Secrets From The Scene

What keeps a musician going when the stage lights go down? When a tour falls through, a band breaks up, or the industry shifts yet again? This week, I sat down with Ryan Smith — someone who’s found ways to keep creating through all of it. You might know him as the guitarist for Soul Asylum, frontman of The Melismatics, one-half of Ryan and Pony, or the newest member of Ultrabomb (alongside Hüsker Dü’s Greg Norton and Social Distortion’s Derek O’Brien). But this conversation isn’t just a career recap. It’s a look at what fuels longevity — and how Ryan keeps finding new creative gears to shift into. From his early DIY days to pandemic-era solo recording sessions, from sideman roles to teaching music on his YouTube channel (Secret Chord), Ryan's story is full of insight for anyone trying to navigate a life in music. Whether you're building your first project or reinventing yourself for the tenth time, this one’s for you. What we cover: * Joining Ultrabomb and collaborating with punk legends * Switching between frontman and sideman roles (and what each teaches you) * Starting a solo record with zero plan — and reviving an old label to release it * What it means to “add your voice” to an established band like Soul Asylum * Balancing the business, the art, and the heart of music * Teaching, mentorship, and the surprising joy of YouTube In a world that keeps changing, the drive to create might be the only constant. Let this episode recharge yours. Full Transcript and Show Notes [https://secretsfromthescene.com/71] Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect] Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Ryan Smith IG [https://www.instagram.com/ryan_smith_solo/?hl=en] 🔗 Hygh Tension Records [https://hyghtensionrecords.com/] 🔗 Secret Chord YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@SecretChordOfficial] Featured Song: "Start Making Sense" by Ryan and Pony 🎧 Listen on Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/track/69b2YYaVMqZKN0GsOoK3Yn?si=73803c0821e643d6] 👀 Watch on YouTube [https://youtu.be/oGeBzLZNoso] 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]

Struggling to get your music heard in a crowded scene? This week’s guest knows exactly what it takes—and he built a whole platform to help make it happen. In this episode, I talk with Julian Green, the creator and curator behind Carbon Sound—a music platform from The Current, KMOJ, and MPR that’s all about celebrating the depth and impact of Black musical expression. Whether you’re into hip-hop, R&B, Afrobeats, funk, electronic, or just great music in general, this one’s for you. We get into: * Julian’s journey from Radio K to building something completely new * The mission behind Carbon Sound and why it stands apart * How the platform supports local artists (and how to get your music played) * Do’s and don’ts of submitting your music * Why community, quality, and context matter more than ever * What’s next for Carbon Sound and how you can be a part of it If you're an artist trying to break through—or just a listener who cares about music that matters—this episode offers a look behind the curtain at one of the most exciting new platforms in our scene. Let’s get into it. Full Transcript and Show Notes [https://secretsfromthescene.com/70] Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect] Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Carbon Sound FM [https://www.carbonsound.fm/] 🔗 Carbon Sound Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/carbonsoundfm/] 🔗 Carbon Sound YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@carbonsoundfm] 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]

Studio success is about more than gear or talent — it’s about creating an environment where great performances can happen. In this episode, I talk with Nick Tveitbakk, longtime engineer and producer at the legendary Pachyderm Studios, about what it really takes to make records that connect. From preparing for a session to navigating studio etiquette and energy, we dig into the invisible skills that can make or break your time in the studio. We cover everything from Nick’s journey through the Minnesota music scene — including his time at Oarfin Records and Seedy Underbelly — to the revival and upkeep of Pachyderm, a space that has hosted artists like Nirvana, Trampled by Turtles, and Hippo Campus. More importantly, we talk about what it takes to make great records now — in any studio. Whether you're prepping for your next session or reflecting on your past ones, this episode is packed with stories, insights, and lessons on studio etiquette, communication, preparation, and the power of vibe. 🎧 In this episode: * The history and revival of Pachyderm Studios * Nick’s path from small-town musician to pro studio owner * Studio etiquette: what artists often overlook (and how to fix it) * Why being prepared is still the most underrated studio skill * How to create a space where great takes actually happen * Balancing fun, focus, and feedback in the session process * What’s changed — and what’s stayed the same — about studio culture Full Transcript and Show Notes [https://secretsfromthescene.com/69] Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect] Connect with the Guest: 🔗 Pachyderm-studios.com [https://www.pachyderm-studios.com/] 🔗 Pachyderm Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/pachydermstudios/] 🔗 Email Pachyderm Studios [info@pachyderm-studios.com] 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]

Ever sent a press email and heard nothing back? You're not alone. Too many great musicians get overlooked—not because their music isn’t good, but because their pitch falls flat. In this week’s episode of Secrets From the Scene, I sat down with Youa Vang, a Twin Cities-based music journalist who’s written for outlets like The Current, MSP Magazine, MN Monthly, and MPR. She’s interviewed over 500 artists—from household names like Jeff Bridges and Aimee Mann to local indie bands trying to break through—and she’s seen it all. We talk about what makes a story stick, how to pitch yourself without sounding generic, and the biggest mistakes artists make when trying to get coverage. Youa also shares how the industry has changed, what journalists are looking for now, and why a strong personal narrative can open more doors than just a great track. Whether you're trying to land a blog write-up or simply sharpen how you present yourself online, this episode is packed with advice you can actually use. Listen in to learn: * What journalists wish artists actually understood * Why storytelling matters just as much as your sound * How to prep for an interview so you don’t freeze * What to include in a pitch (and what to leave out) * Why awkward interviews still make great stories If you're serious about getting your music heard, don’t miss this one. Full Transcript and Show Notes [https://secretsfromthescene.com/68] Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect] Connect with the Guest: 🔗 youa55443@gmail.com [youa55443@gmail.com] 🔗 https://3drdcrafts.com/ [https://3drdcrafts.com/] 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 do you do when the music you’ve been making just doesn’t feel right anymore? In this episode, I sit down with Lars Pruitt from Yam Haus to talk about what it really looks like to evolve as a band — not for clicks, not to stay trendy, but just to stay inspired. After years of building momentum with pop-driven songs, national TV appearances, and sold-out shows, the band started to feel a disconnect between what they were putting out and what actually excited them. So they pivoted. We talk about how that shift happened, why it felt necessary, and what it means to redefine your sound without losing what you’ve built. Lars also shares how the band handled internal change, why they took a break, and how they’re approaching things now with more honesty, more intentionality, and more room to grow. If you’re a musician wrestling with how to evolve — creatively, personally, or professionally — without throwing everything out, this conversation will hit home. ⁠Full transcript and show notes⁠ [https://secretsfromthescene.com/67] Interested in working with us on your next song? 👋 ⁠⁠https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect⁠⁠ [https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect] Connect with the Guest: 🔗 ⁠Yamhaus.com⁠ [https://www.yamhaus.com/] 🔗 ⁠Yamhaus Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/yamhaus/] Featured Song: “Green Lights” by Yam Haus 🎧 ⁠Listen on Spotify⁠ [https://open.spotify.com/track/6Kqzj6GlNwFD4yvuRKebzR?si=a90b4a4ffbfb4816] 👀 ⁠Watch on YouTube⁠ [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W4JVVkSuGn0] 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]