Music Talk : Music Industry Interviews, Advice and tips for DJs & Producers

Nico Perez is a co-founder of Mixcloud.com. He graduated from Cambridge University with a Masters in Engineering and has worked for multinational companies in both the green tech and travel sectors before setting up Mixcloud in the summer of 2008.

Today on the podcast, we chat about Mixcloud, Mixcloud Live Streaming, Mixcloud Select and live streaming in general.  He gives me loads of upgrades coming to the platform and gives his 5 things Live Streamers need to know!

Dub Pistols ‘Addict’ is the eighth studio album from the highly respected group. The record promises a melting pot of dubwise sensibility, junglist riddims and feel-good party anthems. It is already shaping up to be one of this year’s essential releases.  Dub Pistols are an English electronic music group founded by Barry Ashworth.

This week on the podcast, I chat to Barry about the new album, about touring, lockdown, live streaming and general rock n roll of being in an electronic music band. 

Bjorn Niclas is a seasoned music and music-tech industry veteran with over fifteen years in the music space. His previous ventures include artist and tour management, a record label (Spundae black), and several music-tech start-ups, Vidiam, Grooveo, and Choon. Earlier this year, Bjorn co-founded ROCKI, the world's first hybrid user-centric blockchain-based music streaming ecosystem, aiming to solve some of the music industry's most fundamental problems. Simply put, to put more money in the hands of the 99% of artists not benefiting from the unfair streaming model created to cater to the 1% (who takes 90% of the streaming revenue). "I build things and empower people for positive change. Positivity always wins in my book. A firm believer in Pay it Forward" - Bjorn Niclas 

A brand new user-centric blockchain music streaming platform aimed at independent artists and their fans has launched, called ROCKI. On ROCKI, artists are compensated for their streams, both in fiat currency and our unique ROCKS token, a world first.

For the past decade, Andrew Leese has created and executed marketing campaigns with leading artists, labels, news publications and conferences in the electronic music industry. 

Originally from Stoke-on-Trent, a city with a huge electronic music heritage, Andrew moved to Ibiza in pursuit of making his first steps into the industry. For four years, Andrew headed up the social media for Ibiza Spotlight, before moving to London to head up the digital for FUSE London. 

As a social media manager, marketer and journalist, Andrew has since worked with artists Sasha, Eats Everything, Monika Kruse, Mustard Media, Platform 18 and International Music Summit. 

Now, in 2020, Andrew has set up his own social media consultancy company Socially Sound and is on a mission to help artists think more like marketers 1% each day.

In this podcast, we chat Twitter, Live Streaming, Instagram and loads more information for artists & DJs.

Legendary British label Champion Records celebrates its landmark 35th anniversary. They are celebrating with a limited edition 6×12” vinyl boxset featuring some of the label’s classic tracks and remixes.

Superfreq boss, UK legend Mr.C is a veteran of the tech-house scene, (real name Richard West) has repped some of the scene’s biggest labels, with Wagon Repair, Get Physical, Poker Flat among those he’s repped over the years.

Now based in LA, The one-time Shamen frontman has embarked on a rich vein of form of late with new podcast platform, Superfreq releases, live streams and more.  He's been outspoken around BIG topics such as rape within the scene. 

I was very lucky to chat to Mr.C about music, labels, streaming, demos and promoting.  He also gave me his 5 things producers need to know and we also chatted about Erick Morillo and the scene as a whole.

In 2019, Ardalan released his ‘Mr. Good’ LP, via DIRTYBIRD, who to Ardalan is more of a second family than it is his label home.

As a nascent raver living sans parents in San Francisco, the teenage artist began his relationship with the brand at its very first BBQ event in 2007; by 2010 his career set sail with his Justin Martin collaboration “Mr. Spock,” and two years later he found himself living with his production partner. After cultivating his career and giving him a safe place to experiment, Ardalan returns the boundless love and support he’s received from DIRTYBIRD over the years with a forward-thinking record that enters the imprint into an inspiring new chapter.

In 2020 during lockdown he released the remix album of 'Mr. Good' to follow up the album.   I've been friends with Ardalan since 2013 when we did a Data Transmission party in Miami. So it was great fun to sit and chat with him about the albums, remixing, his tips for producers and his greatest mistakes and how he got thru them.

I'm excited now the kids are going back to school to return to the podcast, and I've got some great episodes lined up. 

The team behind 1001Tracklists announces the launch of Songstats, a cross-platform music analytics service for artists, labels, and industry professionals. Songstats is a mobile-first data solution that delivers important insights in real-time. Currently tracking data from Spotify, Apple Music, Shazam, Beatport, Traxsource, iTunes, SoundCloud and 1001Tracklists, Songstats offers a comprehensive picture of the performance of each release.

The Songstats platform is a powerful tool that enables creators to save time and capitalize on their success. Subscribers receive push notifications when their tracks are added to major playlists, reach new milestones, and chart in different territories and genres. Custom artworks can automatically be generated and shared directly to Instagram, allowing artists to create momentum, celebrate accomplishments with their fans, and recognize supporters.

Today, I'm joined by Evan Sacks from SongStats / 1001Tracklist to chat about the new platform, its features and how it can benefit Artists, Labels and industry professionals.

Bristol and Way Out West legend Jody Wisternoff's new studio album, 'Nightwhisper' (his first in eight years) was released May 1 on Anjunadeep. It was recorded at his home studio in Bristol.

His history is pretty incredible in the 80's he was a part of the Tru Funk Posse (with his brother Sam) and was mentored by the legends Smith & Mighty who opened up their studio to the brothers. Their tracks received support from the likes of Tim Westwood and some great press coverage from the likes of The Face as well. In the '90s Jody met Nick Warren in a record shop and they eventually made music together and formed the iconic dance act "Way Out West" who is responsible for classics like "The Gift" and "Ajare" while releasing five studio albums.  Jody is a prolific studio producer and DJ, having released countless singles, One studio album and seven instalments of the Anjunadeep compilation series

Today, he joins me on the BOOST Podcast.  We chatted about his new album, production tips, we chatted about drums, he gave me his 5 things every producer needs to know and finally, we spoke about hardware.

Following a successful career as an artist, writer and producer with Warner/679 signed electro act Heads We Dance, Pete Bott gained a master’s degree in law and qualified as a solicitor in 2012.

Starting his legal career as a media and company/commercial lawyer at Blacks Solicitors in Leeds, Pete was shortlisted by the Yorkshire Legal Awards in 2014 as a “Rising Star” and recommended by the Legal 500 for his intellectual property expertise.

Pete moved to London in 2015 to focus his specialism on music and media law.  His clients now include artists such as Bring Me The Horizon, Sigma, Let’s Eat Grandma, While She Sleeps, Hybrid Minds and Fox Stevenson, as well as writers, producers and managers across all genres of music.  In addition, Pete carries out business affairs support for Echo Location (booking agents for artists including Major Lazer, Marshmello, Chase & Status and more), Tileyard Music (managers of Sigala, Ella Eyre, Joel Corry and more) and independent record labels including Easy Life Records and Critical Music, and continues to advise on company/commercial matters.

Outside of the office, Pete lectures on music law and business at several universities and colleges, gives presentations and seminars at key UK and overseas music industry conferences such as Reeperbahn and Output, and takes part in music industry panels and legal advice clinics for organisations including AIM and PRS for Music.

Marbs, Desert Hearts co-founder.

Marbs has reached a new peak in his career over the past year, which culminated in him launching Desert Hearts subsidiary, Desert Hearts Black, with Evan Casey. The heavier, melodic-leaning imprint and club series launch was a smash success, with its debut EP Torus reaching Beatport's Overall #1 spot and its inaugural warehouse party selling out. Tim Engelhardt, Thugfucker, and Dance Spirit are just a few of its first signees.

On top of stepping into label boss shoes, Marbs and the Desert Hearts Crew expanded their brand across the globe, touching down in Europe for a summer tour run, and celebrating the New Year with their Australian debut.

We chatted about Desert Hearts, how it started, his journey through music and what the crew are doing on lockdown.

Brazilian DJ and producer Wehbba’s creative aspirations seem to grow day by day and following a series of globally impactful single and EP releases on the circuit’s leading label, Drumcode, he now unveils his long-awaited first album Straight Lines and Sharp Corners on the label. This expertly configured montage of instrumental offerings not only showcase Wehbba’s refined skill set in the studio but also proposes an immersive conceptual study that echoes a tenacious dedication to his craft.

Representing some of his best and most conceptual work to date, this intellectual album is reflective of his life as 'the artist' and offers an immensely diverse array of genres, all of which have served as musical references to Wehbba across his decade-long career. This immersive conceptual project features Wehbba's own field recordings, which injects an organic quality often lacking in the techno landscape.

Now entering his 20th Year as a DJ & Music Producer, Doorly has established an untouchable reputation in the industry with releases across the Cajual & Relief Labels, Dirtybird, Hot Creations, Get Physical, Crosstown Rebels and Southern Fried Records and collaborations with Green Velvet, Marshall Jefferson, Switch, Grandmaster Flash, DJ Pierre, Todd Terry, DJ Sneak, and Mike Skinner. In addition to this Doorly is also credited with remix work for Kanye West, The Prodigy, Groove Armada, Carl Craig and Basement Jaxx.

Hosted by co-founder and seasoned DJ mentor Doorly, Orbit DJ Retreats is a venture between leading minds in music from around the globe, Orbit’s programme covers all the essentials to succeed in the music industry, including; how to use DJ equipment at the highest level of performance. Mastering production and software skills. Marketing, social media and branding. Business and career development.

Alexis Raphael came to prominence in 2011 with his seminal track ‘Spaceship’ & 'I Know' and followed with a series of lush, sexy and warm house records that gained universal praise and put Alexis’ sound all around the world. As the music and scene evolved, so too did Alexis’ sound becoming somewhat harder whilst still retaining some of his signature elements; references to acid house, hardcore and jungle, deep pads and vocals.

However, by 2016, Alexis had become somewhat disconnected with the path of the music and scene he was involved in. It took a long time to put together what was wrong but what followed was a three-year path to this point now of launching Paella Hair Sex.

Paella Hair Sex is the beginning of a new chapter in Alexis Raphael’s musical story. The first two EPs will be from the label boss himself, kicking off with ‘Digital Music Almost Killed Me EP’. Then attention turns to new artists joining the PHS family - please send demos to info@paellahairsex.com

We spoke about Paella Hair Sex, running labels, creche and a whole host of Music Industry Tips.

In only one year, Jorge Meehan and Brian Murphy’s JBM Events have established themselves as one of the country's foremost party promoters and draw on over 20 years of experience of hosting events. Last year alone they booked 328 artists, hosted 64 events, had 53,298 attendees, held music shows and festivals in seven different UK cities and was nominated as ‘Best Large Club Promoter’ in Skiddle’s 18th Birthday Awards. In 2020 the company's festival count exceeds 20 with the hope to attract over 120,000 attendees this year alone not to mention booking over 150 music events across the country.

Each event they host is focussed on getting the details right, so you can always be sure that the mesmeric lights, epic sound systems and close knit atmospheres are unlike any other you have experienced. They take place in leading venues up and down the country and deal with the most assured and iconic brands, DJs, labels and artists in dance music. The latest schedule is another bold statement of intent that covers plenty of the electronic spectrum and with the launch of seven new festivals will take their festival count past the 20 mark.

I sat down with Brian & Jorge to talk about event promotion, running massive events and the events they have coming in 2020.

Today, on the BOOST podcast - I hand over the reigns to our Data Transmission reporter Anish Karir to chat organising a tour with Summer-ized Sessions.

Lydia Laws is the founder and director of Lydia Laws PR (LLPR), an international boutique PR and communications agency specialising in one of her chief passions, electronic music (and also increasingly, environmental and charity initiatives). 

Four years on, LLPR works with artists, labels and event brands. Her current roster includes Sasha, BLOND:ISH, Elliot Adamson, Rocky Valente, Last Night On Earth and Squire, alongside exciting fresh talent. She has also worked with artists such as Matador, Dusky, Lee Burridge, DeWalta, Art Department, ANNA, Henry Saiz and All Day I Dream. Labels she has worked with include Warner Music, Late Night Tales, Balance Music and Virgin EMI. Previously she was Head of Digital at Neighbourhood PR, after starting out in music journalism at Ibiza Spotlight and Pulse Radio.

Lydia has spoken on several panels e.g. at ADE and DJ Growth Conference, sharing her experience and expertise on careers in PR/the music industry, and speaking at ADE Green. A passionate environmental advocate, she is deeply interested in promoting and encouraging positive environmental change within the electronic music industry and beyond.

Back in his university days, the progression to artist management was a natural one for Jack. His first foray into artist management began back in 2011 when he co-founded Evolved Artists representing Trance heavyweights: Andy Duguid, Fisherman & Hawkins, Karanda, Mark Sixma and Talla 2XLC.

In 2015 Jack Broom ventured out on his own to launch 1712 Artists, now known as Elevate Artists (since 2019). Jack is the manager behind discovering 2019's breakthrough artist SOSA, along with him and his more recent business partner Callum Hughes representing some of the finest talent across the House music spectrum:  Aaran D, Fleur Shore, James Burton, Miguel Lobo, Port Manteau, Sophia Essél, Tim Taylor and Waitz.

Welcome to BOOST Podcast, with me, Grahame Farmer.

For the past 2 years, I’ve been giving out Tips to DJs via my Instagram @grahamefarmer since then we set up our BOOST 1to1 Coaching service - which is currently going through our first intake in 3 months, we are doing BOOST Breakfasts at the Electronic Sound Summit in Liverpool on 28th February for my northern crew.

Come out check out that Conference

In April, Brighton Music Conference returns again, it was mega last year - and i hosted my very first BOOST breakfast - which is essentially a stripped-down version of my 1to1 coaching - we had 10 DJs in a round table discussion. They brought questions, things i could help them with and answer. Everyone learned off everyone else questions which is the best thing.

Since August 2019, I’ve had this BOOST podcast and I’m excited to say it’s just hit 10,000 listens - so thank you to everyone that’s tuned - i created its a chance for me to give tips, motivation and maybe a few guest interviews along the way.

It’s been a few big 10k recently - i just hit 10k on Instagram, 10,000 plays on this and just run my fast 10k finally going under an hour.

As one of the longest standing independent record labels in the US, Nervous Records has built its reputation through a willingness to take chances on new sounds and new producers.

The label was famous almost immediately when it started back in 1991 because of its eye-catching, very distinctive cartoon character logo. Nervous’ first major dance release came in 1992, with “Feel Like Singing” by Sandy B. Nervous decided at that point to focus its energy on expanding the label’s musical field. 

I sat down with label founder Michael Weiss and General Manager Andrew Salsano to chat about the label, the stories from the start, how they built the label.  Also, we chatted about how the label has evolved over the last 28 years.  I loved this chat, its full of depth and I learnt so much about the label's history, I really hope you enjoy it.

Today on the BOOST Podcast, I look at Tips for getting yourself Press

There are even more ways in 2020 to get yourself, your music, your label more exposure across the world.  From traditional print magazines, blogs, online magazine websites to the more modern Instagram influencers, Podcasts and Spotify Playlists.  Which one is the right for you as an artist/label to get the most exposure for you & your release?

An instantly recognizable DJ with his unique style and a one-of-a-kind beard, Will Clarke has solidified his place in dance music with hits like ‘Booty Percolatin’, ‘Techno (Not Techno)’ and recent remix of Adam Beyer’s ‘Your Mind’, as well as releasing on a number of prominent labels including Truesoul, Abode, Relief, Drumcode, Sola, among many others. 

Will’s impressive producer repertoire and distinctive sound of rollicking bass, low-slung funk and infectious hooks are all sounds that have caught the attention of industry top players Carl Cox, Adam Beyer, Jamie Jones, Maya Jane Coles, Patrick Topping, Camelphat, and Fisher.

As he heads in to 2020, he's launching a new label, new management and a string of new music. I sat down with him before Christmas to chat, music, setting up a label, setting goals, and a whole load of tips for aspiring artists.  I love chatting to Will, this was a fun chat and its packed full of value for you.

Welcome to the First BOOST Podcast of 2020!

Today is the first day back in the office after the two week Christmas break. I hope you all had a great festive period and wonder New Years!  Our BOOST club took over the Top Circle at Brixton Academy on NYE for the big MK show, thanks to LWE & COGO for involving us.

Firstly thank you to everyone that listened to the shows in 2019.    I’m truly enjoying the podcast train, it was something i wanted to start back in March 2018 but procrastinated over for over a year and a half. Which was ridiculous, mainly over format.

I’ve had a week or so off social media, which was has been really good, I’m feeling pumped and ready for 2020!

I wanted to start 2020 with a chat about goals.  I’m not really in new years resolutions, I think that I’m the same me - I’m just looking to improve that. I’m looking to improve what i have going on for myself and those around me.   What do i need to do increase my happiness, we can do this by looking at what was successful in 2019 and what wasn’t, what do need to push more.  What problems do i need to fix and how I’m gonna do that.

So i wanted to offer up the 20 in 20 challenge for 2020 and to give you some food for thought I’ve come up with 20 points to help you work out what your 20 might be.   Now some of my 20 are very big but some are very tiny and might only take minutes but are essential.

Richard Green is founder and CEO at Evvnt, a global events marketing business. Established in 2012, the company publishes events on a network of event listing sites, offering its services in over 139 countries worldwide.

Tech enthusiast former eBay, Qype, Accenture turned self-professed ‘man on a mission’ to create affordable and effective local events marketing speaks on the topic of local events, the music industry and how he’s committed to artists and music creators needing a full event.

Reprezent Radio, one of the country's most reputable stations, which started out as a one-month broadcast back in 2009.

Created and curated by young Londoners (all presenters are 25 or under),  Reprezent now produces 119 hours of original programming each week,  steering youth culture by reaching 69,000 unique listeners, on top of running a media training programme for young people in the capital.

Today on the BOOST podcast, I chat to Station Manager Adrian Newman running the station, broadcasting and some of the amazing stories from the past 10 years.

Christopher Smith a.k.a. Shiny Objects releases ‘Intermittent Soul’ on October 4th on Om Records. The album is the second of a two-part project (following ‘Intermittent Dreams’) showcasing the highly respected producer’s versatile, deep house sound. This ambitious project will land as a pre-curser to the 25th anniversary of Om Records, the label founded by Christopher Smith in San Francisco in 1995.

Christopher Smith remains a key figure in San Francisco’s underground electronic music scene. He has released over 100 tracks and remixes as Shiny Objects, and as a DJ, brought his deep, techy grooves and a touch of psychedelia as far afield as Ibiza, Tokyo and Brazil. He was also a founding member of the Burning Man camp, Disco Knights and the playa’s influence weaves its way through his music. He is also a founding partner of San Francisco’s globally respected nightclubs, Monarch and The Great Northern and continues on his mission to bring the best purveyors of underground, electronic music to the US west coast.

Andy Stanton, Owner of 33 and Manager of artists including Late Replies and NinetyOne. Andy has been in the industry for about 10 years now as a  party go-er and has been throwing events since August 2016 in London, Kent, Southampton, Ibiza, Malta and Budapest.  His passion for the scene is evident with the constant progression and growth of the 33 brand and the risks taken such as moving to Ibiza to push the brand into the main hub of the scene which has now resulted in a  residency on the Island. Andy also takes a very positive approach to his social presence and demeanour, which is always looking to inspire people to go out there, work our hard and follow their dreams.

Dynamic, seasoned and constantly in-demand Santé excels in every aspect of his career, whether he’s igniting dancefloors across the world or producing a diverse discography full of hits and running a label that has become a go-to for many of the scene’s connoisseurs. A consummate professional, Santé has transcended the club world to create soundtracks for film and advertisements, lending his skills to the moving image with panache. Currently going back to his roots to explore a deeper, more nuanced sound, Santé continues to evolve and move forward with a strong focus on longevity. With unwavering passion, commitment and determination, this is an artist whose talent, dedication and personal growth put him in a class of his own...

Established in 2012, Avotre has overseen releases from some of the industry's most prolific names such as Marco Faraone, Agoria,  Yousef, Sidney Charles and Sirus Hood to name a few. Now, tech-head Santé turns its attention to emerging fresh talent as he hopes to reaffirm the imprint's tastemaker status with minimalistic flair.

I sat down with Santé to chat about running Avotre, how it started, and how's grown over the year.  We spoke about his favourite pieces of Hardware for aspiring producers and some tips for artists.

Cheyne Christian is a DJ and producer with an innate talent for house music.

Immersed in the halcyon days of New York house music, he held residencies at the legendary clubs in the city, including Webster Hall, China Club, and Avalon. As demand for his music grew, gigs flooded in from further afield in Miami (Liquid), Ibiza (Bora Bora Beach Club) and London (The End). He mixed a Webster Hall compilation album for Groovilicious (part of Strictly Rhythm) and began producing his own music. Cheyne remixed ‘Sweat’ the #1 Billboard chart-topping hit from C & C Music Factory.

As he seemed primed to step up to superstar DJ territory, life had other plans and he took a step back out of the spotlight. A self-imposed, 12-year hiatus from house music ensued. However, during this hiatus, his love for house music never went away and now, with his label Bridge & Tunnel Beat Co. Cheyne Christian has returned to what he does best; producing huge, high energy house tracks infused with New York tribal beats, tech grooves and Latin flavours.

I sat down with him to chat about his return and his journey from the beginning in a truly riveting conversation.

Based in the French Alps, DJ Lady Eliza has toured around professionally since leaving the UK in 2013 playing an abundance of Apres-Ski events, bars, nightclubs and festivals.

Eliza creates high energy shows fusing her love for life and the mountains with electronic music. Expect a colourful array of genres with infectious beats, classic vocals and remixes to keep the party pumping.

Her fast-paced schedule over the years has included several Summer and Winter residencies in France plus Switzerland, opening/closing parties, radio shows, silent discos, dozens of headlining slots plus several international tours supporting Good Vibes Only, the UK based Ghetto Funk DJ’s and Finger-Lickin' artists Shaka Loves You, festival sets at Wilkestock (UK), NAS (UK), plus playing in London at the O2 Brixton Academy for Andy C’s RAM night.

Expanding her love for music and the industry, Eliza organises and manages her own festival stage at Wilkestock Charity Music Festival in the UK. The Homegrown Music Stage plays host to numerous headliners and labels takeovers.

2018 has seen the birth of Good Vibes Only, the all-female DJ business/marketing workshop which was set up by Eliza to invest her knowledge back into the female DJ network. With several GVO events under her belt plus European tours, this heartfelt project is on route for an exciting future.

Award-winning multi-vocalist, producer and comedian Beardyman has returned from a hiatus.  

JoJo Walker runs her own music and events consultancy; Walker Management. One of her current focuses is her role as Creative Director for San Francisco's newest venue, Halcyon, overseeing all creative aspects of the business, including event concepts, talent buying, brand management, PR, promotion & production. We sat down with the amazing director to learn more about navigating San Francisco's nightlife.

In this podcast, we chat about Halcyon and her tips for Artists.

The legend David Guetta (Jack Back) gives us 5 things EVERY Producer Needs to Know.  I met up with David during Amsterdam Dance Event for a very exciting interview. In this podcast we chat about his tips for producers, how to stand for something as an artist and more.

Everything starts with a good track, but talent alone doesn’t get you anywhere. Without promotion no publicity, without publicity no fans, without fans no gigs nor buyers of your tracks. I speak to Sally Freeman about building all of these.

Sally is Managing Director of Love Live Music UK encouraging emerging musical talent and managing global press and digital for artists. For over 15 years Sally has specialised in creating global digital strategies for live events, brands, organisations, musicians and emerging artists. Managing the Press and Digital Strategies for the Dance Field at Glastonbury, career highlights include working with Stormzy, Craig David, Lewis Capaldi, Jamie Cullum and Fatboy Slim.

Sally represents artists ensuring their online image is managed to ensure success and global online reach. Sally manages a team of 15 photographers and filmmakers at Glastonbury to ensure that Artists receive great PR and good press coverage.

Sally is a Co-Founder and Partnership Director of the non- profit DevelopHer helping women thrive in the workplace. Sally is a proud honouree of the She Said So Alternative Power List 2019.

Sally loves working with new artists and seeing them develop and become successful.

Dan Gayle grew up partly in London and partly in Suffolk. He’s been running his own business as a coach since 2012, which was part-time initially, then left a 10-year career in finance behind to pursue it fully at the end of 2014. What started out as “Life Coaching”, his services have evolved to become Peak Performance & Wellbeing  Coaching, as he is both fascinated by AND passionate about maximising human potential.

He is the creator of The 6P’s  Peak Performance & Wellbeing Coaching Framework, which brings together decades of experience from multiple industries such as business, coaching, personal development, psychology, music, events  & marketing. He partners with DJ’s & Producers, as well as business owners to get the absolute most from themselves over the long run. This is achieved by working on both the internal world (the mind/psychology) and the external world (implementing strategies/planning/tactics/execution etc), which are captured within the 6P’s framework.

Whilst these two niches may sound worlds apart, Dan is keen to point out that artists are actually building a business, where they are the main asset.  Maximising the performance of this asset (themselves) over the long run is absolutely crucial to maximising the potential of success. The means those niches actually have strong overlap.

Mike Warner is an independent artist, curator and the go-to person when it comes to playlist strategies on music streaming services. 

His book teaches artists at any level how to grow their audience on streaming services through profile enhancement, data analysis, automation and creating value as a curator. In this book Mike sets the record straight what playlists really can do for artists' careers. 

You will learn how to customize your artist profiles on popular streaming services; build a playlist and grow it's following; pitch to independent curators; grow your network; release music catered to playlists. The book also has numerous helpful tips and tricks to show you along the way.

Today, he joins me on the BOOST Podcast to chat about Playlists, Spotify and a whole host of other stuff.

In todays BOOST Podcast, I sit down with Radio 1's Danny Howard to chat about Radio 1, Dance Anthems, the re-birth of his label, Nothing Else Matters, Music and he gives his tips for artists/DJs.

Danny Howard relaunches his signature imprint Nothing Else Matters this summer with releases set from a host of established artists; spanning a multitude of electronic genres.

Danny Howard has proven himself as one of the biggest names in Dance music with his weekly tastemaker Radio 1 show, countless releases on respected A-list labels and headline appearances at clubs and festivals around the world.

With nearly 20 years experience in the Digital Music & Media environment in an entrepreneurial role, Deron Delgado has amassed an all-encompassing knowledge of music label management, digital distribution, licensing, artist development, event production, publishing, and music marketing strategies.

In 2015, his proven expertise also landed him the role of Label Manager at the iconic Dirtybird Records. Managing all the day-to-day responsibilities of the esteemed label and publishing company, as well as booking talent for the Dirtybird Campout and BBQ festivals, Deron executes the vision of the musical trendsetter.

Today on my BOOST Podcast, I chat to Jack Barham from new DJ Website platform Vibecast.  We chat about why you need a website as a DJ, the benefits of having one. 

Vibecast is a website builder specifically designed for DJs and producers. Built by a DJ for others in the industry, Vibecast’s objective is to help users create a sleek-looking, modern website in minutes without any technical knowledge.

Offering complete and unrivalled simplicity, Vibecast enables artists to import tracks from Soundcloud, Mixcloud, YouTube and Vimeo - with Spotify soon to be integrated. Users can drag and drop artwork, images, list gigs, post tracks, and even connect an existing domain name to their site.

Today on the BOOST Podcast, we've hit 5000 plays!  

So a massive thank you!

Today, I thought I'd chat about my journey, some of the stuff I've been through and some of the mistakes I've made.  How Data Transmission came about and the stories behind it.  

Welcome to the BOOST podcast with me, Grahame Farmer.

If this is the first time joining me on the podcast, it all started as part of 100 day challenge which was a need because i was procrastinating for 14 months to start one.

For the past 18 months previously, I’ve been giving out Tips to DJs via my Instagram @grahamefarmer since then we set up our BOOST 1to1 Coaching service, we’ve had BOOST breakfasts at IMS and BMC.  We have a BOOST weapons release series for artists on my 1to1 Coaching and now this BOOST podcast.

In today's podcast, I give you 10 tips plus some BONUS tips on getting more plays on Mixcloud.  These come direct from Xanthe Fuller from Mixcloud from an interview i did earlier in the year. I re-recorded for this podcast and added more depth.

In today's BOOST Podcast, I chat to Glasgow Underground head honcho Kevin Mckay to get his 3 things to know before starting a record label!  

I also chat to Kevin about sampling, streaming, whether the time is right for certain djs to have a label or not and also Kevin Mckay gives his thoughts on whether ContentID is killing Sampling in electronic music.

Docklands Festival coming to Hogland's Park in Southampton on 28th September.

Dirtybox Promotions, the team behind the festival, will welcome an all-star electric mix of artists including Andy C, Wilkinson, Patrick Topping, Sub Focus, Pete Tong, My Nu Leng, Jaguar Skills among many other artists; local heroes Ronny Spiteri and Alan Fitzpatrick will also be on the lineup.

10,000 party goers will be able to enjoy music across three different stages; the Main Stage from Switch Southampton, the Bass & Garage Stage from Foreverland and DnB Stage from On A Mission.

Today on the podcast I chatted to Dirtbox promotions, Ryan Keary about promoting, building brands, DJs, sub-promoting and much more, I really enjoyed this chat with Ryan and learnt loads, so I hope you do too.

IMS College is coming this weeks across 13th – 14th September in Malta, I’m hosting a special BOOST Breakfast at the event.  The two summer camp is a two-day, intensive learning experience led by some of the world’s most renowned DJ talents and industry thought leaders.

IMS College four key educational pillars of Performance, Production, Promotion & Publishing.

Today on the podcast i'm speaking to one of this years esteemed speakers in elrow's creative director Jo Vidler. 

From her background managing some of the UK’s most innovative multi day festivals to her position today as the creative driving force behind the crazy, colourful world of elrow, Jo Vidler has been responsible for some of the world’s most artistic and ambitious events.

After achieving a degree in Art & Event Production at Arts University Bournemouth, she started her illustrious career in events working on music programming for Lost Vagueness (better known as Shangri-La) at Glastonbury where she was managing the logistics of over 400 people in and out of the festival, as well as at other London festivals.

Following this, she became a Creative Producer for the pioneering Secret Garden Party, co-organising the event from 2006 to 2013. It was during this time that she also embarked on her next venture and co-founded Wilderness Festival where she was the Co-Creative Director & board member until 2016.

Finally in 2016, elrow, the famous immersive party promoter, received investment to scale the company globally and therefore approached Jo to creatively lead the charge as they take over the world. This is where she currently continues her life’s work of spreading joy through the means of festivals and event experiences across the globe.

In this podcast, I speak to her about elrow, the process of putting on a whole theme from start to finish and her own background. 

Welcome to the BOOST podcast with me, Grahame Farmer.

If this is the first time joining me on the podcast, it all started as part of 100 day challenge which was a need because i was procrastinating for 14 months to start one.

For the past 18 months previously, I’ve been giving out Tips to DJs via my Instagram @grahamefarmer since then we set up our BOOST 1to1 Coaching service, we’ve had BOOST breakfasts at IMS and BMC.  We have a BOOST weapons release series for artists on my 1to1 Coaching and now this BOOST podcast.

Today on the podcast we have an interview, i’m chatting to a DJ, Producer, Music Is 4 Lovers senior editor Juany Bravo.

This self-taught producer's style is marked by a blend of hip-hop, disco, Latin grooves and classic house sounds which are present in the wide range of original productions and remixes in his repertoire. After spending a year in Spain honing his craft and being able to play on the legendary white isle, Ibiza, and world renown clubs in Barcelona, such as Opium, it is clear to see that the old world's dance music style has rubbed off on him. Over the last few years, Juany Bravo has seen Beatport chart-topping releases on labels such as Toolroom Records, Stealth Records, Lapsus Music, Go Deeva Records, In The Loop Recordings, Sleazy G, Audiophile XXL, Dopewax Records, and Shanghaied

We chat about his journey as a DJ, getting gigs in different countries, premieres, content, blogging and more.

In todays BOOST podcast, I chat to George Smeddles about sending music to labels and he gives me his 5 tips.  George Smeddles is a producer, DJ, & recently a label owner of Resonance Records alongside Max Chapman.

Working alongside some of the biggest names in the industry is becoming the norm for rising star, George Smeddles. Based in the dance music hub that is the UK’s capital London, George has been immersed in music since a very young age and has built an impressive understanding when it comes to the creation of the driving tech-house that has become his signature sound.

From inspiring dancefloors to turning heads in the production realms, George exudes the elements it takes to make up an influential artist and that has only been proven with both his debut tracks being snapped up by Javi Lopez and Max Chapman respectively. 

Last weekend, I dived in to the new social media app - Tik Tok.

I’d downloaded it when it was formally musicall.y and been watching lots talk about it on Youtube and other blogs, been doing a weekly monitor of content.

But this weekend i thought i’d jump in.

For those that don’t know TikTok is one of the fastest-growing social media platforms in the world which presents an alternative version of online sharing

TikTok has 500 million monthly users - which is about half of instagram’s already.

60% of TikTok's monthly app users are 16-24 years old.

Give us a follow on @datatransmission @grahamefarmer on the app

Today, on the podcast i tell you what i've learnt!

IMS College is coming in just under two weeks across 13th – 14th September in Malta, I’m hosting a special BOOST Breakfast at the event.  The two summer camp is a two-day, intensive learning experience led by some of the world’s most renowned DJ talents and industry thought leaders.

IMS College four key educational pillars of Performance, Production, Promotion & Publishing.

This year, they once again bring together a powerful collection of leading electronic music experts and artists to educate the next generation with their experience and knowledge.

The BIG 3 Months of 2019 are coming!

In a few days it will be September. I see the next 3 months of this year as huge months and this podcast I breakdown why. I look at events that are coming up in that period, why you should be at them.

I put some ideas out there, you might want to consider.

Today on the BOOST Podcast, I have a mammoth interview with the lovely Steven Braines.  Steven is CEO and founder of The Weird & The Wonderful, a multi-discipline music and arts talent consultancy and management company with offices in London/Berlin/LA. Current clients include: Maya Jane Coles, Chelou, Engine-Earz Experiment, Wax Wings and Nocturnal Sunshine.

With his business partner Sophia Kearney they also run the electronic music division of TAP Music. So The Weird & The Wonderful’s artists joined TaP mega stars Lana Del Rey, Dua Lipa, Ellie Goulding and many more.

In this podcast we also chat about event promotion, as they also run multi-diverse and cultural club event, He. She. They.   I also get some tips out of him about artist management.

In today's BOOST podcast, I look at how to go about getting coverage from a Blog.  I go through how to approach, how to look professional and how get what you're asking for right.

Blog / Website and Magazine coverage is still an important part of building your DJ profile, which will bring you more gigs, bigger releases and essentially earn you more.

One thing I speak to DJs about is #goals, this is really important for DJs. Its important for focus, where are you now and where do you want to get in to in the next 3/6/12 months.

Once you know that, you can then set about working how you are going to get to that place, what steps you need to put in place to try and get you there.  So i thought, today we'd chat about Goals more on the BOOST podcast.

In today's podcast, I chat to Madame Electrifie, Jobi and Greg Costa at my HACK THE DJ event in Milton Keynes, which took place for International Women's Day on Friday 8th March.  All three are local promoters from Milton Keynes, Bedford and Northampton and I wanted to find out from all three about How to get DJ gigs and how to put on your own parties and events.

Apologies if you've heard this one on YouTube, but i've been let down with two interviews this week and been on school holidays with little miss, and still really valued this content, so stripped the audio for the podcast.

Have a great weekend.

Today, I have an interview. It’s a story that interested me for a while, John Climpson (DJ Climpo) emailed me way back last year and I wanted to cover what he’s been doing but didn’t have the medium to do it.

Once I launched this podcast, it was the perfect setting for it.

So, today I’m joined by John. 

John joined the Army at 16, while he had a very rewarding and fulfilling career, his real struggles began to surface when returning from Afghanistan in 2010. Lacking purpose, uncontrolled emotions and several of life’s hurdles took him to the point where he almost lost everything. Above all he was losing the battle with his mind! But even in the depth of his darkest days, there was a shimmer of light.

John's debut track Valhalla, which is in collaboration with Austrian producer Hertenfels, is an analogy of Climpo’s challenges within. It highlights the worst times of his internal suffering, to the point where he felt all hope was lost.  

So I chatted to John about his journey so far.

Today, I had scheduled a motivation podcast, which would have gone out first thing this morning and you might get that at some point down the line.  I’ve pulled that one as I wasn’t personally feeling very motivational so thought it would be wrong to put out motivational content in that form.

So instead, i've taken you through my 8 hour day in 8 minutes or so and the emotions and roller coaster i've been through today.

Today, I wanted to drill and talk about press photos

As an editor of a website, I get to see 100s if not 1000s of shots per month and year.  As a label co-founder, we use press shots differently still. Even for myself and my own press shots, I use them differently again.

For the uninitiated press, photos are hi-resolution images of you, which in days gone by were usually for magazines, newspapers, articles.

These days the press photo has much much more uses from Instagram photos, facebook headers right up to those big Ibiza billboards or whole sides of building as is Hard Rock Ibiza and those have seen Solardo’s face on it.

What do you need as a DJ, what are the specifics?

Today is an exciting today, its the launch of IMS College 2019 in Malta.

Last year I was invited to IMS College by the team at IMS big thanks firstly Ben, Inder, Katie, Danny and Mark for doing that. It was extremely enjoyable.  

This year IMS College returns to the Mediterranean island of Malta for the fourth year running on Friday 13 and Saturday 14 September to Intercontinental Hotel for more learning by Day and Partying at Night.

The programme offers the next generation of electronic music artists and professionals the tools and knowledge they need to build a career in the industry.

Observing the need to support and develop the future of the electronic music industry, IMS has created a dedicated educational programme to help cultivate and inspire students, emerging artists and the next generation of business leaders who will push our genre forwards. 

The summer camp is a two-day, intensive learning experience led by some of the world’s most renowned DJ talents and industry thought leaders, hosted by BBC Introducing, Mixmag & Reprezent Radio broadcaster and journalist Jaguar. 

I’m very excited to be speaking at this year's event! 

Speakers include representatives from ACS, AFEM, Armada Music, Beatport, Black Rock Publishing, Data Transmission, DJ Growth Lab, elrow, MIT Collective and Mixmag, and artists Joyce Muniz & Marco Faraone plus Nic Fanciulli!

These artists and industry leaders will give valuable insights into the four key educational pillars of IMS College – Performance, Production, Promotion & Publishing.

For the first time at IMS College, delegates will be able to benefit from a number of one-on-one sessions designed to help take their electronic music career to the next level:

An EPK feedback session with renowned dance music photographer Luke Curtis who will also shoot new promotional headshots for delegates

A bespoke branding review, offering advice on how to boost your chances of being noticed by the pros and how to connect with your audience at a deeper level.

By night and throughout the weekend delegates will attend exclusive events; global party phenomenon elrow will return to Uno Village; plus rooftop networking drinks hosted by DJ Growth Lab. More information on line-up and venues for both events to be released soon.

I chatted with Social Media Marketing Guru Myradh Cormican to discuss creating this Social media checklist for DJs at our Data Transmission presents HACK THE DJ event at Unit Nine on International Women's Day - Friday 8th March. 

Myradh Cormican has over 8 years of experience within the electronic music industry creating and delivering international campaigns for artists, labels and events.   Running her own marketing agency she counts Sasha, Blond:ish, Patrice Baumel, Eats Everything & Archie Hamilton as full-time clients she heads up the marketing & social strategy for all, alongside consulting for a variety of other top DJs.

In todays BOOST Podcast,  I chat to Attilio Pugliese from Forward Motion Artists. Attilio manages acts such as Latmun, Detlef, Lee Foss, Carlo Lio, Nathan Barato and more.   

We chat about how his career started, being a manager, what's involved, how you get management when the right time to get management is and much more.

In todays BOOST Podcast, I chat to John Gold from Hypeddit.com.  Hypeddit is a platform I absolutely love, i've used it for over 4 years and its helped me build fans on Soundcloud, YouTube, Instagram and Spotify.  I thought i was pretty ninja at it, but in this episode I spoke to the owner and learnt some new tricks.

If you are releasing a free download, then you need to listen to this podcast.  If you are trying build your DJ Profile you need to listen to this podcast. If you are releasing a mix series, wanting to build your spotify - get it on.

This is BOOST a podcast with me, Grahame Farmer. For the past 18 months, I’ve been giving out Tips to DJs via my Instagram @grahamefarmer since then we set up our BOOST 1to1 Coaching service, we’ve had BOOST breakfasts at IMS and BMC.  Now I have this podcast, BOOST, its a chance for me to give tips, motivation and maybe a few guest interviews along the way.

Yesterday I chatted through some tips for Instagram stories, how did you get on with them? Tag me and i’ll repost them to mine @grahamefarmer 

Today, I was planning to announce something cool but it’s been pushed back a week, so hence podcast having to change and being a bit late for those that listen on the morning commute.  If you didn’t know i aim to have these out at 7 am for you, for the travel to work.

Yesterday, I had a great call with Sacha Wall, Sacha and I co-founder Data Transmission Radio, which is our own dedicated radio station for data transmission.   We were talking about DJs and social media content from events - so today's podcast is based around a social media gig checklist idea..

In todays BOOST Podcast, I chat about Instagram Stories.  I'm finding great return in using 'Share to Stories', 'Stickers' and a few other hacks, so i thought i'd share a few with you today on the podcast.

Today on BOOST, I'm still a little behind from last weeks trip to Nozstock, so i've pulled the audio from one of my favourite big questions on YouTube, last year at the DJ Awards I spoke to the then duo Blond:ish (now separate as Blond:ish & Anstascia).  I asked Anstascia about her gig preparation and any rituals she had.

I then asked Vivie-ann (Blond:ish) about how she maximises the exposure of a track, how she sends music and she drops a killer bonus tip, wait till the end.

Welcome to Monday!

This Monday is starting very different to last Monday that’s for sure. 

Last Monday, was pulling down a tent, driving for 3 hours, catching up sleep, sweating lots and generally feeling like death from the fun weekend at Nozstock festival for our Shanghaied Records stage.

Let's have a self assessment, lets talk about goals and keeping your focus.

We also have an update on the 100 day challenge. 

I met up with Xanthe Fuller (Head of Community) at Mixcloud to find out more about Mixcloud Select. We chatted about what it is, how it works, who it benefits and some of the big wins using it.

Xanthe is Head of Community at Mixcloud. The role involves understanding the Mixcloud community and helping it to grow. She was previously a radio producer and worked across commercial and BBC radio for ten years, with full-time producer roles on various shows including Pete Tong, Rob da Bank, Jamie Cullum, Mary Anne Hobbs and more.

We also chat about Mixcloud Select, which is a new way for creators and their fans to get closer. Listeners can subscribe to channels to get more from the creators they love, directly supporting the creators plus all the music played.

In this podcast, i chat to Paul Hamill from Inflyte.  Paul is the Founder and CEO of award-winning tech start-up www.inflyteapp.com and responsible for product, business and strategic development.

Inflyte won 'Company Of The Year 2014'​ out of the 25 finalist companies who took part in the prestigious Invest NI 'Propel'​ accelerator programme. Inflyte is the world's first online platform for the distribution of music promo to mobile, developed for industry tastemakers to review music on their mobile devices and leave feedback on the move, while providing content providers with detailed real-time insights, analytics and intelligence on campaign performance.

Their mission is creating an unrivalled end-to-end user experience that saves time, creates efficiencies and opportunities for content distributors to effortlessly engage with tastemakers using mobile technology.

Welcome to Boost, a podcast with me, Grahame Farmer. 

For the past 18 months, I’ve been giving out Tips to DJs via my Instagram @grahamefarmer since then we set up our BOOST 1to1 Coaching service, we’ve had BOOST breakfasts at IMS and BMC. 

And now we have a brand new podcast, BOOST. 

Welcome to the Daily Boost Podcast with me, Grahame Farmer.

For the past 18 months, I’ve been giving out Tips to DJs via my Instagram @grahamefarmer since then we set up our BOOST 1to1 Coaching service, we’ve had BOOST breakfasts at IMS and BMC.

And now we have a brand new podcast the Daily BOOST. This podcast is going to me, giving tips, motivation and maybe a few guest interviews along the way.

Yesterday I spoke with Ellie Talebian about Mental Health and today i wanted to speak about subject that i’ve been thinking about for a while and that's Amazon Music.  This podcast is a bit shorter than previous, and is my thoughts on Amazon Music's place in the industry.

Welcome to my brand new podcast and the first episode of the Daily BOOST.

Hey, it’s Grahame Farmer, Editor & Cheif of Data Transmission. 

For those that don’t know, I created the website Data Transmission 11 + years ago.

Data Transmission is an online music blog, we talk about music, artists, mixes, festivals and more.