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.

🎧 Follow Grahame:
https://www.instagram.com/grahamefarmer
https://www.youtube.com/@grahamefarmerdt
https://www.grahamefarmer.com/the-artist-accelerator

Follow Nik Cherwink here:
https://www.instagram.com/nikcherwink

And visit my site to join the mailing list or book a free coaching call:
https://www.nikcherwink.com

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:

• What it really takes to walk away from the “safe” path
• The moment he knew grad school wasn’t for him
• How he built a team around his project
• Building a character, a brand, and a movement in bass music
• The importance of staying inspired and avoiding burnout as a creator

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.

Follow Nikita The Wicked here:
https://www.instagram.com/nikitathewicked
https://www.tiktok.com/@nikitathewicked

Follow Nik Cherwink here:
https://www.instagram.com/nikcherwink

And visit my site to join the mailing list or book a free coaching call:
https://www.nikcherwink.com

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:
https://www.instagram.com/itswesmills
https://www.tiktok.com/@itswesmills

Follow Nik Cherwink here:
https://www.instagram.com/nikcherwink

And visit my site to join the mailing list or book a free coaching call:
https://www.nikcherwink.com

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.

Follow Proppa here:
https://www.instagram.com/itsproppa
https://www.patreon.com/proppa

Follow Nik Cherwink here:
https://www.instagram.com/nikcherwink

And visit my site to join the mailing list or book a free coaching call:
https://www.nikcherwink.com

Join the next round of the Headliner Mindset coaching program, starting 4/7:
https://www.nikcherwink.com/headlinermindset

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:

• Why most artists stay stuck (and how to shift out of it)
• The hidden mindset blocks behind burnout
• How to build consistent energy and creative momentum
• The real key to growing your career from the inside out

Sign up for the free Headliner Mindset Masterclass on 3/31 here:
https://www.nikcherwink.com/masterclass

And check out 6am Group's free ArtistMap training here:
https://artistmapby6am.teachable.com/p/artistmapby6am-phase1

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 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:
https://www.instagram.com/arengoldd

Follow Nik Cherwink here:
https://www.instagram.com/nikcherwink

And visit my site to join the mailing list or book a free coaching call:
https://www.nikcherwink.com

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:
https://www.instagram.com/ruffmusicofficial
https://www.unleashdcreative.com

Follow Nik Cherwink here:
https://www.instagram.com/nikcherwink

And visit my site to join the mailing list or book a free coaching call:
https://www.nikcherwink.com