Elevated Frequencies

Olivia Mancuso
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Entrepreneur and Chicago Music Nexus co-founder Olivia Mancuso cues up insider tips and real-world stories to help aspiring house and techno artists turn their passion into profit. After scaling her business from zero to six figures in six months, Olivia is ready to help with everything from setting up an LLC to building your personal brand. Each week, she’ll share personal insights alongside interviews with artists, promoters, label owners, and agents - all with the aim of elevating your house and techno journey. For more content on growing your career, brand, and business, check out Olivia’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/oliviamancuso__

  1. 3 DAYS AGO

    Map Out Your DJ Career in 2026 Using This Framework | EF EP 132

    New year, same you? Good. Because I'm not here to tell you to hustle harder or add seventeen new habits to your routine. The artists crushing it right now aren't doing MORE than you - they're doing DIFFERENT. They've figured out how to stop being a full-time employee in their own career and start being the CEO. In this episode, I'm breaking down the one framework that separates DJs who plateau at year three from the ones who build sustainable, growing careers: Working ON your career versus working IN your career. And by the end, you'll have a four-week action plan to map out your entire 2026 strategy. Key Takeaways: • The difference between working IN (day-to-day tasks) vs ON (strategic planning) your career• Why most DJs spend 95% of their time on the wrong things and plateau as a result• How I built Chicago Music Nexus by spending 6 months exclusively working ON the business• Why some gigs are strategic moves and others are just survival mode• The 5 key areas where you need to work ON: strategic planning, content & releases, marketing assets, relationship building, and career development• The Weekly CEO Hour: How to implement strategic thinking without adding more work• The post-performance analysis framework (featuring insights from Rituals founder Rami Dabura)• Your 4-week action plan to completely map out Q1 and set yourself up for success Why This Matters: You cannot build momentum if you're constantly in the weeds responding to DMs, tweaking tracks that are already done, and staying busy without actually growing. Strategic thinking is what separates successful artists from everyone else - and it's the one thing most DJs completely skip. Want help building your 2026 strategy? Book a 1-on-1 artist development call with me on GreenRoom where we'll map out exactly what you need to focus on to reach your goals. Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__ Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

    23 min

  2. 23/12/2025

    No One Is Teaching Industry Etiquette (This Competition Is Changing That) | EF EP 131

    Think learning to DJ means mastering your equipment? You're missing the entire point. Your Shot just wrapped their first-ever US competition after 15 years of success in Australia, and what I witnessed at the LA finals completely shifted my perspective. Hundreds of people across LA and New York signed up for six weeks of free DJ training - most had never touched a deck. The LA finals drew 4,000 people (the largest crowd Catch One has ever hosted), and NYC brought 3,600 across two days. Nobody was competing against each other. Complete strangers were hyping each other up like lifelong friends. No one was on their phones unless they were recording their friends perform. Pure community, pure support. The LA winner was Ashley Wilkins (@jellybean.dj), a 29-year-old wellness consultant from Santa Clarita. NYC's champion was Jade Letlow (@punkybutter), a 34-year-old Senior Claims Examiner from Brooklyn. These aren't industry insiders - they're regular people who committed six weeks to betting on themselves. In this conversation, Rashna Krishnan explains why Your Shot teaches the soft skills and industry etiquette that no one else does. How to approach promoters correctly. Why showing up for your scene matters more than your mixing ability. The difference between networking and asking for gigs. And why putting yourself in uncomfortable situations is the fastest way to grow. Key Takeaways:• Your DJ career starts on the dance floor, not behind the decks• Industry etiquette and soft skills matter more than technical ability• Show up for your scene before expecting your scene to show up for you• The right way to approach venues, promoters, and other DJs• Why building genuine community beats competition every time• How six weeks of pressure with a deadline creates transformation• Creating your own opportunities when they're not presenting themselves Registration for Your Shot 2026 is now open. Even if you never do the competition, the principles in this conversation will change how you approach your career. Follow Your Shot: @yourshot_usa Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__ Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

    35 min

  3. 18/12/2025

    'I Turn Down More Gigs Than I Accept': The ANATTA Approach | EF EP 130

    Most artists think saying yes to every opportunity is how you build a career. ANATTA proves the opposite is true. Since our last conversation, ANATTA has mastered one of the hardest skills in this industry - strategic rejection. He turns down more bookings than he accepts, including clubs he's been dying to play and gigs that could pay six months of rent. This isn't about being difficult or playing hard to get. It's about understanding that every yes to the wrong opportunity blocks you from the right one. In this conversation, ANATTA breaks down his approach to selective booking, reveals his genius content creation hack that involves ditching your phone entirely, and explains how fashion and visual identity play into building a recognizable brand in dance music. Key Takeaways:  → The camcorder hack for creating better tour content without distractions → How to know when to turn down bookings → Why planning content while traveling beats scrambling for posts later → The real reason top artists say no more than they say yes → How fashion choices impact your brand identity as a producer If you're struggling with FOMO around opportunities or don't know which bookings to take, this episode will shift your entire approach to career strategy. Want personalized guidance on building your brand and making strategic career decisions? Schedule a one-on-one session with me on GreenRoom where we can dive deep into your specific goals and create an action plan. Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__ Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

    42 min

  4. 11/12/2025

    Should You Adapt to Trends? Ferreck Dawn's 20-Year Answer | EF EP 129

    The world is at 134 BPM right now. Your sound sits at 125. Do you adapt or wait for the trend to pass? This is the choice every producer faces, and Dutch house legend Ferreck Dawn has navigated it for over two decades. Fresh from Amsterdam Dance Event, Ferreck breaks down how he's built a career that's lasted through multiple industry shifts, sound evolutions, and market changes. From his signature "clock" element that's hidden in every track to balancing a touring career with family life, this conversation reveals what it actually takes to build longevity in dance music. Key Takeaways: • How to distinguish between creative evolution and chasing trends • Why consistency and discipline matter more than viral moments • The power of having a signature sound (even if it's subtle) • Navigating the pressure to speed up your BPM when the market shifts • Why the work never stops - no matter what level you reach • How touring impacts family life and what sacrifices look like • The importance of having your own sound versus following what's popular The industry will keep changing whether you're ready or not. But artists who last are the ones who know when to adapt and when to hold their ground. Want personalized guidance on navigating your own career decisions? Book a strategy session with me on GreenRoom to gain clarity on your next steps and build a career development plan tailored to your goals. Chat with me on GreenRoom. Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__ Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

    25 min

  5. 04/12/2025

    The Real Timeline to Quitting Your Day Job as a DJ with Malone | EF EP 129

    Most artists agonize over when to quit their day job. Malóne spent 9 years building his career strategically until the timing was finally right. After nearly a decade of playing Miami clubs, growing his WHYNOTUS label, and building the right relationships, quitting his corporate job before Miami Music Week wasn't a risk - it was the natural next step. This conversation reveals the real timeline of building a sustainable music career. From playing for $200 as the "promoter DJ" to touring Europe all summer, Malóne's journey shows why patience and strategic thinking beat impulsive leaps every time. Key Takeaways: How to know when the timing is actually right to go full-timeWhy years of grinding creates sustainable successThe hidden truth about "dream labels" vs. labels that actually support artistsHow to build a label that puts artists first while staying profitableThe real financial considerations when you have a family depending on youWhy some of the best opportunities come from labels you never consideredReady to build your own sustainable music career? Book a strategy call with me on GreenRoom for personalized guidance on timing your transition, building your brand, and creating multiple revenue streams in dance music. Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__ Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

    44 min

  6. 27/11/2025

    Why Desperate Artists Fail (And Grateful Ones Succeed) | EF EP 127

    Most artists think gratitude is just feel-good fluff. But what if I told you it's actually one of the most powerful business strategies you can use to transform your career? In this deeply personal episode, I'm sharing the exact gratitude practice that took me from making $30,000 a year in a job I hated to building multiple businesses in the music industry. This isn't toxic positivity or woo-woo manifestation - this is strategic psychology that changes how you show up, make decisions, and attract opportunities. Key Takeaways: • The brutal rejection that forced me to bet everything on myself• Why operating from gratitude beats desperation every time• The psychology behind why your brain can't tell the difference between real and imagined success• How to use gratitude strategically (not just "be thankful for what you have")• The difference between genuine gratitude and toxic positivity• My exact morning practice that rewired my entire career trajectory• Why grateful artists make better business decisions and attract better opportunities• How to maintain gratitude during setbacks (like when my studio flooded)• The strategic gratitude framework you can start using today The Bottom Line: When you operate from genuine appreciation instead of desperation, you become magnetic to the people and opportunities that can transform your career. Your dreams aren't just possible - they're inevitable when you align your energy with them. Stop chasing success from a place of lack. Start attracting it from a place of gratitude. Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__ Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

    20 min

  7. 20/11/2025

    How to Turn Your Other Skills into Career Gold with Rebūke | EF EP 126

    Most artists compartmentalize their lives - music over here, other interests over there. Rebūke shows how to fold your entire self into your music career. The same kid who got pulled out of geography class to fix teachers' computers now creates stunning 3D visuals that have transformed his live shows and opened entirely new revenue streams. While other artists outsource their visual content, Rebūke taught himself Cinema 4D, Unreal Engine, and AI visual generation. His shows now feature production value that looks like a massive team but runs with just him and his VJ, sometimes creating content on planes between gigs. Key Takeaways: • Why learning adjacent skills can become your biggest competitive advantage • How to identify which of your existing talents could enhance your music career • The strategic decision between outsourcing vs. learning new skills yourself • How visual content has expanded his career beyond traditional DJ bookings • Why being the "computer nerd" in school set him up for success in modern music • The mindset shift from "I just make music" to "I create experiences" • How childhood interests can become professional superpowers • Why artists who embrace technology early gain massive advantages Stop limiting yourself to just music production. Your "other" skills might be exactly what sets you apart in a crowded industry. Hit play to learn how to identify and leverage the talents you already have. Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__ Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

    40 min

  8. 13/11/2025

    How Jamie Jones Mastered the Long Game | EF Ep 125

    Most DJs burn out, fade away, or get replaced by the next big thing within five years. Jamie Jones has been dominating dance music for over two decades. So what's his secret to mastering the long game? In this rare, in-depth conversation, we dive into the strategic decisions and mindset shifts that have kept Jamie relevant while countless others have disappeared. From his isolated beginnings in rural Wales to building Paradise into a global phenomenon, this is the blueprint for sustainable success in dance music. Key Takeaways:  • The mindset shift that transformed his relationship with performing and creativity • The strategic psychology behind moving Paradise from DC-10 to Amnesia  • Why he evolved from being mentored to becoming the mentor everyone credits • How his 8-year sobriety journey transformed his relationship with performing and creativity • How he restructured his entire life around family without sacrificing career momentum • The counterintuitive approach to scaling a brand globally while keeping its soul intact This isn't just another "how I made it" story. This is a masterclass in longevity from someone who's watched entire generations of DJs come and go while he continues to thrive. If you want to build something that lasts in this industry, this conversation is essential. REMINDER: You have ONE WEEK LEFT to secure your Chicago Music Nexus pass! This is the industry event of the year - don't miss your chance to connect with the people shaping dance music's future. Get tickets now before they're gone. Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__ Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

    43 min
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About

Entrepreneur and Chicago Music Nexus co-founder Olivia Mancuso cues up insider tips and real-world stories to help aspiring house and techno artists turn their passion into profit. After scaling her business from zero to six figures in six months, Olivia is ready to help with everything from setting up an LLC to building your personal brand. Each week, she’ll share personal insights alongside interviews with artists, promoters, label owners, and agents - all with the aim of elevating your house and techno journey. For more content on growing your career, brand, and business, check out Olivia’s Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/oliviamancuso__

Information

  • Creator
    Olivia Mancuso
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    132
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2023 Olivia Mancuso
  • Show Website
    Elevated Frequencies

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