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/

This week on Once I DJ I talk to someone who’s never actually been a DJ, but has now told one of the most significant stories of DJ culture. Our guest is visual artist turned film maker Omar Acosta about his journey from young aspiring graffiti artist, to writing, co-producing and directing his latest project “Mixtape: The Movie”. We get hear how Tony Touch’s mixtapes kept him abreast of the latest trends while he spent a 5 year period in Puerto Rico, and journey through his career to the point where he learnt to tell the stories which mattered to him the most.

Omar's site: www.omaracosta.tv

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 week’s episode, we sat with Aloha Got Soul founder Roger Bong to discuss his journey starting with needing to feel a connection to the homeland, through blog, to label, to record shop. What started off as a djing-led conversation ended up covering the many facets of turning a passion project into a career. 

PLEASE NOTE: This was recorded before the Hawaiian wildfires broke out, hence no mention of this awful tragedy. For anyone interested in supporting Maui can visit https://www.instagram.com/hawaiiancouncil/ for more info.

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 fascinating episode of "Once A DJ", we delve deep into the life and career of Phil Lembke, a.k.a. Sticky Dojah, a Germany-born DJ who made a name for himself in Germany and then New York. Listen to Sticky Dojah share his journey from growing up in East Germany to embracing the first wave of hip hop and Turkish b-boy music. Explore his experiences with the advent of cable television and the importance of radio in his life. We get into the guts of the German hip hop scene in the 90s, the challenges of living away from bigger cities, and the insights from his very first trip to New York.

We then switch gears to his beginnings in the music industry, his early performances, and how his love for music eventually led him to enroll in the Red Bull Music Academy. Get an insider's view of Berlin's music scene, the establishment of pirate radio station Loudfm, and the evolution of music in real-time.

As the story unfolds, Sticky Dojah delves into the decision to become a full-time DJ, moving to New York, and how he navigated the industry as a student. Hear about his brief hiatus from DJing, his return on his terms, and how he juggles his other music projects today. End the episode with some powerful advice for anyone considering a career in DJing.

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/

This week Adam sits down with Rob Pursey - Master of Ceremonies and DJ at Hip Hop Karaoke, Southern Hospitality/Players Ball, former Fat Lace and Hip Hop Connection journalist, and general hip hop authority. We discuss his journey South from Darlington and Newcastle through Leeds and Manchester, to London. We learn how busy it's possible for one person to be, juggling promotion, journalism and DJing with primary school teaching. We find out how influential hearing contemporary Southern rap in the club was for Rob, and how it ushered in a whole new era of DJing and promotion for him, and how the Southern Hospitality crew basically became an A&R force in the US and across Europe.

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 episode, we embark on a captivating journey with Neil Nice, tracing his path from a skater in Rhode Island to becoming a renowned DJ. Tune in as we explore the early influences that shaped Neil's passion for music and how he found his way into the DJing scene and then into embarking on a whole career of music curation. From his first gig to working at record stores like Turntable Lab, Neil shares his experiences and the impact of turntablism on his life. Join us as we delve into the evolution of DJing in New York City, Neil's ventures in the music industry, and the importance of music curation. This episode is a treasure trove of captivating stories, music discoveries, and valuable insights for aspiring DJs. Get ready to ride the waves of rhythm and unlock the secrets behind Neil Nice's remarkable journey.

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/

Join us in this exciting episode where we host James Hamlin, also known as J Squared, a revered figure in the hip hop scene. We delve into the world of hip hop, tracing its roots and its cultural impact on the UK. James shares his journey of musical discovery as a kid, his early interest in different genres and his transition from indie music to the vibrant hip-hop culture and Americana of the 90s.

J Squared speaks on his experiences with DJing, starting from University and how his first mixtape set the stage for a career journey through the music industry. As he travels around America buying records, working for an internet start-up, and orchestrating club nights, we get an inside look at his dedication to the craft.

This journey isn't just about music, it's about hustle - from selling promo records on eBay to promoting gigs, and from embracing digital DJing to navigating the advent of social media. Listen in to get key advice for budding DJs, lessons learned and the importance of connecting the right people.

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 episode, we deep dive into the musical journey of Kieran Hadley, known in the UK hip hop scene as DJ Baboon. From his initial encounters with music, the growth of his record collection, his introduction to battle DJing, and his integration into the music industry, this wide-ranging conversation covers it all. Kieran shares insights about the Leeds hip-hop community in the '80s and '90s, the role of talent in achieving success, and the importance of finding a group of like-minded individuals to navigate one's music journey.

We also explore topics like managing DJ requests, teaching English, transitioning from a teaching career, charging for one's work, and more. DJ Baboon candidly shares his struggles with ADHD and how it influences his life and work. Lastly, he sheds light on his current projects, which include producing in a hip-hop chip shop in Manchester and running a hip-hop party band.

Filled with wisdom and experiences, this episode is guaranteed to both inspire and entertain!

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 beat-dropping episode of our podcast, we dive deep into the world of DJ culture with Rob Webster, a.k.a Rob Webster. From his early influences and his journey through hip-hop and rave culture, to becoming a buyer of music and an influential figure in the Nottingham independent record shop scene, we cover it all. We explore the evolution of trance music in the 90s, Rob's step into music production, and how the club scene changed over time. Rob also shares his experiences of mentorship, dealing with ego as a resident DJ, and his transition into offering mentorship for aspiring DJs and producers. Tune in for an electrifying 1 hour 5 minutes of groovy tales and industry insights.

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/

Prepare to be spun into an epic tale of turntable triumphs and trials as Wax On brings you DJ D on the latest episode of "Once a DJ Podcast". This powerhouse began her journey with vinyl in the vibrant 80s, teaching herself the art of turntablism, and has since then never stopped spinning. Listen in as DJ D reveals the battles she faced - from competing in the all-vinyl finals, confronting a serious illness, to the challenges of being a woman in the hip-hop world. Discover how she perseveres through it all, driven by her love for the beat. Plus, buckle up for a ride as we talk about her treasured '64 Chevrolet Impala ragtop convertible. DJ D wraps up with pearls of wisdom for budding female DJs. Tune in now!

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 unique, rhythm-infused podcast episode, we dive deep into the life of Will Page, a DJ turned first-ever economist in the music industry. We begin by tracing Will's foray into the DJing scene and his philosophy of delivering music without crossing over boundaries. His deep-rooted respect for lyrics and the power they hold is explored, while hinting at the profound impact certain songs have on us throughout our lives.

As the conversation progresses, we delve into the flipside of digital technology's scalability - the loss of shared, intimate experiences in music. Will passionately discusses his favorite bands, such as Queen and Jungle Brothers, revealing how his fascination with economics came to life at a young age, eventually leading him to make a remarkable career shift.

We learn about Will's journey to becoming the first economist in the music industry, which started by wrestling with British laws about swimming in local waters and learning how to think like an economist. As he developed his DJing skills, he kept his connection to the music strong by resonating with the individualistic ethos of hip-hop culture and continuously cherishing the journey of discovery.

In the latter part of the discussion, we get insights into Will's time as a resident DJ, maintaining the lyrical integrity of Jungle Brothers, and his initiation into the world of writing. His experiences with Straight No Chaser and his philosophy of creating your own job descriptions give us a fascinating look into his non-traditional career path.

Finally, we discuss Will's work with Spotify, how it saved the music industry, and his understanding of the economic aspects of music. The conversation concludes with his fond memories of Miami and some valuable advice for those starting out in DJing. This episode is a must-listen for music enthusiasts and budding DJs alike. It's packed with anecdotes and insights, all beautifully woven together through the language of economics and a love for the beat.

• How did you get into Djing? 0:00
• How adam got into DJing.
• Getting the music across without crossing over.
• Getting the message across without crossing over.
• The power of the lyric.
• How old were you when you heard that song? 3:12
• Music that sticks with you for the rest of life.
• The hairstyle analogy.
• The internet can scale just about anything, but cannot scale intimacy.
• Music has never been more valuable.
• The loss of the shared experience of music. 7:38
• Lack of intimacy in the music industry.
• The journey of getting to jungle brothers.
• In days to come by
• Queen, all four members of the band can sing.
• Hip-hop and the public enemy. 10:42
• Public enemy, public enemy and anthrax.
• Jungle brothers, bill cosby and the forces.
• Economics coming to life at a young age.
• British kids drowning in british waters.
• How did you get into economics? 15:52
• Swimming in british water is illegal.
• The economics of swimming in British water.
• Becoming the first ever economist in the music industry.
• How to think like an economist.
• Do you think the Jungle Brothers resonated with you? 18:49
• Hip hop as a culture and lyrics that resonates with him.
• The empathy instinct.
• Hip hop culture is individualistic and individualistic.
• The ikea effect and the journey of discovery.
• The importance of physical and mental memory.
• The ibee barrett homes deal.
• How did you develop yourdjing skills? 25:50
• From cassette tapes to mixtape culture.
• The importance of liner notes for a mixtape.
• How did you get into Djing? 28:31
• The start of DJing at Glasgow university.
• The funky low lights from ckman.
• Building a reputation with mixtapes and australian dance Troupe.
• Being a resident DJ.
• Residencies and mental time. 33:38
• Residency vs one-off sets.
• How to stay true to the jungle brothers lyric ethic.
• Working in the civil service. 36:24
• Staying in Scotland and getting his big break writing for straight no chaser.
• Aussie jazz in rotterdam and deep rumba in holland
• Learning how to write and how to structure.
• The book on writing well by william zinsser, white cover blue letters on writing.
• Learning to write for yourself. 42:55
• Writing for yourself vs writing for others.
• The importance of starting a paragraph with words.
• Finding an incredible drum break for every beat.
• Writing for straight no chaser.
• Bahama is not just for hip hop heads.
• The bahama diaz effect.
• Don’t wait for your job description. create your job descriptions. 49:00
• Not comparing himself to bahama deer.
• Becoming the first economist in the music business.
• Digital ends up wrecking the music industry's picnic.
• Auction design and auction design.
• Work-life balance. 54:17
• Getting turned down for a job in Edinburgh.
• Work-life balance in Scotland.
• Highlife roots reggae and passing clouds.
• West African band 99% west african audience.
• Taking highlife to the next level. 58:16
• Taking highlife to the next level.
• The peak of highlife in London.
• Once in a lifetime, talking heads by
• Start a spotify as the chief economist.
• How Spotify saved the music industry. 1:02:27
• How spotify saved the music business.
• The history of the music industry in Europe.
• Broken record in the music streaming industry.
• Bbc radio vs spotify.
• Understanding the economics of the music business. 1:07:31
• Why spotify pays more than radio per listener.
• How many times a day a listener needs to read a letter from spotify.
• Stepping down from spotify for full-time writing.
• Mixcloud and what it means to him.
• The best thing about Miami. 1:13:24
• Meet emilio estefan, willie clark and jj women.
• The best thing about Miami is its history.
• Key pieces of advice for starting out with DJing.
• Learn the history of Kansas City.