Elan Mlgenovich (Authors of Fate) on content, merch, and not giving up

Episode 001 – Elan Mlgenovich | MAKE // BREAKAuthors of Fate make jagged, blackened metalcore out of Los Angeles. Guitarist Elan Mlgenovich joins MAKE // BREAK to discuss the EP “Seat’s Taken” with producer Taylor Young and the band’s earlier studio work with Steve Evetts. He explains how the group formed during COVID, what DIY touring looks like on the ground, and why chasing platform algorithms rarely helps heavy bands grow. We also get into practical social media habits that do work, from tagging peers to posting strong live clips, and the constant pull between posting and writing. If you want a clear look at how underground bands build real momentum today, this episode delivers.👀 What you’ll hear• Break down how Authors of Fate formed during COVID and built momentum in the DIY metal scene• Explain why major labels chase sure things and how that shifts artist development today• Share frustrations with Spotify algorithms and finding underground bands through Instagram• Reveal the brutal realities of DIY touring, from no-shows to promoters who don’t deliver• Debate the pressure on artists to be content creators versus staying true to making art• Offer candid advice for bands: collaborate, stay humble, and keep pushing forward🕰️ Chapters00:00 Introduction and band background02:00 Artist development and the major label model03:30 Why DIY bands must be self-sufficient05:00 Streaming algorithms and discovery struggles07:30 Using Instagram to find and book bands10:00 Word of mouth, tagging, and collaboration13:30 Social media as community building15:00 DIY touring challenges and no-show stories18:00 Professionalism, humility, and separating pros from amateurs20:00 Pay-to-play shows and shady promoters22:00 Pressure to create nonstop content25:00 Best band content and merch strategies29:00 What kind of content actually excites fans32:30 Parting advice for artists: don’t give up🔗 Guest Linkshttps://linktr.ee/authorsoffatehttps://instagram.com/authorsoffatehttps://open.spotify.com/artist/4Ffxt9eZ7pQEiV9uRVaMdX🔗 MAKE // BREAK & Host Linkshttps://open.spotify.com/show/5GDOUd909p7ir2W74M9teg?si=cbc7e01e13ba4a20https://instagram.com/lowkeyhellishhttps://tiktok.com/@lowkeyhellish🔗 V13 Media Linkshttps://v13.netSubscribe for more conversations and drop a comment: should bands prioritise content creation or focus on the art itself?(explicit language)#MakeBreak #AuthorsOfFate #MusicBusiness