Ep. 98: It’s Not a Party. What It Takes to Build a Touring Audio Career with Joey Vesuvius

Going viral is one thing. What do you do the next morning? How do you turn a moment of internet attention into fans who stick around, buy the merch, come to shows, and care about the next record? And how do you keep feeding the internet without letting the algorithm dictate what your band becomes? For episode 100, Austin and Taryn from Durry break down one of the most impressive modern DIY band operations to come out of Minnesota in recent years. We get into the strategy behind Durry’s incredibly cohesive world, from the songs and signature yellow to DIY videos, social media, merch, Easter eggs, and a live show involving thrift-store TVs, programmed lights, Super Smash Bros., and an inflatable tube man. More importantly, they explain the work behind making all of that feel effortless. We talk about recognizing a viral moment and moving fast, learning new skills as you need them, knowing when DIY is helping or hurting, protecting your voice from the algorithm, and the financial reality of building a successful independent band. In this episode: What Durry did immediately after “Who’s Laughing Now” went viral, including the merch decision that helped fund everything that followed Why a unified creative vision, ruthless self-editing, and knowing what feels “Durry” matter more than having unlimited resources How they think about social media as a funnel, from millions of views on a ridiculous Sprite video to deeply committed fans Why DIY still has to be good, and how limitations, used gear, trial and error, and learning new skills have shaped their aesthetic Building a live show that extends the Durry world instead of simply putting four musicians onstage The less glamorous economics behind touring, merch, vans, streaming, and trying to make a sustainable life in music Subscribe to the newsletter for new episodes and practical ideas from the people making the Twin Cities music scene work. Secrets From The Scene is made by Helvig Productions, a Twin Cities recording studio for artists and bands. Episode Links and Mentions Durry – “Who’s Laughing Now” Official Music Video Durry – “This Movie Sucks” Official Music Video Coyote Kid – Austin’s previous band Connect with the Guest Official Website Instagram @durrymusic YouTube Featured Song “idk i just work here” by Durry 🎧 Listen on Spotify 👀 Watch on YouTube

What happens after your band gets the breakout moment every artist is chasing? For Joshua Schmidt, Step Rockets’ “Kisser” went viral in 2013, eventually racking up more than 14 million streams and bringing label interest, national touring, major festivals, and opportunities to open for artists like Bon Jovi and Blondie. But the bigger story might be what Josh built after that initial wave of momentum. Today, his career stretches across solo and corporate gigs, sync licensing, songwriting, production, his Americana project Cryote, and audio and podcast work outside the traditional music industry. Instead of relying on one project to make everything work, Josh has spent years piecing together a sustainable career from a lot of different skills. We get into: What happened when “Kisser” suddenly went viral and record labels started calling

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. 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. 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. 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. In this episode: How Chutes grew from a solo pandemic project into a full Twin Cities band Why cohesive visuals can deepen a listener’s connection to the music How “Sugar” recreated early-2000s rock-video energy without becoming a parody Turning mood boards, references, and locations into the story behind “Dog” Why editing, scheduling, and communication are often harder than the shoot How to make a low-budget video feel creative, intentional, and true to the song

Most people see the packed room. They do not see the risk behind it. 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. 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. 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. In this episode, we talk about: Why a sold-out-looking show is not always a profitable show How Twin Cities EDM grew from flyers, word of mouth, and warehouse parties The moment social media and streaming changed the entire promotion game What local DJs get wrong when asking for gigs How promoters think about openers, energy, professionalism, and trust Why Jack uses SIMshows as a platform to build community and take care of people

Most musicians are told to “just get out there.” 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? 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. 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. 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. In this episode: Why jazz-fusion is connecting with younger Twin Cities audiences Where to start if you’re curious about the local jazz scene What musicians should know before sitting in at a jam How Eli went from Walker West and the University of Minnesota to Room3 What bookers actually care about when deciding who gets shows How to make live events feel more valuable, memorable, and worth showing up for If you’ve been waiting for permission to step into the scene, this episode gives you a map.