Interviews

I had the privilege to sit down and talk with the legendary producer, DJ, Mongoloids and S-Men Memeber, Junior Sanchez. Speaking with passionate artists like Junior is a great reminder for me about why I started doing this. The focus remains about the music. We talk about topics including Daft Punk, Louie Vega, Roger Sanchez Armand Van Helden, Kerri Chandler, IMS as well as the past, the present and the possibilities and pitfalls the future may hold with AI and new technology. Towards the end of the interview we touch on mental health and the importance of stopping general trauma. We dove into how technology has impacted the over all quality of “good” music being produced. Junior shares a funny story about traveling over seas only to then return home to have his ego checked. He also shares his insights as the evolution of skill has changed for becoming a producer and DJ in the past to the present.

I feel particularly close to this episode. Elif inspires me. She made the cross over from consumer of music to artists. Her story is one I look up. We met during the Soundgarden Party in 2023 and I had the privilege to do a quick interview with her. Her message is clear, direct and encouraging. She walks the walk and talks the talk for anyone who is an aspiring artist. About Elif: In the heart of Istanbul's bustling streets, Elif, a Turkish producer, emerges as a luminary in the realm of electronic music. Her journey began in 2019, and since then, she's crafted an illustrious path, marked by acclaimed releases on renowned labels like Stil vor Talent, Anjunadeep, Kindisch, and The Gardens of Babylon. Now based in Barcelona, Elif's sonic odyssey captivates audiences worldwide, earning her a well-deserved place among dance music's elite. At festivals and events across the globe, Elif's presence is magnetic. Behind the decks, her aura exudes serenity, a stark contrast to the whirlwind she conjures on the dancefloor. Her signature sound blends flowing melodies with emotive undertones, seamlessly weaving hypnotic drum patterns, intricate arpeggios, pulsating kicks, and driving basslines. Each selection is a journey, evoking introspection and standing the test of time. As both a storyteller and an artist, Elif's talents shine bright, propelling her to rapid global acclaim. Yet, this is merely the dawn of her journey. With each beat, she scripts a new chapter, leaving an indelible mark on the tapestry of electronic music.

As we approach Miami Music Week 2024, it’s only appropriate to release this interview with @jonathancowan311 . He is someone you absolutely NEED to know in this space, especially when it comes to events like Winter Music Conference, now Miami Music Week. He’s been named one of the most influential people in the history of @wintermusicconference, and that right there should say enough. He’s got his hands in all aspects of the scene. He’s responsible for the partnership with DJ Mag and the Epic Pool Parties. He’s the brains behind legendary parties at the Shelborne that Nick Warren and Doc Martin still talk about, and he used to run bookings at the legendary GrooveJet in Miami. Additionally, he’s behind famed parties like Marco Carola’s “Music On”. Jonathan isn’t just and entrepreneur; he’s also an incredibly accomplished DJ, producer and label boss. The story goes that his long-time friend Dave Seaman actually pushed him into mixing. Talk about getting a sign. When Dave speaks, you listen. Jonathan is part of that glue that made and still makes Miami Music Week a magical week. He’s held residencies at Pacha Ibiza and has too many accolades to mention in one post.

For many of us, we use music as a tool for healing physically, emotionally and spiritually. Sound has been used in ceremony and in healing practices in indigenous cultures for thousands of years. It’s only in the last 20 years we’ve started to see new age popularity around sound baths and sound healing start to pop up. But as technology evolves it lends the opportunity to learn more about the medicinal benefits and effects that sound can have. Kalya will provide those types of opportunities. I had the privilege to interview Giorgia and Valero, 2 out of the 3 founders of @kalya6357 Kalya Kalya started off as a wearable multi-sensor headband and app for natural brainwave entrainment, to heal mind, body and heart through the scientific application of sound but it has take a direction of bringing more live holisitc healing events to the masses. I was mainly interested because the sounds and music were designed by classically trained musician @giorgiaangiuli . If anyone knows sounds it’s the person who has dedicated their life to it. Like i mentioned before, Kalya looks to bring live holistic healing events as well. I’m excited to see what they bring to the community. They’ve got a great team with great intentions, and that’s what I’m all about right there!

If you've been to stereo in the last 10 years, you've seen Fadi Moha. You can't miss him. He's draped in beautifully designed hats, shawls, kimonos, canes, you name it, and a boatload of other accessories. It's not just his outfits, but it's his energy that are true to his name, Fabulous Fadi. You can't miss him on or outside of the dance floor. His energy is contagious, and it acts as a beacon. beacon of light for many in the community. Today, I am honored to share Fadi's story with you. Sharing our stories and pain is what makes us human. When we open up about our struggles, we create a safe space where people can relate to our experiences. We can connect. The electronic music community and its power to bring people together has been influential in Fadi's life, and like many of us, it has impacted him in so many positive ways.

You know Rui Da Silva! You've heard his hit track Touch Me that took the World by storm in 2001 and cemented himself in dance music history forever.Today we're going deeper than that. We're getting to know the artists Rui Da Silva. I ask questions I'm always yearning to ask when it comes to the artists and their creative process. Where did they draw inspiration from and what type of mindset do they have when it comes to production and creating tracks? We also touched on the balancing act between creating for yourself and having structure around the music you create. We also spoke about his inspirations and the different areas of his life that he pulls from. Rui shared some pivotal life moments that helped shape his creative process, which was super insightful. It was cool to find out that we both shared similar musical influences and inspiration from artists like Pink Floyd. I learned about an upcoming project in which he has a track that pays homage to Pink Floyd. I'm really looking forward to that release. It really was such an honor and a privilege to chat with him and hear his viewpoints on how he approaches music and life. I resonated with a lot of what he shared. Thank you for taking the time out to speak with me Rui, it really meant a lot and to everyone watching and listening, please if you haven't already like and subscribe it really helps out the podcast with the algorithm.

Doc Martin Embodies everything that is still sacred in dance and electronic music. He’s not here for the social media likes or the latest trend. He’s here for the music and to share his passions and love for it through his genre bending, vibe cultivating sets with you all. He’s true to himself and respectful of those who have come up before, with and after him who have stayed true their roots and to the essence of the culture. When I think of Doc, the words "stay with the music" come to mind and I think that hold true. Doc shared his experiences from the early days of Winter Music Conference. We talked a lot about the history of Winter Music Conference, and how MURK Records, Oscar G and Ralph Falcon played 2 of the most influential roles in the Miami Electronic Music Scene, which ultimately helped craft Miami Music Week and some of the legendary parties that took place back then, some of which we still hear whispers about today. We spoke about some of the other Pioneers of WMS with the likes of Richie Hawtin, Oscar G, Ralph Faclon, Jonathan Cowan, Danny Tenaglia, Nick Warren, Todd Terry, DJ Sneak (we missed you, next year!) and others. A special moment for me was running into him on the dance floor at Treehouse, which was once the infamous Groove Jet. I did not expect to see him on the dance floor. A lot of what we see in on social media are DJs in private jets or getting escorted in golf carts…far removed from the dance floor. So seeing him as one of us, in the crowd was really refreshing. That’s because Doc is for the people. I ran into him during the Lee Reynolds B2B Porky set just before Rodriguez Jr came on, we exchanged a hug and shared a few words. He stayed for both of those sets, supporting his west coast brothers as well as Rodriguez Jr. the either time smiling from ear to ear. It gives me hope that there is still that sense of community amongst top tier artists and that they're there to support each other and stay for the music.

Today I've got another special interview for you all it's not every day we get to sit down with an award-winning music producer and live performer like Rodriguez Jr. What an honor it was to speak with the electronic music pioneer. This episode is timely because today we talked about his newest album Feathers & Bones which has just been released this past month on all platforms. Wow, you can feel the emotion Rodriguez Jr. put into his music. It hit your. In this album he stays true to his roots exploring different sounds throughout the album. Feather's and Bones features a line-up of talented artists and collaborations with Liset Alea, Giorgia Angiuli, and the iconic, Stereo MC's. In an age where albums are an art form less explored, Rodriguez Jr.'s conviction in crafting stories that touch lives remains unshaken. This is a personal recommendation to go check it out. I've linked everything in the bio above. We spoke on what it was like for him pioneering a genre early on his career and the influences that came along with that. One of the high lights for me during Miami Music Week was seeing Rodriguez Jr. perform live at The Soundgarden. We spoke about that experience and all of the magic that makes an event like that so special, especially as a live performer. Funny story, I actually saw him perform live at CityFox Halloween 2019 before Medtronica was even a thought. I think it's cool when things like that come full circle. So with that being said please like comment and share or follow if it feels true to you. It really helps out the podcast and I hope you enjoy this episode

I found out about Liset through an Instagram story she was hosting a live acoustic concert on Miami Beach during Music Week it sounded like it could be a nice change of pace after all the untz untz.... I was correct I was treated to an acoustic Oasis of songs in French Spanish covers by New Order and it was a treat to say the least. Funny enough I was watching videos of the the Nick Warren and Hernan boat party, and Liset and I were both in attendance, but we had no idea who the other was. When I think of Liset the first word that comes to mind is multi-talented. Liset is a Cuban born singer songwriter multi-dimensional and multi-talented musician whose talents have taken her from Miami to New York, Paris, Amsterdam and toured all over the world she has an incredible resume as a musician touring the world live performances to 1.5 million people underground music shows you name it she's done it but what I found most remarkable and most interesting was her story and how she came to the U.S with her family through Exile from Cuba the story tugs at your heartstrings to say the least and it's a reminder of how our past and our struggles can fuel our art for Liset, she feels like she's just beginning to hit her stride as an artist and I can't wait to see what the future holds for her all links to her socials and music videos are in the description below please make sure you check them out and give her a follow you will not be disappointed so without further adieu let me introduce Lisa Alea

Today is special, because my guest is none other than the legendary Nick Warren. Some of you may know him as a pioneer of the progressive house genre, you also may know him through his deep melodic soundscapes with Way out West. You also may know him through the label and touring event that he and his partner Petra run, The Soundgarden. As far as careers go, Nick has done it all, but he’s not resting on his laurels and he’s if far from finished and more motivated than ever.I had the honor to sit down with Nick during The Soundgarden’s debut at the Sagamore Hotel during Miami Music Week.What an epic event. The energy was palpable and the line up was incredible well curated. Congratulations to Petra, Nick, Jon Cowan and all the artists that performed, it was something special to be a part of and witness.  We sat down and spoke about his project with Jody Wisternoof, Way out West, and how those sounds have ability to be very healing for someone like myself who struggles with mental health. We also talked about some of the pressures and insecurities we all experience and the pressures that come with “trying to be cool” when it comes to musical taste. I hope you enjoy the episode.

In this interview, Hernan and I discuss what electronic music means to him and its ability to impact people especially in a post pandemic world. One of my favorite parts about interviewing artists is the passion they have for what they do. It's contagious. Combine his passion for music with the fact that he's Argentinian and passionate by nature as he says, and you will find yourself inspired and smiling along with him as he expresses his love for what he does. Honestly, I'm ready to move to Argentina solely based off the interview and my experience with the crowd at the party. This man is true salt of the earth. My newbie nerves got the best of me and It took me a bit to get into the groove of things, but Hernan was kind enough to guide me along the conversation. Thank you to Super Progressive for making this happen and to Set Underground crew for welcoming us in. It wouldn't be fair if I didn't mention the crowd at the event and to the people of Argentina for their passion for life and for dance music. Thank you. I hope you enjoy our conversation as much as I did. A little bit of a behind the scenes back story which I hope you enjoy. We arrived at the boat to set up. We ran the studio mic and the lapel mics. We had two camera angels running which you can see in the super progressive video. One camera was running of a gimbal but the gimbal freaked out it when it was my turn to sit in the chair. Nance why my video only has one angle. Bummer but not the end of the world. We wrap the interview and I got to check the audio… Will’s mics failed. Okay no worries I have the lapel audio. I check the lapel audio… can’t find the clip. I’m freaking out. Will is keeping it cool but I’m freaked. We go the entire party thinking we don’t have the audio. Still a great time but a bit bummed. The next morning I wake up and have a feeling I need to check my audio again and come to find out it’s there. Highlight moment of the trip, we got the audio. I like sharing these parts with you because it real and it’s the journey of building this and concept from my heart and brain to you.