Elevated Frequencies

Olivia Mancuso
Elevated Frequencies

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 personalized advice on growing your career, brand, and business, check out Olivia’s artist development program at patreon.com/oliviamancuso

  1. Tired of Making No Money? Industry Experts Share Their Solution | EF EP 87

    2 DAYS AGO

    Tired of Making No Money? Industry Experts Share Their Solution | EF EP 87

    Want to know why most DJs struggle to make a living while others build sustainable careers? In this special episode from Chicago Music Nexus, a powerhouse panel of industry experts breaks down the revenue streams you're probably missing and the mindset shifts needed to monetize your brand effectively. From sync licensing deals worth $80,000 to building academies and D2C revenue streams, our panel reveals how thinking beyond gigs could transform your financial reality in dance music. If you're tired of struggling to make ends meet in this industry, this conversation is your wake-up call. Key Takeaways: Why relying solely on gigs is a dangerous gameHow to identify and leverage your unique valueThe truth about building multiple revenue streamsReal numbers: What's possible beyond performingWhy your personal brand matters more than everPractical steps to start monetizing your expertiseHow to build sustainable income in dance music🎫 EXCLUSIVE ANNOUNCEMENT: Year One loyalty tickets for Chicago Music Nexus 2025 dropping soon! Follow @chicagomusicnexus for first access to early bird pricing and exclusive perks. Ready to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso Featured Experts: Mike Salvione, Celia Rose - What Up Pitches! Anj Fayemi - Rivet App Don't let another year go by struggling to make money in music. Hit play now to learn how to turn your passion into profit. Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__ Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

    50 min
  2. Your Music Isn't Enough: A Stylist's Guide to Getting Noticed | EF EP 86

    FEB 13

    Your Music Isn't Enough: A Stylist's Guide to Getting Noticed | EF EP 86

    Want to know why some DJs instantly capture attention while others fade into the background? This week's guest, Wardrobe Consultant, Stylist, and My Friend Camille Ries reveals how developing your signature style can be the difference between being forgettable and unforgettable in dance music. In an oversaturated market where everyone has access to the same music and technology, your personal style isn't just about looking good - it's a powerful tool for building genuine connections with your audience. From Peggy Gou to Skrillex, we break down how the most memorable artists use style to amplify their artistic vision. Key Takeaways: Why most DJs' style mistakes are costing them opportunitiesHow to develop your signature look without breaking the bankThe connection between personal style and networking confidenceStrategic styling differences for photo shoots vs. live performancesHow to build a cohesive wardrobe that represents your artist brandPractical tips for elevating your current wardrobe immediatelyWhy accessories are the secret weapon for stage presenceThe importance of understanding your creative identity beyond musicReady 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 Connect with Camille and start your style journey here. Stop letting basic style choices hold back your music career. Hit play now to learn how developing your signature look could be the missing piece in your artist journey. Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__ Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

    41 min
  3. 'They Told Me to Change My Sound. I Refused.' 3x Grammy Nominated Terry Hunter | EF EP 83

    JAN 23

    'They Told Me to Change My Sound. I Refused.' 3x Grammy Nominated Terry Hunter | EF EP 83

    If you've ever felt pressure to change your sound, this episode is your permission slip to stay true to your vision. Chicago house legend Terry Hunter shares how refusing to compromise his artistry led to three Grammy nominations and working with artists like Beyonce and Aretha Franklin.  When industry experts told Terry his music was "too musical" and needed to be stripped down, he faced a choice many artists confront: change your sound or stay true to your vision. His decision to believe in his artistry didn't just preserve his integrity - it launched him to unprecedented success. From his first track, "Madness," in 1990, to remixing for the world's biggest artists, Terry proves that authenticity isn't just an artistic choice - it's a powerful business strategy. In this conversation, he shares how he's maintained his Chicago house roots while reaching mainstream heights, and why your unique sound might be your most valuable asset. Key Takeaways: Why staying true to your sound can be your biggest advantageHow to evolve without losing your identityBuilding confidence in your artistic visionNavigating industry pressure to change your styleThe importance of understanding music historyWhy collaboration strengthens rather than threatens your successHow mainstream attention is growing house musicReady to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso Follow Terry's journey on Instagram @djterryhunter Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__ Stop chasing trends and start believing in your sound. Hit play now to learn how staying true to your artistry can lead to unprecedented success. Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

    33 min
  4. How Pre-judgement Affects All Artists (And What To Do About It) with Haylee Wood | EF EP 82

    JAN 16

    How Pre-judgement Affects All Artists (And What To Do About It) with Haylee Wood | EF EP 82

    She was mistaken for a groupie at her OWN SHOW.  When we pre-judge artists - for their gender, age, appearance, or background - we all lose out on potential innovation and creativity. This week's guest, Haylee Wood, shares how she went from making bedroom DJ sets during COVID to becoming one of dance music's rising stars, and why maintaining authenticity while navigating industry challenges has been key to her success. Whether you've been pushed aside, underestimated, or had to prove yourself repeatedly, this conversation offers practical strategies for building confidence and turning challenging situations into opportunities for growth. Because when artists have to spend mental energy proving they belong somewhere, it takes away from the energy they could spend on their art. Key Takeaways: How to maintain confidence when facing industry prejudicePractical strategies for commanding respect in professional situationsBuilding authentic relationships while maintaining boundariesConverting challenging situations into opportunitiesWhy creating inclusive spaces benefits everyone's creativityThe importance of finding champions in the industryBalancing authenticity with professional growthReady to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso Follow Haylee's journey on TikTok: @itshayleewood Stop letting preconceptions hold you back. Hit play now to learn how creating space for authenticity can transform your career in electronic music. Connect with me on Instagram: @oliviamancuso__ Video editor/audio engineer: James Fixx

    41 min
  5. Make Music People Can Actually Use (Label Secrets Revealed) | EF EP 81

    JAN 9

    Make Music People Can Actually Use (Label Secrets Revealed) | EF EP 81

    Think you know what your audience wants? This week's guest might change your perspective entirely. Moody Jones, GM of Disposable Records under EMPIRE, shares crucial insights about understanding how people actually experience music - insights that have helped his label generate over 20 million streams and launch careers across 10 countries. From smuggling illegal CDs in Saudi Arabia to running a successful label, Moody's unique journey offers a fresh perspective on what really matters in today's music industry. If you're struggling to connect with audiences or wondering why your releases aren't getting traction, this conversation will help you understand what you might be missing. Key Takeaways: Why understanding WHERE people listen is as important as WHAT they're listening toHow to identify which contexts your music works best inThe importance of experiencing music from your audience's perspectiveWhy stepping away from the industry made him a better label executiveHow cultural shifts affect music preferences (and how to capitalize on them)The real reason some music connects more easily than othersWhy accessibility doesn't mean compromising artistry Ready to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso Want to learn more about Disposable Records? Follow @disposablerecs on Instagram. Stop making music in a vacuum. Hit play now to learn how understanding your audience's experience could be the key to your success in electronic music. Connect with me: instagram.com/oliviamancuso__Connect with Moody: instagram.com/moodyjones Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

    36 min
  6. How One Festival Grew 17% in 2024 By Putting Community First (And Why Artists Should Care) | EF EP 80

    JAN 2

    How One Festival Grew 17% in 2024 By Putting Community First (And Why Artists Should Care) | EF EP 80

    In an era where festivals are shutting down left and right, Same Same But Different Festival grew revenue by 17% while others struggled. How? By challenging the "bigger is better" mindset and putting community first. In this episode, SSBD CEO Brad Sweet shares actionable insights about building trust, taking calculated risks, and creating experiences that keep people coming back. Whether you're an artist looking to throw your own events or trying to understand where festival culture is heading, this conversation offers a blueprint for sustainable success through community-first thinking. Key Takeaways: Why smaller, focused events can be more profitable than massive festivalsHow to identify and fill gaps in your local sceneThe business impact of prioritizing experience over expansionStrategic ways to build trust with your audienceHow giving away 500 free tickets led to long-term growthThe importance of creating spaces for genuine connectionWhy transparency in pricing and decision-making mattersReady to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso Want to experience SSBD Festival for yourself? Visit ssbdfest.com for tickets and information. Stop chasing bigger numbers at the expense of genuine connection. Hit play now to learn how putting community first can transform your career in electronic music. Connect with me: http://www.instagram.com/oliviamancuso_ Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

    43 min
4.6
out of 5
10 Ratings

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 personalized advice on growing your career, brand, and business, check out Olivia’s artist development program at patreon.com/oliviamancuso

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