Paths of Rhythm (Formerly Once A DJ)

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

Personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/babyjbiz/

Label IG: https://www.instagram.com/thesystemdontwork/

Baby People: https://www.instagram.com/babypeopleuk/

In this show we speak to UK Hip Hop legend Baby J about his early discovery of black music, his exposure to people's struggles and education in societal issues, and much more.

We get into his unique approach to production, and how he managed to build a career firstly in the US, what made is sound stand out, and how he formed lifelong bonds with some of the artists he worked with.

There's a lot to get into with J, so I hope you enjoy this, as there's a part 2 coming in a couple of weeks!

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

DJ Day discusses his journey into music and DJing, influenced by his parents' love for music and his discovery of scratching through songs like Herbie Hancock's 'Rockit'. He shares his passion for blending different genres and creating a warm, melodic atmosphere in his mixes. DJ Day also emphasizes the importance of confidence and taking risks as a DJ, whether it's playing bold tracks or experimenting with unique transitions. He expresses his desire to explore the DJing community beyond just the scratch world and share his thoughts on the evolving landscape of DJing. Damien discusses his experience with scratch DJing and the lack of variety and musicality in the scene. He emphasizes the importance of complementing, not combatting, the music when scratching. He also talks about his albums 'Land of a Thousand Chances' and 'Life After You' and how they reflect personal experiences. Damien shares his frustration with a recent tour experience in Canada where he was not paid properly and had to leave early. He also discusses his involvement with The Do-Over party and his collaborations with Aloe Blacc. In this final part of the conversation, Damien discusses his experiences in the music industry, including his interactions with other DJs and his participation in the Playlist Retreat. He also reflects on the changing landscape of DJing and the challenges and opportunities it presents. Damien shares a story about a memorable incident at a club in Belgium and discusses his journey to sobriety. He concludes by expressing his gratitude for his current state of well-being and his excitement for the future.

Takeaways

• DJ Day's love for music was influenced by his parents and discovering scratching through songs like Herbie Hancock's 'Rockit'.
• He enjoys blending different genres and creating a warm, melodic atmosphere in his mixes.
• Confidence is key in taking risks as a DJ, whether it's playing bold tracks or experimenting with unique transitions.
• DJ Day is interested in exploring the DJing community beyond just the scratch world and sharing his thoughts on the evolving landscape of DJing. Scratch DJing should focus on complementing the music and adding musicality, rather than just showcasing technical skills.
• Personal experiences and emotions can greatly influence the creation of albums and music.
• It is important to be cautious and ensure that all contractual obligations are met before embarking on a tour.
• The Do-Over party is a highly sought-after event for DJs, and being invited to perform is a significant achievement.
• Collaborating with artists like Aloe Blacc can lead to global success and recognition. The music industry is constantly evolving, and DJs must adapt to the changing landscape.
• The Playlist Retreat is an honor and an opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals in the industry.
• Sobriety can lead to personal growth and a newfound appreciation for oneself.
• The future of DJing is uncertain, but embracing new technology and staying true to oneself can lead to success.
• It's important to be grateful for the present moment and to look forward to what the future holds.

In association with Simkins LLC (https://www.simkins.com/)

Powered by Remote CTRL (https://remote-ctrl.co.uk/)

Featuring:

Nick Eziefula aka Essa - Entertainment Laywer at Simkins LLC (professional instagram) and Rapper (artist instagram) (bandcamp)

Si Gilbert aka Si Spex - Head of Content and Quality Control at Routenote Create and Producer/digger, one half of The Creators (YouTube )(instagram)(bandcamp)

Rich Firth aka DJ Superix - Freelance Creative Director, AI enthusiast and DJ (instagram)(mixcloud)

AI tools mentioned:

https://suno.com/ - AI music generation tool

https://www.udio.com/ AI music generation tool - upload extend existing audio files

https://lalals.com/ - Compose songs, change voices, and create covers with cutting-edge AI

DAW AI software:

Synplant 2 - replicate synth sounds

Smart limit senile - ai mastering limiter

Captain melody - ai melody creation

OVERVIEW

This round table discussion explores the impact of AI on hip hop, with a focus on technology, creation, IP, and the ethical implications. The panel includes DJ Superix, an AI consultant, Nick Eziefula, an entertainment lawyer and UK Hip Hop MC, and Si Spex, a UK Hip Hop producer and head of content at Rootnote Create. The conversation covers various applications of AI in music, such as AI-generated lyrics, melodies, vocals, and mastering. The legal and moral issues surrounding AI in music creation are also discussed, including copyright infringement and false endorsement. The conversation explores the ownership and legal implications of AI-generated music. It discusses the ownership of outputs generated by AI platforms and the complex legal questions surrounding it. The conversation also touches on the use of replays and sampling in music production and the legal issues associated with them. The potential of AI in music creation and the challenges it faces in accurately analyzing and separating stems are also discussed. In this final part of the conversation, the speakers discuss the challenges and complexities of clearing samples in traditional sampling and AI sampling. They touch on the Trouble Funk case and the difficulties of clearing samples when there are multiple owners involved. They also explore the issue of transparency and remuneration in the AI sampling world, as well as the potential for AI tools to innovate and create new genres and sounds. The speakers emphasize the importance of properly remunerating human creators for their talent and creative work.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Backgrounds of Panelists

10:03 Demo of AI Music Creation

29:11 Ownership and Output in AI Music Creation

30:31 Exciting Potential of AI in the Music Industry

31:17 Ownership of AI-Generated Music

32:37 Replays and Sampling in Music Production

36:22 The Potential of AI in Music Creation

39:30 Challenges in Stem Separation and Analysis

52:21 The Legal Implications of AI in Music

53:22 Clearing Samples in Traditional Sampling

55:22 Transparency and Remuneration in the AI Sampling World

59:04 The Potential for AI Tools to Innovate and Create

01:15:38 The Importance of Properly Remunerating Human Creators

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

https://www.hiphopat50.co.uk/

https://www.facebook.com/djcutmasterswift

https://www.instagram.com/cutmasterswift/

This week we sit with 1989 World DMC champion, life long turntablist and DMC ambassador Cutmaster Swift.

The conversation covers the early exposure to music, DJing, and hip hop, the evolution of turntablism, and the development of the hip hop scene in London. It also delves into the funding and organization of hip hop events, the business side of the industry, and the growth of the scene in other areas like Leeds. Cutmaster Swift shares his journey as a DJ, from battling and competing to evolving the craft of turntablism. He discusses the competitive nature of DJing, the influence of American DJs, and the evolution of techniques and routines. He emphasizes the importance of individuality and creativity in DJ performances.

Keywords

hip hop, DJing, turntablism, music exposure, London scene, hip hop events, business side, Leeds scene, DJing, turntablism, competition, battling, routines, techniques, evolution, individuality, creativity

Takeaways

• Early exposure to music and DJing in the context of family influence and childhood exploration.
• The evolution of turntablism and the impact of influential DJs and events on the hip hop scene.
• The development of the hip hop scene in London, including the funding and organization of events, the business side of the industry, and the growth of the scene in other areas like Leeds. The competitive nature of DJing and the influence of American DJs.
• The evolution of DJ techniques and routines, emphasizing individuality and creativity.
• The importance of confidence and comfort in one's own style and the ability to introduce new music to the audience.

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

Tee Cardaci on Instagram

Guinu and Tee on the Razor n Tape Podcast (2 hr mix)

https://linktr.ee/teecardaci

Summary

Tee Cardaci shares his journey as a DJ, starting from his early love for music and his first gigs in Maryland. He then moves to San Francisco in the late 90s, where he becomes immersed in the vibrant music scene and forms connections with artists and DJs. Eventually, he decides to move to Brazil, initially for a wedding, but ends up staying for 15 years. Tee discusses the challenges of DJing in Brazil, including language barriers and the cliquey nature of the scene. He also talks about his experiences touring in Europe and the importance of DIY culture in his career. In this conversation, Tee Cardaci discusses his experience as a DIY touring DJ and curator of Brazilian music. He shares stories of his travels, the development of his curating career, and the impact of his compilation projects. Tee emphasizes the importance of organic discovery and the joy of bringing obscure Brazilian music to a wider audience. He also touches on the challenges of navigating the music industry and the cultural nuances of doing business in Brazil. Tee's passion for Brazilian music and his dedication to preserving and promoting its rich history shine through in this conversation.

Takeaways

• Tee's love for music started at a young age and led him to become a DJ
• He moved to San Francisco in the late 90s and became part of the vibrant music scene
• He eventually moved to Brazil and faced challenges in the local DJ scene
• He embraced DIY culture and built connections that allowed him to tour in Europe
• Language barriers and cliques were obstacles he had to overcome in his DJ career DIY touring requires careful planning and organization, even if it may seem informal
• Curating music is a natural extension of a passion for discovering and sharing new sounds
• Compilation projects can open doors and lead to further opportunities in the music industry
• Preserving and promoting obscure music can be a rewarding experience, even if financial compensation is limited
• Brazilian music is beloved for its swing, variety, and cultural blending

00:00 Introduction and Background

01:38 Early Love for Music and First Gigs

22:14 Moving to Brazil: A Spontaneous Decision

29:22 Challenges and Triumphs of DJing in Brazil

33:47 Touring Europe and Embracing DIY Culture

35:17 The DIY Touring Experience

36:01 The Evolution of a Curator

37:41 Compilation Projects and Opportunities

44:37 The Irresistible Appeal of Brazilian Music

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

DJ Delightful shares his journey of growing up in Bulgaria, discovering hip hop through his brother's tapes and CDs, and the challenges of accessing music in a country with limited resources. He discusses the influence of skateboarding culture on his interest in DJing and his early experiences with mixing and scratching. Delightful also talks about his move to the UK to study and DJ in Edinburgh, as well as his time volunteering in Calais during the migrant crisis. He shares his perspective on the DJing journey and the challenges he faced in finding a hip hop community in China. Del discusses his struggles with DJing in China and Bulgaria, the challenges of establishing a DJ career in Sofia, and the lack of support and opportunities in the local DJ scene. He talks about his decision to move to Vienna and later to Kuala Lumpur, and the difficulties he faced in finding gigs and building a community in these cities. Del also shares his experiences in winning battles and the lack of career opportunities that came with it. He concludes by announcing his retirement from DJing and his focus on teaching scratching online.

Takeaways

• Building a DJ career can be challenging, especially in cities with limited opportunities and a lack of support for alternative music.
• Winning battles and gaining recognition in the DJ community does not always translate into career opportunities or bookings.
• The mindset and preferences of the local DJ scene can greatly impact the types of gigs and opportunities available.
• The lack of diversity in the DJ scene can limit the growth and development of different styles and genres.
• Teaching scratching online can be a fulfilling way to continue sharing knowledge and passion for DJing.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

00:54 Growing Up in Bulgaria and Discovering Hip Hop

05:31 Record Shops and Access to Music in Bulgaria

06:38 Influence of Brother and Early Interest in DJing

07:28 Getting Started as a DJ

09:12 Challenges and Influences in the DJing Journey

11:44 Learning to Scratch and Mix

12:52 Internet Access and Learning DJing Techniques

15:18 Transition to the UK and DJing in Edinburgh

24:00 Impact of Studying in the UK

26:25 DJing in China and Volunteering in Calais

29:18 Perspective and Challenges in the DJing Journey

31:39 Moving on from Edinburgh and Teaching in China

35:13 DJing in China and Limited Hip Hop Scene

36:42 Struggles with DJing in China and Bulgaria

37:21 Creating an Instagram Page and Gaining Attention

38:11 Switching to a Different Lifestyle in Bulgaria

39:00 Teaching English and Practicing Heavily

39:20 Time Difference Between Bulgaria and China

39:41 Having More Time to Practice

40:12 Entering International Competitions

41:03 Creating Videos and Gaining Attention

42:10 Struggling to Establish a DJ Career in Sofia

43:09 Lack of Opportunities in the DJ Scene in Sofia

44:08 Struggling to Find Regular Gigs

45:06 Trying to Run Multiple DJ Projects

46:08 Challenges of Organizing Events in Sofia

48:30 Lack of Support and Opportunities in the DJ Scene

51:03 Feeling Unappreciated by the Local Scratch Community

52:48 Feeling Unwelcome in Sofia and Deciding to Leave

54:36 Moving to Vienna and the Pandemic

55:37 Impact of Winning Battles and Feedback from Vect

58:58 Leveraging Battle Wins into Bookings and Touring

01:01:42 Moving to Kuala Lumpur and the Lack of Opportunities

01:05:37 Announcing Retirement from DJing

01:13:40 The Challenges of DJing in Kuala Lumpur

01:20:43 Continuing to Teach Scratching Online

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

Guest links:

• Karen on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/misskarenp/
• Folded Wing website: https://www.foldedwing.co.uk/
• Folded Wing on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/foldedwinguk/
• The Jazz Show with Jamie Cullum: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b00rr86v
• Round Midnight with Soweto Kinch: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m001xmqv

Summary

Karen P discusses her background in music, from growing up in South End and discovering music through friends and radio, to working at Virgin Records and Radio 1. She shares her experiences working with Giles Peterson and the transition to DJing. Karen also talks about imposter syndrome and the supportive colleagues who helped her along the way. Karen P shares her journey as a DJ and how it led her to start her own company, Folded Wing. She discusses the importance of staying connected to music and the challenges of the podcasting industry. Karen also provides advice for those looking to get into radio and podcasting.

Takeaways

• Karen P's passion for music was nurtured through friends, radio, and working at a local theater in South End.
• Her time at Radio 1 provided valuable experience and opportunities to work with renowned DJs and producers.
• Working with Giles Peterson and Something Else Production allowed Karen to expand her musical knowledge and develop her DJing skills.
• Karen emphasizes the importance of using her platform in the music scene to elevate and support other artists. Starting small and taking opportunities can lead to big things in the DJing industry.
• Having an agent can help DJs get more gigs and travel the world.
• DJing can open doors to other opportunities, such as starting a company.
• Staying true to your passion and focusing on high-quality content can set your podcast apart in a crowded market.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:02 Background and Early Music Influences

03:22 Music Scene in South End and Indie Clubs

04:28 Moving to Leeds and Exploring the Music Scene

05:20 Crossover of Music Genres in Leeds

06:03 Transitioning to University and Working at Virgin Records

07:26 Working at Radio 1 and Transitioning to London

08:54 First Role as a Production Assistant at Radio 1

11:02 Working with Giles Peterson and Folded Wing

13:23 Imposter Syndrome and Supportive Colleagues

20:26 Getting into DJing and the Responsibility in the Music Scene

25:59 DJing and Playing for Big Crowds

26:26 Getting Started as a DJ

27:12 Working with an Agent

28:09 Traveling the World as a DJ

28:38 The Connection Between DJing and Starting a Company

30:12 Setting Up Folded Wing

31:45 Leaving Giles Peterson's Show

33:26 The Inception of Folded Wing

35:15 Staying Connected to Music

37:09 The Ups and Downs of Podcasting

38:13 The Challenge of Standing Out in a Crowded Podcast Market

42:29 Saying No to Projects That Don't Align with the Company's Vision

45:20 Staying Close to the Music

47:57 Upcoming Projects

49:49 Advice for Getting into Radio and Podcasting

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

In this conversation, House Shoes, a DJ and record label owner, discusses his journey in the music industry and the hip-hop scene in Detroit. He talks about setting goals and starting a podcast to reconnect with the culture. House Shoes shares his experiences growing up in Detroit and the influence of music in his life. He highlights the competitive nature of the hip-hop community and the importance of innocence in creativity. He also discusses the impact of Proof and the Detroit hip-hop community. The conversation concludes with House Shoes reflecting on the need to leave Detroit and start fresh in Los Angeles. In this part of the conversation, Shoes discusses feeling exhausted and overwhelmed in his career and the desire to help others. He talks about struggling to help himself and the challenges of putting others first. Shoes also shares his frustration with finding a manager and the difficulty of letting go. He discusses the lack of emotional and financial reward in his work and the search for originality in music. The impact of social media on judgment and the performative nature of grief are also explored. Shoes reflects on the challenges of stardom and mental health and the importance of empathy. He discusses the shift in community and social interaction and the sacrifices of staying true to oneself. The transition from Detroit to LA and the start of his record label are also discussed. Shoes shares his experiences with social anxiety and the importance of integrity and sacrifice. Finally, he talks about navigating the music scene in LA and the ownership and confidence of DJing. In this conversation, Shoes discusses the challenges of building a community around sobriety and finding like-minded individuals. He reflects on the nostalgia for the past and the belief that things were better in previous generations. Shoes shares his journey of starting Street Corner Music and the pride he feels for his accomplishments. He also talks about the financial realities of running a record label and the joy of holding a James Brown record with his name on it. Shoes discusses his transition to Twitch streaming and the challenges of making a living from it. He emphasizes the importance of kindness and transparency in building a supportive community. Finally, Shoes reflects on the decision to step back from beat battles and prioritize personal well-being.

Takeaways

• Feeling exhausted and overwhelmed can lead to a desire to help others, often at the expense of oneself.
• Putting others first can be rewarding but may result in a lack of emotional and financial reward.
• The search for originality in music can be challenging in a world where many artists imitate popular trends.
• Social media can be performative, and it's important to be mindful of the authenticity of online interactions.
• The impact of changing entertainment and technology on childhood can lead to a loss of community and social interaction.
• Staying true to oneself often requires sacrifice and can be challenging in a world that values conformity.
• Transitioning to a new city can present both opportunities and challenges in the music industry.
• Living with social anxiety can affect one's ability to navigate social situations, even in a career that involves public performance.
• Integrity and sacrifice are important values to maintain in the pursuit of one's passion.
• Navigating the music scene requires confidence, ownership, and a willingness to adapt to new environments. Building a community around sobriety can be challenging, but finding like-minded individuals is essential for support and growth.
• Nostalgia for the past is common, and it's important to acknowledge that things were different in previous generations.
• Running a record label involves both creative and grunt work, and it's important to find a balance between the two.
• Twitch streaming can provide an escape and a sense of community, but it's important to prioritize personal well-being and not get caught up in the financial aspects.
• Creating a supportive and kind community is crucial, and transparency is key in building trust and connection.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

07:05 The Power of Beats in DJ Sets

16:26 The Challenges of Being a One-Man Show

37:24 The Impact of Grief and the Need for Empathy

45:04 The Impact of Adult-Oriented Content on Children

56:30 Creating a Record Label and Working on Projects of Pride

01:13:01 The Rise of Twitch Streaming and Its Challenges

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

ORDER NU-MARK'S NEW "AMU-NU" COOKBOOK: https://djnu-mark.shop/products/amu-nu-cookbook

DJ Nu-Mark on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/djnumark

DJ Nu-Mark on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/djnumark/

DJ Nu-Mark Linktree: https://linktr.ee/djnumark

DJ Nu-Mark discusses his background, the influence of his mother, and the healing power of music. He shares his experiences growing up in Iran and the United States, as well as his love for Brazilian music. DJ Nu-Mark also talks about his early DJing days and the vibrant house parties he organized. The chapters cover themes of togetherness, cultural identity, and the impact of music on personal growth and healing. This part of the conversation covers DJ Nu-Mark's early DJing days, the importance of constant learning in music, the influence of community and togetherness, the significance of being in a crew, the role of confidence and comparison in performance, the formation of Jurassic 5, the decision to pursue independent releases, the contrast between confidence in abilities and confidence in the group, the success of 'Concrete Schoolyard', recognition in Europe before the US, and the importance of retaining publishing rights. In this conversation, DJ Nu-Mark discusses his surprising streaming success, his experiences digging for records in Europe, his influences from the East Coast, and the challenges of recording on an eight-track. He also talks about the importance of building a solo career and the decision to cut off outside production. He shares the journey of writing his book and the multi-purpose nature of the book. Finally, he reflects on his influence on DJing and production and the creation of Lesson Six.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Technical Difficulties

01:23 The Theme of Togetherness

03:16 The Scenic Route and Taking the Wrong Path

04:20 Persia and Iran

05:50 DJ Nu-Mark's Mother and Iranian Culture

08:06 DJ Nu-Mark's Mother's Independence

09:04 DJ Nu-Mark's Organized Record Collection

12:47 Dealing with Traumatic Experiences

15:06 The Healing Power of Music

17:45 DJ Nu-Mark's Drumming Background

18:18 House Parties and DJing

22:03 Charging at House Parties

24:18 Policing House Parties and Bunrush Productions

25:56 Early DJing Days

26:27 Constant Learning in Music

27:21 Influence of Community and Togetherness

28:13 The Importance of Being in a Crew

29:01 Confidence and Comparison

30:02 Collaborating with Other DJs

32:11 The Importance of Confidence in Performance

34:56 The Impact of Confidence on Stage Presence

36:09 The Formation of Jurassic 5

37:24 The Name Jurassic 5

38:48 The Decision to Pursue Independent Releases

40:10 Contrasting Confidence in Abilities and Confidence in the Group

44:22 The Success of 'Concrete Schoolyard'

47:02 Recognition in Europe before the US

48:35 Retaining Publishing Rights

49:33 Surprising Streaming Success

50:33 Digging in Europe

51:34 Influences from the East Coast

52:35 West Coast Influences

53:53 Recording on an Eight Track

54:41 Challenges in the Music Business

56:00 Working with Scott Storch

58:56 Finding Direction After J5

01:00:34 Building a Solo Career

01:03:12 Cutting Off Outside Production

01:04:49 The Journey to Writing a Book

01:07:53 The Multi-Purpose Book

01:11:41 Influence on DJing and Production

01:12:40 The Creation of Lesson Six

Paths of Rhythm is brought to you with support from vinylunderground.co.uk - take 10% off your next order with the code POR10 and free UK shipping on orders over £100

Paths of Rhythm is a Remote-CTRL production. If you're looking for audio or video production, then check out https://remote-ctrl.co.uk to see how they can help.

Other ways to support the show

• Follow the show on Spotify or Apple Podcasts
• Any feedback or questions? Hit up https://www.instagram.com/pathsofrhythmpodcast/

New Book "Write Lines" out now: https://velocitypress.uk/product/write-lines-book/

This week we sit with Andrew Emery to discuss his experiences as a journalist for Hip Hop Connection, founding Fat Lace magazine, and loads more from his past as an aspiring rapper (he's also done bits of DJing so we aren't cheating), and much more.

This book covers his time in publishing, and is his second memoir after "Wiggaz With Attitude: My Life As a Failed White Rapper" ( https://www.amazon.co.uk/Wiggaz-Attitude-Failed-White-Rapper/dp/1999760700 ). Both books are highly enjoyable and a fun look at different phases of life told through a lens of hip hop.

SHOW NOTES

Summary

In this conversation, Andrew Emery discusses his passion for music and his career journey from being a rapper to a journalist. He shares his early experiences with hip hop in Nottingham and Leeds, including the vibrant hip hop scene in Nottingham and the influence of Rock City tapes and Arcade Records. Andrew also talks about his transition to writing and his work at Paul Raymond. The conversation concludes with a discussion about his early recognition of Eminem's talent. In this conversation, Adam Gow discusses various topics related to hip-hop, including the disappointment of artists who didn't live up to expectations, the short-lived hype around Dr. Dre's album 'Compton', and the changing landscape of music consumption. He also talks about the influence of regional hip-hop scenes, the mixed reception of shiny suit rap, and the fun and freedom of working on 'Fat Lace' magazine. Adam shares his experiences and challenges in writing and publishing books, as well as his thoughts on the ethics and boundaries of writing about controversial topics. He also mentions his journey of self-publishing 'Wiggers' and the potential TV show based on the book. Lastly, he reveals his ideal dinner guests: Chuck D, Charles Dickens, and Woody Allen.

Takeaways

• Andrew Emery's passion for music has shaped his career journey, from being a rapper to a journalist.
• The hip hop scene in Nottingham and Leeds played a significant role in Andrew's early experiences and love for the genre.
• Andrew's transition to writing allowed him to explore his passion for music in a different way and make a mark in hip hop journalism.
• His work at Paul Raymond provided unique insights into the world of adult publishing and the evolution of lads' magazines. Artists often face high expectations and may not live up to the initial hype surrounding their talent.
• The reception of an album can be short-lived, with initial excitement fading quickly.
• The way people consume music has changed significantly, with streaming platforms offering a vast array of options.
• Regional hip-hop scenes have had a significant impact on the genre, with different styles and sounds emerging from various locations.
• The shiny suit era of rap had a mixed reception, with some appreciating the more commercial sound and others criticizing it.
• Working on 'Fat Lace' magazine provided a fun and creative outlet for Adam and his colleagues, allowing them to celebrate hip-hop culture and poke fun at its more serious aspects.
• Writing and publishing books can be challenging, with the need to navigate the industry and find the right audience.
• There are ethical considerations when writing about controversial topics, and it's important to approach them with sensitivity and respect.
• Self-publishing can be a rewarding experience, allowing authors to have creative control and reach a niche audience.
• The potential TV show based on 'Wiggers' could have been a compelling exploration of hip-hop culture and personal journeys.
• Adam's ideal dinner guests would be Chuck D, Charles Dickens, and Woody Allen, representing different eras and perspectives.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Background

02:02 Passion for Music and Career Reinvention

03:03 Early Era in Nottingham and Leeds

04:00 Discovery of Hip Hop

05:24 Influence of Hip Hop in School

06:46 Vibrant Hip Hop Scene in Nottingham

07:43 Rock City Tapes and Arcade Records

09:09 Transition to Leeds and Establishing Tribe

09:39 Journey to Get Signed as a Rapper

12:06 Formation of Crew and Demos

15:31 Transition to Writing and Career in Journalism

25:34 Work at Paul Raymond

28:00 Interviewing Eminem

29:21 Early Recognition of Eminem's Talent

30:19 The Disappointment of Artists Who Didn't Live Up to Expectations

33:11 The Short-Lived Hype Around Dr. Dre's Album 'Compton'

35:09 The Changing Landscape of Music Consumption

37:01 The Influence of Regional Hip-Hop Scenes

38:00 The Mixed Reception of Shiny Suit Rap

41:21 The Fun and Freedom of Working on 'Fat Lace' Magazine

44:43 The Challenges of Writing and Publishing Books

46:38 The Ethics and Boundaries of Writing About Controversial Topics

50:01 The Journey of Self-Publishing 'Wiggaz'

52:00 The Potential TV Show Based on 'Wiggers'

55:50 Andrew's Ideal Dinner Guests: Chuck D, Charles Dickens, and Woody Allen