TIM MAHONEY from NBC's THE VOICE

Singer-songwriter Tim Mahoney calls himself the "King of Almost." He's come close to breaking through several times in his 15 years as a musician. But the 38-year-old from Minneapolis, Minnesota may have to retire his nickname: he's now teamed with a coach who can take him to the next level - Adam Levine. Mahoney also tours strategically, doing it his own way and growing his audience one market at a time, even if that means not venturing much outside of the Midwest. “There is no overnight success,” he says. “Only hustle and persistence. That’s my opinion, anyway.” He’s also been aided in recent years by social media, helping connect Mahoney to his fans quicker and easier than ever. Either way, Tim Mahoney is the type of recording artist who appreciates the process of making music. He loves that spark of writing something, recording it and hearing it back. Then of course, there is that next step of audience reaction. “I love that moment when I’m relaxed and connecting to an audience, but at the same time I don’t try and take myself too seriously,” he says. “If didn't hustle and do some of the things I did, then sure, I might still be talented. But I would also still be a waiter.” Lucky for Mahoney’s fans, he’s not.