How the Pyramid Scheme Became One of Michigan's Most Beloved Music Venue in 15 Years

Tiff Falls | Why Being a “Full-Time” Sound Engineer at One Venue Is a Game-Changer

In this episode, we sit down with Tiff Falls [https://www.facebook.com/riffintiff], a dedicated sound engineer and event manager at The Alluvion [https://www.thealluvion.org/], to explore the nuances of live sound, event management, and the joy of working in the music industry. From her journey into sound engineering to her touring experiences and insights into creating the perfect live music environment, Tiff shares her passion and expertise. Key Topics: * Tiff's background and how she got into sound engineering, including her experience following her wife’s band and stepping in as a last-minute engineer * The unique opportunities of managing sound at a dedicated venue and how it differs from freelance work * The importance of stage setup, sound checks, and collaboration with artists to create optimal live sound * How touring in different venues presents challenges and learning opportunities for sound engineers * The cultural and musical diversity in Michigan, with influences from rock, world music, and various genres * The value of soft skills like PR and flexibility in building strong artist-engineer relationships * The significance of standing room venues and the raw energy they bring to live performances * Insights into the evolving landscape of live sound and the benefits of local networking and community support Resources & Links:⁠ [https://www.thealluvion.org/] The Alluvion⁠⁠ [https://www.thealluvion.org/]⁠ ⁠ [https://www.thealluvion.org/]— The live music venue where Tiff works⁠⁠⁠ [https://theloftys.bandcamp.com/] NMC Audio Tech Program⁠ [https://www.nmc.edu/programs/academic-programs/audio-technology/index.html] — Michigan-based program for audio technology training⁠ [https://www.apple.com/logic-pro/] Logic Pro⁠ [https://www.apple.com/logic-pro/] — Digital audio workstation used by Tiff Connect with Tiff: ⁠ [https://linkedin.com/in/tifffalls]⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/riffintiff]Facebook⁠ [https://www.facebook.com/riffintiff]⁠ [https://instagram.com/riffintiff] Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/riffintiffsoundz] This episode offers a deep dive into the world of live sound and the passionate individuals who make the magic happen behind the scenes. Whether you’re an aspiring sound engineer, musician, or music lover, Tiff’s stories illuminate the dedication and skill required to bring live music to life.

How Art Arbor Turns Musicians' Confusions into Clear Strategies for Success

Unlock the secret to turning your artistic passion into a sustainable business — without drowning in tech jargon or financial stress. If you’re an artist feeling overwhelmed by the business side of your craft, this episode is your must-listen. Discover how a community-driven approach and clear goal-setting can bridge the gap between creativity and commerce, opening doors you didn’t know existed. Andrew Witter, co-founder of Art Arbor [https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61553202363108], shares the philosophy behind a digital ecosystem built to help artists thrive. With roots in music, finance, and community-building, Andrew reveals why most artists struggle with monetization and how you can leap over those hurdles with practical, proven strategies. You’ll learn why building a supportive “arbor” of community matters more than ever and how focusing on goals transforms confusion into clarity, growth, and tangible success. We break down: * How Art Arbor helps artists navigate the digital and financial landscape with tailored audits and one-on-one coaching. * The common pitfalls artists face at every stage — from beginners bombarding their networks with free content to touring professionals scaling their community and monetization efforts. * The killer framework for goal-setting that turns vague ambitions into actionable plans, ensuring your art gets the recognition and income it deserves. * Why many artists avoid the business side entirely — and how to flip that script to unlock long-term success. * Plus, insights on leveraging social media, building sustainable fan communities, and the future of AI-driven artist support. If you’re tired of feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode equips you with concrete steps to elevate your art career — regardless of your stage or genre. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to level up, Andrew’s insights illuminate a path to not just survive but thrive in today’s complex music ecosystem. Perfect for musicians, visual artists, performers, or anyone drawn to creating but daunted by the business: this is your blueprint for turning passion into a profession. Andrew Witter is a seasoned musician and digital strategist, co-founder of Art Arbor, and dedicated to empowering artists with actionable tools and community support. His mission? To help artists stop guessing and start growing. Tune in and find out how to grow your own digital “arbor” of community, revenue, and artistic fulfillment. Your breakthrough moment starts here. Art Arbor LinksSubstack [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fartarbor.substack.com%2F%3Fr%3D4cgaji%26utm_campaign%3Dpub-share-checklist&data=05%7C02%7C%7C3653c38b75b44aed098308debdca2d54%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639156873262528446%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=qH%2F7OGs6am5BaZiHa0dzgPIPxY5aLRXbjeSx6NLH70Y%3D&reserved=0]Facebook [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fprofile.php%3F...&data=05%7C02%7C%7C3653c38b75b44aed098308debdca2d54%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639156873262559846%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=8xFB7GJGEBrq%2B2ieXHUuzik%2BnpmRnOzOjJJnvqsz%2FqI%3D&reserved=0]LinkedIn [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.youtube.com%2Fredirect%3Fevent%3Dvideo_description%26redir_token%3DQUFFLUhqbjFVUmkwSHN5SE9ZOGVjM1YycG83Y1pfOUV6UXxBQ3Jtc0tteTA2Y05IX25UVWI5LUkzLThVN2ZUdUFuZEN3ZVlxQ0s4cEJRZ0JnQmYyeEI0VjJDbF8xT29teXVSNERuSHgwc0RrLWF6MmYzOFZleEtlaUFfM2tEZzk2YUpHQ2VyazBaNVZaLXdPeENKOXZGZm5nYw%26q%3Dhttps%253A%252F%252Fwww.linkedin.com%252Fcompany%252Fartarbor%252F%26v%3DKHqblsOAtLA&data=05%7C02%7C%7C3653c38b75b44aed098308debdca2d54%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639156873262628927%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=cOsob%2F8cRU9D50%2BRiqF8OTVqMQboh03ROboDZ7m8PIE%3D&reserved=0]Instagram [https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.instagram.com%2Fart.arbor%2F&data=05%7C02%7C%7C3653c38b75b44aed098308debdca2d54%7C84df9e7fe9f640afb435aaaaaaaaaaaa%7C1%7C0%7C639156873262651820%7CUnknown%7CTWFpbGZsb3d8eyJFbXB0eU1hcGkiOnRydWUsIlYiOiIwLjAuMDAwMCIsIlAiOiJXaW4zMiIsIkFOIjoiTWFpbCIsIldUIjoyfQ%3D%3D%7C0%7C%7C%7C&sdata=1zLWBO%2FrYtjPGjlhMbBKgaCUueaFgPh0%2B9J3gpCPPJc%3D&reserved=0]

How the Pyramid Scheme Became One of Michigan's Most Beloved Music Venue in 15 Years

Most venues kill their best moments by overcomplicating booking and promotion — Nate Dorough [https://www.linkedin.com/in/natedorough]of The Pyramid Scheme [https://pyramidschemebar.com/] reveals exactly how they keep crowds sold out and the community thriving, even in the toughest times. Imagine booking 250+ shows annually and managing an ecosystem where every detail, from artist research to innovative front bar events, plays a critical role in creating unforgettable nights — all while adapting to post-pandemic challenges. Nate shares insider tactics for leveraging analytics, harnessing community loyalty, and building a venue culture where bands like Failure [https://www.failureband.com/], Melvins [https://www.themelvins.net/], and Jeff Rosenstock feel at home. You’ll discover how data-driven research helps booking decisions, why organic promotion still rules, and the importance of authenticity in today’s live music scene. We break down the behind-the-scenes magic of tour routing, hold challenges, and the art of making sold-out shows seem effortless — even when you’re balancing rising costs and unpredictable audiences. Plus, get the scoop on innovative events like vinyl nights, free pinball, and special tribute evenings that turn regular nights into community celebrations. Whether you’re a venue owner, promoter, or a passionate fan, you’ll learn how to craft a space that becomes a cultural cornerstone, especially amid worldwide chaos. This episode is essential listening if you want to understand what makes a venue not just survive but thrive, turning every show into a memorable experience that builds loyalty and community—no matter what storms come. Nate Dorough’s insights cut through the noise, helping you see how powerful a well-managed venue can be in shaping local music culture. Nate Dorough is the Director of Programming at The Pyramid Scheme in Grand Rapids, known for cultivating a vibrant music scene, legendary shows, and a community-first philosophy. With over 20 years of experience promoting thousands of concerts, he’s a master at balancing artistic integrity, community needs, and business savvy. Perfect for venue operators, promoters, musicians, and music lovers alike — tune in to unlock the secrets behind one of America’s most beloved independent venues and how they keep the spirit alive in every note and ticket sold.

Behind the Sound Board with Berkeley Tistle

Episode: Interview with Berkeley Tistle Audio Engineer | Recorded at Gig: The Art of Michigan Music – Jackson, MI We stepped away from the stage and behind the sound board at GIG: The Art of Michigan Music [https://www.gigartmich.org/] in Jackson, Michigan, to sit down with Berkeley Tistle [https://www.linkedin.com/in/berkeley-tistle-a5817a163/]— a live sound engineer with nearly a decade of experience working across Michigan, from small local stages to the iconic Masonic Temple [https://www.themasonic.com/] in Detroit. Berkeley shares how it all started with a giant Yamaha mixing desk in his high school theater program, and how that moment of curiosity turned into a full-time career. We get into what it actually looks like to run sound for a live show — the prep, the problem-solving, the late nights, and the art of anticipating everything going wrong and nothing going wrong at the same time. In this episode: * How Berkeley got his start in high school theater and why the mixing desk caught his eye * The difference between studio recording and live sound — and why live won him over * What it's like to work out of venues like Detroit's Masonic Temple (and why you should bring a buddy if you wander) * How he preps for a show with artists he's never worked with before * What musicians can do to make a sound engineer's job easier (communication is everything) * How years of working live shows changed his personal taste in music — including a New Year's run with Excision that converted him to heavy EDM * How gigs are booked and what the business side of audio looks like Artists mentioned: Carbon Decoy [https://www.facebook.com/carbon.decoy.band/], Paper Lanterns [https://www.facebook.com/PaperLanternsMi/], Mazinga [https://www.facebook.com/MazingaA2/], Chris DuPont [https://www.chrisdupontmusic.com/], Kylee Phillips [https://www.kyleephillips.com/], Kyle Joe [https://www.facebook.com/KyleJoeMusic/], Spencer LaJoye [https://www.spencerlajoye.com/], Excision [https://excision.ca/] Venues mentioned: Masonic Temple Detroit, The Russell (Detroit) [https://www.russellindustrialcenter.com/], Bliss Fest [https://blissfest.org/pages/blissfest-music-festival]

LIPSEY and Chima: Why Change Is the Key to Survival and Growth in Life and Music

Most emerging artists face a relentless struggle to turn their passion into a livelihood—until they discover the secret ingredient that transforms adversity into advantage. LIPSEY [https://www.instagram.com/mtb.lipsey] and Chinma [https://linktr.ee/iamchinma?fbclid=IwY2xjawRyfnJleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFzcU1DVkljeENwSTVXU0lOc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHvi-2_XdKGJ_SeKja84qj39JFS3OCWDIlXIXgdlj3JWHdPNCg3RJE6T2WYur_aem_oCGrbISxkf2jGYu0SvUzwA] reveal the raw truth about balancing artistry with real-world pressures, from hitting creative deadlines for the first time to navigating the hustle of building momentum in a saturated industry. In this episode, you'll discover how to handle the stress of impending release dates without losing your voice, the importance of team collaboration in making big artistic moves, and why embracing losses—as part of the process—can catapult your growth. Chinma shares his journey of transforming childhood passions for film and music into a full-time hustle, emphasizing the power of community, mentorship, and relentless perseverance. LIPSEY's story highlights the necessity of change—how evolving perspectives and pushing through the fear of failure can lead to breakthroughs and authentic success. We break down tangible frameworks like the "Beautiful Struggle," a mindset that turns obstacles into stepping stones, and discuss why nobody truly succeeds solo. LIPSEY and Chinma emphasize that help, mentorship, and genuine relationships are crucial to scaling your artistic impact. Their conversations illuminate why 'self-made' is a myth; success is built on collective effort, humility, and unlearning limiting beliefs. This episode is a must-listen for anyone feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure how to advance in their creative journey. If you’re ready to see setbacks as setups for a comeback, and if you want real insights on evolving as an artist and human, this conversation will inspire and equip you to level up. Perfect for aspiring musicians, content creators, and entrepreneurs who understand that growth demands change—and that the true victory lies in resilience, community, and continuous learning. Tune in, get inspired, and remember: The winner is just a loser who didn’t give up. Note: Lipsey is a Kalamazoo rapper known for his authentic approach and impactful storytelling, while Chinma is a multi-talented artist, videographer, and collaborator shaping Michigan’s vibrant music scene. Mentions 1. Helluva: A producer from Detroit who has worked with LIPSEY. LIPSEY is the first artist to have a full body of work with him, and Helluva has produced and engineered his upcoming album. 2. Aaliyah and Timbaland: Mentioned by Chinma as major influences in his musical journey, alongside Daft Punk. 3. Daft Punk: Also cited by Chinma as a significant influence, contributing to his unconventional ear for music. 4. Yayo: Collaborating with Chinma on a project, with a song called "Bringing a Friend" set to release soon. 5. Obie: Chinma gives a shout-out to his older brother, Obie, for introducing him to music production. 6. NPE CAL [https://open.spotify.com/artist/1rRpcQ3oZgTXF0948Ova7R]: Mentioned by Chinma as part of the team that helped him create amazing work. 7. Sherdizzil [https://www.instagram.com/1ofmanytalents/], aka Sheridan Harris: Also acknowledged by Chinma for contributing to his projects