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What happens when corporate consulting skills meet house music production? DJ iFunner (Ivan Wong) takes us behind the decks to reveal his fascinating journey from bedroom DJ to performing at packed venues across Toronto.

The Canadian artist based in Richmond Hill shares how his natural inclination to "create an environment where people can relax and vibe" evolved from casually playing music at university gatherings to spinning tracks at major events like the Snake Eyes Chinese New Year party at the legendary El Mocambo. With refreshing honesty, Ivan discusses how his corporate background in consulting has surprisingly equipped him with valuable skills that transfer to artist development and music production.

We dive deep into the realities of balancing a 9-to-5 job with creative pursuits, and how Ivan's Asian heritage has influenced his artistic direction. His innovative concept for "Lai Cha" parties—a cultural twist on coffee parties centered around Hong Kong milk tea—reveals his desire to blend music with meaningful cultural experiences. This conversation delivers practical insights on everything from producing debut tracks to leveraging AI for content creation and social media strategy.

The episode illuminates the importance of community in artist development, particularly through Ivan's involvement with Jstdrmn, a collective helping local talent reach global stages. His journey serves as both inspiration and blueprint for anyone looking to meaningfully pursue creative passions while navigating professional responsibilities. Whether you're a music enthusiast, aspiring DJ, or creative entrepreneur, Ivan's story demonstrates how passion, community, and strategic growth can combine to create something special in today's competitive entertainment landscape.

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We dive deep into Toronto's vibrant electronic music scene, exploring the evolution of iconic venues, festival culture, and the psychological barriers many artists face when sharing their music.

• Toronto club scene featuring venues like Rebel, CODA, Vertigo, and History
• Evolution of Rebel from The Docks in the 90s to its current multi-purpose incarnation
• Festival fashion and culture at events like Veld, including the notorious hurricane year
• The counterproductive tendency of artists to safeguard their music rather than sharing it
• Fear of rejection as a major barrier for creative growth and career advancement
• The crucial role of industry nights in providing safe spaces for artists to showcase original work
• Reading the room as the essential skill that separates great DJs from button-pushers
• The value of collaboration and seeking professional production help to overcome creative blocks
• Acceptance of rejection as a necessary teacher on the path to artistic growth

Join us for Industry Night biweekly Thursday with Mr. Manager in Toronto, where DJs and creative professionals gather to network, share music, and build community.

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The journey of a professional DJ extends far beyond what most people see on stage. In this candid conversation with DJ Mancan, we peel back the curtain on what it truly takes to build a career in electronic music while navigating the complexities of Toronto's competitive scene.

Growing up in Calgary before attending Western University, Andrew's path into DJing followed the school's unofficial "DJ pipeline" that has produced acts like Loud Luxury. What began with fraternity parties has evolved into a sophisticated approach to music curation, influenced by European sounds and a desire to carve out a unique niche. But this evolution didn't happen overnight—it required disciplined time management, strategic decision-making, and the courage to decline opportunities that didn't align with his artistic vision.

Perhaps most revealing is Andrew's insight into the entrepreneurial reality of music careers. Even established artists with management teams are constantly grinding behind the scenes, handling promotion, and building their brands. For emerging DJs, this means mastering everything from basic accounting to networking, while potentially maintaining full-time employment to remain financially stable. When existing opportunities didn't match his musical direction, Andrew co-founded the "Tempo" event series, demonstrating how today's artists increasingly create their own platforms rather than waiting for the perfect gig.

Whether you're an aspiring DJ, music producer, or simply curious about the realities behind the decks, this conversation offers valuable perspective on building an authentic career in a saturated industry. Follow DJ Mancan on Instagram @mancan.music and check out the Tempo Toronto event series for a taste of the sound he's bringing to the city's electronic music landscape.

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We kick off our podcast series with an in-depth look at the electronic music industry, exploring the hidden realities faced by DJs and industry professionals in Toronto's burgeoning scene.

• The financial challenges of working with promoters and importance of securing payment
• Working artists often balance full-time jobs with their music careers
• Overcoming rejection as a necessary part of growth in the music industry
• Creating industry networking for the local scene

Follow us on Instagram @welcometothecityto and check out music from king koscheii on all streaming platforms.