Steph Montani: Why visual media, aesthetic and online content are crucial to artist growth in 2026

Dealbreaker: The importance of establishing every aspect of your band beyond only playing music

On Episode 8 of Build Your Own Band, I sat down to chat with Connor Johnstone and Nick Giammarco from Dealbreaker!  Dealbreaker is an independent garage punk band from Welland, Ontario. Although they’ve only been together as a band since 2024, the guys in Dealbreaker have been lifelong friends. With over a decade of playing in several bands throughout their local scene, Dealbreaker hit the ground running with their Debut EP “Run it Again,” loaded with an established sound, a defined aesthetic, and unique marketing. On their brand new 2026 LP “New Sides”, Dealbreaker branches out of their DIY comfort zone to bring on Producer M.C Cunningham of The Dreaded Laramie, and me (Vince Soliveri, haha), engineering and mixing. Subscribe to the show to be notified as soon as new episodes drop. Visit ⁠⁠vincesoliveri.com/subscribe⁠⁠ to keep up to date on all content, future episodes and beyond!  Follow Build Your Own Band on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/buildyourownband_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/buildyourownband_podcast] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@vincesoliveri⁠⁠⁠ [youtube.com/@vincesoliveri⁠⁠] TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠⁠tiktok.com/@vincesoliveri⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@vincesoliveri]

Jake Thompson of Mile End: How consistent touring and building a strong local scene is still an effective way to grow as a band

On Episode 7 of Build Your Own Band, I sat down to chat with Jake Thompson from Mile End!  Mile End is a hardcore band from Brampton Ontario who’s signed to the Chicago-based label New Morality Zine. Mile End has toured extensively throughout Canada, the United States and Europe. Mile End has shared the stage with bands like Sunami, Comeback Kid, Cancer Bats and Single Mothers. On this episode, we chat about starting your first band, building a healthy scene and why playing tons of shows and meeting people is still an effective way to build your band. Subscribe to the show to be notified as soon as new episodes drop. Visit ⁠⁠vincesoliveri.com/subscribe⁠⁠ to keep up to date on all content, future episodes and beyond!  Follow Build Your Own Band on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/buildyourownband_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/buildyourownband_podcast] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@vincesoliveri⁠⁠ [youtube.com/@vincesoliveri⁠⁠] TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠tiktok.com/@vincesoliveri⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@vincesoliveri]

Steph Montani: Why visual media, aesthetic and online content are crucial to artist growth in 2026

On Episode 6 of Build Your Own Band, I sat down to chat with music photographer and media director Steph Montani! Steph has worked with artists like Valley, Sully Borrows, Loviet and The Dirty Nil. She has also worked as the media director for major music festivals like Boots and Hearts, Misty City and All Your Friends Fest. In this episode, Steph shares her insight as to why visuals, artist aesthetics and social media content is a crucial part of growing an artist. You can check out Steph's work on her Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bystephm [https://www.instagram.com/bystephm] Subscribe to the show to be notified as soon as new episodes drop. Visit ⁠⁠vincesoliveri.com/subscribe⁠⁠ to keep up to date on all content, future episodes and beyond!  Follow Build Your Own Band on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/buildyourownband_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/buildyourownband_podcast] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@vincesoliveri⁠⁠ [youtube.com/@vincesoliveri⁠⁠] TikTok: ⁠⁠⁠tiktok.com/@vincesoliveri⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@vincesoliveri]

Levi Kertesz: How hiring a professional musician can dramatically impact the growth of your band

On Episode 5 of Build Your Own Band, I sit down to chat with drummer, multi-instrumentalist and session musician Levi Kertesz! Levi is known for drumming in bands such as Chastity and Ellis, and he is currently on tour with Julia Wolf. Levi has played drums major festival stages, has embarked on countless international tours and has lately put a on of work as a studio drummer and recording engineer. On this episode we chat about touring, making records and the importance of session musicians in the modern music landscape. Subscribe to the show to be notified as soon as new episodes drop. Visit ⁠⁠vincesoliveri.com/subscribe⁠⁠ to keep up to date on all content, future episodes and beyond! Follow Build Your Own Band on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/buildyourownband_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/buildyourownband_podcast] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@vincesoliveri⁠ [youtube.com/@vincesoliveri] TikTok: ⁠⁠tiktok.com/@vincesoliveri⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@vincesoliveri]

Botfly: Why hitting the road and touring is still an essential part of growing an independent band

On Episode 4 of Build Your Own Band, I sit down to chat with Botfly from Halifax, Nova Scotia! Botfly has been touring as an independent band for over a decade. Their DIY ethic and passion for playing live music has led them to touring with bands like Comeback Kid, Cancer Bats and Single Mothers. Botfly are the textbook definition of road warriors. In the complex and corporate world of the modern music industry, Botfly sets out to prove that connective with people through live music is the ultimate way to grow your band and support your music scene. If you play in an independent band and are want to tour far and wide, this episode is an essential listen!Subscribe to the show to be notified as soon as new episodes drop. Visit ⁠⁠vincesoliveri.com/subscribe⁠⁠ to keep up to date on all content, future episodes and beyond! Follow Build Your Own Band on: Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠instagram.com/buildyourownband_podcast⁠⁠⁠⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/buildyourownband_podcast] YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠youtube.com/@vincesoliveri⁠ [youtube.com/@vincesoliveri] TikTok: ⁠⁠tiktok.com/@vincesoliveri⁠⁠ [https://www.tiktok.com/@vincesoliveri]