Secrets From The Scene

Struggling to get your music heard in a crowded scene? This week’s guest knows exactly what it takes—and he built a whole platform to help make it happen.

In this episode, I talk with Julian Green, the creator and curator behind Carbon Sound—a music platform from The Current, KMOJ, and MPR that’s all about celebrating the depth and impact of Black musical expression. Whether you’re into hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, funk, electronic, or just great music in general, this one’s for you.

We get into:

• Julian’s journey from Radio K to building something completely new
• The mission behind Carbon Sound and why it stands apart
• How the platform supports local artists (and how to get your music played)
• Do’s and don’ts of submitting your music
• Why community, quality, and context matter more than ever
• What’s next for Carbon Sound and how you can be a part of it

If you're an artist trying to break through—or just a listener who cares about music that matters—this episode offers a look behind the curtain at one of the most exciting new platforms in our scene.

Let’s get into it.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Radio K

🌐 KMOJ FM

🌐 Sanni Brown

🌐 Andre Griffin

🌐 Springboard for the Arts

🌐 Urban Lights

🌐 Derrick Stevens

🌐 Unbothered

🌐 Yasmeenah

🌐 D Untethered

🌐 People Sound

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Carbon Sound FM

🔗 Carbon Sound Instagram

🔗 Carbon Sound YouTube

Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.

Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

Studio success is about more than gear or talent — it’s about creating an environment where great performances can happen. In this episode, I talk with Nick Tveitbakk, longtime engineer and producer at the legendary Pachyderm Studios, about what it really takes to make records that connect. From preparing for a session to navigating studio etiquette and energy, we dig into the invisible skills that can make or break your time in the studio.

We cover everything from Nick’s journey through the Minnesota music scene — including his time at Oarfin Records and Seedy Underbelly — to the revival and upkeep of Pachyderm, a space that has hosted artists like Nirvana, Trampled by Turtles, and Hippo Campus. More importantly, we talk about what it takes to make great records now — in any studio.

Whether you're prepping for your next session or reflecting on your past ones, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and lessons on studio etiquette, communication, preparation, and the power of vibe.

🎧 In this episode:

• The history and revival of Pachyderm Studios
• Nick’s path from small-town musician to pro studio owner
• Studio etiquette: what artists often overlook (and how to fix it)
• Why being prepared is still the most underrated studio skill
• How to create a space where great takes actually happen
• Balancing fun, focus, and feedback in the session process
• What’s changed — and what’s stayed the same — about studio culture

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Trampled by Turtles

🌐 The Jayhawks

🌐 Hippo Campus

🌐 Krista Vilinskis

🌐 Todd Fitzgerald

🌐 John Kuker

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Pachyderm-studios.com

🔗 Pachyderm Instagram

🔗 Email Pachyderm Studios

Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.

Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

Ever sent a press email and heard nothing back? You're not alone.

Too many great musicians get overlooked—not because their music isn’t good, but because their pitch falls flat.

In this week’s episode of Secrets From the Scene, I sat down with Youa Vang, a Twin Cities-based music journalist who’s written for outlets like The Current, MSP Magazine, MN Monthly, and MPR. She’s interviewed over 500 artists—from household names like Jeff Bridges and Aimee Mann to local indie bands trying to break through—and she’s seen it all.

We talk about what makes a story stick, how to pitch yourself without sounding generic, and the biggest mistakes artists make when trying to get coverage. Youa also shares how the industry has changed, what journalists are looking for now, and why a strong personal narrative can open more doors than just a great track.

Whether you're trying to land a blog write-up or simply sharpen how you present yourself online, this episode is packed with advice you can actually use.

Listen in to learn:

• What journalists wish artists actually understood
• Why storytelling matters just as much as your sound
• How to prep for an interview so you don’t freeze
• What to include in a pitch (and what to leave out)
• Why awkward interviews still make great stories

If you're serious about getting your music heard, don’t miss this one.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 The Current

🌐 MSP Magazine

🌐 Minnesota Public Radio

🌐 Dakota

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 [email protected]

🔗 https://3drdcrafts.com/

Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.

Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

What do you do when the music you’ve been making just doesn’t feel right anymore?

In this episode, I sit down with Lars Pruitt from Yam Haus to talk about what it really looks like to evolve as a band — not for clicks, not to stay trendy, but just to stay inspired. After years of building momentum with pop-driven songs, national TV appearances, and sold-out shows, the band started to feel a disconnect between what they were putting out and what actually excited them.

So they pivoted.

We talk about how that shift happened, why it felt necessary, and what it means to redefine your sound without losing what you’ve built. Lars also shares how the band handled internal change, why they took a break, and how they’re approaching things now with more honesty, more intentionality, and more room to grow.

If you’re a musician wrestling with how to evolve — creatively, personally, or professionally — without throwing everything out, this conversation will hit home.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Mark Heimermann

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Yamhaus.com

🔗 Yamhaus Instagram

Featured Song:

“Green Lights” by Yam Haus

🎧 Listen on Spotify

👀 Watch on YouTube

Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.

Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

If you're trying to carve out a unique sound but feel like you're swimming in a sea of sameness, you're not alone. So much of the gear and tools we rely on push us toward what's familiar rather than what's possible.

In this episode, I talk with Joel Korte, the founder of Chase Bliss, a Minnesota-based company known for designing some of the most innovative and creatively inspiring effects pedals in the world. Whether you're a guitarist, producer, or home studio explorer, Joel's work encourages you to break patterns, take creative risks, and truly experiment.

We also get into Joel’s personal story, how the loss of his brother Chase motivated him to stop playing it safe and take risks with his work, and how living with a stutter has shaped the way he communicates and leads. It’s a conversation about gear, yes, but also about creating things that feel honest and personal and trusting that there's value in that.

This one is for anyone looking to make bolder, more personal work and sound more like themselves in the process.

🌐 Descript Editing Software

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Ed O'Brien

🌐 Knobs Creative

🌐 Ryan Harding

🌐 Eric Nyffeler

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 [email protected]

🔗 https://www.chasebliss.com

🔗 Chase Bliss Website

🔗 Chase Bliss YouTube

Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.

Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

Most indie artists don’t realize they’re unprotected until it’s too late.

This week, I sat down with attorney Jonathan Sime of Spence Law Firm to talk through one of the most overlooked areas in the DIY music space: the law.

We get into the real-world stuff musicians deal with—copyrights, trademarks, split sheets, contracts, band breakups, shady deals—and how to actually protect your work without breaking the bank.

Jonathan doesn’t just give the “go hire a lawyer” speech. He breaks down practical steps you can take today to lock down your intellectual property, avoid common traps, and understand what you should and shouldn’t be signing. We also touch on some famous legal cases—from The Verve’s royalty nightmare to Taylor Swift's re-recordings—and what DIY musicians can learn from them.

Whether you're just starting out or already gigging regularly, this episode will help you understand what’s yours, what’s at risk, and how to make sure your creativity isn’t getting taken advantage of.

What We Cover:

• What intellectual property really means (and why it matters)
• How to copyright your music and when to trademark your brand
• Band agreements, split sheets, and the value of having things in writing
• Free and affordable resources for legal support
• Real stories of major artists who lost out (and fought back)
• How to spot red flags in contracts
• Where AI and online templates help—and where they can backfire
• Legal FAQs every indie artist should know

If you're serious about building a sustainable music career, this episode is a must-listen.

Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal assistance, consult a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction regarding your specific situation.

People, resources, and links mentioned in this episode

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Copyrighting: Musical Compositions (the "Song")

🌐 Copyrighting: Music Videos

🌐 Copyrighting: Sound Recordings (the "Master")

🌐 Copyrighting: Composition & Sound Recording together

🌐 Group Registrations of Works on an Album (all the same copyright claimants)

🌐 Springboard for the Arts (volunteer lawyers for the arts)

🌐 Performance Rights Inquiry mentioned

🌐 Cosynd

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 @jsimelaw

🔗 Spence Law

Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.

Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

Are you leaking money as an indie artist?

Making music isn’t about turning a profit for most indie artists—it’s about creating something meaningful. But that doesn’t mean you have to overspend. Whether music is your career or your passion project, being smart with your money can help you do more of what you love.

That’s why in this episode of Secrets From the Scene, I sat down with Tommy Rehbein (musician, producer, and frontman of Toilet Rats) to talk about how indie bands can stretch every dollar and make smart financial moves.

Tommy has spent years navigating the DIY music world, learning how to buy gear without going broke, turn merch into a real revenue stream, and make touring actually sustainable. If you’ve ever wondered:

• How do I afford quality gear without draining my bank account?
• What’s the best way to sell more merch and make it profitable?
• How can I tour on a budget and still come out ahead?

…this episode is packed with practical, no-BS advice that can help.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✅ How to save big on gear—including why "scratch-and-dent" items are your best friend.

✅ The secret to selling more merch—from pre-orders to smart bundling strategies.

✅ Why your merch table is as important as your set—and how to use it to your advantage.

✅ Touring on a budget—hacks to cut costs and make the road work for you.

✅ Balancing music with a day job—without sacrificing your creative career.

Whether you're trying to make your first tour profitable or just looking to stop bleeding money, this conversation is loaded with real-world tips that actually work.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Motion City Soundtrack

🌐 Justin Pierre

🌐 ZVEX

🌐 Wren and Cuff

🌐 Twin Town Guitars

🌐 Ax-Man Surplus

🌐 Steadfast Records

🌐 Sweet Cheetah Records

🌐 Mary Jam

🌐 Afternoon Printing

🌐 Flavor World

🌐 Jensen Creative

🌐 Copycats Media

🌐 National Audio Company

🌐 Free Geek

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 https://www.instagram.com/toiletrats/

Featured Song:

"Haunted House" by Toilet Rats

🎧 Listen on Spotify

👀 Watch on YouTube

Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.

Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

Ever feel like you’re grinding away in music but not sure how to break into bigger opportunities?

This week on Secrets From The Scene, I sat down with Andy Thompson, a producer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist who’s built a career working with Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Dan Wilson, Dessa, Jeremy Messersmith, and even orchestras like the Minnesota Orchestra and LA Philharmonic.

Andy’s one of those rare musicians who’s made it all work—recording, producing, arranging, and composing—without getting stuck in one lane. We talked about:

🎹 His early days bouncing between instruments and figuring out where he fit in music

📞 The hustle of cold calls, networking, and landing big gigs (without feeling sleazy)

🎼 How he got into orchestration and why it’s become such a huge part of his work

💰 The business side of things—how he’s kept his career moving and diversified his income

🤝 Why being easy to work with might be the most underrated skill in music

Andy’s journey is proof that there’s no one-size-fits-all path in music—but if you play your cards right, you can build something sustainable and creatively fulfilling.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Mason Jennings

🌐 Dan Wilson

🌐 Dessa

🌐 Jeremy Messersmith

🌐 Heiruspecs

🌐 Sean McPherson

🌐 Steve Kimball

🌐 David Schelzel

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Andywho.com

🔗 Andy Thompson Instagram

Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.

Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

We’re kicking off Season 2 of Secrets from the Scene with a conversation about something that affects every musician: the fight for fair pay, better conditions, and a more supportive music community.

This week, I sat down with Nadi McGill, drummer for Gully Boys and lead organizer of Twin Cities United Performers (TCUP). We talked about:

• How Gully Boys came up in the Twin Cities scene and built momentum beyond Minnesota
• The story behind TCUP and how it grew out of the First Ave unionization movement
• What TCUP is doing right now to improve transparency, pay, and working conditions for musicians
• How artists can get involved and why organizing matters

If you’ve ever felt frustrated by the way musicians are treated—or just want to know what’s happening behind the scenes—this one’s for you.

Get “unstuck” with my free song analysis

https://helvigproductions.com/fixmysong

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Green Room

🌐 Pillar Forum

🌐 Cloudland Theater

🌐 Tanner Montague

🌐 Nur-D

🌐 Zach Zurn

🌐 Alex Schaaf

🌐 Yellow Ostrich

🌐 Bad Bad Hats

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Twin Cities United Performers (TCUP) Website

🔗 TCUP Link Tree

🔗 Gully Boys Link Tree

Featured Song:

"Bad Day" by Gully Boys

🎧 Listen on Spotify

👀 Watch on YouTube

Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.

Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

We’re wrapping up an incredible first season of Secrets from the Scene with a question many aspiring audio engineers face:

Do you really need to go to school for recording?

This week, I’m joined by Matt Holmes, a seasoned instructor at Hennepin Tech, to break it all down. We explore the pros and cons of pursuing formal audio education and dig into these key topics:

🎧 Structured Learning: Why having a curriculum might accelerate your growth.

🤝 Networking Opportunities: The connections you make at school can shape your career.

🎛️ Access to Pro Gear: How schools give you hands-on experience with top-tier equipment.

💰 Cost of Tuition vs. Self-Teaching: Is YouTube University enough, or should you invest in formal training?

🔍 Lifelong Learning: Why curiosity and adaptability are essential to thrive in this ever-changing industry.

This episode is a special one—it also marks our 1-year podcast anniversary and the Season 1 finale! We’re so grateful for your support and can’t wait to come back stronger in 2025 for Season 2.

If you’ve been on the fence about audio school or wondering how to make the most of your education, you won’t want to miss this episode.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Wild Sound Recording

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Matt Holmes Email

🔗 Hennepin Technical College - Audio Production

Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.

Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.