Episode 378: DJ ZIMMIE "Why DJs Need the 'Level Up' Conference?"

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew welcomes back returning guest @DJZimmie! The crew discusses how having a camera operator during Club DJ Sets has now become mandatory, how that increases costs, and how it affects how much money a DJ can make (01:55). Crooked shares how @DJNugget saved him one night in Pittsburgh by taking a punch for him (05:01). Zimmie breaks down what “Level Up For DJs” has to offer (13:40) and speaks on a moving moment involving @Shortkut at the #LevelUp4DJs 2025 conference (21:50). The crew also talks about how they manage their presence on social media as DJs (40:40), Crooked speaks on the beauty of collaboration, building community, and social media exhaustion (53:01). The fellas reflect on their experience at NAMM 2026, as well as new @AlphaThetaUSA products being released this year (1:04:33). Optic asks Zimmie when Serato users will be able to have their library on a USB stick (1:18:01). Finally, Zimmie explains how the YouTube series “Pioneers of Hip Hop DJs” came to fruition (1:31:01).

Use Discount Code “ROADPODCAST” at checkout for up to $50 off your tickets to #LevelUp4DJs: https://levelup4djs.com/

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Episode 377: THE STEREOTYPES "Crafting Life Saver Hits For Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber"

This week on @RoadPodcast features an in-depth conversation with The @StereotypesTV (@JonYip + @JermBeats + @RayRomulus), charting their rise from interns and studio rats to Grammy-winning producers behind era-defining records. Crooked opens by giving them their flowers as true DJ “life savers,” praising their ability to balance vibe, storytelling, and music that unites people in the middle (02:33), before Ray reflects on growing up in New York, interning at Bad Boy and Def Jam, and learning the industry from the ground up (05:23). The trio breaks down how they first connected, their wide-ranging influences from the Bay to Snoop, Dre, Bone Thugs, Premier, and Teddy Riley, and the moments that permanently shifted their musical perspective, including hearing Busta Rhymes’ “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” (17:20). They tell the full story of “Damage” by Danity Kane, from ballad to hit, including seeing it on Making The Band and hearing it play at Guitar Center while they were still broke (35:26). The conversation moves into their relationship with Far East Movement and Bruno Mars, leading to a detailed breakdown of 24K Magic, Finesse, and the writing process behind records like “That’s What I Like” and “Chunky,” plus how adding Cardi B turned “Finesse” into a mega hit (44:30). They also touch on uncredited work, publishing lessons, career slowdowns, and behind-the-scenes realities, from studio grind to IRS stress and finally winning Grammys after years in the trenches (1:04:55). The episode closes with optimism about new music, future collaborations, and why 2026 is shaping up to be a special year (1:34:01).

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Episode 376: HICKIES + DRYHUMPS "The SoCal Party That Became a Filipino Movement" Feat. Esentrik

This episode of Road Podcast features @JulzDelaPena and @Esentrik breaking down how real DJ careers evolve, from Julz getting into weddings and understanding presentation (02:05). The conversation touches on the reality of DJ promo culture, online bravado, and mentorship (07:03). The crew then speaks on DJ friendships, leaving retail to focus on parties, and changing economics (10:10). Julz revisits the roots of @HickiesAndDryhumps, why the party originally felt like a house party, and how moments like @MilesMedina and @JustBlaze pulling up after the Goldie Awards shaped its growth (25:07), before diving into Filipino classics and the quiet influence of Filipino DJs in nightlife (29:01). The crew then talks about San Diego’s venues, DJ unity, and why the city’s crowds feel more receptive and fun than Hollywood (47:59). Esentrik explains his showcase style of DJing and crowd reading (57:01). The episode closes with viral Seafood City DJ pop-ups (1:15:01), shrinking DJ rates, and promotion strategies (1:25:01).

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Episode 375: "How Vinyl DJs Are Redefining NYC Nightlife” Feat. DJ Snips, Karl Brisseaux, Svpply, and Moochie

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @Moochie, @DJSvpply, @Snipsmusic, and @KBrissy to talk about @RecordRoom and vinyl parties. The episode begins with Crooked reflecting on his first time attending Record Room and what immediately stood out (03:20), before the crew breaks down why vinyl sets earn more trust from audiences, from the visual curiosity of watching a DJ work to the difference between a DJ and a vinyl selector mindset (12:40). They explore why letting songs play longer works better in today’s shortened attention economy , the origins of Record Room and NYC’s Sway era, and the early days of Suede, including the choice to identify as vinyl DJs in 2025 (18:50). The conversation dives into why R&B sounds so good on vinyl, the importance of bridges, nuance, and letting records breathe, even at prime time (32:30). From there, the crew talks about party arcs, creative limitations, building crowds that trust DJs enough to book weeks ahead, and competing with couches instead of clubs (53:40). The episode closes with reflections on NYC nightlife legacy (1:03:10), curating an authentic New York experience (1:13:01), the cost of vinyl (1:21:05), rocking parties without obvious hits, and the personal relationships DJs have with their records (2:02:01).

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 374: BUCKWILD "On Producing for Biggie, D.I.T.C., and Shaping the NY Sound"

This week on @RoadPodcast, we sit down with legendary producer @buckwild_ditc as he traces his full arc as a producer, starting with how he met Goldfinger at (01:14) and how tracks like Rakim’s “You Got Soul” at (05:10) pushed him toward beat making. The crew dives into the Roosevelt Room record convention at (13:10), where Pete Rock, Large Pro, Q Tip, Capri and others found the records that shaped classic hip hop, with Goldfinger adding his perspective at (23:45). They break down the core of the New York sound at (15:10), covering O.C.’s “Times Up” and the four to eight bar sample loop that defined 1994 and NYC. Buckwild speaks on digging for fresh textures at (25:01), the origins of Digging In The Crates, and how he used the “Seed of Love” sample before Just Blaze flipped it for Jay Z on “Public Service Announcement,” then explains how he met O.C. at (19:50). He runs through his top five productions at (39:00), breaks down why he insists on being in the studio during recording sessions at (22:01), and gets into the realities of clearing samples. The Biggie stories land at the center of the episode at (26:14). The conversation shifts into whether 2025 is a strong year for hip hop but a tough one for clubs at (32:51), why one-liners and real bars feel missing, and when the culture changed at (41:11) as labels downsized and the SoundCloud era took over. Buckwild reflects on chasing hits at (57:10), the story behind “Whoa!,” the beats Jay Z passed on, and what it meant to miss those records erupting in the club. The episode closes with thoughts on Saigon’s album at (1:00:51) and why a DITC compilation would be difficult to assemble at (1:11:01).

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 373: 2025 WRAP-UP “Reviewing the Year's Best & Worst in Music & DJing”

This week on @RoadPodcast we're joined by @Kazi, @Shwcase and @DJMarcoPenta to close out 2025 with a full wrap up of what actually mattered this year, breaking down Top 5 Club Bangers before diving into why songs are taking longer to connect, the lack of label support, and whether release dates should move back to Tuesdays so audiences can learn records before the weekend (14:13). The crew gives @Kehlani her flowers and talks about the success of “Folded” (19:33), then unpacks how rappers who once made club hits are now making gym or car music, GRWM and ‘vibey’ records, why “Whim Whammiee” feels like a novelty song, and how labels treat these tracks like penny stocks for quick money (31:10). A standout conversation follows on whether NYC DJs play edits or originals, genre flexibility in New York and what actually makes an edit better than the original (41:08). This leads into the Top 5 Edits (41:20) and a discussion on edit oversaturation after viral moments and why DJs lean on edits before developing their own style (51:32). The crew then reveals their Top 5 Editors of 2025 (1:23:01) and moves into Top 3 Overrated Tracks (1:39:40). The episode continues with Top 3 Artists (2:01:01), a wider Top Artists of 2025 conversation featuring Bad Bunny jokes, Drake talk, Beyonce’s unmatched versatility for DJs, and why legacy artists remain essential in 2025, ending with Crooked’s top three (2:18:03). They also cover Top 3 Back in Rotation (2:16:01), Crooked’s stories from @Moochie’s party at @RecordRoom in New York and why it stood out (2:47:00), Top Live DJ Sets (2:33:01), Favorite Moments from the year (2:53:01), and the most valuable lessons learned heading into 2026 (3:03:01).

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 372: LAIDBACK LUKE “Discovering Avicii, DJing on an iPhone, and the Rise of Pre-Recorded Sets”

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @LaidbackLuke for a rare deep dive into his Vegas roots, the peak of EDM, and what keeps him inspired after three decades behind the decks. He recalls returning to Las Vegas and the opening of Hakkasan in 2012, a moment he calls the “we won” era of dance music when pop stars like @Pitbull and @IAmWill jumped on the EDM wave (01:66). Luke breaks down those early residencies that felt exotic at the time and how Vegas became a second home (06:10). The conversation turns to his most viral controversy: DJing on an iPhone. Luke explains the real setup behind it, the backlash, and how he uses feedback from that experience to push technology forward (11:27). Between laughs about “Do Not Disturb” mode during sets and Optic calling him the “Kevin Gates of EDM,” Luke shares how he balances innovation with the physical toll of performing that way. Luke also opens up about his respect for open-format DJs, calling them “heavily underrated,” and breaks down his approach to preparing for festivals while staying spontaneous on stage (28:01). Comparing DJing to martial arts, he says the real mastery comes from being prepared enough to adapt in real time (34:01). From there, he dives into the darker side of modern EDM: pre-planned sets, ghost production, and DJs who are “famous for being famous.” He estimates that 80 to 90 percent of festival sets are no longer fully live (36:35). Luke also revisits his time mentoring Avicii, running one of the first online DJ forums, and the wild story of downloading “Levels” on Limewire after fans wouldn’t stop requesting it (45:59). Later, he gets personal about burnout, sobriety, and finding longevity in an industry that rarely slows down (53:01). He shares the creative spark behind “Show Me Love” with @SteveAngello (1:19:05), and how that track evolved from “Leave the World Behind” into one of EDM’s defining remixes. The episode closes with Luke reflecting on control, collaboration, and his remixes being available on @Beatsource as he continues shaping the next generation of DJs (1:30:01).

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Episode 371: RNB & RIBS “DJs, Stop Chasing Viral Moments” Feat. Knowpa Slaps

This week, the crew chops it up with @KnowpaSlaps, the Bay Area DJ and founder behind @RnBandRibs, one of the most influential R&B parties in the game. Knowpa opens up about the love of DJing that sparked the party and how he keeps each set fresh while juggling his roles as both DJ and promoter (06:15). The conversation dives into the explosion of RNB day parties and how over-saturation has made it harder to stand out (08:03). Knowpa explains why intention matters, from the cities they choose to the way they honor local culture, and how he proved RNB & Ribs could work far beyond the Bay, from Austin to Japan (12:49). He breaks down what songs work overseas (14:20), how he curates lineups based on respect instead of social media numbers (19:14), and why DJs chasing viral moments often miss the real magic of the night (26:55). The crew gets into the economy’s impact on parties (39:01), the rise of “de-influencers” and DJ haters online (49:30), and how attention to detail is key even when thousands show up (52:05). Knowpa also speaks on separating his identity from the brand (1:01:01), stretching the genre to keep crowds engaged (1:01:08), and what’s ahead for 2026, including RNB & Ribs London, the Super Bowl block party in San Francisco with @TPain, and his favorite cities of the year: Vegas, Honolulu, and LA (1:05:01).

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Episode 370: DJ BOOGIE BLIND "The Death of Originality in DJ Culture"

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @BoogieBlind to talk about his Bronx roots, coming up with Lyrics to Go, and learning from Roc Raida (2:10). Blind shares how he chose DJing over basketball after seeing Roc Raida’s success and reflects on the original “X-Men Rules” (9:10). He pays respect to Clark Kent, opens up about his battle DJ mentality, and talks about “protecting his energy” in an era where copying is normalized (12:10). Crooked and Blind discuss the “me against the world” mindset of battle DJs, how relationships change as you grow (15:16), and the difference between people’s online personas and real-life character. Boogie calls today’s scene “the most cut-and-paste generation of DJs” and addresses imitation, technology, and Serato’s impact (26:05). They debate content vs. ability, give props to younger DJs pushing boundaries (24:01), and Blind shares his approach to sets: half battle DJ, half party rocker (32:01). He recalls playing @Shaboozey at Dante’s Hi-Fi, discusses vinyl culture, and opens up about self-doubt, crowd control, and staying a fan of the craft (44:01). Blind also speaks on his party “Easily” (51:01), the mic game in the 2010s (1:00:01), his love for island music and production (1:13:01), and the crew’s take on quick mixing (1:27:01).

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 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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