Explore every episode of the podcast Headliner Mindset
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Final Episode! | 02 Feb 2026 | 01:07:12 | |
After 2.5 years and 106 episodes of the Headliner Podcast, we are officially complete! Thank you SO MUCH to all of the guests that took time out of their lives to share their energy, inspiration and wisdom with us. And thank you to all of YOU for listening, sharing and supporting over the years. My heart is FILLED with gratitude as I wrap up this Hero's Journey and move on to the next chapter and adventure. Wishing you all the best as you continue to create, express, share and grow :) -Nik | |||
| RAVE JESUS - The Rise of Christian EDM | 26 Jan 2026 | 00:55:19 | |
In this episode of the Headliner Mindset Podcast, Rave Jesus joins the show for an expansive, honest conversation about faith, creativity, and the deeper spiritual current running through dance music culture. The discussion traces Rave Jesus’ journey from touring internationally and releasing music on major labels to following an unexpected calling that reshaped both his career and identity. Rather than stepping away from rave culture, the conversation explores how electronic music, community, and worship intersect — and why those worlds aren’t as separate as they’re often made out to be. Topics include:
The episode also dives into the realities of success, burnout, and reinvention — and how following a deeper calling can lead to a more aligned and sustainable creative life. | |||
| NOSTALGIX - Building A Universe With Consistency And Purpose | 07 Jul 2025 | 00:49:12 | |
Nostalgix is the definition of a multi-talented artist—producer, rapper, singer, songwriter, and performer—and she’s here to share the REAL story behind her rise. We dive deep into:
Whether you’re just starting out or already on tour, this one is packed with gems about grinding, leveling up, and staying connected to your WHY. Tune in for a powerful reminder: You can do anything you set your mind to—but you can’t skip the steps. Follow Nik Cherwink here: | |||
| CHRIS WHITE (The Cult Creatives) - The Importance of Branding for Artists | 19 Jun 2023 | 00:56:48 | |
Chis White is the co-founder of The Cult Creatives, a branding and marketing agency that helps artists establish their identity and make their mark in the music industry by cutting through the noise with incredible brands and campaigns. He was an artist, DJ and event promoter for many years, running one of LA's most successful weekly parties (Control) for over a decade where he was the first to book dozens of artists who are household names today. | |||
| FREDY LANE - Quitting Her Corporate Job to Become an Artist | 12 Jun 2023 | 00:53:45 | |
Fredy Lane is one of the fastest rising stars in the tech house scene. In less than one year of launching her artist project, she has already played massive festivals like EDC and Beyond Wonderland and some of the biggest nightclubs in Southern California. In this episode we talk about how she bet on herself, put in the work and has driven her career forward so quickly. | |||
| HVDES - Getting Sober and Finding Her Authentic Self and Sound | 05 Jun 2023 | 00:50:09 | |
HVDES is a powerhouse producer, singer, songwriter and DJ who is bridging the worlds of electronic and rock music and playing huge shows all over the country. Fresh off her first appearance at EDC, she talks about her journey through sobriety, staying healthy and getting back in touch with her early musical influences. | |||
| HENRY FONG - Balancing Being an Artist and a Business Owner | 29 May 2023 | 00:52:59 | |
Henry Fong is a household name in the dance music community. He has been in the scene since 2009 when he started throwing his own parties as a DJ in college. Since then he has gone on to tour the world multiple times, collaborate with some of the biggest artists in EDM and release on massive labels. In this episode he shares a wealth of knowledge about how to navigate the business, become a headliner and stay in the game for the long run. | |||
| BRYCE SMITH (CrossFit Invictus) - Remembering To PLAY! | 22 May 2023 | 01:03:00 | |
Bryce Smith is a CrossFit coach at one of the best gyms in the world, CrossFit Invictus. He runs the Invictus Mindset podcast and regularly interviews some of the most successful athletes, coaches and business owners in the fitness space. As a former professional athlete and powerful storyteller, he shares a wealth of wisdom and perspective around high performance, creativity and how to live your best life. | |||
| SIPPY - Moving to America and Going ALL-IN on Her DJ Career | 10 May 2023 | 01:03:48 | |
Sippy is an internationally touring DJ and music producer from Australia who is playing some of the biggest shows, collaborating with some the biggest artists and releasing on some the biggest labels in the bass music scene. We talked about her move to America, what it took to become a full-time artist and the challenges she's faced along the way. | |||
| DR. SUNNI LAMPASSO - DJ Mental Health: How to Stay Focused and Avoid Burnout | 30 Jun 2025 | 00:59:21 | |
In a music industry that never stops moving, how do you stay grounded, intentional, and actually enjoy the journey? This week I’m joined by Dr. Sunni, a licensed psychologist and coach for DJs and creatives, whose work sits at the intersection of mental health and the electronic music industry. We dive into the deep end of artist mindset — from burnout and comparison to self-worth, imposter syndrome, and the hustle culture that keeps so many artists stuck. We get into:
Whether you’re trying to grow your brand, build momentum, or just keep your sanity intact, this one’s full of grounded wisdom and real talk. 🎧 Tune in, take notes, and share it with a friend who needs it. Follow Dr. Sunni here: Follow Nik Cherwink here: | |||
| GEOFF SHAMES - Ad Strategy & Content Tips From Marketing Agency CEO | 23 Jun 2025 | 00:59:43 | |
Use code "MINDSET" for free month of Event Sheet: https://eventsheet.com/ In this episode, we dive deep into the real strategies artists can use to grow their audience — from running ads to creating engaging content and everything in between. We get into:
This is a no-fluff breakdown of what works (and what doesn’t) when it comes to building a real career in electronic music today. — 🎧 Want to work with me directly to grow your audience and brand? 📲 Follow Geoff: @geoffshames | |||
| PHASEONE – Building a Legacy in Bass Music | 02 Jun 2025 | 00:53:21 | |
PhaseOne is a undeniable heavy-hitter in the bass music scene, fusing metal and dubstep to carve out a sound that’s as aggressive as it is intentional. In this episode, we talk about what it really means to stay relevant in an industry that moves fast — and why, after 15 years in the game, he’s choosing to slow down and make an album, not just chase singles. We get into:
Whether you’re just starting out or deep in your career, this conversation is a reminder to trust your gut, play the long game, and make art that actually matters. — 🎧 Ready to take your artist career to the next level? | |||
| Behind The DAW w/ Nik Cherwink (Podcast Replay) | 26 May 2025 | 01:35:41 | |
This time, the mic's turned around. I recently joined my friend Wyatt on the DAW Nation podcast for a deep dive into the mindset, spirituality, and authenticity that fuel a thriving music career. We explored what it truly means to succeed from the inside out—beyond the algorithms and into the heart of artistry. If you're ready to ignite your inner fire and align your energy with your creative journey, this one's for you. | |||
| GRAHAME FARMER - How DJs Can Grow a Real Fanbase in 2025 | 19 May 2025 | 00:47:33 | |
If you’re a DJ or producer trying to build a real fanbase, this episode is essential listening. Grahame Farmer — founder of Data Transmission, YouTube educator, and creator of The Artist Blueprint — breaks down exactly how artists are growing in 2025. From social media strategy to automation tools, Grahame shares the real tactics that are helping artists get signed, grow on SoundCloud and Instagram, and actually build community — not just followers. 🎯 In this episode, you’ll learn:
We also dive into Grahame’s new book, Gather, Give & Grow, and how he used AI to write it — plus the launch strategy that got it to #1 on Amazon. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take your project to the next level, this is a deep, practical conversation full of gems. 🎧 Follow Grahame: | |||
| NIKITA THE WICKED - The New Villain Of Dance Music | 12 May 2025 | 00:48:39 | |
From dropping out of grad school to crushing festival stages — Nikita the Wicked is proving that the real win comes when you stop following the rules and start following your calling. In this episode, we get into the story behind his rise, how he built a viral artist brand without a label and why bringing your full personality into your project is what separates artists from entertainers. We talk about:
If you're an artist trying to find your sound, your lane, or your voice — this conversation will remind you that you don’t need permission to go all in. | |||
| WES MILLS - How To Follow The Feeling And Find Your Sound | 28 Apr 2025 | 00:55:21 | |
Wes Mills is living proof that with the right mindset, relentless work ethic, and pure love for the craft, anything is possible. From commuting late nights to ICON Collective to now performing at iconic venues like Red Rocks, Wes shares what it truly takes to become a headliner. In this episode, we dive deep into how he learned music production from scratch, the moment that inspired him to chase his dream, and the role that authenticity, consistency, and feeding the "feeling" has played in building his project. We also explore the realities of balancing a full-time job while growing a music career, the decision to go all-in, and the lessons he's learned about trusting the process. Follow Wes Mills here: | |||
| PROPPA - The Secret To Getting DJ Support | 14 Apr 2025 | 00:53:01 | |
Proppa is a house music producer from Chicago whose recent remixes are lighting up DJ sets across the globe—from Dom Dolla to Cloonee to John Summit and many more. But this didn’t happen overnight... Proppa shares the real story behind his 15-year journey in music—starting out as a drummer, battling perfectionism, finding his sound through consistent remixing and figuring out his brand and identity as an artist. In this episode we talk about:
If you're trying to hit that next level in your artist career, this one will give you some great tips and guidance. Follow Proppa here: Follow Nik Cherwink here: | |||
| UNSTUCK: The Mindset Masterclass for Artists Who Are Ready to Break Through | 02 Apr 2025 | 00:41:27 | |
Feeling stuck in your music career—even though you're doing all the things? In this special episode, Nik shares the full recording of his recent live masterclass, UNSTUCK: The Mindset Masterclass for Artists Who Are Ready to Finally Break Through. You’ll learn the 4 mindset and energy shifts that help artists move from burnout and self-doubt to clarity, momentum, and creative flow. If you’ve been grinding, posting, and still feel like nothing’s clicking—this one’s for you. Inside this episode:
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| NIMDA: Tearout, Burnout & How To Survive The Madness | 12 Jan 2026 | 00:46:31 | |
In this episode of the Headliner Mindset Podcast, I sit down with one of my coaching clients NIMDA for a raw, honest conversation about the realities of building a career in heavy music. We talk about touring burnout, creative pressure, comparison, and what it actually takes to stay mentally healthy while flying nonstop, staying up all night making music, and performing at a high level. NMDA opens up about:
This episode is for artists who love what they do — but are feeling the weight of it. If you’re chasing the dream and trying not to lose yourself in the process, this conversation will hit home. | |||
| JIA (6AM Group) - Developing The Mindset & GRINDSET for Success As An Artist | 24 Mar 2025 | 00:53:37 | |
JIA is a DJ, promoter, educator, and founder of the 6AM Group and ArtistMap. In this episode, we explore what it really means to be a successful artist in today’s music industry—and it goes way beyond just making tracks and playing shows. JIA shares the full story behind building his promotion company and brand from the ground up, the hard lessons he learned about burnout, ego, and leadership, and why mindset is the foundation of everything. We talk about redefining success, building a career with purpose, and the importance of personal growth in the artist journey. This episode is for any artist who’s feeling stuck, burned out, or limited by the industry’s rules. If you’ve ever questioned your path or felt like there must be more to it all, this conversation will reignite your fire and remind you why you started in the first place. | |||
| AREN GOLDBERG - What a Tour Manager Actually Does & Why Artists Need One | 17 Mar 2025 | 00:54:35 | |
Aren Goldberg is a tour manager for some of the biggest artists in the dance music industry including NGHTMRE, Peekaboo, Dimension and more. In this episode we dive into the realities of life on the road, the biggest mistakes artists make when booking their first tours, and how to actually make money while touring—without blowing your budget on things you don’t need. If you’re an artist, DJ, or producer who wants to tour one day—or if you’re already playing shows and want to level up—this episode is packed with insights that will save you time, money, and stress. Follow Aren here: | |||
| NICK RUFFALO - The Best Content Strategy For Artists In 2025 | 24 Feb 2025 | 00:48:14 | |
Nick Ruffalo is a music marketing expert who helps artists cut through the noise and build real, engaged audiences with his agency, Unleashd Creative Solutions. In this episode, we break down the biggest mistakes artists make when promoting their music, why simply posting content isn’t enough, and how to actually connect with fans in a way that drives long-term success. We also talk about the platforms that matter most in 2024, the strategies that actually move the needle, and how to market your music without feeling like you’re selling out. If you want to grow your brand, increase your reach, and make a lasting impact, this episode is packed with game-changing insights. Follow Nick and apply to work with Unleashd Creative here: | |||
| ARTA MAJD (Music Attorney) - How To Negotiate Better Deals | 10 Feb 2025 | 00:53:32 | |
Arta Majd is an entertainment attorney who has worked with labels, independent artists and industry professionals to protect their rights, negotiate better deals, and avoid the common pitfalls that ruin careers. In this episode, he breaks down the biggest mistakes artists make when signing contracts, why legal knowledge is just as important as branding and marketing, and when you should bring a lawyer onto your team. We also dive into the realities of the music business—how deals are structured, the hidden clauses that can lock you in for years, and how to navigate negotiations like a pro. Whether you’re an up-and-coming artist or already deep in the industry, this episode is a must-listen if you want to protect your future and take full control of your career. Follow and connect with Arta here: Follow Nik Cherwink here: | |||
| Creating More FLOW In Your Music & Life | 20 Jan 2025 | 00:33:06 | |
Are you creating from the heart or just chasing the algorithm? In this solo episode of The Headliner Mindset Podcast, I reflect on what it means to reconnect with the soul of creativity. Inspired by Julia Cameron’s The Artist’s Way and my experiences teaching The Art of Flow at ICON Collective, we’ll explore how to break free from overthinking and rediscover the joy of creating from a place of intuition and authenticity. This episode is for anyone feeling stuck, uninspired, or disconnected from their art. I also introduce my new 12-week coaching program based on The Artist’s Way, designed to help you overcome creative blocks, tap into your flow, and create art that truly resonates. If you’re ready to embrace a more soulful approach to your art, this conversation will inspire and guide you. | |||
| DAN SUGARMAN (Ice Nine Kills) - Going ALL-IN On Yourself And Your Dreams | 13 Jan 2025 | 01:13:11 | |
Dan Sugarman is the lead guitarist of Ice Nine Kills and has played on some of the world’s biggest stages. But his path has been anything but ordinary... | |||
| NITTI - Bringing Rock To The Rave | 06 Jan 2025 | 00:57:16 | |
NITTI is a genre-bending force in the electronic music world, also known for being one half of the Grammy-nominated duo SIDEPIECE, and is now making waves with his bold new project Alt Rave. After years of grinding in the studio and locking into his craft, he’s found his stride by merging his love for rock, metal, and electronic music into something entirely his own. In this episode, Nitti shares how he went from church bands to headlining stages, the mindset that keeps him pushing boundaries, and why building the right team has been key to his success. We also dive into the creative freedom he’s found with Alt Rave and his vision for building a community that’s all about passion, quality, and authenticity. If you’re an artist or a fan of next-level music, you won’t want to miss this one. | |||
| Top 5 Lessons From The Podcast (so far...) | 25 Nov 2024 | 00:34:07 | |
In this special solo episode of The Headliner Mindset Podcast, I reflect on the top five lessons I’ve learned from hosting over 70 inspiring conversations with artists, DJs, and industry leaders. These takeaways are packed with actionable insights to help you thrive in your career and life. Whether you’re an artist, entrepreneur, or dreamer, this episode will resonate with anyone striving for growth and success. Here are the five lessons we dive into:
Tune in to discover how these lessons can elevate your mindset and help you unlock your full potential. | |||
| SIPPY - How Hiring A Coach Changed The Game | 18 Nov 2024 | 01:00:53 | |
Sippy is a powerhouse in the dubstep and bass music scene, known for her high-energy performances and fearless authenticity. From playing the main stage at Lost Lands to headlining her own tour, she’s built a career that’s both inspiring and impactful. But her journey hasn’t been without challenges. As one of my coaching clients, Sippy has worked to overcome anxiety, embrace balance, and transform her mindset into one that fuels creativity and growth. In this episode, we reflect on how far she’s come since our very first podcast together. Sippy shares her experience of coaching with me, the daily practices that keep her grounded, and how she shifted from a fear-driven mentality to a love-fueled approach to her career and life. This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to create lasting change and thrive under pressure. | |||
| JAKE SHORE - From The Classroom To The Club | 11 Nov 2024 | 00:52:50 | |
Jake Shore is a rising star in the house music scene, known for his high-energy sets and an authenticity that’s built him a loyal following. After years as a school teacher, Jake made the leap into music full-time, and now he’s touring, creating non-stop, and building a brand that’s truly his own. In this episode, we dive into Jake’s journey from teaching to the stage, the content strategies that have taken his social media to new heights, and his disciplined 10X mindset for success. We also chat about staying balanced, the importance of gratitude, and what it takes to build a long-lasting career in the music industry. | |||
| MODESTEP - 15 Years of Pushing Boundaries | 05 Jan 2026 | 00:55:07 | |
In this episode of the Headliner Mindset Podcast, I sit down with Modestep for an honest conversation about what it really takes to last in the music industry. We talk about the parts of the artist journey that don’t make it onto social media — burnout, mental health, physical wear and tear from touring, and the pressure to keep showing up even when you’re struggling. Josh shares real insight on:
This episode is for artists who want longevity, not just momentary attention — and who care about building something real. | |||
| TRIVECTA - Balancing The Grind As A Full-Time Touring Artist | 04 Nov 2024 | 00:53:30 | |
Trivecta is a melodic bass music artist signed to Seven Lion’s Ofelia Records. He recently released his sophomore album with the label and is currently on tour to support its release, headlining venues and playing major festivals all over the country. | |||
| MOORE KISMET - Bringing Fresh Energy To The Bass Music Scene | 28 Oct 2024 | 00:51:52 | |
At only 19 years old, Moore Kismet has become a much needed breath of fresh air in the bass music scene. Not only as a non-binary person of color, but as a seasoned music producer who continues to push the boundaries of their art and is always seeking out new ways of doing things. | |||
| JKYL & HYDE - Creating A Memorable Brand In The Dubstep Scene | 14 Oct 2024 | 01:01:36 | |
Jkyl & Hyde is a dubstep producer who’s been consistently climbing the bass music ladder and making a powerful name for himself in the industry. After touring with Excision this summer, he’s now on his own headlining tour and playing shows all over the US. Follow Jkyl & Hyde here: | |||
| WESTEND - How To Create A Sustainable Artist Brand And Lifestyle | 07 Oct 2024 | 00:54:30 | |
Join the next round of the Headliner Mindset coaching group, starting 10/15! | |||
| Headliner Mindset Community Call - A Peek Inside The Community | 30 Sep 2024 | 00:48:05 | |
Next round of the Headliner Mindset coaching group/community starts 10/15! | |||
| HARRISON BENNETT (Deadbeats) - Label Manager And A&R For Zeds Dead's Record Label | 23 Sep 2024 | 00:55:27 | |
Harrison Bennet is the head of A&R and label manager for Zeds Dead's record label Deadbeats. He is also a manager with the Toronto-based management company 2+2 and works with Zeds Dead, SIPPY, Levity and more. | |||
| JUSTIN JAY - How To Get Away With Making Multiple Genres | 16 Sep 2024 | 01:06:56 | |
Next round of the Headliner Mindset group coaching program starts Monday, October 7th. Sign up here: https://www.nikcherwink.com/headlinermindset | |||
| WILL RUNZEL (Prodigy Artists) - Manager of Slander, NGHTMRE and more | 09 Sep 2024 | 00:53:44 | |
Will Runzel is the co-founder of Prodigy Artists, one of the most successful management companies in the dance music industry who represent Slander, NGHTMRE and a strong roster of other talented artists. | |||
| CHERYL ENGELHARDT - How To Make Money From Your Email List | 02 Sep 2024 | 00:47:42 | |
Download the free “Mastering Email” PDF here: | |||
| REALMUSIC EVENTS - How To Get Booked By Your Local Promoter | 19 Aug 2024 | 00:53:15 | |
RealMusic Events is a dance music promotion company that has been throwing parties in Austin, TX for over 15 years. They run the city's largest dance music venue, The Concourse Project, and also throw one of the biggest house and techno music festivals in the country, Seismic Dance Event. | |||
| SAN HOLO - The Delicate Dance of Art & Business | 03 Nov 2025 | 00:58:48 | |
What happens when your passion becomes your paycheck? In this episode, San Holo and I unpack the real journey of turning your art into a business — and how to stay grounded when success starts pulling you in every direction. From his first viral remix on SoundCloud to headlining global festivals, San shares the mindset that’s kept him authentic through it all. We talk about the creative struggle, the pressure to keep up with trends, and why staying different is both a blessing and a curse. 🔥 Topics we cover: This episode will remind you why you started — and why you’ll never be able to stop. | |||
| PRESTON SMILES - Creating Art From The Energy Of Abundance | 12 Aug 2024 | 01:02:54 | |
Preston Smiles is a best-selling author, motivational speaker and transformational coach that has helped thousands of people change their lives for the best. | |||
| BASS KLEPH - The Secret To Producing Better Music | 05 Aug 2024 | 00:56:04 | |
Bass Kleph is a seasoned vet in the dance music industry. He began exploring electronic music production just as gear and software programs were becoming available. His obsession with creating and "following the fun" lead him to have a successful career as an artist and DJ and play shows all over the world. | |||
| MAKJ - How To Succeed As A DJ In The Modern EDM Industry | 29 Jul 2024 | 01:02:55 | |
MAKJ is a seasoned vet in the dance music industry. Launching his career in 2012 at the height of the dance music explosion in the Unites States, he has toured the world many times over, played at major festivals like EDC, Ultra and Coachella, put out multiple #1 Beatport hits and collaborated with A-list artists like Hardwell, Steve Aoki and more. | |||
| FRANK WALKER - Bringing Back The Golden Era Of Dance Music | 22 Jul 2024 | 01:00:37 | |
Frank Walker is a Canadian electronic music artist signed to Kygo's management team and record label. Inspired by the "golden era" of big room house music, he's been bringing back some of those classic sounds and feelings into his productions, racking up tens of millions of streams on Spotify in the process. | |||
| LADY FAITH - The Queen Of Hardstyle And Her Mission To Grow The Scene | 15 Jul 2024 | 00:51:45 | |
Next Headliner Mindset coaching group starts July 22! | |||
| LAIDBACK LUKE - How To Have A 30-Year Career In The Dance Music Industry | 08 Jul 2024 | 00:56:50 | |
Laidback Luke is a legend in the dance music industry, with almost 30 years of experience as a DJ, producer and artist who has wrote timeless hits and toured the world many times over. | |||
| &FRIENDS - Creating Art With Passion and Purpose | 01 Jul 2024 | 01:02:08 | |
Next round of the Headliner Mindset coaching group and community starts July 22! Click here for more info: Follow &friends here: Follow Nik Cherwink here: | |||
| FRANZ HILBERATH (MP3 PR) - What An Artist Publicist Does And Modern Music PR | 24 Jun 2024 | 00:59:41 | |
Franz Hilberath is a music publicist and founder of MP3 PR who has worked with a wide roster of bass music artists including Zedd's Dead, Rezz, Subtronics and more. He takes a customized approach to connect artists with the right publicity outlets to promote their releases, tours and more. | |||
| ANAKIM - The Importance Of Mental Resilience, Visualization And Delusional Belief | 17 Jun 2024 | 01:01:57 | |
Join The Cult Creatives "Build A Brand Workshop" - June 27-30 in Los Angeles | |||