Welcome to Secrets From the Scene, a show for local musicians who want to improve their music, grow their audience, and learn about Minnesota's music scene. If you're interested in talking about all things music-related and meeting interesting people from our local community, you're in the right place.
Secrets From The Scene
Claim This Podcastby Stephen Helvig | Helvig Productions
4.8(22 reviews)
98 episodes
Updated Bi-weekly
Accepts GuestsHas SponsorsLocation 🇺🇸
66
Podcast Authority
BetaGoodBased on show quality, social media presence, reviews, charts, and more
Quality71
Social0
YouTube82
Engagement71
Podcast Overview
Welcome to Secrets From the Scene, a show for local musicians who want to improve their music, grow their audience, and learn about Minnesota's music scene. If you're interested in talking about all things music-related and meeting interesting people from our local community, you're in the right place.
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
9/5/2023
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Recent Episodes
July 22, 2026
Ep. 97: How to Make DIY Music Videos That Actually Fit Your Music w/Ryan Kemp of Chutes
<p>A music video does not need an enormous budget to connect with people. But it does need an idea that fits the song, a clear plan, and enough intention that the limitations feel like part of the art rather than an accident.</p><p>Ryan Kemp started Chutes as a private songwriting project during the pandemic before assembling a band for a last-minute opening slot at 7th St Entry. From there, Chutes grew through the Twin Cities DIY circuit, Como house shows, and local venues before appearing at First Avenue’s Best New Bands.</p><p>Along the way, Ryan made music videos a central part of how Chutes communicates its sound and identity. In this episode, he breaks down the creative process behind the nostalgic, performance-driven “Sugar” video and the darker, more narrative “Dog,” which draws on rural Minnesota, religious imagery, childhood memories, and a Midwest Gothic aesthetic.</p><p>We also discuss how artists can develop a visual language over time, turn scattered inspiration into a usable treatment, plan around locations and daylight, collaborate without losing the original idea, and handle the often-underestimated work of editing and feedback.</p><p>In this episode:</p><ul><li>How Chutes grew from a solo pandemic project into a full Twin Cities band</li><li>Why cohesive visuals can deepen a listener’s connection to the music</li><li>How “Sugar” recreated early-2000s rock-video energy without becoming a parody</li><li>Turning mood boards, references, and locations into the story behind “Dog”</li><li>Why editing, scheduling, and communication are often harder than the shoot</li><li>How to make a low-budget video feel creative, intentional, and true to the song</li></ul><p><br></p><p><a href="https://secretsfromthescene.com/97" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Full show notes, links, & mentions</a></p><p><strong>Interested in working with us on your next song?</strong></p><p>👋 <a href="https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect">https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect</a></p><p><strong>Connect with the Guest:</strong></p><p>🔗 <a href="https://www.chutesmusic.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Chutes Website</a></p><p><strong>Featured Song:</strong></p><p>🎧 <a href="https://open.spotify.com/track/7Jkdwi469THdKoLQIUmnIy?si=f3814ae8deeb47dc" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Sugar</a></p><p><strong>Connect with Me:</strong></p><p>✉️ <a href="https://secretsfromthescene.com/">Subscribe to the newsletter</a></p><p>📷 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/secretsfromthescene/">Connect on Instagram</a></p><p>🕺 <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@secretsfromthescene">Connect on TikTok</a></p><p>📺 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@secretsfromthescene">Subscribe on YouTube</a></p><p><strong>Give Feedback:</strong></p><p>📬 Send me a message: <a href="mailto:stephen@secretsfromthescene.com">stephen@secretsfromthescene.com</a></p><p>💬 Suggest a guest or topic: <a href="mailto:podcast@secretsfromthescene.com">podcast@secretsfromthescene.com</a></p><p>🧡 <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/57b3vOVgDr5yF1Yt4lCLiN?si=21403747171c4f75">Leave a rating on Spotify</a></p><p>✍️ <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-from-the-scene/id1706158542">Write a review on Apple Podcasts</a></p><p>🎙️ Brought to you by <a href="https://helvigproductions.com/">Helvig Productions</a></p><p>Production, videography, and coaching to help you <strong>sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music</strong>. 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.</p><p>🙏 <strong>Thank You</strong></p><p>This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: <strong>Max Greene, Joey Biehn, and Zach Howard</strong>. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening.</p><p>Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Zj7gsA0rAKgUEecQpTPLh?si=uvrRfXAFQ_WHFGW1RN8gSQ">LUEDVIG</a></p>
July 8, 2026
Ep. 96: From Underground Raves to The Armory with Jack Trash
<p>Most people see the packed room. They do not see the risk behind it.</p><p>Before a show feels effortless, someone has to bet real money, earn the venue’s trust, book the right artist, build the crowd, manage the chaos, and create a culture people actually want to come back to.</p><p>This week, I’m joined by Jack Trash, also known as John Tasch, founder of SIMshows and one of the key figures behind the Twin Cities electronic music scene. For more than 35 years, Jack has been DJing, promoting, booking artists, throwing events, and helping move local dance music from underground rooms and warehouse parties into some of the biggest venues in the city.</p><p>In this episode, Jack breaks down what it really takes to build a scene that lasts. We talk about the early rave days, the rise of EDM in Minneapolis, the financial reality behind major events, the artists and venues that shaped SIMshows, and why Jack still sees promotion as community work first.</p><p>In this episode, we talk about:</p><ul><li>Why a sold-out-looking show is not always a profitable show</li><li>How Twin Cities EDM grew from flyers, word of mouth, and warehouse parties</li><li>The moment social media and streaming changed the entire promotion game</li><li>What local DJs get wrong when asking for gigs</li><li>How promoters think about openers, energy, professionalism, and trust</li><li>Why Jack uses SIMshows as a platform to build community and take care of people</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Jack’s story is not just about EDM. It is about what happens when someone keeps showing up for a scene long enough to help shape it.</p><p><a href="https://secretsfromthescene.com/96" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Full show notes, links, & mentions</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Interested in working with us on your next song?</strong></p><p>👋 <a href="https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect">https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect</a></p><p><strong>Connect with the Guest:</strong></p><p>🔗 <a href="https://simshows.com/?utm_source=chatgpt.com">SIMshows Website</a></p><p>🔗 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/simshows/">SIMshows Instagram</a></p><p>🔗 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/jacktrash/">Jack Trash Instagram</a></p><p><strong>Connect with Me:</strong></p><p>✉️ <a href="https://secretsfromthescene.com/">Subscribe to the newsletter</a></p><p>📷 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/secretsfromthescene/">Connect on Instagram</a></p><p>🕺 <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@secretsfromthescene">Connect on TikTok</a></p><p>📺 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@secretsfromthescene">Subscribe on YouTube</a></p><p><strong>Give Feedback:</strong></p><p>📬 Send me a message: <a href="mailto:stephen@secretsfromthescene.com">stephen@secretsfromthescene.com</a></p><p>💬 Suggest a guest or topic: <a href="mailto:podcast@secretsfromthescene.com">podcast@secretsfromthescene.com</a></p><p>🧡 <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/57b3vOVgDr5yF1Yt4lCLiN?si=21403747171c4f75">Leave a rating on Spotify</a></p><p>✍️ <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-from-the-scene/id1706158542">Write a review on Apple Podcasts</a></p><p>🎙️ Brought to you by <a href="https://helvigproductions.com/">Helvig Productions</a></p><p>Production, videography, and coaching to help you <strong>sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music</strong>. 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.</p><p>🙏 <strong>Thank You</strong></p><p>This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: <strong>Max Greene, Joey Biehn, and Zach Howard</strong>. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening.</p><p>Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Zj7gsA0rAKgUEecQpTPLh?si=uvrRfXAFQ_WHFGW1RN8gSQ">LUEDVIG</a></p>
June 24, 2026
Ep. 95: A Guide to the Twin Cities Jazz Scene with Eli Awada of Room3
<p>Most musicians are told to “just get out there.”</p><p>But where do you actually go? Who do you talk to? Which jam sessions are welcoming? What makes someone want to book you? And how do you know if you’re ready to sit in?</p><p>This week, I’m joined by Eli Awada, keyboardist for the jazz-fusion band Room3 and a musician, booker, venue manager, and event organizer who has seen the Twin Cities scene from multiple sides.</p><p>Eli gives us a practical tour of the current Twin Cities jazz scene: the venues, the jam sessions, the players, the etiquette, and the opportunities. We also talk about why jazz-fusion seems to be having a real moment right now, how Room3 grew out of the University of Minnesota jazz program, and what Eli learned from creating his own house-show venue, working with Flavor World, booking shows, and building events that feel like more than just another bill.</p><p>This episode is for anyone who is curious about jazz but feels intimidated by the scene, and for any musician trying to understand how to find their people, create opportunities, and build a real reputation.</p><p>In this episode:</p><ul><li>Why jazz-fusion is connecting with younger Twin Cities audiences</li><li>Where to start if you’re curious about the local jazz scene</li><li>What musicians should know before sitting in at a jam</li><li>How Eli went from Walker West and the University of Minnesota to Room3</li><li>What bookers actually care about when deciding who gets shows</li><li>How to make live events feel more valuable, memorable, and worth showing up for</li></ul><p>If you’ve been waiting for permission to step into the scene, this episode gives you a map.</p><p><a href="https://secretsfromthescene.com/95" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Full show notes, links, & mentions</a></p><p><br></p><p><strong>Interested in working with us on your next song?</strong></p><p>👋 <a href="https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">https://helvigproductions.com/letsconnect</a></p><p><strong>Connect with the Guest:</strong></p><p>🔗 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/eli.awada/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Eli Awada IG</a></p><p><strong>Connect with Me:</strong></p><p>✉️ <a href="https://secretsfromthescene.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Subscribe to the newsletter</a></p><p>📷 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/secretsfromthescene/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Connect on Instagram</a></p><p>🕺 <a href="https://www.tiktok.com/@secretsfromthescene" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Connect on TikTok</a></p><p>📺 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@secretsfromthescene" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Subscribe on YouTube</a></p><p><strong>Give Feedback:</strong></p><p>📬 Send me a message: <a href="mailto:stephen@secretsfromthescene.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">stephen@secretsfromthescene.com</a></p><p>💬 Suggest a guest or topic: <a href="mailto:podcast@secretsfromthescene.com" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">podcast@secretsfromthescene.com</a></p><p>🧡 <a href="https://open.spotify.com/show/57b3vOVgDr5yF1Yt4lCLiN?si=21403747171c4f75" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Leave a rating on Spotify</a></p><p>✍️ <a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/secrets-from-the-scene/id1706158542" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Write a review on Apple Podcasts</a></p><p>🎙️ Brought to you by <a href="https://helvigproductions.com/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Helvig Productions</a></p><p>Production, videography, and coaching to help you <strong>sound your best, tell your story, and promote your music</strong>. 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.</p><p>🙏 <strong>Thank You</strong></p><p>This podcast is made possible by the hard work, expertise, and commitment of my team: <strong>Max Greene, Joey Biehn, and Zach Howard</strong>. I'm forever grateful. And thank YOU, for listening.</p><p>Theme Music: "Thankful" Courtesy of <a href="https://open.spotify.com/artist/6Zj7gsA0rAKgUEecQpTPLh?si=uvrRfXAFQ_WHFGW1RN8gSQ" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">LUEDVIG</a></p>
98 total episodes available
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Ryan Smith
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Nick Tveitbakk
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