Secrets From The Scene

Latest Episodes:

Ep. 50: Viral Hits, Managing Collabs, and Lots of Hard-Earned Wisdom with Landon Conrath Sep 11, 2024

Show notes

In just 5 short years, indie pop artist Landon Conrath went from releasing his first song to amassing over 600,000 monthly listeners on Spotify. Thanks to key placements on Spotify playlists, a few of Landon’s tracks went viral, propelling him into the spotlight. Since then, he’s signed a record deal, booked extensive tours, and traveled to LA for whirlwind writing sessions—all while consistently dropping new music.

Sounds like the dream, right? But can you maintain that pace forever?

In this episode, Landon shares his candid thoughts on what it really takes to rise quickly in the music industry—and how to manage the pressures that come with it. We dive into his creative process, the pros and cons of co-writing, and how to balance social media presence without feeling overwhelmed. Landon also opens up about how he stays grounded, the routines that keep him from burning out, and why he sometimes feels like even his impressive streaming numbers aren’t enough.

Listen in for an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the realities of being a fast-rising indie artist in today’s music landscape.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Steve Goold

🌐 Jason Harms

🌐 Levi Roth

🌐 Ian Allison

🌐 Humbird

🌐 Zach Miller

🌐 FREE ROYALTY REGISTRATION GUIDE

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Landon Conrath

Featured Song

“Doomsday” by Landon Conrath

🎧 Listen on Spotify

👀 Watch on YouTube

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Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

Ep. 49: Understanding Sync: Expert Tips For Getting Your Music Into Ads Sep 04, 2024

Show notes

Ever wonder what makes a song click in a commercial? How does it differ from other sync placements?

In this episode, I’m joined by industry veterans Jim Weber and Christy Van House, the masterminds behind Hitlist, a renowned music house specializing in curating music for media. Together, we discuss the unique aspects of creating music for advertisements and how it stands apart in the sync world.

What We Cover:

Crafting Music for Ads: Discover the nuances that set ad music apart from other sync opportunities.
Licensing Insights: Learn how the music licensing world has evolved and what it means for your music.
Essential Know-How: The importance of metadata, paperwork, and professional relationships.
Pitching Success: Tips on getting your music noticed by sync agencies, with a focus on authenticity and professionalism.

Jim and Christy share their top tips for musicians looking to break into the world of ad music. Whether you're aiming to land your first sync deal or just curious about the process, this episode is packed with insights to help you succeed.

Listen in to discover how to make your music stand out in the competitive world of advertising!

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Mike Boris

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Hitlistmusic.com

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Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

Ep. 48: Exploring Modern Music Marketing - From Spotify Ads to Email Campaigns with Joe Flip Aug 28, 2024

Show notes

If you’re a musician, chances are the "algorithm" has shown you ads for music it thinks you’ll love. Maybe you’ve clicked, maybe you haven’t—but have you ever considered if those ads actually work?

In this episode, we dive into the world of modern music marketing with the talented guitarist Joe Flip. This is more than just a discussion about ads; it’s a hands-on case study of what it takes to create, fund, and successfully launch advertisements that reach the people who genuinely care about your music.

Joe takes us through his journey, sharing how he started, the resources and training that shaped his approach, and the mindset he uses when setting marketing goals. He doesn’t just talk theory—Joe shares real results, offering insights into what’s worked and what hasn’t.

We explore essential topics like Spotify ads, email marketing, and merch sales funnels. Along the way, you’ll learn about budgeting, the importance of professional training, taking calculated risks, and leveraging algorithms to your advantage.

If you’re looking to navigate the digital landscape, build stronger connections with your audience, and grow your music career, this episode is packed with practical advice you won’t want to miss.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Ari's Take

🌐 Caboose

🌐 Brian Naughton

🌐 Indepreneur

🌐 Bernard Allison

🌐 Chris Duarte

🌐 Scott Holt

🌐 Jennifer Lyn

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Joe Flip Website

Featured Song

"Mess Around" by Joe Flip

🎧 Listen on Spotify

👀 Watch on YouTube

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Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

Ep. 47: They Went From Playing Prom To Playing First Avenue One Stage At A Time with Guytano Aug 21, 2024

Show notes

Not many bands can say they started making music at 13, but for Guytano, it’s the foundation of their journey. Hailing from Sartell, MN, this band of childhood friends began by playing their high school prom. Fast forward, and they’ve worked their way up through the Twin Cities venue circuit, from headlining 7th St. Entry to rocking the Fine Line and, ultimately, taking the stage in First Avenue's legendary main room. Their latest achievement? A coveted spot at the Basilica Block Party.

What does it take to climb that ladder? In this episode, I sit down with Grant Hamilton, frontman and songwriter for Guytano, to dive into the band’s history and the strategies that have fueled their rise. We explore their marketing and promotion tactics, how they’ve kept their band dynamic strong over the years, and the unique aspects of their creative process.

Grant also opens up about their hands-on promotional efforts, the crucial role of fan engagement, and the challenges they’ve overcome. He shares insights into their songwriting process, the emotional depth of their music, and offers invaluable advice for aspiring musicians looking to carve out their own paths.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Huntley Miller

🌐 Silver Warehouse

🌐 Aaron Ankrum

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Guytano

Featured Song

"She Knows" by Guytano

🎧 Listen on Spotify

👀 Watch on YouTube

Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.

Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

Ep. 46: Emerging Music Tech in the Twin Cities Featuring Caedence and Ekwe Aug 14, 2024

Show notes

In today's music world, technology is more than just a tool—it's the backbone of our creative process. Whether it's recording software, social media platforms, graphic design apps, or streaming services, staying ahead of the curve is essential. We’re always on the lookout for the best ways to create, manage, and connect. But where do you find the latest tools that make a real difference?

Right here in the Twin Cities, a vibrant music tech scene is blossoming, offering innovative solutions to everyday challenges. In this episode, I sit down with two trailblazing founders—Jeff Bernett of Caedence and Michael Cain of Ekwe—who are at the forefront of this movement.

Caedence is revolutionizing live performances with its all-in-one software that seamlessly syncs your entire band's assets. Imagine synchronizing backing tracks, click tracks, lights, lyrics, chord charts, and more—all in perfect harmony, accessible on every band member's device. It’s a game-changer for live shows and rehearsals.

Ekwe is breaking new ground in music education and creation. This modern recording app comes with a built-in "instrument Wikipedia," offering rich educational content on world music instruments. Whether you're curious about the origins of a sitar or the history of a djembe, Ekwe's got you covered. Plus, with its diverse sound library, anyone—from beginners to seasoned pros—can create music using authentic loops and sounds from around the globe.

But that’s not all. We also touch on other cutting-edge music tech companies showcased at the recent WAVEFRONT event. Discover Gig Boss, the app simplifying gig management; Voloco, a mobile app making vocal recording effortless; and Jamstik, the innovative MIDI guitar that’s changing the way musicians play.

Whether you're a tech enthusiast, a musician looking for the next big thing, or just curious about the future of music, this episode is packed with insights you won't want to miss.

Tune in to stay ahead of the curve and discover the tools shaping the next generation of music!

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 M-Base

🌐 Steve Coleman

🌐 Greg Osby

🌐 Cassandra Wilson

🌐 Jack DeJohnette

🌐 Dave Holland

🌐 John Scofield

🌐 Terence Blanchard

🌐 Ryan Liestman

🌐 Starlette's Web

🌐 Campfire Music Foundation

🌐 CoLabs

🌐 Concert Hub

🌐 Gig Boss

🌐 Voloco

🌐 Jamstik

🌐 Sadkin

🌐 Joshua J Schmidt

🌐 A. R. Rahman

🌐 Jeffrey Sugerman

🌐 Tommy Barbarella

🌐 The Black Swan by Nassim Taleb

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Caedence

🔗 Ekwe

Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.

Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

Ep. 45: The Slow and Steady Grind From DIY to Industry Support with Humbird Aug 07, 2024

Show notes

When you set out to pursue a career as a musician, it can be difficult to know what that even looks like. There's a "mist" that surrounds the music business, and knowing what to aim for can feel like a complete guess. Even knowing if you're hitting your target can be elusive.

The truth is, the path from hobbyist to pro or indie musician to signed artist will look different for everyone. But some things remain true in almost all journeys: it's one foot in front of the other, one step at a time. One show builds on the next, connections spread and grow, and above all, the music matters most.

Siri Undlin of Humbird joins me for a transparent look at the slow and steady grind of working your way from being completely "DIY" as a fully independent artist to gaining the attention of management and labels and accessing industry support.

Siri is an impressively talented singer-songwriter. Over the last 7 years or so, Humbird has been slowly and steadily “learning things the hard way.” But with over 150,000 monthly listeners on Spotify, a growing fanbase, and heaps of critical praise across multiple releases of varying styles, it’s clear that Humbird has figured out a thing or two along the way.

In this episode, we chat about the origins of Humbird, what it's like to work with a manager and a label, the tricky transition of going full-time on your music, hitting the road and DIY touring, and why being a fan and supporting live music is still the best strategy of all.

Get a glimpse behind the scenes with Siri as she shares what her career looks like, the struggles, the breakthroughs, and the day-to-day of a hard-working artist on the rise.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 Undlin and Wolfe

🌐 Dex Wolfe

🌐 Eliza Edens

🌐 Pat Keen

🌐 Elsewhere Studios

🌐 Row Boat Music Booking Agency

🌐 Five Head Entertainment

🌐 Karen Wells Verlander

🌐 Nettwerk Music Group

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Humbird

Featured Song

"Cornfields and Roadkill" by Humbird

🎧 Listen on Spotify

👀 Watch on YouTube

Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.

Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

Ep. 44: Essential Tips for Sync Success with Danny Burke Jul 31, 2024

Show notes

This week, we’re thrilled to welcome award-winning songwriter, composer, and producer Danny Burke to the podcast. With nearly 20 years of experience in the sync industry, Danny has an impressive portfolio featuring placements in TV shows, network promos, movie trailers, and ads for some of the world’s biggest brands.

In this episode, Danny shares his journey into the sync world and offers invaluable insights that only come from years of experience. The music industry is complex, and the sync side can feel especially secretive. Danny is passionate about demystifying it and helping others succeed.

Topics we cover in this episode include:

The importance of having a team
How to set a strategic plan
The value of seeking advice from mentors
The power of collaboration

Having learned so much from Danny over the years, I can attest to the wealth of knowledge he brings. If you’re interested in the sync industry, this is one episode you won’t want to miss. Enjoy!

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 In The Groove

🌐 Brian Casey

🌐 Sean Van Vleet

🌐 Chris Lakey

🌐 Kobalt Music

🌐 The Stable

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Danny Burke Website

🔗 Danny Burke IG

Featured Song

"Start A War" by Klergy (with Valerie Broussard)

🎧 Listen on Spotify

👀 Watch on YouTube

Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.

Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

Ep. 43: Changing The Way You Think About Identity, Success, and Money in the Music Biz with Holly Hansen Jul 24, 2024

Show notes

What does success in the music business mean to you? Is it about fame and fortune, or is it about playing shows and releasing music? For many of us, it also involves our personal standards for when we get to call ourselves "musician," "songwriter," "producer," or any other title we aspire to.

In this episode, we explore the intersection of identity, success, and money. As independent musicians, we are all self-employed entrepreneurs, forging our own paths toward our goals. It's up to us to decide what success means and when we can call ourselves "professionals." Our standards are deeply intertwined with our views on money and its significance to our goals.

Joining us is Holly Hansen, a multi-talented engineer, producer, and musician. As the owner of Salon Sonics in Northeast Minneapolis, Holly has built an impressive portfolio over many years in the music business. Despite her accolades, even Holly still questions if she can truly call herself an engineer.

Why is it that defining identity and success can be so challenging, even when there are no wrong answers? Holly and I dive deep into these complex topics, sharing our insights and advice on claiming your identity, defining your success, and being honest about how money influences it all.

Tune in to gain a new perspective on your journey in the music industry and discover practical tips for navigating the nuanced relationship between identity, success, and money.

Episode Links and Mentions

🌐 331 Club

🌐 Chase Bliss

🌐 Jarret Oulman

🌐 Jon Oulman

🌐 Pachyderm Recording Studio

🌐 Peter Bregman

🌐 Episode with Mike Borell

🌐 Episode with Sarah Morris

Connect with the Guest:

🔗 Salon Sonics Website

🔗 Holly Hansen Instagram

Featured Song

"Ruby" by Holly Hansen

🎧 Listen on Spotify

👀 Watch on YouTube

Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.

Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

Ep. 42: How To Collect All Your Music Royalties Jul 17, 2024

Show notes

This episode includes a free resource guide with tons of extra information to help you register your music appropriately. You can get yours here.

As of April 2024, more than $2 billion in music royalties are unclaimed by artists, songwriters, and performers, according to one YouTube video. Other sources estimate that 20–50% of music payments never reach their rightful owners. Let's ensure you're not part of that unfortunate statistic!

Registering your music for royalties can be frustratingly difficult and complex. Many independent artists end up with incomplete registrations and partial collections or simply ignore the process and miss out on their money.

To help you navigate this, I've spent the last few months creating a free step-by-step guide with walkthrough videos and a detailed podcast episode. We'll break down this complex topic into manageable chunks to make claiming your royalties as easy as possible.

In this episode and its accompanying guide, you'll learn:

How to create splits and why they're essential before registrations
How to create and structure your accounts between personal accounts and shared "band" accounts
Where royalties are generated and who they are owed to
How to properly register your song with your distributor (CD Baby), Songtrust, and SoundExchange

If you plan to release music soon or want to brush up on your music business knowledge, this episode is for you. Enjoy!

Get new episodes by email: Join the Secrets From The Scene newsletter.

Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands.

Ep. 41 : Myths and Misunderstandings in the Music Business with Kevin Bowe Jul 10, 2024

Show notes

The music business is a realm filled with anecdotes and half-remembered stories that often get mistaken for gospel truths. We've all encountered strong opinions and tales about "the way things should be done." But what do these notions really mean? How can we separate fact from fiction?

In this episode, I'm joined by the renowned Kevin Bowe to debunk some of the most pervasive myths, misunderstandings, and outright lies that circulate in the industry.

Kevin Bowe is a multifaceted writer, producer, mixer, and musician, boasting credits on multi-platinum, Grammy-winning albums. His impressive roster includes collaborations with legends like Johnny Lang, The Replacements, Etta James, Joe Cocker, Paul Westerberg, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, 3 Dog Night, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Little Steven Van Zandt, Communist Daughter, and many more. His songs have even been performed by icons such as Lucinda Williams and Bruce Springsteen!

Tune in to hear our take on common myths like: