From The Woods To The Stage with Rafe Carlson

About this episode

Rafe Carlson shares his journey from small-town musician to a full-time artist, emphasizing authenticity and resilience in the music industry.

Most musicians chase Nashville dreams; Rafe Carlson built his from the ground up in Minnesota—playing small-town clubs, fending off industry pressures, and still making his unique Northwoods sound. In this unforgettable episode, Rafe shares the raw, unfiltered journey of quitting his day job and turning a leap of faith into a full-time career. From tiny gigs tipping $50 to festival stages supporting Jake Owen, he reveals the behind-the-scenes struggles and the defining moments that kept him going—like the night he played on Lake Superior's pier with tips in a milk jug and realized this was the real beginning. You'll discover:How a no-connection beginner from Hermantown broke into Nashville’s industry with nothing but grit and a plan The power of authenticity—creating music rooted in outdoor life, northern Minnesota, and honest stories that resonate, even when blending rock with country The ups and downs of chasing big dreams in a volatile industry, and the resilience required to keep pushing forward Why traditional industry expectations are evolving, and how niche sounds from the Northwoods can carve their own space in mainstream country and rock The importance of family…

People in this episode

Host: Dan Johnson

Guest: Rafe Carlson

Topics covered

• music industry
• authenticity
• outdoor life
• resilience
• chasing dreams

Keywords

• Rafe Carlson
• music career
• Nashville
• Northwoods sound
• outdoor inspiration

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Minnesota, Lake Superior, Hermantown

More episodes of Nine Finger Chronicles - Deer Hunting Podcast

• Big Buck Story: Non-Resident Giant · June 12, 2026 · 1h 9m
• From The Vault: Bill Winke · June 10, 2026 · 33 min
• Texas Meat Hunter With Benefits · June 5, 2026 · 52 min
• Habitat: Grow Bigger Bucks · June 3, 2026 · 1h 14m
• Spring Sessions #5: All Over The Place · May 27, 2026 · 1h 7m
• Michigan's One Buck Rule: Pro's & Con's · May 22, 2026 · 1h 2m