Trackstack Podcast

Cameron & George sit down in London, January 2025 to talk about their journey building Trackstack. Covering new product announcements, how they handle growth and their view on the future of the electronic music industry. @trackstack.app Get started with Flow Inbox: https//www.trackstack.app

Karl Lingard shares his journey from a musical upbringing to becoming a DJ and producer. He discusses the importance of networking in the music scene, the challenges he faced in his career, and the realizations he had about success and self-worth. Karl emphasizes the significance of a creative process that is free from pressure and the balance between his music career and personal life. He also outlines his future plans for career development and the importance of building a sustainable music business. In this conversation, Cameron and Karl Lingard explore the multifaceted journey of a DJ, discussing the importance of building a solid foundation, the unseen work behind music production, and the evolving landscape of social media, particularly TikTok. They delve into the challenges of the electronic music scene, the significance of authenticity, and the necessity of patience and enjoyment in the pursuit of success. Karl shares insights on learning and teaching within the industry, emphasizing the value of free education and personal growth. Takeaways Networking is essential for building relationships in the music scene. Support videos can significantly impact a track's success. Lockdown provided an unexpected opportunity for music production. Success should not be solely measured by external validation. It's important to maintain self-worth independent of industry fluctuations. A creative process should be intuitive and free from pressure. Balancing a music career with personal life is crucial for sustainability. Building a client base can provide financial security. Exploring various genres can enhance artistic expression. Planning and gradual steps are key to transitioning into a full-time music career. It's important to build a solid foundation in your career. Many people don't see the extensive work that goes into being a DJ. Social media, especially TikTok, is crucial for engagement. Authenticity is key in today's music industry. The electronic music scene is rapidly evolving. Getting gigs is becoming increasingly competitive. Free education has transformed music production learning. Patience is essential in the music industry. Enjoy the process of making music and don't rush. Letting go of frustrations is vital for growth.

Ryan and Rory, two friends who met at Bournemouth University, joined forces to create the duo "RSquared." Taking inspiration from Music On and Paradise, as well as their love of disco, funk, and tech, they nurtured their sound to create a unique, catchy, and energetic vibe. Since releasing their first EP in early 2020, they have gone on to sign with record labels such as Knee Deep in Sound, 303 Lovers, Too Many Rules, and Libero Records, among others. RSquared's sharp percussion and rolling drums have garnered support from DJs such as Hot Since 82, Marco Carola, Jamie Jones, Dennis Cruz, and Paco Osuna. They have also received a significant amount of support on radio stations such as BBC and Kiss FM. With 2023 on the horizon, the young duo is poised to cement their place as rising talents in the tech house scene. Connect with RSquared Website Instagram Soundcloud Twitter Facebook Key Background & Formation: R-squared formed while at Bournemouth University, initially starting as solo artists before coming together The name "R-squared" came after trying various options, chosen for its simplicity They started by DJing before moving into music production Got early studio lessons from established artists like Iglesias which helped accelerate their learning Musical Development & Style: Initially sounded similar to Iglesias but developed their own distinct sound incorporating: 80s influences and disco elements Distinctive use of big snares and percussion Multiple layered baselines created by combining different samples Known for their unique sampling techniques and loop manipulation Career Journey: Took 2-3 years of consistent releases before getting regular gigs Notable breakthrough track "Brown Eyes" released on Knee Deep Records Have upcoming releases planned with Nicole Moudaber's "In The Mood" label Looking to expand into US market and have plans for Miami Music Week Production Insights: Use creative sampling techniques, including: Combining multiple baseline samples Extensive use of percussion due to Rory's drumming background Starting tracks at slower BPM (122-123) before speeding up Focus on finding unique samples from obscure sources Personal Growth: Rory opened up about his sobriety journey (55 days at time of recording) Discussed how sobriety has improved his music production and performance Now taking piano lessons and exploring new creative outlets Emphasized the importance of discussing addiction/recovery in the music industry Industry Insights: Discussed changes in the industry including: Need for social media presence and marketing Importance of consistent releases Evolution of tech house sound Growing US market for their genre Balance between label releases and self-releasing Advice for New Artists: Start producing music alongside DJing rather than waiting Be consistent with releases (aim for monthly if possible) Don't be afraid to start by emulating others before developing your own sound Focus on being creative and finding unique samples Don't be too hard on yourself during the development process

Oskar Eichler is a Entrepreneur and DJ / Producer who has built Songstats and 1001Tracklists as well as being one half DONT BLINK @dontblinkmusic Summary 1. **Life as a Digital Nomad in Bali**: Oskar has been living in Bali for almost a decade, enjoying the relaxed, unique lifestyle that combines remote work with island vibes. He describes how Bali offers a distinct experience for digital nomads, comparing it to other hotspots like Thailand. For Oskar, Bali is a haven for those seeking balance between professional and personal life, complete with studios set in scenic villas. 2. **Evolution of the DJ Scene**: Oskar reflects on the transformation of the DJ scene, reminiscing about the days of physical records and vinyl culture. He shares how digital platforms, like YouTube, have reshaped the industry. Back in the day, DJs would dig for music in record stores, building connections through a shared love for music—a very different experience from today's instant access to digital tracks. 3. **Challenges with Digital Rights and YouTube**: Oskar talks about his journey with a YouTube channel that quickly gained over 100,000 subscribers by sharing DJ mixes, only for it to be abruptly shut down due to licensing issues. Undeterred, he launched another channel, this time negotiating with electronic music labels for proper licensing, which grew to over a million subscribers. He shares the ongoing struggles DJs face with content ID systems, which often block or claim earnings from uploaded mixes. 4. **Nostalgia for Traditional DJ Practices**: Oskar expresses nostalgia for the original, hands-on elements of DJing, like beat matching on vinyl. He discusses how modern DJ software has removed much of the tactile experience, shifting the DJ's role from crate-digging in record shops to managing playlists on digital platforms. Both he and the host agree that some of the social and creative magic of early DJ culture has been lost in the digital age. 5. **Connecting through Global Festivals**: Oskar highlights the importance of music industry events like ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event) as opportunities for connection, collaboration, and celebration within the electronic music scene. Reflecting on his early years of “hustling” for connections, Oskar notes how the tables have turned—now, people seek him out, a testament to his growth and influence within the industry. **Episode Summary**: This episode presents Oskar's insights and experiences in the evolving world of electronic music and DJing. He shares a mix of personal stories and professional reflections, from adjusting to Bali's unique lifestyle to navigating the digital challenges in music. Oskar's perspective underscores the resilience needed to adapt to the fast-paced changes in the industry, all while celebrating the roots of electronic music culture.

Manu Naykene, joins us for the Trackstack Podcast - EP 31. We touched on Manu's origin story, how he got into DJing and content creation, advice for up-and-coming producers and much more. Send tracks to Manu: https://tstack.app/manu Send demos to KLUB RECORD: https://tstack.app/klub-record Connect with Manu: clozer.io/manunaykene Key takeaways: • Manu ecently completed a mini-tour, including performances in Dubai, Doha, and Mykonos. • Professionalism is crucial in DJing, including staying focused during performances and limiting alcohol consumption while playing. • Manu highlights the importance of "locking in" during performances to ensure the audience has a good time. • DJ etiquette and the balance between appearing as a "party person" while maintaining professionalism behind the scenes. • Manu's background to music starting DJing around 2016, inspired by South African DJs and the Afro house genre. • Getting gigs as a new DJ often requires persistence and "hustling" - reaching out to venues directly and being proactive. • The importance of enjoying the process of learning to DJ, such as the satisfaction of successfully transitioning between tracks. • Electronic music is becoming more global, with pop music increasingly incorporating electronic elements. • Modern DJ sets often include a variety of genres, focusing more on creating a "party vibe" rather than sticking to a single genre. • The value of building a career from the "grassroots" level and how it can help in the long run.

Sean Willers, UK from The Willers Brothers⁠ join us to share his story for life after the party. Having enjoyed a residency at Egg for over four years, we, Sean and Liam Willers, aka The Willers Brothers, became a highly successful DJ act, regularly playing top London clubs, including Ministry of Sound, Tobacco Dock, and more. As regulars on the Berlin music scene, we frequently played hotspots such as Watergate and Tresor. We also hit the decks at high-profile venues like Pacha in Barcelona, The Zoo Project in Ibiza, SWF Festival in Amsterdam, Bit Club in Sao Paulo, plus venues in Tokyo and Moscow. We were the second most listed DJs to play at Egg and were signed by the Watergate agency, which saw us move to Berlin and enthusiastically throw ourselves into the party lifestyle. Throughout our career, we played alongside many big-name DJs, including Darius Syrossian, Kerri Chandler, Waff, and Yousef. As music producers as well as DJs, we achieved several number ones on decks.de and top 10s on Beatport, releasing our catalogue on both vinyl and digital formats to high acclaim. However, the demanding nocturnal lifestyle began to take its toll. I, Sean, became gripped by a vicious drug and alcohol addiction, leaving me feeling like a wreck mentally, physically, and financially. We gained a reputation for excessive consumption, which started breaking down our relationships and negatively affecting our DJing work, causing us to repeatedly fall out with numerous agencies and people within the industry. Learn more about Willers Fitness https://willersfitness.co.uk/ Follow Sean on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willersfitness/

Kodewerk, Georgie Marshall UK joins us on The Trackstack Podcast. Episode Highlights: Miami Music Week Experiences: Recap of events, highlighting the unexpected rain and its impact on their plans. Anecdotes about attending a flooded restaurant and the overall vibe of the week. Professional Reflections: George shares his initial misconceptions about the event being more work-oriented, while it turned out to be largely social. Emphasis on networking and reconnecting with industry peers. Personal Journey: George opens up about his 15.5 months of sobriety and the positive changes it has brought to his life and career. Discussion on the importance of having a clear vision and purpose in his work. Future Aspirations: Plans to be more involved in both the creative and business sides of the music industry. Desire to participate more in conferences and events for professional growth. Aim to bridge the gap between artists and their audience by sharing more personal stories and backgrounds. Key Takeaways Networking and Reconnecting: Events like Miami Music Week are valuable not just for the music but also for the opportunity to reconnect with industry peers from around the world. Sobriety and Clarity: Georgie's journey towards sobriety has provided him with a clear perspective and renewed focus on his career goals. Importance of Vision: Having a clear and well-defined vision is crucial for professional success and personal fulfilment. Engaging with the Audience: Sharing personal stories and connecting on a deeper level can enhance the audience's connection with the artist. Future Plans: Continuous learning and involvement in the business side of the industry are key for long-term success. Kodewerk is one of the music scene's true grafters – he's spent the last decade immersing himself in dance music, honing his craft with the kind of hands-on shop floor experience that money can't buy. Connect with Kodewerk ⁠https://www.instagram.com/kodewerk Connect with Trackstack ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/trackstack.app https://trackstack.app/

Ranger Trucco is one of house music's fastest-rising talents. Combining effortless lyricism with infectious basslines, he wasted zero time cultivating a truly unique sound that resonates with electronic music fans globally. Both producer & vocalist - Ranger refused to let growing up 4 hours north of the nearest nightlife impede his plans of a future completely immersed in dance music culture. With performances at festivals and clubs nationwide on the horizon, it's only up from here. Connect with Ranger https://www.instagram.com/rangertrucco https://www.rangertrucco.com/ Summary Ranger Trucco discusses his approach to collaborating with other artists and the positive impact it has had on his career. He emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and communication in collaborations. He also shares his journey as an artist and the influence of his parents on his music career. Trucco highlights the significance of having fun and not taking music too seriously, as well as the importance of finding inspiration outside of the studio. He discusses the balance between making music and managing social media, emphasizing the importance of being authentic and true to oneself. Ranger Trucco discusses the pressure of posting on social media and the importance of authenticity. He emphasizes the need for artists and brands to be themselves on social media and connect with their audience on a personal level. He also talks about the ego in the DJ industry and the importance of humility. Trucco predicts that minimal and deep tech will continue to grow in the US music scene. He advises DJs to have fun, not take themselves too seriously, and prioritize their mental well-being. Takeaways Collaboration is important for building your own projects and the overall sound Mutual respect and communication are key in successful collaborations Having fun and not taking music too seriously is crucial for creativity Finding inspiration outside of the studio is important for artistic growth Being authentic and true to oneself on social media is essential There is pressure to post on social media, but it's important to be authentic and connect with your audience on a personal level. Humility is crucial in the DJ industry, and the best DJs are often the most humble. Minimal and deep tech music genres are predicted to continue growing in the US music scene. Having fun and prioritising mental well-being are essential for productive and enjoyable music production. Don't take yourself too seriously as a DJ and remember that it's not that deep.

Yazmina is a UK based Producer and DJ who grew up in Hackney, London. Her production and sets are a mix of Tech House, Minimal and Bass/Garage House, influenced by 90s through to current day House using a lot of old school Rnb, Hip Hop and Soul vocal samples. Summary Yazmina shares her journey in the music industry, from being in a pop rock band to exploring electronic music and eventually signing tracks to labels like Hottrax and Glasgow Underground. She talks about the importance of self-creation in her music and the balance between using sample packs and creating her own sounds. Yazmina also discusses her approach to making music, including a well organised approach to her files and back ups! She emphasises her key habit as the need to step away from a track and come back to it with fresh ears for better productivity and output. Yazmina shares her approach to managing her time in the studio, emphasizing the importance of stepping away to avoid burnout. She finds it productive to take breaks and engage in activities outside of the studio, as it helps her maintain energy and focus. Being a full-time producer has allowed her to have more flexibility in her schedule and implement a healthier structure. Yazmina also discusses the impact of rejection and how she has learned to handle it better over time. She advises other producers to invest in themselves, avoid comparing themselves to others on social media, and set clear goals. Takeaways Yazmina's approach to making music involves having a well organised file and back up system. Knowing when to away from a track and coming back to it with fresh ears for better productivity and output. Stepping away from the studio can be productive and help prevent burnout. Setting clear goals and creating a visual representation of them can help track progress and stay motivated. Handling rejection is a skill that can be developed over time, and it's important not to take it personally.

Cameron & George sit down at Miami Music Week 2024 to talk about their journey building Trackstack. Covering new product announcements, how they handle customers and their view on the electronic music industry. @trackstack.app Get started with Flow Inbox: https//www.trackstack.app

Brendan James, UK on Stacked. Rising underground house DJ, Brendan James originates from the south west UK with strong roots within the house and techno scene. Brendan also contributes his expertise openly on YouTube and through is 1 to 1 mentoring sessions under the 'Brendan James Music' brand. @brendanjames.music

Goosey, UK joins us from Barcelona, Spain on Stacked. Goosey's underground sound is truly unique and draws heavily from the iconic club DC10. His extensive catalogue of unreleased music has already made waves on the dancefloors of some of the world's most renowned parties. Goosey's music has not gone unnoticed, with numerous high-profile DJs and producers such as Jamie Jones, Marco Carola, Michael Bibi and Joseph Capriati supporting his work. As an artist, Goosey is rapidly gaining momentum and is definitely one to keep an eye on in 2023.

Josh Hvaal, UK joins us on Stacked. Josh's musical education started at a young age where he began DJing aged 9, learning his craft on belt drive record players and here is where his passion for dance music blossomed. As he grew older, Josh became heavily influenced by the unique sounds of artists such as Paul Johnson, DJ Deeon, Vin Sol and DJ Haus. Fascinated by the speed and energy of their music, Hvaal invested countless hours developing his own sound and style orientated around the dancefloor. Josh's unique, extensive catalogue of unreleased dance floor-ready music has graced the dancefloors of some of the biggest and most renowned clubs and festivals in the world. His music support from the likes of JAMIE JONES, RICHY AHMED, LATMUN, PAWASA and SEB ZITO to name a few. Having caught the eye of world renowned DJ/Producer Jamie Jones with his unconventional, original productions, Jamie subsequently signed Josh's debut release “The Sound EP” to his and Lee Foss's powerhouse underground record label Hot Creations Armed with an arsenal of quality own productions and club inspired edits, Josh's unique and undeniable talent as a DJ with high energy sets has seen him booked in esteemed venues such as Stealth, XOYO, EGG, Lab11 and Lightbox, and many more.

Mark Mcmahon, Manchester UK joins us on Stacked. Mark is an artist liaison, DJ and producer working behind the scenes at JBM Music, Warehouse Project, Creamfields and more. Connect with Mark at @markmcmahon

Alev Tav joins us from Ibiza, Spain. Alev Tav was a part of new wave inside the electronic music scene of Ukraine. She puts her soul into everything she does and into a spectacular music selection. Alev Tav has established herself as an elegant person in electronic music, always connected with the crowd. Alev Tav has established herself as an elegant person in electronic music, always connected with the crowd. Alev starts developing her role as a music producer in 2016, refines her sound into a unique combination of deep tech , tech house, garage , house and shared the stage with some great names in the club world: Dennis Cruz, Claptone, Who Made Who, Alex Kennon, Oliver Koletzki, Jos & Eli, Whitesqueare and more. In 2021 start to do her own house parties, that where famous in Ukraine. And had her own stage at one of the biggest festival White Nights, Kyiv. Alev Tav was invited to take a part in 12 hours fundraiser livestream with Electronic labor day and Beatport ReConnect in efforts to raise money and help Beirut. She was always true to her musical taste and this has strengthened her ability to stand out from the crowd. Currently based in Ibiza. Connect with Alev: @alev_tav

Nate Chapman, Miami US joins us on Stacked. Part of our Stacked spotlight series where we highlight up coming producers breaking through the inbox on Trackstack.

Ammo Avenue joins us on Stacked from Peru. Peruvian Ammo Avenue keeps rising through the underground music scene establishing himself as one of house music's most exciting newcomers. Armed with bumping basslines and solid house beats, the past months have seen Ammo release his high energy tunes on labels such as Black Book, Kaluki, Deeperfect, Moon Harbour, VIVA, Revival, Rawthentic, Repopulate Mars, Toolroom, Circus and more.   Ammo has been playing around the world in major venues such as Warehouse Project Manchester, Pacha Barcelona, Ultra Brasil, Ultra Peru, BPM Costa Rica, Too Long Milan, The Lab Madrid, Give Soul Festival Rotterdam, Resistance and The Masquerade Lima, Lost Beach Montañita, Salon Amador Medellin, Club Room Santiago and Park.Art Curitiba, next to DJs like Jamie Jones, Joseph Capriati, Loco Dice, Hot Since 82, Joris Voorn, Dubfire, Stefano Noferini, Stacey Pullen, Camelphat, De La Swing, Claptone, Adana Twins, ANOTR, Carlo Lio, Hector Couto, Rafa Barrios, Archie Hamilton and more.  Live support for his music grows every weekend on dance floors around the world, with major name DJ's playing his music including the likes of Jamie Jones, The Martinez Brothers, Marco Carola, Joseph Capriati, Ilario Alicante, Michael Bibi, FISHER, Eats Everything, Cuartero, Solardo, Stefano Noferini, Latmun, Claptone, Lee Foss, Archie Hamilton, wAFF, Chris Stussy, Chris Lake, Dennis Cruz, Rafa Barrios and many more.  Only during this summer season we've seen his tracks get played at iconic venues and festivals such as Space Miami, Music On Festival Amsterdam, Pacha Ibiza, Amnesia, Hi Ibiza, DC-10, Ushuaia, Solid Grooves, Dreambeach Festival, Sunblast Festival, Panorama Festival, Fabrik Madrid, Zamna Barcelona, several Elrow Parties and more.  Further support has come from electronic music big hitters including Data Transmission, Music Is 4 Lovers, Toolroom Radio, Jamie Jones' Hot Robot Radio, Roger Sanchez' Release Yourself Radio, Solardo's The Spot and multiple playlist additions and charting tracks across Beatport, Traxsource and Spotify. 2023 and beyond will see more bumping tunes and appearances from the Lima based rising star. Watch this space! https://ammoavenuemusic.wixsite.com/ammoavenue

Jeff Sorkowitz is a New York based DJ, producer and founder of the Short Circuit record label and event series. We dive into his life from Corporate Law to Electronic Music as well as his practices around creativity, production and A&R decisions. Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts today. @jeffsorkowitz - https://www.instagram.com/jeffsorkowitz

Micah, UK joins us on Stacked to share his journey of mastering his DJ skills in Malia before starting his production journey during Covid and more recently his label imprint Gritty Music.

George Hess, US radio promotion for Armada Music joins us on Stacked to share his journey. We cover many topics but the most important point is his personal journey of sobriety and of his impact dance music today.

Hartley joins us Stacked discussing the growing scene in Dubai, how she balances work and production as well as how a consistent positive mindset has accelerated her career forward.

Co-founders Cameron & George sit down to share more about their journey building Trackstack ahead of the launch of Inbox in August 2023

Guy Mac, UK joins us on Stacked

Reelow joins us Stacked from Barcelona after Off Week 2023

A special episode with Trackstack's co-founders Cameron & George alongside Andrew Leese from Socially Sound DJ to discuss an important topic. We believe The DIY artist is a foundation for guiding career decision making for a long term career as a professional DJ. It is hard to know what the next move is as DJ professionally, how does one move from producing tracks to running an event series around the world.

Andrew Azara, Dublin, Ireland (now Barcelona) joins us Stacked to share his journey as a producer covering how he found his way into music, his strategy for his career and how he handles the inner mindset when it comes to navigating the complex world of being a DJ

Ben Walsh (UK) sits down to get into his journey on Stacked sharing how travelling has inspired a new creative direction and a consistent work routine has shaped his production workflow

Jenny C, UK sits down on Stacked sharing her journey into becoming a full-time professional

Marco Strous UK joins us on Stacked

We sit down with NYC based Ky William to get into his journey and career on Stacked. Highlights include the decision he made to go full time in music, how mentoring shapes his production skills and more.

Hart & Neenan sit down on Stacked. As they are good friends this was a little personal at times but we dived deep into how their journey is going, their strategy for making tracks and how they were the original inspiration behind Trackstack.

Luke Welsh, UK shares his journey on Stacked We dive deep into the art of the warm up, how promoting Sankeys and Warehouse Project gave Luke a distinct skill set as a DJ and producer as well as how tuition shaped his craft enabling him to bring more to his own tracks.

Ben Mirphy has quickly established himself as one of the UK's rising stars on the underground House scene as his infectiously unique underground sound continues to enhance his already renowned reputation. Never one to follow, Ben has cornered the market of the unexpected as each set boasts a journey as unique as his sound. Connect with Ben on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ben_murphy_official/

We sit down with UK based producer and DJ Chanel Carmichael to discuss her journey and career

Our first conversation between Cameron and George co-founders of Trackstack discussing their journey building Trackstack

We sit down with James Poole to talk about his career to date and what's next @jamespooledj

We sit down with Marcellus to get to know his journey as an artist, unpacking his approaches to music and thoughts about the future. Follow us on instagram at @trackstackhq

Introducing Trackstack. A new approach to exchanging demos to help you build relationships with the worlds best DJs and get the attention your music deserves. Find out about how we serve artists and our journey to building a new approach to the demo exchange. www.trackstack.app