In this episode of The Artist Breakthrough Podcast, Pete and Cal sit down for a full A&R-focused session, listening to music submitted by producers from the Toolroom Academy community and breaking down exactly what’s working, what could be stronger, and how an A&R actually hears a record for the first time.

Along the way, they dive into one of the hardest skills for any producer to develop: learning how to objectively assess your own music.

They explore arrangement, storytelling, sound selection, identifying the strongest hook in a record, knowing when to add - and when to remove - elements, listening fatigue, reference points, and the importance of stepping away from your music so you can hear it with fresh ears.

You’ll also hear practical A&R techniques you can use on your own productions, including the 30-second test, removing elements to see whether they’re actually contributing, and ways to hear your track more like a DJ, listener or label rather than the person who spent hours producing it.

Whether you’re preparing your first demo or already releasing music, this episode is designed to help you become your own best A&R — recognising what’s working, what isn’t, and when it’s time to stop tweaking and send the record out.

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In this episode of The Artist Breakthrough Podcast, house music legend Michael Gray shares the incredible journey behind one of dance music's most enduring careers. From building Full Intention into one of the world's most respected remix acts, producing global hits, and creating The Weekend, to navigating burnout, reinventing himself, and staying relevant across three decades of dance music.

Michael opens up about the mindset that helped him survive changing trends, why finding your own sound is more important than chasing what's popular, and the lessons he's learned from a lifetime in the studio.

Whether you're a DJ, producer or simply passionate about dance music, this episode is packed with timeless advice from one of the industry's true legends.

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From unpaid work experience at Amnesia Ibiza to interviewing Carl Cox, David Guetta, Underworld and some of the biggest names in electronic music, Katie Knight has built one of the most respected careers in dance music broadcasting.

In this episode of The Artist Breakthrough Podcast, Katie Knight shares the reality of building a career in the music industry - from working seven days a week in Ibiza and dealing with rejection, to creating one of dance music's leading podcasts and learning from hundreds of artists, managers and industry professionals along the way.

Whether you want to become a DJ, producer, broadcaster or work behind the scenes, this conversation is packed with honest advice on networking, storytelling, creating opportunities, and building a long-term career in electronic music.

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In this episode of The Artist Breakthrough Podcast, Pete sits down with Martha Bolton, founder of Not Bad For A Girl and one of the UK's leading voices on diversity and community in electronic music.

Together they explore what it really takes to build a career in today's music industry, why community beats competition, how grassroots culture shapes the future of dance music, and the changes the industry still needs to make. From creating opportunities for underrepresented artists to navigating social media, networking, and breaking into the scene, Martha shares practical advice alongside her own journey building one of electronic music's most impactful organisations.

Whether you're an artist, DJ, producer or simply passionate about the future of dance music, this episode is packed with honest insights and actionable advice.

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From grassroots clubs in Liverpool to sold-out headline shows around the world, Girls Don't Sync have become one of the most influential collectives in electronic music.

In this live conversation recorded at our conference, the Girls Don't Sync crew share the real story behind their rise - from playing seven-hour sets for £50 and building local communities, to navigating social media, producing music, dealing with criticism, and staying authentic in an industry obsessed with virality.

We dive into why community matters more than followers, how they built a movement around inclusivity and friendship, the realities of life behind the scenes, and why supporting grassroots culture is more important than ever.

Whether you're a DJ, producer, promoter or simply passionate about dance music culture, this episode is packed with honest insights, practical advice and powerful stories from one of the most exciting acts in electronic music today.

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In this episode of The Artist Breakthrough Podcast, we sit down with Grahame Farmer, founder of Data Transmission and The Artist Blueprint. He is one of the most respected voices in electronic music, to explore what really drives artist growth in today's industry.

From building one of dance music's biggest media platforms to helping artists navigate social media, branding, networking and long-term career development.

We discuss why most artists focus on the wrong things, how to grow a genuine audience, the importance of consistency, and why going viral isn't the shortcut many people think it is.

Whether you're a DJ, producer, label owner or artist trying to break through, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately.

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From acid house and record shops to ADHD, autism and redefining success in dance music...

In this episode of The Artist Breakthrough Podcast, Pete sits down with legendary DJ, producer, journalist and author Harold Heath to explore his remarkable journey through over 30 years of electronic music culture.

Harold shares how he discovered DJing through record collecting, built a career in the early house and tech-house scenes, and why some of his most celebrated records were created with little more than second-hand gear and instinct. He also opens up about receiving an ADHD and autism diagnosis later in life, how neurodiversity shaped his career, and why he believes DJ culture has always been a place where different minds can thrive.

The conversation dives into creativity, record shop culture, social media, the changing definition of success, and why a life spent doing what you love is worth more than any headline slot.

Whether you're a DJ, producer, artist or simply passionate about dance music culture, this episode is packed with wisdom, perspective and inspiration.

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Finishing Tracks, Overthinking & Producer Mindset...

In this episode of The Artist Breakthrough Podcast, Pete and Cal dive deep into one of the biggest struggles producers face - actually finishing music. From perfectionism and overthinking to feedback, rejection, and creative block, they unpack the mindset shifts that help artists move forward and release more consistently.

They discuss whether a “perfect track” really exists, how to handle opinions on your music, why too much feedback can hurt creativity, and the importance of trusting your instincts as a producer. The conversation also explores DJing your own tracks, working with engineers, red flags in feedback, social media’s impact on music culture, and why every artist’s journey looks completely different.

An honest conversation packed with practical advice for producers trying to break through without losing themselves in the process. 📈

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Steven Braines joins us on The Artist’s Breakthrough Podcast to share his incredible journey through the global music industry - from promoting club nights in Sunderland to becoming one of electronic music’s most respected voices.

Steven is the co-founder of the award-winning HE.SHE.THEY., former Head of Events for Defected & Glitterbox, and has worked across legendary brands including Ministry of Sound, Kiss and TAP Music. He’s also served on the boards of the NTIA, MMF and AFEM, while managing internationally acclaimed artists including Maya Jane Coles, Tale Of Us, Tricky, Nadine Shah, SYREETA, Catz N Dogz, Emily Nash, KDA and more.

In this episode we dive deep into artist management, networking, club culture, diversity in dance music, mental health, building long-term careers, and what truly separates successful artists from the rest. Steven also shares powerful advice for new producers and DJs trying to break through in today’s music industry.

From Ibiza stories and underground culture to major festivals, chart success and global touring - this episode is packed with honest insight, inspiration and real-world industry knowledge.

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Laura is an award-winning producer, DJ and songwriter, and the first woman to win the Music Producers Guild Self-Producing Award.

In this episode, she breaks down her journey from DIY pop projects and vocal features to becoming a fully self-produced artist in the dance music world.

We talk about the moment that changed everything at Miami Music Week, why she stopped putting vocals on her own tracks, and how she built a signature sound by not reinventing the wheel every time.

She also opens up about balancing motherhood with touring, the pressure of constant content, and why finding your own process matters more than chasing trends.

If you’re trying to build a long-term career in music - this is one you need to hear!

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