Secrets From The Scene

Stephen Helvig | Helvig Productions
  • 5.0 (4)
  • MUSIC
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

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. FEB 25

    Ep. 87: From 90s Boy Band Life to a TikTok Second Wind with Darnel Alexander

    Darnel Alexander is a soulful R&B singer and songwriter whose journey stretches from the 90s boy band era to a surprising second wind on TikTok. In this conversation, Darnel takes us back to his Seattle roots, the early talent show circuit, and his first group, Third Level, including the grind of learning the industry from the inside before anyone was paying attention. From there, he breaks down what it was really like being in the a cappella R&B group Second Nature: the rehearsals, the compromises, the pressure, and the lessons you only learn when you are sharing bills with major artists and trying to meet the standard night after night. Then we get into the moment everything changed. Darnel posts a raw Luther Vandross cover, a cappella in a parking garage, and it takes off. He shares what happened next: figuring out a repeatable approach to content, balancing covers with original music, handling accusations of lip-syncing once he started adding music, and staying grounded through the mind games of social media. We also talk about the deeper stuff that makes his story more than “went viral”: personal growth, confidence without ego, building discipline through fitness, vocal care, and what it looks like to pursue music while working a full-time job and raising kids. If you have ever felt like your window closed, this episode is a reminder that a second wind is real, especially when you are ready for it. In this episode, we cover: The real day-to-day of 90s group life: rehearsals, roles, compromise, and pressureWhat he learned from sharing stages with major acts and seeing true professionalism up closeWhy covers are not “cheating,” plus how to use them without getting stuckThe parking garage Luther cover that sparked a viral momentSocial media mind games, haters, algorithm swings, and staying consistent anywayFitness, discipline, and vocal care habits (including his no-dairy rule before shows)Making music while balancing a full-time job, fatherhood, and limited free timeConfidence, humility, and building a life that is actually goodFull show notes, links, & mentions Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Darnelalexandermusic.com 🔗 Instagram 🔗 YouTube 🔗 TikTok Featured Song: 🎧 https://open.spotify.com/track/0KK3QEaUNYasQ19x17g5dd?si=6e7feb40a6b54e3f 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

    58 min

  2. FEB 11

    Ep. 86: Lean Into the Fear: Meghan Kreidler on Live Performance, Momentum, and DIY with Kiss The Tiger

    Meghan Kreidler (Kiss The Tiger) joins Secrets From The Scene to unpack the thing that separates a decent set from a truly memorable live show: stage presence. Meghan talks about the early discomfort of being “herself” on stage, how acting tools translate (and sometimes do not translate) to the rock club, and why experimentation matters. We dig into physical embodiment, the power of stillness, and how intention changes everything. Meghan also shares how the band stays tight without forcing a uniform approach to movement, how she prepares mentally before shows, and why you sometimes have to commit first and let the emotions follow. We also get into the realities behind the momentum: managing expectations, avoiding the comparison trap, booking tours DIY, and what is actually worth spending money on as an independent artist. Plus: Kiss The Tiger’s annual I Love Lucy: Kiss The Tiger Pays Tribute to Lucinda Williams returns on Valentine’s Day (Feb 14, 2026) at the Turf Club with Molly Maher and Her Disbelievers, and we’ve got a ticket giveaway in this episode’s post. Why early shows can feel weird, even with an acting backgroundExperimentation vs overdoing it, and how to stay connected to the songStillness as a performance weapon“Commit first” as a way to lead the roomBand dynamics: what you can ask of bandmates (and what you cannot)Managing ambition without making yourself miserableDIY vs outsourcing: what to learn first, and what to hire outBest investments: photos, posters, shirt designs, and other “infrastructure”What to be cautious about with PR and rushed spendingMeghan’s stage presence “secret”: lean into the fearI Love Lucy: Kiss The Tiger Pays Tribute to Lucinda Williams Saturday, Feb 14, 2026 | Turf Club (St. Paul) | 21+ | Doors 8pm | Music 9pm With: Molly Maher and Her Disbelievers Full show notes, links, & mentions 🌐 🌐 🌐 🔗 Kiss the Tiger Linktree 🔗 Kiss the Tiger Instagram 🔗 Kissthetiger.com 🔗 Kiss the Tiger Bandcamp "Big Booty Scooty" by Kiss The Tiger 🎧 Listen on Spotify 👀 Watch on YouTube What we coverGiveaway and upcoming showEpisode Links and MentionsConnect with the GuestFeatured Song

    1h 23m

  3. JAN 28

    Ep. 85: How McNasty Keeps a 10-Piece Band Alive, Paid, and Tight with Riley Helgeson

    If you think scheduling a four-piece band is hard, try doing it with ten people, a loud acoustic tradition, and gigs that range from jazz festivals to high school clinics to packed club nights. In this episode, I’m joined by Riley Helgeson, bandleader and trumpet player for McNasty Brass Band, to talk about what it really takes to keep a 10-member brass band functional. We get into how they make decisions when everyone’s serious about their craft, why written charts are basically non-negotiable, how they handle pay so members do not cherry-pick gigs, and why their in-ear rig changed everything for surviving loud stages. We also zoom out into Riley’s broader professional life: booking, composing, and wearing the full modern-musician “many hats” stack without burning out. Also, if you’re in the Twin Cities: McNasty is playing Turf Club on January 31 with Shane Cox and the Funky Spuds and Clean Plate Club. Full show notes, links, & mentions Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ Connect with the Guest: 🔗 McNasty Bass Band Instagram 🔗 Riley Helgeson Instagram Featured Song: “Duluth” by McNasty Brass Band 🎧 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

    49 min

  4. JAN 14

    Ep. 84: From Zero to First Avenue - How Lasalle Built a New Band Fast

    A lot of artists want the outcome. Fewer artists want the process. The posting, the reaching out, the showing up to jams, the awkward early gigs, the constant question of, “Am I being genuine or am I marketing myself?” Lasalle and I talk about that exact push and pull: wanting a bigger platform, wanting your art to matter, but not always wanting to do the public-facing stuff it takes to build momentum. And the best part is he doesn’t pretend it’s easy. He’s honest about perfectionism, about the awkwardness of “networking,” and about what actually helped this project go from an idea to real shows, fast. A few things we dig into: Going from drummer to frontman, and the uncomfortable parts of suddenly being the “face” of a project. Lasalle - Full EpisodeHow he met his bandmates: showing up to jams, being consistent, building trust, and making real friends instead of trying to leech off the scene.Art vs. business: how to promote shows without sounding like you’re copy-pasting the same post, and why “excitement” is the best marketing strategy when it’s real.Why there’s no release yet, and how he thinks about timing when opportunities come before the recordings are ready.A simple mindset shift I loved: if you treat the local scene like something you’re lucky to be part of, it tends to treat you well right back.Lasalle is also playing First Avenue’s Best New Bands of 2025 alongside Chutes, GR3G, Maygen & The Birdwatcher, Mother Soki, Sallyforth, and Sophie Hiroko on January 17, 2026. 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/lasallesounds/ 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

    59 min

  5. 12/31/2025

    Ep. 83: Inside Charlie Parr’s Process - Cheap Wine, Duluth roots, and songwriting that lasts

    This week I sit down with Charlie Parr, a Minnesota original and a master of fingerstyle and slide guitar. He grew up in Austin, found his footing in Duluth, and has spent decades touring and recording. We keep the focus on creative process and do a full breakdown of “Cheap Wine,” including how its meaning shifts beside a short story he wrote. If you care about songs that feel lived in, this conversation shows how a story becomes music: the choices, the dynamics, and the discipline behind it. What you will hear: How place and early listening shaped Charlie’s voice, from his parents’ record stack to Duluth’s sceneThe creative choices behind “Cheap Wine,” and where the song and short story divergeHonest vs. confessional writing, plus revising to protect real peoplePlaying live without a set list, reading the room, and pacing for different crowdsRecording philosophies: rooms as instruments, portable tape rigs, and chasing atmosphereWorking with a manager to protect writing time and keep the calendar saneThe income reality of a career built on shows, with records and books supporting the workMental health, gratitude, and the advice he would give his younger selfIf the episode resonates, please share it with a friend and leave a quick rating. It helps the show reach more listeners who care about the craft of music. Full show notes, links, & mentions Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ Connect with the Guest: 🔗 https://www.charlieparr.com/ 🔗 https://www.instagram.com/charlie.parr/ Featured Song: "Boombox" by Charlie Parr 🎧 Listen on Spotify 👀 Watch on YouTube "Cheap Wine" by Charlie Parr 👀 Check it out live at the end of our episode! 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

    1h 52m

  6. 12/17/2025

    Ep. 82: How to Prepare for the Studio and Work With a Producer with Tony Williamette

    Ever walk out of a recording session feeling like it should have gone better? Not because the song was bad, but because the session felt rushed, tense, or just… off. Or maybe you are on the front end of it. Nervous for your first real studio experience, wondering what you are supposed to bring, what you are supposed to know, and whether you are actually ready for a serious session. This week on Secrets From the Scene, I sat down with Tony Williamette, owner and head engineer at Minnehaha Recording Company, to talk about what actually makes a studio session successful. Tony and I both run recording studios and work closely with local artists, so this conversation comes straight from years of real sessions, real mistakes, and real wins. We get into how artists can prepare for the studio in ways that actually matter, not just showing up with a song, but showing up with clarity. We also unpack the producer’s role and the many hats producers and studio owners wear, from engineer to creative partner to coach to business owner. If you are an artist who wants better recordings, smoother sessions, and more confidence in the studio, this episode is for you. In this episode, we talk about: What being “prepared for the studio” really meansThe difference between a producer and an engineer, and why it mattersHow demos, references, and communication save time and moneyDealing with nerves and pressure in recording sessionsHow producers balance creativity, psychology, and businessWhy great sessions are built on trust, not perfection If you have ever wondered how to show up better for your recording sessions, or what producers are actually doing behind the glass, I think you will get a lot out of this one. Full show notes, links, & mentions Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Minnehaha Recording Company 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

    1h 12m

  7. 12/04/2025

    Ep. 81: From Flyte Tyme Roots to R&B Frontman: Inside the Minneapolis Sound with Jordan Johnston

    The Minneapolis Sound is one of the most distinctive music legacies in the world, and this week I get to celebrate it with someone who grew up inside that story. On this episode of Secrets From The Scene, I sit down with Minneapolis R&B artist Jordan Johnston to talk about the tradition, history, and ongoing legacy of the Minneapolis Sound and how it shows up in his own career. Jordan’s connection to this music runs deep. His dad, Bob Johnston, was a staff writer and producer at Flyte Tyme, and now plays drums in Jordan’s band. So his entry point was not just hearing Prince or Mint Condition on the radio. He grew up around the people who helped build that sound. In our conversation, we walk through his journey from growing up in a Flyte Tyme family to becoming a frontman, the artists and records that shaped his ear, and what he has learned from collaborating with veterans like Darnell Alexander. Jordan shares stories about opening for Stokley and performing at Paisley Park, and talks about what it feels like to step into rooms that are such a big part of Minneapolis music history. From there, we zoom out and look at the bigger picture. We talk about the core elements of the Minneapolis Sound, the influence of Prince, The Time, and Flyte Tyme Productions, and how that sound still shapes what is happening on Twin Cities stages right now. We also get into that tricky line between tribute sets and original material, and how Jordan is thinking about building a career that respects the legacy while still pushing his own music and expanding beyond Minnesota. If you love the Minneapolis Sound or you are curious about how a local scene can echo through decades of music, I think you will really enjoy this one. A note on Jellybean Johnson You will hear Jellybean Johnson get mentioned briefly in this episode, but we recorded the conversation before his passing. Jellybean was a founding member of The Time, a key architect of the Minneapolis Sound, and a drummer, guitarist, and producer whose work reached far beyond Minnesota. He died on November 21, 2025, at the age of 69, and the entire Minneapolis music community has been feeling this loss. I did not get to properly acknowledge him in the interview, so I want to do that here. If you are listening because you care about this music and this tradition, know that a lot of what we are celebrating in this episode traces back to people like Jellybean. More on Jellybean Johnson Full show notes, links, & mentions Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Jordanjohnstonmusic.com 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

    52 min

  8. 11/19/2025

    Ep. 80: Turning Strangers Into Fans with Thomas Sticha

    Your content is only getting views from your friends, your family, and the bands you are playing with. If that sounds familiar, this conversation will help you think more clearly about why strangers are not sticking and what needs to change at the brand and strategy level. This week on Secrets From The Scene, I sit down with Thomas Sticha, a Saint Paul artist with a background in product marketing, branding, and websites. Thomas toured as a keyboardist before going solo, and he recently started Country-oke, a live band country karaoke night that turns casual participation into community. We focus on principles and mindset more than step-by-step tactics: how to frame your brand, how to think about cold audiences, and how to design touchpoints that make sense. In this episode, we get into: What “brand” actually means for an artist: promise, personality, proofCold audiences versus warm audiences and where to spend your energyWhy the first three seconds matter conceptually, even when tactics changeYour website as an offer with one clear action, not a brochureCountry-oke as a low-friction way to create new touchpoints and capture attentionThomas’s path from touring keyboardist to front person and what shifted in his messageWhat you will learn: A simple way to articulate your brand promise so a stranger understands youHow to judge social content for cold reach without chasing every trendHow to make your homepage support one goal and reduce confusionHow community-driven ideas like Country-oke can support your artist projectFor musicians: If you are getting views but not fans, this episode offers a cleaner mental model for brand and audience building. No templates, just a practical way to think about what you are promising and how a stranger encounters it. Full show notes, links, & mentions Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ Connect with the Guest: 🔗 https://www.thomassticha.com/ 🔗 https://www.instagram.com/sticha 🔗 https://www.tiktok.com/@thomassticha Featured Song: "Bozeman" by Thomas Sticha 🎧 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

    1h 21m
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5
out of 5
4 Ratings

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
    88
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Stephen Helvig | Helvig Productions
  • Show Website
    Secrets From The Scene