Sinopsis
In this podcast I find out more about the hard work that goes into making a DJs career and into the dance music scene itself. I chat to managers, label managers, publicists, club owners, tour managers, promoters and more.
Episodios
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Louie Vega on Paradise Garage, Masters At Work and the Roots of House Music
09/04/2026 Duración: 01h12minIn this insightful interview, Louie Vega, the legendary DJ and co-founder of Masters At Work, shares his musical journey from the Bronx to the iconic Paradise Garage. We explore the roots of HouseMusic and the influential early NYC ClubCulture that shaped his career. This is a must-watch for anyone interested in DanceMusic history and the artists who defined it.
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Why Grassroots Clubs Matter More Than Ever: Sam Divine
04/03/2026 Duración: 48minIn this episode of Can You Put Me On Guest List?, I sit down with legendary house DJ Sam Divine for a live keynote conversation recorded at the Night Time Economy Summit in Liverpool (2026).With more than two decades in the scene and a long-standing relationship with Defected Records, Sam shares the story behind her journey — from growing up on a council estate in Bristol and buying her first decks for £100, to becoming one of the most respected names in global house music.We talk about the importance of grassroots clubs, why they are essential for developing DJs, and why so many smaller venues are disappearing. Sam also reflects on her early days hustling for gigs in Ibiza, what she learned from playing marathon sets in small venues, and why real experience behind the decks matters more than viral success.She also introduces her new 555 concept - five cities, five-hour sets, and £5 tickets - designed to support grassroots venues and make club culture accessible again.In this conversation we also discuss:• He
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The Story of House Music Legend: Todd Terry
24/02/2026 Duración: 45minTodd Terry is one of the true architects of house music - a Brooklyn original whose sound helped shape club culture worldwide. Recorded live at the Night Time Economy Summit in Liverpool, this episode dives into Todd’s journey: growing up in New York, his early hip-hop roots, the moment house music entered his world, and the raw, high-impact production style that helped define an era.We also connect the past to the present - from early sampling and reel-to-reel editing, to the UK embrace that pushed his sound global - and bring it right up to today’s dance music landscape: festivals vs clubs, DJ craft in the digital era, originality in a world of unlimited tools, and what it really means to protect the soul of house.Plus: Todd shares the story behind opening a bar in Liverpool at a time when nightlife venues are under pressure - and why community still matters.In this episode:• Brooklyn beginnings + hip-hop influence• First exposure to house music + early gigs• Sampling, edits, and building energy on the danc
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I Quit My 9-5 to Shoot Michael Bibi at DC10… | Louis Nesbitt
18/02/2026 Duración: 01h14minLouis Nesbitt quit his 9-5 job in finance to shoot Michael Bibi at DC10 Ibiza - and it completely changed his life.In this episode of Can You Put Me On Guest List?, I sit down with the photographer behind DC10, Solid Grooves and some of the defining moments in Ibiza’s modern rave culture.From studying corporate tax in London to documenting Michael Bibi’s DC10 residency, Louis shares how one DM, one terrace moment, and one risky decision pushed him to leave his stable career and go all in on photography.We talk about shooting Bibi’s emotional comeback at DC10, what really happens backstage at Ibiza’s most iconic club, and the pressure of capturing rave culture in the age of social media.Louis opens up about:– Film vs digital photography in club culture– Authenticity vs content– The mental battle creatives rarely talk about– Networking in the dance music industry– Why he believes the scene needs more individualityThis is a conversation about risk, self-doubt, timing, and carving your own lane in an industry tha
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Saudi’s Dance Music Scene Explained: Dish Dash
10/02/2026 Duración: 55minIn this episode of Can You Put Me On Guestlist?, Katie Knight sits down with 1 half of Saudi DJ and producer duo Dish Dash for a candid deep dive into the rise of Saudi Arabia’s dance music scene, from illegal underground parties and secret no-phone raves to major festivals and a booming new ecosystem.Dish Dash share what it was really like DJing when public events weren’t possible, how they threw private parties in a “grey area,” and the surreal moment they first played in Saudi for only 20 minutes on stage. They also unpack how the audience has evolved fast, why festivals like MDLBEAST Soundstorm and XP Music Futures changed everything, and how local promoters now work together to grow a healthier scene.We also get into:-How Saudi’s underground scene grew long before it was public-The first big “we made it” moments and what changed after 2017–2018-Why the no-phones debate hits differently when you lived it-How Saudi crowds went from “two genres” to real musical education-The local promoter culture: group ch
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Yulia Niko: How Going Sober Changed My Life & Career
04/02/2026 Duración: 51minIn this episode of Can You Put Me On Guestlist?, I sit down with DJ and producer Yulia Niko for an honest conversation about sobriety, touring life, creativity, and staying connected to emotion on the dance floor.Yulia opens up about quitting alcohol - and how going sober helped her feel clearer, more productive, and more confident in her decisions, both in the studio and behind the decks. She also shares the realities of life on the road, including a terrifying flight experience that led to ongoing travel anxiety, and what it takes to keep showing up every weekend.We get into:How sobriety changed her mindset as a DJ and producerThe pressure of touring, airports, and burnoutTrusting your instincts and focusing on the musicBurning Man stories and what makes it so specialHer new role as a Beatport music creatorStarting a management company and mentoring emerging artistsHer hot take on the scene in 2026: “More music, less social media.”DJ booth etiquette - and what friends should never do when they’re on guestli
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How Teletech Is Building the Biggest Hard Techno Community in the World
27/01/2026 Duración: 01h06minI sit down with the founders of Teletech to break down how the hard techno scene exploded into a global movement.From underground raves in Manchester to selling 20,000 tickets in an hour, we unpack how Teletech scaled by prioritising community over hype, accessibility over elitism, and long-term thinking over quick wins.We talk about why hard techno connected so deeply with younger crowds, what most promoters get wrong about the raver experience, and how learning from negative feedback shaped Teletech’s growth. The conversation also dives into touring Australia and Europe, building artists alongside a brand, and why things like sound, space, water, and respect matter more than flashy line-ups.This episode is about the rise of hard techno, building culture instead of just events, and what it really takes to grow a global event brand.
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Chris Avantgarde on the Genre-Blending Era of Dance Music
20/01/2026 Duración: 49minIn this episode of Can U Put Me On Guestlist?, I sit down with Chris Avantgarde to talk about why we’re officially in the genre-blending era of dance music.From being “too techno for the commercial crowd and too commercial for the techno crowd” to playing the Las Vegas Sphere, Chris opens up about finding creative freedom beyond genre labels, navigating rejection, and trusting instinct over perfection.We talk about his journey from Germany to London, working with Anyma and Afterlife, producing music for clubs versus festivals, and building a parallel career in film, TV, and gaming with projects for Netflix, Amazon, and Call of Duty. Chris also shares the thinking behind Hyperreal, his approach to evolving as an artist, and why genre lines matter less than ever.This episode is about identity, authenticity, and making music that feels real - without fitting into a box.
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From Fan to President: Moody Jones on Taking Over the Dirtybird Label
13/01/2026 Duración: 01h05minIn this in-depth conversation, Moody Jones shares how he went from Dirtybird superfan to Label President, and what it really takes to take over an iconic dance music record label without losing its soul.We unpack the full story behind Dirtybird’s 20-year legacy, why the label was acquired as an act of cultural preservation, and how community — not hype or algorithms — became its strongest asset. Moody breaks down the difference between acquiring vs signing labels, building sustainable, artist-led ecosystems, and why infrastructure matters more than ever in modern dance music.In this episode, we cover:• How Dirtybird was saved from disappearing• Taking over your hero’s record label• Why community-led labels outperform hype-driven ones• The future of A&R, audience-building, and artist ownership• How Dirtybird continues to grow globally at 20 years strongWhether you’re an artist, label founder, music executive, or dance music fan, this episode offers rare insight into the business, culture, and community beh
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SYREETA: The Moment You Leave the Day Job | Going All In on Music
06/01/2026 Duración: 39minIn this episode, I sit down with SYREETA, one of the most respected DJs in house music, to talk about the moment you know it’s time to leave the day job and fully commit to your path in dance music.From waking up at 4am to drive trucks for 12-hour shifts, to playing Paradise, ANTS, DC10, Amnesia, and Space Miami with Carl Cox, SYREETA’s journey is a masterclass in graft, self-belief, and trusting your instinct.We talk honestly about the fear of quitting stability, the reality behind the DJ lifestyle, and why there’s never a “right time” - only the moment when you finally back yourself.This episode was recorded live at Duke of Tokyo in Amsterdam, with SYREETA opening up about confidence, staying grounded, and why not dimming to fit in has shaped her career.We get into:• Working as a full-time truck driver while DJing on weekends• 4am starts, sunrise drives and learning music on the road• Knowing when the day job is holding you back• Why there’s no perfect moment to quit — only a feeling• Taking the risk and go
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AZYR: The rise of hard techno
16/12/2025 Duración: 59minIn this episode, I sit down with fast-rising hard techno DJ and producer AZYR to unpack one of the most unexpected breakout stories in electronic music - from training as an engineer at Rolls-Royce to selling out all-night-long shows and playing a Boiler Room set watched by millions.We go from underground Teletech parties and getting a call on the day to play, to quitting a “safe” career and touring Australia and South America as hard techno explodes worldwide.In this episode, we get into:Training as an engineer at Rolls-Royce and why he never planned to be a DJLearning to DJ and produce from scratch during COVID, with zero musical backgroundDiscovering hard techno through Teletech and early underground partiesGetting a call on the day to play Teletech after another artist dropped outBeing signed to an agency the same day he played one of his first major showsWhy being thrown in the deep end helped him avoid overthinking big momentsPlaying Boiler Room - the nerves, the pressure, and watching it back weeks lat
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Juliet Fox: Motherhood in dance music
09/12/2025 Duración: 54minJuliet Fox: Motherhood in dance music - touring, pregnancy, identity & building a new life.In this episode, I sit down with techno powerhouse Juliet Fox for one of the most honest and important conversations we’ve ever had on the show - diving deep into motherhood, identity, touring, and what it really means to be a woman in the dance music industry today.From DJing at eight months pregnant in a cage at Revolver to navigating promoters’ expectations, relationship growth, and travelling the world with a six-month-old baby… Juliet opens up in a way you rarely hear publicly.We talk about the things no one prepares you for - the fear of career loss, the pressure on female artists, the support (and lack of it) in the industry, and the messy, beautiful reality of creating a life while still chasing your passion.We get into:• Not planning to have children - and the “miracle baby” moment that changed everything• The fear of telling agents and promoters she was pregnant• DJing until 8 months pregnant and the react
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Jonas Blue: The formula for global hits
02/12/2025 Duración: 44minI sit down with multi-platinum DJ and producer Jonas Blue to unpack how he creates worldwide anthems - from the melodies and emotions behind each track to the moments that shaped his career.We go from mixing Adidas with Nike to the moment he nearly quit music, and what pulled him back.We get into:• Swapping grey London for sunny Miami - and why he doesn’t miss London at all• Summers in Ibiza, living in the north and avoiding hangovers• Edge of Desire becoming one of the most Shazamed tracks in Ibiza 2025• The wild story of Malive nearly quitting before their collab changed his life• How Club Reps made him want to DJ at age 11• Fast Car turning 10, fans who grew up with his music and dealing with pressure• The advice he got from Calvin Harris when he lost direction during COVID• Keeping his sound credible for the dancefloor while dominating the global charts• Why writing a great song is so difficult - and why melody is everything• His dream to create a Balearic / Zero 7 / Air-inspired album• The creepiest fan
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Betical: Turning brotherhood into art
06/10/2025 Duración: 43minWhat happens when music isn’t just your passion but also a family affair? In this episode, I chat with Betical, the sibling duo known for their emotive sound and deep musical chemistry. We trace their story from growing up together to finding their own workflow in the studio, how they navigate creative blocks, and the ways they keep their personal relationship strong amidst industry pressures. They open up about what they’ve learned from each other, how they handle moments of divergence, and what excites them about the future of Betical.This episode is powered by Trackstack - the platform that helps you manage demos, promos, and sell your music expertise. Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.
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Arodes: The sacrifices behind life as a touring DJ
24/09/2025 Duración: 43minArodes joins us on the podcast to share the story behind his career change into an internationally touring DJ. We dive deep into his earliest musical memories, first gigs, Ibiza and how his sound has evolved into what we hear today.He opens up about the sacrifices you have to make to become a touring artist- the long nights, missed moments at home, and trying to keep healthy while constantly on the move. From his very first official gig to playing at iconic venues and festivals like Burning Man, Arodes reflects on the surreal highs and the tough challenges that shaped his career.We also talk about the labels he co-runs with Andrea Oliva, Unreleased and All I Need, and how stepping into the role of label head has changed his perspective on the music industry.This episode is powered by Trackstack, the platform that helps you manage demos, promos, and sell your music expertise. Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.This episode was recorded live from Soho House Barcelona in partnership with Techno & Chill.
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Georgia Taglietti: Driving culture forward
21/08/2025 Duración: 40minToday’s guest is a true cultural powerhouse, Georgia Taglietti. With over 30 years in the music industry, Georgia has been shaping narratives at the crossroads of creativity, technology, and communication. You might have seen her speaking on global panels or driving cultural conversations behind the scenes. As the founder of The International Consulting Network for Arts & Culture, she now helps creatives and companies navigate change with smart strategy and deep cultural insight.This episode is powered by Trackstack, the platform that makes managing demos, promos, and even selling your expertise seamless. Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.
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DJ Tennis: Managing different roles in the industry
14/08/2025 Duración: 50minThis episode was recorded live from Soho House Barcelona in collaboration with Techno & Chill.Today’s guest is the one and only DJ Tennis, an icon in electronic music and the creative force behind the label Life and Death. Beyond the decks, he’s also the founder of Munchie Town and a passionate foodie.In this episode, we delve into his passion for cooking and food culture, the DJs who can genuinely cook, his journey to getting started in the music industry, his experience as a manager, and how he balances multiple projects simultaneously.Whether you’re here for the music industry insights or the kitchen stories, this conversation offers a unique perspective from one of the scene’s most creative minds.Can U Put Me On Guestlist? is powered by Trackstack, the platform to manage your demos, promos, and sell your music expertise.Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life: https://www.trackstack.com
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Kölsch: The art of storytelling
28/07/2025 Duración: 45minToday’s guest is a master of musical storytelling, a producer whose sound is instantly recognisable: the incredible Kölsch.In this episode, we dive into Kölsch’s reflections on the evolution of club culture, his early days starting out in Copenhagen, his first times playing in Ibiza, and the philosophy that drives the narrative quality of his productions. We also explore his brand new collaboration with Camelphat, Waste My Time, the first single from his upcoming album Kinema. The track arrives with an AI-generated video that reimagines Pacha Ibiza in the 1970s, blending real archive footage with futuristic technology. We talk about the concept behind the video, AI, and the magic of collaborating with other artists.This episode is powered by Trackstack, the all-in-one platform to manage demos, send promos, level up your productions, and monetise your music knowledge. It’s intuitive and built for music pros. Use the code CUPMOG to get 10% off for life.
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Loco Dice: Who does an album these days?
24/07/2025 Duración: 54minIn this very special episode of Can U Put Me On Guestlist?, I reconnect with the one and only Loco Dice, 13 years after our first interview!We take a deep dive into his journey from his early days in Hip-Hop to becoming a global force in electronic music. Dice opens up about how he curates and organizes his music, the nuances of collaboration, his perspective on an industry in constant evolution, and of course we explore his latest album, Purple Jam. All of this, plus lots of wild stories he's made along the way!
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Adam Beyer: 30 years of Drumcode
15/07/2025 Duración: 01h04minWith 30 years of Drumcode on the horizon, we sit down with techno titan Adam Beyer to reflect on a career that has shaped the sound of dance floors around the world. From buying his first record in Sweden to commanding the biggest stages in global techno, Adam takes us back to where it all began, sharing stories from his early days DJing and producing, the moment Drumcode was born, and how the label grew from a gritty underground project into a worldwide institution.We dive into key turning points: signing breakout artists, throwing the first Drumcode events, and the challenges of building something lasting. Adam opens up about the pressure of staying true to his vision, what he's learned from life in Ibiza, and the emotional moments that still give him goosebumps- from Cocoon Mondays in Amnesia's main room to sunrise sets that reminded him exactly why he does this.As he looks ahead to Drumcode’s 30th anniversary, Adam shares the philosophy that’s carried him through three decades at the frontline of techno,