Sean Willers shares his insights on going sober and how to live a balanced lifestyle as a DJ/Producer.

Dan Costello, Libero Records Owner, A&R, Resident.

We caught up while he's out in Bangkok, where he's been taking some time to reset and focus on his music. Hear the whole journey from school to establishing Libero as a house hold name in the scene.

Key Points:

• Started Libero Records during uni - shows you don't need to wait to build something big
• They're super smart about growth - like how they're doing just 3 strategic shows in Ibiza instead of trying to do everything at once
• Has this really organized way of prepping for sets - splits tracks into "roll, bridge, drive" categories which was interesting
• Big on creating space in tracks rather than cramming in loads of elements - less is more approach
• Says warm-up sets are actually harder than people think - it's an art reading the room early in the night
• Runs these WhatsApp groups for the label where everyone supports each other's content - proper community vibe
• Recommends starting with a label before doing parties - they sold out their first event in an hour because people already knew the brand
• Says you shouldn't sit on unreleased tracks - better to get them out there on Bandcamp or SoundCloud than let them collect dust
• Believes in the importance of TikTok now for reaching younger audiences (even though he's not a huge fan himself)
• Thinks self-releasing is becoming more important than chasing big labels
• Says friendship and business can mix - but you need clear boundaries
• Suggests focusing on global events rather than doing loads of local shows once you've built a following

Connect with Dan:

https://www.tstack.app/libero-records

https://soundcloud.com/dancostellolbr

https://www.instagram.com/dancostellolbr/

https://www.beatport.com/artist/dan-costello/671855

https://www.instagram.com/libero_records/p/DCWyQqHAYSI/

Cameron & George sit down in London, January 2025 to talk about their journey building Trackstack. Covering new product announcements, how they handle growth and their view on the future of the electronic music industry.

@trackstack.app

Get started with Flow Inbox: https//www.trackstack.app

Karl Lingard shares his journey from a musical upbringing to becoming a DJ and producer.

He discusses the importance of networking in the music scene, the challenges he faced in his career, and the realizations he had about success and self-worth. Karl emphasizes the significance of a creative process that is free from pressure and the balance between his music career and personal life. He also outlines his future plans for career development and the importance of building a sustainable music business. In this conversation, Cameron and Karl Lingard explore the multifaceted journey of a DJ, discussing the importance of building a solid foundation, the unseen work behind music production, and the evolving landscape of social media, particularly TikTok. They delve into the challenges of the electronic music scene, the significance of authenticity, and the necessity of patience and enjoyment in the pursuit of success. Karl shares insights on learning and teaching within the industry, emphasizing the value of free education and personal growth.

Takeaways

Networking is essential for building relationships in the music scene.

Support videos can significantly impact a track's success.

Lockdown provided an unexpected opportunity for music production.

Success should not be solely measured by external validation.

It's important to maintain self-worth independent of industry fluctuations.

A creative process should be intuitive and free from pressure.

Balancing a music career with personal life is crucial for sustainability.

Building a client base can provide financial security.

Exploring various genres can enhance artistic expression.

Planning and gradual steps are key to transitioning into a full-time music career. It's important to build a solid foundation in your career.

Many people don't see the extensive work that goes into being a DJ.

Social media, especially TikTok, is crucial for engagement.

Authenticity is key in today's music industry.

The electronic music scene is rapidly evolving.

Getting gigs is becoming increasingly competitive.

Free education has transformed music production learning.

Patience is essential in the music industry.

Enjoy the process of making music and don't rush.

Letting go of frustrations is vital for growth.

Ryan and Rory, two friends who met at Bournemouth University, joined forces to create the duo "RSquared." Taking inspiration from Music On and Paradise, as well as their love of disco, funk, and tech, they nurtured their sound to create a unique, catchy, and energetic vibe. Since releasing their first EP in early 2020, they have gone on to sign with record labels such as Knee Deep in Sound, 303 Lovers, Too Many Rules, and Libero Records, among others. RSquared's sharp percussion and rolling drums have garnered support from DJs such as Hot Since 82, Marco Carola, Jamie Jones, Dennis Cruz, and Paco Osuna. They have also received a significant amount of support on radio stations such as BBC and Kiss FM. With 2023 on the horizon, the young duo is poised to cement their place as rising talents in the tech house scene.

Connect with RSquared

Website

Instagram

Soundcloud

Twitter

Facebook

Key Background & Formation:

Musical Development & Style:

Career Journey:

Production Insights:

Personal Growth:

Industry Insights:

Advice for New Artists:

Oskar Eichler is a Entrepreneur and DJ / Producer who has built Songstats and 1001Tracklists as well as being one half DONT BLINK @dontblinkmusic

Summary

1. **Life as a Digital Nomad in Bali**:

Oskar has been living in Bali for almost a decade, enjoying the relaxed, unique lifestyle that combines remote work with island vibes. He describes how Bali offers a distinct experience for digital nomads, comparing it to other hotspots like Thailand. For Oskar, Bali is a haven for those seeking balance between professional and personal life, complete with studios set in scenic villas.

2. **Evolution of the DJ Scene**:

Oskar reflects on the transformation of the DJ scene, reminiscing about the days of physical records and vinyl culture. He shares how digital platforms, like YouTube, have reshaped the industry. Back in the day, DJs would dig for music in record stores, building connections through a shared love for music—a very different experience from today’s instant access to digital tracks.

3. **Challenges with Digital Rights and YouTube**:

Oskar talks about his journey with a YouTube channel that quickly gained over 100,000 subscribers by sharing DJ mixes, only for it to be abruptly shut down due to licensing issues. Undeterred, he launched another channel, this time negotiating with electronic music labels for proper licensing, which grew to over a million subscribers. He shares the ongoing struggles DJs face with content ID systems, which often block or claim earnings from uploaded mixes.

4. **Nostalgia for Traditional DJ Practices**:

Oskar expresses nostalgia for the original, hands-on elements of DJing, like beat matching on vinyl. He discusses how modern DJ software has removed much of the tactile experience, shifting the DJ’s role from crate-digging in record shops to managing playlists on digital platforms. Both he and the host agree that some of the social and creative magic of early DJ culture has been lost in the digital age.

5. **Connecting through Global Festivals**:

Oskar highlights the importance of music industry events like ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event) as opportunities for connection, collaboration, and celebration within the electronic music scene. Reflecting on his early years of “hustling” for connections, Oskar notes how the tables have turned—now, people seek him out, a testament to his growth and influence within the industry.

**Episode Summary**:

This episode presents Oskar’s insights and experiences in the evolving world of electronic music and DJing. He shares a mix of personal stories and professional reflections, from adjusting to Bali’s unique lifestyle to navigating the digital challenges in music. Oskar’s perspective underscores the resilience needed to adapt to the fast-paced changes in the industry, all while celebrating the roots of electronic music culture.

Manu Naykene, joins us for the Trackstack Podcast - EP 31.

We touched on Manu’s origin story, how he got into DJing and content creation, advice for up-and-coming producers and much more.

Send tracks to Manu: https://tstack.app/manu

Send demos to KLUB RECORD: https://tstack.app/klub-record

Connect with Manu: clozer.io/manunaykene

Key takeaways:

• Manu ecently completed a mini-tour, including performances in Dubai, Doha, and Mykonos.

• Professionalism is crucial in DJing, including staying focused during performances and limiting alcohol consumption while playing.

• Manu highlights the importance of "locking in" during performances to ensure the audience has a good time.

• DJ etiquette and the balance between appearing as a "party person" while maintaining professionalism behind the scenes.

• Manu's background to music starting DJing around 2016, inspired by South African DJs and the Afro house genre.

• Getting gigs as a new DJ often requires persistence and "hustling" - reaching out to venues directly and being proactive.

• The importance of enjoying the process of learning to DJ, such as the satisfaction of successfully transitioning between tracks.

• Electronic music is becoming more global, with pop music increasingly incorporating electronic elements.

• Modern DJ sets often include a variety of genres, focusing more on creating a "party vibe" rather than sticking to a single genre.

• The value of building a career from the "grassroots" level and how it can help in the long run.

Sean Willers, UK from The Willers Brothers⁠ join us to share his story for life after the party.

Having enjoyed a residency at Egg for over four years, we, Sean and Liam Willers, aka The Willers Brothers, became a highly successful DJ act, regularly playing top London clubs, including Ministry of Sound, Tobacco Dock, and more.

As regulars on the Berlin music scene, we frequently played hotspots such as Watergate and Tresor. We also hit the decks at high-profile venues like Pacha in Barcelona, The Zoo Project in Ibiza, SWF Festival in Amsterdam, Bit Club in Sao Paulo, plus venues in Tokyo and Moscow.

We were the second most listed DJs to play at Egg and were signed by the Watergate agency, which saw us move to Berlin and enthusiastically throw ourselves into the party lifestyle.

Throughout our career, we played alongside many big-name DJs, including Darius Syrossian, Kerri Chandler, Waff, and Yousef. As music producers as well as DJs, we achieved several number ones on decks.de and top 10s on Beatport, releasing our catalogue on both vinyl and digital formats to high acclaim.

However, the demanding nocturnal lifestyle began to take its toll. I, Sean, became gripped by a vicious drug and alcohol addiction, leaving me feeling like a wreck mentally, physically, and financially. We gained a reputation for excessive consumption, which started breaking down our relationships and negatively affecting our DJing work, causing us to repeatedly fall out with numerous agencies and people within the industry.

Learn more about Willers Fitness https://willersfitness.co.uk/

Follow Sean on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/willersfitness/

Kodewerk, Georgie Marshall UK joins us on The Trackstack Podcast.

Episode Highlights:

Recap of events, highlighting the unexpected rain and its impact on their plans.

Anecdotes about attending a flooded restaurant and the overall vibe of the week.

George shares his initial misconceptions about the event being more work-oriented, while it turned out to be largely social.

Emphasis on networking and reconnecting with industry peers.

George opens up about his 15.5 months of sobriety and the positive changes it has brought to his life and career.

Discussion on the importance of having a clear vision and purpose in his work.

Plans to be more involved in both the creative and business sides of the music industry.

Desire to participate more in conferences and events for professional growth.

Aim to bridge the gap between artists and their audience by sharing more personal stories and backgrounds.

Key Takeaways

Kodewerk is one of the music scene’s true grafters – he’s spent the last decade immersing himself in dance music, honing his craft with the kind of hands-on shop floor experience that money can’t buy.

Connect with Kodewerk

⁠https://www.instagram.com/kodewerk

Connect with Trackstack

⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/trackstack.app

https://trackstack.app/

Ranger Trucco is one of house music’s fastest-rising talents. Combining effortless lyricism with infectious basslines, he wasted zero time cultivating a truly unique sound that resonates with electronic music fans globally. Both producer & vocalist - Ranger refused to let growing up 4 hours north of the nearest nightlife impede his plans of a future completely immersed in dance music culture. With performances at festivals and clubs nationwide on the horizon, it’s only up from here.

Connect with Ranger

https://www.instagram.com/rangertrucco

https://www.rangertrucco.com/

Summary

Ranger Trucco discusses his approach to collaborating with other artists and the positive impact it has had on his career. He emphasizes the importance of mutual respect and communication in collaborations. He also shares his journey as an artist and the influence of his parents on his music career. Trucco highlights the significance of having fun and not taking music too seriously, as well as the importance of finding inspiration outside of the studio. He discusses the balance between making music and managing social media, emphasizing the importance of being authentic and true to oneself. Ranger Trucco discusses the pressure of posting on social media and the importance of authenticity. He emphasizes the need for artists and brands to be themselves on social media and connect with their audience on a personal level. He also talks about the ego in the DJ industry and the importance of humility. Trucco predicts that minimal and deep tech will continue to grow in the US music scene. He advises DJs to have fun, not take themselves too seriously, and prioritize their mental well-being.

Takeaways