In a world obsessed with likes, streams, and followers, it’s easy for artists to feel like they’re falling short. What happens when your latest single doesn’t get many streams? Or your reel goes unnoticed? The pressure to validate your art with numbers is real—but is it the right way to measure success?

In this episode, I’m joined by Jen Bluhm (aka Waltzing on Waves)—a talented musician and neurodiversity advocate—to remind you of the deeper value in creating music. Together, we dive into why the act of creation itself holds more power than any external validation.

We’ll explore:

🎶 The joy of creating for yourself: Why the process of making music can be its own reward.

🧠 Music as therapy: How making music can heal and uplift, regardless of who’s listening.

🎯 Realistic, meaningful goals: Balancing your artistic integrity with career ambitions.

🌊 Navigating the highs and lows: Coping with the emotional challenges of releasing art into the world.

💡 Staying true to your vision: Maintaining authenticity amidst industry pressure.

This episode is a heartfelt reminder to focus on what drives you, not what impresses others. Tune in for an inspiring conversation that will rekindle your passion for creating music—no matter who’s listening.

Full Transcript and Show Notes

Interested in working with us on your next song?

👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Waltzingonwaves.com

🔗 Waltzing on Waves Instagram

Featured Song:

"All the Peril" by Waltzing on Waves

🎧 Listen on Spotify

👀 Watch on YouTube

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Give Feedback:

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⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠

Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime.

🙏 Thank You

This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening.

Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠

In this week's episode, I had the pleasure of sitting down with the incredibly talented indie rock band, Bad Bad Hats. Kerry Alexander and Chris Hoge took me on a deep dive into their decade-long journey, from their early college days releasing music on MySpace to becoming full-time musicians with national tours and professional records under their belt.

We cover a lot in this episode, including:

Whether you're an aspiring musician or just a fan of the band, there’s something here for everyone—valuable lessons about perseverance, practical planning, and navigating the ups and downs of a creative career.

🎧 Tune in to hear Bad Bad Hats’ inspiring story!

Thanks for listening and supporting the podcast. Feel free to hit me up with any thoughts or questions, I’d love to hear from you.

Full Transcript and Show Notes

Interested in working with us on your next song?

👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Badbadhats.com

🔗 Bad Bad Hats Instagram

Featured Song:

🎧 Listen on Spotify

Connect with Me:

✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠

📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠

📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠

Give Feedback:

📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠

✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠

Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime.

🙏 Thank You

This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening.

Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠

Being a full-time musician often means juggling two different worlds—playing in other people’s bands while managing your own solo projects. Each role requires a unique skill set and mindset.

In this episode, Nelson Devereaux—an in-demand musician known for his work with Bon Iver and others—discusses how he balances these two careers. From leading his projects to being a hired player on tours, Nelson shares his strategies for gig prep, managing finances, and collaborating creatively.

We also dive into the importance of communication and situational awareness in both band dynamics and solo projects, as well as the value of mentorship in the music world.

With a solo project in the works and a wealth of touring experience, Nelson offers practical advice and hard-earned insights that every musician can learn from. Tune in for a conversation packed with valuable lessons and inspiration.

Full Transcript and Show Notes

Interested in working with us on your next song?

👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Nelson Devereaux Instagram

🔗 Nelson Devereaux Website

Featured Song

"The Holidays" by Nelson Devereaux

🎧 Listen on Spotify

👀 Watch on YouTube

Connect with Me:

✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠

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Give Feedback:

📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠

✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠

Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime.

🙏 Thank You

This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening.

Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠

Full Transcript and Show Notes

Interested in working with us on your next song?

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Flavorworld Website

🔗 Flavorworld Instagram

🔗 Drew Kinkade

Connect with Me:

✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠

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🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠

📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠

Give Feedback:

📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠

✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠

Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime.

🙏 Thank You

This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening.

Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠

In this episode, I’m joined by legendary hip-hop producer Aaron Mader, aka Lazerbeak, who has been a driving force in Minnesota’s music scene for nearly two decades. From his early days in the indie rock scene to becoming a key member of the Doomtree collective—and even producing Lizzo’s debut album—Aaron shares his incredible journey.

We dive deep into his career, discussing everything from working with top artists and launching his solo projects to his mindset for success. Aaron opens up about:

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to build a thriving career in music, this episode is packed with insights and lessons you won’t want to miss.

Listen now—it’s an eye-opening conversation with one of Minnesota’s top music producers.

Full Transcript and Show Notes

Interested in my Free Song Analysis?

🧰 Get some objective feedback on a song you're working on

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Lazerbeak

Featured Song

"Gentle Potential" by Lazerbeak

🎧 Listen on Spotify

Connect with Me:

✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠

📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

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📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠

Give Feedback:

📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠

✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠

Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime.

🙏 Thank You

This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening.

Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠

Ever thought about hiring a publicist? Whether it’s never crossed your mind or you’ve written it off as too expensive or exclusive to signed artists, this episode will change your perspective.

Krista Vilinskis of Elephants and Flowers Media is here to demystify the role of a music publicist. She’ll share the common pitfalls new artists make—and how you can avoid them—while maximizing your next press campaign.

With over 30 years of experience, Krista has worked across independent labels, music festivals, and studios. She ran her own "record-label-for-hire" company, Tinderbox, before starting her current company, Elephants and Flowers. Specializing in helping "baby bands," she’s your go-to expert for navigating press campaigns as an independent artist.

In this episode, we explore:

• ​How to prepare for a PR campaign
• ​Why organization is key for a smooth experience
• ​The strategy behind successful releases and promotional assets

Whether you’re an emerging artist or an established musician looking to up your publicity game, Krista’s insights are packed with practical, actionable advice.

Full Transcript and Show Notes

Interested in my Free Song Analysis?

🧰 Get some objective feedback on a song you're working on

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Krista Vilinskis

Free Music Release Guide

🔗 ⁠Navigate the Maze

Connect with Me:

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Give Feedback:

📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠

✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠

Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime.

🙏 Thank You

This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening.

Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠

In just 5 short years, indie pop artist Landon Conrath went from releasing his first song to amassing over 600,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Thanks to key placements on Spotify playlists, a few of Landon’s tracks went viral, propelling him into the spotlight. Since then, he’s signed a record deal, booked extensive tours, and traveled to LA for whirlwind writing sessions—all while consistently dropping new music.

Sounds like the dream, right? But can you maintain that pace forever?

In this episode, Landon shares his candid thoughts on what it really takes to rise quickly in the music industry—and how to manage the pressures that come with it. We dive into his creative process, the pros and cons of co-writing, and how to balance social media presence without feeling overwhelmed. Landon also opens up about how he stays grounded, the routines that keep him from burning out, and why he sometimes feels like even his impressive streaming numbers aren’t enough.

Listen in for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the realities of being a fast-rising indie artist in today’s music landscape.

Full Transcript and Show Notes

Interested in my Free Song Analysis?

🧰 Get some objective feedback on a song you're working on

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Landon Conrath 

Featured Song

“Doomsday” by Landon Conrath

🎧 Listen on Spotify

Connect with Me:

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Give Feedback:

📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠

✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠

Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime.

🙏 Thank You

This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening.

Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠

Ever wonder what makes a song click in a commercial? How does it differ from other sync placements?

In this episode, I’m joined by industry veterans Jim Weber and Christy Van House, the masterminds behind Hitlist, a renowned music house specializing in curating music for media. Together, we discuss the unique aspects of creating music for advertisements and how it stands apart in the sync world.

What We Cover:

Jim and Christy share their top tips for musicians looking to break into the world of ad music. Whether you're aiming to land your first sync deal or just curious about the process, this episode is packed with insights to help you succeed.

Listen in to discover how to make your music stand out in the competitive world of advertising!

Full Transcript and Show Notes

Interested in my Free Song Analysis?

🧰 Get some objective feedback on a song you're working on

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Hitlistmusic.com

Connect with Me:

✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠

📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠

📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠

Give Feedback:

📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠

✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠

Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime.

🙏 Thank You

This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening.

Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠

If you’re a musician, chances are the "algorithm" has shown you ads for music it thinks you’ll love. Maybe you’ve clicked, maybe you haven’t—but have you ever considered if those ads actually work?

In this episode, we dive into the world of modern music marketing with the talented guitarist Joe Flip. This is more than just a discussion about ads; it’s a hands-on case study of what it takes to create, fund, and successfully launch advertisements that reach the people who genuinely care about your music.

Joe takes us through his journey, sharing how he started, the resources and training that shaped his approach, and the mindset he uses when setting marketing goals. He doesn’t just talk theory—Joe shares real results, offering insights into what’s worked and what hasn’t.

We explore essential topics like Spotify ads, email marketing, and merch sales funnels. Along the way, you’ll learn about budgeting, the importance of professional training, taking calculated risks, and leveraging algorithms to your advantage.

If you’re looking to navigate the digital landscape, build stronger connections with your audience, and grow your music career, this episode is packed with practical advice you won’t want to miss.

Full Transcript and Show Notes

Interested in my Free Song Analysis?

🧰 Get some objective feedback on a song you're working on

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Joe Flip Website 

Featured Song

"Mess Around" by Joe Flip

🎧 Listen on Spotify

Connect with Me:

✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠

📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

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📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠

Give Feedback:

📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠

✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠

Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime.

🙏 Thank You

This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening.

Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠

Not many bands can say they started making music at 13, but for Guytano, it’s the foundation of their journey. Hailing from Sartell, MN, this band of childhood friends began by playing their high school prom. Fast forward, and they’ve worked their way up through the Twin Cities venue circuit, from headlining 7th St. Entry to rocking the Fine Line and, ultimately, taking the stage in First Avenue's legendary main room. Their latest achievement? A coveted spot at the Basilica Block Party.

What does it take to climb that ladder? In this episode, I sit down with Grant Hamilton, frontman and songwriter for Guytano, to dive into the band’s history and the strategies that have fueled their rise. We explore their marketing and promotion tactics, how they’ve kept their band dynamic strong over the years, and the unique aspects of their creative process.

Grant also opens up about their hands-on promotional efforts, the crucial role of fan engagement, and the challenges they’ve overcome. He shares insights into their songwriting process, the emotional depth of their music, and offers invaluable advice for aspiring musicians looking to carve out their own paths.

Full Transcript and Show Notes

Interested in my Free Song Analysis?

🧰 Get some objective feedback on a song you're working on

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Guytano

Featured Song

"She Knows" by Guytano

🎧 Listen on Spotify

Connect with Me:

✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠

📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠

🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠

📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠

Give Feedback:

📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠⁠

🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠

✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠

⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠

Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime.

🙏 Thank You

This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening.

Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠