Secrets From The Scene

Stephen Helvig | Helvig Productions
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Welcome to Secrets From the Scene, a show for local musicians who want to improve their music, grow their audience, and learn about Minnesota's music scene. If you're interested in talking about all things music-related and meeting interesting people from our local community, you're in the right place.

  1. 5 days ago

    Ep. 97: How to Make DIY Music Videos That Actually Fit Your Music w/Ryan Kemp of Chutes

    A music video does not need an enormous budget to connect with people. But it does need an idea that fits the song, a clear plan, and enough intention that the limitations feel like part of the art rather than an accident. Ryan Kemp started Chutes as a private songwriting project during the pandemic before assembling a band for a last-minute opening slot at 7th St Entry. From there, Chutes grew through the Twin Cities DIY circuit, Como house shows, and local venues before appearing at First Avenue’s Best New Bands. Along the way, Ryan made music videos a central part of how Chutes communicates its sound and identity. In this episode, he breaks down the creative process behind the nostalgic, performance-driven “Sugar” video and the darker, more narrative “Dog,” which draws on rural Minnesota, religious imagery, childhood memories, and a Midwest Gothic aesthetic. We also discuss how artists can develop a visual language over time, turn scattered inspiration into a usable treatment, plan around locations and daylight, collaborate without losing the original idea, and handle the often-underestimated work of editing and feedback. In this episode: How Chutes grew from a solo pandemic project into a full Twin Cities bandWhy cohesive visuals can deepen a listener’s connection to the musicHow “Sugar” recreated early-2000s rock-video energy without becoming a parodyTurning mood boards, references, and locations into the story behind “Dog”Why editing, scheduling, and communication are often harder than the shootHow to make a low-budget video feel creative, intentional, and true to the song Full show notes, links, & mentions Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Chutes Website Featured Song: 🎧 Sugar Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠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, Joey Biehn, and Zach Howard. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening. Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠

  2. 8 Jul

    Ep. 96: From Underground Raves to The Armory with Jack Trash

    Most people see the packed room. They do not see the risk behind it. Before a show feels effortless, someone has to bet real money, earn the venue’s trust, book the right artist, build the crowd, manage the chaos, and create a culture people actually want to come back to. This week, I’m joined by Jack Trash, also known as John Tasch, founder of SIMshows and one of the key figures behind the Twin Cities electronic music scene. For more than 35 years, Jack has been DJing, promoting, booking artists, throwing events, and helping move local dance music from underground rooms and warehouse parties into some of the biggest venues in the city. In this episode, Jack breaks down what it really takes to build a scene that lasts. We talk about the early rave days, the rise of EDM in Minneapolis, the financial reality behind major events, the artists and venues that shaped SIMshows, and why Jack still sees promotion as community work first. In this episode, we talk about: Why a sold-out-looking show is not always a profitable showHow Twin Cities EDM grew from flyers, word of mouth, and warehouse partiesThe moment social media and streaming changed the entire promotion gameWhat local DJs get wrong when asking for gigsHow promoters think about openers, energy, professionalism, and trustWhy Jack uses SIMshows as a platform to build community and take care of people Jack’s story is not just about EDM. It is about what happens when someone keeps showing up for a scene long enough to help shape it. Full show notes, links, & mentions Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ Connect with the Guest: 🔗 SIMshows Website 🔗 SIMshows Instagram 🔗 Jack Trash Instagram Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠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, Joey Biehn, and Zach Howard. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening. Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠

  3. 24 Jun

    Ep. 95: A Guide to the Twin Cities Jazz Scene with Eli Awada of Room3

    Most musicians are told to “just get out there.” But where do you actually go? Who do you talk to? Which jam sessions are welcoming? What makes someone want to book you? And how do you know if you’re ready to sit in? This week, I’m joined by Eli Awada, keyboardist for the jazz-fusion band Room3 and a musician, booker, venue manager, and event organizer who has seen the Twin Cities scene from multiple sides. Eli gives us a practical tour of the current Twin Cities jazz scene: the venues, the jam sessions, the players, the etiquette, and the opportunities. We also talk about why jazz-fusion seems to be having a real moment right now, how Room3 grew out of the University of Minnesota jazz program, and what Eli learned from creating his own house-show venue, working with Flavor World, booking shows, and building events that feel like more than just another bill. This episode is for anyone who is curious about jazz but feels intimidated by the scene, and for any musician trying to understand how to find their people, create opportunities, and build a real reputation. In this episode: Why jazz-fusion is connecting with younger Twin Cities audiencesWhere to start if you’re curious about the local jazz sceneWhat musicians should know before sitting in at a jamHow Eli went from Walker West and the University of Minnesota to Room3What bookers actually care about when deciding who gets showsHow to make live events feel more valuable, memorable, and worth showing up forIf you’ve been waiting for permission to step into the scene, this episode gives you a map. Full show notes, links, & mentions Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Eli Awada IG Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠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, Joey Biehn, and Zach Howard. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening. Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠

  4. 10 Jun

    Ep. 94: Tina Schlieske on Reinvention, Major Labels, and Staying True to Your Voice

    Tina Schlieske has lived a lot of musical lives. She came up through the Twin Cities scene with Tina and the B-Sides, built momentum through relentless gigging, mailers, college radio, word of mouth, and a famously clever billboard campaign, then signed to Sire Records after a CBGB’s show caught the attention of Seymour Stein. But this conversation is not just a look back at a remarkable career. It is about reinvention, range, and what it takes to keep growing as an artist when the path gets complicated. Tina talks about the early hustle of building the B-Sides, the strange mix of validation and disillusionment that came with a major label deal, and the ego-driven decisions she can see more clearly now. She also shares why she eventually chose to end the band before the relationships broke down, what she learned from touring with Double Trouble, and how making her solo record Slow Burn opened another chapter. We also get into Tina’s later move into jazz, and why stepping into a genre that scared her became one of the best things she ever did for her voice. She talks about breath control, tone, restraint, collaboration, and the difference between shouting a story and actually telling one. In this episode, we talk about: How Tina and the B-Sides built momentum before the internetPlaying CBGB’s, meeting Seymour Stein, and signing to Sire RecordsWhy the “big opportunity” can be more complicated than artists expectEgo, instinct, and the decisions Tina sees differently nowEnding the B-Sides before the relationships broke downTouring with Double Trouble and making Slow BurnHow jazz changed Tina’s relationship with her voiceBreath control, tone, restraint, and storytelling as a singerCollaboration, imposter syndrome, and learning to ask more questionsThis is a great conversation for anyone trying to build a life in music without getting boxed into one version of themselves. Tina’s story is full of big moments, but the real lesson is quieter and more useful: stay curious, keep learning, ask more questions, and do not let the industry, your ego, or anyone else make you smaller than you are. Full show notes, links, & mentions Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Tinaschlieske.com 🔗 Instagram 🔗 Tina Schlieske's LinkTree Featured Song: "Barricade" by Tina & the B-Sides 🎧 Listen on Spotify 👀 Watch on YouTube Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠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, Joey Biehn, and Zach Howard. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening. Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠

  5. 27 May

    Ep. 93: The Business of Bass Music with Rob Talbott of Dodge & Fuski

    Rob Talbott has already helped build one of the most influential labels in modern bass music. As Dodge & Fuski, he came up during the early internet era of dubstep, got signed to Never Say Die, co-founded Disciple, moved from Bristol to LA, and helped shape a corner of bass music that is still influencing artists today. Now he’s back with new Dodge & Fuski music, a self-aware EP called Washed Up, and a new label in the works. In this episode, Rob breaks down what made Disciple work, why he thinks labels need to offer more than a Spotify upload and a visualizer, and what artists need to understand about audience, content, business, and long-term survival. It’s a conversation about dubstep, but the lessons go way beyond one scene. Rob shares a sharp perspective on why music alone may not be enough anymore, why YouTube might be more valuable than artists realize, and what separates artists who build real momentum from artists who simply release songs into the void. In this episode, we also talk about: Getting dropped by Never Say Die and turning that moment into DiscipleStarting a new label built around culture, content, community, and collaborationWhat artists misunderstand about social media, money, audience, and long-term survivalWhy story-driven YouTube content may be a major opportunity for artists right nowWhether you’re a producer, songwriter, artist, DJ, or creative entrepreneur, this episode is full of hard-earned insight on how to stand out, build something people care about, and think more clearly about the audience on the other side. Full show notes, links, & mentions Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Instagram 🔗 Website Featured Song: 🎧 Next Track Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠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, Joey Biehn, and Zach Howard. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening. Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠

  6. 6 May

    Ep. 92: The Real Life of a Working Guitarist with Nate Walker

    From backyard shows to First Avenue, Nate Walker has built a career as one of the Twin Cities’ go-to guitarists. In this episode, I sit down with Nate to talk about how he became one of the most in-demand side players in the Minneapolis scene. We get into his path from early gigs to touring, why going to shows and meeting people matters, and what actually makes someone valuable in a band beyond just being able to play the parts. Nate also talks about his early obsession with classic-rock guitar tones, working at the Green Room, teaching guitar, managing a busy gig schedule, and launching his Side Men Sessions project. Along the way, we cover: How Nate started getting his first real gigsWhy showing up to shows can lead to real opportunitiesWhat makes someone a great bandmateWhy preparation, attitude, and musicality matterHow to handle nerves and mistakes on stageWhy every gig can be a tryoutIf you’re trying to get more gigs, build stronger connections, or become the kind of musician people want to work with again and again, this episode is for you. Full show notes, links, & mentions Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Featured Song: 🎧 Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠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, Joey Biehn, and Zach Howard. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening. Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠

  7. 22 Apr

    Ep. 91: How to Stand Out When Everyone Is Posting with EMM

    If you are trying to build an artist identity that feels bigger than just the songs, this episode is for you. This week on Secrets From the Scene, I sit down with dark-pop artist and producer EMM to talk about what “world-building” actually looks like as an independent artist. Not just the fun creative side, but the reality of it: the characters, visuals, lore, content strategy, teamwork, systems, risk-taking, and insane amount of labor it takes to pull off at a high level. EMM breaks down the thinking behind her current Black Diamond era, how she uses character-based writing to express rage and self-worth, and why building a full artistic universe gives her more freedom than simply releasing songs on their own. We also get into her early background, learning to produce herself, navigating collaboration as a woman in music, and how safety, trust, and creative control all shape the work. Beyond the artistry, this conversation gets into the modern music business in a very real way. We talk about content, provocation, algorithmic reach, fan connection, niche audiences, revenue streams, delegation, and why artists today often need much more than great music to stand out. EMM is honest about the pressure of visibility, the grind of doing things yourself, and the mindset it takes to keep building anyway. We also talk about where the industry may be headed next, especially as AI, social media, and audience behavior continue to change the value of music itself. If you have ever wondered what it takes to build a bold artistic identity in today’s landscape, there is a lot in this one. Full show notes, links, & mentions Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ Connect with the Guest: 🔗 https://www.instagram.com/emminreallife/ 🔗 https://www.emminreallife.com/ 🔗 https://www.tiktok.com/@emminreallife 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: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠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

  8. 8 Apr

    Ep. 90: What Comes Back After 15 Years? The Plastic Constellations Reunion

    This week on Secrets From the Scene, I’m joined by Aaron Mader and Jeff Allen of The Plastic Constellations. Since their band is coming back after more than 15 years, this ended up being a really fun conversation about friendship, memory, local music scenes, and what it feels like to step back into something that used to be such a huge part of your life. We talked about how the band started, what it’s been like to play together again after all this time, and how different music feels in your forties than it did in your twenties. We also got into the bigger-picture stuff around building a band then versus now: all-ages venues, promoting music before social media, the value of local scenes, and why real relationships still matter so much. Aaron and Jeff shared great stories about Foxfire, opening for Low at First Avenue while still in high school, and how a chance airport conversation with Craig Finn opened a door that changed the band’s trajectory. One of my favorite takeaways from this one was a line Aaron dropped near the end: a hang is a win. That idea kind of ties the whole episode together. Whether you’re trying to build a band, a creative career, or just a meaningful life with good people around you, there’s a lot in this conversation about showing up, playing the long game, and staying connected in person. Full show notes, links, & mentions Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ Connect with the Guest: 🔗 https://instagram.com/lazerbeak 🔗 https://instagram.com/jeffallen Featured Song: "Bring What You Bring" by The Plastic Constellations 🎧 Listen on Spotify 👀 Watch on YouTube Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠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

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About

Welcome to Secrets From the Scene, a show for local musicians who want to improve their music, grow their audience, and learn about Minnesota's music scene. If you're interested in talking about all things music-related and meeting interesting people from our local community, you're in the right place.

Information

  • Creator
    Stephen Helvig | Helvig Productions
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    98
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Stephen Helvig | Helvig Productions
  • Show Website
    Secrets From The Scene

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