I sit down with modular synth artist, producer, and label owner David Castellani to unpack the twists and turns of a music career built on exploration, curiosity, and relentless self-reflection. From his early roots in live percussion and hip-hop to the immersive world of modular synthesis, David shares how staying open to change has shaped both his sound and his outlook.

We talk about defining success beyond numbers, the importance of mentorship and collaboration, and why creative momentum starts with the quality of your thoughts. David opens up about the pressures of going solo, what keeps him inspired in the studio, and how he balances deep artistic vision with the day-to-day of running a label and performing live.

• Why genre-hopping can sharpen your musical identity
• How modular synthesis can unlock new creative directions
• The difference between technical skill and idea quality
• Staying inspired as a solo artist without getting stuck in a vacuum
• Practical advice on finishing tracks, performing live, and running a label

"Music is just ideas - and the only thing separating the artists who make it is the quality of those ideas."

"When I became a solo producer and had to make every decision myself, everything got tighter. Suddenly I was responsible for every sound, every choice."

"I’m always looping back into myself - questioning, adjusting. That internal feedback is where the growth happens."

"Follow your sound, trust your intuition… but don’t stop checking what’s just outside your blind spot. That’s often where the magic is."

"Electronic musicians are often in a vacuum. And I don’t think that helps us - it actually holds us back."

"I truly believe everyone could have a rewarding life in music. The difference isn’t talent - it’s the moment they were (or weren’t) inspired the right way."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Download 5 Proven Habits of Artists Who Actually Finish Tracks

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Shadow Child

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

http://instagram.com/opendawmusic

http://instagram.com/lexluca

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we speak to Avaion - a genre-defying producer, vocalist, and live performer whose music connects by design. From SoundCloud beginnings to sold-out live shows, Avaion reveals how he built a music career on emotional honesty, sonic depth, and relentless consistency.

We explore how to stay creative in a dopamine-fuelled, fast-scrolling world, how to finish music when perfectionism strikes, and how sound itself can speak louder than words. For independent artists feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure, this is an invitation to return to the joy of creating.

This episode is for anyone asking: How do I stay inspired and finish more music without selling my soul - or burning out?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Finishing is a muscle: Why treating music-making like daily training (not divine inspiration) helped Avaion break through.
• Design for emotion, not algorithms: Synths, textures, and ambiguity let listeners feel their own story.
• From YouTube to headliner: The DIY approach to branding, visual storytelling, and getting signed without gatekeepers.
• Inside the live show: A behind-the-scenes look at Avaion’s Ableton-based performance rig—plus why his fans rarely have phones in the air.
• Creative recovery: How sunlight, cold showers, and friends—not plugins—can help you beat creative blocks.

BEST MOMENTS

Your opinion is the one that matters most. Everyone else is just noise.

Music is art—not work. But you still have to train like an athlete.

If I can help people make their own story with my song - that’s the whole point.

The tracks I overthought never worked. The ones I just felt - those are the ones that connected.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Download 5 Proven Habits of Artists Who Actually Finish Tracks

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Camden Cox

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

http://instagram.com/opendawmusic

http://instagram.com/lexluca

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I sit down with legendary UK producer and DJ Shadow Child (formerly Dave Spoon) to talk reinvention, artistic integrity, and the realities behind a long-lasting career in dance music. From stepping away at the height of commercial success to redefining his sound and creative purpose, Shadow Child opens up about the risks, the doubts, and the breakthroughs that shaped his evolution as an artist.

We talk candidly about mental health, the pressure to stay relevant, and how to build a sustainable, meaningful career in an industry that often rewards fast wins over long-term vision. 

Key Takeaways:

• Why walking away from success can be a creative turning point
• Navigating burnout, anxiety, and the pressure to always perform
• How Shadow Child rebuilt his identity—and his sound
• Real-world tips on collaboration and staying grounded in the studio
• What it really takes to build a sustainable music career today

Join us for a conversation full of depth, honesty, and lessons from someone who’s lived it.

BEST MOMENTS

"Everything starts like in here … in the studio. I can be a DJ as well and do the radio thing and whatever I've done else I've done in my career, but if it's not happening in a room like this, then I need to take a look at that"

"If a label isn't going to take your music, it doesn't mean that the music is bad … it's all very subjective"

"I needed a reset button and I needed me to come through the music again because I wasn't coming through the music. My roots, my background, everything I grew up with, that I'm passionate about musically came through in all my early Spoon stuff. But it stopped coming through because of the need to maintain this profile on this circuit I was on."

"Trying to get out of this room sometimes it's easy to forget to step out and just feel that the air, the breeze or even a bit of rain. I'm fortunate my studio’s in house. I can sit in here in my pants once my daughter's gone to school if I want to. No one's here. Actually it's not the greatest idea to just sit here all day."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Download 5 Proven Habits of Artists Who Actually Finish Tracks

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Steve Bug

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

http://instagram.com/opendawmusic

http://instagram.com/lexluca

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I sit down with Wez Saunders to explore his remarkable journey from working in a bank to becoming the CEO & Co-Owner of a Defected Records. We talk about his vision for Defected, the challenges of navigating the ever-changing music industry, and how he's managed to balance the label’s rich heritage with forward-thinking innovation.

Key Takeaways:

• The Power of Community: How Defected has built an enduring culture around house music that unites fans, artists, and industry professionals worldwide.
• A&R Strategies That Work: Insights into identifying talent, maintaining artistic integrity, and keeping the label relevant in a crowded market.
• Lessons in Leadership: Wez shares his approach to steering a global brand, balancing creativity with business acumen.
• Adapting to Industry Changes: How Defected embraces new technologies like AI and leverages social media to stay ahead.
• Advice for Aspiring Music Professionals: The importance of focusing on quality, building your identity, and being patient on your journey to success.

Wez also opens up about the challenges and opportunities in the modern music industry, from the evolving role of labels to the impact of festivals and events on artist careers. This episode is packed with practical advice and inspiration to fuel your journey in music.

Defected Records has been a cornerstone of house music its inception in 1999, founded by Simon Dunmore. Since then Defected has evolved, with 26 sub-labels, a thriving events business, an agency, a publishing company, and more, Defected continues to lead from the front.

BEST MOMENTS

"Simon said to me, I believe you could sell me this pen. And I didn't really understand what he meant at the time. Thought he was saying I was a blagger, but probably was."

"Life is short and it's, it's about creating those moments that, that last a lifetime. And I think we've done that a lot and I hope that we continue to do that a lot."

"Be better than the person you were yesterday. That's, for me, has always been the thing that's echoed in my mind. Don't be competitive. Just figure out what you've done and how you can be better."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Check out our Spotify Playlist

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Episode Roger Sanchez

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

OpenDAW

Lex Luca

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bexxie is a house music producer and DJ whose 90s-influenced sound is lighting up the electronic music scene. With millions of streams and a reputation for blending modern dance vibes with an old-school edge, Bexxie has built a career defined by passion, persistence, and connection.

In this episode, Bexxie shares her journey from discovering her love for electronic music through her parents' vinyl collection to carving her own path in the industry. We explore how she transitioned from drum and bass to house music, the challenges of re-entering the scene after a hiatus, and the key lessons she's learned along the way.

Key Takeaways

• The importance of consistency in music production and social media.
• Why breaks can lead to renewed focus and creativity.
• Building connections with labels and the value of networking.
• How personal growth can impact your music career.
• Strategies to maintain self-belief and stay grounded in a chaotic industry.

Bexxie also opens up about her production techniques, her approach to social media, and her advice for aspiring producers. From overcoming self-doubt to making your music stand out, this episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone passionate about electronic music.

KEY MOMENTS

"I’ve always just loved music. Even as a kid, I was just very curious about everything music."

"In hindsight, I think I just didn’t have the belief in myself as I do now, coming back into it."

"This industry can be such a roller coaster, but if you can stay grounded within the chaos, it’s going to be so helpful."

"You absolutely have to put in the work. Some days you’re not going to feel like doing it, but you have to grind to make it."

"For me, it’s about the connection I get through music with other people - that’s what keeps me going."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Check out our Spotify Playlist

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Episode Made By Pete

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

OpenDAW Instagram

Lex Luca Instagram

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Global DJ and producer Flashmob is best known for his groundbreaking releases on labels like Defected and Hot Creations, Flashmob has built a brilliant career with hit records and club anthems that have shaped Ibiza’s dance floors and the global house music scene. But it wasn’t always a smooth journey - in fact, his path has been one of constant reinvention and resilience.

Flashmob shares his story of rediscovering his passion during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that became a turning point in his life and career. He opens up about stepping back from the relentless pace of touring to reconnect with his purpose, allowing him to dive deeper into music with a fresh perspective. His journey is a testament to the power of authenticity & resilience, and highlights the importance of having the courage to follow your own creative path.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The importance of putting feelings into music and making it personal
• How to overcome the pressure of maintaining a specific sound
• Balancing touring life with creative output
• The power of discipline and hard work in achieving success
• Strategies for effective collaboration and production workflows

This episode is about reclaiming your creative freedom and building a career that’s true to who you are. Get ready to redefine what success means on your own terms.

BEST MOMENTS

The mindset is your biggest tool. For me, the mindset of, well, being extremely organized, that's a mindset, it's a job. And you have to believe in what you do and you have to believe that it will work for you and that it will improve everything that you do to oblige yourself to do it.

You're on your own trajectory and like many others, and you just do your own thing. You just do your own thing. No matter how hard it gets, which it does, just always try to refresh the happiness in doing it.

I decided to be faithful to myself and to what I wanted from music and what I wanted from myself once and for all, to be strong enough to say, okay, going to do my own thing. I'm going to do an album that is completely crazy. I'm going to do releases that are just not what you're expecting from me.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Check out our Spotify Playlist

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Ros T

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

OpenDAW Instagram

Lex Luca Instagram

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rinzen is an electronic music producer and DJ known for his cinematic approach to techno and his drive to create immersive, narrative-based worlds through sound. His journey from a college dorm DJ to a sought-after producer offers fascinating insights into the creative process and the mindset needed to succeed in the industry.

We explore Rinzen’s methods for maintaining a high level of creativity, his routines for maximizing focus, and his approach to balancing the demands of touring with the discipline of studio work. He reveals his strategies for consistent artistic growth, including the role of patience, the importance of uninterrupted studio time, and the value of seeking out inspiration across different art forms.

Key Takeaways

• Quality Over Quantity in Creative Work
• The Power of Routine for Creative Flow
• How to Create with an Audience in Mind—Without Losing Your Artistic Integrity
• Networking and Relationship-Building in the Industry
• Staying Grounded and Inspired

Key Moments

“Get so good at what you do that they can’t ignore you. Focus on the craft, and the rest will follow.”

"I don't find joy in repeating myself...I need to explore something different every time.

"Patience is everything in this journey. The more you can dedicate yourself to quality, the more fulfilling the path becomes."

For me, the entire journey of a music producer centers around mastering the craft of production of making music. I am a forever student, so I'm constantly learning and developing my skills.

Success is such a paradox because … at a certain point you get successful and you realize you've become like a professional person who responds to email 

I'm big into, like, gratitude, practice, and just thinking every day, like, just you're. You're lucky just to be alive, you know, I think any day you have is a blessing. Any, like, extra day or whatever is. It's all a gift.

I'm generally at the mindset most of your goals can be accomplished by getting really f*&king good at making music. You know, that's been my approach my entire career and everything else is usually out of your control.

Amore fati. Like, whatever happens today, I love that this is happening because there's something to be gained from it.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Spotify Playlist

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Made By Pete

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

OpenDAW

Lex Luca

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Made By Pete is a London-based producer and DJ who has been rising steadily to the top of the electronic music scene. Made By Pete has set himself apart through a unique approach to music that champions playfulness and exploration.

Expect to learn how he keeps the creative spark alive and navigates industry pressures while staying true to his sound. Made By Pete shares why he’s constantly pushing his own boundaries and what he does to stay inspired. He shares invaluable insights on balancing artistic evolution with audience expectations, the power of a good listening environment, and why playfulness is essential in the studio.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The importance of playfulness and experimentation in music creation
• Strategies for staying authentic under industry pressures
• How to build a sustainable career without compromising on artistic vision
• Tips for designing a productive and inspiring studio space
• Practical advice for aspiring producers and DJs looking to make a mark

This episode is packed with actionable advice for you to take into your own creative process. 

BEST MOMENTS

"Great music is all about ideas... you can be a perfect technician, but music without emotion falls flat."

“I’ve learned not to pressure myself to make a track every day. Some days, I just create new sounds or make patches—keeping it playful, without the expectation.”

“There’s nothing wrong with breaking rules—just make sure you’re breaking them in ways you believe in.”

"The best ideas are always the simple ones." 

"I love photography, I love design. There’s so many times that I’ve looked at an image and thought, 'That’s what I want my music to sound like.'”

"Collaboration is a good way of finding new inspiration and learning new techniques, especially from people who use [tools] differently than you."

"Everyone loves having loads of stuff… but it’s about understanding what you have and knowing the best things you can get out of it."

"Having a source of income outside of music helped me avoid taking gigs I didn’t want or remixes just to pay bills."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Spotify Playlist

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Kidnap

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

OpenDAW

Lex Luca

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kidnap is a celebrated electronic music producer known for blending evocative melodies with rich, atmospheric soundscapes. With millions of streams to his name and a reputation for crafting deeply moving tracks, Kidnap has just released his 2nd album Something Lost, Something Gained.

Expect to learn about Kidnap’s creative process, how he finds inspiration beyond music, and the mindset that has driven his journey from a bedroom producer to an internationally recognised artist. Kidnap shares his personal approach to learning and developing his sound including his technique of starting with harmony and melody on the piano to translating those ideas into digital production. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The power of starting with harmony and melody before adding drums
• How to overcome creative blocks and find inspiration beyond music
• Balancing technical skills with intuition in the studio
• The challenges and rewards of releasing full-length albums in the streaming era
• Kidnap’s strategies to mastering his art

Kidnap also opens up about the importance of building a supportive community and shares practical advice for emerging producers. This episode is filled with valuable lessons and real-world insights from one of the most talented music producers on the planet.

BEST MOMENTS

"I like to try to develop this evocative, nostalgic sound. The focus for me is always harmony based. So every piece of music I'm starting starts as a harmonic structure and then I'm fleshing that out first."

"I would say really focus on building community around yourself..... I feel like there's a huge amount of value in ... existing in an ecosystem whereby people around you are ... all involved in the same kind of goal of making and releasing music."

"I always start writing by picking apart other pieces of music. And often I'll do that for two or three pieces. I might just sit down and be like, oh, I heard this, this song that I liked recently. Let's just try and work it out on the piano"

"Never ever start with a blank slate. I feel like if I have a blank piece of paper in front of me, so to speak, it's just quite daunting."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Check out our Spotify Playlist

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/41TxD7AfLModEzxhb6Tr9k?si=57b83806a4fd4c54

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Episode Ros T

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

OpenDAW

Lex Luca

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The incredible Kelli Leigh, a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter behind some of the biggest dance tracks over the last 10 years is our guest this week.

Kelli Leigh shares her journey as an artist, songwriter, and vocalist, exploring the highs and lows of the music industry, offering invaluable insights on how she's carved out her own path in the industry. She offers practical advice on songwriting, vocal techniques, and maintaining creativity in a demanding industry.for both established and emerging artists.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Kelli Leigh’s pre-recording rituals for vocal and mental preparation
• Techniques for overcoming self-doubt and staying motivated
• The importance of finding your unique sound and voice
• Navigating the challenges of being an uncredited vocalist
• Strategies for building a successful career as an independent artist

This conversation provides an honest look at the realities of pursuing a career in music and the importance of advocating for yourself as an artist.

BEST MOMENTS

“I wouldn't be here chatting to you today if I hadn't decided to back myself."

"Believe in yourself deeply, because the days when no one else will, you're the one. And your own self belief will be the thing that makes you keep going and step forward."

“How can you, as a creative, create from the ground? It's like, when you're down there and you're so low, how are you supposed to reach places of highs to bring that energy? He was like, you need rest. You need to take this time out and heal yourself and get yourself into a better space so you can rise back up again.”

“Don't wait for someone to open doors. You do need to start creating them. You need to be putting yourself ..... online. And I talk about a lot about self releasing. You know, I was an independent artist for years. I still am an independent artist even though my current single is signed to an indie label itself.”

“The devaluation of singers on dance music has to stop. It's not cool. It doesn't make you look cool. It makes you look like a dickhead, in my opinion.”

VALUABLE RESOURCES

You Know My Voice Podcast

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Camden Cox

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

OpenDAW

Lex Luca

Email: [email protected]

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.