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
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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 todayThe 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
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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 advantagesStop 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
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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 intactThis 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
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"Not Everyone Deserves Access": The Controversial Strategy Behind Chicago's Biggest Nightlife Success | EF EP 124
Most people think inclusivity is the key to building a successful venue or event. Dom Brown built his empire doing the exact opposite - and he's not apologetic about it.As the founder of Porn & Chicken (Chicago's most legendary weekly party), owner of Never Have I Ever bar, and touring manager for Green Velvet and Shermanology, Dom has one controversial principle: not everyone deserves access to everything.While other promoters were chasing numbers, Dom was implementing no-phone policies in 2010 and hand-selecting who could enter his parties. The result? A cultural phenomenon that grew from 150 to 5,000 people weekly and is still talked about fifteen years later.Key Takeaways:• Why saying "no" at the door created safer spaces and legendary experiences• How the no-phone policy became Dom's secret weapon (years before it was trendy)• The psychology behind why exclusivity creates more demand than inclusion• The difference between being seen vs. creating genuine experiences• Why artists need to give authentically to the community before expecting anything back• How door hosts became the "ethos" of successful parties• Why themed events require every element to serve the overall experienceThe Controversial Truth: Dom openly admits "I am discriminating" - and explains why this approach built multiple successful businesses while creating genuinely safe spaces for marginalized communities.Actionable Strategy: Learn why your standards aren't gatekeeping - they're brand building. Discover how scarcity creates value and why the most powerful word in your vocabulary might be "no."Stop chasing everyone and start curating intentionally. Hit play to learn how exclusivity became Dom's path to building a legendary career in dance music.Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx
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__
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