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In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Astronafrica aka Raphael Ramires, a Sydney based Brazilian born, DJ, producer, radio host, cultural agitator, founder, producer and curator of Mixagi Collective, New Beginnings Festival and Settlement Services International. Raphael and James discuss the cultural boundaries and political challenges with developing diverse music platforms in Sydney Australia during lockout laws and COVID, that existed prior and still exist post the pandemic and the lockout laws. Raphael shares his insight and personal first hand experiences through his music projects working with First Nation and Refugee artists. FOLLOW ASTRONAFRICA:: https://www.instagram.com/astronafrica/

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is Egyptian, Amsterdam based Moataz Rageb aka Disco Arabesquo, who for the last few years, grabbed the attention of music lovers, electronic music, vinyl enthusiasts and the dance music industry.  A sociologist, DJ, researcher and avid collector of Arabic cassettes and vinyl, his DJ sets and mixes have been blowing up dance floors and spreading like wildfire online.  With a rich and deep understanding of sounds from the 70's, 80’s & 90’s of the Middle East, SWANA regions and its diaspora, he’s recognised as a music historian. He’s collaborated with labels such as WeWantsSounds, Habibi Funk Records and has a vinyl release forthcoming featuring edits with Saudi-Irish DJ producer Moving Still. Moataz and James discuss his recent international appeal, 80’s Egyptian love letters on cassettes, ethical licensing and artist acknowledgment. FOLLOW DISCO ARABESQUO: https://www.instagram.com/discoarab/

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Martha van Straaten, real name Hannah, recognised internationally for blending her fond love of folkloric, global electronic music. Truly a bright star in her genre, who now continuously travels the world sharing joy through multicultural sounds in clubs and on festival stages, after years of yearning cultural connection. Martha and James discuss how a lack of cultural exposure created a hunger for connection, expression and the reverse positive effects with art and music. FOLLOW MARTHA VAN STRAATEN: https://www.instagram.com/marthavanstraaten/

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with co-founder and label head of one of the most internationally respected house and electronic record labels over the last decade, Tooli of Local Talk Records, out of Stockholm, Sweden. Tooli is often referred to as “the other guy” of Local Talk, alongside his partner Mad Mats, both of them also co-run Omena Records, a few other labels individually, and Tooli also runs 18437 Records, one of his latest projects since 2020. Tooli and James discuss multiple label management, distribution, A&R, label cycles, keeping focussed, structure and tenacity. FOLLOW TOOLI (LOCAL TALK): https://www.instagram.com/__tooli__omena.local.talk/

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Phillip Lembke aka Sticky Dojah, a German DJ and music consultant based in New York.  Phillipp moved to New York over a decade ago, continuing his hip hop dream, after several years, DJing, producing events and booking American artists to perform in Germany and Europe. Today he’s the main force behind the “Touch Of Classics” event, resident DJ for Disco Tehran, a radio presenter on The Lot Radio with his “Records Before Rent” show and more widely recognised internationally for his Instagram ‘7 inch mashup videos that have gone viral in all corners of the world. Sticky Dojah has shared the stage with some of the greatest artists of both yesteryear and today. Phillipp and James talk about finding your way in New York, taking risks and bringing skills forward and social media DJ content advantages. FOLLOW STICKY DOJAH: https://www.instagram.com/stickydojah/

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Rob Garza, one half of trailblazing electronic music duo, Thievery Corporation, also known for his standalone project GARZA. Rob discusses his latest project, capturing Yemeni culture, history and displacement through music in an unprecedented expedition organised by the UN’s World Food Program. An Ambassador for the World Food Program, this is the first time Rob Garza, collaborating with musicians on a WFP mission. Rob also share’s insight to Thievery Corporation’s almost 30 years, enduring appeal of sharing music and experiences worldwide, and discusses his solo project GARZA, his label Magnetic Moon and Amplified Yoga. FOLLOW ROB GARZA: https://www.instagram.com/robgarzamusic/

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Aussie born, London based, Lawrence Millar, Head Of Commercial Partnerships at Earth Music Agency and Founder of Cosmo-Media. With over twenty years of industry experience, Millar is a highly innovative creative thinker, who connects people and music all over the world. Lawrence works closely with agencies, brands, talent, NGO’s and charities, with a balanced and positive approach to various music, and entertainment projects, involving marketing, partnerships, music management, publishing, social media, sync deals, licensing, the list goes on. James and Lawrence discuss how brand partnerships in music have evolved and their thoughts on the current state of festival and club bookings, as they reflect over 2022. FOLLOW LAWRENCE MILLAR: https://www.instagram.com/llawrencemillarr/ https://www.cosmo-media.net/

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith, is with Barcelona based Isabelle (Izzy) Naud, former electronic music industry professional in events, marketing and communications. Izzy is now a Tai Ji Quan instructor, physical therapist, Shiatsu and Thai massage therapist, and Third Dan Black Belt Kung Fu fitness coach specifically for electronic music artists and professionals. Izzy's career spans over twenty years combining both electronic music and martial arts experience. It was over a decade ago Izzy transitioned to working as a martial artist instructor, therapist and fitness coach for the electronic music industry, finding purpose serving the electronic music industry to achieve success and high performance. James and Izzy discuss burnout and the widely more accepted and rapidly growing health and wellbeing services for the electronic music industry in today’s current climate. FOLLOW IZZY NAUD: https://izzynaudwellbeing.com/

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Life & Career Coach for Music Industry artists and professionals, Ariane Paras. Ariane runs Olympia Coaching and with over fifteen years of music industry experience, she helps artists and music industry professionals build their confidence, find purpose, and develop healthy strategies for improving their personal and professional life. Ariane shares how she transitioned from electronic music industry burnout to finding her purpose in music, overcoming challenges, fears, learning from a near death experience and about some of the amazing tools and methods she uses with her clients in her coaching practice. FOLLOW ARIANE PARAS: https://olympiacoaching.com/about https://www.instagram.com/olympiacoaching/

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with one of San Francisco’s integral 90’s house music producers, DJ, producer, vocalist, Tyler Stone. Stone aka Ms T, has released on some of House music’s most iconic labels such as Strictly Rhythm, Henry Street, Eightball, including her latest release on Large and has worked alongside pivotal producers like Miguel Migs, Chris Lum and Jay-J. After cutting her teeth at Third Floor Productions in San Francisco, Stone opened her own studio “Ms T Productions” and became one of the “go to” engineers in the house music community. Tyler shares her early days with building music business relationships and opportunities with real life community, proximity, communication, collaboration and connection. FOLLOW TYLER STONE: https://www.tylerstonemusic.com/biography

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Los Angeles based, Japanese New Zealand  musician, composer, music producer, DJ, Mark De Clive Lowe. For over twenty years De Clive Lowe has produced and performed across the globe, he has worked with a list of artists and labels across the world of jazz, electronica, broken-beat, house, R&B, hip hop and pop, that many would dream about. In recent years De Clive Lowe entered the Web3 space, exploring and finding new ways to build new music business models and communities that encouraged collaboration and prosperity to the independent artist and entrepreneur. Mark shares his experiences and how the evolution of the music industry can be positive with Web3 music and NFT’s. For extra Intro to Web3 music + NFT FOLLOW MARK DE CLIVE LOWE: https://tell.ie/mdcl/links https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mark_de_Clive-Lowe http://MdCL.tv http://mashibeats.xyz

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Australian broadcaster, DJ producer and label owner of his imprint own Heard and Felt. Widely respected and recognised across the globe as a purveyor and the man to go to for the deepest jazz, soul, beats and bleeps, Ennio Styles. For over twenty years Ennio has been a voice searching and supporting the connections between spiritual jazz, earthly rhythms, future funk science and raw club beats. His 21 year radio show Stylin’ on one of Melbourne’s leading independent radio stations RRR and syndication on Giles Peterson’s Worldwide FM, is a music home that is trusted, where many labels, artists, DJ’s and music lovers return week in week out.  Ennio shares about the never ending thrill of the search, positive music business grinding and Australia’s amazing internationally recognised jazz and electronic music today. FOLLOW ENNIO STYLES: https://www.instagram.com/enniostyles https://www.rrr.org.au/explore/programs/stylin

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith, is with Berlin based artist, dj and music producer, activist, Pooja B aka ikigai. Originally from Pune, India, who also lived in Dubai before landing in Berlin to continue exploring her music path. Pooja has changed careers along the way to a more music focussed path which also now includes working for Abelton. Pooja’s music projects and activism focuses on bringing more awareness towards anxiety, ADHD, mental health, identity and intersectionality. We spoke about her journey from Pune to Berlin, channeling through her art, music and performances, to express her self-discovery, learn about her own identity, heal from unpleasant emotions and experiences.    FOLLOW POOJA B aka IKIGAI:  https://www.instagram.com/pooja.b.cdwm/  https://linktr.ee/pooja.b.cdwm

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Aussie Lebanese DJ and music producer, Jarred Beeler aka DJ Plead. DJ Plead has been making waves with his unique style of beats and production, referencing rhythms, scales and timbres of Lebanese pop and traditional Lebanese wedding music, blending them with contemporary RnB, Club and other dance styles, making tough, functional, and percussive tracks. Beeler runs his label SUMAC which created a platform that launched his career, including the likes of Logic 1000 and Jon Watt. DJ Plead, also one half of drum-workout duo Poison and a member of high energy trio BV, has toured Europe, India and China. This conversation features the current impact that touring has on mental health, the environment, electronic music economy and independent artists. Also discussed is the importance of learning and diversifying your music business. FOLLOW DJ PLEAD: https://www.instagram.com/djplead/

From Tehran to Detroit, in this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith, is with Detroit based Iranian artist, music producer, DJ, electronic musician, Salar Ansari. Salar moved to Detroit almost a decade ago to immerse himself amongst musicians, producers, history and electronic music culture, a place he dreamed about. Little did he know what was installed for this journey, that led him to work with DJ producer Derrick May’s label, Transmat, then meeting and working closely with songwriter, record producer and keyboardist, Luis Resto, known for his twenty year collaboration with Eminem, at Salar’s favorite yogurt, rice and beans spot. Salar Ansari spoke about the road to establishing himself in America for a new life and following his heart. FOLLOW SALAR ANSARI: https://www.instagram.com/passedoutonapersianrug/ https://ra.co/dj/salaransari/biography

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith, is with Matty Adams aka Monday Night Adams. Formerly a music journalist, now an Artist and Coach in the electronic music industry, helping others transform their stress, anxiety and fatigue into a deep-seated faith in their own abilities to succeed in the industry.  Matty turned to coaching after losing his dream job and what he thought was his identity, leaving him with suicidal ideation, which he navigated through with introspection, reflection and being coached in a safe space. Matty discusses his road from darkness to seeking a new purpose and meaning in electronic music and how to celebrate yourself. FOLLOW MATTY ADAMS: www.instagram.com/mondaynightadams

In this episode I’m speaking with Alabama artist, music producer and musician, Byron The Aquarius, aka Byron Dewayne Blaylock. Byron has appeared on some of the most groundbreaking independent labels; Apron, BBE, Shall Not Fade, Eglo, Wild Oats, Sound Signature and now he is the owner of his own imprint Talknoise. Recognised globally in electronic music for his sublime jazz-infected house sound, his keyboard wizard skills and his deep love for melody and harmony, which has led him to work with the likes of Jeff Mills, Theo Parrish, Kai Alce and tour the world, playing festivals such as Dekmantel, Dimensions, Suncebeat and many others. Byron and I spoke about surrounding yourself with the right support and the importance of understanding the music business is just as important as understanding your art. FOLLOW BYRON THE AQUARIUS: https://www.instagram.com/byrontheaquarius/ https://ra.co/dj/byrontheaquarius/biography https://www.facebook.com/ByronTheAquariusMusic

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith, is with UK’s Deep Heads label owner and founder, writer, music producer and artist, Zeb Samuels. Since 2010, Deep Heads has been pushing and releasing a wide selection of music with influences of electronic, jazz, ambient textures, UK bass, Dubstep and everything in-between. Zeb remains heavily involved in A&R and a producer of the label and in recent years has turned to making his own music for a creative process and expression that helps both his professional and personal life. Before Deep Heads, Zeb has worked in distribution and pressed vinyl. We spoke about distribution today, both the new digital and vinyl revolution, the impact on the environment and independent label operations. FOLLOW ZEB SAMUELS: https://www.instagram.com/deepheads https://www.instagram.com/zeb_samuels_/

In this episode I’m speaking with Berlin based, Australian born music journalist, Christine Kakaire. Christine has worked in music and culture her entire adult life. Starting her career from Sydney, Melbourne, London to Berlin, in distribution, record stores, content curation and journalism. Christine’s work has appeared, contributed and published by Abelton, Boiler Room, Crack, Groove, Pitchfork, Resident Advisor, The Face, Soundcloud, Red Bull and more others. Currently Christine writes a bi-monthly column for Berlin nightclub Berghain. Kakaire is also a seasoned host, presenter, moderator and leads the Black Creative Database, an initiative of the community platform Black Artist Database. In 2021 Christine was named an Honoree of SheSaidSo’s Alternative Power list. We spoke about her life in electronic music culture journalism, Black Artist Database, industry auditing, privilege and equality. FOLLOW CHRISTINE KAKAIRE: https://www.christinekakaire.com/about-me https://www.instagram.com/thestrawberrygrrrl/

In this episode I’m speaking with indigenous Egyptian artist Reem Abdou aka DRĖĖĖMY, founder of New York based music, arts, wellness, environmental, and social justice movement The Collective BAE and co-founder of BASSyoga.  The Collective BAE is a global feminine-powered multicultural mindful multi-genre movement infusing well-being into nightlife spaces and balancing creative ecosystems with marginalized perspectives. I was fortunate to have met DRĖĖĖMY and play an event together at the House Of Yes club in New York in 2019 with Nickodemus. Since meeting we have shared interest and encouragement in each other's projects and love for the Arab world and culture. In this conversation we spoke about balancing between spiritual, personal and entrepreneurial growth, and deconstructing patriarchal systems of thoughts and behavior in the music industry. FOLLOW DREEEMY: https://www.instagram.com/dreeemy/ https://well.cards/dreeemy https://www.forbes.com/sites/lisakocay/2020/01/21/collective-bae-empowers-women-art-wellness/