Think your local scene holds the key to your DJ success? This conversation with Hiroko Yamamura will change that perspective entirely. Even in a major music city like Chicago, waiting for local validation can be a career-limiting strategy.

Hiroko reveals why looking beyond your hometown - even when it's a music capital - might be the most important move you make. But this conversation goes far deeper, offering insights into the psychology of DJing, crowd management, and what it really takes to sustain a career in this demanding industry.

Key Takeaways:

-Why local scenes often overlook talent in their own backyard
-How to build a career when your hometown doesn't support you
-The strategy of representing your city while building elsewhere
-How to read and control rooms with multiple distractions
-The psychology behind effective DJ transitions and crowd management
-Why empathy is essential for DJs - understanding crowd comfort and safety
-Why international opportunities can be easier than local ones
-Balancing artistic integrity with reading what the crowd needs
-Learning from different venue types and their unique dynamics

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

Stop waiting for your local scene to validate you. This conversation reveals how to build a thriving career by thinking beyond your backyard while mastering the essential skills every DJ needs.

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__
Connect with Hiroko: @hiroko__music

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

For our milestone 100th episode, we're celebrating in our brand new Chicago studio with someone who's been part of this journey from day one - my brother, Proppa. His recent success with Warner Bros. offers the perfect case study in what it really takes to break through in music.

From years of producing remixes to finally seeing his work gain major label support, Proppa's journey embodies the persistence required in this industry. Our conversation explores the reality behind "overnight success" stories and the importance of staying true to your vision even when progress seems slow.

Key Takeaways:

• The truth about how long success actually takes in music
• How to maintain belief in yourself when no one else does
• The mindset shifts that transform challenges into opportunities
• Finding balance between day jobs and creative pursuits
• Building genuine connections that survive industry challenges
• The importance of documenting your journey
• Why consistency matters more than overnight virality
• How siblings can help each other navigate the 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 Proppa's journey: @itsproppa

Plus: Stay tuned for the announcement of our Chicago Music Nexus 2025 contest winner at the end of this episode!

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Want to know what it takes to navigate the music industry from both sides of the table? This week's conversation with Mouna Dif offers a unique perspective from someone who's journeyed from singer-songwriter to respected manager and label executive.

After experiencing firsthand how artists can be taken advantage of - from having vocals used without approval to never receiving payment - Mouna transformed these challenges into motivation to protect others. Now, after co-founding Quality Goods Records and working with artists like UZ, she shares insights on building a career with integrity in a complex industry.

Key Takeaways:

• The reality of transitioning from artist to management
• How multicultural backgrounds influence music industry perspectives
• The challenges women face in gaining respect in the industry
• Building a career through consistent value rather than shortcuts
• The importance of resilience when facing rejection
• How to maintain your passion through industry challenges
• Finding your unique voice in a crowded landscape
• The evolving landscape for artist development and support

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

This conversation offers a candid look at the realities of the music industry and how to navigate them with your dignity and passion intact.

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Want to know why most dance music marketing fails? In this eye-opening conversation, former TikTok UK/EU music marketing lead Dan Roy Carter reveals the insider metrics, hidden paid strategies, and fundamental shifts that are reshaping how music is promoted in 2025.

From his early days working with Avicii and Tiesto to leading TikTok's global music initiatives, Dan has seen the evolution of release strategies from every angle. Now, as founder of Carter Projects and World Go Round, he's helping artists build sustainable careers through strategic marketing and community-first approaches. His candid assessment of dance music as "one of the laziest genres in the world when it comes to marketing" offers a wake-up call for artists still relying on outdated approaches.

Key Takeaways:

• The death of the 6-week teaser campaign and what works instead
• TikTok's hidden "follow-up publish rate" metric and how it drives the algorithm
• Why most "organic" success stories actually involve paid strategies
• The dangers of platform dependency and how to diversify your approach
• Why email marketing remains powerful despite being overlooked
• How to build direct audience relationships that survive platform shifts
• The Shermanology case study: how a rejected track became their biggest hit
• Practical marketing tactics that work at any level without massive budgets

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

Don't forget to enter for your chance to win a pass to Chicago Music Nexus 2025!

Here's how to enter:

1. Create a 60-second video explaining your artist brand - your unique sound, target audience, value proposition, and the industry challenge you're tackling in 2025
2. Upload your submission to the Dropbox link by May 9th
3. No need for high production value - just clarity of vision and purpose

The winner will be announced during Episode 100 on May 22nd and will receive a pass to Chicago Music Nexus on November 22nd, 2025!

Follow Dan's journey: @danroycarter

Stop wasting time and money on outdated marketing strategies. Hit play now to learn the release tactics that actually work in 2025.

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Want to know how Mark Knight built Toolroom Records into one of dance music's most enduring empires? In this conversation with the legendary DJ, producer, and label founder, he breaks down the exact blueprint that's kept him at the top of his game for over two decades.

While most artists chase trends and quick wins, Mark has methodically constructed something built to last through principles that apply whether you're selling tech house or washing machines. From controlling your own destiny to outworking the competition, his insights offer a roadmap for anyone looking to build something sustainable in this industry.

Key Takeaways:

• Why controlling your own destiny is non-negotiable for long-term success
• How to build a team with complementary skills that amplify your strengths
• The business principles that apply across industries, not just music
• Why outworking everyone else is more valuable than natural talent
• The importance of reinvesting in growth, especially in the early years
• How taking consistent small steps forward creates sustainable momentum
• Creating a clear manifesto to guide every decision in your career
• Building something that reflects your values rather than chasing trends

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

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__

Video editor/Audio engineer: James Fixx

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