ep15 Arlo Maverick planting seeds
released May 1, 2025
1:45:17

Arlo Maverick, Edmonton-based MC and community builder, discusses his extensive career in hip hop, celebrating over 20 years in the industry. Beginning with his early inspirations and the formation of the group Politic Live, Marlon Wilson, aka Arlo Maverick, details his journey from regional recognition to national success. Glen Erickson engages with Marlon about his unique approach to music, including working with a live band and fostering a collective art creation environment. The conversation delves into Black Every Day and the ongoing racial barriers in the Canadian music industry, the systemic challenges, and the lack of infrastructure for Black musicians. Marlon also shares insights on the critical roles of mentorship and allyship in developing the music scene and challenges faced due to changing formats and radio station policies. Highlights include Marlon’s reflections on collaborations, the impact of support networks, and how aspiring artists can navigate their careers amidst systemic barriers.

Guest website: https://arlomaverick.ca
Guest Instagram: http://instagram.com/arlomaverick
Guest Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/arlomaverick

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

00:00 Introduction

03:04 Arlo Maverick's Musical Journey and Style

10:11 The Formation and Evolution of Politic Live

18:41 Navigating the Canadian Hip Hop Scene

25:49 Breaking Out: From Local to National Recognition

33:41 The Evolution of Music Videos

35:03 Transitioning Eras in Music

36:26 The Solo Journey Begins

37:38 Overcoming Doubts and Finding Success

41:39 The Importance of Collaboration

59:21 Addressing Racism and Privilege in Music

01:11:08 Challenges in the Music Industry

01:11:51 Funding Disparities and Genre Bias

01:13:15 Gatekeeping and Systemic Issues

01:16:21 Success Stories and Missed Opportunities

01:21:07 The Role of Community and Representation

01:34:14 Reflections and Future Directions

01:38:50 Post-Fame with Alexi

ep14 Lyle Bell will shout secrets
released April 3, 2025
1:16:45

Lyle Bell, a multifaceted career artist from Edmonton, is renowned for his extensive contributions to music, art, photography, and video production. In this engaging conversation, Bell recounts his journey through various musical projects, showcasing his unique talent for integrating diverse creative disciplines into cohesive and impactful works. He describes his roles in bands like Molly's Reach, Whitey Houston, Shout Out Out Out Out, and The Wet Secrets, highlighting their evolution and the challenges faced along the way. Amidst the successes and setbacks, Bell reflects on his decision to remain in Edmonton rather than relocating to cities like Toronto, emphasizing the city’s distinctive, blue-collar artistic vibe. He also delves into his current endeavors in photography and video work, working with high-profile clients and maintaining an undying passion for learning and innovation. Throughout, Bell’s story is one of relentless creativity, collaboration, and a deep love for his craft, underscoring the importance of pursuing art for art's sake rather than chasing external validation.

Guest website: https://www.shoutoutoutoutout.com/
Guest website: http://www.thewetsecrets.com/
Guest Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/poppaneedsanap

hosts: Glen Erickson, Alexi Erickson
Almost Famous Enough website: https://www.almostfamousenough.com
AFE instagram: https://www.instagram.com/almostfamousenough
Almost Famous Enough Spotify playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/1o1PRD2X0i3Otmpn8vi2zP?si=1ece497360564480

Almost Famous Enough is a series of conversations centered around the music industry, pulling back the veil on what it really means to “make it”. Our podcast features guests who know the grind, who have lived the dream, or at the very least, chased the dream. Through these conversational biographies, truth and vulnerability provide more than a topical roadmap or compile some career advice; they can appeal to the dreamer in us all, with stories that can teach us, inspire us, and even reconcile us, and make us feel like we made a new friend along the way.

00:00 Introduction

02:52 Lyle Bell's Artistic Home and Personal Life

05:55 Early Musical Journey: Molly's Reach

10:24 Transition to Whitey Houston and The Wet Secrets

13:42 Shout Out Out Out Out: The Dance Punk Era

20:35 The Challenges and Rewards of Touring

36:41 Reflecting on Bombastic Performances

39:39 The Creative Process Behind the Scenes

40:37 Staying True to Edmonton Roots

41:56 The Challenges and Rewards of Ambition

44:30 Memorable Music Video Productions

47:43 Balancing Multiple Creative Endeavors

48:43 Sustaining a Music Career

55:58 The Role of Photography and Side Jobs

01:02:44 Inspiration and Optimism in the Arts

01:05:27 Post-Fame with Alexi

Ryan Boldt of The Deep Dark Woods reflects on his twenty-year music career, emphasizing the importance of emotional connection in songs, his transition from traditional to a blend of blues, country, and storytelling, and the evolution of his sound. He discusses personal and professional challenges, including band lineup changes, geographic relocations, and finding a way to process the loss of his close friend and tour manager while also expecting the birth of his first child. Boldt shares his experiences of being influenced by both positive and negative comments, and the conversation explores the impact of public opinion on an artist's trajectory while celebrating the resilience needed to sustain a long-term music career.