The Toolroom Academy Artist Breakthrough Podcast

Finishing Tracks, Overthinking & Producer Mindset...In this episode of The Artist Breakthrough Podcast, Pete and Cal dive deep into one of the biggest struggles producers face - actually finishing music. From perfectionism and overthinking to feedback, rejection, and creative block, they unpack the mindset shifts that help artists move forward and release more consistently.They discuss whether a “perfect track” really exists, how to handle opinions on your music, why too much feedback can hurt creativity, and the importance of trusting your instincts as a producer. The conversation also explores DJing your own tracks, working with engineers, red flags in feedback, social media’s impact on music culture, and why every artist’s journey looks completely different.An honest conversation packed with practical advice for producers trying to break through without losing themselves in the process. 📈

Steven Braines joins us on The Artist’s Breakthrough Podcast to share his incredible journey through the global music industry - from promoting club nights in Sunderland to becoming one of electronic music’s most respected voices.Steven is the co-founder of the award-winning HE.SHE.THEY., former Head of Events for Defected & Glitterbox, and has worked across legendary brands including Ministry of Sound, Kiss and TAP Music. He’s also served on the boards of the NTIA, MMF and AFEM, while managing internationally acclaimed artists including Maya Jane Coles, Tale Of Us, Tricky, Nadine Shah, SYREETA, Catz N Dogz, Emily Nash, KDA and more.In this episode we dive deep into artist management, networking, club culture, diversity in dance music, mental health, building long-term careers, and what truly separates successful artists from the rest. Steven also shares powerful advice for new producers and DJs trying to break through in today’s music industry.From Ibiza stories and underground culture to major festivals, chart success and global touring - this episode is packed with honest insight, inspiration and real-world industry knowledge.

Laura is an award-winning producer, DJ and songwriter, and the first woman to win the Music Producers Guild Self-Producing Award.In this episode, she breaks down her journey from DIY pop projects and vocal features to becoming a fully self-produced artist in the dance music world.We talk about the moment that changed everything at Miami Music Week, why she stopped putting vocals on her own tracks, and how she built a signature sound by not reinventing the wheel every time.She also opens up about balancing motherhood with touring, the pressure of constant content, and why finding your own process matters more than chasing trends.If you’re trying to build a long-term career in music - this is one you need to hear!

London-based DJ, producer and multi-instrumentalist Kiimi joins the Artist Breakthrough Podcast to talk about their journey from classical music training to playing some of the UK’s most exciting underground dance floors.In this episode, Kiimi shares how learning multiple instruments shaped their musical identity, why they refuse to be boxed into one genre, and how lockdown became the unexpected moment that pushed them into DJing and electronic music.We also dive into building a career in the modern dance scene, the importance of community in club culture, navigating social media as an artist, and why financial stability is a topic the music industry doesn’t talk about enough.Kiimi also discusses launching Club Hunni, their initiative supporting FLINTA producers and artists, and reflects on the realities of breaking through as an independent artist in today’s music landscape.If you're an aspiring producer, DJ, or artist trying to find your sound, this conversation is packed with honest insights and advice.

Being a DJ today looks very different to how it did even a few years ago. In this episode, Pete sits down with Jamie and Lawrence from Crossfader to talk about what it really takes to build a career in the modern DJ world.From the early days of Crossfader in Leeds to becoming one of the biggest DJ education platforms online, they break down the fundamentals most DJs overlook - developing real skills behind the decks, building a network, creating attention online, and learning how to read a crowd when not every set is a Boiler Room moment.They also discuss the realities of getting your first gigs, why many DJs overthink genres and playlists, how content and storytelling have become part of the job, and why authenticity matters more than ever in a crowded scene.

Carly Wilford joins the Artist Breakthrough Podcast to share her journey from 12-hour bar sets and Rinse FM breakfast radio to playing Tomorrowland and building an international DJ career.In this episode, Carly opens up about reinventing herself in dance music, navigating industry setbacks, starting again during the pandemic, and transitioning from presenter to producer. She breaks down the realities of momentum, networking, resilience, and what it actually takes to build longevity in today’s scene.If you're trying to carve your own path as a DJ or producer, this one is packed with perspective, honesty, and real-world lessons.

D. Ramirez has lived through every era of dance music - from witnessing the birth of house in the UK to shaping sounds that defined entire movements. In this episode, he unpacks the real story behind his journey: early rave culture, underground clubs, Top of the Pops, career-defining remixes, industry mistakes, and the moments that almost broke him.This is a rare, honest conversation about longevity, reinvention, and what it actually takes to survive 30+ years in dance music - told by someone who was there when it all began.

From early label politics and dodgy contracts, to moving to London with no studio, working as a waiter, and rebuilding everything through residencies, relentless output, and smart connections. We get into workflow, touring vs family life, why warm-up culture is fading, how he writes so fast (including making Love Desire in under an hour), and why he’s staying true to house even when trends move on.