Episode 369: DJ NICK DAVIS "How a Midwest DJ Is Breaking Into Bigger Markets"

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew chops it up with Kansas City’s @djnickdavis. They reflect on meeting Nick early in his journey and stress how crucial it was to travel and experience other DJ scenes at a young age (00:55). The conversation shifts to the Midwest nightlife explosion, with cities like Wichita and Salt Lake City hosting incredible parties (06:50), and Nick breaks down how he’s built his out-of-town bookings through word-of-mouth and collaborations with Salt Lake City’s finest @bangarangthedj (10:04). He shares the origin story of his party Goodies and how it became a way to bring major DJs to KC who otherwise wouldn’t have come. Nick also reveals how he approaches travel gigs, opens up about wild KC “bottle wars,” and partying with Chiefs players like Tyreek Hill, Travis Kelce, and Patrick Mahomes (19:54), as well as how a single Chiefs game can shift the entire nightlife energy. Crooked dives into the KC sound with shoutouts to Kstylis and Tech N9ne (21:11), while Nick discusses the differences between KC and St. Louis artists (31:10) and the Bay Area’s influence on Kansas City’s culture (34:20). He opens up about doing everything himself to build Goodies (38:01), and the crew speaks on the risks and sacrifices they’ve all made to pursue DJing full-time (45:01). Later, Nick reflects on the internal conflict of balancing his identity as a solo artist vs. his event brand (1:05:01), and the group talks about work-life balance, delegation, and building long-term movements rooted in community and humility (1:14:52). Toward the end, Nick shares where he sees himself in five years, speaks on launching his Patreon, and vents about what grinds his gears (1:17:01). The episode wraps with a conversation about DJ goals, DMC dreams (1:21:05), viral routines from legends like @skratchbastid and @trayze (1:32:02), and why Nick hates the word “content”—even while feeding the algorithm (1:33:02).

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Episode 368: DISCO_NECT "Abandoning The Open Format Grind To Form a Disco House Collective"

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @TheDisco_Nect (@DJWS, @PartyWithStrategy_, and @CautionItsHeavy) to share their journey and vision for disco’s revival. At (02:34), White Shadow recalls meeting Strategy and Heavy during a Will Ferrell event that bonded them through disco, leading to their takeover of @CelesteChicago. By (10:57), Crooked introduces the idea of the “working class DJ,” sparking candid talk about burnout, money struggles, and questioning whether DJing was worth it. The crew reflects on DJs struggling to see themselves as artists (11:20), the evolution of Chicago’s house scene, and how nightlife has shifted from ticket sales to social media clout. At (23:50), they debate whether open format is oversaturated, with White Shadow emphasizing musical identity and Crooked calling it “the most selfless job.” Strategy shares his moves between Chicago and Houston (32:30) before the trio break down curating disco nights, creating edits, and fully committing to Disco-Nect with four weekly residencies at Celeste (40:01). By (54:01), White Shadow explains why he asked his partners to quit other gigs, outlining the crew’s roles (1:06:10) and how Strategy has never been happier DJing (1:08:15). The episode closes with a discussion on staying relevant across genres (1:09:13) and a critique of bookers’ misplaced priorities (1:28:01), reinforcing Disco-Nect’s belief that the DJ remains the centerpiece of nightlife.

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EPISODE 367: SIDEPIECE "6 Years Strong & Sober"

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew chops it up with Grammy-nominated duo Sidepiece (@partyfavor + @nitti). At 01:51, they share how they came together, the story behind their name, and their dynamic in the studio. The duo gets candid about testing tracks in the club (17:20), early support from @Diplo, and Nitti’s production work on 200 MPH by @BadBunnyPr (36:01). They reminisce on the Mad Decent era, and break down releasing hits like Cash Out, A Milli, and On My Mind while resisting industry trends (41:01). At 49:10, they discuss re-igniting tech house, facing criticism for sampling, and the challenges of pushing original music in a short-attention-span culture. The fellas reflect on evolving their sound (56:35), Dylan’s late start in production, and Ricky’s roots in Haiti (59:01). They close by revealing why holding back unreleased bootlegs, like their sought-after Cry For You edit, keeps their live sets unique (1:17:14).

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Episode 366: THE BEAT JUNKIES "Why DJs Need a Retirement Plan"

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @DjMeloD, @DJDStyles, and @DJ4Real24 to talk about their careers, @theBeatJunkies, and their Cali pizza spot @MadeFromSkratchPizza. They kick things off with Melo-D gives flowers to @DJAngieVee’s “Yer Not Down,” and D-Styles celebrates the iconic “Low End Theory” party that helped launch artists like @FlyingLotus, @Tokimonsta, and @Daedelus (03:55). The crew also reflects on how today’s DJ competitions differ from the Beat Junkies era (18:45). Jaime introduces the Beat Junkies Institute of Sound as “the Avengers teaching you how to be superheroes,” while the fellas joke about bad DJ habits, online instruction, and even a ROAD discount code. D-Styles on “Phantasmagoria” (20:01) and Suneel sharing how he first met the Junkies (39:45). The junkies revisit how the pizza concept was born at Icon LA, tracing its roots to the legendary “Red Cup Sundays” (40:20). By (44:55), the fellas dive into how the idea took shape: three years of persistence, unexpected obstacles like finding an old gun in the concrete, and the vision of turning it into a retirement plan for DJs (1:01:01). They break down the musically inspired menu, the goal of franchising (1:13:10), and the hurdles of navigating city rules (26:01). The conversation then shifts to DJ culture: Suneel shares how he built the sound at Made From Skratch (1:18:45).

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Episode 365: DON DIABLO "The Visionary of Future House on Imposter Syndrome & Humanizing A.I."

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with future house pioneer @DonDiablo for a deep and personal conversation. At 01:55, Don talks about running on little sleep before his Pier 19 show and why NYC remains his biggest market. By 06:55, he explains why he avoids repeating sets, preferring Tomorrowland’s smaller, darker stages over the main stage. At 12:20, Don reflects on his teenage years in the Dutch scene, from being taken advantage of as a young producer to being labeled a “weirdo” by peers. He admits that sometimes he hates being Don Diablo, finding true acceptance only through his fans. At 18:10, he recalls his production roots and the joy of creating purely for fun. By 24:55, the tone shifts as Don shares a powerful story about his father’s illness, the lessons from their final conversations, and how this shaped his outlook on time, purpose, and music. He recalls writing songs like “The Artist Inside” as a tribute to his father, and performing it at his funeral, the most difficult moment of his career. At 37:55, Don speaks on the therapeutic nature of songwriting, before offering his perspective on AI at 44:01, viewing it not as a threat, but as a tool to make creativity even more human. Closing out at 1:01:44, Don dives into his Hexagon label, the video for “Anytime”, and the contracts he gave artists. At 1:05:01, he shouts out @BeatsourceOfficial, and at 1:18:45, leaves us with a quote to remember: “The devil works hard, but the DJ works harder.”

This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!!

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Episode 364: DJ TRAUMA "From ATL to Dave Chappelle, Navigating the Celebrity DJ Scene"

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @DJTrauma to reflect on his journey from New York to Atlanta and beyond. At (00:55), Trauma recalls growing up in Manhattan and how his DJ name came from a friend’s little brother. By (04:30), he’s reminiscing about partying in the Meatpacking District and what it meant to be “outside.” He explains what it means to be a “vibe DJ” (07:15). He compares the craft of DJing to stand-up comedy (10:35). Trauma then shares how a free event unexpectedly led him to working with @DaveChappelle (12:52), and a relationship that grew into legendary gigs like First Avenue in Minneapolis and Radio City Music Hall in NYC (15:56). The conversation dives into Trauma’s reputation as “Chappelle’s DJ” (30:01), @PhifeForever performing at his 21st birthday, and the rise of Atlanta’s unified scene with @Outkast, @GoodieMob, and @JermaineDupri (34:40). He speaks on the epic Freaknik parties (45:55), the power of ATL DJs (1:03:40), and throwing LA house parties where @mr_Camron once performed in his living room (1:20:20). Trauma also reflects on early trips to Africa, how Chappelle’s Retreat and Summer Camp shaped his career (1:35:01), and why soulful events like Soul in the Horn keep him grounded in the music that matters.

This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!!

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Episode 363: WALSHY FIRE “Inside Major Lazor, Black Chiney, and ‘The Art Of Dancehall’”

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @WalshyFire — DJ, producer, and member of @MajorLazer — to talk Dancehall, Soca, and the art of building culture. At 01:34, Walshy recalls meeting @DJMoma and why Soca faced resistance in the '80s–’90s. By 05:10, he’s breaking down the pushback against Soca and Afro Beats, and Soca’s joyful contrast to other genres. He dives into NYC’s gang culture and block party memories (07:10), including a near brawl at a LOX performance diffused by dancers (10:12). The crew swaps stories on “banned” songs in late ’90s NYC and venue violence, with jokes about the Queens vs. Brooklyn rivalry (11:33). Walshy shares his path from Clark University and a jazz radio station to NYC and Beat Street Records (14:55), then joining Black Chiney Sound after a career-making gig (28:45). He reflects on classic riddim productions, lessons from Sean Paul, and supporting both grassroots parties and major festivals (46:01). The crew debates the state of Dancehall today (53:55). They discuss the struggle to find venues for independent parties (1:01:01) and positive changes in club culture (1:02:25). At 1:05:33, Walshy recounts going viral for declining a request, leading to a larger talk on post-pandemic etiquette and handling entitled guests (1:13:50). He closes with his new book Art of Dancehall, life in Major Lazer, and upcoming releases (1:23:01).

This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!!

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Episode 362: RASHAD SMITH (Pt.2): "Bad Boy's First Hitman & His Fallout With Biggie"

In Part 2 of our deep dive with legendary producer @Rashad_Ringo_Smith, the @RoadPodcast crew uncovers even more behind-the-scenes stories that shaped the sound of hip-hop and R&B.Rashad kicks things off by breaking down the making of the iconic “One More Chance” and its different versions (00:01), before opening up about the intense, high-stakes creative process at Bad Boy Records under the direction of @Diddy (09:01). He reveals how the classic “Bad Boy” sound came together — especially the blend of vocal powerhouses @theRealFaithEvans and @theRealMaryJBlige, which helped redefine R&B (20:03).He shares the wild backstory behind LL Cool J’s “Doin It” — a track originally made for Biggie — and the behind-the-scenes fallout with Puff and B.I.G. when it landed elsewhere (27:21). The crew dives into LL’s catalog and legacy (50:34), before Rashad reflects on his creative connection with @QTipTheAbstract and his work with A Tribe Called Quest (54:22).Wrapping things up, Rashad talks about collaborating with @Nas and @50cent, and reflects on the moment that stands out most in his legendary career (1:30:01).

This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!!

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Episode 362: RASHAD SMITH (Pt.1): "The Mystery Beatmaker for Rakim, Uptown Records & Busta Rhymes"

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down for Part 1 of an epic two-part conversation with legendary producer @Rashad_Ringo_Smith — the mastermind behind tracks for @TheNotoriousBIG, @BustaRhymes, @JayZ, @Beyonce, @TheGodRakim, and more. You may not know his name, but you definitely know his sound. Rashad kicks things off by reflecting on his early days as a DJ, his childhood nicknames, and the powerful influence his mother had on his musical journey (00:11). He shares his deep love for jazz and reveals how he flipped the same sample two different ways for Busta Rhymes’ “Woo Hah” and its remix featuring @OlDirtyBastardLegacy (08:55). He breaks down the art of crate digging with iconic producers, the origins of the “pause tape,” and how it became the foundation for early production before DAWs (18:01). Rashad dives deep into the making of “Woo Hah,” seeing the Hype Williams-directed video for the first time, and Spike Lee’s unexpected interest in using the track for Clockers (38:01). From crafting “Don’t Sweat the Technique” to the murky politics of credit in the industry (58:10), Rashad opens up about why he calls himself “The Muted Drum” — a nod to his role as one of the most “unknown, known” producers in hip-hop (1:11:04). He also shares stories from his time at Uptown Records, working with a young @Diddy, and the moment he invented the producer tag (1:31:01), before diving into the rise of Bad Boy Records and the complicated dynamics behind the scenes (1:55:01). The episode wraps with Rashad reflecting on the making of the classic Notorious B.I.G. track “One More Chance” (2:10:33). Don’t miss Part 2, where Rashad speaks on more of his iconic tracks and tells unforgettable stories.

This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!!

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Episode 361: JASON JANI "The Wedding DJ Who Built a Private Event Powerhouse"

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew chops it up with @JasonJani — DJ, entrepreneur, and founder of @SCEEventGroup — as he shares his journey from New Jersey club nights to redefining private events. Jason recalls how he got his start in 1995, spinning at local spots like Deco Lounge and DJing on the Shore (2:30, 14:30). He talks about learning from setbacks (24:53) and how skills from corporate America helped shape his DJ business (25:48, 27:55). He explains how he broke the mold of the “cheesy wedding DJ” by bringing a nightclub mindset to private events (28:14), using YouTube to market himself (33:20), and building performances that spoke for themselves (35:34). From being recruited for the Watch The Throne tour to getting business advice from Virgil Abloh, Jason shares wild stories from the celebrity circuit and tour life with Ariana Grande (53:25–1:04:03). He breaks down SCE’s revenue model and creative team culture (1:17:30), gives props to @NickSpinelli for going viral (1:25:00), and opens up about leading a business through serious financial challenges and the pandemic (1:45:30–2:12:58). The episode wraps with Jason’s thoughts on DJs limiting themselves and why SCE launched its conference to push the private event scene forward (2:16:44).

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