Meet Me Backstage

In this episode Nikki in joined by The Radio Department Director Gavin Kingsley, who talks about his career in radio and producing and syndicating  shows for some of the biggest DJ's in the world including Tiesto, Nicole Moudaber, John Digweed and Armin Van Buuren. From his start in student radio, to working at the Ministry of sound, Gavin understands the power of radio and the importance of building a radio brand and fanbase, sharing stories of listeners milking cows to Adam Beyer and a brain surgeon operating whilst listening to John Digweed amongst others. 

In this episode creative consultant Kelechi Amadi joins Nikki to talk about what it takes to be a creative in today's music industry. From studying art, to learning to take constructive criticism in fashion and reading books on Victorian dissection, Kelechi draws from many influences.  A specialist in curating events and experiences, Kelechi also discusses her obsession with knowledge, where she gets her inspiration from and how being curious and vocal got her to where she is today. 

In this episode Nikki is joined by one of UK's leading music photographers Dan Reid, who talks about his passion for photography as a child, getting his first break with John Digweed and learning the ropes with Chris Lopez. Dan also talks about his first DJ magazine cover shoot, taking photos of The Chemical Brothers, Underworld and The Killers as well as shooting on location in Miami, Ibiza and at the Isle is Wight festival. 

In this episode environmental trailblazer Claire O'Neill from A Greener Festival talks about being inspired by early raves and how her dissertation became an instant hit after being published online. Claire has made a successful career doing something she is truly passionate about with the Green Events & Innovations Conference, Arcadia Spectacular's Metamorphosis Show and flying off the Olympic Stadium roof dressed as Mary Poppins being just some of her achievements.

Festival Stage Manager, Bjorn Ielegems from Belgium joins Nikki in this episode and reveals how being in the boy scouts led to a job at a festival. The lively discussion follows Bjorn's career working at festivals such as Mysteryland, Tomorrowland and Rhythm & Vines. He also talks about touring with Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike and Netsky and his love of New Zealand with some useful career tips too.

In this episode, Nikki talks to Artist Booking Agent Martje Kremers, who talks about her role as an agent and working with a roster including Boys Noize, Dave Clarke, Erol Alkan and Justice. Martje also reveals some career highlights with some funny stories and explains how she started out working at the famous Marquee club, before booking DJ's FC Kahuna, DJ Falcon and Justin Robertson at Bugged Out.

In this episode, Nikki is joined by Mark Grotefeld General Manager for Pioneer DJ EMEA, who talks about his role in developing the brand over the past 20 years and working in the early days with DJ's including Roger Sanchez, John Digweed and Paul Oakenfold. Mark also talks candidly about the pressures of working in the industry and how his own experiences led him to develop a mindful culture in the workplace and making the brand more socially conscious.

Meet Me Backstage is a podcast series that shines the light on the talented and inspiring people who work behind the scenes in the music industry around the world. Get backstage access with Global Publicity boss Nikki, as she shares her experiences from events around the world and introduces you to some of the backstage stars and a host of colourful characters she has met on her journey through music.