ep29 Tyson Boyd sells optimism
released November 20, 2025
1:46:39

Tyson Boyd, a prominent figure in Edmonton’s music scene, discusses his multifaceted career as a venue owner, concert promoter, and talent buyer. Starting with Alberta’s local bands and transitioning to working at prominent venues like the Starlight Room, Tyson highlights the challenges and passion driving the live music industry. He reflects on the evolution of audience habits, the impact of economic changes, and the importance of sustaining local music communities. Tyson's journey underscores the significance of small venues and developing artists amidst a shifting industry landscape.

Guest website: https://starliteroom.ca/ Guest website: https://concertworks.ca/en/

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.

chapters

00:00 Introduction

03:57 Conversation with Tyson Boyd

19:02 Challenges in the Music Industry

26:50 Tyson's Musical Beginnings

38:36 Early Influences and Formative Years

39:32 Transition to the Oil Field and Festival Adventures

40:06 Discovering the Local Music Scene

40:27 First Steps in Promoting Shows

41:46 Career-Ending Injury and New Beginnings

42:43 Pursuing Arts and Cultural Management

43:39 Balancing Day Jobs and Night Gigs

44:35 Starting a Concert Company

47:01 Challenges and Evolution in the Music Industry

49:31 The Role of Venues and Community Building

52:46 The Financial Realities of Promoting Shows

57:58 Impact of Societal Changes on the Music Scene

01:04:18 Optimism for the Future of Live Music

01:21:57 The Role of Music in Community Building

01:22:52 Changing Demographics at Folk Festivals

01:23:22 Encouraging Community Engagement

01:23:51 Reflecting on the Conversation

01:23:55 Tyson Boyd's Career Journey

01:25:49 Post-Fame with Alexi