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Want to know what separates artists who complain about the industry from those who actually change it? This conversation between the co-founders of Chicago Music Nexus reveals the mindset and actions required to "put yourself on" and create the opportunities you wish existed.

From Sherm's journey building Sherm in the Booth into a respected platform to my own path creating Elevated Frequencies and building an artist development program, we both understood what it meant to create rather than wait.

This discussion explores how our shared frustration with the lack of industry education events led us to co-found Chicago Music Nexus, transforming our individual visions into a collective movement that's changed an entire community.

Key Takeaways:

- Why waiting for permission kills more careers than rejection
- How to identify gaps in your scene and fill them yourself
- The mindset shift from consumer to creator of opportunities
- Building something valuable even with limited resources
- Why taking initiative opens doors you didn't know existed
- How to turn frustration with the industry into fuel for change
- The compound effect of consistently showing up and adding value
- Creating community around shared vision rather than personal gain
- Why the industry rewards people who take action over those who wait
- How one event can transform an entire scene's trajectory

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

Stop waiting for the industry to change. This conversation reveals how to become the catalyst for the opportunities you want to see.

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx