The Will Clarke Podcast

It is a massive honor to sit down with Wax Motif on the podcast this week. In this episode, we unpack the reality of making a living behind the decks. We chat about how Los Angeles used to be the ultimate hub for electronic music and how the scene shifted drastically after 2020. With artists getting creative and playing sets on rooftops, deep in jungles, and across stunning global locations, DJing expanded into a truly international movement while LA simply became an overwhelmingly expensive place to stay. Wax opens up about his intense grind during that era and how the constant momentum ultimately led him to step back and take a year and a half break from touring just to reclaim his personal time.We also get real about the industry's harsh truths, pointing out that unlike traditional careers, there is no roadmap to becoming a great DJ. We weigh the highs and lows of the lifestyle, specifically how constant touring often forces you to sacrifice normal milestones like finally buying a house. On top of that, we break down the heavy financial investments required today, from production and marketing to multicam recording and the absolute necessity of building a strong personal brand. Wax shares his experiences working alongside massive names like Tinashe, Ty, Vultures, and Rihanna, and we even touch on what his future looks like regarding retirement and his lifelong dedication to creating music for his fans and other artists.This episode is sponsored by the following:Toneframer - Head to https://www.toneframer.com/will and code WILL gets you 50% off your first three months.Playlist Push - use code WILLPUSH for 15% off at checkout https://playlistpush.com/spotify-playlists-promotion⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://willclarke.komi.io/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

It is awesome to sit down with Jackie Hollander on the podcast this week. In this episode, we jump right into her wild path into the world of DJing and music production. It is crazy to think her career really kicked off in 2022 when she started releasing tracks and playing sets at USC frat parties, and now she is taking on massive stages like EDC Las Vegas. We talk all about the many odd jobs and obstacles she navigated to get to this point. From working in cybersecurity and nannying to acting as a financial advisor for her parents' company, Jackie truly did whatever it took to fund her dream and land where she is today.We also get into the educational side of her journey and how having Justin Jay as a mentor completely changed the game. She shares how he always made time for his students and hosted regular Zoom calls to teach them the reality of music production. Beyond the studio, we open up about how she handles the intense stress and pressure of the music industry and her process for constantly setting new goals to keep her career moving forward. Jackie has such an inspiring story for anyone trying to break into the scene.This episode is sponsored by the following:Toneframer - Head to https://www.toneframer.com/will and code WILL gets you 50% off your first three months.Playlist Push - use code WILLPUSH for 15% off at checkout https://playlistpush.com/spotify-playlists-promotion⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://willclarke.komi.io/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

I am so excited to have WME agent Bailey Greenwood on the podcast this week. In this episode, we dive right into the incredible challenges that come with balancing such a massive roster. When you are representing industry heavyweights and massive touring acts like Groove Armada, Ellen Allien, TOKiMONSTA, Sara Landry, and LP Giobbi, the stakes are incredibly high. We break down the real differences between managing bands versus DJs and look closely at how the touring lifestyle comes with its own unique pros and cons in each space.One of the most eye opening parts of our conversation is what Bailey calls the Middle Class DJ. She explains why making $10,000 a show doesn't get you as far as people think, and why you risk having to start over as an artist if you drop the ball on creating and pushing out new things. We also get into the intense culture of being an agent, and Bailey opens up about how she is learning to compartmentalize her work and personal time even though her job demands attention around the clock. From guiding artists personally through their ups and downs to the sheer logistics of booking all your represented acts on the same day without cannibalizing each other in the market, there is so much to pull from this episode.SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@willclarkedj?sub_confirmation=1This episode is sponsored by the following:Toneframer - Head to https://www.toneframer.com/will and code WILL gets you 50% off your first three months.Playlist Push - use code WILLPUSH for 15% off at checkout https://playlistpush.com/spotify-playlists-promotion⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://willclarke.komi.io/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

I am so excited to welcome Devault to the podcast this week. In this episode, we dive right into exactly how he became such a known name in the Electronic Music Scene in the last 10 years. We talk all about the daily grind of putting in the work and how spending countless hours refining his sound in the clubs really shaped his identity as an artist. Devault is incredibly passionate about making sure his music carries a consistent sonic signature across multiple records. He is huge on using his tracks to tell a cohesive story, creating these deeply immersive worlds and experiences for his listeners, and he loves partnering with other creators who share that exact same vision.We also got to talk about the big milestone of turning 30, and it’s crazy to hear him explain why it feels like he is only just getting started in his career. Of course, we had to talk about his massive collaboration with John Summit and Julia Church. He shares why making Shades of Blue with them was such an absolute delight from start to finish. Ultimately, Devault is on a mission to inspire both himself and other artists to tap back into that pure feeling of being a kid and capturing that raw emotion when creating music. I loved this conversation and I know you will find inspiration to tell a story with your creativity. This episode is sponsored by the following:Toneframer - Head to https://www.toneframer.com/will and code WILL gets you 50% off your first three months.Playlist Push - use code WILLPUSH for 15% off at checkout https://playlistpush.com/spotify-playlists-promotion⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://willclarke.komi.io/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

I am honored to welcome legendary manager Matt Colon to the show this week. In this episode, we dive into his incredible journey of navigating the music industry for a little over 30 years. From getting his start in street marketing and building relationships throughout Hollywood, to managing major artists like Steve Aoki, Blink-182 and Take That, Matt has had a front row seat to some incredible moments in music history. He also co-founded Deckstar alongside the late DJ AM, has been involved with Grammy nominated work throughout his career, and is currently behind Travis Barker’s new documentary. We also talk about his longtime friendship and working relationship with Steve Aoki, and the fascinating history behind how Steve built Dim Mak straight out of his college dorm room in Santa Barbara and turned it into the global record label it is today, now going 30 years strong.Beyond the history, we really get into the ins and outs of what being a manager actually entails behind the scenes. Matt shares his expertise on crucial details like making sure credits get distributed properly amongst other artists and managers, which is something a lot of people in the business overlook. He also gives some amazing insight into what the modern role of a manager actually looks like today and exactly what kind of people you need around you when developing an up and coming artist. If you want to know how the biggest DJs in electronic music operate, this is a must listen.SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@willclarkedj?sub_confirmation=1This episode is sponsored by the following:Toneframer - Head to https://www.toneframer.com/will and code WILL gets you 50% off your first three months.Playlist Push - use code WILLPUSH for 15% off at checkout https://playlistpush.com/spotify-playlists-promotion⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://willclarke.komi.io/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

I am so pumped to have Dillon Francis on the podcast this week. In this episode, we dive deep into his wild rise to fame in the music industry. Dillon is known for constantly pushing boundaries, and we talk about how he often finds himself creating the most random music across entirely different genres, almost intentionally steering away from the formulas that are already working for him. It is a fascinating look into a creative mind that completely refuses to be boxed in by expectations and thrives on experimentation.We also get incredibly real about the everyday reality of the struggling artist. We break down what it actually takes to catch that elusive break, get lucky, and have a record go truly viral in today's saturated landscape. On a more personal note, Dillon opens up about the business side of the industry and explains why moving on from a management team you’ve been with for years feels exactly like going through a painful breakup, even when there is absolutely no bad blood between anyone. There are so many valuable gems in this conversation for producers at any stage of their career and I hope you enjoy.This episode is sponsored by the following:Toneframer - Head to https://www.toneframer.com/will and code WILL gets you 50% off your first three months.Playlist Push - use code WILLPUSH for 15% off at checkout https://playlistpush.com/spotify-playlists-promotion⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://willclarke.komi.io/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

I’m stoked to have Kyle Watson on the show this week to talk about the reality of what an artist and producer actually needs to do to build a full album. In this episode, we get right into the weeds of writing against a time crunch and how to tell a genuine story with a record. It is never just about writing music in isolation; it’s about figuring out how to make sure that sonic narrative connects from the first track to the last, even when the clock is ticking.Because making the tracks is only half the battle, we also break down how to tie that story directly into your marketing and branding. Kyle shares some incredible insights on the visual side of the industry and why great social assets can absolutely make or break an album release today. If you are trying to figure out how to cut through the noise online while staying entirely true to your sound, there is a lot to take away from this chat.This episode is sponsored by the following:Playlist Push - use code WILLPUSH for 15% off at checkout https://playlistpush.com/spotify-play...Toneframer - Head to www.toneframer.com/will and code WILL gets you 50% off your first three months.⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://willclarke.komi.io/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

This week’s episode features an absolute pioneer of electronic music: the legendary Etienne de Crécy. Sitting down with the architect of the French House scene was incredibly inspiring, especially as we dive into the raw, early days of the Parisian underground. We talk about his groundbreaking duo Motorbass, formed alongside his partner and friend, the late Philippe Zdar, and what it was actually like laying the foundational blueprint for French house before Daft Punk took the sound global.We also celebrate 30 years of his iconic Super Discount project! But what blew me away the most during our chat was Etienne's relentless drive to create the music of the future. He is a producer who refuses to rely on 90s nostalgia and is constantly searching for the next sonic boundary to push. Whether you are a massive fan of classic French house or just love hearing the passion behind what Etienne took to get here, you are going to love this one.SUBSCRIBE: https://www.youtube.com/@willclarkedj?sub_confirmation=1This episode is sponsored by the following:Playlist Push - use code WILLPUSH for 15% off at checkout https://playlistpush.com/spotify-play...intellijend - use code WILL for 30% off Lifetime Subscription https://go.intellijend.com/will-clarkeN.A.P - use code WILL at checkout for Free Shipping & 2 Discovery Sets https://www.notanotherperfume.co.uk?s…⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://willclarke.komi.io/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#WillClarke #ÉtienneDeCrécy