Elevated Frequencies – Details, episodes & analysis

When TikTok vanished for 12 hours, most creators panicked. But Miami-based DJ and artist manager 2AR stayed calm - because he'd built something bigger than just a following. His twice-daily streams have evolved into a digital morning show, creating a community that shows up whether TikTok is working or not.

In this episode, 2AR breaks down his journey from Denver club DJ to founding Silent Movement Group and becoming one of TikTok's most consistent music streamers. He shares candid insights about the recent platform uncertainty and reveals why his top supporters remain loyal across any platform.

Key Takeaways:

• Converting casual viewers into dedicated super fans
• Why TikTok remains unmatched for artist discovery
• Smart strategies for multi-platform presence
• The "morning show" approach to live streaming
• How to monetize your following beyond platform gifts
• Building a community that transcends any single app
• Why long-form content is making a comeback in 2025

Ready to build your own platform-proof music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Follow 2AR's journey on TikTok @2AR
Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__

Want to learn how to build a fan base that sticks with you through any platform changes? Hit play now.

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Want to know how I went from being an awkward outsider to building genuine industry relationships? In this episode, I break down my complete networking playbook - including the FBI agent strategy that changed everything. If you've ever felt uncomfortable at industry events or struggled to turn connections into opportunities, this conversation will transform how you approach networking in dance music.

From being the kid sitting alone at birthday parties to now running successful industry events, I share how I overcame social anxiety to build authentic relationships in the dance music industry. 

Key Takeaways:

• The FBI agent strategy for researching before events
• How to approach different networking environments (clubs vs. industry events)
• Converting conversations into opportunities without being opportunistic
• Why most networking fails (and how to fix it)
• Building relationships that last beyond the first meeting
• The 3-6 month rule for asking favors
• How to follow up without being annoying

Ready to level up your networking game? Join me for my live networking workshop on Tuesday, February 11th from 5-6pm CST, exclusively for Patreon members. We'll work through specific scenarios, practice conversation starters, and create your personal networking strategy. Join Strategy Circle at patreon.com/oliviamancuso to secure your spot.

Connect with me on Instagram

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Ready to take your DJ sets beyond mixing tracks? This episode is your blueprint for incorporating live elements and creating unforgettable experiences. Rhizome Music founders Calhoun McDougall and Louis DeMarco share their decades of experience managing hybrid electronic acts and producing major festivals to help you level up your performance game without breaking the bank.

If you've ever wondered how to start adding live elements to your shows, felt intimidated by the technical requirements, or worried about the costs involved, this conversation will give you a clear roadmap. Learn how to build memorable performances that get you booked again and again.

Key Takeaways:

• How to start incorporating live elements into your shows on any budget
• The most common mistakes artists make when adding production elements (and how to avoid them)
• Why intentional show design matters more than expensive equipment
• Practical tips for working with lighting directors and VJs
• How to write music with live performance in mind
• Strategic ways to build your brand identity through performance
• The business considerations of transitioning from DJ to live act

Want personalized guidance on implementing these strategies? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Stop letting limited budgets hold back your creative vision. Hit play now to learn how to build unforgettable performances that will set you apart from the crowd.

Connect with me: https://www.instagram.com/oliviamancuso__
Follow Rhizome: https://www.instagram.com/rhizomemusic/

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

In this powerful episode, dance music icon Nadia Ali—the voice and songwriter behind explosive hits like "Rapture" and "Pressure"—breaks her silence on the industry's biggest blind spot—the lack of recognition for singers, songwriters, and collaborators who help create electronic music's biggest tracks. With 23 years of experience and countless chart-topping anthems, Nadia shares candid insights about collaboration, credit, and creating authentic art in an increasingly individualistic scene.

From her unexpected start as a Versace executive assistant to becoming one of dance music's most recognizable artists, Nadia reveals how the industry's "bro culture" affects artistry and why a more inclusive approach to recognition benefits everyone in the scene.

Key Takeaways:

• Why proper recognition of singers, songwriters and collaborators is crucial for dance music's future
• How cultural differences shape attitudes toward collaboration in the industry
• The real impact of social media on artist recognition and relationship-building
• Why treating artists as transactions hurts the creative process
• Practical ways producers can better celebrate their collaborators
• How to maintain artistic authenticity in an ego-driven industry
• The importance of building direct relationships with your audience

Ready to level up your music career with more industry insights? Join us at Chicago Music Nexus, where you'll connect with top professionals and learn cutting-edge strategies for success. Reserve your spot now: www.chicagomusicnexus.com

Want personalized guidance on implementing these strategies? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Don't miss this rare, candid conversation with one of dance music's most influential voices. Hit play now to learn why recognition, authenticity, and collaboration are key to creating lasting impact in electronic music.

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Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Tired of posting randomly and hoping something sticks? In this game-changing episode, former BET and VH1 social media strategist Sabrina Diamond reveals her proven framework for creating months of engaging content—without the burnout.

Learn how the same strategies that powered major music brands can help independent artists build a loyal following and consistent engagement. Sabrina breaks down her proprietary approach that takes the guesswork out of what to post, when to post it, and how to make it resonate with your audience.

Key Takeaways:

• The exact content pillar framework used by major music brands (and how to adapt it for artists)
• How to create 3 months of content in a single planning session
• Why most artists burn out on social media (and the simple fix you're probably missing)
• The secret to maintaining authenticity while scaling your content
• How to benchmark your success without getting lost in vanity metrics
• Practical strategies to stay consistent even when inspiration runs dry

Ready to level up your music career with more industry insights? Join us at Chicago Music Nexus, where you'll connect with top professionals and learn cutting-edge strategies for success. Reserve your spot now: www.chicagomusicnexus.com

Want personalized guidance on implementing these strategies? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Don't miss this opportunity to transform your social media strategy from scattered posts into a powerful career-building tool. Hit play now to learn how to create content that converts followers into superfans.

Connect with Sabrina: https://www.sabrinadiamond.com/

Connect with Olivia: https://www.instagram.com/oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Are you looking to stand out in the music industry and secure more bookings? This episode features Drew Dapps, who shares how creating a unique community around his concept, Camp Dappington, not only differentiated him from the crowd but directly led to numerous gig opportunities.

Drew discusses his journey as a boutique house artist and the strategic moves behind Camp Dappington, a themed activation that has captured attention at festivals. He emphasizes the power of building a community as a proof of concept that showcases your value to promoters and venues.

Key Takeaways:

• Community Creation: How forming a unique community can significantly enhance your visibility and appeal to festival organizers.
• Proof of Concept: Demonstrating your ability to draw and engage an audience, proving your potential for bigger bookings.
• Diversification: The importance of diversifying your offerings beyond music to include merchandise and unique fan experiences that reinforce your brand.
• Brand Investment: Investing in your brand isn’t just about spending money—it’s about creatively engaging your followers and turning them into a loyal community.
• Merchandising Strategy: How smart merchandising can not only increase profitability but also serve as a walking billboard for your brand.

Dive deeper into the world of music and community building at the upcoming Chicago Music Nexus. Here, you’ll connect with influencers and industry professionals who are eager to share their knowledge and network. Secure your spot now with the code PODCAST for $30 off: www.chicagomusicnexus.com

Continue your journey on my Patreon, where we explore more in-depth strategies for artist development and career growth. Join today for exclusive content: www.patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Connect with me on Instagram: @oliviamancuso__

Video editor/audio engineer: James Fixx

Have you ever felt like you don't belong, even with some significant achievements under your belt? Today, I'm diving deep into a scenario that might hit close to home for many of you: battling imposter syndrome.

This isn't just about feeling out of place; it's about understanding why high-achievers like us often feel undeserving of our successes and how we can conquer this crippling mindset.

Don’t miss your chance to connect at the upcoming Chicago Music Nexus. The code PODCAST saves you $30. Secure your spot now: www.chicagomusicnexus.com

In this episode, we cover:

The Reality of Imposter Syndrome: It strikes when you least expect it, turning your achievements into question marks.

Embracing Your Achievements: How to anchor in your success and remind yourself of your worth and capabilities.

Practical Tools to Combat Doubts: From watching your triumphs to keeping a folder of positive feedback, discover strategies to fortify your confidence.

The Power of Self-Care and Letting Go: Learn why treating yourself well and shedding perfectionism is critical in battling imposter syndrome.

Building Resilience: I'll share how creating spaces for intentional networking, like Chicago Music Nexus, can transform your approach to industry challenges.

Whether you're a budding DJ or a seasoned producer, understanding and managing imposter syndrome is crucial for your growth and well-being. Remember, you're not alone in this journey—the best among us wrestle with these doubts, and together, we can overcome them.

Remember to secure your tickets for Chicago Music Nexus with the code 'podcast' for $30 off. Don't miss out on this opportunity to grow, network, and thrive. www.chicagomusicnexus.com

Connect: oliviamancuso__

Video editor/audio engineer: James Fixx

Are you ready to hit the road and make a name for yourself beyond your local scene? In this episode, Max Pohlmann, co-founder of Audisbliss and a veteran touring manager, unpacks the essentials of moving from local stages to nationwide tours. With extensive experience managing tours for artists like Subtronics and Mindchatter, and orchestrating over 150 events globally, Max brings unparalleled insights into making it big in touring.

Join us for an exclusive opportunity to connect with industry leaders like Max at the upcoming Chicago Music Nexus. The code PODCAST gets you $30 off. Secure your spot now: www.chicagomusicnexus.com

Elevate your career with targeted business and branding insights on my Patreon. Exclusive content starts at just $5/month: patreon.com/oliviamancuso

In this episode, we explore:

• The Local Launchpad: Learn what foundational steps you need to dominate at home before you can dazzle on the road.
• Strategic Moves: Discover whether you should aim for headlining smaller venues or seek direct support roles in bigger shows as your entry into touring.
• The Real Cost of Touring: Touring isn't all glamour and applause. Uncover the often-overlooked downsides, from financial strains to mental health challenges.
• Tour Construction: Crafting a successful tour involves more than just showing up. Dive into the nuts and bolts of effective tour planning, from branding and venue selection to overall management.
• Universal Traits of Success: Hear surprising qualities shared by all successful clients Max has worked with—traits that could set you apart from the crowd.

About Max Pohlmann: With a background ranging from tour management for high-profile clients to event production, Max is a beacon of knowledge in the touring and event management industry. His experience spans coordinating high-stakes festival operations and managing critical emergency situations, making him an invaluable resource for anyone looking to break into or excel in the world of music tours.

Why This Matters: Many dream of stepping up from local artist to touring powerhouse, but the path is fraught with challenges and requires meticulous planning and personal resilience. Max’s firsthand experiences offer a roadmap for aspiring artists to navigate this transition successfully.

Connect with me here: oliviamancuso__

Video editor/audio engineer: James Fixx

Do you think a manager is your all-in-one solution in the music industry? Let's set the record straight. In this enlightening episode, I chat with Corynne Burrows, the founder and CEO of Midas Touch MGMT, where we dive into what managers truly look for when scouting new talent. 

Corynne demystifies the role of a manager and underscores the essential skills artists must already have polished before teaming up with a management team.

In our discussion, we tackle personal branding, fan engagement, and the continuous efforts required from both artists and managers to ensure success. Corynne highlights:

• The importance of artists being proactive and knowledgeable in building their brand and network.
• How crucial it is to authentically engage your audience and maintain consistent content.
• The balance needed between artistic integrity and business acumen to thrive in this competitive industry.

Exclusive on Patreon: Dive deeper into our discussion on crisis management, where Corynne shares her strategies for handling public scrutiny and maintaining an artist's reputation when old tweets resurface or accusations fly.

Join us at the upcoming Chicago Music Nexus, where you can connect with industry leaders like Corynne and gain firsthand insights into the business dynamics of music management. Use code PODCAST for $30 off your pass: www.chicagomusicnexus.com

Elevate your career with targeted business and branding tips on Patreon, where exclusive content starts at just $5/month: www.patreon.com/oliviamancuso

Connect with Olivia

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

Can perfect harmony in a DJ Duo amplify your success in the music industry? Dive into this special rerun with Walker & Royce as they unpack the secrets behind their dynamic partnership. Explore how they've turned their complementary skills into a tech-house powerhouse and learn how you can apply these principles to your own musical endeavors.

Join us for more transformative discussions at the upcoming Chicago Music Nexus. The code PODCAST gets you $30 off for a limited time. Secure your spot now: www.chicagomusicnexus.com

Elevate your career with targeted business and branding insights on my Patreon: Exclusive content starts at just $5/month: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso

In this episode, we explore:

• Synergistic Partnerships: How finding a music business partner that complements your strengths can revolutionize your approach and success in the music industry.
• Resilience in Rejection: Insights on building resilience against the inevitable rejections and how to bounce back stronger.
• Sustained Motivation: Strategies for maintaining dedication and motivation, even when career growth feels sluggish.
• Creative Energies: Knowing when to push forward and when to step back, ensuring each project resonates with the right creative energy.

Why This Matters: Walker & Royce share invaluable lessons on partnership, perseverance, and adapting to the ebbs and flows of the music industry. Whether you're a solo artist or part of a duo, understanding these dynamics is crucial for anyone looking to make a mark in the competitive world of electronic music.

Don’t miss your chance to connect at the upcoming Chicago Music Nexus. Use the code PODCAST for $30 off. Secure your spot now: www.chicagomusicnexus.com

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx