Freelance musician and multi-instrumentalist Lisa Jacobs joins me to discuss her diverse career as an award-winning bass player and a dedicated music therapist. We dive into the grit of touring, studio recording sessions, and how she balances the energy of massive festival stages with the quiet intimacy of clinical music therapy. Lisa shares her unique mindset on finding longevity in the music industry, overcoming performance anxiety, and the real definition of confidence.

ep48 Lisa Jacobs finds little joys
released June 18, 2026
1:53:26

https://www.instagram.com/lisajuliejacobs/

Key Takeaways

• Dual Dualities & Symbiotic Career Paths: Lisa successfully balances a high-energy performance career with the quiet intimacy of music therapy, allowing both worlds to uniquely inform and feed into each other .
• The Clinical Power of Music Memory: Because music is stored across multiple areas of the brain, it acts as a powerful non-verbal tool to unlock memories and restore personal identity for dementia and palliative care patients .
• The Reality of Passion Projects: Disproving the cliché myth that loving your job means never working, Lisa emphasizes that even dream careers require immense sacrifice, unglamorous behind-the-scenes toil, and dealing with burnout .
• True Confidence is Earned Through Failure: Genuine confidence is not unearned bravado; rather, it is built incrementally by leaning into discomfort, making mistakes, and actively working to get better at a skill over time .
• Strategic Cultivation of Small Joys: To survive the grueling demands of the music industry and prevent professional misery, Lisa intentionally hunts for tiny moments of connection and beauty on and off the stage .

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:04:15 Catching up with Lisa Jacobs

00:06:44 Life as a Freelance Musician

00:09:42 The Dual Role: Musician and Music Therapist

00:12:43 The Power of Music Therapy

00:15:45 Connecting Through Music: A Personal Story

00:18:43 Finding Balance: The Performer and the Healer

00:24:34 Rediscovering Self: The Journey of Balance

00:31:40 Understanding Emotional Patterns

00:34:07 The Journey of a Musician

00:37:58 Early Musical Influences and Opportunities

00:41:06 The Freelance Musician's Path

00:46:45 Finding Joy in the Journey

00:53:55 Authenticity on Stage and Off

01:00:01 The Value of Vulnerability in Music

01:03:22 Fashion Influences and Sisterhood

01:06:02 The Power of Personal Style

01:09:17 The Balance of Light and Dark in Music and Fashion

01:14:24 Confidence Through Experience

01:19:23 The Journey of a Musician

01:24:26 Embracing Opportunities and Personal Growth

01:33:04 Post-Fame with Alexi

What does it take to sustain a 12-year independent music career? Canadian rock-and-folk artist Skye Wallace joins the conversation to dissect the realities of the modern touring landscape, independent album funding, and shifting toward DIY touring sustainability. From her classical vocal roots to heavy guitar distortion , Skye shares how raw adaptability has defined her trajectory. Plus, she opens up about challenging music industry ageism and sexism while proudly navigating new parenthood on the road.

ep47 Skye Wallace is adaptable
released June 11, 2026
1:49:55

Key Takeaways

• Navigating Parasocial Dynamics: Independent artists must balance a unique social dynamic where fans online and in public feel a deep, one-sided personal connection with them.
• Early DIY Grit: Building a long-term music career often requires a foundation of intense solo hustle, booking grassroots gigs, and navigating early touring challenges independently.
• The Power of Creative Adaptability: Longevity in a volatile industry relies heavily on an artist’s willingness to constantly adapt, whether by upgrading live performance technology or shifting musical directions.
• Pivoting for Touring Sustainability: Rising industry costs and widespread artist burnout are forcing creators to return to grassroots, DIY touring models like intimate house shows for better financial feasibility.
• Reclaiming Agency in Motherhood: Choosing to openly balance a rock-and-roll career with new parenthood allows female artists to directly challenge systemic industry ageism and sexism.

https://www.skyewallace.com/
https://www.instagram.com/skyewallacemusic/
https://www.youtube.com/c/Skyewallace

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
AFE: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:03:09 Navigating Social Dynamics in Music

00:06:14 Returning to the Stage: A Musician's Journey

00:09:10 The Evolution of Live Performance Technology

00:12:09 From Classical Training to Creative Expression

00:14:59 The Path of a Solo Artist: Challenges and Triumphs

00:18:12 Support Systems: The Role of Family in Music

00:21:12 Speaking Out: The Artist's Voice in Society

00:29:50 Embracing Authenticity in Music

00:31:25 Navigating a Decade of Music Production

00:34:02 Building Connections in the Music Industry

00:36:49 Evolving as an Artist Through Collaboration

00:40:00 The Impact of Production on Artistic Growth

00:42:31 The Importance of Learning from Experience

00:45:40 Adapting to Change in the Music Landscape

00:49:18 The Role of Public Funding in Music Careers

00:52:43 Sustainability and DIY Approaches in Music

00:56:51 Facing Challenges as a Female Artist

00:58:33 Parenthood and Its Impact on Artistic Expression

00:59:05 The Iced Tea Incident

01:01:16 Flag in the Ground Moments

01:02:58 Living Your Truth

01:06:11 The Journey of Parenthood and Career

01:11:04 The New Record and Creative Process

01:15:11 Performance Dynamics: Solo vs. Band

01:24:19 Post-Fame with Alexi

What does music genre even mean anymore? Former guest Matthew Willox returns to challenge traditional Billboard classifications like rock, country, and classical. This Hot Take sends us on a deep dive into how digital streaming platforms and Spotify algorithms have completely shifted the landscape, swapping rigid labels for curated aesthetic vibe playlists, workout tracks, and hyper-niche sub-genres. Discover how, we think, music listeners are taking back control from corporate power structures, ultimately democratizing how we define, discover, and consume new music in the modern streaming era.

s3 Post-Fame Plus presents Hot Takes with Matthew
released June 4, 2026
49:20

Key Moments

[05:56] The Rise of the "Vibe" Genre: Matthew drops his primary hot take, arguing that traditional Billboard categories like rock and country are dead, replaced by context-driven vibe genres like lo-fi, hype, and workout tracks.

[08:37] The 90s Rock Club Abomination: The guys share a laugh over a modern algorithmic playlist that mashed Tool and Blink-182 together - a chaotic musical pairing that never would have survived the strict sub-culture divides of the 1990s.

[11:40] Context-Driven Listening: Glen explores how modern music taxonomy has fundamentally flipped. Instead of labels telling us what we're listening to, genres are now built entirely around the user’s immediate context: where they are, how they feel, and what they want to feel.

[24:00] Triangulating Music Tastes: The guys unpack how the younger generation completely struggles to define their music taste. Instead of naming genres, listeners now list a trio of hyper-specific artists to help others "triangulate" their exact sonic aesthetic.

https://matthewwillox.art/

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson AFE: https://www.almostfamousenough.com AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:08 Introduction to Hot Takes

00:02:15 Self-Policing and Personal Freedom

00:06:10 The Evolution of Music Genres

00:07:07 Vibe Over Genre: A New Perspective

00:11:12 The Contextual Nature of Music Genres

00:20:01 The Influence of Technology on Music Creation

00:23:28 The Evolution of Music Taste

00:26:19 Defining Genres in a Blended Era

00:30:32 The Impact of Historical Context on Music

00:33:25 Listener Influence on Genre Creation

00:37:38 The Democratization of Music Consumption

00:41:39 The Knowledgeable Listener and Genre Fluidity

Jacob Brodovsky uncovers his journey as a singer-songwriter from Winnipeg’s rich music community while discussing his highly anticipated new album, Tell the Kids We Tried. We dive into the grit of indie songwriting, the creative liberation of tracking live to tape, and the power of local music networks. From navigating imposter syndrome to balancing family life and finding his authentic voice, this conversation is an honest look at building a sustainable creative life in today's music industry.

ep46 Jacob Brodovsky is serious
released May 28, 2026
1:31:47

Key Highlights:

The Power of Creative Accountability (The "Song Every Week Club"): Jacob highlights how a strict, high-accountability weekly writing circle in Winnipeg forces creators to bypass the ego and tap into a raw stream of consciousness.

Navigating Toxic Industry Pressures vs. Authentic Balance: The discussion tackles the "toxic bullshit" narrative that artists must sacrifice everything or quit their day jobs to be taken seriously. Jacob and Glen advocate for a healthier, realistic approach to balancing real life while still making award-winning art.

The Vulnerability of "Brutal" Editing: Jacob opens up about his relationship with mentor John K. Samson (The Weakerthans), who agreed to edit his first record on the condition that he could be "brutal" with a red pen. It’s a great lesson for all creatives on checking your ego at the door and treating songwriting as a long-term process of refinement.

Spontaneity Over Perfection (Recording Live to Tape): Moving away from an album that was labored over for years, Jacob’s new record was arranged in a room in three hours and tracked live to tape. This highlight celebrates the magic of capturing spontaneous, flawed, and honest musical moments that can't be easily fixed in post-production.

Community as the Ultimate Antidote: When unexpected professional and personal transitions hit Jacob, the local creative scene "scooped up" his family with gigs and immense support. This highlights the beautiful, reciprocal nature of a healthy music ecosystem—taking space when it's your turn to promote, and pumping everyone else's tires when it's not.

http://www.jacobbrodovsky.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jacobbrodovsky
https://www.youtube.com/@jacobbrodovsky

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
AFE website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:03:07 Introduction and First Impressions

00:05:00 The Importance of Reaching Out

00:08:09 Musical Roots and Identity

00:11:04 The Role of Community in Music

00:14:00 Exploring Jewish Camp Experiences

00:17:04 The Value of Summer Camp

00:20:02 The Journey to Becoming a Musician

00:22:27 Recognition and Bittersweet Success

00:23:40 Navigating the Pandemic and Personal Struggles

00:25:37 Imposter Syndrome and the Artist's Journey

00:30:12 The Changing Landscape of the Music Industry

00:34:09 Creating a New Album: Inspiration and Process

00:38:08 The Joy of Being a Solo Artist

00:40:17 Writing from Experience: The Birth of New Songs

00:47:40 Collaborative Creation: The Making of the Record

00:50:12 Influences and Inspirations in Songwriting

00:53:58 The Importance of Editing in Music

00:56:22 Community and Support in the Music Scene

01:05:30 Navigating the Future of Music and Personal Growth

01:10:52 Post-Fame with Alexi

Discover the inspiring story of Jake Vaadeland, a young Saskatchewan musician blending traditional prairie country roots with rockabilly and bluegrass influences. Jake shares his journey from small-town beginnings to international stages, winning a Juno Award and self-promoting rural tours, while emphasizing the importance of authenticity, showmanship, and staying true to oneself.

ep44 Jake Vaadeland is a continuation
released May 14, 2026
1:30:51

Key Topics:

• Jake Vaadeland's background and family roots in Scandinavian and rural Saskatchewan culture
• The influence of early musical experiences, bluegrass, and pioneer music on his style
• His unconventional path out of small-town Saskatchewan into music, including early performances and self-branding
• The significance of live performance professionalism, tight showmanship, and entertainment value
• How touring in small communities built his audience outside traditional music industry channels
• The creative process behind his upcoming album, focused on heritage and traditional folk sounds recorded with vintage equipment
• The importance of simplicity in songwriting and authenticity in performance
• Balancing artistic passion with career sustainability and growth strategies informed by legendary artists like Willie Nelson
• Overcoming societal pressures to stand out and living authentically in a small-town environment
• The role of patience, steady growth, and trusting the natural flow of his career and art

https://www.jakevaadeland.com/
https://www.instagram.com/jake_vaadeland/
https://www.youtube.com/@jakevaadeland1712

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
AFE: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:03:07 Family Names Ancestry Discussion

00:07:36 Jake's Musical Journey Begins

00:12:36 Growing Up in Rural Saskatchewan

00:17:13 Musical Influences and Family Background

00:19:38 Niche Music Style and Identity

00:26:18 Finding an Audience and Showmanship

00:26:41 Nostalgic Roots of Music

00:29:11 The Evolution of Live Performance

00:32:13 Building a Touring Career

00:34:36 The Road to Recognition

00:37:32 Breaking Free from Conventional Paths

00:42:29 Embracing Individuality and Authenticity

00:49:00 The Art of Songwriting and Performance

00:51:53 The Roots of Songwriting

00:57:16 Exploring New Musical Directions

01:03:07 The Magic of Imperfection in Music

01:09:02 Navigating Career Anxiety and Future Aspirations

01:15:00 Post-Fame with Alexi

Design is the silent partner of every great record, yet the path to becoming a creative director in the music industry is rarely linear. From navigating the Montreal art scene to designing for icons like Tegan and Sara and Arcade Fire, Becca McFarlane shares her journey of "Type A" creativity. We dive into the merch economics of stadium tours, why authenticity beats the algorithm, and how to build a visual brand that resonates long after the music stops.

ep42 Becca McFarlane is a swan
released April 30, 2026
1:44:45

Highlights

• The Swan - on imposter syndrome and hidden effort: Becca uses the swan metaphor to illustrate the hidden struggles of ADHD creatives who appear confident but are constantly working hard beneath the surface.
• The quarter-life crisis that changed everything: At 25, Becca leaves a stable career to rediscover her creativity, taking a prep cook job and returning to school to study illustration.
• "Just because you're good at something doesn't mean it's what you should do": Becca shares the insight that skill alone doesn't dictate career choice, echoed by Glen's record label experience.
• Working with musicians vs. corporate clients: Becca contrasts musicians' self-awareness with corporate clients' indecision, highlighting differences in creative collaboration.

https://beccamcfarlane.com/
https://www.minifists.com/
https://www.instagram.com/minifists/

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
AFE website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction and Technical Insights

00:01:55 Becca McFarlane

00:04:03 Navigating the Job Market and Personal Branding

00:07:02 The Journey into the Music Industry

00:10:00 Creative Pursuits and Career Crossroads

00:12:56 The Balance of Supporting Others vs. Personal Creation

00:16:09 The Transition to Full-Time Creative Work

00:19:17 The Challenges of Being a Type A Creative

00:22:11 Imposter Syndrome and the Creative Process

00:25:10 Finding Your Path in the Arts

00:33:14 Transitioning from Production to Creative Design

00:34:48 The Role of Design in the Music Industry

00:40:14 Collaboration with Artists and Art Directors

00:45:12 The Ease of Working with Musicians

00:51:44 Building a Brand as an Artist

00:56:26 The Importance of Authenticity in Creativity

01:00:54 AI's Impact on Creativity and the Industry

01:04:23 Generative AI and the Human Element

01:07:40 Art vs. Design: Understanding the Differences

01:09:51 The Return to Analog: A Trend in Music and Art

01:14:15 Navigating the Economics of Creativity

01:20:14 Finding Your Creative Collaborators

01:25:00 Post-Fame with Alexi

Explore the intersection of turntablism, indigenous culture, and electronic music with Juno-winning artist Shub. From his early days as a DMC Canada champion to pioneering the powwow step genre with A Tribe Called Red, Shub discusses the technical evolution of his craft and the importance of representation. We dive into his prolific production process, the realities of streaming royalties, and his latest collaborative project, Heritage, which continues to redefine the boundaries of modern Canadian music.

ep42 Shub has timing
released April 30, 2026
1:23:24

Key Topics:

• His older brother's influence and getting his first turntables
• The DMC DJ battle circuit - how it works, the politics, and representing Canada at the world finals in England (6th place out of 32)
• Discovering the Electric Powwow scene in Ottawa and how "Powwow Step" was born
• Joining A Tribe Called Red, winning a Juno, and touring internationally
• The importance of management for indigenous artists and controlling your own narrative
• Going solo and sustaining a career through royalties, licensing, and live shows
• AI in music - useful tool or threat?
• War Club and the Heritage album series — 40 songs, split into two parts to maximize reach
• His son following in his footsteps as a DJ

https://www.djshub.ca/
https://www.instagram.com/djshub/
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GnlFX64_y-D7A4I8XVQRA

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
AFE website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

Chapters

00:00:00 Introduction

00:03:26 Buffalo Roots and Early Influences

00:06:44 From Turntables to Battle Champion

00:15:45 Inside DMC Battles and World Finals

00:23:32 Electric Powwow and A Tribe Called Red

00:33:20 Powwowstep Breakthrough

00:34:32 Management And Narrative

00:41:07 Touring Abroad Perspectives

00:44:10 Culture In The Music

00:48:01 Making A Living Solo

00:54:45 Heritage Collabs Rollout

01:04:20 Album Plug and Farewell

01:05:06 Post-Fame with Alexi