In this episode, Robert catches up with George Aponte, aka Saliva Commandos, a veteran house music DJ and producer with roots in the Bronx, New York. Robert and George discuss:

• George's Early Life: Born to Puerto Rican parents in the Bronx, George grew up immersed in diverse musical influences, from his father's guitar playing to the emerging hip-hop scene.
• DJ Origins: Inspired by neighborhood street jams and DJ equipment he saw in the late 1970s, George bought his first turntables in 1986, determined to become a DJ despite family skepticism.
• Artistic Range: Beyond music, George has a background in film production and graffiti art, which continue to influence his musical creativity.
• George's Key Influences in Hip-hop, house & latin freestyle

George's journey to become Saliva Commandos showcases how cultural roots, diverse influences, and unwavering passion & optimism can shape a successful career in electronic music.

Transcript:

https://learningtodj.com/btd-003-saliva-commandos-transcript

EPISODE LINKS

Saliva Commandos Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/salivacommandos/

Saliva Commandos Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1KoSnTUvEhtwNeZqaZnZ9M?si=8wkctonyQcia5moxh0PZEg&nd=1&dlsi=a74d1a5cebc64a7d

Saliva Commandos Website: https://www.salivacommandos.com/

In:Command Records: https://www.beatport.com/label/in-command-records/49820

UNDER THE RADAR, ON REPEAT & GUILTY PLEASURE

• Under the Radar: Saliva Commandos - Roomba
• On Repeat: Saliva Commandos - Ofra Murd
• Guilty Pleasure: Saliva Commandos - Promesa

For a full playlist of all guest picks checkout the Official Guest Selections Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLplpjQxEA1gIpLmc2YiozGj83-k3qvST3u0026feature=shared

PODCAST INFO:

Beyond the Decks is your guide to mastering the art and business of the DJ, electronic and dance music industry.

Podcast Website: https://learningtodj.com/podcast/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-decks-podcast-with-robert-simoes-learningtodj-com/id1758609395

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34jVG0wkfNyinasE9G2jln

RSS: https://learningtodj.com/podcast/feed/

Youtube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@learningtodj

SUPPORT & CONNECT

• Twitter/X: https://x.com/l2djschool
• https://x.com/robert_x_world
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/learningtodj
• https://instagram.com/robdeepmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Learningtodjcom/61556544425570/
• Quora: https://learningtodj.quora.com/

OUTLINE

Introduction and George's Background (00:00:00)

Early Musical Influences and Beginnings in the Bronx (00:02:28)

First Interaction with DJ Equipment and Early DJing Experiences (00:06:42)

Transition from DJing to Music Production (00:09:22)

Challenges and Persistence in Learning Production Techniques (00:28:08)

First Record Deal and Breakthrough (00:34:22)

Developing His Unique Sound and the Creation of Serve (00:32:30)

Technological Evolution and Its Impact on Production (00:41:52)

Founding of In Command Records (00:52:33)

The Importance of Maintaining Artistic Integrity (00:45:31)

Resilience and the Turning Point in His Career (01:00:31)

On this episode of Beyond the Decks, we catch up with DJ/Producer and owner of Phunkation Records, Chris Chambers, to go deep into his evolution in the world of techno. Chris discusses his views on the impacts of social media on the industry, the importance of understanding music history, and advice for all aspiring DJs and producers. Join this episode as we explore Chris' story, his commitment to real musical expression, and his forward-thinking vision in the world of techno.

Transcript: https://learningtodj.com/btd-002-chris-chambers-transcript

https://learningtodj.com/btd-002-chris-chambers-transcript

EPISODE LINKS

Chris' Instagram: https://instagram.com/djchrischambers

Chris' Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7JY8x6A0YGbhFvaS6ya993?si=eac90d5d67844ef6

Phunkation Records: https://www.beatport.com/label/phunkation/20333

Phunk Mob EP:https://www.beatport.com/release/phunk-mob-ep/4329749

UNDER THE RADAR, ON REPEAT & GUILTY PLEASURE

• Under the Radar: Max Walder - Samba Del Costa
• On Repeat - Macro Carola - 9th Question
• GUILTY PLEASURE - Marco Nastic - Devil in My Pants

For a full playlist of all guest picks checkout the Official Guest Selections Playlist:

https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLplpjQxEA1gIpLmc2YiozGj83-k3qvST3&feature=shared

PODCAST INFO:

Beyond the Decks is your guide to mastering the art and business of the DJ, electronic and dance music industry.

Podcast Website: https://learningtodj.com/podcast/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-decks-podcast-with-robert-simoes-learningtodj-com/id1758609395

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34jVG0wkfNyinasE9G2jln

RSS: https://learningtodj.com/podcast/feed/

Youtube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@learningtodj

OUTLINE

Introduction to Chris Chambers (00:00:00)

Chris's Early Musical Influences and Journey (00:02:12)

Deejaying Beginnings and First Release Experience (00:06:18)

Managing Gig Nerves and Passion for Music (00:10:08)

Transition to Hard Groove and Current Techno Hotbeds (00:15:37)

Impact of COVID on Music and Launch of Function Records (00:19:12)

Vinyl Release Experience and Future of Vinyl (00:21:30)

Marketing in the Digital Age and Building Community (00:26:16)

DJing Without Being A Producer(00:30:00)

Ghost Production and Artistic Integrity (00:35:20)

Production Workflow and Creative Process (00:47:53)

From the early inspirations of UK Garage and House music, Cash Only’s journey to establish himself in the music industry is truly unique. Starting with a youth project in Stoke-on-Trent aimed at using music, the creative community, and DJ culture to uplift kids from impoverished backgrounds, Cash Only (aka. Matt Wilcox) has continually placed himself at the intersection of music and community. In this episode of the Beyond the Decks Podcast, we speak to the veteran DJ and artist about his music career, his work managing Sam Divine and Defected Records’ label DVINE Sounds, his experiences touring, working with artist development, and more. We delve into Cash’s story, DJ culture, community involvement, and his advice for emerging artists.

Transcript: https://learningtodj.com/2024/07/29/btd-001-cash-only-transcript

EPISODE LINKS

Cash Only's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cashonlynocards/

Cash Only's Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3YCvK0FOrGJifQmDc12PVE?si=3429b867aa8444d1

Cash Only's Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@cashonlydj

Cash Only's Website: https://djcashonly.com/

Cash Only's Trust In Me: https://open.spotify.com/track/06uCGpRYYI28h9anmesxs5?si=2baa472fa8f64419

UNDER THE RADAR, ON REPEAT & GUILTY PLEASURE

• Under the Radar - PM, Natalie Grey - Boy Don't [forthcoming]
• On Repeat - Atmos Blaq & Sio - Land of the Dreamers: https://staytruesounds.bandcamp.com/album/land-of-the-dreamers
• GUILTY PLEASURE - CASISDEAD

PODCAST INFO:

Beyond the Decks is your guide to mastering the art and business of the DJ, electronic and dance music industry.

Podcast Website: https://learningtodj.com/podcast/

Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/beyond-the-decks-podcast-with-robert-simoes-learningtodj-com/id1758609395

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/34jVG0wkfNyinasE9G2jln

RSS: https://learningtodj.com/podcast/feed/

Youtube Full Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/@learningtodj

SUPPORT & CONNECT

• Twitter/X: https://x.com/l2djschool
• https://x.com/robert_x_world
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/learningtodj
• https://instagram.com/robdeepmusic
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Learningtodjcom/61556544425570/
• Quora: https://learningtodj.quora.com/

OUTLINE

Introduction (00:00:05)

Cash's Early Influences (00:02:09)

Evolution of UK Garage (00:06:09)

Transitioning to Stoke on Trent (00:09:45)

The Importance of Networking (00:17:05)

The Formation of Unity (00:33:15)

Transition from DJing to Business (00:40:47)

Business to back DJing (00:43:41)

DVINE Sounds and Cash as a Label Manager (01:00:10)

Building Community Through Music (01:16:41)