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The Will Clarke Podcast
Dense & Pika - How The Music Industry Has Changed In 10 Years
Podcast Overview: In this engaging conversation, Will Clarke and Chris from Dense & Pika delve into the evolution of the music industry, the impact of streaming on artist revenue, and the importance of mental health discussions within the community. They reflect on their touring experiences, the changes brought about by COVID-19, and the challenges faced by DJs and producers in today's market. The discussion also touches on innovative models like A-Slice and the potential future of music distribution, emphasizing the need for community and support for artists. In this conversation, Will Clarke and Chris discuss the evolution of techno music, emphasizing the importance of youth in shaping its future. They explore the impact of hit records on artists' careers, the changing landscape of electronic music festivals, and the struggles independent artists face in a commercialized industry. The discussion also touches on the future of music distribution and the potential for artists to regain ownership of their work.
Who are Dense & Pika: Dense & Pika are a British electronic music duo compromising of producer/DJs Alex Jones (Hypercolour label boss) and Chris Spero better known to many by his Glimpse alias.
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244. Disciples - Why Disciples Took a Step Back to Move Forward
01:08:38||Ep. 244Podcast Overview: In this engaging conversation, the members of Disciples discuss their journey through the music industry, including their break, the pressures of success, and their return to music. They reflect on the evolution of their sound, the challenges of touring, and the importance of building a brand and audience. The discussion highlights the dynamics of collaboration within the group and their aspirations for the future, emphasizing the significance of passion and resilience in their careers.Who Are Disciples: Balancing chart success with an authentic outpost, Disciples is a trio that have toured the globe, won numerous awards, and picked up Gold and Platinum hits. With a sound that captivates dance music lovers, Nathan Vincent Duvall, Gavin Koolmon, and Luke McDermot make their music with an air of mystery, while also crafting beats and bass to get the dancefloor moving. In 2015, the group dropped their collaboration with Calvin Harris, the multiplatinum selling hit “How Deep Is Your Love?”. The track shot to No.2 in the British charts, hitting 27 in the Billboard 100, and picked up two nominations at the Brit Awards in 2016. Their single ‘On My Mind’ also reached platinum status and was Radio 1’s most played track in 2017, cementing their position as one of the UK’s biggest dance acts. Disciples have captivated audiences worldwide playing at well known events and festivals such as Ushuaïa, Exit Festival, Creamfields, Snowbombing, Love Saves The Day, and Hideout. After a break following their hits ‘No Ties’, ‘All Mine’ and ‘Only The Gods’ which reached audiences across the globe back in 2019, the guys are back from a hiatus and are bringing a new energy. Their latest track 'If I Stay' featuring Delilah was released in August on Ministry Of Sound, garnering support worldwide, including Jam Hot record on Capital Dance as well a Hottest Record with Danny Howard on BBC Radio 1. The guys are spending all of their time in the studio, gearing up for more releases. Join for updates: https://laylo.com/willclarke⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke243. Alex James - The Man Behind The Fashion Brand Pleasures
54:26||Ep. 243Podcast Overview: In this engaging conversation, Will Clarke sits down with Alex James, co-founder of the streetwear brand Pleasures. They discuss the brand's musical influences, the creative process behind naming the brand, and the evolution of Pleasures from a pop-up shop to a recognized name in fashion. Alex shares insights on the challenges of running a fashion brand, the importance of teamwork, and the impact of collaborations. They also touch on the significance of fashion weeks and the future of Pleasures, including an exciting collaboration with Will's upcoming live tour. In this engaging conversation, Alex and Will delve into the intricacies of building musical and brand communities, the importance of collaboration in the fashion industry, and the freedom of expression in live music. They discuss the significance of inclusivity in brand culture, the challenges of production logistics, and the excitement surrounding upcoming collaborations. The dialogue also touches on the cultural richness of Bristol, the unique experience of Glastonbury, and sustainable practices in fashion. Alex shares insights into his DJing experiences and the potential for future events, emphasizing the importance of connecting with audiences.Who Is Alex James:Alex James is a co-founder of Pleasures, a Los Angeles-based fashion brand known for its edgy designs and strong roots in music subcultures. Born out of James's lifelong love for punk, post-punk, hardcore, goth, and metal music, Pleasures launched in 2015. The brand draws heavily from the aesthetics and ethos of the music and countercultures James grew up immersed in while frequenting iconic venues in New York City, such as CBGB's and ABC No Rio.Join for updates: https://laylo.com/willclarke⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke242. Eli & Fur - What It Takes To Be A Live Act
55:10||Ep. 242Podcast Overview: In this conversation, Eli & Fur discuss their experiences and challenges in transitioning from DJing to live performances. They explore the creative process behind their live shows, the importance of audience engagement, and the technical aspects of putting together a cohesive performance. The conversation also touches on the emotional connection with fans, the logistics of touring, and the balance between performing new material and fan favorites. Overall, the dialogue provides insights into the complexities of live music production and the evolving landscape of the music industry. In this engaging conversation, Will Clarke and Eliza discuss the intricacies of live performances, the evolution of music creation, and the importance of authenticity in their work. They share their emotional experiences from live shows, the challenges of the album creation process, and the significance of understanding numbers in the music industry. The duo reflects on the shift in artist engagement and the future of music, emphasizing the need for genuine connections with their fan base.Who Are Eli & Fur: Platonic soulmates intertwined by a shared sonic vision, Eli & Fur (Eliza Noble and Jennifer Skillman) are far more than just a DJ duo. Individually, their talents are akin to constellations - vivid, distinct and mesmerizing. Together, they are an unstoppable force unapologetically pushing the boundaries of electronic music through a deeply personal lens. Since emerging on the scene in 2013, Eli & Fur have established themselves as one of the music industry’s most in-demand acts with unprecedented fervor - But you would be remiss to call them an overnight sensation, and that’s exactly how they prefer it. Their journey has been one of intention, a deliberate slow burn anchored by their passions, creative spirits that refuse to be boxed in and - most importantly - each other. Rooted in over a decade of collaboration, their distinct sonic aesthetic marries a mysterious and enigmatic mood with evocative vocals, cascading synths and rolling basslines - a heady mix that is addictive and connective. Their impressive discography includes collaborations with heavyweights such as Camelphat, MEDUZA and Booka Shade alongside a steady stream of releases on their own label - NYX Music - and seminal imprints Crosstown Rebels, Anjunadeep, Cercle, Armada Deep and more. In addition to their original compositions, the duo have also remixed chart-topping hits from world-class talent ranging from Sasha and Bob Moses, to ODESZA and Shouse, earning ardent support from industry authorities such as Boiler Room and BBC Radio 1's Essential Mix. Eli & Fur’s sophomore album Dreamscapes will invite listeners on an explorative odyssey into the next evolution of their sound, revealing their most authentic expression to date.Join for updates: https://laylo.com/willclarke⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke241. Mitch Jones - What It Takes To Write A Great Album
01:15:21||Ep. 241Podcast Overview: In this engaging conversation, Will Clarke and Mitch Jones delve into the creative journey behind their collaborative album. They discuss the initial stages of the project, memorable recording sessions, and the importance of collaboration in music production. The duo reflects on their unique sound, musical influences, and the evolution of their artistic styles, ultimately emphasizing the significance of teamwork in creating a cohesive body of work. In this conversation, Mitch Jones and Will Clarke delve into the intricacies of music production, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, community, and emotional connection in the creative process. They discuss the challenges faced in the music industry, the significance of enjoying the journey, and the reality of achieving success. The dialogue highlights the evolution of their musical journeys, from classical roots to contemporary production, and the power of music to evoke profound emotions in listeners. In this conversation, Will Clarke and Mitch Jones delve into the intricacies of music production, emphasizing the importance of experimentation, authenticity, and collaboration. They discuss how the creative process often involves trial and error, the significance of emotional connection in music, and the role of technology in shaping sound. The duo reflects on their experiences working together, highlighting the spontaneity that can lead to magical moments in the studio. They also touch on the challenges of maintaining a cohesive sound throughout an album and the excitement of future projects.Who Is Mitch Jones: Mitch Jones has been in music his entire life, studying Classical Piano at the prestigious Chetham’s School Of Music, Manchester aged 12 followed by a Jazz Performance degree at Trinity College Of Music, London. He then moved into pop music and toured the world for many years performing with artists such as Jessie Ware, Ed Sheeran, Nao, Tom Misch, Ella Henderson and many others both as keyboardist and Musical Director. He also worked on the Music Team of The X Factor UK for 5 years. During this time, he also contributed to Grammy Nominated Album ‘Land Of Gold’ by Anoushka Shankar. Following his time in the Live Scene, he turned his sights to the studio. For the last 5 years he has been working as a Producer and Songwriter. Recent cuts include German Airplay Smash ‘Paradise’ by Purple Disco Machine, UK Top 40 ‘Won’t Forget You’ by Jax Jones & D.O.D, as well as cuts with Armin Van Buuren, Gabrielle Aplin, Hannah Laing, and much anticipated Album with long term collaborator Will Clarke.Join for updates: https://laylo.com/willclarke⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke240. HoneyLuv & Francis Mercier - How To Grow A Loyal Fanbase (ADE Special)
54:38||Ep. 240A special episode from the Dolby Atmos House at ADE along with Armada Music.Podcast Overview: In this podcast episode, HoneyLuv and Francis Mercier discuss their journeys in the music industry, recorded during the Amsterdam Dance Event at the Dolby Atmos house. They explore their growth as artists, with HoneyLuv reflecting on her genre-spanning evolution and Francis delving into the rise of Afro House, which he credits to a global interest in diverse, culture-rich sounds. They address the complexities of today’s music landscape, noting both the opportunities and pressures brought by streaming and social media, which require artists to balance creativity with audience expectations. Both HoneyLuv and Francis emphasize the importance of building a loyal fan base, which allows them freedom to experiment musically, and how their tours in the U.S. and Europe have deepened connections with audiences worldwide. The episode also covers the shifting roles of record labels versus self-releasing, the importance of supportive management, and a playful take on the impact of social media on DJ culture.Join for updates: https://laylo.com/willclarke⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke239. Chris Stussy - Chris Stussy's Winning Formula!
01:10:26||Ep. 239Podcast Overview: In this engaging conversation, Chris Stussy shares insights into his creative process, the evolution of his music career, and the importance of collaboration in the music industry. He discusses the significance of taking time for creative retreats, the balance between producing music for clubs and personal expression, and the impact of social media on artists today. Stussy reflects on his journey from supporting acts to headlining shows, the role of labels versus self-releases, and the changing landscape of live performances. The discussion also touches on the community aspect of festivals and the joy of creating music that resonates with audiences.Who Is Chris Stussy: A DJ, producer and label boss at the top of his game, Chris Stussy has backed up early promise and grown to become one of the scene’s most exciting names.Join for updates: https://laylo.com/willclarke⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke238. Nicole Moudaber - How Therapy Helped My Music Career
01:07:27||Ep. 238Podcast Overview: In this engaging conversation, Nicole Moudaber discusses her journey as a DJ and producer, reflecting on her ten-year commitment to her radio show, the challenges of set building, and the evolution of the DJ's role in the music industry. She shares her thoughts on the impact of social media on music, her preference for YouTube over Spotify for music discovery, and the current state of creativity in the music scene. Nicole also reminisces about her early days as a promoter and the changes in the industry since then, emphasizing the importance of supporting smaller venues and artists. In this conversation, Nicole Moudaber shares her transformative experiences at music festivals, reflecting on the sense of community and creativity they foster. She discusses her tumultuous upbringing in conflict zones, emphasizing how these experiences shaped her resilience and perspective on life. The conversation delves into the challenges of balancing a demanding career in music with personal well-being, highlighting the importance of taking time off. Nicole also opens up about her writing process, describing it as a therapeutic journey that allows her to confront her past and share her story with others.Who Is Nicole Moudaber: Nicole Moudaber is a Lebanese/British event promoter, record label founder, radio personality and DJ/Producer. She is the head of her own imprint MOOD Records and runs an award-winning weekly radio show, In The MOOD.Join for updates: https://laylo.com/willclarke⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke236. Huxley & Ramin Rezaie - How To Be A Producer:DJs In 2024
58:51||Ep. 236Podcast Overview: In this conversation, Will Clarke, Huxley, and Ramin Rezaie discuss the evolution of the music industry over the past decade, emphasizing the importance of community building, engagement, and authenticity. They explore the role of luck in achieving success, the challenges posed by the streaming landscape, and the diminishing relevance of curators. The discussion also touches on the need for artists to understand their value in the business and the launch of a new platform aimed at supporting artists in their development.Who Is Huxley: Huxley aka Michael Dodman is one of the hardest working producers and DJs out there. Originally weaned on a classic British diet of house, garage and techno, he’s continually buffing his sound via increasingly high profile DJ sets and a steady string of well received singles and EPs. Huxley has plunged his beats deeper and wider to incorporate more of his influences through releases for some of electronic music’s best loved imprints including Tsuba, Morris Audio, Fear of Flying, Hypercolour and 20:20 Vision.Who Is Ramin Rezaie: British talent Ramin Rezaie is known all over Europe and further afield for his energetic House / Tech House / Minimal Deep Tech. With a great performance background he’s played at some of the world’s most reputable clubs including Fabric London, DC10, Studio 338, Privilege Ibiza, EGG London. Influenced by everything from Funk and Hip-Hop to avant-garde electronica. Ramin’s prominence is on musical depth rather than genre boundaries. His approach to the skilled art of DJing is unorthodox and unique, expect hypnotic journeys accompanied by his signature produced stripped back RAW grooves with hard kicks, trembling sub baselines, sharp synths accompanied by soulful vocal cuts. With all this being said it’s no surprise that his productions receive regular support from the heavy hitters including Jamie Jones, Richy Ahmed, Solardo, Dennis Cruz, Reelow, PAWSA and Michael Bibi to name just a few.Join for updates: https://laylo.com/willclarke⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke