Almost Famous Enough

Glen Erickson
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Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice;  they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

  1. 5D AGO

    ep38 Mia Kelly practices joy

    Canadian indie folk artist Mia Kelly joins the podcast during a rare break at her home base in Gatineau. We dive into her life on the road, her recent Australian tour, and her collaboration with Kim Churchill on the new single "Time’s Easy to Blame." From winning Canadian Folk Music Awards to the meditative thrill of river surfing on the Ottawa River, Mia shares how she’s navigating the industry, building her team, and infusing her singer-songwriter journey with pure joy. Hot Topics: Home base & family: Mia lives in a converted "granny flat" behind her childhood home, steps from the Ottawa River, a perfect setup for a musician who tours 8–9 months of the yearAdvice for emerging artists: Show up in the right spaces, ask questions, reach out - the team will find you when you're readyKim Churchill: How a chance meeting at a Canadian tour stop - answering Kim's callout for local artists — turned into a close friendship, a river surfing session, and ultimately a collaboration on the new albumRiver surfing: Mia's meditation, creative incubator, and source of songwriting ideas - she surfs a standing wave on the Ottawa River, sometimes for an entire sunsetThe new album (out in May): Recorded at The Tree House studio north of Montreal with producer Connor Satiell; a conscious shift toward joy, love, and gratitude after two more introspective records; includes the single Time's Easy to Blame featuring Kim ChurchillLife on the road: Van life (a sprinter van co-funded by her grandparents), running, painting, and intentional relationship-tending as tools for staying groundedHot sauce merch: A genuine passion turned into a fan-favorite merch item in collaboration with Ottawa's Meow That's Hotep38 Mia Kelly practices joy  released April 2, 2026  1:31:30  https://miakellymusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/miakkelly/ https://www.youtube.com/MiaKelly/ hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson AFE website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480 Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:35 Meeting Mia Kelly 04:44 Touring Home Base 07:51 Living Near Family 11:34 Career Turning Point 15:52 Building Your Team 26:27 Songwriting Over Genre 36:40 Waves Vans And Kim 51:10 Led Zeppelin Fact Check 51:56 Tour Break And Awards Timing 53:25 Contemporary Folk Category Talk 54:30 Bilingual Identity And Songwriting 56:39 Peers And Validation Moments 58:52 New Record Inspiration And Joy 01:03:58 Cultivating Joy On Tour 01:07:38 Hot Sauce Merch And Hot Ones 01:14:50 Post-Fame with Alexi

    1h 32m
  2. s3 Post-Fame Plus presents Hot Takes with Josh

    MAR 27

    s3 Post-Fame Plus presents Hot Takes with Josh

    Season 3 special brought to you by Post-Fame Plus with Alexi and Glen. Featuring a new segment, HOT TAKES with JOSH.

    54 min
  3. ep37 Aysanabee is a gift

    MAR 19

    ep37 Aysanabee is a gift

    Aysanabee shares his journey from Sandy Lake First Nation to winning two Junos, exploring his musical influences, the impact of awards on his career, and the importance of authenticity and storytelling in his artistry. This insightful interview tells Aysanabee’s journey as an Indigenous artist, the influence of his grandfather, and the evolving landscape of music and identity. Discover how storytelling, resilience, and authenticity shape his career and creative process. Aysanabee, Junos, Canadian music, storytelling, musical influences, artist development, Indigenous music, resilience, cultural identity, touring, songwriting, heritage key topics Aysanabee's background and early influences Impact of awards on career trajectory Authenticity and vocal style in performance Aysanabee's relationship with his grandfather and its influence on his music The challenges and rewards of touring as an Indigenous artist The significance of cultural identity and storytelling in his work Navigating stereotypes and expectations in the music industry ep37 Aysanabee is a gift  released March 19, 2026  1:28:40 https://www.aysanabee.com/ https://www.instagram.com/_aysanabee_ https://www.youtube.com/c/Aysanabee hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson AFE website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480 Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way. Chapters 00:00 Introduction  02:42 Meet Aysanabee  03:37 Folk Fest Formats  04:48 Juno Cup Hockey Story  09:43 Stage Fright And Banter  12:58 Off Grid Childhood Origins  19:08 Brother’s Music Influences  27:16 First Record Breakthrough  34:19 Juno Wins And Touring Reality  44:24 Grandfather Bond  45:40 Family Rock and Support  47:46 Recording the Stories  49:21 Healing Through the Album  50:59 Indigenous Artist Label  56:28 Racism and Progress  01:01:56 New Acoustic Release  01:05:03 Touring Costs and Love  01:14:53 Post-Fame with Alexi

    1h 29m
  4. ep36 Sammy Volkov is a classic tale

    MAR 12

    ep36 Sammy Volkov is a classic tale

    Sammy Volkov has taken an uncommon path to his sophomore solo record, Songs from the Goodbye Garden. We dive into the indie music hustle, as the common thread of "audacity" required to move ahead as an artist. Sammy shares his journey from an Edmonton "record nerd" to an LA door-to-door salesman, and how he was always building his music career while supposedly working on other things. We get Sammy to explain all those retro-pop influences like Roy Orbison and Dusty Springfield shaping his songwriting, as well as explore the importance of queer representation in today’s evolving music industry landscape. ep36 Sammy Volkov is a classic tale  released March 12, 2026  1:31:08 https://www.sammyvolkov.com/ https://www.instagram.com/sammyvolkov/ https://www.youtube.com/@sammyvolkov3009 hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson  Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com  AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough  Almost Famous Enough Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480 Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:10 New Album and Prom 06:09 Building Musical Connections 12:07 Edmonton Roots and Dual Life 13:34 Oldies Radio and Record Hunting 18:52 First Songs and Acting School 23:26 NYC to LA to Toronto Detours 30:55 COVID Reset and Going All In 46:51 Identity Meets Art 47:40 Religious Boxed In 49:07 Queer Visibility Pressure 51:46 Records As Refuge 53:05 Why Representation Matters 01:01:25 Retro Influences And Niche 01:05:14 Dream Song Vs Craft 01:10:19 Collaboration And Production 01:16:59 Tour Audiences And Wrap 01:22:01 Post-Fame with Alexi

    1h 31m
  5. ep35 Striker just wanna have fun

    MAR 5

    ep35 Striker just wanna have fun

    Dan Cleary and Tim Brown are two members of Edmonton-based heavy metal powerhouse Striker. As they approach two decades in the music industry, the guys discuss their DIY recording roots, the reality of independent record labels, and conquering the European metal festival circuit. From winning a Juno Award mid-pandemic to their 2024 stylistic evolution on Ultra Power, learn how these Canadian metal veterans maintain longevity by prioritizing brand authenticity and pure, unadulterated fun. ep35 Striker just wanna have fun released March 5, 2026 1:40:43 https://www.striker-metal.com/ http://instagram.com/strikermetal https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCU67S5jpv-oENDrjRZEcmuA Takeaways Striker is approaching their 20th anniversary as a band.Touring life is often glamorized, but the reality includes a lot of waiting and driving.The perception of metal genres has evolved, with more blending and acceptance of different styles.The visual and stylistic changes in Striker's image were a conscious decision to embrace fun and creativity.They emphasize the importance of having fun in music, especially in the face of industry challenges.Striker, Canadian metal, longevity, independent labels, music industry, Juno Award, touring, band dynamics, Edmonton music scene, metal genres, band dynamics, authenticity, new music, fun in music, advice for bands hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough Almost Famous Enough Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480 Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 03:26 Meet Striker and Origins 05:40 20 Years of Metal Longevity 11:09 DIY Demos and First Deal 16:05 Edmonton Scene and Europe Breakthrough 27:52 Fame Myths Touring Reality 40:30 Junos Get Canceled 41:43 Does A Juno Matter 44:21 Pandemic Tour Limbo 45:59 Band Nearly Breaks 50:48 Ultra Power New Vibe 01:11:24 What’s Next And Drummer 01:18:14 Fill-In Drummers Policy 01:19:11 Advice For New Bands 01:20:01 Fun Over Money In AI Era 01:21:38 DIY Skills And Self Investment 01:24:41 Post-Fame with Alexi

    1h 41m
  6. ep34 Shawn Hall The Harpoonist

    FEB 26

    ep34 Shawn Hall The Harpoonist

    Award-winning blues artist Shawn Hall (The Harpoonist) joins Glen for a candid conversation about reinvention nearly two decades into his career. From gritty breakout moments to recording a vulnerable new solo album in Paris under his own name, Shawn reflects on identity, creative risk, and stripping his music down to its emotional core. It’s a deep dive into growth, longevity, and what happens when you step outside your comfort zone to rediscover your voice. ep34 Shawn Hall The Harpoonist  released February 26, 2026  2:02:53 Key Topics Discussed Working with producer Renaud Letang in Paris and embracing creative vulnerabilityTaking creative risks later in a career, not just at the beginningApproaching harmonica as rhythmic punctuation rather than solo virtuoso playingRecording the iconic sweaty Regina show with broken gear - blowing harmonica straight through the vocal micInfluences: Brownie McGee, Paul Reddick, Parliament/Funkadelic approach to harmonica"I wanted to be an outsider again." Guest website: https://theharpoonist.bandcamp.com/track/good-people Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/the_harpoonist/ Guest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@theharpoonistshawn hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough Almost Famous Enough Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480 Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way. Chapters  00:00 Introduction 03:11 Island Life Talk 12:35 Paris Reset Record 27:10 Vulnerability In Studio 41:55 Origins Of The Harpoonist 46:34 Trailblazing Blues Identity 49:00 Banter Versus Gatekeeping 53:16 BreakOut West Buzz 01:06:31 Duo Mechanics Trance 01:11:06 Harmonica Style And Gear 01:27:00 Solo Records And Longevity 01:29:58 New Songs Not Nostalgia 01:33:16 A Regina Memory 01:35:32 Winter Wrap Up 01:37:29 Post-Fame with Alexi

    2h 3m
  7. ep33 Julianna Riolino feels a lot

    FEB 19

    ep33 Julianna Riolino feels a lot

    Season 3 kicks off with Canadian artist Julianna Riolino, whose genre-defying music blends fifties soul, rock and roll, and Canadiana influences. Glen caught her electrifying performance at Edmonton Folk Fest 2024 and knew she'd be the perfect guest to launch the new season. Julianna reflects on how her 2025 album “Echo in the Dust” keeps revealing itself as she grows, and why she identifies first as a songwriter. She discusses leaving Daniel Romano and The Outfit to protect her own output, choosing independent releases and distribution for control and integrity, and resisting label deals that compromise ownership. She also recounts the Subaru commercial placement “Against the Grain” and shares touring realities, including her devotion to a Vox AC30 guitar tone.  ep33 Julianna Riolino feels a lot released February 19, 2026 1:35:18 Key Topics Discussed Musical Journey & IdentityCreative ProcessGenre & InfluencesBusiness of MusicThe "Against the Grain" StoryTouring & PerformanceCreative Outlets Beyond Music"I feel first and foremost I'm a songwriter. I have been trudging through life with my guitar and the melodies in my head." "I feel a lot and deeply and I'm very hard on myself." "You have to really sit down and ask yourself, why are you doing this? I'm not doing this to be a millionaire. I'm not doing this to be famous." Guest website: https://juliannariolino.com/ Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/juliannariolinoofficial/ Guest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@juliannariolinomusic   hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough Almost Famous Enough Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480 Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:38 Meet the Guest: New Album, Pandemic Growth & the Subaru Sync 04:14 How the Record Keeps Changing: Songs, Subconscious & Meaning Over Time 07:23 Songwriter First: Early Shows, Identity & Making Art Beyond Music 12:14 Stained Glass, Side Quests & Avoiding Burnout 20:27 Leaving Daniel Romano & The Outfit: Boundaries, Family Vibes & Going Solo 30:39 Genre, DIY Producing & Surviving the Modern Music Business (Labels, Masters, Content) 55:14 Keeping the Joy: Staying Authentic Without Getting Jaded 56:51 TikTok, AI & the Attention Economy: Marketing vs. Human Intent 01:00:34 Song Spotlight: How “Against the Grain” Landed a Subaru Commercial 01:06:07 Saying Yes (and Getting Paid): Indie Cred, Sync Work & Creative Survival 01:11:59 Tour Prep Anxiety: Problem-Solving, DIY Logistics & Life on the Road 01:13:55 Amp Nerd-Out: Vox AC30 Devotion, Guitar Tone & the Tromsø Epiphany 01:22:11 Post-Fame with Alexi

    1h 35m
  8. s2 Post-Fame Plus: Wrapped 2025

    12/18/2025

    s2 Post-Fame Plus: Wrapped 2025

    s2 Post-Fame-Plus Wrapped  Dec 18, 2025  00:47:43 In this special episode of Post-Fame Plus, Alexi and Glen reflect on their Spotify Wrapped for 2025, discussing their top genres, songs, albums, and artists of the year. They share their surprises and insights, ponder the influence of their listening habits, and discuss new features in Spotify's end-of-year feature. They also highlight their favorite songs released in 2025 and touch on plans for the next season of their podcast. Chapters 00:00 Introduction 00:21 Post Fame Plus Overview 00:59 Spotify Wrapped Discussion 03:06 Top Genres Breakdown 09:19 Listening Age Analysis 11:42 Top Songs Countdown 23:23 Discussing Favorite Songs 24:08 Top Albums of the Year 24:36 Concert Memories and Music Preferences 26:31 Top Artists Breakdown 29:29 Spotify Wrapped Insights 32:43 AI-Generated Music Stories 39:32 Favorite Songs of 2025 hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough Almost Famous Enough Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480 Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

    48 min
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About

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice;  they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Information

  • Creator
    Glen Erickson
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    45
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Almost Famous Enough
  • Show Website
    Almost Famous Enough

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