Episode 001 – Elan Mlgenovich | MAKE // BREAK
Authors 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
🕰️ Chapters
00:00 Introduction and band background
02:00 Artist development and the major label model
03:30 Why DIY bands must be self-sufficient
05:00 Streaming algorithms and discovery struggles
07:30 Using Instagram to find and book bands
10:00 Word of mouth, tagging, and collaboration
13:30 Social media as community building
15:00 DIY touring challenges and no-show stories
18:00 Professionalism, humility, and separating pros from amateurs
20:00 Pay-to-play shows and shady promoters
22:00 Pressure to create nonstop content
25:00 Best band content and merch strategies
29:00 What kind of content actually excites fans
32:30 Parting advice for artists: don’t give up
🔗 Guest Links
https://linktr.ee/authorsoffate
https://instagram.com/authorsoffate
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Ffxt9eZ7pQEiV9uRVaMdX
🔗 MAKE // BREAK & Host Links
https://open.spotify.com/show/5GDOUd909p7ir2W74M9teg?si=cbc7e01e13ba4a20
https://instagram.com/lowkeyhellish
https://tiktok.com/@lowkeyhellish
🔗 V13 Media Links
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(explicit language)
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