Jan. 23, 2025

'They Told Me to Change My Sound. I Refused.' 3x Grammy Nominated Terry Hunter | EF EP 83

'They Told Me to Change My Sound. I Refused.' 3x Grammy Nominated Terry Hunter | EF EP 83

If you've ever felt pressure to change your sound, this episode is your permission slip to stay true to your vision. Chicago house legend Terry Hunter shares how refusing to compromise his artistry led to three Grammy nominations and working with artists like Beyonce and Aretha Franklin. 

When industry experts told Terry his music was "too musical" and needed to be stripped down, he faced a choice many artists confront: change your sound or stay true to your vision. His decision to believe in his artistry didn't just preserve his integrity - it launched him to unprecedented success.

From his first track, "Madness," in 1990, to remixing for the world's biggest artists, Terry proves that authenticity isn't just an artistic choice - it's a powerful business strategy. In this conversation, he shares how he's maintained his Chicago house roots while reaching mainstream heights, and why your unique sound might be your most valuable asset.

Key Takeaways:

  • Why staying true to your sound can be your biggest advantage
  • How to evolve without losing your identity
  • Building confidence in your artistic vision
  • Navigating industry pressure to change your style
  • The importance of understanding music history
  • Why collaboration strengthens rather than threatens your success
  • How mainstream attention is growing house music


Ready to level up your music career? Join my artist development program on Patreon for exclusive content and direct access to industry expertise: https://patreon.com/oliviamancuso


Follow Terry's journey on Instagram @djterryhunter

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__


Stop chasing trends and start believing in your sound. Hit play now to learn how staying true to your artistry can lead to unprecedented success.

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx