The Afters Cast

We welcome London-based artist DJ S.K.T (aka Steve) to the forefront. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of his remarkable journey.

The conversation kicks off with a glimpse into DJ S.K.T's humble beginnings, tracing his roots from early forays into music production to his breakthrough moment with the renowned UK label 'Defected.' From there, we delve into the whirlwind ascent to stardom, Steve shares captivating tales of touring the globe and reveling in the fast-paced lifestyle of a music sensation.

Steve bravely confronts the shadows lurking beneath the surface, as he opens up about his harrowing battle with opioid addiction. He shares the raw and unfiltered story of his brush with death, as he grappled with MERS and slipped into a coma for 28 days, emerging on the other side to face the daunting task of learning to walk again.

We discuss profound reflections on the transformative power of self-focus and introspection, revealing how Steve's personal journey of healing and growth has reshaped his approach to music and life. He delves into the pitfalls of chasing success at all costs, urging listeners to prioritise self-care and authenticity in their pursuit of fulfillment.

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This week we are sat with legendary DJ, producer, label owner and all round entrepreneur, Mark Knight. Prepare to be captivated as we journey through the illustrious career and profound insights of this multifaceted industry titan.

The conversation commences with a heartfelt exploration of Mark's musical odyssey, from his early fascination with soul and hip hop records to his groundbreaking contributions to electronic and house music. We also uncover the remarkable origin story behind 'Toolroom Records,' a beacon of innovation in house music.

Mark offers a candid glimpse into the joys and challenges of running a family business, sharing invaluable lessons learned along the way. From the importance of teamwork instilled by his passion for sports to the profound impact it has had on his journey as an entrepreneur and father, Mark's reflections resonate deeply.

As the conversation unfolds, we also delve into the darker side of the music industry, confronting the pervasive culture of 'take take take' that often undermines its inherent creativity and community spirit. He shares his personal journey of introspection and growth, revealing the transformative decision to prioritise quality over quantity by cutting down his gigs to focus on what truly matters.

For anyone who wants to learn more about Toolroom Academy, click the link below:

https://toolroomacademy.com/

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We are honoured to be joined by the visionary force behind the 'Save Our Scene' movement, George Fleming, exploring the challenges and triumphs of him and his team's tireless advocacy efforts.

The conversation begins with a glimpse into George's personal journey as a fervent lover of live music and raves, laying the foundation for his passionate commitment to preserving the essence of the scene. From there, we delve into the origins of 'Save Our Scene,' tracing its humble beginnings to a grassroots movement driven by a shared love for music and a fierce determination to protect its future.

George shares captivating anecdotes of the movement's early days, recounting the electrifying atmosphere of the first pop-up street rave that drew an astonishing 50,000 people to the streets outside Downing Street in London. Yet, amidst the celebration, George shines a light on the sobering realities facing music venues today, from skyrocketing rents to the encroachment of larger establishments on grassroots venues.

As the conversation unfolds, George offers poignant reflections on the profound impact of venue closures on both DJs and bands alike, underscoring the vital role of human connection and community in preserving the soul of the music scene. 

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Jacky & Sean take centre stage for a candid exploration of a topic that has reverberated throughout the music industry: drug use. With raw honesty and vulnerability, they peel back the layers of their own experiences to shed light on the silent ketamine epidemic and the insidious journey from occasional use to regular dependency.

As they delve deeper into the complexities of drug use in their careers, Jacky & Sean bravely confront the insecurities that fuelled their reliance on alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms. They share intimate reflections on the pivotal role of 'hunger' in driving their ambitions, emphasising the importance of unwavering determination and resilience in achieving one's goals.

But amidst the shadows, Jacky & Sean find rays of light, uncovering valuable lessons from sobriety (permanent and temporary) and the transformative power of picking their moments wisely. They explore the concept of subconscious reprogramming, urging listeners to make note of their own narratives and break free from self-imposed labels that hinder personal growth.

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We are joined by the esteemed British DJ and producer, Jansons, for an intimate conversation around his journey into and through the music industry.

The discussion kicks off with a reflection on Jansons' breakthrough moment: his first big release on Steve Lawler's esteemed imprint, 'VIVa.' From there, we journey through the evolution of content creation in the digital age, as Jansons shares his insights into the ever-changing landscape.

Jansons also offers a candid look into the challenges of building a brand around oneself in an increasingly competitive market, highlighting the importance of authenticity and self-expression in the modern DJ landscape.

As the conversation unfolds, we delve into the nitty-gritty of live performance, with Jansons sharing his experiences and lessons learned from setting up and playing live sets in a 'dynamic' club environment. From the exhilaration of the stage to the loneliness of the road, Jansons offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the highs and lows of life as a touring DJ, touching on the personal sacrifices and challenges faced along the way.

Additionally, Jansons shares invaluable wisdom about the art of patience in the creative process, urging aspiring artists to resist the temptation to rush the release of their music for the sake of it and instead embrace the journey with patience and perseverance.

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This time we have the pleasure of sitting down with DJ and producer, Denney.

The conversation kicks off with the gripping tale of how he landed his coveted signing with Hot Creations, offering a glimpse into the inner workings of one of the most revered labels in the scene. From there, we dive into the world of Leeds student house parties, where Denney recounts one surreal moment when the sound technicians from DC10 worked their magic on the sound system, setting the stage for a seriously naughty afters gaff for the infamous 'Back To Basics' parties.

Denney also offers poignant reflections on the evolving landscape of social media and its impact on the confidence of younger generations, urging aspiring artists to stay true to their vision and say no to gigs that don't align with their artistic integrity. He also shares his awe-inspiring experiences of collaborating with artists he once deemed unattainable, proving that dreams can indeed become reality in the world of electronic music.

Yet, amidst the triumphs, Denney also shares the harsh realities of the job, from grappling with enormous and unexpected tax bills to confronting the glorification of drug culture, even within respected publications like Mixmag.

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This week we delve deep into the pulsating world of electronic music with Josh and Lewis, the vibrant hosts behind the 'Ibiza Unplugged' podcast. The conversation begins with a captivating origin story, as they unravel the journey of 'Ibiza Unplugged' from its inception, sparked by the renowned 'Ibiza Bible,' to its evolution into a platform that forges profound connections between DJs and their audience.

As the discussion unfolds, we are transported to the heart of Ibiza, where everyone shares their experiences of the community feel at 'Solid Grooves'. Their anecdotes paint a vivid picture of the vibrant energy and camaraderie that permeate these iconic events, offering a glimpse into the soul of Ibiza's nightlife.

Beyond the beats, Josh and Lewis offer insights into their collaborative efforts in building an electronic music podcast audience, navigating the digital landscape with authenticity and passion. From personal transformations fuelled by healthier lifestyles to the science behind intermittent fasting, the conversation touches on the multifaceted aspects of well-being in the fast-paced world of electronic music.

There's even a captivating tale of a particular life-changing acid trip thrown in the conversation for good measure, offering a profound reflection on the transformative power of psychedelic experiences.

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Jacky sits down with the multifaceted DJ, producer, manager, and industry stalwart, Lee Haslam. Lee's journey into the realm of music began at a tender age, and it wasn't long before he discovered his true calling behind the decks.

The conversation takes a nostalgic turn as Lee reminisces about the pivotal moment when witnessing his first DJ set transformed the trajectory of his life, propelling him from the confines of a primary school teacher into the pulsating heart of the music industry. Jacky and Lee delve into the bygone era of touring, where social media and smartphones were but a distant dream, and the weight of the vinyl was a testament to a DJ's dedication.

From collaborating with Tidy Trax on the record label to stepping into the realm of artist management, Lee's journey reflects the evolution of the industry itself. The discussion turns to the harsh realities of the modern music landscape, where the pursuit of success often feels like an uphill battle, with Lee shedding light on the daunting task of earning a living through Spotify streams alone.

In a moment of camaraderie, Jacky unveils some long-held secrets from their shared past, adding a touch of intrigue to the conversation. And amidst the tales of yesteryear, Lee shares his latest endeavour, Northstar 360—a talent incubator aimed at nurturing the next generation of music prodigies aged 13-17.

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Sean is joined by Seb Zito, whose prowess in the electronic music scene has earned him widespread acclaim. Seb's journey is a testament to his unwavering commitment to the craft, marked by accolades that include being a staple within the electronic music scene and earning serious recognition from industry peers.

The conversation delves into the depths of Seb's experiences, from the unconventional practice of kickstarting Saturdays with MDMA-infused tea, right through to his dedication of mastering the art of vinyl. Seb shares candid anecdotes about overcoming challenges, including the trials and tribulations of playing less-than-stellar sets—a testament to his resilience and growth as an artist.

We explore the origins of 'Fuse,' one of London's most iconic and enduring parties, co-founded by Seb himself. Peeling back the layers of creativity as Seb reflects on the battle of making music when he, in his words, 'hated it', offering a glimpse into the raw and authentic journey of an artist navigating the highs and lows of the industry.

Seb also opens up about the realities of being a 'caner,' shedding light on his early days dabbling in the London club scene, whilst touching on the aftermath of big sessions - a sobering reminder of the toll that prolonged partying can take.

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In a unique shift of gears, the 11th episode brings you an intimate conversation with Liam Willers, one-half of the duo, taking a guest seat. Sean sits back and allows his brother dive deep into his journey, letting Jacky assume the role of lead interviewer.

The discussion traces the origins of the duo, from humble beginnings of selling tickets to secure gigs to navigating the immense pressure that the industry imposes on artists. Liam shares candid insights into their pivotal decision to relocate to Berlin, where they encountered the whirlwind of the techno scene, including unforgettable tales of 5-day benders, getting signed to Watergate and the sobering realities of hitting rock bottom.

Amidst the chaos, the conversation takes a poignant turn as Liam opens up about his personal struggles, from panic attacks induced by 2CB to transformative journeys of body and mind. From the depths of despair to triumphant achievements, Liam recounts his remarkable evolution, including the incredible journey from running for the first time to completing his first marathon.

Peeling back the layers of Liam's journey offers a raw and authentic glimpse into the highs, lows, and transformative moments that define his path in and out of the music industry.

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