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In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with Chicago-based house producer, DJ, and attorney Arum — a rising voice in the underground scene known for his soulful, groove-forward productions, community organizing, and fiercely human-centered approach to music.

He shares how early influences like Crystal Castles and Death from Above shaped his love for experimental rhythms, and why he now champions house music with emotion, texture, and intention.

Arum breaks down his creative process, his views on algorithm-driven promotion, and how he uses marketing tools like Meta ads with intention — all while avoiding the industry’s pressure to chase empty numbers. We also dive into his legal background, discussing music contracts, AI concerns, and why empowering artists with knowledge is at the core of his mission.

Plus, we talk about Beyond Ecstasy Vol. 2, the multi-genre event he’s curating at Book Club Chicago on August 2, featuring names like Backpack, Dante Drives, Yannaa Lynette, and more — a night that blends house, hip-hop, experimental electronics, and rave history into one vibrant community gathering.


🎟️ Beyond Ecstasy Vol. 2 Tickets: https://bookclubchi.com/event/beyond_____ecstasy-2-ft-backpack-beatz-more/bookclub/?direct=true
🎧 Listen to Arum: https://linktr.ee/iswearimarum
📲 Follow Arum: https://instagram.com/iswearimarum
🎙️ Follow Poducer: https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

The Podcast for Producers

Arum: Indie Marketing, Artist Advocacy, Attorney, .beyond_____(ECSTASY)

In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with Charlie Heldman — Chicago-based artist, producer, and founder of Windy City Wavs, a grassroots music production collective dedicated to building community, fostering creativity, and supporting independent artists.

Charlie opens up about his journey from his early teenage band days to developing his own R&B-inspired sound — blending sweet lyrics with soulful, sexy beats. We explore his approach to growth as an artist, the role of collaboration in shaping his music, and how consistency and community feedback have fueled his development.

Beyond music, Charlie shares his perspective as a studying therapist, reflecting on mental health, empathy, and the importance of creating safe spaces for expression. He talks candidly about navigating self-doubt, learning to shift negative self-talk, and balancing passion with purpose.

📲 Follow Charlie Heldman: https://www.instagram.com/cbbeatsofficial/
🌊 Learn more about Windy City Waves: https://www.instagram.com/windycitywaves/
🎙️ Follow Poducer: https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

Charlie Heldman: Building Community, Creating R&B Vibes & Finding Balance

In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with Zino B and Jimmy Bonks — producers, engineers, and co-founders of Channel Recording Company, a brand-new Chicago studio designed to feel like a living room while sounding world-class.

They share the story of transforming a raw warehouse into a fully treated space in Fort Knox Studios, complete with cedar diffusion walls, a 25×25 ft live room, and a glass-walled ISO booth big enough for a grand piano. We dive into their philosophy of hospitality-driven engineering, why “good sound should be the default,” and how creating a comfortable environment frees artists to focus on making their best music.

Beyond the technical build, Zino B and Jimmy reflect on their paths through the Chicago scene — from Joyride sessions with legends like Buddy Guy to Grammy-nominated projects, to building a community hub where artistry, collaboration, and care come first. They also tackle big topics like AI in music, the importance of “first listeners” in mastering, and how true fans sustain independent art.

📲 Follow Channel Recording Company: https://www.instagram.com/channelingcompany/
🎚️ Learn more & book sessions: https://channelrecordingcompany.com/
🎙️ Follow Poducer: https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

00:00 Intro — Channel opens to the public
03:15 From Joyride to Channel: credits, craft, and workflow
05:45 Designing for comfort: glass wall, open doors, quiet rooms
14:35 Building a studio (cedar, diffusion, floors)
23:50 What makes Channel different (hospitality + musicianship)
33:05 Chicago scene: world/jazz, Americana, blues lineage
45:20 AI & the “first listener” argument for human mastering
52:30 True fans, community, and sustainable careers 
57:40 What’s next: projects, outreach, and how to book

Channel — Inside Chicago’s Most Artist-Friendly Studio (w/ Zino B & Jimmy Bonks)

In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with Chicago creatives Greg Corner — bassist, DJ, promoter, and co-founder of the legendary Darkwave Disco parties. From playing bass with Kill Hannah to booking breakout artists at JBTV, Greg has lived through multiple eras of Chicago music and helped shape the city’s underground into a global influence.

He shares the journey from sneaking into raves and punk shows to sharing stages with icons, why the “bloghouse” years created a blueprint for today’s DJ culture, and what it really takes to build a scene. We dive into his philosophy on curation, taste, and trust, plus the challenges of breaking artists in a city that often celebrates its own only after they’ve left.

Greg also gives his perspective on the future: how AI could flood dance music, why bands may be poised for a comeback, and why real fans — not algorithms — still decide which art lasts.

🎧 Follow Greg Corner: https://www.instagram.com/gregcorner
🎙️ Follow Poducer: https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

00:00 – Intro
01:22 – Darkwave Disco & Chicago’s Bloghouse Era
06:00 – From Metal to Electronic: Skrillex, Justice & Bass Culture
11:20 – Joining Kill Hannah & Blending Rock with Electronic Influences
22:31 – Life on a Major Label in the 2000s
28:20 – JBTV & Discovering Bands Before They Blew Up
36:43 – Why Music Became a Rich Kids’ Pastime
41:05 – AI, Dance Music, and the Future of Live Bands
46:16 – Culture Over Headliners: Throwing Parties in Chicago
48:46 – Daft Punk, French Touch & Chicago House Legacy
55:36 – Bands Writing Together vs. Bedroom Producers
1:12:32 – From Tracks to Songs: How EDM Went Mainstream
1:13:21 – DIY Culture vs. Capitalist Festivals
1:15:07 – Touring the World with Kill Hannah
1:20:22 – Behind the Scenes with Kesha’s Comeback
1:36:12 – Best Concert Ever: Rage Against the Machine at Metro
1:42:43 – Closing Thoughts & Shoutouts

Greg Corner — Kill Hannah, Darkwave Disco & Chicago’s Underground Music Scene

In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with Dr. Shannon Switzer, Doctor of Audiology at Sensaphonics, the Chicago based clinic trusted by touring artists around the world. Specializing in music industry hearing health, Dr. Switzer bridges the gap between science and sound, helping musicians protect the very tool that defines their craft.

From growing up in Vermont to studying audiology at Northwestern and joining Sensaphonics, she shares how her background in music led her to a career focused on preserving it. We dive into how hearing actually works, why the modern world has become dangerously loud, and how overexposure to sound quietly reshapes your ability to create and enjoy music.

Dr. Switzer breaks down everything from the physics of hearing and tinnitus to custom in ear protection, high fidelity earplugs, and the misconceptions that make musicians ignore hearing care until it’s too late. She also explains why properly fitted, filtered earplugs can improve how music sounds and how Sensaphonics helped pioneer custom in ear monitors for some of the biggest names in the industry.

From the science of the cochlea to the culture of live shows in Chicago, this episode bridges the worlds of music and medicine, showing why protecting your ears isn’t just about safety; it’s about preserving your art.

🎧 Follow Dr. Shannon Switzer: https://www.instagram.com/ears.by.shannon/?hl=en
🎙️ Follow Poducer: https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

The Podcast for Producers

Chapters:

00:00 Intro and welcome
00:36 Who she is and why hearing wellness matters
03:41 First concert, Vermont roots, and moving to Chicago
09:37 Path to audiology
15:16 Custom molds and Sensaphonics
16:27 How hearing works
26:33 Reading tests and the classic noise notch
32:13 Safe listening standards and in-ear monitors
35:36 Protect your ears: high-fidelity plugs and customs
43:27 Fan moments and client privacy
50:55 Inside a Sensaphonics appointment and finding the right audiologist
54:10 Sensaphonics origin and the in-house lab
1:00:18 Tinnitus overview, ear canal resonance, and measuring sound
1:06:44 Testing ears, education, and practical protection
1:18:13 Acoustic reflex and early signs of loss
1:24:39 Tinnitus deep dive, myths, and OAEs
1:34:37 Spreading hearing-health culture and why hearing matters
1:39:25 Why EDM is high risk and lifestyle factors
1:44:34 Headphones vs speakers, phone limiter, and dB Check
1:52:20 Tech today: hearing aids, cochlear implants, 3DME, and research
2:05:40 Venue rules in Europe and HELA certification
2:08:13 Most impactful concert
2:14:36 Shout-outs to teachers
2:19:32 How to book and socials
2:21:33 Wrap-up
2:22:46 Outro and CTA

Dr. Shannon Switzer — Hearing Health, Sensaphonics & Why the World Got Too Loud

The Podcast for Producers



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Art by: www.henryfeldman.com