Elevated Frequencies
Elevated Frequencies
Olivia Mancuso
Chasing Gen Z Is Overrated ft. Party Pupils | EF EP 161
52 minutes Posted Jul 23, 2026 at 12:00 pm.
Introduction
Sponsor – Trackstack
Coming Back To Chicago
Growing Up Closeted In A Small Town
Chicago Became A Safe Space
The Spring Awakening Moment
Teaching Herself To DJ
Chicago's Tight-Knit Scene
The Legends She Saw Live
Midwestern Humbleness
Tall Poppy Syndrome
The Industry Humbles You Fast
Relationships Beat Talent
Imposter Syndrome & Identity
Standing Out As A Gay Woman
The Cool Kids Club
Fashion As Identity
The Grittier Sound Pivot
"Checkout" Changed Everything
The Songs She Hates Playing
The Label Deal That Broke Her
Rebuilding After The Deal
Creative Freedom Is Everything
Starting Dialogx
Don't Take On An Investor
Trademarking A Label
Getting CC'd On Emails She Shouldn't See
The Women-Uplift Wave Died
The Tightrope Of Speaking Up
They Thought He Was The DJ
Groove Cruise 2021 Reunion
A&R Philosophy For Dialogx
Start Your Own Label Today
DJ Promo Is All You Need
Advice For Women & LGBTQ Artists
Your Difference Is Your Superpower
The DMs That Keep Her Going
Wrap-Up
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52:51
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Show notes

This episode is sponsored by Trackstack: the operating system built for music professionals who invest in each other. Trackstack Pro gives you access to a network of labels, curators, and artists where every connection you make is yours to keep. No algorithms, no platform holding your contacts hostage. Just real professional relationships that can turn into collaborations, bookings, and opportunities that can change the trajectory of your career.

Use code ELEVATED for 50% off Pro for 3 months at trackstack.app

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What happens when you stop chasing the young crowd and start making music for the audience everyone else ignores? Host Olivia Mancuso sits down with Party Pupils β€” the producer behind the Yacht House sound, newly signed to UTA and selling out rooms for the first time in a career that started back in 2001.

He's candid about the stretch where it wasn't working: time off the road, tickets that wouldn't sell, and getting bitter about social media instead of learning how it works. What turned it around was narrowing the scope β€” knowing exactly who his audience is, building a page people come to hang out on rather than be sold to, and finally getting years of unreleased work out into the world.

They also get into how sample clearing actually happens now, why labels want a ready-made package, and how to handle the hate that arrives with real reach. It's a grounded conversation about staying independent, aging in dance music, and defining success on your own terms.

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πŸ‘‰ Want personalized guidance on your music career? Book a one-on-one consultation with Olivia on GreenRoom where you can get tailored advice on branding, business strategy, and sustainable career growth
πŸ‘‰ Instagram: @oliviamancuso__
πŸ‘‰ Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx