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The Will Clarke Podcast
Zerb on Mwaki Going Viral, Producing for 13 Years, & Working With Big Artists
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Podcast Overview: In this conversation, Zerb breaks down how Mwaki going viral completely changed his life after years of struggling and releasing music that wasn’t connecting. He explains how he started producing 13 years ago, growing up in Brazil, learning everything on his own, and slowly building his sound. He talks about the moment Mwaki hit the global viral charts and how that led to working with big artists like The Chainsmokers, Coldplay, Victor Ray, Wiz, and Ty Dolla $ign. Zerb also shares how he manages touring, routines, and mental health while creating music and content nonstop. The episode closes with his advice about putting your heart into your work and staying patient because success can take years.
Who is Zerb: Zerb, a São Paulo born producer, is known for pushing the boundaries of electronic music with a self taught style rooted in authenticity. His EP SURRENDER reflects 10 years of work and showcases the sound that has carried him onto the global stage. His breakout single Mwaki went viral, hitting #1 on Spotify’s Global Viral Chart, going platinum in Italy, and becoming one of the most Shazamed records in the world, leading to a major European tour with stops like Tomorrowland and Ushuaïa Ibiza. Zerb followed this success with Addicted alongside The Chainsmokers and later collaborated with Coldplay on a reimagined remix of Feels Like I’m Falling in Love. His journey reflects a deep dedication to creating music that connects people everywhere.
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301. Yulia Niko on Leaving Law for Music, Building Community & Playing The Long Game
57:41||Ep. 301pointblank: Use code WILLCLARKE20 to gain 20% off pointblank LA or Online courses (excluding only degree programmes), or follow the link https://bit.ly/willclarkepbSign up for the latest podcast info - https://laylo.com/willclarke/uqFWnJKaPodcast Summary: In this conversation, Will Clarke is joined by Yulia Niko as she opens up about leaving a law career behind to fully pursue music. She shares how trusting her instincts, building community, and staying original helped her create a sustainable career without chasing trends or viral moments. Yulia also reflects on touring, social media pressure, hit records, and the importance of strategy in the modern music industry.Who is Yulia Niko: Yulia Niko rose to global prominence through releases on influential labels like Crosstown Rebels and Watergate. She has been immersed in music since her teens, later moving to New York to study production and build her career. Now a globally recognized artist with an extensive touring schedule, Yulia released her debut album TWINSOUL in March 2024, marking a major milestone in her journey. Her melodic sound moves between house and techno, channeling the emotional and transformative power of electronic music on dance floors worldwide.⏲ 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
300. HNTR on Reinvention, the Stephanie Remix, and Building a Career That Lasts
01:12:44||Ep. 300Songstats: For 10% off lifetime subscription use the code word "WILLCLARKE" or follow the link https://songstats.com/app?ref=WILLCLARKEpointblank: Use code WILLCLARKE20 to gain 20% off pointblank LA or Online courses (excluding only degree programmes), or follow the link https://bit.ly/willclarkepbSign up for the latest podcast info - https://laylo.com/willclarke/uqFWnJKaPodcast Summary: HNTR sits down with Will Clarke to reflect on reinvention, the long road behind overnight success, and the moment his career truly shifted. He opens up about the Stephanie remix, years of preparation, navigating viral moments, and why consistency matters more than hype. The conversation digs into branding, timing, DJ support, andthe realities of building a sustainable career in today’s music industryWho is HNTR: HNTR, a Juno Award winner and founder of No Neon, is shaping the underground dance music scene with a sound that’s dark, playful, and unapologetically heavy-hitting. From early releases on Factory 93 and Mau5trap to launching his own imprint, No Neon, he has become a pillar in Toronto’s dance culture. In 2024, HNTR exploded globally with his remix of Cloonee’s “Stephanie,” which hit 50M+ streams, became the No.1 selling remix of 2025 on Beatport, and racked up over 80M TikTok views, It was one of the most played tracks at EDC Las Vegas and received support from Dom Dolla, Mau P, Kaskade, and countless others; the track is part of a run that includes seven consecutive Beatport No.1s (and counting) in 2025, and rocketed him into 1001 Tracklists’ Top 101 producers for the year. With nearly 3 million monthly listeners on Spotify and gold record in Australia, as well as releases on seminal imprints such as Experts Only, Drumcode & Hellbent, HNTR’s distinctive sound is resonating worldwide. His debut tours in Australia and Asia, as well as his first headline shows in New York City, Los Angeles, and Austin, all sold out. HNTR’s music uniquely blends rap, techno, and house, bringing an underground sensibility to a global audience. As his influence grows, one thing remains clear: HNTRisn’t just having a moment - he’s building a whole new sound.⏲ 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
299. Nils Hoffmann on Everlight, Berlin, & Life as an Electronic Artist
45:08||Ep. 299pointblank: Use code WILLCLARKE20 to gain 20% off pointblank LA or Online courses (excluding only degree programmes), or follow the link https://bit.ly/willclarkepbSign up for the latest podcast info - https://laylo.com/willclarke/uqFWnJKaPodcast Overview: Nils Hoffmann sits down with Will Clarke to talk about his album Everlight, growing up in Berlin’selectronic music scene, and how the city shaped his sound and mindset. He opens up abouttouring life, connecting with fans, and staying grounded while navigating success. Theconversation also touches on leaving Anjunadeep, starting his own label, and the realities ofbuilding a long term career in today’s music industry.Who is Nils Hoffman: Hailing from Berlin and shaped by German electronic culture, NilsHoffmann is a classically trained pianist turned melodic, deep, and progressive house producerinspired by artists like Paul Kalkbrenner and Trentemoller. He has emerged as one of electronicmusic’s most exciting rising artists, amassing over 100 million streams worldwide, with his 2022sophomore album A Radiant Sign on Anjunadeep earning over 15 million streams, reaching #1on the iTunes Dance Electronic chart, and receiving support from BBC Radio, SiriusXM, MaceoPlex, and Above & Beyond. In 2025, Nils releases his third studio album Everlight on his ownlabel Everlight in partnership with Maison Arts, accompanied by a global tour, following remixesfor ODESZA, San Holo, Emmit Fenn, and Eli & Fur, and performances at major venues andfestivals including Tomorrowland, Printworks, Brooklyn Mirage, and The Gorge, supportingartists such as Ben Böhmer, Gorgon City, and Stephan Bodzin.⏲ 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
298. MJ Cole on Finding His Sound, UK Garage, & Staying Creative
56:22||Ep. 298pointblank: Use code WILLCLARKE20 to gain 20% off pointblank LA or Online courses (excluding only degree programmes), or follow the link https://bit.ly/willclarkepbSign up for the latest podcast info - https://laylo.com/willclarke/uqFWnJKaPodcast Overview: In this conversation, Will Clarke and MJ Cole dive into the roots of UK garage, the evolution of British electronic music, and the importance of creating the music you genuinely want to make. MJ Cole reflects on his classical upbringing, his early love for hardcore and jungle, and how discovering slower tempos helped shape his signature sound. He shares how he keeps creativity fresh by avoiding autopilot in the studio, constantly experimenting with new tempos, tools, and sound-design techniques. They also revisit the journey behind “Sincere,” his breakthrough single and album, and discuss the realities of performing live, where passion often outweighs profit. Despite the industry’s pressures, MJ Cole emphasizes that he has never wanted to quit because his drive comes from true artistic expression.Who is MJ Cole: The 90s reshaped UK culture with garage, jungle and more, and MJ Cole stood at the center with a 2-step sound that influenced grime, dubstep and artists like The xx. His breakout hit “Sincere” became one of the first garage tracks to reach the UK top 40, leading to a career producing for Dizzee Rascal, Katy B, Becky Hill, Stormzy, and co-writing Mary J Blige’s “Nobody But You.” Raised in a musical West London home and trained at the Royal College of Music, Cole blended classical skill with electronic experimentation, eventually landing at Sound of the Underground and scoring chart success with “Crazy Love.” Today he stays focused on new ideas, pushing his sound through collaborations like AJ Tracey’s “The Rumble,” releases on labels like Method White, and his own imprint 892, all while championing underground artists and music that feels real and connected.⏲ 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
296. Oskar Eichler - From DONT BLINK on Cofounding Songstats and Growing 1001Tracklists
01:13:40||Ep. 296pointblank: Use code WILLCLARKE20 to gain 20% off pointblank LA or Online courses (excluding only degree programmes), or follow the link https://bit.ly/willclarkepbSongstats: For 10% off lifetime subscription use the code word "WILLCLARKE" or follow the link https://songstats.com/app?ref=WILLCLARKESign up for the latest podcast info - https://laylo.com/willclarke/uqFWnJKaPodcast Overview: In this conversation, Oskar Eichler talks about juggling his roles as a touring artist with Don’t Blink and his work in music tech at Songstats and 1001 Tracklists. He explains how his businesses helped fund his artist career, why multiple income streams are essential today, and how focusing on storytelling helped DONT BLINK have a breakthrough year. Eichler also breaks down festival realities, the need for virality, and how Songstats has evolved into a one-stop tool for artists with features like Radio Stats and label recommendations. His core message is that artists must promote more than they create and build a story that makes listeners care.Who is Oskar Eichler: Oskar Eichler is a touring DJ and producer behind the project DONT BLINK and a leading figure in music tech. Starting his career early by uploading DJ mixes that gained over a million subscribers, he went on to build multiple successful companies including Arcane, 1001Tracklists, and Songstats. His work has shaped the electronic music industry by giving artists and labels powerful tools to track data, grow their careers, and monetize their music. As DONT BLINK, Oskar continues releasing top-charting Tech House records and remains recognized as one of the scene’s most influential rising artists, all while leading a global team across his ventures.⏲ 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
295. SIDEPIECE - How They Built One of Dance Music’s Hottest Projects
01:06:24||Ep. 295pointblank: Use code WILLCLARKE20 to gain 20% off pointblank LA or Online courses (excluding only degree programmes), or follow the link https://bit.ly/willclarkepbSongstats: For 10% off lifetime subscription use the code word "WILLCLARKE" or follow the link https://songstats.com/app?ref=WILLCLARKESign up for the latest podcast info - https://laylo.com/willclarke/uqFWnJKaPodcast Overview: In this conversation, Will Clarke, Dylan, and Ricky cover everything from their coffee habits to staying healthy on tour. They break down how their SIDEPIECE duo works, stressing communication, collaboration, and the importance of having a solid team in the music industry. They also open up about financial uncertainty, building SIDEPIECE into a long-term brand, and navigating early success in house music. Other themes include breaking through gatekeeping, balancing ego and humility, evolving musical taste, and creating a community that stays connected to the art and the fans.Who are SIDEPIECE: While Dylan Ragland and Ricky Mears meant to start a side project, they weren’t totally expecting to create SIDEPIECE, the GRAMMY-nominated house duo that’s clocked more than 362 million global streams since its inception. The two producers – Ragland makes music as fan favorite Party Favor and Mears produces as dancefloor igniter NITTI – first linked via DM in 2019 to share track ideas. Sensing their musical chemistry, they jumped on Facetime. By the end of the call, they’d registered the @youasidepiece social handles and their own figurative side piece had been born.⏲ 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
294. Max Styler - Building a Music Career That Aligns With Who You Are
48:58||Ep. 294pointblank: Use code WILLCLARKE20 to gain 20% off pointblank LA or Online courses (excluding only degree programmes), or follow the link https://bit.ly/willclarkepbSongstats: For 10% off lifetime subscription use the code word "WILLCLARKE" or follow the link https://songstats.com/app?ref=WILLCLARKESign up for the latest podcast info - https://laylo.com/willclarke/uqFWnJKaPodcast Overview: In this conversation, Will Clarke and Max Styler delve into the journey of music production, the evolution of sound, and the challenges faced in the music industry. They discuss the importance of community, the role of record labels, and the impact of social media on artists. Max shares his personal experiences, including the struggles of balancing success with personal life and the excitement of starting his own record label. The conversation highlights the need for authenticity in music and the continuous growth required to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.Who is Max Styler: California-born Max Styler is a dynamic force in the world of dance music. Utilizing his over-a-decade of production experience to consistently push boundaries and evolve his unique sound with each release, as well as heading up his record label Nu Moda, Styler continues to establish himself as one of the industry’s staple electronic artists and tastemakers.⏲ 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
293. Cassian - The Man Behind Some of Dance Music’s Biggest Records
01:06:40||Ep. 293pointblank: Use code WILLCLARKE20 to gain 20% off pointblank LA or Online courses (excluding only degree programmes), or follow the link https://bit.ly/willclarkepbSongstats: For 10% off lifetime subscription use the code word "WILLCLARKE" or follow the link https://songstats.com/app?ref=WILLCLARKESign up for the latest podcast info - https://laylo.com/willclarke/uqFWnJKaPodcast Overview: In this engaging conversation, Cassian and Will Clarke explore the journey of a musician transitioning from casual DJing to a full-time career. They discuss the challenges and rewards of the music industry, the importance of performance and connection with the audience, and the balance between personal fulfillment and professional success. The conversation also touches on the significance of marketing, social media, and building a strong team to support one's career. Throughout, they emphasize the need for honesty, ambition, and the responsibility artists have towards their fans. Also touched on his roles with working with Rufus Du Sol & Anyma.Who is Cassian: Cassian is a Grammy Award winning DJ, producer, and mixing engineer from Australia based in Los Angeles. A leading voice in Melodic House and Techno, he counts 200 million streams and 1.5 million monthly listeners, with releases on Afterlife, Rose Avenue, and TSZR topping Beatport. He has played Tomorrowland, Coachella, EDC, and Lollapalooza, and headlined stages from Hï Ibiza and Red Rocks to Printworks, selling over 100,000 tickets worldwide. In the studio he helped RÜFÜS DU SOL earn a Grammy with Alive and has worked with Anyma, John Summit, Dom Dolla, Adriatique, and Hayden James, contributing to billions of streams and multiple gold and platinum records. He also served as Musical Director for Anyma’s Sphere show in Las Vegas, drawing over 200,000 fans across 12 dates.⏲ 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