Ep. 003 Superstar Diaries Podcast
Brad Roulier and Shawn Sabo dive deep into the music industry, personal experiences, and the moments that shape their careers. In Episode 3, the duo covers everything from Denver Nuggets basketball to the evolution of their Manufactured Superstars project, their upcoming R&B brunch party, and a nostalgic reflection on Avicii’s legacy.
A Championship Mindset – Denver Nuggets Talk
The episode kicks off with Brad and Shawn sharing their excitement over the Denver Nuggets’ success. Both longtime season ticket holders, they reminisce about the struggles of the Carmelo Anthony era and the sheer joy of watching the team win their first-ever NBA Championship. They break down Nikola Jokic’s recent half-court buzzer-beater, discussing whether they could even throw a ball 66 feet without shot-putting it!
The Evolution of Manufactured Superstars
Shawn and Brad shift gears to discuss their musical reinvention. They reflect on their signature big room EDM sound and how they’re evolving toward a 120-125 BPM groove-focused, R&B-infused house music. With a new music video in the works featuring Kayla Rae and a rework of Brandy’s “Best Friend”, they tease an upcoming exclusive brunch party on February 23rd at Bad Brew House.
What to Expect from the R&B Brunch
Live performance and music video shoot
A 2-hour, high-energy set featuring classic 90s R&B remixes
Audience participation and sing-along moments
10 VIP tables available – extremely limited event
Tickets for the event are available at superstardiaries.com/oldskool, with only a few VIP tables left!
Remembering Avicii – A Personal Reflection
One of the most emotional segments of the episode is when Brad and Shawn discuss Avicii’s influence on their music and the industry as a whole. They recall personal memories of hanging out with Tim Bergling (Avicii) in his early career, playing an early version of Levels before its official release, and witnessing his meteoric rise to superstardom.
While Brad has yet to watch the recent Netflix documentary on Avicii, Shawn reflects on its impact, highlighting Avicii’s unparalleled ability to write melodies, his battle with anxiety and fame, and how his music still shapes today’s electronic scene. They acknowledge how difficult it is to maintain balance in the industry and express gratitude for the friendships they formed over the years.
The Realities of Touring – The Grind Behind the Glamour
Brad and Shawn break down what it really takes to be a touring DJ and producer.
The Not-So-Glamorous Side of DJ Life:
150+ shows a year – constant travel and little sleep
Crazy flight schedules – playing in Amsterdam for 9 hours before flying straight back to Las Vegas for another gig
Security troubles – The time Shawn was nearly detained for “smelling like weed” at a Miami cruise port (spoiler: it was a false alarm!)
The mental toughness needed to survive in the industry
Their candid insights paint a picture of how much dedication, resilience, and adaptability it takes to stay at the top of the electronic music scene.
What’s Next for the Superstar Diaries Podcast?
Brad and Shawn tease some exciting upcoming episodes featuring DJs, booking agents, promoters, and behind-the-scenes industry pros. They want to give listeners a complete picture of what it takes to succeed in electronic music, from the biggest names to the unsung heroes who make it all happen.
Next Week’s Guest: Anthony Attalla
The duo is set to interview Anthony Attalla, a Chicago-based house DJ and Groove Cruise resident, to discuss his career and experiences.
They also invite fans to comment, engage, and suggest guests they’d love to hear from on future episodes.
Final Thoughts & How to Stay Connected
The episode wraps up with a call to action for fans to follow and subscribe across all platforms:
Instagram, TikTok, Facebook: @SuperstarDiaries
YouTube & Spotify: Superstar Diaries Podcast
And of course, don’t forget to grab your tickets for the R&B brunch on February 23rd at superstardiaries.com/oldskool before they sell out!
