Almost Famous Enough

Glen Erickson

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. ep42 Shub has timing

    6D AGO

    ep42 Shub has timing

    Explore the intersection of turntablism, indigenous culture, and electronic music with Juno-winning artist Shub. From his early days as a DMC Canada champion to pioneering the powwow step genre with A Tribe Called Red, Shub discusses the technical evolution of his craft and the importance of representation. We dive into his prolific production process, the realities of streaming royalties, and his latest collaborative project, Heritage, which continues to redefine the boundaries of modern Canadian music. ep42 Shub has timing  released April 30, 2026  1:23:24 Key Topics: His older brother's influence and getting his first turntablesThe DMC DJ battle circuit - how it works, the politics, and representing Canada at the world finals in England (6th place out of 32)Discovering the Electric Powwow scene in Ottawa and how "Powwow Step" was bornJoining A Tribe Called Red, winning a Juno, and touring internationallyThe importance of management for indigenous artists and controlling your own narrativeGoing solo and sustaining a career through royalties, licensing, and live showsAI in music - useful tool or threat?War Club and the Heritage album series — 40 songs, split into two parts to maximize reachHis son following in his footsteps as a DJhttps://www.djshub.ca/ https://www.instagram.com/djshub/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GnlFX64_y-D7A4I8XVQRA 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 00:00:00 Introduction 00:03:26 Buffalo Roots and Early Influences 00:06:44 From Turntables to Battle Champion 00:15:45 Inside DMC Battles and World Finals 00:23:32 Electric Powwow and A Tribe Called Red 00:33:20 Powwowstep Breakthrough 00:34:32 Management And Narrative 00:41:07 Touring Abroad Perspectives 00:44:10 Culture In The Music 00:48:01 Making A Living Solo 00:54:45 Heritage Collabs Rollout 01:04:20 Album Plug and Farewell 01:05:06 Post-Fame with Alexi

    1h 24m
  2. ep41 Danielle McTaggart is Larkk

    APR 23

    ep41 Danielle McTaggart is Larkk

    Danielle McTaggart has navigated a fascinating evolution from the early days of Dear Rouge and winning the Peak Performance Project to her evocative new solo venture, Larkk. We explore her roots in Red Deer , the transition from Christian music culture to the indie-rock scene , and the vulnerability of processing infertility and grief through songwriting. Danielle shares veteran insights on maintaining a full-time music career , the importance of creative control , and collaborating with poets to find a raw, mature voice. ep41 Danielle McTaggart is Larkk released April 23, 2026 1:16:24 Key Topics The importance and power of vulnerability in music and artistryTransitioning from band success to solo experimentationThe influence of Christian roots and artistic grief on songwritingThe evolving voice and style from Dear Rouge to LarkkThe role of collaboration with poets and mental health in music creationThe significance of intentional, curated live performancesThe challenge of navigating social media and attention in modern musicThe importance of mentorship and education opportunities in Canadahttps://www.larkkmusic.com/ https://www.instagram.com/larkkmusic https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqGUgS1XUiEvWUqTVBAdcmA 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 00:00:00 Introduction 00:04:22 Career Beginnings 00:07:04 Influences and Early Music 00:09:59 Transition to Indie Rock 00:19:04 Challenges in the Music Industry 00:21:29 Finding Joy in Music 00:37:39 Larkk's Creative Process 00:54:36 Writing with a Poet 00:57:51 The Meaning of Larkk 01:00:28 Post-Fame with Alexi

    1h 16m
  3. ep40 Jody Glenham is a lifer

    APR 16

    ep40 Jody Glenham is a lifer

    Jody Glenham shares her 20-year evolution in the Canadian music industry, from the legendary Sidetrack Cafe door in Edmonton, to the forefront of the Vancouver indie scene. We dive into the making of her new EP, Still Here, her experience producing the "perfect song" in "Overtime," and the unique "artist grants" she utilized while working at John Fluevog. It’s a deep dive into DIY production, building community across the Prairies, and the gritty reality of being a "lifer" musician. ep40 Jody Glenham is a lifer released April 16, 2026 1:28:51 Key Highlights: Glen Erickson and Jody discuss their history in the Edmonton music scene and Jody's move to Vancouver.Jody's experiences working at the Side Track Cafe and her first show opening for Veda Hille.The impact of the pandemic on artists and the music industry.Jody's new EP "Still Here" and the themes of acceptance, presence, and community.The influence of Jenny Lewis on Jody's music style.Jody's journey as a musician, including her work with Louise Burns and her experiences touring internationally.Keywords: Side Track Cafe, Mood Rock, Community, Acceptance, Presence, Touring, Collaboration Key Mentions: Veda HilleChris WintersJames MurdochJack WhiteAlice CooperGeddy LeeLouise BurnsJenny LewisThe Wheat PoolJohn FluvogGrant Lawrencehttps://www.jodyglenham.com/ https://www.instagram.com/summerwitch/ https://www.youtube.com/c/jodyglenham 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 00:00:00 - Introduction 00:03:48 - The Canadian music scene as a birthplace of grit and perseverance 00:09:44 - Returning to music during the pandemic: resilience and hope 00:12:47 - The journey from Edmonton to Vancouver: community and opportunity 00:15:52 - The decision to move cities for growth and new opportunities 00:22:02 - Navigating career gaps: side jobs, collaborations, and maintaining inspiration 00:26:42 - Producing her own record: confidence in the creative process 00:36:50 - Pandemic challenges influencing band dynamics and output 00:41:43 - Analyzing the themes of hope and connection in recent work 00:44:23 - Inspirations and references: Jenny Lewis and harmonic choices 00:45:19 - Themes of acceptance, presence, and shared struggles in her music 00:51:33 - Upcoming release details and future plans 00:57:56 - A or B Game with Vancouver’s indie music community 01:04:14 - Post-Fame with Alexi

    1h 29m
  4. ep39 Mariel Buckley keeps winning

    APR 9

    ep39 Mariel Buckley keeps winning

    We catch up with Juno Award winner Mariel Buckley following her big win for Contemporary Roots Album of the Year. We dive into the grit behind the glamour - from the "grateful tired" of life on tour to the evolution of her indie-alt-country sound. Mariel opens up about the pivotal choice to skip Nashville session players for her own band, navigating industry gatekeeping, and the raw vulnerability of songwriting through major life pivots. It’s a masterclass in artistic integrity. ep39 Mariel Buckley keeps winning released April 9, 2026 1:31:57 Episode TL;DR: The Juno win: What it actually feels like to win Canada's biggest music prize, and why hearing from peers meant more than the award itselfCareer evolution: From playing country covers at Calgary happy-hour gigs to earn rent, to finding her authentic voice and letting go of what didn't serve herRecord by record: The pivots between Driving in the Dark, Everywhere I Used to Be, and Strange Trip Ahead, including writing through breakups, the pandemic, sobriety, and turning 30 (and 35)Sibling harmonies: A fun detour ranking great sibling harmony acts (Louvin Brothers, Everly Brothers, Beach Boys, Haim, and more), and the planned Mariel + Tim Buckley studio projectThe song Anvil: How a co-write with Robbie Heck became a raw meditation on the choice not to have childrenOutspokenness, evolution, and letting go of the fight: How Mariel has shifted from competitive scarcity thinking to genuinely championing her peersDefining success: Selling 400 tickets, paying her bills from music, mentoring others, and being known for integrity over metricsFeatured artists mentioned: Matt Anderson, Kathleen Edwards, Rose Cousins, Donovan Woods, Jason Molina, The War on Drugs, Ruston Kelly, Leeroy Stagger, William Prince, k.d. lang, Lucius, The Staves, Haim https://www.marielbuckley.com/ http://www.instagram.com/marielbuckley https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCTBPYHl4E-O_Cjqn_uQcTXw 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 04:57 Meet Mariel Buckley 10:14 Juno Win Aftermath 15:55 Touring and Genre Roots 23:09 Finding Her Sound 30:08 Sibling Harmonies and Collabs 37:19 First Co Write Breakthrough 38:07 Studio Debut With Leroy 38:59 Touring To Level Up 39:56 Pandemic Reset And Therapy 41:35 Synth Country And Fallout 43:32 Vending Machines Recommitment 50:59 Writing Anvil In Nashville 01:07:04 Defining Success And Closing 01:15:51 Post-Fame with Alexi

    1h 32m
  5. ep38 Mia Kelly practices joy

    APR 2

    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
  6. 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
  7. 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

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.

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