The Will Clarke Podcast

Sign up for intellijend now: https://go.intellijend.com/will-clarkeRiordan joins me on the podcast for a proper conversation about what it actually takes to build a career in dance music today.We get into the reality of touring, how social media has completely changed the game for DJs, why great music alone isn’t always enough anymore, and the difference between getting views and building a fanbase that actually buys tickets.Riordan also talks about finding his sound, the pressure of following up big records, how TikTok helped launch his career, and why some artists blow up online but still can’t shift tickets. We also get into self-releasing, DJ support, playlist culture, the UK vs US scene, and the moments that make all the hard work worth it.A really honest episode about the modern music industry, building a career the right way, and what it takes to last.Talking points:The reality of touring full timeHow social media changed DJ careersWhy TikTok can launch records faster than everGreat music vs great marketingFollowers vs fans who actually buy ticketsWhy some viral DJs still can’t sell ticketsSelf-releasing music vs waiting on labelsFinding your sound as an artistBig commercial records vs club recordsUK crowds vs US crowdsBreakthrough moments in a DJ career⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://willclarke.komi.io/https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuew https://www.instagram.com/djwillclarke https://www.facebook.com/willclarkedj https://twitter.com/djwillclarke https://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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, Shadow Child sits down with Will Clarke to reflect on reinvention, longevity, and the pressure of evolving in a constantly changing dance music landscape. He opens up about the grind of the modern industry, blocking out the noise, and reconnecting with the reasons he started making music in the first place.Who is Shadow Child: Emerging from the rave, breakbeat, hardcore, and jungle scenes of the ’90s UK, Shadow Child first came to prominence as Dave Spoon with global residencies and hit remixes for artists like Pet Shop Boys and Dizzee Rascal. As Shadow Child, he’s carved a niche in deep house and bass-driven dance music, blending euphoric vocals with rave-inspired beats. Beyond the music, Simon mentors emerging artists and champions wellness in the industry, balancing high-energy performances with a thoughtful, grounded approach to his career.⏲ 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

intelligend 30% off life time subscription: Use "WILL" at checkout https://go.intellijend.com/willUse 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 episode, Will Clarke sits down with Joshua Grimmett of Goodboys to talk songwriting, creativity, and pressure in modern dance music. Joshua breaks down how early success reshaped his relationship with making music and why removing pressure has become essential to staying inspired. He explains his shift toward pen and paper writing, longer studio retreats, and protecting the human feel in songs. Joshua also shares stories around Grammy nominations, industry realities, and why finishing songs matters more than chasing the next hit.Who are Goodboys: Goodboys are a 2x GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum London-based duo with over 5 billion global streams, known for infectious vocal hooks and genre-blending dance records. They broke through with “Piece Of Your Heart” alongside MEDUZA, which hit #2 on the UK Official Charts, earned a GRAMMY nomination, and has surpassed 3.5 billion streams, followed by the multi-billion-stream hit “Lose Control.” Blending melodic basslines, euphoric production, and live vocals, Goodboys seamlessly bridge radio-ready anthems and underground club energy. Their high-energy DJ sets have taken them to iconic stages worldwide, including Tomorrowland, EDC Las Vegas, and Ushuaïa Ibiza, while they continue to expand their sound through new music, collaborations, and global touring.⏲ 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

pointblank: 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 sits down with Eliza Rose as she talks through the 10 year journey that led to B.O.T.A, from working in a record shop at 15 to hearing the track everywhere at Glastonbury and watching it snowball. She explains why blowing up earlier would have been too much for her, what it felt like going Number One with no money in her account, and how touring became relentless after B.O.T.A. Eliza opens up about burnout, losing her sound, chasing what she thought people expected, and stepping back to figure out what actually feels right.Who is Eliza Rose: Eliza Rose embodies the magic of UK underground club culture. The vocalist, producer, and DJ broke through globally with ‘B.O.T.A (Baddest Of Them All)’, reaching Number One and becoming the first female DJ to top the official charts in 20 years, after years spent building her reputation across London’s clubs, festivals, and record shops. Now with MOBO and Brit nominations, magazine covers, and a world tour, she moves seamlessly between the underground and global stage, collaborating with artists including Calvin Harris, Confidence Man, Carl Cox, The Trip, and Oppidan. Her DJ sets have reached major stages such as Glastonbury, Sonar, Love International, and Boiler Room, with upcoming appearances at Manchester’s Warehouse Project and Homobloc, while she continues to grow her label Rosebud Records and champion her crate-digging roots, bringing her UKG sound to audiences 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Songstats: 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

pointblank: 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

pointblank: 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

pointblank: 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 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.