The Days Grimm Podcast
The Days Grimm, "arguably Indiana's most comical, thrilling, and controversial podcast", This three-pronged mandate acts as a primary filter for their guest selection. The "comical" aspect is reflected in its official genre of "COMEDY INTERVIEWS" and its history of hosting local stand-up comedians. The "thrilling" component is evident in interviews with individuals who have extraordinary life stories, such as people who survived shootings, rare medical conditions, and combat. Finally, the "controversial" element is demonstrated by Brian & Thomas’ willingness to engage in difficult or unfiltered conversations, touching on topics like homelessness, artificial intelligence, and religious hypotheticals.
A crucial element of the show's tone is its tagline, "Brought to you by Sadness & ADHD (non-medicated)". This self-aware and raw positioning signals a modern comedic sensibility that embraces vulnerability and finds humor in personal struggle. The podcast's brand is not built on polished narratives but on the authentic, often messy, intersection of hardship and humor. The most compelling guests are those who have navigated a "Grimm" reality and emerged with a story to tell, and ideally, a sense of humor about it. This dynamic is the core of the show's appeal and the primary filter for identifying a story worth telling.
The Days Grimm Podcast
Ep 264 DJ Wills on Music Production, Branding, and Hustle
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From his roots in Evansville to building a career in Colorado and back again, DJ Wills joins The Day's Grimm to discuss the reality of the music industry. In this episode, Wills breaks down the grind of being an entertainer, the evolution of his sound, and the essential role of branding for independent artists.
We dive into the highs and lows of his journey, exploring how he transitioned from a local music enthusiast to a professional DJ, and why he eventually chose to return to his hometown. Wills shares raw insights into the challenges of social anxiety, the necessity of discipline in a creative career, and his upcoming plans for animated projects and live sets. Whether you are an aspiring producer, a local music fan, or just looking for an honest conversation about the hustle, this episode covers the practical side of turning a passion into a sustainable career.
KEY TOPICS COVERED:
- The importance of branding and marketing over raw popularity in the modern music scene.
- How DJ Wills transitioned from a local enthusiast to a professional DJ.
- Challenges of managing social anxiety while performing in the public eye.
- The role of discipline in maintaining a long-term music career.
- Why networking with the right people—not just other stars—is critical for growth.
- Managing multiple creative projects and the importance of saying no to preserve your brand.
- Insights into moving cities to pursue a career and eventually returning home.
- The evolution of music distribution and how artists adapt to industry changes.
NOTABLE QUOTES:
- "It’s all about branding guys, not popularity. I swear. And just be good at what you do." — Wills
- "It’s pointless to be talented and be great at something if you don’t have the discipline." — Wills
- "I am the brand. I know how I impact these people. I’m not Michael Jackson, but I do have people cry. I have people give me money." — Wills
TIMELINE:
00:00 — Intro
00:03 — DJ Wills Joins The Day's Grimm
04:12 — Growing up in Evansville and Early Musical Memories
09:38 — High School Culture and Finding Music
19:26 — The Shift to Home Production and Engineering
24:00 — How "Wills" Got His Name
28:49 — Thoughts on Rap Beefs and Music Business
36:12 — Sampling, DJing, and Copyright Realities
42:30 — Moving to Colorado and the Music Scene
56:12 — Returning to Evansville and Future Projects
1:19:37 — Overcoming the Desire to Quit
1:26:33 — Final Thoughts and Where to Follow
[The Days Grimm Podcast Links]
- YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/TheDaysGrimm
- Our link tree: linktr.ee/Thedaysgrimm
- GoFundMe account for The Days Grimm: https://gofund.me/02527e7c
[The Days Grimm is brought to you by]
Sadness & ADHD (non-medicated)