Secrets From The Scene

Minnesota’s hip-hop scene is more alive and diverse than most people realize. Few know it better than Juice Lord, who’s lived it from late-night open mics to sold-out stages. Beyond the music, he’s built a reputation as someone who lifts others up while carving his own path. This episode is your inside look at the culture, the community, and the grind. That’s why I sat down with Malik Curtis, better known as Juice Lord, one of St. Paul’s most influential hip-hop artists and community leaders. At just 29, he’s already toured with Prof, sold out shows at the 7th St Entry, and become a vital voice in shaping the Twin Cities scene. In this episode, Juice Lord opens up about: * His journey from sports and poetry to becoming a rising MC in Minnesota * The highs and lows of touring with Prof — and what he learned from it * Why building community is at the core of his music and mission * The venues, people, and strategies that shape the Twin Cities hip-hop culture today * His advice for young artists on how to actually break into the scene * What’s next, including his upcoming project Terry’s Baby and release show at the 7th St Entry If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to make a name in local hip-hop — and how the Minnesota scene works from the inside — this conversation with Juice Lord is packed with insights and stories you don’t want to miss. Full Transcript and Show Notes [https://secretsfromthescene.com/77] Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect] Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Follow Juice Lord on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/hammertimejuice] Featured Song: 🎧 "The Thrill" [https://open.spotify.com/artist/0IpIIIp9qWnWbKpXTEDhyC?si=4Mp1EsyXStmG2in1vckkMw] Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ [https://secretsfromthescene.com/] 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/secretsfromthescene/] 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@secretsfromthescene] 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@secretsfromthescene] Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [stephen@secretsfromthescene.com] 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [podcast@secretsfromthescene.com] 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/57b3vOVgDr5yF1Yt4lCLiN?si=21403747171c4f75] ✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-from-the-scene/id1706158542] ⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/] Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime. 🙏 Thank You This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening. Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Zj7gsA0rAKgUEecQpTPLh?si=uvrRfXAFQ_WHFGW1RN8gSQ]

Have you ever wondered what it really takes to survive life on the road as a touring band? It’s not all glamorous shows and screaming crowds—most of the time it’s van repairs, tight budgets, and figuring out how to sleep in impossible places. In this week’s episode of Secrets From the Scene, Max Greene sits down with Matt DeMar, guitarist for the Twin Cities rock/metal band Divide the Fall. Together, they go behind the grind to talk about what touring is really like, from DIY runs across the country to opening for bands like Staind and Cold. Matt shares: * The realities of van life and sleeping arrangements on tour * How Divide the Fall built connections that landed them on major festivals like Rock Fest * Why backing tracks and smart logistics can make or break your live show * The importance of staying grounded and approachable in the industry * The lessons he’s learned about networking, first impressions, and keeping a band together on the road This conversation is packed with behind-the-scenes stories and practical advice for any musician dreaming of hitting the road—or any fan curious about the not-so-glamorous side of touring. Full Transcript and Show Notes [https://secretsfromthescene.com/76] Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect] Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Matt DeMar Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/mattdemar_/?hl=en] 🔗 Divide the Fall Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dividethefall/?hl=en] 🔗 Divide the Fall Links [https://beacons.ai/dividethefall?fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAAafihl6y0pDlYYLuzheARnGLh358jiDzTbzalfQjD0VG8owFcA94TouCyBa1HQ_aem_3MCNmJWdMv4NLle9NTBHyg] Featured Song: 🎧 Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/track/12C8lbzl1Gm9ye7uaJdPCm?si=2910bd49019045fb] Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ [https://secretsfromthescene.com/] 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/secretsfromthescene/] 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@secretsfromthescene] 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@secretsfromthescene] Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [stephen@secretsfromthescene.com] 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [podcast@secretsfromthescene.com] 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/57b3vOVgDr5yF1Yt4lCLiN?si=21403747171c4f75] ✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-from-the-scene/id1706158542] ⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/] Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime. 🙏 Thank You This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening. Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Zj7gsA0rAKgUEecQpTPLh?si=uvrRfXAFQ_WHFGW1RN8gSQ]

If you’ve ever struggled to balance multiple passions, questioned whether to “pick a focus,” or wondered how to actually make a creative career work long-term, this episode is for you. This week on Secrets From the Scene, I sit down with Dessa — a writer, rapper, singer, podcaster, and speaker who’s built one of the most multifaceted careers in the Twin Cities and beyond. From Doomtree to the Minnesota Orchestra, The Hamilton Mixtape to her BBC podcast Deeply Human, Dessa has carved a path that defies easy labels. We talk about what it really takes to sustain a creative career over the long haul — the tough decisions, unexpected opportunities, and constant balancing acts that come with living a multidisciplinary life. In this conversation, you’ll hear us dive into: * The pressures artists face to “pick a lane” — and why Dessa never did * Lessons from Doomtree on collaboration, community, and persistence * How Dessa decides which projects are worth her time * The financial realities of making art — and the unavoidable tradeoffs, from touring and merch to sustainability and personal values * The moral gray areas of brand partnerships and choosing who to align with * Why curiosity, experimentation, and adaptability are the keys to longevity This conversation left me thinking a lot about what it really means to build a creative life that lasts and how there’s no single “right” way to do it. It’s about making your own lane and finding ways to keep going. Whether you’re balancing multiple passions, trying to make your art sustainable, or just figuring out your next move, I think you’ll walk away from this one with a few new ideas — and maybe a little reassurance that you’re not alone in the process. Full Transcript and Show Notes [https://secretsfromthescene.com/75] Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect] Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Dessa Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/dessa] 🔗 Dessawander.com [https://www.dessawander.com/] Featured Song: "Hurricane Party" by Dessa 🎧 Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/track/5rmg3dVtNulAP1DoqeUuYm?si=9908344ef9c64f64] Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ [https://secretsfromthescene.com/] 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/secretsfromthescene/] 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@secretsfromthescene] 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@secretsfromthescene] Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [stephen@secretsfromthescene.com] 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [podcast@secretsfromthescene.com] 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/57b3vOVgDr5yF1Yt4lCLiN?si=21403747171c4f75] ✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-from-the-scene/id1706158542] ⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/] Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime. 🙏 Thank You This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening. Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Zj7gsA0rAKgUEecQpTPLh?si=uvrRfXAFQ_WHFGW1RN8gSQ]

What happens when the music you make doesn’t have a built-in scene? This week I’m talking with Brandyn Tulloch — an artist who started in spoken word, found his way into reggae, and has been steadily building community through live shows, collaboration, and creative hustle. Reggae isn’t a dominant genre in Minneapolis, but Brandyn hasn’t let that stop him. He’s built a career by focusing on connection over trends — creating live experiences that bring people together, collaborating with other culturally-rooted artists, and leaning into his skills across poetry, music, and visual storytelling. We talk about how he got started, the shift from poetry to performance, why live shows are the core of his strategy, and what goes into organizing your own events when the infrastructure isn’t already there. We also get into how he navigates social anxiety at networking-heavy events, and how he’s learned to show up anyway. It’s a grounded, practical conversation about making something work in a niche — and doing it with intention, consistency, and community in mind. Full Transcript and Show Notes [https://secretsfromthescene.com/74] Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect] Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Brandyn Tulloch Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/b_tulloch] Featured Song: "I Give My Love Instead" by Brandyn Tulloch 🎧 Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/track/6DvBQDIDwZ08ISjvrqDjPK?si=6a865469474b48d3] Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ [https://secretsfromthescene.com/] 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/secretsfromthescene/] 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@secretsfromthescene] 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@secretsfromthescene] Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [stephen@secretsfromthescene.com] 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [podcast@secretsfromthescene.com] 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/57b3vOVgDr5yF1Yt4lCLiN?si=21403747171c4f75] ✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-from-the-scene/id1706158542] ⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/] Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime. 🙏 Thank You This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening. Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Zj7gsA0rAKgUEecQpTPLh?si=uvrRfXAFQ_WHFGW1RN8gSQ]

How do you keep your family and personal life grounded when your career pulls you all over the map? This week on Secrets From the Scene, I handed the mic to my co-host Max Greene for a conversation with someone I’ve looked up to for years—drummer and educator Steve Goold. You’ve probably heard Steve without even realizing it. He’s toured with artists like Sara Bareilles, Owl City, Ben Rector, and many more. But in this episode, we go deeper than the resume. Max and Steve dig into what it actually takes to build a sustainable life in music—one where your relationships, health, and values don’t fall by the wayside. Steve opens up about the reality of touring while raising a family, how his priorities have shifted over time, and why saying no is sometimes the most powerful move you can make. We also cover: * The behind-the-scenes shifts that led to his work with Owl City * What he's learned from working with different kinds of artists * How he handles social media and authenticity * Why adaptability—not hustle—is the key to longevity Whether you’re a gigging musician, a studio lifer, or just someone who loves music and wants a peek behind the curtain, there’s something here for you. Give it a listen—and stay to the end for one of Steve’s best pieces of advice yet. Full Transcript and Show Notes [https://secretsfromthescene.com/73] Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect] Connect with the Guest: 🔗 https://stevegoold.com/ [https://stevegoold.com/] 🔗 https://www.instagram.com/stevegoold/ [https://www.instagram.com/stevegoold/] Featured Song: "Solo Improvisations on Drumset" by Steve Goold 👀 Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/W_oT1NO121I?si=4i3HUfN4MINPGLWr] Connect with Me: ✉️ ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to the newsletter⁠⁠⁠ [https://secretsfromthescene.com/] 📷 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on Instagram⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/secretsfromthescene/] 🕺 ⁠⁠⁠Connect on TikTok⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@secretsfromthescene] 📺 ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe on YouTube⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/@secretsfromthescene] Give Feedback: 📬 Send me a message: ⁠⁠⁠stephen@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [stephen@secretsfromthescene.com] 💬 Suggest a guest or topic: ⁠⁠⁠podcast@secretsfromthescene.com⁠⁠⁠ [podcast@secretsfromthescene.com] 🧡 ⁠⁠⁠Leave a rating on Spotify⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/show/57b3vOVgDr5yF1Yt4lCLiN?si=21403747171c4f75] ✍️ ⁠⁠⁠Write a review on Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-from-the-scene/id1706158542] ⁠⁠⁠🎙️ Brought to you by Helvig Productions⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/] Production, videography, and coaching to help you sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music. Think of us like your extra bandmate, 100% focused on helping you create something special that you and your fans will enjoy for a lifetime. 🙏 Thank You This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: Max Greene and Joey Biehn. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening. Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of ⁠⁠⁠LUEDVIG⁠⁠⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Zj7gsA0rAKgUEecQpTPLh?si=uvrRfXAFQ_WHFGW1RN8gSQ]