For those hungry to take their careers to the next level, there’s a new summit on the horizon making its debut November 23 in Chicago – Chicago Music Nexus.
Founded by Chicago artist, podcaster, and Hood Politics A&R, Sherm, alongside fellow podcaster, creative consultant and music industry influencer, Olivia Mancuso, Chicago Music Nexus is a one-day summit dedicated to equipping rising artists and music professionals with the keys to unlock ongoing, sustainable success. With a focus on education, connection, and empowerment, the summit aims to address the struggles faced by artists in today’s challenging music landscape, where only 20% of artists generate revenue from their craft.
The event will feature a variety of panels led by respected Chicago figures like house music pioneer DJ Lady D and Recording Academy Trustee Dani Deahl, and plenty more. Topics are tailored to demystify essential areas such as innovative branding, monetizing your brand, cultivating resilience, and building the right team to back your vision.
At its core, Chicago Music Nexus reflects Sherm and Olivia’s vision for fostering a stronger, more interconnected music community in Chicago and beyond.
We had the opportunity to speak further with Olivia and Sherm about the Chicago Music Nexus, so let’s take a deeper dive below!
How have your individual experiences in the music industry and business shaped the mission and vision for Chicago Music Nexus?
Sherm: I’ve always felt like my resources for growth were limited when the industry makes it seem like anything is possible. It’s not. It’s gatekept and really hard to access true and valuable information that is specific to your brand and goals. It has taken me 10 years to get to a place where I finally feel like I have the right vision backed by real information. I want to help younger generations cut that time in half. We can all help each other win which benefits the entire dance community – artists, managers, agents, promoters and FANS!
Olivia: I’ve always had a passion for house music, dating back to high school, but my career initially took me down different paths—as a TV news reporter and a marketing professional in the B2B space.
I broke into the music industry by diving in headfirst: co-owning a Chicago music collective, launching my podcast Elevated Frequencies, and putting myself out there as a content creator. It led me to work with industry giants like Insomniac Radio, Arc Music Festival, and 6AM Group.
My journey proves that you don’t need a massive following or a traditional career path to make your mark in this industry. It’s about working smart, providing value, and knowing when to seize the opportunities you deserve. At Chicago Music Nexus, I want to show new DJs that they can achieve the same. Yes, it’s about who you know, and you, too, can make those connections if you pull the right levers.
What is one of the biggest challenges that rising artists face in today’s music industry, and how does Chicago Music Nexus aim to address these issues?
Sherm: It’s the “access” to the levels they want to achieve. It’s easy to get discouraged after even just a few years trying to build a career in music because you don’t feel like you’re moving fast enough. We all have different journeys and definitions of success but most people just compare themselves to the 1%. Nexus aims to help the little guy grow into a successful artist that can monetize their brand in order to focus on the creative aspects more. There is so much to learn and that’s the 2 sides of the industry coin here. There’s no 1 way to do it right but you need to learn the ins and outs of what NOT to do.
Olivia: One of the biggest hurdles rising artists face today is navigating bad advice and bad influences. It’s common to see artists trying to mimic strategies that seem to “work” on social media. But just because something works for one artist doesn’t guarantee it’ll work for you.
Before artists try to go viral on social media, they really need to view themselves as both a business and a brand. I know many recoil at that idea because it clashes with the essence of being a creative. But what does that actually mean?
Treating yourself as a brand means connecting with a community that resonates with your music and, more importantly, who you are as a unique individual. Treating yourself as a business means demanding the dignity and respect your artistic project deserves so you don’t get caught in the trap of bad gigs, unfair contracts, and other predatory practices in the entertainment world.
At Chicago Music Nexus, our panelists are pros in these areas. When deciding on our panels and choosing speakers, we zeroed in on the most pressing issues artists face today and crafted a one-day intensive that directly addresses these challenges. Panels like “How to Monetize Your Personal Brand” and “Building Your Dream Team” are packed with professionals who’ve helped artists go the distance.
How did you curate the lineup of panelists for the event?
Sherm: Meticulously. We wanted to involve local Chicago influencers in dance music from 2 different generations but also bring in out of town experience for different perspectives. Above all, we picked a variety of individuals who are disruptors, innovators, hustlers, and visionaries.
Olivia: Choosing the lineup of panelists for Chicago Music Nexus was quite the task, considering the rich pool of talent from Chicago and beyond. Ultimately, we picked individuals who consistently offer value and mentorship to the industry. Each panelist is not only accomplished but genuinely committed to helping the scene thrive. We are incredibly grateful for their participation in our inaugural event, as they bring authenticity and a wealth of knowledge to the table.
For artists or industry professionals considering attending, what’s one of the most exciting aspects of the Chicago Music Nexus that you’re excited for people to experience?
Sherm: You’re going to walk out knowing that the time was well-spent and you didn’t realize how close you were to getting to the next level. Sometimes you need a little push from someone else who can give you a tangible next step. That step might require a lot of work but it will give you a clear vision and direction to take. It’s also a really beautiful venue in an amazing part of Chicago. COLLABORATION IS IN THE AIR BABY.
Olivia: One of the most exciting things about Chicago Music Nexus is that it’s a groundbreaking event in Chicago—our very first large-scale gathering focused on the electronic music industry.
Typically, networking in club settings is frowned upon, so there really hasn’t been a dedicated space for it. Chicago Music Nexus changes that. It provides a welcoming space for artists to ask questions, connect with industry pros, promote their work, and find collaborators.
Everyone is there for the same reason, which eases a lot of the pressure. You don’t have to worry if you’re stepping out of line. It’s all about making those valuable connections.
As Chicago Music Nexus grows, what are your future plans or goals for the summit? Do you envision it becoming an annual event or expanding beyond Chicago?
Sherm: Yes absolutely. It will expand to different venues in different parts of the city. There will be artist showcases, unique events, pop-ups and so much more. The scale is limitless. Now is your chance to say you joined the CMN family early.
Olivia: We’re already buzzing with ideas for Chicago Music Nexus in 2025. This year, we had to pare down our ambitions—there were so many exciting concepts, but just two of us to pull it off! We’re looking forward to expanding next year and can’t wait to show you what we’ve got in store.
The post [Event Preview] Chicago Music Nexus Promises A Game-Changing Experience for Artists & Industry Professionals appeared first on Magnetic Magazine.