Almost Famous Enough

ep6 Kurt Dahl is lawyerdrummer
released February 27, 2025
1:28:45

In this engaging conversation, Glen Erickson interviews Kurt Dahl, an entertainment lawyer and drummer for the Canadian rock band One Bad Son. Kurt shares his unique journey of balancing dual careers in law and music, including the challenges and rewards of being both a lawyer and a musician. The discussion delves into how he adopted the moniker 'Lawyer Drummer,' the importance of self-criticism in creative growth, and the dynamics of life on the road. Kurt also touches upon his activism, particularly a social media campaign promoting feminism, and offers practical advice for aspiring musicians. This episode is a rare look into the complexities of pursuing dual passions and the life lessons that come with it.

Guest website: https://lawyerdrummer.com/
Guest Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/lawyerdrummer/

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough 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.

00:00 Introduction and Disclaimer

00:40 Meet Kurt Dahl: The Rock and Roll Daredevil

01:44 Kurt's Dual Life: Lawyer and Drummer

03:35 Early Career and Inspirations

04:23 Balancing Two Demanding Careers

06:27 The Lawyer Drummer Identity

13:32 The Struggles and Triumphs of One Bad Son

23:32 The Road to Success: Hard Work and Self-Analysis

32:33 Touring Challenges and Personal Life

39:06 Defying Expectations and Balancing Life

43:50 Balancing Two Careers

44:29 The Rock and Roll Dream

46:42 Marriage and Major Life Changes

48:20 Touring and Family Life

49:06 The Reality of the Music Industry

53:59 The Feminist T-Shirt Story

58:47 Lessons from Two Decades in Music

01:06:28 Navigating the Music Business

01:10:56 Post-Fame with Alexi

ep5 Cris Derksen does her job
released February 20, 2025
1:41:08

In this episode, Glen Erickson interviews Cris Derksen, an accomplished two-spirit, Juno-nominated artist from Treaty 8 Territory in Northern Alberta. The conversation delves into Cris’s unique life journey, blending a Mennonite and Cree heritage, and creating a distinctive career as both an artist and musician. Known for combining classical music with traditional Indigenous sounds using her electronic-fused cello, Cris shares insights from her experiences, including how she turned down Cirque du Soleil to focus on her own music. She discusses her work with symphonies, her involvement in diverse creative projects such as scoring for National Geographic, and developing the original work ‘Orchestral Powwow’. Cris’s story is one of resilience, optimism, and breaking norms within the music industry, all while maintaining a strong sense of her heritage and identity. This episode is rich with lessons in self-confidence, perseverance, and the importance of community in artistic endeavors.

Guest website: https://www.crisderksen.com/
Guest Instragram: https://www.instagram.com/cris_derksen
Guest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYw7C-YCx_LTvsoIYLirtUw

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson 

Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough 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.

00:00 Introduction to Cris Derksen

00:37 Cris Derksen Background and Heritage

02:40 Early Musical Influences and Upbringing

05:19 Navigating Identity and Racism

16:23 Discovering the Cello and Musical Journey

18:02 Challenges and Determination in Music Education

24:12 Busking and Early Career Struggles

26:55 Touring with Tanya Tagaq

31:03 Composing and Performing with Orchestras

39:38 Blending Classical and Indigenous Music

52:18 Navigating the Music Industry Independently

52:29 Building a Team for Success

53:27 The Importance of Relationships in the Music Business

54:40 Embracing Tokenism and Diverse Opportunities

55:51 Challenges and Lessons in Touring

56:49 Finding Balance and Avoiding Burnout

57:43 Leadership Roles and Industry Involvement

59:14 The Power of Self-Awareness and Authenticity

01:06:32 The Move to Toronto and Its Impact

01:09:23 Personal Life and Career Highlights

01:14:56 Advocacy and Community Building in Classical Music

01:17:23 Reflections on Positivity and Resilience

01:19:55 Current Projects and Future Plans

01:22:26 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude

01:27:05 Post-Fame with Alexi

ep4 The Royal Foundry are OK
released February 13, 2025
1:36:46

In this episode of Almost Famous Enough, host Glen Erickson talks with Jared Salte of The Royal Foundry, a Canadian husband-and-wife modern rock duo. The conversation delves into the band's evolution from their folk-rock beginnings in 2013 to their current alt-rock success. The discussion touches on their resilience, having navigated an 18-month displacement from their home due to a fire, while also celebrating the birth of their first child and recording their latest album, 'Be Kind.' Jared shares insights on the band's DIY approach, the challenges and benefits of handling many aspects of their music career themselves, and the impact of their Christian upbringing on their musical journey. They also discuss the significant moments that shaped their trajectory, the risks taken in switching musical styles, and the importance of finding balance between personal artistry and commercial success. This episode provides a comprehensive view of the trials, triumphs, and ongoing growth of The Royal Foundry, offering valuable lessons for aspiring musicians.

Guest website: https://www.theroyalfoundry.com/
Guest Instagram: http://instagram.com/theroyalfoundry
Guest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1DghtCC2GulQtIxJwj5Bog

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough 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.

00:00 Introduction to The Royal Foundry

00:57 Formation and Early Success

02:44 Personal Reflections and Milestones

07:25 DIY Approach and Industry Changes

10:24 Musical Evolution and Genre Shifts

22:36 Navigating the Christian Music Scene

41:00 Peak Performance Project Experience

52:46 Digital Marketing and Music Industry Insights

53:32 Songwriting Contests: A Revenue Stream

54:59 The Reality of Quick Fame

56:58 Balancing Career and Creativity

01:01:08 Changes in the Music Business

01:04:02 Exploring Musical Inspirations

01:15:43 Post-Fame with Alexi

ep3 Tamara Beatty sees your voice
released February 6, 2025 
1:47:56

In this episode, host Glen Erickson sits down with renowned vocal coach Tamara Beatty to discuss the moments that shaped her career and the intricate world of vocal coaching. Tamara shares personal stories from her early days, the diverse challenges faced by aspiring and professional singers, and her impactful behind-the-scenes work as a voice coach consultant on high-profile TV shows like 'The Voice' and 'The Masked Singer.' They dive into the importance of vocal fitness, the evolution of the music industry, and Tamara's upcoming VoiceFit app designed to help singers maintain their vocal health. Don't miss this insightful conversation filled with anecdotes, expert advice, and an in-depth look at the artist's journey.

Guest website: https://www.tamarabeatty.com/
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/voicefitapp/
Guest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/TamaraBeatty

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough

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.

00:00 Introduction

01:51 Catching Up with Tamara

05:02 Tamara's Journey: From Canada to Coaching

08:25 The Evolution of a Voice Coach

11:11 The Influence of Sports on Coaching

14:33 The Art of Vocal Coaching

19:20 The Voice: A Career-Changing Opportunity

24:08 Navigating the Competitive World of Vocal Coaching

36:58 The Impact of The Voice on Tamara's Career

44:34 Navigating the Blind Auditions

45:47 The Reality of TV Show Delays

46:17 Coaching Under Pressure

48:02 The Evolution of Singing Competitions

48:31 Common Threads in Aspiring Artists

52:35 The Changing Music Industry Landscape

01:01:01 Stages of an Artist's Career

01:05:31 Maintaining Vocal Health on Tour

01:08:40 The Importance of Vocal Warm Downs

01:09:28 Voice Fit App: A Toolkit for Singers

01:13:59 Celebrity Encounters and Inspirations

01:19:06 The Best Vocal Takes and Live Performances

01:21:52 Final Thoughts and Future Plans

01:26:43 Post-Fame with Alexi

ep2 Grant Lawrence is my DJ
release date: January 30, 2025 
run time: 1:49:27

In this episode, we sit down with Canadian music personality Grant Lawrence to explore his multifaceted career. Starting with an overview of his unique presence in the music industry, the conversation touches on his early days with the band The Smugglers, their impact in the '80s and '90s, and his transformative transition to a host at CBC Radio. We delve into the significance of Canadian indie music's booms in the '90s and 2000s, the creation of the CBC Radio 3 community, and its lasting influence on the Canadian music scene. Grant shares personal anecdotes from his career, including his serendipitous introduction to Dan Mangan and his views on the evolving role of curation in music. The discussion also covers Grant’s pivot to writing, including his successful book 'Adventures in Solitude', and how it helped forge a new chapter in his life. We also discuss his success in the literary community and the challenges of balancing his creative endeavors while being a dedicated father. Lastly, Grant highlights fresh new music talent like Cat Clyde, exemplifying his undying passion for music exploration.

guest website: https://grantlawrence.ca/
guest youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0c97cgwbwOZbH96B5I6F4Q
guest instagram: https://www.instagram.com/grantlawrencecbc

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough

00:00 Introduction and Greetings 
01:15 Fashion and Canadian Culture 
05:30 Music Career Beginnings 
06:54 The Evolution of Friendships in Music 
08:23 Family and Music Legacy 
09:28 Technological Advances in Music Promotion 
14:14 Transition to CBC Radio 
19:05 Navigating the Music Industry 
25:03 The Boom and Bust of Indie Music 
28:59 The Rise of CBC Radio 3 
34:30 Building a Community Through Radio 
42:27 Innovative Ideas from Sports Radio 
44:34 Ken's Influence and the Canadiana Connection 
46:07 The Infamous Christmas Party and Dan Mangan's Breakthrough 
51:19 Building an Indie Community Across Canada 
56:59 The Radio 3 Era and Its Impact 
01:04:24 Transition to Writing and Adventures in Solitude 
01:17:30 Balancing Family Life and Artistic Pursuits 
01:23:48 Final Thoughts and New Discoveries

ep1 Dan Mangan is still nice
published January 23, 2025
01:47:55

In this episode of Almost Famous Enough, Glen Erickson hosts a candid conversation with Dan Mangan, an acclaimed singer-songwriter from Vancouver, British Columbia. The discussion covers Dan's decorated music career, his life balancing fatherhood, and his hands-on approach to managing merchandise and content creation. They explore the evolution of Dan's artistic style, the impact of social media on music marketing, and reflect on significant milestones like winning Juno awards and being shortlisted for the Polaris Music Prize. Mangan candidly shares his experiences with industry expectations, disappointing tours, and the challenges of staying genuine in a career that oscillates between public acclaim and personal fulfillment. They also dive into Dan's personal strategies for maintaining hope and gratitude amidst the struggles, emphasizing the importance of being genuine and making meaningful connections with fans. The episode wraps up with Glen reflecting on Dan's influence in the music industry and their shared experiences, providing a heartwarming end to an insightful dialogue.

Guest website: https://danmanganmusic.com/
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danmanganmusic
Guest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/danmanganmusic

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough 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.

00:00 Introduction to Dan Mangan 

01:10 A Day in the Life of Dan Mangan 

02:15 The Reality of Being an Artist Today 

06:18 Early Career Struggles and Breakthroughs 

08:15 The Journey to Success 

10:07 The Relentless Pursuit of Success 

11:32 Navigating the Music Industry 

16:01 The Challenges of Sustaining a Music Career 21:06 Reflections and Lessons Learned 

30:54 The Impact of Club Meds 

35:52 Struggles and Uncertainty in Music 

37:24 Questioning Artistic Purpose 

38:56 Finding Authenticity in Music 

40:51 The Power of Authenticity 

41:47 The Struggle with Self-Worth 

42:26 Embracing Vulnerability and Connection 

43:07 Finding Fulfillment in Music 

46:54 Rediscovering 'Robots' 

54:19 Evolution of Vocal Style 

01:02:26 The Importance of Kindness 

01:09:23 Hope and Mindfulness in Life and Music 

01:10:09 Finding Hope in Everyday Moments 

01:16:09 Contemplating the Universe and Our Place in It 

01:16:49 Finding Beauty and Value in Everyday Life 

01:18:00 The Importance of Making Others Feel Good 

01:19:33 Reflections on Personal Encounters and Generosity 

01:26:43 Post-Fame: Discussing Music and Personal Conne

 My name is Glen Erickson. I'm the host of Almost Famous Enough, a new podcast where we have conversations with incredible guests from in, around and from the music industry. Now the algorithm wants me to say interviews, but I like conversations. These aren't publicity tour notes. These are deep dives into the lives of people who have chased the dream.

What are the challenges that they faced? Ageism, sexism, racism, geography, no money, no drummer, no blueprint. Or what are the opportunities? Where do you find opportunities? Is it all just luck? Is that why they call it a dream?  

Almost Famous Enough is available Thursdays, wherever you get your podcasts.