MEET the founders
Olivia Mancuso and Matt Sherman are podcasters and entrepreneurs united by a profound passion for the electronic music industry. Together, they envisioned a central hub in Chicago, the historic home of house music, offering unparalleled access to resources, advice, and opportunities.
Driven by their desire to help others, they founded Chicago Music Nexus. Their mission is to establish it as a pivotal hub where artists can thrive and collaborate, leveraging the city’s rich musical heritage and its continuing global influence.
Olivia Mancuso
Olivia Mancuso is a Chicago-based podcaster, consultant, digital content creator, and music industry expert. She's the creator of Elevated Frequencies, a podcast where she helps aspiring house and techno artists turn their passion into profit through insider tips and real-world stories.
Her journey in the music industry includes interviewing artists at major festivals like EDC Orlando and Arc Music Festival, while her background as a former TV news journalist brings a unique perspective to her work. After successfully scaling her own consulting business from zero to six figures in six months, she now shares her expertise on everything from setting up an LLC to building a personal brand in the music industry.
Each week on Elevated Frequencies, she interviews artists, promoters, label owners, and agents, providing valuable insights into the business side of electronic music. Her work has gained recognition from multiple PR firms, talent agents, and artist managers, establishing her as a trusted voice in the industry.
Her mission is to help artists understand that they don't have to fit into someone else's box to build a successful career in music - they can create their own path by leveraging their unique skills and authenticity.
Matt Sherman
Chicago-based artist Sherm has never stopped his relentless pursuit to create and influence since his start in 2014. His artistry and passion has given him global recognition for his accomplishments in the music industry as a DJ, Producer, A&R and Podcast Host.
Sherm's undeniable ability to entertain is what sets him apart. He has a 360 degree skillset including performing in front of thousands at festivals, producing memorable dance music, hosting live podcasts, signing chart-topping tracks, and moderating engaging panels.
As a DJ, Sherm has performed in major markets including San Francisco, Denver, San Diego, NYC, and Miami. Sherm has supported artists like Armin Van Buuren, ZEDD, Galantis, John Summit, Matroda, ACRAZE, Lost Kings, Gorgon City, Cash Cash, Shiba San, Bijou, and Walker and Royce. He has also performed at festivals including North Coast, Volleywood, Home Bass, and Amsterdam Dance Event.
Sherm also acts as A&R for Hood Politics Records, where he has had massive influence on the label’s identity and future trajectory. The San Diego-based record label founded by DJ Susan has signed artists such as John Summit, Franky Wah, Chapter & Verse, Max Styler, Wenzday, Cloverdale, Return of the Jaded, and Jake Shore.