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:
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
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🎙️ 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
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.
Full show notes, links, & mentions
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🎙️ 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
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 you will learn:
For 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
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🎙️ 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
Trying to build a music career while staying sober is hard. Venues, late nights, constant offers, social pressure. This week, I sit down with three artists from our scene, Adam Lifto, Caitlin Benson, and Wyatt Overman, to talk plainly about what recovery looks like in practice and how to keep making work you are proud of.
We focus on actionable strategies: preparing for substance-heavy spaces, how to handle friends and peers that aren’t sober, when to step away for safety, and how creativity changes when you choose clarity. We get into support systems that actually help: boundaries that hold, accountability partners, therapy, and finding rooms that want you healthy. We also address relapse without shame and how to come back stronger.
If you are sober, sober-curious, or supporting someone who is, this conversation aims to be useful, respectful, and real.
What you will learn:
Full Show Notes & Episode Mentions
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🎙️ 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
This week on Secrets From The Scene, I sit down with Dani Larson and Nicole Prestol, two of the founders of Tumbling Rock Magazine, a Twin Cities print publication bringing local music to life on paper.
We talk about how Tumbling Rock began as a joke between bandmates and evolved into a full-fledged magazine that celebrates Minnesota’s music community through thoughtful storytelling and striking physical design. Dani and Nicole share what it takes to build and sustain a free, community-driven publication, why they’ve chosen to stay in print in an increasingly digital world, and how artists can better tell their own stories to connect with press and audiences alike.
We also dive into the creative process behind each issue, what makes a great artist submission or EPK, and what’s next for Tumbling Rock, from local collaborations to a potential festival celebrating Twin Cities music.
Topics covered:
For musicians:
If you’ve ever wanted to understand how local press works, how to get your music featured, or how to tell your story in a way that stands out, this episode offers valuable insight from two people who live and breathe the Twin Cities scene.
Full Transcript and Show Notes
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🎙️ 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
Minnesota’s hip-hop scene is more alive and diverse than most people realize. Few know it better than Juice Lord, who’s lived it from late-night open mics to sold-out stages. Beyond the music, he’s built a reputation as someone who lifts others up while carving his own path. This episode is your inside look at the culture, the community, and the grind.
That’s why I sat down with Malik Curtis, better known as Juice Lord, one of St. Paul’s most influential hip-hop artists and community leaders. At just 29, he’s already toured with Prof, sold out shows at the 7th St Entry, and become a vital voice in shaping the Twin Cities scene.
In this episode, Juice Lord opens up about:
If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make a name in local hip-hop — and how the Minnesota scene works from the inside — this conversation with Juice Lord is packed with insights and stories you don’t want to miss.
Full Transcript and Show Notes
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🔗 Follow Juice Lord on Instagram
Featured Song:
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🎙️ 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
Have you ever wondered what it really takes to survive life on the road as a touring band? It’s not all glamorous shows and screaming crowds—most of the time it’s van repairs, tight budgets, and figuring out how to sleep in impossible places.
In this week’s episode of Secrets From the Scene, Max Greene sits down with Matt DeMar, guitarist for the Twin Cities rock/metal band Divide the Fall. Together, they go behind the grind to talk about what touring is really like, from DIY runs across the country to opening for bands like Staind and Cold.
Matt shares:
This conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes stories and practical advice for any musician dreaming of hitting the road—or any fan curious about the not-so-glamorous side of touring.
Full Transcript and Show Notes
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Featured Song:
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🎙️ 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
If you’ve ever struggled to balance multiple passions, questioned whether to “pick a focus,” or wondered how to actually make a creative career work long-term, this episode is for you.
This week on Secrets From the Scene, I sit down with Dessa — a writer, rapper, singer, podcaster, and speaker who’s built one of the most multifaceted careers in the Twin Cities and beyond. From Doomtree to the Minnesota Orchestra, The Hamilton Mixtape to her BBC podcast Deeply Human, Dessa has carved a path that defies easy labels.
We talk about what it really takes to sustain a creative career over the long haul — the tough decisions, unexpected opportunities, and constant balancing acts that come with living a multidisciplinary life.
In this conversation, you’ll hear us dive into:
This conversation left me thinking a lot about what it really means to build a creative life that lasts and how there’s no single “right” way to do it. It’s about making your own lane and finding ways to keep going. Whether you’re balancing multiple passions, trying to make your art sustainable, or just figuring out your next move, I think you’ll walk away from this one with a few new ideas — and maybe a little reassurance that you’re not alone in the process.
Full Transcript and Show Notes
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Featured Song:
"Hurricane Party" by Dessa
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🎙️ 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
What happens when the music you make doesn’t have a built-in scene?
This week I’m talking with Brandyn Tulloch — an artist who started in spoken word, found his way into reggae, and has been steadily building community through live shows, collaboration, and creative hustle.
Reggae isn’t a dominant genre in Minneapolis, but Brandyn hasn’t let that stop him. He’s built a career by focusing on connection over trends — creating live experiences that bring people together, collaborating with other culturally-rooted artists, and leaning into his skills across poetry, music, and visual storytelling.
We talk about how he got started, the shift from poetry to performance, why live shows are the core of his strategy, and what goes into organizing your own events when the infrastructure isn’t already there. We also get into how he navigates social anxiety at networking-heavy events, and how he’s learned to show up anyway.
It’s a grounded, practical conversation about making something work in a niche — and doing it with intention, consistency, and community in mind.
Full Transcript and Show Notes
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Featured Song:
"I Give My Love Instead" by Brandyn Tulloch
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🎙️ 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
How do you keep your family and personal life grounded when your career pulls you all over the map?
This week on Secrets From the Scene, I handed the mic to my co-host Max Greene for a conversation with someone I’ve looked up to for years—drummer and educator Steve Goold.
You’ve probably heard Steve without even realizing it. He’s toured with artists like Sara Bareilles, Owl City, Ben Rector, and many more. But in this episode, we go deeper than the resume.
Max and Steve dig into what it actually takes to build a sustainable life in music—one where your relationships, health, and values don’t fall by the wayside. Steve opens up about the reality of touring while raising a family, how his priorities have shifted over time, and why saying no is sometimes the most powerful move you can make.
We also cover:
Whether you’re a gigging musician, a studio lifer, or just someone who loves music and wants a peek behind the curtain, there’s something here for you.
Give it a listen—and stay to the end for one of Steve’s best pieces of advice yet.
Full Transcript and Show Notes
Interested in working with us on your next song?
👋 https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect
Connect with the Guest:
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/stevegoold/
Featured Song:
"Solo Improvisations on Drumset" by Steve Goold
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🎙️ 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
If you've ever felt like you're shouting into the void with your music, you're not alone. There’s so much noise out there, and it’s easy to slip into scarcity mode and to think the only way forward is to focus on yourself, hustle harder, and tune everything else out.
But what if the real key to momentum is showing up for others?
This week, I sat down with my friend and longtime collaborator Zaq Baker — a wildly versatile artist who’s played in half the bands in town, released a steady stream of deeply personal songs, and just dropped his debut novel, Unspectacular. Zaq has built a career not just through talent, but by being deeply involved — supporting fellow musicians, collaborating across genres, and making it a point to be there for other people’s art.
We talk about why that matters and how it’s come back to support his own career in multiple ways.
We also get into:
Whether you're feeling stuck, burned out, or just wondering how to grow your career without selling your soul, this one’s worth your time.
Full Transcript and Show Notes
Interested in working with us on your next song?
👋 https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect
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Featured Song:
“Bri” by Zaq Baker
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🎙️ 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
What keeps a musician going when the stage lights go down?
When a tour falls through, a band breaks up, or the industry shifts yet again?
This week, I sat down with Ryan Smith — someone who’s found ways to keep creating through all of it. You might know him as the guitarist for Soul Asylum, frontman of The Melismatics, one-half of Ryan and Pony, or the newest member of Ultrabomb (alongside Hüsker Dü’s Greg Norton and Social Distortion’s Derek O’Brien).
But this conversation isn’t just a career recap. It’s a look at what fuels longevity — and how Ryan keeps finding new creative gears to shift into. From his early DIY days to pandemic-era solo recording sessions, from sideman roles to teaching music on his YouTube channel (Secret Chord), Ryan's story is full of insight for anyone trying to navigate a life in music.
Whether you're building your first project or reinventing yourself for the tenth time, this one’s for you.
What we cover:
In a world that keeps changing, the drive to create might be the only constant. Let this episode recharge yours.
Full Transcript and Show Notes
Interested in working with us on your next song?
👋 https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect
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Featured Song:
"Start Making Sense" by Ryan and Pony
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🎙️ 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
Struggling to get your music heard in a crowded scene? This week’s guest knows exactly what it takes—and he built a whole platform to help make it happen.
In this episode, I talk with Julian Green, the creator and curator behind Carbon Sound—a music platform from The Current, KMOJ, and MPR that’s all about celebrating the depth and impact of Black musical expression. Whether you’re into hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, funk, electronic, or just great music in general, this one’s for you.
We get into:
If you're an artist trying to break through—or just a listener who cares about music that matters—this episode offers a look behind the curtain at one of the most exciting new platforms in our scene.
Let’s get into it.
Full Transcript and Show Notes
Interested in working with us on your next song?
👋 https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect
Connect with the Guest:
Connect with Me:
✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter
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
Studio success is about more than gear or talent — it’s about creating an environment where great performances can happen. In this episode, I talk with Nick Tveitbakk, longtime engineer and producer at the legendary Pachyderm Studios, about what it really takes to make records that connect. From preparing for a session to navigating studio etiquette and energy, we dig into the invisible skills that can make or break your time in the studio.
We cover everything from Nick’s journey through the Minnesota music scene — including his time at Oarfin Records and Seedy Underbelly — to the revival and upkeep of Pachyderm, a space that has hosted artists like Nirvana, Trampled by Turtles, and Hippo Campus. More importantly, we talk about what it takes to make great records now — in any studio.
Whether you're prepping for your next session or reflecting on your past ones, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and lessons on studio etiquette, communication, preparation, and the power of vibe.
🎧 In this episode:
Full Transcript and Show Notes
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👋 https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect
Connect with the Guest:
Connect with Me:
✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter
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
Ever sent a press email and heard nothing back? You're not alone.
Too many great musicians get overlooked—not because their music isn’t good, but because their pitch falls flat.
In this week’s episode of Secrets From the Scene, I sat down with Youa Vang, a Twin Cities-based music journalist who’s written for outlets like The Current, MSP Magazine, MN Monthly, and MPR. She’s interviewed over 500 artists—from household names like Jeff Bridges and Aimee Mann to local indie bands trying to break through—and she’s seen it all.
We talk about what makes a story stick, how to pitch yourself without sounding generic, and the biggest mistakes artists make when trying to get coverage. Youa also shares how the industry has changed, what journalists are looking for now, and why a strong personal narrative can open more doors than just a great track.
Whether you're trying to land a blog write-up or simply sharpen how you present yourself online, this episode is packed with advice you can actually use.
Listen in to learn:
If you're serious about getting your music heard, don’t miss this one.
Full Transcript and Show Notes
Interested in working with us on your next song?
👋 https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect
Connect with the Guest:
Connect with Me:
✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter
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
What do you do when the music you’ve been making just doesn’t feel right anymore?
In this episode, I sit down with Lars Pruitt from Yam Haus to talk about what it really looks like to evolve as a band — not for clicks, not to stay trendy, but just to stay inspired. After years of building momentum with pop-driven songs, national TV appearances, and sold-out shows, the band started to feel a disconnect between what they were putting out and what actually excited them.
So they pivoted.
We talk about how that shift happened, why it felt necessary, and what it means to redefine your sound without losing what you’ve built. Lars also shares how the band handled internal change, why they took a break, and how they’re approaching things now with more honesty, more intentionality, and more room to grow.
If you’re a musician wrestling with how to evolve — creatively, personally, or professionally — without throwing everything out, this conversation will hit home.
Full transcript and show notes
Interested in working with us on your next song?
👋 https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect
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Featured Song:
“Green Lights” by Yam Haus
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🎙️ 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
If you're trying to carve out a unique sound but feel like you're swimming in a sea of sameness, you're not alone. So much of the gear and tools we rely on push us toward what's familiar rather than what's possible.
In this episode, I talk with Joel Korte, the founder of Chase Bliss, a Minnesota-based company known for designing some of the most innovative and creatively inspiring effects pedals in the world. Whether you're a guitarist, producer, or home studio explorer, Joel's work encourages you to break patterns, take creative risks, and truly experiment.
We also get into Joel’s personal story, how the loss of his brother Chase motivated him to stop playing it safe and take risks with his work, and how living with a stutter has shaped the way he communicates and leads. It’s a conversation about gear, yes, but also about creating things that feel honest and personal and trusting that there's value in that.
This one is for anyone looking to make bolder, more personal work and sound more like themselves in the process.
Full Transcript and Show Notes
Interested in working with us on your next song?
👋 https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect
Connect with the Guest:
🔗 joel@chasebliss.com
🔗 https://www.chasebliss.com
Connect with Me:
✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter
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
Most indie artists don’t realize they’re unprotected until it’s too late.
This week, I sat down with attorney Jonathan Sime of Spence Law Firm to talk through one of the most overlooked areas in the DIY music space: the law.
We get into the real-world stuff musicians deal with—copyrights, trademarks, split sheets, contracts, band breakups, shady deals—and how to actually protect your work without breaking the bank.
Jonathan doesn’t just give the “go hire a lawyer” speech. He breaks down practical steps you can take today to lock down your intellectual property, avoid common traps, and understand what you should and shouldn’t be signing. We also touch on some famous legal cases—from The Verve’s royalty nightmare to Taylor Swift's re-recordings—and what DIY musicians can learn from them.
Whether you're just starting out or already gigging regularly, this episode will help you understand what’s yours, what’s at risk, and how to make sure your creativity isn’t getting taken advantage of.
What We Cover:
If you're serious about building a sustainable music career, this episode is a must-listen.
Disclaimer: The information in this podcast is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be legal advice. Listening to this podcast does not create an attorney-client relationship. If you need legal assistance, consult a qualified attorney in your jurisdiction regarding your specific situation.
People, resources, and links mentioned in this episode
Interested in working with us on your next song?
👋 https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect
Connect with the Guest:
🔗 @jsimelaw
Connect with Me:
✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter
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
Are you leaking money as an indie artist?
Making music isn’t about turning a profit for most indie artists—it’s about creating something meaningful. But that doesn’t mean you have to overspend. Whether music is your career or your passion project, being smart with your money can help you do more of what you love.
That’s why in this episode of Secrets From the Scene, I sat down with Tommy Rehbein (musician, producer, and frontman of Toilet Rats) to talk about how indie bands can stretch every dollar and make smart financial moves.
Tommy has spent years navigating the DIY music world, learning how to buy gear without going broke, turn merch into a real revenue stream, and make touring actually sustainable. If you’ve ever wondered:
…this episode is packed with practical, no-BS advice that can help.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ How to save big on gear—including why "scratch-and-dent" items are your best friend.
✅ The secret to selling more merch—from pre-orders to smart bundling strategies.
✅ Why your merch table is as important as your set—and how to use it to your advantage.
✅ Touring on a budget—hacks to cut costs and make the road work for you.
✅ Balancing music with a day job—without sacrificing your creative career.
Whether you're trying to make your first tour profitable or just looking to stop bleeding money, this conversation is loaded with real-world tips that actually work.
Full Transcript and Show Notes
Interested in working with us on your next song?
👋 https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect
Connect with the Guest:
🔗 https://www.instagram.com/toiletrats/
Featured Song:
"Haunted House" by Toilet Rats
Connect with Me:
✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter
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
Ever feel like you’re grinding away in music but not sure how to break into bigger opportunities?
This week on Secrets From The Scene, I sat down with Andy Thompson, a producer, arranger, and multi-instrumentalist who’s built a career working with Taylor Swift, Celine Dion, Dan Wilson, Dessa, Jeremy Messersmith, and even orchestras like the Minnesota Orchestra and LA Philharmonic.
Andy’s one of those rare musicians who’s made it all work—recording, producing, arranging, and composing—without getting stuck in one lane. We talked about:
🎹 His early days bouncing between instruments and figuring out where he fit in music
📞 The hustle of cold calls, networking, and landing big gigs (without feeling sleazy)
🎼 How he got into orchestration and why it’s become such a huge part of his work
💰 The business side of things—how he’s kept his career moving and diversified his income
🤝 Why being easy to work with might be the most underrated skill in music
Andy’s journey is proof that there’s no one-size-fits-all path in music—but if you play your cards right, you can build something sustainable and creatively fulfilling.
Full Transcript and Show Notes
Interested in working with us on your next song?
👋 https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect
Connect with the Guest:
Connect with Me:
✉️ Subscribe to the newsletter
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