Loud&Unfiltered

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, Josh Karpf sits down with rising house music artist Sian Owen for a candid conversation about breaking into the electronic music industry, finding your sound, and building a credible career in club culture from the ground up. From being scouted for The Circle and hosting a show on Flex FM, to learning to DJ during lockdown and going on to land releases on Defected’s D4 D4NCE imprint, Sian shares the real story behind her journey into house music. She opens up about the challenge of being taken seriously in the industry, why personality and relationships matter, and how she went from warm-up sets and brand gigs to becoming a full-time DJ and producer. The episode explores the craft of DJing in real depth — especially the underrated art of being a great warm-up DJ, reading a room, and building a dancefloor without chasing big moments too early. Sian also talks about the turning point when she realised house music was what she wanted to pursue fully, why some early opportunities did not align with her long-term sound, and how she is now focused on making more playable, authentic records for herself as an artist. She also breaks down the thinking behind launching Ryder Sounds, her own party brand and creative platform, designed to reflect her musical identity and champion artists she genuinely believes in. Along the way, the conversation touches on London club culture, grassroots venues, dream spaces like KOKO, the importance of keeping events rooted in the scene, and what it means to grow without losing authenticity. There is also plenty on Ibiza, including her newly announced Pacha shows, support from Sonny Fodera, her ambitions for a bigger international season, and how last year’s releases — including the viral “Bad Mama Jama” moment — helped raise her profile while also clarifying the direction she wants to take next as a producer. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 0:00 – “Intro: From Reality TV to Rising House DJ” 01:39 – “Who Is Sian Owen? Moving from Hertfordshire to London” 02:40 – “From The Circle (Channel 4) to Flex FM Radio” 03:40 – “Learning to DJ During COVID: First Decks and Obsession” 04:55 – “First Gigs, Brand Work & Transition into House Music” 06:15 – “How Reality TV Found Her: Festivals, Instagram & The Circle” 09:43 – “Personality vs Looks: Playing the Plain Jane on The Circle” 13:24 – “From Influencer DJ Fears to Earning Respect in House Music” 14:55 – “The Art of the Warm-Up DJ: Reading the Room & Holding Back” 18:05 – “The Moment It Clicked: First House Festival Set at La Fiesta” 19:54 – “Finding Her Sound & Saying No to the Wrong Gigs” 20:48 – “Launching Ryder Sounds: Brand, Vision & Cowboy Aesthetic” 24:53 – “First Ryder Sounds Party: The Annex, Shoreditch & Lineup” 28:11 – “Club Culture, 77 London & Growing the Brand” 29:38 – “Pacha Ibiza & Sunny Fodera: Huge Residency Moment” 31:41 – “Signing with D4 DANCE: Studio Sessions & Perfectionism” 32:37 – “‘Bad Mamma Jamma’: Viral Success vs DJ Playability” 36:42 – “Evolving as a Producer & Making Playable DJ Tracks” 37:30 – “Upcoming Releases & Teasing New Music on TikTok” 38:18 – “Advice to Her Younger Self: Start Early, Trust the Journey” 40:06 – “Five-Year Vision: Ryder Sounds Label, Big Venues & Festivals” 41:46 – “Quick-Fire: Dancefloor Weapons, Favorite Brands & Albums” 44:41 – “Wildest Party Story (PG Version) & Closing Thoughts”

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, Josh Karpf sits down with two of the most recognisable figures in global nightlife and DJ culture — The Menendez Brothers. From selling out their first parties at 18 to running events, booking festivals and playing across the world, Deniz and Eniz share the real story behind their rise in the music industry — built on energy, instinct and an obsession with making people dance. Recorded live in London, this conversation dives into their journey through Ministry of Sound, Defected, Glitterbox, Fabric, Ibiza and global festival circuits, alongside the realities of building a career in nightlife and electronic music today. The episode explores how they developed their signature DJ style — rooted in versatility, crowd connection and reading the room — rather than sticking to one genre or trying to follow trends. From early days learning on vinyl to playing major stages like Glastonbury, Notting Hill Carnival and Outlook Festival, they break down what it really takes to move a dancefloor. They also share honest insight into the business side of nightlife — running events, building brands like So Fresh So Clean and Feelings, and navigating the changing landscape of London club culture post-COVID. Along the way, there are stories from across their careers — from wild festival moments and global touring to the lessons they’ve learned working with some of the biggest names and venues in the industry. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 00:00 – Trailer 00:33 – Podcast Intro & Menendez Brothers Overview 02:38 – Inside Club 77: Sound System & Tech Setup 03:46 – Who Are the Menendez Brothers? Early Events & Ministry of Sound 05:51 – From Homeless Outreach to Full-Time Music Career 07:35 – First DJ Moments: Vinyl, Cheap Decks & Controlling a Dancefloor 09:28 – Genre Hopping & Mashups: Hip Hop Vocals on Drum & Bass 10:00 – Growing Up as Twins: Parents, Vinyl & Musical Education 15:00 – Leeds, Outlook Festival & The Sunshine Bus Era 16:19 – Twin Swap Chaos at Outlook & The ‘Deniz’ Cocktail 17:24 – Why Deniz & Eniz? Name Story & Twin Identity 18:10 – Ministry of Sound Golden Era & Core Crew 21:59 – Building Iconic Parties: Feelings, Dan Shake & DJ Alfredo 24:08 – State of Clubbing Post-Covid: London Nightlife & Youth Culture 25:00 – Alcohol Decline, Weed Culture & Changing Uni Nights Out 27:00 – Leaving Defected, New ANR Role & Ibiza Season with ANTS 30:00 – Skepta’s Mas Tiempo: From Grime Icon to House Party Brand 31:19 – Booking Strategy, Talent-Led Events & Temple Raves 31:49 – First Big Booking Fanboy Moments: DJ Hype & Fabric 33:10 – Embarrassing Fan Moments: Kaytranada in the Toilets 34:26 – Touring with Wu-Tang & Airport Encounter with RZA 37:39 – How the Menendez Brothers Read a Crowd & Fill Any Dancefloor 39:21 – Glastonbury, Wishing Well Stage & Rebuilding a Crowd from Zero 42:36 – So Fresh So Clean, Feelings & Their Own Party Brands 44:27 – Hip Hop Karaoke at Queen of Hoxton & Miss Dynamite Booty 46:06 – Future Plans: South of France, Family-Friendly Festivals & Ibiza 46:52 – Closing Thoughts: Community, Kindness & Supporting the Scene

For the 50th episode of Loud & Unfiltered, we step inside one of the most iconic institutions in global dance music, Ministry of Sound. Recorded live from the heart of the club, this special episode brings together the voices shaping the next era of Ministry, unpacking how a legendary brand evolves in a rapidly changing music, nightlife and cultural landscape. From underground beginnings to global dominance, Ministry of Sound has been a cornerstone of club culture for decades and now it’s entering a new chapter. For the 50th episode of Loud & Unfiltered, we step inside one of the most iconic institutions in global dance music — Ministry of Sound. Recorded live from the heart of the club, this special episode brings together the voices shaping the next era of Ministry, unpacking how a legendary brand evolves in a rapidly changing music, nightlife and cultural landscape. From underground beginnings to global dominance, Ministry of Sound has been a cornerstone of club culture for decades — and now it’s entering a new chapter. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 00:00 – Ministry of Sound: Career Launchpad & Industry Impact 01:15 – History of the Box: Iconic DJs & Dance Music Legacy 01:55 – Meet Matt & Joe: From Leeds, Festivals & E1 to Ministry of Sound 03:30 – Ministry of Sound at 35: Heritage, Emotion & Personal History 04:50 – Why Refurbish the Box? Reconnecting DJ & Dancefloor 05:10 – New Sound & Visual Design: Lucid, Patchwork and the Diamond Structure 06:35 – Farewell to the Stacks: Sound Testing, Anxiety & Capacity Boost 08:10 – 360 Crowd Experience: Boiler Room Influence & Multi-Level Club Design 10:50 – First Reactions: Walking into the New Box for the First Time 12:40 – First Ministry Memories: Gallery, Trance & Secret Sundays 18:40 – Building New In-House Brands & Repositioning the Club 24:40 – Marketing After the Sony Sale: From Compilations to Community 29:00 – Post-Covid Club Culture: New Venues, Occasions & London’s Ecosystem 32:10 – Why Ministry Creates Industry Leaders: Culture, Standards & Legacy 35:40 – Lohan’s Origin Stories: How Ministry Instills Brand Pride 39:25 – Where Ministry Sits in London, UK and Global Clubbing 43:55 – Reaching Gen Z: Targeting, Community & Changing Drinking Habits 47:05 – No & Low Alcohol in Clubland + Sober & Fitness Raving 51:40 – 35th Anniversary Masterplan: Refurbs, Tours, Merch & Book 54:50 – The Big 35th Birthday Weekend: October 3–5 56:00 – Office & Staff Stories: Culture, Chaos and Content Disasters 59:45 – Legendary Staff Parties & Photocopier Mayhem 1:04:10 – Will Ministry of Sound Still Exist in 35 Years? 1:06:05 – Life-Changing Clubs: Robert Johnson, Amnesia, Watergate & The End 1:07:45 – Dream Bookings in the New Box: DJ Harvey, Fatboy Slim & More 1:09:40 – Closing: Tribute to Ministry & Hype for the Future

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, Josh Karpf sits down with one of the music industry’s most influential behind-the-scenes figures — Rick Blaskey. A veteran of the global music business, Rick has worked with some of the biggest artists, labels and campaigns in modern music history. From shaping global marketing strategies for superstar acts to navigating the inner workings of record labels and artist management, Rick offers a rare insider’s view into how the music industry really works. Across the conversation, Rick shares stories from decades inside the business — including early campaigns for Whitney Houston, insights into artist development, the role of luck and timing in music success, and how record labels identify and build global stars. The episode explores the evolution of the music industry, the realities of artist marketing, and the complex relationship between creativity, commerce and cultural moments that shape the biggest music careers. For anyone interested in music business, artist management, record label strategy, or the history of global music marketing, this is a fascinating deep dive with one of the industry’s most experienced operators. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 00:00 – Trailer 00:46 – Host Intro: Rick Blaskey’s Legendary Music Career Overview 02:09 – How Rick Got Started: From Opportunity Knocks to Polygram 07:18 – Breaking Artists at Polygram: Million-Selling Records from TV 08:53 – Moving to Arista: Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin & Adult Pop 12:22 – First Week in New York: Discovering Whitney Houston in a Club 17:14 – Building Whitney Houston: Singles Strategy & Global Breakthrough 19:27 – Cracking France: Whitney Houston, Serge Gainsbourg & Viral TV Moment 28:13 – How Ghostbusters Happened: Film Meeting, Huey Lewis & Theme Song Battle 35:44 – Golden Age of Music: Why 70s–90s Artists Are Timeless 44:41 – Meeting Aretha Franklin: Detroit Supper Club & Dressing Room Piano 51:30 – Leaving Major Labels: From EMI Frustrations to The Music & Media Partnership 57:21 – Inventing Brand–Music Partnerships: Pepsi, Tina Turner & Rod Stewart 1:07:01 – Branded Compilations & Comedy Albums: Doc Martens, Milktray & Holsten Pils 1:11:49 – World in Union: Rugby World Cup Theme & Classical Crossover 1:17:48 – Creating Three Lions: How England’s Football Anthem Was Born 1:23:25 – Scotland, Missed Penalty & the Moment Three Lions Took Off 1:25:23 – From Football to World Cups: Ricky Martin, Russell Watson & Stadium Voices 1:28:35 – David Garrett & Classical Rock: Turning Violin into Pop Spectacle 1:30:32 – New Musical ‘Soul Sisters’: Aretha, Tina, Whitney & Nile Rodgers 1:35:22 – Rick’s Favourite Role: Songwriting, Bocelli & Reimagining Classics 1:39:43 – Final Reflections: Audiences, Lyrics & Why Great Songs Last

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, Josh Karpf sits down with one of the music industry’s most influential behind-the-scenes figures — Rick Blaskey. A veteran of the global music business, Rick has worked with some of the biggest artists, labels and campaigns in modern music history. From shaping global marketing strategies for superstar acts to navigating the inner workings of record labels and artist management, Rick offers a rare insider’s view into how the music industry really works. Across the conversation, Rick shares stories from decades inside the business — including early campaigns for Whitney Houston, insights into artist development, the role of luck and timing in music success, and how record labels identify and build global stars. The episode explores the evolution of the music industry, the realities of artist marketing, and the complex relationship between creativity, commerce and cultural moments that shape the biggest music careers. For anyone interested in music business, artist management, record label strategy, or the history of global music marketing, this is a fascinating deep dive with one of the industry’s most experienced operators. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 00:00 – Trailer 00:46 – Host Intro: Rick Blaskey’s Legendary Music Career Overview 02:09 – How Rick Got Started: From Opportunity Knocks to Polygram 07:18 – Breaking Artists at Polygram: Million-Selling Records from TV 08:53 – Moving to Arista: Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin & Adult Pop 12:22 – First Week in New York: Discovering Whitney Houston in a Club 17:14 – Building Whitney Houston: Singles Strategy & Global Breakthrough 19:27 – Cracking France: Whitney Houston, Serge Gainsbourg & Viral TV Moment 28:13 – How Ghostbusters Happened: Film Meeting, Huey Lewis & Theme Song Battle 35:44 – Golden Age of Music: Why 70s–90s Artists Are Timeless 44:41 – Meeting Aretha Franklin: Detroit Supper Club & Dressing Room Piano 51:30 – Leaving Major Labels: From EMI Frustrations to The Music & Media Partnership 57:21 – Inventing Brand–Music Partnerships: Pepsi, Tina Turner & Rod Stewart 1:07:01 – Branded Compilations & Comedy Albums: Doc Martens, Milktray & Holsten Pils 1:11:49 – World in Union: Rugby World Cup Theme & Classical Crossover 1:17:48 – Creating Three Lions: How England’s Football Anthem Was Born 1:23:25 – Scotland, Missed Penalty & the Moment Three Lions Took Off 1:25:23 – From Football to World Cups: Ricky Martin, Russell Watson & Stadium Voices 1:28:35 – David Garrett & Classical Rock: Turning Violin into Pop Spectacle 1:30:32 – New Musical ‘Soul Sisters’: Aretha, Tina, Whitney & Nile Rodgers 1:35:22 – Rick’s Favourite Role: Songwriting, Bocelli & Reimagining Classics 1:39:43 – Final Reflections: Audiences, Lyrics & Why Great Songs Last

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, Josh Karpf sits down with internationally renowned techno DJ and producer Alan Fitzpatrick to explore the realities of building a long-term career in the electronic music scene. From early beginnings in the UK underground to performing at some of the world’s biggest clubs and festivals, Alan has become one of the most respected names in modern techno and house music. Alan reflects on the evolution of the dance music industry, the pressures of international touring, and what it really takes to stay relevant in a rapidly changing global music landscape. We dive into the journey behind his releases on Drumcode, Cocoon and other iconic techno labels, his experiences playing in Ibiza and across global festival stages, and the mindset required to keep evolving as both an artist and performer. Along the way, Alan shares honest insights about the music industry — from the grind of early DJ life to the challenges of maintaining creativity while touring the world. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 0:00 – Cartel Afterparties & Armed Police Stop in Mexico 0:31 – Intro to Loaded Unfiltered & Guest: Alan Fitzpatrick 01:35 – Tobacco Dock Drumcode Set & Early Impressions 02:16 – 10 Years of “We Do What We Want” & We Are The Brave 04:18 – Building We Are The Brave & A&R Philosophy 06:30 – Standout Releases: Scream, Sasha & Seminal Tracks 08:20 – Collaborations & New Club Track with Carl Cox 10:09 – Early Influences: Slinky, 90s Clubbing & Genre-Blending Lineups 11:48 – Escaping the ‘Techno Only’ Box & Reviving Apex Faction 13:42 – New Talent on Apex & Balancing a Heavy Release Schedule 14:17 – Family Roots: Northern Soul, Motown, Prince & Bowie 17:31 – Live Music Regrets & the Power of Seeing Legends 21:26 – Can Electronic Music Match Rock Concert Emotion? 24:02 – Alan’s Hybrid Live / DJ Shows & AV Experience 27:08 – Visual-Heavy Shows, Anima & The Las Vegas Sphere 32:32 – Tour Chaos: Police, Crimean Roadside & Cartel Parties 36:41 – Malaysia Airlines MH370 Near-Miss & Perspective on Flying 39:30 – Worst Turbulence Stories & Thinking ‘This Is It’ 42:52 – Best Crowds: Chile, Argentina, Ireland & UK Culture 44:57 – How Club Culture Has Changed in 10 Years 48:40 – Staying Relevant After 20+ Years in Electronic Music 50:14 – Upcoming Releases, Collabs & 10-Year ‘We Do What We Want’ Edition 51:10 – Quickfire Round: Clubs, Festivals, Albums & DJs 52:02 – Closing Thoughts & Outro

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, we sit down with nightlife entrepreneur Kirk Allen, the man behind the relaunch of legendary Shoreditch nightclub XOYO, to unpack the realities of running nightclubs, building club brands, and marketing nightlife in the modern era. Kirk shares the full story behind purchasing XOYO, refurbishing the venue in just weeks, and documenting the entire process online — turning himself into an unlikely TikTok nightlife entrepreneur in the process. From promoting student nights in Leeds to running international festivals and owning multiple venues, Kirk has built a career around one thing: creating unforgettable nightlife experiences. Kirk also shares the inside story of running large scale projects including The Warehouse Leeds, Rise Festival, and international event experiences across Europe. Along the way we dive into the future of nightlife, the next generation of ravers, and why the club scene might actually be entering a new golden era. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 0:00 – Wild Early Promoter Days & Disaster Halloween Night 0:31 – Podcast Intro & Who Is Kirk Allen? 01:21 – Why Buy XOYO? Shoreditch, Licenses & Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity 02:07 – Deal Timeline: From First Visit to Signing in December 03:28 – Rebuilding XOYO in 4 Weeks: Basement, Budget & Changing the Plan 05:25 – Building the A‑Team: Designers, Production & Trusted Partners 07:12 – XOYO’s Legacy vs. New Chapter: Respecting the Past, Building the Future 08:13 – TikTok Strategy: Founder Story, Transparency & Viral Moments 10:19 – Opening Night: Press Day, First Party & Realising XOYO Is Back 11:33 – Nail the Product: Micro-Tweaks, Dancefloor Research & Premier League Ambition 13:22 – London vs Leeds Nightlife: Different Markets, Different Strategies 15:36 – Kirk’s Role: Vision, Bookings, Marketing & Diary Management 16:59 – Positivity About Nightlife: Fighting Negative Narratives in the Media 19:03 – Leeds Club Scene: Then vs Now & Why It Still Works 25:50 – The Warehouse, Leeds: Reviving a Legendary Club 27:28 – Why Kirk Loves Owning Clubs: Designing the Perfect Night Out 31:46 – Festivals & Trips: Rise Festival, Ski Weekends & Broken Bones 32:56 – Create It: Building Branded Weekenders with Big Artists 34:22 – Why Tenerife & Majorca Work: Flights, Seasons & Local Councils 37:05 – When Things Go Wrong: Risk, Crises & Learning from Nightmares 39:01 – Future Vision: No Masterplan, Just Grabbing Great Opportunities 41:44 – The Clubs That Changed Kirk’s Life: Mission Leeds & Pacha Ibiza 42:19 – Dream Bookings: Eric Prydz, Drumcode, Carl Cox & More 44:01 – Amsterdam Dance Event, Night Time Economy & Policy Support 45:03 – Promoter vs DJ: Why Kirk Chose Organising Over Performing

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, host Josh Karpf sits down with the multi-talented DJ, producer, vocalist and radio personality to unpack the real story behind his rise — including how his rework of “Rasputin” exploded worldwide, racking up hundreds of millions of streams and becoming a social media phenomenon. Majestic shares how years of groundwork in the UK garage scene, radio broadcasting and live performance prepared him for the moment when the algorithm finally hit. The conversation dives into the power of consistency, adapting to changing platforms, and why authenticity still cuts through in an attention-driven industry. From pirate radio culture and early London club nights to TikTok virality, global touring and building a sustainable career across multiple roles, this episode offers a rare behind-the-scenes look at what it really takes to stay relevant in dance music today. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 0:00 – Majestic Intro & Rasputin / Armand Van Helden Story 0:28 – Podcast Welcome & Audience Call-To-Action 0:50 – Who Is Majestic? Career Overview 1:31 – New York Trips, Touring Life & Burnout 3:02 – Early Life: School Music, Family & First Love of Sound 3:59 – Discovering UK Garage & Pirate Radio in Late 90s London 6:26 – Buying Decks, Ibiza Trip & Becoming a Teenage DJ 10:10 – First Pirate Radio Break: Time FM & SubJam 11:31 – From MC to Station Producer: Adverts, Imaging & Hustling 15:41 – Pirate Radio Culture, Community & Misconceptions 18:40 – Club Culture: First Bookings & Grassroots Venues 19:57 – How Smoking Bans & ID Rules Changed UK Nightlife 21:20 – Grassroots Venues, Intimacy & Resetting the Dancefloor 24:06 – Under-18 Raves, UTR & Let’s Go Crazy Era 28:12 – Lost Generations: Covid, Youth Culture & Rave Gateways 30:06 – The Making of “Rasputin” & TikTok Explosion 34:19 – Beatport #1, Heart FM & Armand’s Reaction 35:45 – Hate, Virality & David Guetta’s Advice 38:44 – Streaming Economics, Labels & Artist Exploitation 42:56 – TikTok as the New Pirate Radio & Algorithmic Culture 44:43 – Old Tunes, New Life: Kate Bush, Garage Classics & TikTok Revivals 47:39 – Content Pressure, Performance Anxiety & Being On-Camera 52:24 – Plain Old Kev: A Raw, Honest Artist Project 54:42 – Luminous Live Shows: Hybrid Rave–Concert Experience 57:06 – Breaking Into TalkSport & Sports Broadcasting 58:32 – Tyson Fury Interview & Radio Breakthrough 1:01:26 – From Music to Boxing: Ring Walk DJ & Event Curator 1:05:42 – Saudi, Queensberry vs Matchroom & Viral Boxing Moments 1:06:23 – Reading the Room: From Wembley to Madison Square Garden 1:08:12 – CALM Ambassador: Men’s Mental Health & Suicide Prevention 1:09:58 – Project 365, Therapy & Balancing Mind–Body–Soul 1:10:55 – Upcoming UK Garage Album & Big Features 1:11:59 – Closing Thoughts, Mutual Respect & Teasing Part Two

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, Josh Karpf sits down with rising UK DJ and producer Sasha Gigi to unpack the reality behind the breakthrough moments — from years of graft to playing Wembley alongside Fatboy Slim. Starting out as a singer-songwriter, Sasha built her way into the scene through university radio, relentless networking and years of DJing private events before stepping onto festival stages and major club lineups. The conversation explores her journey from Bristol’s underground scene to global opportunities, including playing Ibiza, going back-to-back with Idris Elba, and becoming the first DJ to perform on the Eurostar. Sasha shares honest insights into finding your sound as an artist, the pressure of social media in modern music careers, and why authenticity matters more than chasing trends. The episode also dives into the realities of being a female DJ in a male-dominated industry, the importance of community, and the balance between production, performance and personal brand. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 0:00 – Opening Story: From Fatboy Slim at Wembley to “Be Authentic” 0:34 – Podcast Intro: About the Show & What Listeners Can Expect 0:55 – Meet Sasha Gigi: Rising UK DJ, Producer & Vocalist 02:07 – Early Years: Saxophone, Singing in the Car & Falling in Love with Music 02:40 – Bristol Days: Uni Radio, House Music & Discovering the Club Scene 04:00 – Getting In the Door: Artist Interviews, Hoxton Radio & Fashion Week Gigs 05:20 – From Waiting Tables to Wanting Decks: The Pivot Toward DJing 06:11 – Memorable Early Interviews: Jungle, Tour Buses & Glastonbury Memories 09:30 – Years of Graft: 2017 Onward, Bar Gigs, Private Parties & Festivals 10:31 – Meeting Manager Katie Ellis: Networking Your Way into Top Management 11:50 – Lockdown Creativity: Band Project, Zoom Sessions & Songwriting for Others 15:40 – The Call: Landing a Support Slot for Fatboy Slim at Wembley 18:50 – First Time in Ibiza: Opening for Idris Elba & A Surprise Back‑to‑Back 21:20 – Confidence, Craft & Finding Your Own DJ Sound 22:50 – Studio vs Stage: Producing, Toplining & Testing Tracks in the Club 25:26 – Unique Gigs: First DJ Ever on the Eurostar & Lab 54 Pop‑Ups 26:47 – Clubs vs Festivals: Intimate Rooms, Superclubs & Arena Shows 28:15 – Inside the Electronic Music Industry: Living in Clubs & Constant Networking 28:50 – Being a Female DJ & Producer in a Male‑Dominated Scene 30:17 – Working with a Female Powerhouse Manager & Cracking the Underground 31:31 – Diversity, Lineups & Ticket Sales: The Reality for Promoters 35:29 – What’s Next: Ministry of Sound, New Agent & Summer Festival Plans 37:21 – DJ Career Advice: Cutting Through the Noise & Choosing Your Lane 40:39 – Artists & Labels to Watch: Maccabi, Hot Creations & Female‑Led Crews 42:06 – Quick‑Fire Round: Life‑Changing Clubs, Albums & Secret Weapons 44:07 – Closing Thoughts: Graft, Persistence & Inspiring the Next Generation of DJs

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, host Alex Jukes sits down with Sam Spencer, Director of Live Operations at Broadwick Live — the team behind some of London’s most influential music spaces including Printworks, Drumsheds, Magazine and the Albert Hall. From starting out on the cloakroom at a Frankie Knuckles show to helping shape era-defining venues, Sam shares a behind-the-scenes look at the operational reality of large-scale nightlife. The conversation explores the evolution of Printworks, the rapid rise of Drumsheds, and what it takes to deliver events for crowds of 10,000+ while keeping the experience focused on one simple principle: put the punter first. Sam also discusses London’s changing nightlife landscape, the economic pressures facing venues and audiences, and his work on the Mayor’s Nightlife Taskforce — a major industry initiative aimed at protecting and evolving the capital’s night-time economy. From licensing challenges and sound design to community culture, inclusivity and the responsibility of large venues to support the wider scene, this episode offers a rare insider perspective on the future of going out in London. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 0:00 – Origins of Electronic Music & Setting the Scene 0:36 – Podcast Intro: Who Is Sam Spencer (Broadwick Live, Drumsheds, Printworks)? 01:42 – Behind the Scenes: What a Director of Live Operations Actually Does 03:52 – Building Drumsheds London: From Warehouse Next to IKEA to 15,000-Cap Venue 05:13 – Listening to the Crowd: How Customer Feedback Shapes Drumsheds 06:21 – Designing Shows: Production for Underground, Commercial & Broadcast Events 06:58 – Black Music, Queer Events & Inclusive Programming at Drumsheds 08:08 – Running a 15,000-Capacity Show: Staffing, Security and Inclusive Briefings 09:35 – Fixing the Sound: Acoustic Challenges and Upgrades at Drumsheds 10:53 – Lessons from Printworks & Magazine: “Punter First” Venue Philosophy 14:06 – Getting into the Music Industry: Sam’s Journey from Drama School to Cloakroom 16:16 – Career Advice: Breaking Into Electronic Music, Operations and Venues 17:52 – War Stories from the Club: Flooded Lights, Broken Toilets and Backup Plans 20:26 – Mentors, Team Culture and Learning to Run Iconic Venues 22:31 – What Is the London Night Time Taskforce? 24:45 – The State of London Nightlife: Closures, Costs and Political Buy-In 25:59 – From Fragmented Voices to One Message: Industry Lobbying & Policy Change 27:35 – What Do Clubbers Want? Big Productions vs Small Intimate Clubs 32:49 – Transmission at Wembley: A Trans Solidarity Show for Electronic Music’s Roots 35:36 – Inside Printworks London: How It Became a Global Game-Changer 38:21 – Why Daytime Raving Worked: The Printworks Formula for London 39:49 – What’s Next for Sam Spencer and Broadwick Live?

In this powerful and unfiltered episode of Loud & Unfiltered, host AJosh Karpf sits down with Sam Divine, one of the most influential figures in UK dance music, for an honest conversation about longevity, reinvention, sobriety, and the future of the club scene. With a career spanning over 25 years, Sam opens up about the realities of life on the road, burning out in an industry built on excess, and why choosing sobriety became a turning point not just personally, but creatively. From sleeping in her car for early gigs to headlining global festivals, this episode traces the full arc of a modern dance music career without filters. Sam also dives deep into the launch of 555, her new label, tour and cultural movement built around grassroots venues, affordability, and artist freedom. She explains why five-hour sets, £5 tickets, and supporting emerging DJs are essential to preserving club culture — and why now is the moment to go back to the beginning. The conversation also explores female representation in dance music, the pressure of social media, the myth of overnight success, and why authenticity matters more than ever in an algorithm-driven industry. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 0:00 – Welcome to LOUD & Unfiltered + Sam Divine Intro 01:32 – Life on Tour, Time Off & Miami Music Week Plans 02:13 – Shutting Down a Brooklyn Block with Joe’s Pizza Set 03:29 – Asia Tour, Burnout & Learning to Pace Herself 04:34 – One Year Clean & Sober: The Reality of a Sober DJ Rider 06:57 – What Is 555? The Story Behind the Angel Number Brand 07:28 – 555 UK Grassroots Tour: Cities, Venues & £5 Tickets 09:14 – Saving Grassroots Clubs & The Lost Art of the Warm-Up Set 11:15 – Five-Hour Sets & Relearning How to Play All Night Long 16:34 – From Divine Sounds to 555 Records: A New Label Era 21:39 – Meet Nessie: Building a New Wave of 555 Artists 22:39 – Championing Female DJs & Diversity on Lineups 28:33 – Hard House Beginnings, Soulful House Pivot & Defected Breakthrough 32:09 – Writing From Pain: Divorce, Rehab & ‘Scars’ 38:04 – What’s Next: Ibiza, Croatia, 555 Expansion & New Artists 41:33 – Quickfire: Club, Albums & Influences That Shaped Sam Divine 43:21 – Playing After Kerri Chandler & Her All-Time DJ Hero 44:10 – Hot Artists to Watch: Nessie, Alisha, Olive F, Arielle Free 45:20 – Closing Thoughts: Gratitude, Sobriety & 555 Mission

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, we sit down with Phil Sales, one of the most respected figures in global electronic music management. From postering in Ibiza and flyering club nights to running Saturday programming at Ministry of Sound, Phil’s journey is a masterclass in earning your stripes — and understanding how the industry really works. Phil shares his path from grassroots promotion to managing world-class artists including Sasha, Mark Knight, Sonny Fodera, Frankie Wah and others, before becoming a key partner at Three Six Zero Management, one of the most influential management companies in the world. Along the way, he breaks down what a music manager actually does, how artist strategy is built, and why long-term thinking always beats short-term money grabs. The conversation dives deep into Ibiza residencies, why some artists burn out, how managers protect an artist’s status, the realities of working with agents and promoters, and why focusing on fundamentals will always matter more than chasing tech trends. Phil also reflects on unforgettable moments from Ministry of Sound, touring at the highest level, and why authenticity still wins in dance music. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 0:00 – Intro & Guest Bio 01:53 – Ibiza 2000: Poster Boys & First Season in Dance Music 03:23 – Ultra Vegas, Godskitchen & Quitting Commission-Only Promo 07:22 – Breaking Into Ministry of Sound 10:42 – Ministry as an Industry “Academy” & Alumni 12:18 – Superclub Era: Rebranding Saturday Nights at Ministry 15:08 – Transition Into Artist Management & First Client Mark Knight 17:02 – What Does a Music Manager Actually Do? 18:06 – Best Part of the Job: Touring, Live Shows & Seeing Plans Pay Off 19:52 – Long-Term Strategy: Planning Artist Careers to 2028 23:06 – Managing Legends: Repositioning Sasha for a New Generation 26:30 – Picking Gigs: Money vs Long-Term Brand & The Fatboy Slim “Checklist” 28:55 – Why Artists Change Managers & When You Should Get One 30:17 – Advice for Emerging Artists on Management & Work Ethic 31:52 – Discovering New Acts: Agent Tips, Triple ism & Breakout Records 32:07 – How Do Music Managers Get Paid? 34:43 – Tech, VR, AI & Why Fundamentals Still Matter Most 36:59 – Joining Three Six Zero: Structure and Collective Leverage 40:38 – Ibiza Residencies: Sunny Fodera at Pacha & Frankie Wah at Club Chinois 46:01 – Attention to Detail: Club Standards, Postering & Reading a Room 46:52 – Skills of a Great Manager: Communication, Authenticity & Not Being an Asshole 49:30 – The P Diddy Story: Standing Your Ground at Ministry of Sound 52:16 – Quickfire: Club, Record & DJ That Changed Phil’s Life 55:29 – Best Club in the World Right Now 57:02 – Who to Watch Next: Indo Warehouse & South Asian Dance Music

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, Josh sits down with Johnno Burgess, co-founder of Bugged Out and one of the most influential tastemakers in British club culture. From producing the legendary Jockey Slut fanzine in early-90s Manchester to launching Bugged Out at Sankeys, booking Daft Punk unmasked, supporting The Chemical Brothers from their earliest DJ sets, and building one of the most enduring club and festival brands in the world — this is electronic music history told by someone who was there. Johnno shares unheard stories from the golden era of clubbing: Daft Punk DJing for expenses, Thomas Bangalter playing live before global fame, hearing Roger Sanchez’s Another Chance for the first time in the booth, and how Bugged Out became a gathering point for techno heads, students, LGBTQ+ ravers and future industry leaders alike. The conversation traces Bugged Out’s evolution from underground Manchester nights to Liverpool superclubs, Fabric residencies, electroclash moments, and the rebirth of the Bugged Out Weekender, now celebrating over 30 years as a cultural institution. Along the way, Johnno reflects on community, musical cycles, the power of instinct over hype, and why underground culture continues to matter more than ever. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 0:00 – Iconic DJ Booth Memories & Roger Sanchez’s “Another Chance” 0:33 – Origins: Johnno Burgess, Jockey Slut, and the Manchester Scene 04:36 – How “Jockey Slut” Shaped Club Culture 07:00 – Daft Punk’s First Interviews, Early Connections, and Club Evolution 10:08 – Fanzines, Magazines, and Launching Bugged Out 13:58 – Growing a Dance Community and Sound Evolution (Techno, House) 18:03 – Liverpool: Moving to larger venues, booking legendary DJs like Daft Punk and Fatboy Slim, and achieving mainstream recognition. 24:14 – Electroclash, New Sounds, and Shaping Music Trends 27:28 – Bugged Out at Fabric and London’s Club Scene 30:36 – Launching the Weekender: Festival Culture & New Generations 38:54 – Adaptation and Longevity: The Secret to 30 Years of Bugged Out 41:44 – Legendary Moments: Daft Punk, Thomas Bangalter, and Clubland Stories 44:34 – Influence and Inspiration: Bugged Out’s Place in UK Club History 45:44 – The Future of Bugged Out: Weekender 2026 & New Horizons 47:13 – Print, Publishing, and Preserving Club Memories 49:44 – Legacy Reflections and Continuing the Journey

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, we sit down with Quentin Chambers, one of the UK’s original acid house promoters and a central figure behind some of the most legendary illegal raves of the late 80s and early 90s. From warehouse parties and motorway shutdowns to evading police surveillance, fake decoy convoys and 25,000-strong outdoor raves, Quentin shares the unfiltered truth about how the UK rave scene was really built. The conversation traces the rise of Energy, the infamous M25 raves, moral panic headlines, arrests, police infiltration and how early acid house events broke down barriers of class, race and culture. Quentin also reflects on why those moments can never be recreated, how underground culture continues to evolve, and what today’s promoters can still learn from the chaos and creativity of that era. Beyond raves, the episode explores Quentin’s later work as a DJ, producer, music tech pioneer and his role in early digital radio, online music platforms and the relaunch of OpenLab, founded by the late Robert Miles. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 0:00 – Introduction & Podcast Overview 01:05 – Guest Introduction: Quentin Chambers, UK’s OG Rave Promoter 02:19 – Early Musical Influences and Discovery of Electro 03:28 – The Birth of Acid House & London’s Club Culture Shift 06:24 – The Acid House Explosion: Community and Social Barriers Broken 10:11 – From Dancefloor to Event Promoter 12:40 – Organising Massive Raves: Logistics, Sound, and Police Evasion 19:22 – Ticketing, Promotion, and Party Operations 22:12 – Police, Law Evasion Tactics, and Decoy Trucks 28:22 – Health, Safety, and Law: Production and Party Experiences 29:09 – Media Sensation, Public Perception & Moral Panic 35:04 – Legalisation of Raves and Venue Evolution 44:39 – DJ, Producer, Groove Tech & The Dawn of Online Radio 49:46 – Open Lab and Honouring Robert Miles’ Legacy 00:53:34 – Expanding Open Lab: Future Plans & Growth 54:36 – Quickfire Q&A: Influential Clubs, Records, DJs 58:07 – Closing Thoughts & Final Reflections