Headliner Mindset

Nostalgix is the definition of a multi-talented artist—producer, rapper, singer, songwriter, and performer—and she’s here to share the REAL story behind her rise.

We dive deep into:

• How she went from bedroom DJ to touring globally (without even planning on becoming an artist)
• The mindset shifts that took her from just having fun to fully committing to her craft
• Why burning out every week was part of the process—and how she finally learned to manage it
• Her journey to finding community, mentorship and her team
• The truth about building your own universe as an artist
• How her fans helped support through her darkest times

Whether you’re just starting out or already on tour, this one is packed with gems about grinding, leveling up, and staying connected to your WHY.

Tune in for a powerful reminder: You can do anything you set your mind to—but you can’t skip the steps.

Follow Nostalgix here:
https://www.instagram.com/nostalgixmusic

Follow Nik Cherwink here:
https://www.instagram.com/nikcherwink

And visit my site to join the mailing list or book a free coaching call:
https://www.nikcherwink.com

In a music industry that never stops moving, how do you stay grounded, intentional, and actually enjoy the journey?

This week I’m joined by Dr. Sunni, a licensed psychologist and coach for DJs and creatives, whose work sits at the intersection of mental health and the electronic music industry. We dive into the deep end of artist mindset — from burnout and comparison to self-worth, imposter syndrome, and the hustle culture that keeps so many artists stuck.

We get into:

• How to stay connected to your purpose when social media takes over
• The trap of chasing external validation (and how to break free from it)
• The common challenge of imposter syndrome 
• Simple tools to rewire your brain and create lasting mindset shifts
• Why mindfulness is the antidote to burnout — and how to actually practice it

Whether you’re trying to grow your brand, build momentum, or just keep your sanity intact, this one’s full of grounded wisdom and real talk.

🎧 Tune in, take notes, and share it with a friend who needs it.

Follow Dr. Sunni here:
https://www.instagram.com/shaping_success

Follow Nik Cherwink here:
https://www.instagram.com/nikcherwink

And visit my site to join the mailing list or book a free coaching call:
https://www.nikcherwink.com

Use code "MINDSET" for free month of Event Sheet:  https://eventsheet.com/

Geoff Shames has been in the game for over a decade, helping shape the marketing strategy behind some of the biggest names in bass music. From launching the marketing division at Circle Talent Agency (which later became UTA) to running his own digital agency, Geoff is a master at helping artists build their brands and following. 

In this episode, we dive deep into the real strategies artists can use to grow their audience — from running ads to creating engaging content and everything in between.

We get into:

• How to use lookalike audiences and retargeting to grow beyond your current fanbase
• Why so many artists waste money on ads — and how to do it right
• What makes a brand “stick” — and how to become instantly recognizable
• How to think about content, aesthetic, and social presence like a real business

This is a no-fluff breakdown of what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to building a real career in electronic music today.

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🎧 Want to work with me directly to grow your audience and brand?
 Book a free strategy call here: https://www.nikcherwink.com

📲 Follow Geoff: @geoffshames
📲 Follow Nik: @nikcherwink

PhaseOne is a undeniable heavy-hitter in the bass music scene, fusing metal and dubstep to carve out a sound that’s as aggressive as it is intentional. In this episode, we talk about what it really means to stay relevant in an industry that moves fast — and why, after 15 years in the game, he’s choosing to slow down and make an album, not just chase singles.

We get into:

• The pressure artists feel to constantly stay visible
• Choosing creative fulfillment over algorithmic success
• How his sound and brand have evolved over time
• The freedom that comes with knowing who you are as an artist

Whether you’re just starting out or deep in your career, this conversation is a reminder to trust your gut, play the long game, and make art that actually matters.

—
📲 Follow PhaseOne:
Instagram: @phaseonemusic

🎧 Ready to take your artist career to the next level?
Book a free call to see if coaching is a good fit:
https://www.nikcherwink.com

This time, the mic's turned around.

I recently joined my friend Wyatt on the DAW Nation podcast for a deep dive into the mindset, spirituality, and authenticity that fuel a thriving music career. We explored what it truly means to succeed from the inside out—beyond the algorithms and into the heart of artistry.

If you're ready to ignite your inner fire and align your energy with your creative journey, this one's for you.

Follow DAW Nation here:
https://www.dawnation.net
https://www.instagram.com/daw_nation

Follow Nik Cherwink here:
https://www.instagram.com/nikcherwink

And visit my site to join the mailing list or book a free coaching call:
https://www.nikcherwink.com

If you’re a DJ or producer trying to build a real fanbase, this episode is essential listening.

Grahame Farmer — founder of Data Transmission, YouTube educator, and creator of The Artist Blueprint — breaks down exactly how artists are growing in 2025.

From social media strategy to automation tools, Grahame shares the real tactics that are helping artists get signed, grow on SoundCloud and Instagram, and actually build community — not just followers.

🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:

• Why most DJs fail to grow on social media (and what to do instead)
• How to pick one platform and master it
• How SoundCloud became a powerful social tool again
• DM hacks, Instagram bio tips, and audience-building strategies
• Tools like ManyChat and ChatGPT that are changing the game for artist marketing
• Why YouTube might be the best platform for DJs right now
• The mindset shift from “content creator” to business owner

We also dive into Grahame’s new book, Gather, Give & Grow, and how he used AI to write it — plus the launch strategy that got it to #1 on Amazon.

Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your project to the next level, this is a deep, practical conversation full of gems.

🎧 Follow Grahame:
https://www.instagram.com/grahamefarmer
https://www.youtube.com/@grahamefarmerdt
https://www.grahamefarmer.com/the-artist-accelerator
 
Follow Nik Cherwink here:
https://www.instagram.com/nikcherwink

And visit my site to join the mailing list or book a free coaching call:
https://www.nikcherwink.com

From dropping out of grad school to crushing festival stages — Nikita the Wicked is proving that the real win comes when you stop following the rules and start following your calling.

In this episode, we get into the story behind his rise, how he built a viral artist brand without a label and why bringing your full personality into your project is what separates artists from entertainers.

We talk about:

• What it really takes to walk away from the “safe” path
• The moment he knew grad school wasn’t for him
• How he built a team around his project 
• Building a character, a brand, and a movement in bass music
• The importance of staying inspired and avoiding burnout as a creator

If you're an artist trying to find your sound, your lane, or your voice — this conversation will remind you that you don’t need permission to go all in.

Follow Nikita The Wicked here:
https://www.instagram.com/nikitathewicked
https://www.tiktok.com/@nikitathewicked

Follow Nik Cherwink here:
https://www.instagram.com/nikcherwink

And visit my site to join the mailing list or book a free coaching call:
https://www.nikcherwink.com

Wes Mills is living proof that with the right mindset, relentless work ethic, and pure love for the craft, anything is possible. From commuting late nights to ICON Collective to now performing at iconic venues like Red Rocks, Wes shares what it truly takes to become a headliner.

In this episode, we dive deep into how he learned music production from scratch, the moment that inspired him to chase his dream, and the role that authenticity, consistency, and feeding the "feeling" has played in building his project. We also explore the realities of balancing a full-time job while growing a music career, the decision to go all-in, and the lessons he's learned about trusting the process.

Follow Wes Mills here:
https://www.instagram.com/itswesmills
https://www.tiktok.com/@itswesmills

Follow Nik Cherwink here:
https://www.instagram.com/nikcherwink

And visit my site to join the mailing list or book a free coaching call:
https://www.nikcherwink.com

Proppa is a house music producer from Chicago whose recent remixes are lighting up DJ sets across the globe—from Dom Dolla to Cloonee to John Summit and many more.

But this didn’t happen overnight...

Proppa shares the real story behind his 15-year journey in music—starting out as a drummer, battling perfectionism, finding his sound through consistent remixing and figuring out his brand and identity as an artist.

In this episode we talk about:

• What it really takes to get noticed in today’s music industry
• The mindset shift that helped him finally let go of perfection
• Why knowing who you are is the key to building your brand
• How he turned his Patreon into a sustainable income stream

If you're trying to hit that next level in your artist career, this one will give you some great tips and guidance.

Follow Proppa here:
https://www.instagram.com/itsproppa
https://www.patreon.com/proppa

Follow Nik Cherwink here:
https://www.instagram.com/nikcherwink

And visit my site to join the mailing list or book a free coaching call:
https://www.nikcherwink.com

Feeling stuck in your music career—even though you're doing all the things?

In this special episode, Nik shares the full recording of his recent live masterclass, UNSTUCK: The Mindset Masterclass for Artists Who Are Ready to Finally Break Through.

You’ll learn the 4 mindset and energy shifts that help artists move from burnout and self-doubt to clarity, momentum, and creative flow. If you’ve been grinding, posting, and still feel like nothing’s clicking—this one’s for you.

Inside this episode:

• Why most artists stay stuck (and how to shift out of it)
• The hidden mindset blocks behind burnout
• How to build consistent energy and creative momentum
• The real key to growing your career from the inside out