Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith: Recent Episodes
James Locksmith
Electronic Music Life is a business & lifestyle podcast for the electronic music industry and music lovers. With over twenty years experience, DJ, Producer, Music Consultant & Business Coach James Locksmith and inspiring guests, shine a light on the electronic music industry, technology, creativity, wellness, social, culture, spiritual, economic, political, paradigms, stereotypes and ecosystems. Learn about practical tools, resources, purpose, careers, emotional intelligence, self-confidence, self-actualisation, electronic music entrepreneurship and how to overcome it's obstacles.
In the latest episode of The Electronic Music Life podcast, hosted by DJ and producer James Locksmith, listeners are treated to an in-depth and inspiring conversation with the esteemed UK artist, musician, DJ, and radio broadcaster, Nabihah Iqbal. Delving deep into some of the intricacies of her creative process and professional discipline, the conversation serves as a little masterclass in navigating the ever-evolving landscape of electronic and live music. Nabihah's insights, gleaned from years of immersion in both electronic and live music scenes, transitioning from a radio broadcaster persona to being recognised as an artist, offer a compelling narrative on the challenges and triumphs inherent in the pursuit of sonic innovation.
However, the episode takes on a poignant tone as Nabihah and Locksmith pay homage to the late Scottish luminary, Sophie. Reflecting on Sophie's indelible impact on electronic music and modern art and her untimely departure, Nabihah and James engage in a heartfelt exploration of her groundbreaking contributions and the impact on Nabihah’s life. Amidst the introspection, Nabihah offers a glimpse into her 2023 opus, "Dreamer," illuminating its thematic underpinnings and the creative journey that birthed it. From the intricacies of band leadership, her grandfather’s unconditional love and inspiration, to the adrenaline rush of touring the album for a year, Nabihah's narrative resonates as a testament to the enduring allure of live and electronic music and its capacity to transcend boundaries.
FOLLOW NABIHAH IQBAL:
https://www.instagram.com/nabihahiqbal
In the latest captivating episode of "Electronic Music Life," host, DJ, and producer James Locksmith welcomes a true pioneer, none other than Brian d' Souza, also known as, DJ and producer Auntie Flo, the creator of Ambient Flo, 24/7 online radio stream of ambient music curated monthly by music creators across the globe.
As the visionary CEO of Swell Studios, Brian is at the forefront of a musical revolution. Swell, the innovative sister business to Open Ear, which he also founded, is on a mission to democratize the healing power of sound. James and Brian met last year to discuss the depths of this groundbreaking venture, exploring how Swell is creating inclusive technologies to bring therapeutic sound within reach of all.
From the origins of Swell Studios to its transformative potential, this episode intersects music, technology, and well-being. Discover how Brian d' Souza's vision for Swell is not just about beats and melodies, but a mission to improve our health and quality of life through the harmonious vibrations of sound. Tune in as "Electronic Music Life" uncovers the story behind Swell Studios and its dedication to harnessing the transformative power of sound for the betterment of us all.
FOLLOW AUNTIE FLO:
https://www.instagram.com/auntie._.flo/
Get ready to immerse yourself with the latest episode of the Electronic Music Life podcast. Hosted by DJ producer, James Locksmith, this episode features a fun and insightful conversation with none other than Marcel Vogel, a renowned DJ and producer with roots in Germany and a thriving career in Amsterdam. With over two decades of experience in dance music culture under his belt, Marcel brings a unique blend of soul, funk, and disco-infused house music that has earned him a dedicated following around the globe.
In this episode, listeners are treated to an intimate exploration of Marcel Vogel's journey, from his early days in Germany to his current status as a driving force in the Amsterdam electronic and disco scene. Through insightful anecdotes and behind-the-scenes revelations, Marcel shares a glimpse into the passion and creativity that fuel his music and DJ career. Whether you're a die-hard electronic music fan, a disco purist or simply curious about the artistry behind the beats and inside knowledge, this episode promises to entertain, inspire, and leave you wanting to learn more from the dynamic world of Marcel Vogel's electronic music life..
FOLLOW MARCEL VOGEL:
https://www.instagram.com/marcel.vogel/
This episode of Electronic Music Life is with a true legend in the world of music, a masterful artist whose transcendent talents have left an indelible mark on the global music landscape. He is none other than Mr. Femi Kuti, recorded in person after soundcheck on the day of his Sydney performance at the Recital Hall in April 2023.
Femi Kuti, the eldest son of the Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, carries forward seven generations of music with unparalleled dedication and innovation. His music is a mesmerizing fusion of traditional Afrobeat rhythms, electrifying horns, and socially conscious lyrics that resonate with audiences worldwide. Femi Kuti's career spans over four decades, during which he has earned multiple Grammy nominations, global acclaim, and an unwavering reputation for his high-energy live performances.
Beyond his music, Femi Kuti describes what appears to be a staunch advocate for social justice and political activism, and rather be defined as a concerned citizen of the world, using his platform to raise awareness about crucial issues facing our world today.
Join us as we delve into the life, music, wisdom, and vision of this extraordinary artist, Femi Kuti, and explore the profound impact he has had on dance, electronic music, and beyond. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation that promises to be both inspiring and enlightening.
FOLLOW FEMI KUTI:
https://www.instagram.com/femiakuti/
This episode of Electronic Music Life was recorded at Verge Film Productions Studios in Dubai in March 2023 with DJ, dance music historian and journalist, Bill Brewster. Host of DJ History and The Bill Brewster podcasts, UK’s very own driving force behind dance music culture, who has been behind the turntables and behind the pen for decades for some of the most insightful music journalism, and some of the most brilliantly documented books you'll ever read on dance music.
Bill shares some of his incredible journey and his invaluable insights into the industry, including what has driven him that has impacted and shaped the lives of many over the years in dance music.
FOLLOW BILL BREWSTER:
https://www.instagram.com/bill_brewster/
This episode of Electronic Music Life was recorded in front of a live audience in Sydney in March 2023 with Jazzie B of iconic collective Soul II Soul, during a sold out tour of Australia with James Locksmith and Paris Pompor of Groovescooter. We sat back and listened to a dive deep into Jazzie B's incredible journey. Jazzie shares some of the highs, the challenges, and some moments that have defined his remarkable career., and his views on the ever-evolving dance music scene.
Soul II Soul has been a driving force in the music industry for over three decades, creating timeless classics like "Back to Life" and "Keep on Movin'." They revolutionized the British music scene, blending soulful melodies with cutting-edge electronic beats, and became the embodiment of cool, effortlessly transcending genres.
Jazzie B, the mastermind behind this iconic collective, has been a relentless innovator, not only in music but also in fashion and culture. His influence knows no bounds, and his legacy continues to shape the global electronic music landscape.
Brought to you by the good people of Inner Sauce, Groovescooter, 2SERFM Sydney, Radio alHara Palestine and Electronic Music Life.
FOLLOW JAZZIE B OBE:
https://jazzieb.co.uk/
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with dance music icon and one most influential figure Nicky Siano. Founder of the legendary Gallery, original resident of Studio 54, disco DJ, philanthropist and avid meditator. Mr Siano sat with James and shared some of his simple yet so important ways to keep dance music’s essence, keeping the purpose of the culture, some modern music perspective and why original dance music is so relevant today more than ever, his work with AIDS victims and the power of meditation on his life and DJing.
FOLLOW NICKY SIANO:
https://www.patreon.com/nickysiano
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Jakarta-born, Gadigal Land based multi-disciplinary artist, DJ, music producer, songwriter and vocalist Putrika. From pop girl band groups in Jakarta and traditional Indonesian dancing groups, Putrika shares about her nine year “DIY” journey in Australia, of perseverance, shutting down imposter syndrome, developing her own art, sound, business and music identity process, before being noticed by creative circles and alternative music scenes.. With a passion for developing electronic music of her own, Putrika also took to DJing lessons to sharpen her skills further with Aussie favourite Aybetonye, which led bookings to DJing and live perfornances with New Beginnings Festival and Freedom Sessions by SSI and Sydney’s alternative club collective Mixagi, including club gigs at Club 77. Putrika also talks about how her music was picked up by Netflix Australia for the reboot of Heartbreak High series.
FOLLOW PUTRIKA:
https://linktr.ee/putrika
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Dubai based Pakistani DJ and music producer, Rudoh aka Bilal Khan. Co-founder of independent label Jaguar Records, Rudoh’s music combines wonky beats, space pads, strong and heavy poly-rhythms, pulling influences from UK’s drum n bass, soul, jazz and LA’s Beat scene. Rudoh shares his early education diversion, moving away from cultural expectations and switching career paths, including insights and personal experiences with Pakistan’s exciting and emerging electronic music scenes.
FOLLOW RUDOH::
https://linktr.ee/rudoh
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Astronafrica aka Raphael Ramires, a Sydney based Brazilian born, DJ, producer, radio host, cultural agitator, founder, producer and curator of Mixagi Collective, New Beginnings Festival and Settlement Services International. Raphael and James discuss the cultural boundaries and political challenges with developing diverse music platforms in Sydney Australia during lockout laws and COVID, that existed prior and still exist post the pandemic and the lockout laws. Raphael shares his insight and personal first hand experiences through his music projects working with First Nation and Refugee artists.
FOLLOW ASTRONAFRICA::
https://www.instagram.com/astronafrica/
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is Egyptian, Amsterdam based Moataz Rageb aka Disco Arabesquo, who for the last few years, grabbed the attention of music lovers, electronic music, vinyl enthusiasts and the dance music industry. A sociologist, DJ, researcher and avid collector of Arabic cassettes and vinyl, his DJ sets and mixes have been blowing up dance floors and spreading like wildfire online. With a rich and deep understanding of sounds from the 70's, 80’s & 90’s of the Middle East, SWANA regions and its diaspora, he’s recognised as a music historian. He’s collaborated with labels such as WeWantsSounds, Habibi Funk Records and has a vinyl release forthcoming featuring edits with Saudi-Irish DJ producer Moving Still. Moataz and James discuss his recent international appeal, 80’s Egyptian love letters on cassettes, ethical licensing and artist acknowledgment.
FOLLOW DISCO ARABESQUO:
https://www.instagram.com/discoarab/
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Martha van Straaten, real name Hannah, recognised internationally for blending her fond love of folkloric, global electronic music. Truly a bright star in her genre, who now continuously travels the world sharing joy through multicultural sounds in clubs and on festival stages, after years of yearning cultural connection. Martha and James discuss how a lack of cultural exposure created a hunger for connection, expression and the reverse positive effects with art and music.
FOLLOW MARTHA VAN STRAATEN:
https://www.instagram.com/marthavanstraaten/
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with co-founder and label head of one of the most internationally respected house and electronic record labels over the last decade, Tooli of Local Talk Records, out of Stockholm, Sweden. Tooli is often referred to as “the other guy” of Local Talk, alongside his partner Mad Mats, both of them also co-run Omena Records, a few other labels individually, and Tooli also runs 18437 Records, one of his latest projects since 2020. Tooli and James discuss multiple label management, distribution, A&R, label cycles, keeping focussed, structure and tenacity.
FOLLOW TOOLI (LOCAL TALK):
https://www.instagram.com/__tooli__omena.local.talk/
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Phillip Lembke aka Sticky Dojah, a German DJ and music consultant based in New York. Phillipp moved to New York over a decade ago, continuing his hip hop dream, after several years, DJing, producing events and booking American artists to perform in Germany and Europe. Today he’s the main force behind the “Touch Of Classics” event, resident DJ for Disco Tehran, a radio presenter on The Lot Radio with his “Records Before Rent” show and more widely recognised internationally for his Instagram ‘7 inch mashup videos that have gone viral in all corners of the world. Sticky Dojah has shared the stage with some of the greatest artists of both yesteryear and today. Phillipp and James talk about finding your way in New York, taking risks and bringing skills forward and social media DJ content advantages.
FOLLOW STICKY DOJAH:
https://www.instagram.com/stickydojah/
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Rob Garza, one half of trailblazing electronic music duo, Thievery Corporation, also known for his standalone project GARZA. Rob discusses his latest project, capturing Yemeni culture, history and displacement through music in an unprecedented expedition organised by the UN’s World Food Program. An Ambassador for the World Food Program, this is the first time Rob Garza, collaborating with musicians on a WFP mission. Rob also share’s insight to Thievery Corporation’s almost 30 years, enduring appeal of sharing music and experiences worldwide, and discusses his solo project GARZA, his label Magnetic Moon and Amplified Yoga.
FOLLOW ROB GARZA:
https://www.instagram.com/robgarzamusic/
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Aussie born, London based, Lawrence Millar, Head Of Commercial Partnerships at Earth Music Agency and Founder of Cosmo-Media. With over twenty years of industry experience, Millar is a highly innovative creative thinker, who connects people and music all over the world. Lawrence works closely with agencies, brands, talent, NGO’s and charities, with a balanced and positive approach to various music, and entertainment projects, involving marketing, partnerships, music management, publishing, social media, sync deals, licensing, the list goes on. James and Lawrence discuss how brand partnerships in music have evolved and their thoughts on the current state of festival and club bookings, as they reflect over 2022.
FOLLOW LAWRENCE MILLAR:
https://www.instagram.com/llawrencemillarr/
https://www.cosmo-media.net/
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith, is with Barcelona based Isabelle (Izzy) Naud, former electronic music industry professional in events, marketing and communications. Izzy is now a Tai Ji Quan instructor, physical therapist, Shiatsu and Thai massage therapist, and Third Dan Black Belt Kung Fu fitness coach specifically for electronic music artists and professionals. Izzy's career spans over twenty years combining both electronic music and martial arts experience. It was over a decade ago Izzy transitioned to working as a martial artist instructor, therapist and fitness coach for the electronic music industry, finding purpose serving the electronic music industry to achieve success and high performance. James and Izzy discuss burnout and the widely more accepted and rapidly growing health and wellbeing services for the electronic music industry in today’s current climate.
FOLLOW IZZY NAUD:
https://izzynaudwellbeing.com/
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Life & Career Coach for Music Industry artists and professionals, Ariane Paras. Ariane runs Olympia Coaching and with over fifteen years of music industry experience, she helps artists and music industry professionals build their confidence, find purpose, and develop healthy strategies for improving their personal and professional life. Ariane shares how she transitioned from electronic music industry burnout to finding her purpose in music, overcoming challenges, fears, learning from a near death experience and about some of the amazing tools and methods she uses with her clients in her coaching practice.
FOLLOW ARIANE PARAS:
https://olympiacoaching.com/about
https://www.instagram.com/olympiacoaching/
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with one of San Francisco’s integral 90’s house music producers, DJ, producer, vocalist, Tyler Stone. Stone aka Ms T, has released on some of House music’s most iconic labels such as Strictly Rhythm, Henry Street, Eightball, including her latest release on Large and has worked alongside pivotal producers like Miguel Migs, Chris Lum and Jay-J. After cutting her teeth at Third Floor Productions in San Francisco, Stone opened her own studio “Ms T Productions” and became one of the “go to” engineers in the house music community. Tyler shares her early days with building music business relationships and opportunities with real life community, proximity, communication, collaboration and connection.
FOLLOW TYLER STONE:
https://www.tylerstonemusic.com/biography
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Los Angeles based, Japanese New Zealand musician, composer, music producer, DJ, Mark De Clive Lowe. For over twenty years De Clive Lowe has produced and performed across the globe, he has worked with a list of artists and labels across the world of jazz, electronica, broken-beat, house, R&B, hip hop and pop, that many would dream about. In recent years De Clive Lowe entered the Web3 space, exploring and finding new ways to build new music business models and communities that encouraged collaboration and prosperity to the independent artist and entrepreneur. Mark shares his experiences and how the evolution of the music industry can be positive with Web3 music and NFT’s.
For extra Intro to Web3 music + NFT
FOLLOW MARK DE CLIVE LOWE:
https://tell.ie/mdcl/links
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_de_Clive-Lowe
http://MdCL.tv
http://mashibeats.xyz
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Australian broadcaster, DJ producer and label owner of his imprint own Heard and Felt. Widely respected and recognised across the globe as a purveyor and the man to go to for the deepest jazz, soul, beats and bleeps, Ennio Styles. For over twenty years Ennio has been a voice searching and supporting the connections between spiritual jazz, earthly rhythms, future funk science and raw club beats. His 21 year radio show Stylin’ on one of Melbourne’s leading independent radio stations RRR and syndication on Giles Peterson’s Worldwide FM, is a music home that is trusted, where many labels, artists, DJ’s and music lovers return week in week out. Ennio shares about the never ending thrill of the search, positive music business grinding and Australia’s amazing internationally recognised jazz and electronic music today.
FOLLOW ENNIO STYLES:
https://www.instagram.com/enniostyles
https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/stylin
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith, is with Berlin based artist, dj and music producer, activist, Pooja B aka ikigai. Originally from Pune, India, who also lived in Dubai before landing in Berlin to continue exploring her music path. Pooja has changed careers along the way to a more music focussed path which also now includes working for Abelton. Pooja’s music projects and activism focuses on bringing more awareness towards anxiety, ADHD, mental health, identity and intersectionality. We spoke about her journey from Pune to Berlin, channeling through her art, music and performances, to express her self-discovery, learn about her own identity, heal from unpleasant emotions and experiences.
FOLLOW POOJA B aka IKIGAI:
https://www.instagram.com/pooja.b.cdwm/
https://linktr.ee/pooja.b.cdwm
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Aussie Lebanese DJ and music producer, Jarred Beeler aka DJ Plead. DJ Plead has been making waves with his unique style of beats and production, referencing rhythms, scales and timbres of Lebanese pop and traditional Lebanese wedding music, blending them with contemporary RnB, Club and other dance styles, making tough, functional, and percussive tracks. Beeler runs his label SUMAC which created a platform that launched his career, including the likes of Logic 1000 and Jon Watt. DJ Plead, also one half of drum-workout duo Poison and a member of high energy trio BV, has toured Europe, India and China. This conversation features the current impact that touring has on mental health, the environment, electronic music economy and independent artists. Also discussed is the importance of learning and diversifying your music business.
FOLLOW DJ PLEAD:
https://www.instagram.com/djplead/
From Tehran to Detroit, in this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith, is with Detroit based Iranian artist, music producer, DJ, electronic musician, Salar Ansari. Salar moved to Detroit almost a decade ago to immerse himself amongst musicians, producers, history and electronic music culture, a place he dreamed about. Little did he know what was installed for this journey, that led him to work with DJ producer Derrick May’s label, Transmat, then meeting and working closely with songwriter, record producer and keyboardist, Luis Resto, known for his twenty year collaboration with Eminem, at Salar’s favorite yogurt, rice and beans spot. Salar Ansari spoke about the road to establishing himself in America for a new life and following his heart.
FOLLOW SALAR ANSARI:
https://www.instagram.com/passedoutonapersianrug/
https://ra.co/dj/salaransari/biography
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith, is with Matty Adams aka Monday Night Adams. Formerly a music journalist, now an Artist and Coach in the electronic music industry, helping others transform their stress, anxiety and fatigue into a deep-seated faith in their own abilities to succeed in the industry. Matty turned to coaching after losing his dream job and what he thought was his identity, leaving him with suicidal ideation, which he navigated through with introspection, reflection and being coached in a safe space. Matty discusses his road from darkness to seeking a new purpose and meaning in electronic music and how to celebrate yourself.
FOLLOW MATTY ADAMS:
www.instagram.com/mondaynightadams
In this episode I’m speaking with Alabama artist, music producer and musician, Byron The Aquarius, aka Byron Dewayne Blaylock. Byron has appeared on some of the most groundbreaking independent labels; Apron, BBE, Shall Not Fade, Eglo, Wild Oats, Sound Signature and now he is the owner of his own imprint Talknoise. Recognised globally in electronic music for his sublime jazz-infected house sound, his keyboard wizard skills and his deep love for melody and harmony, which has led him to work with the likes of Jeff Mills, Theo Parrish, Kai Alce and tour the world, playing festivals such as Dekmantel, Dimensions, Suncebeat and many others. Byron and I spoke about surrounding yourself with the right support and the importance of understanding the music business is just as important as understanding your art.
FOLLOW BYRON THE AQUARIUS:
https://www.instagram.com/byrontheaquarius/
https://ra.co/dj/byrontheaquarius/biography
https://www.facebook.com/ByronTheAquariusMusic
In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith, is with UK’s Deep Heads label owner and founder, writer, music producer and artist, Zeb Samuels. Since 2010, Deep Heads has been pushing and releasing a wide selection of music with influences of electronic, jazz, ambient textures, UK bass, Dubstep and everything in-between. Zeb remains heavily involved in A&R and a producer of the label and in recent years has turned to making his own music for a creative process and expression that helps both his professional and personal life. Before Deep Heads, Zeb has worked in distribution and pressed vinyl. We spoke about distribution today, both the new digital and vinyl revolution, the impact on the environment and independent label operations.
FOLLOW ZEB SAMUELS:
https://www.instagram.com/deepheads
https://www.instagram.com/zeb_samuels_/
In this episode I’m speaking with Berlin based, Australian born music journalist, Christine Kakaire. Christine has worked in music and culture her entire adult life. Starting her career from Sydney, Melbourne, London to Berlin, in distribution, record stores, content curation and journalism. Christine’s work has appeared and published by Abelton, Boiler Room, Crack, Groove, Pitchfork, Resident Advisor, and The Face, and currently writes a bi-monthly column for Berlin nightclub Berghain. Kakaire is a seasoned host, presenter, moderator and also leads the Black Creative Database, an initiative of the community platform Black Artist Database. In 2021 Christine was named an Honoree of SheSaidSo’s Alternative Power list. We spoke about her life in electronic music culture journalism, Black Artist Database, industry auditing, privilege and equality.
FOLLOW CHRISTINE KAKAIRE:
https://www.christinekakaire.com/about-me
https://www.instagram.com/thestrawberrygrrrl/
In this episode I’m speaking with indigenous Egyptian artist Reem Abdou aka DRĖĖĖMY, founder of New York based music, arts, wellness, environmental, and social justice movement The Collective BAE and co-founder of BASSyoga. The Collective BAE is a global feminine-powered multicultural mindful multi-genre movement infusing well-being into nightlife spaces and balancing creative ecosystems with marginalized perspectives. I was fortunate to have met DRĖĖĖMY and play an event together at the House Of Yes club in New York in 2019 with Nickodemus. Since meeting we have shared interest and encouragement in each other's projects and love for the Arab world and culture. In this conversation we spoke about balancing between spiritual, personal and entrepreneurial growth, and deconstructing patriarchal systems of thoughts and behavior in the music industry.
FOLLOW DREEEMY:
https://www.instagram.com/dreeemy/
https://well.cards/dreeemy
https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisakocay/2020/01/21/collective-bae-empowers-women-art-wellness/
In this episode I’m speaking with Chicago born, Detroit raised DJ, music producer, musician Alton Miller, who is widely known for his impact and as a pioneer of Detroit electronic music culture. Having started legendary club night Music Institute with George Baker and Chez Demier, working on Kevin Saunderson’s KMS Records, Derrick May’s label Transmat, signed artists like John Beltram, releasing five albums of his own, including a long list of EP’s and touring the world for over three decades. Miller currently resides in Johannesburg, and during COVID, launched his own Beer line and a non for profit to develop skills and empowering young women in rural areas of South Africa, while continuing to release music. I sat down with Alton Miller at the end of an impromptu Australian tour, which he described as an exploration to revisit his footprints and to commence touring again to spread house and soul music to the world. We spoke about his early Detroit experiences and some recent ones, his label work throughout the years, his recent contribution projects and the choice of a “slow burn” career in electronic music.
FOLLOW ALTON MILLER:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alton_Miller
https://www.instagram.com/djaltonmiller
In this episode I’m speaking with Australian, Adelaide based DJ, music producer, Inkswel, Jules Habib, radio host on 1BTN UK radio and runs his own label Inner Tribe Records. He has been actively involved in over 200 projects, for the last 20 years. He has headlined parties in Tokyo, New York, Los Angeles, Moscow, Sao Paulo and beyond, and toured alongside DJ Spinna, Dez Andres, Dam Funk, Mayer Hawthorne, Peanut Butter Wolf and House Shoes. He and his band 'The Snaglepuss' have collaborated with the late great Lee Scratch Perry, Talib Kweli, Amp Fiddler, Moddyman, Georgia Anne Muldrow, Illa J, Erin Buku, Kaidi Tatham, Bugz In The Attic, Osunlade, Blu & Exile, Andrew Ashong, Jitwam and many others. He has released Albums, Eps, Remixes, compilations and with labels such as Sonar Kollektiv, Compost, BBE, Hope Street Recordings, Rush Hour, Soul Clap, Bastard Jazz, Heavenly Sweetness, Boogie Angst, Atjazz, Tokyo Dawn Records, Co-Operation Records and Yoruba Soul. Recorded at Vintage Hifi For Plants studio in Newtown (Ku-Ring-Gai/Sydney), Inkswel and I spoke about breath work, being trauma-informed, running a label and making a broad range of music.
FOLLOW INKSWEL:
https://www.instagram.com/inkswel/
https://linktr.ee/inkswel
In this episode I’m speaking with Sydney DJ/Producer Edseven, recorded at his home studio, aka Vintage Hifi For Plants. Eddie O’Loughlan has built a rock-solid reputation over the last 20 years, sharing the stage with the likes of Gilles Peterson, Peanut Butter Wolf, Norman Jay, IG Culture and many more across Australia, New York, Berlin, Detroit, LA, Paris and Amsterdam. Collaborating with artists including Steve Spacek, Colonel Red, Inkswel, Kid Sublime, Ahu, Megatronic and releasing music on labels like CoOp, Turntables on the Hudson, City Fly and Inner Tribe. We spoke about his deliberate listening parties, sharing music production in imperfection for identity to form and using time effectively to create imperfectly, to keep creativity, mastering the craft and production flowing.
FOLLOW EDSEVEN:
https://www.instagram.com/edseven/
https://www.instagram.com/vintage_hifi_plants/
https://linktr.ee/edseven
In this episode I’m speaking with English DJ, producer, and electronic musician, Simon Shackleton. His music has appeared in films The Matrix, Arlington Road and Charlie's Angels. From 1996, he has performed as a solo electronic music producer under a number of aliases including the multi-genre Elite Force. Widely recognized as one of the leading proponents of the emergent Tech-Funk movement, fusing house, breakbeat and electro. He has toured the world as a DJ, many times over playing big club rooms and festivals. Simon and I spoke about project management tools, self-care, his new production work, which he describes as emotive electronica and his new live show.
FOLLOW SIMON SHACKELTON:
http://www.simonshackleton.org
https://www.instagram.com/simonshackletonmusic/
https://soundcloud.com/simon_shackleton
In this episode I’m speaking with singer, songwriter, poet, lyricsit, musician, producer, selector, Worldwide FM radio host, Allysha Joy. Currently based in the UK, Allysha and I recently spoke at the start of a long list of her European touring dates to follow from her latest solo album Torn : Tonic on First Word Records. While happily based in the Northern hemisphere for the coming months, a full schedule of production sessions have been booked to work on more music. We spoke about gender politics in music, being supported by the UK music scene and how to avoid burnout while touring.
FOLLOW ALLYSHA JOY:
http://allyshajoy.com/
https://www.instagram.com/allysha_joy/
In this episode I’m speaking with Amsterdam born, Margate UK based DJ, culture curator, and program facilitator, Ruby Savage. I wanted to talk with Ruby because I came across her creative program Artist Recovery Club. I learned about her Don’t Be A Creep, an anti-harassment in nightlife and clubbing project and her involvement as co-curator for The Future Happened that took place virtually during the pandemic in August 2021, Atlanta USA. Ruby has carved a career in music, through label work, radio, DJing, producing, curating events and creating projects to improve the music industry and enhance individuals careers and businesses. I had to have her on the podcast. We spoke about the science of community, getting out of creative blocks, a hopeful conscious and exciting music future, and ending harassment on dance floors and in the music industry.
FOLLOW RUBY SAVAGE:
www.rubysavage.com
https://www.instagram.com/rubysound/
In this episode from the all new season 3 I’m speaking with Chicago born, Rotterdam based DJ producer, Jamie 3:26. I first heard of Jamie through the co-head honcho of Stockholms house label Local Talk, Mad Mats. “One guy to look out for" I was told several years ago. I explored some opportunities at that time for Jamie in Dubai and the region, which didn’t come together, however it wasn’t until I was working with Barbary, the club party space and bar in Dubai, where I was working at the time, and the team I was working with, brought him over and it was nothing short of a memorable experience. Jamie’s energy behind the decks is infectious and matches his personality, humorous, joyful and playful. We spoke about the racial divide today in America, whitewashing in dance music, hypnotherapy, mindfulness and his sobriety journey. It was an honor to sit down together and learn more about Chicago’s disco and house music history from Jamie’s personal experience and knowledge.
FOLLOW JAMIE 3:26
www.instagram.com/jamiethreetwosix/
https://soundcloud.com/jamie3too6
https://www.facebook.com/jamie3too6/
In this episode, taken from my pandemic archive series, I’m speaking with Aussie Egyptian DJ and producer, Moktar. We spoke in September of 2021 during lockdown in Sydney and Melbourne, where we both were based at the time. We talked about his journey of embracing his Arabic, Egyptian and Australian life from a young age to an adult. We go into his experiences growing up in the Sutherland Shire of Sydney, what it was like in high school, the impact of the Cronulla riots in 2005 and the effects of racism pre and post September 11. We also touched on how his music production is the expression of his cultural embracement through electronic, techno, club music and Arabic instrumentation.
FOLLOW MOKTAR:
https://www.instagram.com/moktarmusic/
https://soundcloud.com/moktarmoktar
In this episode from my pandemic archive series, I’m speaking with Saudi, Dublin based DJ, producer and immunologist, Jamal Sul aka Moving Still. We spoke about his discovery and relationship with meditation, how it has enhanced his music career, his creative and production processes, including his personal and family life. We also spoke about the use of meditation with cold showers, the benefits, the decrease of duration and frequency it has with regulating flight or fight responses and the amazing effects it has on building one's immune system. We also spoke about the rise and developments of the independent music industry in the SWANA region and the wide acceptance of music locally and internationally. It was an absolute pleasure to speak with Moving Still and getting to know him a little better.
FOLLOW MOVING STILL:
https://www.instagram.com/moving0still/
https://linktr.ee/moving0still
https://soundcloud.com/movingstill
In this episode, taken from my pandemic archive of conversations, I’m speaking with Mexico born, Amsterdam based DJ, radio host, artist, composer, curator, Coco Maria aka Ana Lucia. We connected through the Radio alHara and Worldwide FM broadcasting partnership that commenced during 2020.
Coco Maria’s flagship morning show “Breakfast Club Coco” broadcasts on Mondays and Wednesdays on Giles Peterson’s Worldwide FM which has amassed a global audience. Her childhood was surrounded by music and her passion for discovering and sharing high vibration music is very prominent. Widely recognised as a selectora of joyful, obscure gems and sunny rarities from far off places. Her signature expressions of sounds include jazz to samba, latin funk, cumbia, many Afro-Latin rhythms from South and Central America, Brazil, the Caribbean and beyond. Coco Maria tours many countries, sharing music at festivals, club nights and has worked on compilations and her own music productions.
I loved going back to this conversation, Coco Maria and I spoke back in December of 2020, we discussed her studies in psychology and art therapy. Her realization of the importance of mental health in a music career. Her interest in understanding the impact of migration and her passion to develop as a broadcaster.
FOLLOW COCO MARIA:
https://cocomaria.net/
https://worldwidefm.net/collection/coco-maria
https://www.instagram.com/cocomaria___/
https://linktr.ee/cocomaria
In this episode from the pandemic archive series, I’m speaking with DJ Rashida from her LA based home in December of 2020 during one of LA’s lockdowns. Rashida Robinson aka DJ Rashida is well known for her ten year or so collaboration with Prince as an international touring DJ. Rashida has appeared on the Tonight Show, The BET Awards, was the house DJ for MTV’s America’s Best Dance Crew, The Arsenio Hall revival. Recently private gigs for Oprah and Richard Branson on Necker Island. Rashida has toured with the likes of Cee Lo Green, Bruno Mars, Pharrel and Kelis. As a cultural influencer Rashida has featured in Dazed & Confused, Refinery 29, Remix, Flaunt, Vogue Italia, Essence, and has performed at festivals such as Good Vibrations Sydney, SOLE DXB, Super Sonic Tokyo, Lollapalooza Festival Chicago to name a few.
Rashida and I spoke about the unavoidable human conscious shift that has been occurring significantly since the pandemic. Her mentor relationship with Prince. Useful daily success rituals, the power of gratitude and how that can regulate and assist with manifestation in tangible and pragmatic ways. We also chatted about letting go of strong desire, for intention with taking action, in authentic alignment and her passion as a mom and her work with youth.
FOLLOW DJ RASHIDA:
https://site.djrashida.com/
https://www.instagram.com/djrashida/
In this episode of Electronic Music Life pandemic archive series, I’m speaking with Dubai based, Beirut born and raised, artist, resident DJ, of Ballroom Blitz club Beirut, partner and PR director of Jazzy, Soulful House Lebanese label Feedasoul Records, Jad Yazbek aka LEDWARF.
Jad and I met in the pandemic summer of 2020 for the first time, after the devastating Beirut explosion on August 4. During this time he had moved to Dubai for a new chapter and was looking for better opportunities to start a new life. Since then he has established himself with many club nights and parties in Dubai and continued his residencies in Beirut. While also running duties with Feedasoul Records one of the most forward thinking independent dance and electronic house labels in the SWANA region, that has amassed tastemakers and music lovers across the globe.
We met again at the end of November 2020 for the podcast and discussed the growth and awareness of House, soul, jazz, Black music in the SWANA region and how that has been an organic focus in defining their label. We also spoke about understanding a difference between Lebanese people being resilient vs being oppressed and how to remain present even in the face of adversity.
FOLLOW LEDWARF:
https://www.instagram.com/jadyaz/
https://www.instagram.com/feedasoulrecords/
In this episode, I’m speaking with a London born and raised DJ, radio host, A&R guy, curator, consultant Raj Chaudhuri (aka Raji Rags) who is considered in his hometown and around the globe as a key tastemaker from electronic music, hip hop, house and techno. You may recognise him from NTS Radio or previously Head of Music for Boiler Room. He has worked on releases by the likes of Objekt, Hudson Mohawke, Flying Lotus,, Nosaj Thing and Marcel Dettmann to name a few. Raj has established himself as one of the most pivotal figures not only in the London music landscape, also across many cities and as a trusted DJ.
Taken from my archive of pandemic interviews, this conversation took place in November 2020. Raji and I spoke about A&R, record releases and making use of your time productively during the pandemic. We discussed our love for hip hop from at a young age, the choice of a music career against the conventional career and being recognised musically across multiple genres, globally.
FOLLOW RAGI RAGS:
https://linktr.ee/RajiRags
https://www.instagram.com/rajirags/
In this episode, I’m speaking with Brooklyn, New York based artist, DJ, music supervisor, NIARA STERLING. Niara and I met briefly for the first time in Brooklyn in 2019, where we played at Natasha Diggs and D Prosper’s Soul In The Horn party together. There was something about her that captivated me through her music selections and the way her set weaved together. I was able to identify a sense of wisdom and self awareness. I wanted to learn more about her and with that I discovered someone spiritual and with a clear vision of her purpose through her music, her craft, business and personal life. Which was no surprise. We spoke in November of 2020 and since then I’ve witnessed more growth and touching more people’s lives through her mission. I enjoyed going back to this conversation and now publishing it for inspiration and recalibration. For me personally it reminded me of why I started this podcast. Niara and I spoke about: the art of multiplicity, wearing multiple hats as a creator and a self starter. Honoring your boundaries, priorities, values and self-care. The power of community support and building. Her loving relationship with her mother, their “peddlin’ hack and herbal medicines.
FOLLOW NIARA STERLING:
https://www.niarasterling.com/
https://www.instagram.com/niarasterling/
https://soundcloud.com/niarasterling
From the Electronic Music Life archive, James Locksmith speaks with dear friend, writer, editor, music historian, DJ, co-founding member of the Beirut Groove Collective - NATALIE SHOOTER. Natalie was based in Beirut just over a decade, before moving back to the UK, running parties with DJ’s Enersto Chahoud, her husband and event partner and DJ, journalist and filmmaker Jackson Allers. Together they are the Beirut Groove Collective, a traveling club night that was formed in Beirut in 2010 to bring awareness to lost gems of the Arab world, North Africa and bring homage to UK Northern soul, weird Italo disco, rare US funk, soul Jazz and other obscurities in between.
Recorded in November 2020 they spoke about Natalie’s involvement in the Global Dance Cultures of the 1970s and 1980s: "Disco Heterotopias' book" which includes a chapter by her and Ernesto Chahoud on disco music and the nightlife scene in Lebanon during the civil war, tracing the story of early disco singles by Elias and Ziad Rahbani and Ihsan Al Mounzer, Raja Zahr and Mohammed Jamal. It also features interviews with Ziad Rahbani and Jacqueline 'Monroe' to name a few. They also spoke about the rise of community radio in the SWANA region, dancing on zoom and clubbing culture during the pandemic. And Natalie's contribution as a journalist in the SWANA region, from her early Time Out Beirut days to features on Belly Dance Disco on Al Jazeera in 2021.
Follow Natalie Shooter:
https://www.instagram.com/natshooter/
https://www.instagram.com/beirutgroovecollective/
From the Electronic Music Life archive, James Locksmith speaks with Sudanese/Egyptian/Iranian music artist, vocalist, rapper, based out of Sudan and very often described as Sudan’s siren to R&B, hip hop and neo-soul, NADINE EL ROUBI. Nadine enjoys exploring various genres, from hip-hop to Rnb, and neo-soul to pop; with lyrics that touch upon themes such as self-love and identity. In addition to being a solo artist, Nadine was part of The C!rcle, a Sudanse diaspora rap group based across three continents and like this she continues exploring collaborative and community building through her music. Since this conversation in November 2020, Nadine has released a ton of new music and while championing the Sudanese scene at every opportunity, she has also made a considerable splash in Egypt in 2021. Her charisma is infectious, her self-awareness and vulnerability is courageous. 18 months later she continues to be one of the most unique and inspiring voices in the SWANA region.
FOLLOW NADINE ELROUBI:
https://www.instagram.com/nadineelroubi/
https://linktr.ee/nadineelroubi
Mz Rizk is one of Melbourne's busiest, hardworking, a powerhouse, DJ, radio presenter and event curator. Danielle Rizk aka Mz Rizk has DJed across the globe and shared the stage at festivals, club gigs with some of the best of the best, including curaton for some of the most important music and arts events in Australia, a list way too long to mention. Her weekly show on PBS Radio Boogie Beat Suite is highly respected internationally, her contribution to Youth culture, new music, Australia’s music industry, Arabic music and culture in Australia, is nothing short of impressive. Mz Rizk is just getting started. On today’s episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, Mz Rizk talks about her youth projects, her love for Lebanese Hospitality, Arabic culture and music downunder.
FOLLOW MZ RIZK:
https://www.mzrizk.com/
https://soundcloud.com/mzrizk
https://www.mixcloud.com/mzrizk/
https://www.instagram.com/mzrizk/
Daniela Cannizzaro is the brainchild of CERIMONIA TRIBE, one of the most forward thinking, spiritual, environmentally conscious, culture unifying, downtempo electronic music events to emerge from Barcelona over the last few years. A communications expert consulting for some of the biggest advertising agencies from London, Paris, Rome, Milan, Dubai and Burning Man projects in Spain, Daniela began her journey with CERIMONIA whilst healing after a long list of traumatic experiences both mental and physical. While healing CERIMONIA emerged and grew from strength to strength as somewhat a reflection of her transformation. On today’s episode Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, Daniela speaks about developing resilience & bouncing back, workplace politics and focussing on oneself.
FOLLOW DANIELA CANNIZARO & CERIMONIA TRIBE:
https://www.instagram.com/cerimonia_bcn/channel/
https://www.instagram.com/daniela_cerimonia/
On today’s episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith is one of the most distinctive and recognizable voices of this generation, front man, founding member, lead vocalist of the legendary New Zealand band Fat Freddy’s Drop, Dallas Tamaira aka Joe Dukie. Freddy’s have toured the world many times over for the last 20 years bringing the authentic NZ dub reggae soul to audiences who now know and love. Dallas Tamaira, has been the lead vocalist since the bands conception along with DJ Fitchie. His latest solo project during 2020, has brought him closer to his family, his home in New Zealand and a new deeper appreciation for the powerful women in his life. James has been a huge fan of the band and Dallas from the moment he heard Midnight Marauders in winter 2002 on a radio show hosted by Russ Dewberry of the Brighton Jazz Rooms. James and Dallas discuss powerful women role models, the influence of Moari spirituality and self-acceptance.
FOLLOW DALLAS TAMAIRA AKA JOE DUKIE:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dallas_Tamaira
https://www.facebook.com/Dukietown/
https://www.instagram.com/dallas_tamaira/
https://www.instagram.com/fatfreddysdropnz/
Zed Bias is one of the UK’s most impactful and influential electronic music artists over the last 20 years and remains at the top of his game. Bias' releases, which explore a more experimental or progressive side of the 2-step garage sound, have been hailed as a crucial element in the establishment of dubstep as a definable sound or genre. He’s worked with a list of artists, released over 10 albums and continues to work with many new artists and remix duties haven’t stopped. Also known as Maddslinky and one half of Phuturistix, Bias is well known for his contributions to UK garage, 2 step, broken beat and other weird and wonderful sounds. With endless touring and a healthy party attitude, in recent years Bias took to transforming his health so he can continue his mission as an artist and more importantly a father. On today’s episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, Bias discusses his road to health transformation, keeping relevant and many other great topics.
FOLLOW ZED BIAS:
https://www.instagram.com/zed_bias/
https://zedbias.bandcamp.com/
https://twitter.com/Zed_Bias/
https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/zedbias
https://www.facebook.com/zedbiasakamaddslinky
Dexter Story is a LA based multi-instrumentalist, composer, arranger, songwriter, producer and music director. His accomplishments cross over various areas of the music industry since the age of 14. He’s enjoyed 15 years at the epicenter of popular music culture, where he worked in multiple facets, from marketing director at Priority, Def Jam and Bad Boy Records, to talent buyer at the legendary LA club Temple Bar. After earning an undergraduate at UC Berkeley, he performed with a diverse array of artists and he continues to collaborate and tour regularly with composer/producer/DJ Carlos Niño. He’s recorded and toured with Sa-Ra Creative Partners, Quadron, Madlib’s Yesterday’s New Quintet, Miguel Atwood-Ferguson, Mark de Clive-Lowe, Steve Spacek, Daedelus, Kamasi Washington, Gaslamp Killer and Les Nubians among others. He has released albums on Kindred Spirits, Soundway Records and produced Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood Recording artist Daymé Arocena’s acclaimed album Cubafonia. Dexter describes himself as a “work in progress, far from being an expert on any particular thing”. On today’s episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, Dexter Story discusses an epiphany moment that had a huge impact on his life and career, the power of self-talk, cultural relativism, context and using self reflection to overcome fear and challenges.
FOLLOW DEXTER STORY:
https://www.instagram.com/dexterstory/
https://www.dexterstory.com/
Blinky Bill AKA Bill Sellanga, Kenyan musician/producer, rapper and DJ based in Nairobi. Founder of his former band Just A Band, Sellanga has been at the forefront of Kenya's electronic, rap and modern Kenyan music for over a decade, literally one of the main artists from the country putting Kenya on the global music map. Blinky Bill is a TED fellow, was named to the Yerba Buena Centre of Arts in 2018 in the top 100 list of people shifting culture and creating change. After his band broke up a whole new world opened as a solo artist taking him on a road of challenges, self realization, confidence and self-expression. On this episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, Blinky Bill describes his experience with pushing on, moving forward, shifting culture and creating change.
FOLLOW BLINKY BILL:
https://www.instagram.com/blinkybillmusic/
https://twitter.com/HeyHeyBlinky
https://www.facebook.com/mrblinkybill/
Dean Zepherin AKA Zepherin Saint, label owner, DJ, producer, musician, A&R, remix machine, is the man behind 12 year running world respected label TRIBE Records. Responsible for countless releases from a long list of artists in house, soulful, Afro house and many indigenous sounds in electronic music, TRIBE has served as a platform for new and legendary artists in these fields worldwide. On today's episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, they discussed overcoming fear, rejection, the obstacles they create, the importance of collaboration, TRIBE Records ethos and the boys also talked about Dean's new project Inner Sauce, the new label focussing on Australia's emerging jazz and electronic talent.
FOLLOW ZEPHERIN SAINT:
https://www.facebook.com/ZepherinSaint/
https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/zepherinsaint
https://soundcloud.com/zepherinsaint
https://www.mixcloud.com/discover/zepherin-saint/
https://twitter.com/ZepherinSaint
https://www.instagram.com/zepherin_saint/
In early October I met with Eileen Vasquez aka VZLINE, musician, producer, DJ, singer, hip hop, jazz, synth pop, new wave, electronic artist. After meeting with her earlier this year at Female First Sessions Festival and seeing her perform I was intrigued to learn more. I then discovered her obsession with lucid dreaming and the use in her creative process. This blew my mind as the world of dreaming has also been a strong interest of mine since a young boy and I was fascinated to learn about her experiences and relationship to dreaming, to see if there were ways to answer some of my own questions.
FOLLOW VZLINE:
https://www.instagram.com/vzline/
On today’s episode, I’m speaking with the DJ team, label owners, creative A&R duo, label of the same name, DAR DISKU. Mazen Almaskati and Vish Mahtre, from Bahrain in the GCC, both connected several years ago through their love of digging for rarities and sharing music with DJing. Their passion for the weird and wonderful disco and alternative sounds from the region grew and the DAR DISKU concept was born. I met with the boys last month and we discussed the rise of MENA Regions music fascination around the world, originality and responsibility, and we also covered wellbeing and systematic change. I had fun learning more about these guys' their mission and the ways they're navigating through today’s new world.
FOLLOW DAR DISKU:
https://www.dardisku.com/
https://soundcloud.com/dardisku
https://www.facebook.com/Dardisku/
https://www.instagram.com/dardisku_records/
https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/dardisku
Today’s episode is coming to you from the ancient city of Athens, recorded from my recent visit to Greece, with a very special guest from the city's alternative music heartbeat. For nearly 2 decades, he has been at the forefront for future sounds of electronic, RnB, Grime, Drill, Rap, hip hop, house, new wave/post punk and Jazz. A radio presenter, DJ, label owner, curator, agent, artist manager, a man of many music hats. Today he is the label manager and A&R for Jungle Juice Records, Greece’s largest trap, hip hop and RnB label. He continues his radio show, programming for Plissken festival stages amongst many other projects.
Black Athena not only has been spearheading a new movement within Greece, which now has surpassed traditional Greek pop music, Black Athena has been a voice for change, a platform for youth culture, providing the space for creation, keeping passion and dreams alive through all kinds of adversity .
Known as Black Athena, Kostis Niforakis is the voice of the radio show which airs weekly on national radio throughout Greece.
We discussed a bunch of things about the rise of Greece’s alternative music scene and the impact it has had on youth and music culture. Pretty much every trip to Athens in almost the last 6-7 years, I meet with Kostis to learn more about it. Hope you enjoy listening to our discussion while we sat in Plaka, Athens at the end of August.
FOLLOW BLACK ATHENA
https://www.instagram.com/blackathenagr/
https://www.mixcloud.com/blackathena/stream/
https://www.facebook.com/BlackAthenaPhaseII
Formerly in the Pharmaceutical/Biotech industry, he made the leap into music four years ago and hasn't looked back. In just a short 4 years, he is now widely recognised within the GCC, Middle East, North Africa regions and internationally, for his impeccable talent and skills in the studio producing RnB, Hip Hop, Pop, Trap, Neo-Soul, Progressive Rock and Heavy Metal. His Beat Lab video series has demonstrated his passion for production, his love of giving back to music communities and has become increasingly popular in the world of music production with over 3 million views getting the attention from a long list of artists, labels and has regularly been highlighted in regional and international press. Mohammad Bailouni aka Rayan, producer, songwriter, engineer and singer, has worked with a list of artists and provided many workshops, enriching and enhancing artist careers as a number one priority in his work. In 2019 alone he wrote, produced and engineered over 250 songs, hitting 11 million streams with 45 artists within different styles of music. On this episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, Rayan explain's his Catharsis and Diversity process, starting with your big Why and Putting the needs of others first.
FOLLOW RAYAN:
https://www.instagram.com/m_bailouni/
A former dancer turned DJ from Wollongong Australia who moved to New York City 6 years ago, after living in Sydney for 6 years before, found her calling in the world of disco working for one of New York’s integral clubs and has been since. An avid lover of vinyl culture and of disco, free expression on a dancefloor and in life, Lauren Murada moved to New York to find a career in journalism but stumbled upon a social media role after seeking bar work for New York’s Good Room in Brooklyn. Since then Lauren has been impacting one dancer at a time, bringing their inner freak and wild side out with weirdo disco, funk rock and soulful house. Lauren Murada is now a resident DJ at Good Room along with her collective L&L&L Record Club and has a monthly show on The Lot Radio and a bi-monthly party called Love Games with actor and DJ Finn Jones. Her mission is to keep disco alive and its true essence through her projects, parties, radio and DJ sets, where love always saves the day. Inspired by David Mancuso’s The Loft where freeform music and free expression is the policy. Murada’s parties, Love Games and her collective have now spread love and their passion to Japan, Australia, Spain, Canada and across the US and have shared the decks with the likes of Danny Krivit, Spinna, Holy Ghost, Classix, Tim Sweeney, Session Victim and more. On today’s episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, Murada talks about how life finds you, New York’s clubland, the power of streaming in today's COVID world and the wonderful world of disco.
FOLLOW LAUREN MURADA:
https://www.instagram.com/lauren_murada/
https://www.instagram.com/lllrecordclub/
https://www.instagram.com/lovegamesnyc/
https://www.instagram.com/goodroombk/
Honey Point are some of Sydney’s freshest and most emerging radio hosts, DJ’s, event producers and are a community building creative duo. The music they push in clubland is alternative, diverse, mature, sophisticated and always fun and vibrant. Pretty much sums them up. They produce the new warehouse parties of Sydney, club nights, brunches and are residents with Sydney’s Nomad Radio where their weekly show lives . They continue to earn their stripes for Sydney’s electronic music scene although already solidifying themselves as purveyors, a voice and contributors to the art and culture as a next generation, Sydney torch bearers. Having supported the likes of Carista, Jitwan, Lauren Hanson, Horatio Luna and Alysha Joy, this duo represents. On today’s episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, Honey Point explain the importance of the role of community radio that they're experiencing, DIY culture in a COVID world and how they're keeping their dream alive.
FOLLOW HONEY POINT:
All Links: linktr.ee/honeypoint
Facebook: facebook.com/heyhoneypoint
Instagram: @heyhoneypoint
Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/heyhoneypoint
Nomad Radio: nomadradio.fm/shows/honey-point
Free The Robots aka Chris Alfaro, is a DJ, sample fiend and electronic musician, until COVID he was based in Los Angeles, California, where he has lived most of his life and now finds himself stuck in the Philippines, his native country. Alfaro is recognised as an integral part of the pioneering generation of LA’s beat scene, and Free The Robots came to life after many bands, producing MCs and DJing, which led to a list of collaborations, releases, running his venue The Crosby and sharing the stage with the likes of Fly Lo, DJ Shadow, Prefuse 73 and Bambataa. On this episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, FTR speaks about simplifying your environments, cultural amnesia and the use of spirituality in search of a creative flow state.
FOLLOW FREE THE ROBOTS:
https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/freetherobots
https://www.freetherobots.org/
https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/freetherobots
https://www.instagram.com/freetherobots/
UAE based peak performance specialist and coach Arsalan Al Hashimi returns to Electronic Music Man for a one on one as part of introducing monthly transformational practitioners onto the show, between all the brilliant minds in music, to discuss his amazing career and body work.
Arsalan has spent his whole life and career, you could say obsessed with high achieving and has accomplished what many dream of. His new peak performance coaching business is rapidly becoming popular with clients in the UAE and across the MENA region.
An accomplished coach and practicing in Master Life, Health in Transformational Nutrition, RSCI, NLP Practitioner, Master Hypnotist, Timeline Paradigm Master Practitioner and in Relationships. He has worked on multi-billion dollar aviation and transportation projects and competed in multiple Ironman competitions before turning his career into a coaching business. Still an owner of multiple businesses and a proud husband and father. On this episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, Arsalan explains the lessons he learned in Iron Man competitions, collective consciousness healing and quantum healing Vs quick short term solutions and when is it time to quit or surrender.
FOLLOW ARSALAN AL HASHIMI
https://www.arsalan.co/
https://tap.bio/@arsalan.alhashimi
https://ae.linkedin.com/in/aalhashimi
https://www.instagram.com/arsalan.alhashimi
Boddhi Satva is a DJ producer, songwriter from the Central African Republic who now resides in Lisbon, Portugal who has been frequently traveling the world for 20 years as a performing artist and DJ . Identified as the father of Ancestral Soul, a sound that he culminated over time, bringing together his roots and influences from various traditional African elements and pioneering modern electronic music producer, DJ’s. Boddhi is the embodiment of the spiritual and natural sounds of the traditional sense of dance, brought into the modern world of clubland and international music. This man walks the walk, talks the talk and his music says it all at the same time. His list of music production and collaborations have touched the lives of many people around the world, which include the likes of Teedra Moses, Omar, Omou Sangare and Bilal. Immediately adapting to COVID 19 with his regular instagram and YouTube show Quarantine Grooves while still releasing music monthly on his own imprint Offerings Recordings. On this episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, Boddhi Satva discusses the increased necessity towards his label during the current world events, the loss of his father and his legacy and the controversy around his latest track titled after the fashion icon and DJ "Virgil Abloh".
FOLLOW BODDHI SATVA
https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/boddhisatva
https://www.instagram.com/boddhisatva/
https://linktr.ee/boddhisatva
https://soundcloud.com/boddhi-satva
https://www.youtube.com/user/boddhisatvavarti
https://www.facebook.com/BoddhiSatvaOfficial/
Alsarah is one of strongest voices in modern international music, a singer, songwriter, an artist and ethnomusicologist, born in Khartoum, Sudan, to human rights activists parents. Now residing in New York since 2004. A pivotal moment in her story, where her journey as an artist began in the early 90’s, her family fled from Sudan to Yemen, fleeing Sudan's 1989 coup to avoid being killed at age 8, then later moving to Boston to seek asylum. At the young age of 11, learning the word “refugee” didn’t hold her back. Often identified as the princess of Nubian pop and Sudanese retro, her music, whether solo or with her band, pulls from the Middle East, East and North Africa, combining traditions and modern electronic music. Her, and her band The Nubatones have traveled the world many times over introducing Sudanese traditions to new audiences, spreading messages of empowerment, family, love and joy. On today's episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, Alsarah explains her take on the current state of Black Lives Matter, the backlash of Black Out Tuesday, the illusions of democracy, racism and colonialism in the music industry today.
FOLLOW ALSARAH AND ALSARAH AND THE NUBATONES
https://lnk.bio/2etp/
https://www.facebook.com/alsarahandthenubatones/
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alsarah
https://www.alsarah.com/
NPR Tiny Desk
Natasha Diggs is one of the busiest and hardworking DJs on the planet, a torch bearer of DJ vinyl culture, keeping the true spirit alive within modern clubland, combining sounds of yesteryear and of the future. Coined today as the 45 Queen, her New York residencies Soul In The Horn and Mobile Mondays are 2 cultural institutions that are widely known and respected. Having shared the DJ booth and stage with a list of legends. Frequently traveling the world for festivals, clubs, fashion parties, digging for records, sharing her record collection and good vibrations, embodying the rich NYC nightlife legacy. On today's episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, Natasha describes her leap into music, setting intentions, looking within for answers and the importance of meaningful relationships.
FOLLOW NATASHA DIGGS
http://natashadiggs.com/
https://linktr.ee/natashadiggs
https://www.instagram.com/natashadiggs/
https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/natashadiggs
https://www.mixcloud.com/discover/natasha-diggs/
https://twitter.com/natashadiggs
https://www.facebook.com/DjNatashaDiggs/
Ultraviolet virtual festival Dubai emerged after a collective of creative industry leaders based in Dubai came together to introduce a new platform for artists, creatives, instructors, coaches, DJ's, musicians with a line up that spanned across the oceans, from Australia, MENA, USA and Europe. Two full days, 12 hours each with talks, workshops, DJ sets and live performances. Electronic Music Man first LIVE Broadcast was added, on this episode with James Locksmith, he invited master peak performance coach Arsalan Al Hashimi, electronic music label and business services CEO of Ma'ana Music, Tobie Allen and DJ, promoter and owner of Infusion Magazine, Charl Chaka, for a round table discussion on free online content, live performance streaming and health and well being practices during COVID.
FOLLOW:
Arsalan Al Hashimi
https://www.instagram.com/arsalan.alhashimi/
Tobie Allen & Ma'ana Music
https://www.instagram.com/tobieallen/
https://www.instagram.com/maanamusic/
Charl Chaka & Infusion Magazine
https://www.instagram.com/charlchaka/
https://www.instagram.com/infusionmagazine/
Ultraviolet Festival DXB
https://www.instagram.com/ultraviolet_dxb/
Aaron Schultz aka DJ DRM, founder, co-president and A&R manager for two of New York's longest running boutique labels, Bastard Jazz and label manager for Wonderwheel Recordings. Aaron has been responsible for discovering and introducing new music from the likes of Captain Planet, Lord Echo, The Goods, B. Bravo, Nick Wisdom, Alsarah & The Nubatones and so much more. On today's episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, Aaron discusses why music sales have peaked during the crisis, methods, ethos, A&R processes, managing two influential, groundbreaking labels and a next generation of VR meditation practices.
FOLLOW AARON SCHULTZ / BASTARD JAZZ AND WONDERWHEEL RECORDINGS
https://www.spin.com/2020/04/record-labels-feel-the-covid-19-crunch/
https://bastardjazz.bandcamp.com/
https://wonderwheelrecordings.bandcamp.com/
https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/aarondrm/biography
https://www.instagram.com/aaron_drm/
https://www.instagram.com/bastardjazz/
Jamz Supernova is one of Britain's most sought after next generation DJ’s who tours the world, a radio host for BBC 1XTRA and Selector Radio with the British Council, label owner, A&R manager and curator of her club night FUTURE BOUNCE. Jamz has been heavily involved in youth culture since her teens and was part of a new DIY generation that emerged from the global financial crisis of 2008. Focus, self belief and daily structure have been pillars for her mission and career. On this episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, Jamz shares about her daily rituals, the benefits of a performance coach and the rise of a new fearless DIY generation.
FOLLOW JAMZ SUPERNOVA
https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b05tqk1x
https://music.britishcouncil.org/meet-jamz-supernova
https://twitter.com/jamzsupernova
https://www.instagram.com/jamzsupernova
https://www.facebook.com/Jamzsupernova/
https://soundcloud.com/jamzsupernova
Kiko Navarro has been spreading love and soulful dance music for 20 years across the globe. An international DJ and producer, his latest label imprint Afroterraneo and the name of his latest album, is an extension of his deep love and passion for Afro and Soulful sounds. From the Balearic island of Maiorca, where he resides and holds his DJ residencies both on Ibiza and Maiorca and with frequent tours across Europe, Asia, Middle East and USA, where everything is on hold. On this episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, Kiko Navarro shares insight on the impact Ibizia and Maiorca will experience this summer with a whole dance music season disappearing and using streaming to continue to spread love through music.
FOLLOW KIKO NAVARRO
http://kikonavarro.es/
https://www.instagram.com/kikonavarrodj/
https://soundcloud.com/kikonavarro
https://www.facebook.com/kikonavarroDj/
https://itunes.apple.com/es/artist/kiko-navarro/id19263923
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCuD2M7vFWHXtedkLO7bDGSA
https://www.beatport.com/artist/kiko-navarro/258
Daniel Berman aka Red Rack’em, is an international DJ, producer, broadcaster for over 20 years. Host of online music shows, the long time running “Smugglers Inn” and his new daily show “The Berman Sermon" on Twitch and Instagram. Now developing mentoring relationships with up and coming DJs and producers, creating new boutique club nights that focus more on a lost art of DJing, digging for music, while maintaining a holistic approach to his work and personal life.
On this episode of Electronic Music Man with James Locksmith, Daniel Berman describes some practices and rituals that help cultivate healthy relationships and environments that supports his projects and a new chapter in his legacy.
FOLLOW RED RACK’EM
https://www.facebook.com/redrackem/
https://www.instagram.com/therealredrackem/
https://soundcloud.com/red-rackem
https://www.residentadvisor.net/dj/redrackem
https://m.twitch.tv/red_rackem/profile