Headliner Mindset

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:

• Burnout from touring and constant travel
• The pressure of making new music for every set
• Staying disciplined without burning out
• Letting go of comparison and worst-case thinking
• Why great music and a strong brand matter more than going viral

This episode is for artists who love what they do — but are feeling the weight of it.

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:

• Why going viral doesn’t equal selling tickets
• The difference between online hype and real fans
• DJ culture vs live band performance
• The realities of touring, injuries, and burnout
• How AI is changing music — and where artists should be cautious

In this episode, Big Gigantic’s Dominic Lalli shares how he went from broke jazz gigs in New York to headlining festivals around the world. We talk about building Big Gigantic from the ground up, the mindset behind 15+ years of success, and how to stay creative, relevant, and inspired in an industry that’s always changing.

Whether you’re a DJ, producer, or artist chasing long-term growth, this conversation is packed with lessons on teamwork, consistency, and trusting the process.

🎧 Listen now and learn how to build a music career that actually lasts.

RIOT just dropped their new album The Machine on Slander and NGHTMRE’s label, Gud Vibrations, and are hitting the road for their first-ever national headlining tour.

In this episode, we talk about what it takes to build a sustainable career in bass music—while staying true to your vision and leveling up every step of the way.

We dive into:

• The grind of moving from support slots to headlining shows
• How they balanced singles, a full album, and tour prep all at once
• The investment behind their visuals, branding, and comic book universe
• The realities of touring life, burnout, and building healthy routines
• Why up-and-coming artists need to slow down, stop chasing trends, and focus on quality music

What happens when the dream you’ve been chasing no longer feels like yours?

In this powerful and deeply personal episode, Fredy Lane returns to the podcast to share why she’s walking away from her artist project at the height of her momentum — and what it really means to let go, evolve, and trust your intuition.

We get into:

• Why she decided to retire the Fredy Lane project and leave the touring DJ lifestyle behind
• The pressure to stay in the game vs. the peace of choosing yourself
• What alignment actually feels like — and how to know when something’s no longer right for you
• Letting go of ego, comparison, and “success” to find real happiness
• Her next chapter: moving to Paris, reclaiming her creativity, and starting fresh on her own terms

This is a conversation about courage, clarity, and what it means to pivot with grace — not because you failed, but because you grew.

Steller just wrapped her first headlining tour — and she’s doing things differently. In this episode, we talk about what it really takes to build a career with intention, from learning to trust your gut to putting your mental health first in an industry that often glorifies the grind.

We get into:

• How Steller partnered with To Write Love On Her Arms to bring mental health resources to her shows
• Why she waited a full year before going on tour — and how she knew the timing was right
• The emotional and somatic signals she listens to when making big career decisions
• How to avoid burnout and comparison while still building a successful brand
• Why putting yourself out there on socials is a non-negotiable — even if it feels scary

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:

• How she went from bedroom DJ to touring globally (without even planning on becoming an artist)
• The mindset shifts that took her from just having fun to fully committing to her craft
• Why burning out every week was part of the process—and how she finally learned to manage it
• Her journey to finding community, mentorship and her team
• The truth about building your own universe as an artist
• How her fans helped support through her darkest times

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.

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:

• How to stay connected to your purpose when social media takes over
• The trap of chasing external validation (and how to break free from it)
• The common challenge of imposter syndrome 
• Simple tools to rewire your brain and create lasting mindset shifts
• Why mindfulness is the antidote to burnout — and how to actually practice it

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:
https://www.instagram.com/shaping_success

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:

• The pressure artists feel to constantly stay visible
• Choosing creative fulfillment over algorithmic success
• How his sound and brand have evolved over time
• The freedom that comes with knowing who you are as an artist

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.

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 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:

• Why most DJs fail to grow on social media (and what to do instead)
• How to pick one platform and master it
• How SoundCloud became a powerful social tool again
• DM hacks, Instagram bio tips, and audience-building strategies
• Tools like ManyChat and ChatGPT that are changing the game for artist marketing
• Why YouTube might be the best platform for DJs right now
• The mindset shift from “content creator” to business owner

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.

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.

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:

• What it really takes to get noticed in today’s music industry
• The mindset shift that helped him finally let go of perfection
• Why knowing who you are is the key to building your brand
• How he turned his Patreon into a sustainable income stream

If you're trying to hit that next level in your artist career, this one will give you some great tips and guidance.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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:

• Cultivate resilience and embrace the journey.
• Stay authentic to yourself and your unique voice.
• Treat your career like a business with focus and strategy.
• Prioritize mental and emotional health for long-term success.
• Build strong relationships and foster community connections.

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.

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.

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.

In this episode we talk about how to bring emotion into your music, the challenges on life on the road and what has helped him build his project and become a full-time artist.

Next round of the Headliner Mindset coaching group and community starts July 22!