Almost Famous Enough

ep45 Ken Yates has range

Canadian singer-songwriter Ken Yates returns to discuss fatherhood, touring logistics, and his signature sonic evolution. We dive into how he scaled back to a live trio format , his collaborative work with producers Jim Bryson and Daniel Ledwell, and how a late bloomer to indie-folk songwriting defined his unique guitar tunings and raw vocal identity. From DIY house concerts to upcoming Massey Hall performances with Kathleen Edwards , this conversation explores what it really means to cultivate a dedicated, word-of-mouth audience in the modern music industry. ep45 Ken Yates has range  released May 21, 2026  1:31:46 Key Moments The Unexpected Trio Transformation:  Ken explains how a "logistical nightmare" of using six different regional backing bands across the country forced him to strip his live sound down to a trio format, helping him discover a live sound that he now prefers over solo performances. The Nashville Vocal Accident:  As a self-proclaimed "late bloomer" who went to Berklee for guitar rather than songwriting, Ken reveals he originally planned to stay behind the scenes writing for other artists in the Nashville style. He only sang his own song for the first time because his lead vocalist fell sick before a performance, sparking his career as a frontman. Embracing Creative Limitations:  In a highly candid moment, Ken admits he still doesn't consider himself a traditional singer and doesn't even sing around the house or in the car. He explains how having a limited vocal range actually acts as a creative superpower, forcing him to be much more inventive with his melodies. The "Traveling Salesman" Burnout:  Ken reflects on the exhausting pre-COVID era of driving his Honda Civic to DIY house concerts and carrying a vintage briefcase of merchandise. While financially positive, he realized playing living rooms wasn't building a sustainable, dedicated audience, prompting a massive shift in his career direction. Redefining Success Outside of Fame:  Ken shares how "failing" to reach the mainstream metrics of fame and fortune for over a decade ultimately set him free. He reached a peaceful realization that even if his career never grew past its current size, he would still happily choose to make records because it fulfills him creatively and financially. Dismantling the Tortured Artist Trope:  The conversation shifts to how fatherhood and aging have softened Ken's perspective. He notes that he has actively stepped away from trying to be a "tortured artist" all the time, allowing himself to recognize when he is genuinely feeling good and simply enjoying being a dad. https://www.kenyates.com/ [https://www.kenyates.com/] https://www.instagram.com/kenyatesmusic/ [https://www.instagram.com/kenyatesmusic/] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqkNO32U_cF0bQDmb79-PoQ [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqkNO32U_cF0bQDmb79-PoQ] hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson AFE website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com [https://www.almostfamousenough.com] AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough [https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough] AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480 [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 00:04:13 Getting Re-acquainted with Ken Yates 00:06:08 Parenthood and Its Impact on Music 00:09:04 Logistical Challenges of Touring with a Baby 00:11:56 Finding a New Band and Live Performance Dynamics 00:14:29 Transitioning from Solo to Full Band Performances 00:17:21 Songwriting Journey and Overcoming Limitations 00:20:01 The Evolution of Sound and Collaborations 00:22:45 Berklee Experience and Early Musical Development 00:25:28 Defining a Unique Sound and Voice in Music 00:28:19 Future Directions and New Music Releases 00:36:32 The Struggles of DIY Music 00:38:25 Finding Clarity in Sound 00:42:14 Personal Growth Through Parenthood 00:52:07 Building an Authentic Audience 01:09:48 Post-Fame with Alexi

ep44 Jake Vaadeland is a continuation

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.jakevaadeland.com/] https://www.instagram.com/jake_vaadeland/ [https://www.instagram.com/jake_vaadeland/] https://www.youtube.com/@jakevaadeland1712 [https://www.youtube.com/@jakevaadeland1712] hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson AFE: https://www.almostfamousenough.com [https://www.almostfamousenough.com] AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough [https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough] AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480 [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

ep43 Becca McFarlane is a swan

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

ep42 Shub has timing

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.djshub.ca/] https://www.instagram.com/djshub/ [https://www.instagram.com/djshub/] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GnlFX64_y-D7A4I8XVQRA [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6GnlFX64_y-D7A4I8XVQRA] hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson AFE website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com [https://www.almostfamousenough.com] AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough [https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough] AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480 [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

ep41 Danielle McTaggart is Larkk

Danielle McTaggart has navigated a fascinating evolution from the early days of Dear Rouge and winning the Peak Performance Project to her evocative new solo venture, Larkk. We explore her roots in Red Deer , the transition from Christian music culture to the indie-rock scene , and the vulnerability of processing infertility and grief through songwriting. Danielle shares veteran insights on maintaining a full-time music career , the importance of creative control , and collaborating with poets to find a raw, mature voice. ep41 Danielle McTaggart is Larkk released April 23, 2026 1:16:24 Key Topics * The importance and power of vulnerability in music and artistry * Transitioning from band success to solo experimentation * The influence of Christian roots and artistic grief on songwriting * The evolving voice and style from Dear Rouge to Larkk * The role of collaboration with poets and mental health in music creation * The significance of intentional, curated live performances * The challenge of navigating social media and attention in modern music * The importance of mentorship and education opportunities in Canada https://www.larkkmusic.com/ [https://www.larkkmusic.com/] https://www.instagram.com/larkkmusic [https://www.instagram.com/larkkmusic] https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqGUgS1XUiEvWUqTVBAdcmA [https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqGUgS1XUiEvWUqTVBAdcmA] hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson AFE website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com [https://www.almostfamousenough.com] AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough [https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough] AFE Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480 [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 00:04:22 Career Beginnings 00:07:04 Influences and Early Music 00:09:59 Transition to Indie Rock 00:19:04 Challenges in the Music Industry 00:21:29 Finding Joy in Music 00:37:39 Larkk's Creative Process 00:54:36 Writing with a Poet 00:57:51 The Meaning of Larkk 01:00:28 Post-Fame with Alexi