Secrets From The Scene

Have you ever walked into a recording studio with high hopes, only to realize the process wasn’t quite what you expected? Or maybe you're considering recording your first song and wondering how to prepare? This week’s episode is for you.

I sit down with Zach Zurn, the talented producer, songwriter, and studio owner behind Carpet Booth Studios in Rochester, MN, to dissect the most common myths and false assumptions about the recording process.

Why Listen?

We dive deep into topics every musician needs to understand:

🎤 Pre-production prep: Why it's the secret sauce for a smoother session.

⏱ Time management: How to plan your studio time effectively.

🎛 DIY vs. professional recording: When to go it alone and when to bring in the pros.

🤝 Trusting the process: Building a better relationship with your producer.

🎵 Song selection tips: Recording the right songs to get the most out of your budget and effort.

Zach also shares his journey from launching his studio to working with artists like Yung Gravy, offering invaluable advice on leveraging the local music scene, ear training, and why collaboration is essential for creative success.

If you're ready to feel more confident heading into the studio and want to avoid costly mistakes, this episode is packed with the insights you need.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Yung Gravy

🌐 Gully Boys

🌐 Tinderbox Music

Connect with the Guest:

🔗Zach Zurn Website

🔗Zach Zurn Instagram

🔗Carpet Booth Studios

🔗Carpet Booth Studios 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.

Ever felt like your gigs aren’t landing quite like you hoped? Maybe the soundcheck goes sideways, or you’re scrambling with load-out while juggling merch and keeping the venue happy. In this episode of Secrets from the Scene, my co-host Max Greene and I are tackling exactly these pain points, covering the seven most common gig mistakes bands make—and how to steer clear of them!

Here’s what we cover:

• Effective Communication: How to keep venues and other bands in the loop for smooth collaborations.
• Streamlined Load-In and Load-Out: Tips for making this process quicker and easier.
• Pro Sound Checks: The right way to prep for a great-sounding set.
• Event Etiquette: Essential dos and don’ts for navigating your gig like a pro.
• Merch Booth Mastery: How to set up a merch booth that connects with fans and boosts sales.

With real-life examples and practical advice, we’re sharing insights to help you boost your professionalism, streamline your setup, and build solid relationships in the music scene.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Stage Plot Designer Website

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

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Segrin Philips

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Theavantgardeis.com

🔗 The Avant Garde 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.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Drum Supply

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 [email protected]

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.

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.

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

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.

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:

• How they balanced flexible jobs with their passion for music while self-managing their career.
• Key milestones, like scoring their first record deal with Afternoon Records and their experience working with producer Brett Bullion.
• The challenges of life on the road during those early tours and how they’ve kept evolving their sound.
• The strategic planning behind their financial stability, especially through platforms like Patreon during the pandemic.
• Insights into the importance of community, collaboration, and adaptability in the ever-changing music industry.

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.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Ian Anderson

🌐 One for the Team

🌐 Yellow Ostrich

🌐 Now Now

🌐 Brett Bullion

🌐 Girlie Action

🌐 Con Davison

🌐 Megasound

🌐 Letters to Cleo

🌐 Party Nails

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Badbadhats.com

🔗 Bad Bad Hats Instagram

Featured Song:

🎧 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.

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.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Suko Pyramid

🌐 The New Standards

🌐 Michael Lewis

🌐 Laamar

🌐 New Sound Underground

🌐 Youngbloods

🌐 Craig Finn

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Nelson Devereaux Instagram

🔗 Nelson Devereaux Website

Featured Song

"The Holidays" by Nelson Devereaux

🎧 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.

Interested in working with us on your next song?👋 https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Eli Awada

🌐 Kimmy

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Flavorworld Website

🔗 Flavorworld Instagram

🔗 Drew Kinkade

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.

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:

• Climbing the ranks in the music industry
• Going full-time with music
• The highs and lows of his career
• His approach to collaboration
• Balancing life, work, and mental health

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.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Doomtree

🌐 Rhymesayers

🌐 Hideaway Studios

🌐 Andy Thompson

🌐 Mark Mallman

🌐 Pitchfork

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Lazerbeak

Featured Song

"Gentle Potential" by Lazerbeak

🎧 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 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.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Jo McMullen

🌐 Jeremy Messersmith

🌐 The New Standards

🌐 Lizzo

🌐 Kevin Bowe

🌐 MSP Sound

🌐 Jackson Buck

🌐 Bill DeVille

🌐 Martin Zellar

🌐 Thomas Abban

🌐 Chris Koza

🌐 Adam Levy

🌐 Turn Turn Turn

🌐 Chris Riemenschneider

🌐 The Scarlet Goodbye

🌐 The Suburbs

🌐 Copycats Media

🌐 Atomic Disc

🌐 Kunaki

🌐 Kiss the Tiger

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Krista Vilinskis

Free Music Release Guide

🔗 Navigate the Maze

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.