TikTok
Instagram

Sign up for free weekly goal-setting prompts for career growth
 

Do you need a big social media presence to become a successful DJ? Do you need to go viral for your music career to thrive? How can you create a social media strategy that feels authentic, sustainable, and on your terms? 

DJ duo Z3LLA prioritizes their music over social media, meaning that when they are on social, they engage with intention. Find out their tips for building a brand off of social media and navigating as women in electronic music. In this episode, we cover: 

• The balance between working on the music versus building a social media brand
• How to make social media sustainable and authentic to you 
• How to develop your team to bring you to the next level 
• Being a woman in the electronic music scene 

Z3LLA is a female singing, songwriting, and DJing duo. Entering a heavily male-dominated space, Z3LLA stands to redefine the house music scene and leave a lasting impression with their unique blend of styles, undeniable talent, and international backgrounds. Currently, you can find their latest single "Why Should I?" featured in over twelve DSP editorial playlists, as well as in the top 25 on the US Dance Radio Charts, making their chart debut whilst still climbing through the ranks.

Follow Z3LLA

TikTok
Instagram
Sign up for free weekly goal-setting prompts for career growth
 

How can you get the most out of music events, both personally and professionally? What kind of prep work will make you stand out at a busy networking event? I spoke with the crew from Hood Politics, including DJ Susan, Sherm, and signed artists about networking, standing out in a crowd, mindset, and how to prepare your pitch so you never fumble an opportunity. 

In this episode, we cover: 

• How to use an event like Miami Music Week to further your career 
• What not to do at these kinds of music events 
• How to effectively network and pitch yourself 
• Healthy mindset for networking 

Thank you to BLNK CNVS for hosting me at this Miami Music Week. They put on 30+ events throughout MMW, and took care of their guests despite difficult weather. BLNK CNVS hosts shows all around the Miami, Jacksonville, Orlando, and Nashville areas. Check out their Instagram linked below for their full lineup.

TikTok
Instagram
Sign up for free weekly goal-setting prompts for career growth

Are you losing motivation in your music career because of slow growth? How do you build the skill of resiliency against rejection? Can you find a music business partner that keeps you motivated and dedicated to your art? This episode shares the story of DJ duo Walker & Royce, who not only developed a perfectly complementary partnership, but also have countless stories of perseverance in becoming the successful artists they are today.

In this episode, we cover:

• Finding a business partner that compliments your strengths & weaknesses
• Building resilience to rejection
• How to keep yourself dedicated despite slow career growth
• Working on projects with the right creative energy and knowing when to take a step back

Walker & Royce are a tech-house DJ duo from New York City. The pair produced their first two full length albums, Self Help and No Big Deal, with Dirtybird Records after successful tracks with labels like Crosstown Rebels, OFF Recordings, and Moda Black. They’ve collaborated with Green Velvet, Diplo, Channel Tres, and more for the bass-heavy tracks that built them a name in the electronic music scene.

Follow Walker & Royce

TikTok

Instagram

Sign up for free weekly goal-setting prompts for career growth