ROAD PODCAST (Reflections Of A DJ)

Episode 372: LAIDBACK LUKE “Discovering Avicii, DJing on an iPhone, and the Rise of Pre-Recorded Sets” This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @LaidbackLuke for a rare deep dive into his Vegas roots, the peak of EDM, and what keeps him inspired after three decades behind the decks. He recalls returning to Las Vegas and the opening of Hakkasan in 2012, a moment he calls the “we won” era of dance music when pop stars like @Pitbull and @IAmWill jumped on the EDM wave (01:66). Luke breaks down those early residencies that felt exotic at the time and how Vegas became a second home (06:10). The conversation turns to his most viral controversy: DJing on an iPhone. Luke explains the real setup behind it, the backlash, and how he uses feedback from that experience to push technology forward (11:27). Between laughs about “Do Not Disturb” mode during sets and Optic calling him the “Kevin Gates of EDM,” Luke shares how he balances innovation with the physical toll of performing that way. Luke also opens up about his respect for open-format DJs, calling them “heavily underrated,” and breaks down his approach to preparing for festivals while staying spontaneous on stage (28:01). Comparing DJing to martial arts, he says the real mastery comes from being prepared enough to adapt in real time (34:01). From there, he dives into the darker side of modern EDM: pre-planned sets, ghost production, and DJs who are “famous for being famous.” He estimates that 80 to 90 percent of festival sets are no longer fully live (36:35). Luke also revisits his time mentoring Avicii, running one of the first online DJ forums, and the wild story of downloading “Levels” on Limewire after fans wouldn’t stop requesting it (45:59). Later, he gets personal about burnout, sobriety, and finding longevity in an industry that rarely slows down (53:01). He shares the creative spark behind “Show Me Love” with @SteveAngello (1:19:05), and how that track evolved from “Leave the World Behind” into one of EDM’s defining remixes. The episode closes with Luke reflecting on control, collaboration, and his remixes being available on @Beatsource as he continues shaping the next generation of DJs (1:30:01). Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 370: DJ BOOGIE BLIND "The Death of Originality in DJ Culture" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @BoogieBlind to talk about his Bronx roots, coming up with Lyrics to Go, and learning from Roc Raida (2:10). Blind shares how he chose DJing over basketball after seeing Roc Raida’s success and reflects on the original “X-Men Rules” (9:10). He pays respect to Clark Kent, opens up about his battle DJ mentality, and talks about “protecting his energy” in an era where copying is normalized (12:10). Crooked and Blind discuss the “me against the world” mindset of battle DJs, how relationships change as you grow (15:16), and the difference between people’s online personas and real-life character. Boogie calls today’s scene “the most cut-and-paste generation of DJs” and addresses imitation, technology, and Serato’s impact (26:05). They debate content vs. ability, give props to younger DJs pushing boundaries (24:01), and Blind shares his approach to sets: half battle DJ, half party rocker (32:01). He recalls playing @Shaboozey at Dante’s Hi-Fi, discusses vinyl culture, and opens up about self-doubt, crowd control, and staying a fan of the craft (44:01). Blind also speaks on his party “Easily” (51:01), the mic game in the 2010s (1:00:01), his love for island music and production (1:13:01), and the crew’s take on quick mixing (1:27:01). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!! Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 368: DISCO_NECT "Abandoning The Open Format Grind To Form a Disco House Collective" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @TheDisco_Nect (@DJWS, @PartyWithStrategy_, and @CautionItsHeavy) to share their journey and vision for disco’s revival. At (02:34), White Shadow recalls meeting Strategy and Heavy during a Will Ferrell event that bonded them through disco, leading to their takeover of @CelesteChicago. By (10:57), Crooked introduces the idea of the “working class DJ,” sparking candid talk about burnout, money struggles, and questioning whether DJing was worth it. The crew reflects on DJs struggling to see themselves as artists (11:20), the evolution of Chicago’s house scene, and how nightlife has shifted from ticket sales to social media clout. At (23:50), they debate whether open format is oversaturated, with White Shadow emphasizing musical identity and Crooked calling it “the most selfless job.” Strategy shares his moves between Chicago and Houston (32:30) before the trio break down curating disco nights, creating edits, and fully committing to Disco-Nect with four weekly residencies at Celeste (40:01). By (54:01), White Shadow explains why he asked his partners to quit other gigs, outlining the crew’s roles (1:06:10) and how Strategy has never been happier DJing (1:08:15). The episode closes with a discussion on staying relevant across genres (1:09:13) and a critique of bookers’ misplaced priorities (1:28:01), reinforcing Disco-Nect’s belief that the DJ remains the centerpiece of nightlife. Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 366: THE BEAT JUNKIES "Why DJs Need a Retirement Plan" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @DjMeloD, @DJDStyles, and @DJ4Real24 to talk about their careers, @theBeatJunkies, and their Cali pizza spot @MadeFromSkratchPizza. They kick things off with Melo-D gives flowers to @DJAngieVee’s “Yer Not Down,” and D-Styles celebrates the iconic “Low End Theory” party that helped launch artists like @FlyingLotus, @Tokimonsta, and @Daedelus (03:55). The crew also reflects on how today’s DJ competitions differ from the Beat Junkies era (18:45). Jaime introduces the Beat Junkies Institute of Sound as “the Avengers teaching you how to be superheroes,” while the fellas joke about bad DJ habits, online instruction, and even a ROAD discount code. D-Styles on “Phantasmagoria” (20:01) and Suneel sharing how he first met the Junkies (39:45). The junkies revisit how the pizza concept was born at Icon LA, tracing its roots to the legendary “Red Cup Sundays” (40:20). By (44:55), the fellas dive into how the idea took shape: three years of persistence, unexpected obstacles like finding an old gun in the concrete, and the vision of turning it into a retirement plan for DJs (1:01:01). They break down the musically inspired menu, the goal of franchising (1:13:10), and the hurdles of navigating city rules (26:01). The conversation then shifts to DJ culture: Suneel shares how he built the sound at Made From Skratch (1:18:45). Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 364: DJ TRAUMA "From ATL to Dave Chappelle, Navigating the Celebrity DJ Scene" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @DJTrauma to reflect on his journey from New York to Atlanta and beyond. At (00:55), Trauma recalls growing up in Manhattan and how his DJ name came from a friend’s little brother. By (04:30), he’s reminiscing about partying in the Meatpacking District and what it meant to be “outside.” He explains what it means to be a “vibe DJ” (07:15). He compares the craft of DJing to stand-up comedy (10:35). Trauma then shares how a free event unexpectedly led him to working with @DaveChappelle (12:52), and a relationship that grew into legendary gigs like First Avenue in Minneapolis and Radio City Music Hall in NYC (15:56). The conversation dives into Trauma’s reputation as “Chappelle’s DJ” (30:01), @PhifeForever performing at his 21st birthday, and the rise of Atlanta’s unified scene with @Outkast, @GoodieMob, and @JermaineDupri (34:40). He speaks on the epic Freaknik parties (45:55), the power of ATL DJs (1:03:40), and throwing LA house parties where @mr_Camron once performed in his living room (1:20:20). Trauma also reflects on early trips to Africa, how Chappelle’s Retreat and Summer Camp shaped his career (1:35:01), and why soulful events like Soul in the Horn keep him grounded in the music that matters. This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!! Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 362: RASHAD SMITH (Pt.2): "Bad Boy's First Hitman & His Fallout With Biggie" In Part 2 of our deep dive with legendary producer @Rashad_Ringo_Smith, the @RoadPodcast crew uncovers even more behind-the-scenes stories that shaped the sound of hip-hop and R&B.Rashad kicks things off by breaking down the making of the iconic “One More Chance” and its different versions (00:01), before opening up about the intense, high-stakes creative process at Bad Boy Records under the direction of @Diddy (09:01). He reveals how the classic “Bad Boy” sound came together — especially the blend of vocal powerhouses @theRealFaithEvans and @theRealMaryJBlige, which helped redefine R&B (20:03).He shares the wild backstory behind LL Cool J’s “Doin It” — a track originally made for Biggie — and the behind-the-scenes fallout with Puff and B.I.G. when it landed elsewhere (27:21). The crew dives into LL’s catalog and legacy (50:34), before Rashad reflects on his creative connection with @QTipTheAbstract and his work with A Tribe Called Quest (54:22).Wrapping things up, Rashad talks about collaborating with @Nas and @50cent, and reflects on the moment that stands out most in his legendary career (1:30:01). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!! Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 361: JASON JANI "The Wedding DJ Who Built a Private Event Powerhouse" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew chops it up with @JasonJani — DJ, entrepreneur, and founder of @SCEEventGroup — as he shares his journey from New Jersey club nights to redefining private events. Jason recalls how he got his start in 1995, spinning at local spots like Deco Lounge and DJing on the Shore (2:30, 14:30). He talks about learning from setbacks (24:53) and how skills from corporate America helped shape his DJ business (25:48, 27:55). He explains how he broke the mold of the “cheesy wedding DJ” by bringing a nightclub mindset to private events (28:14), using YouTube to market himself (33:20), and building performances that spoke for themselves (35:34). From being recruited for the Watch The Throne tour to getting business advice from Virgil Abloh, Jason shares wild stories from the celebrity circuit and tour life with Ariana Grande (53:25–1:04:03). He breaks down SCE’s revenue model and creative team culture (1:17:30), gives props to @NickSpinelli for going viral (1:25:00), and opens up about leading a business through serious financial challenges and the pandemic (1:45:30–2:12:58). The episode wraps with Jason’s thoughts on DJs limiting themselves and why SCE launched its conference to push the private event scene forward (2:16:44). Try Beatsource for free: https://btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: https://bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 359: BRAD LEBEAU "From the Early Days of Disco to a Record Promo Dynasty" This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with legendary music marketer, DJ, and founder of @promotion1983, Brad LeBeau, for an unfiltered conversation on the evolution of dance music, the hustle behind hit records, and the personal cost of chasing legacy in the industry. With his company “PRO MOTION” celebrating 42 years at the forefront of record promotion, Brad reflects on the moments that defined his journey. Brad opens up about his early DJ days, sharing how his father’s advice shaped his outlook (4:42), and how substance use became a short-lived fix for performance anxiety (08:33). He reflects on his time at Discoteca magazine and witnessing the birth of disco in America (21:01), before diving into his first major solo promotion: @Afrika_Bambaataa_Official and Soulsonic Force’s “Planet Rock” (23:01). He breaks down his philosophy on record promotion, working with @DianaRoss in 2017 (49:11), and his brief but dramatic collaboration with @LouieVega on an official Diana Ross remix—and their eventual falling out (1:13:34). Brad shares his thoughts on streaming vs. selling singles (1:34:01), the devaluation of music through price drops, theft, and convenience (1:45:15), and his continued love for the craft despite industry changes. He also recounts working with Gloria Estefan and the little-known backstory of Gloria Gaynor’s “I Will Survive” (2:13:01). The episode wraps with a deep dive into DJ edit culture, the economics of remixes, and the growing disconnect between record labels and working DJs (2:23:01). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!! Try Beatsource for free: https://btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: https://bit.ly/3EeCjAX