In this episode of What’s Cookin?, we sit down with Bay, a Manchester-based DJ and producer making her mark across the city’s underground scene.

Bay opens up about how DJing first entered her life, the moment it became something she wanted to seriously pursue, and what the early learning process really looked like behind the scenes. We get into the pressure of early gigs, chaotic moments behind the decks, and the sets that helped shape her confidence as an artist.

We also dive into the reality of building a name in today’s dance music world — balancing social media, content creation, and staying authentic while documenting the journey online through her vlogs. Bay shares honest insights into what actually connects with audiences online, the pressure DJs face on platforms like TikTok, and the mistakes she sees artists making when trying to grow.

Alongside the music, we talk about balancing DJing with everyday life, staying motivated through difficult periods, and navigating the industry as a woman in nightlife spaces. Bay speaks openly about female safety at events, the changes she still wants to see in the scene, and the advice she’d give to other women entering the industry.

From Manchester club culture to building confidence behind the decks, this episode is a real conversation about what it takes to grow as a DJ today.

In this episode of What’s Cookin?, we sit down with Ash Wozza, a multi-genre DJ and producer from Runcorn, to talk about building a career in dance music in the social media era.

Ash opens up about how TikTok became a major turning point in her journey, what actually works when it comes to creating music content online, and the balance between being a creator and staying authentic as an artist.

Alongside content creation, we get into her production journey, from the early days of learning music production to finding her sound as a multi-genre artist and the reality of balancing music with everyday life and work outside of DJing.

We also have a deeply personal conversation about a traumatic experience Ash went through after travelling back from a DJ set, and how she’s worked through the emotional impact of that experience while continuing to pursue music and perform. It’s an honest discussion around safety, resilience and the realities many people in nightlife still face.

We also talk about playing major events like Creamfields and TELETECH, preparing for high-pressure sets and the moments that have shaped her confidence behind the decks.

From agents and industry realities to performance, creativity and consistency, this episode is a real look at what it takes to build momentum as a modern dance music artist.

In this episode of What’s Cookin?, we sit down with Imogen Delooze, a DJ, radio host at Unity Radio and marketing manager for Hide & Seek Festival, one of the UK’s fastest-growing dance music festivals co-founded by Josh Baker.

Imogen opens up about wearing multiple hats in the dance music industry and how she balances life between DJing, radio and the fast-paced world of festival marketing. We get into how her relationship with music started, what first pulled her into dance culture and the journey from music lover to stepping behind the decks herself.

We also dive into her role at Hide & Seek Festival, breaking down what actually goes into building hype around a major event, how festival campaigns come together behind the scenes and why social media has completely changed the way dance music events are marketed today.

Alongside this, we talk about her journey into radio hosting with Unity Radio, the pressure of live broadcasting, curating music for radio versus club sets and what makes a genuinely great guest conversation.

In this episode of What’s Cookin?, we sit down with Lily CD, a Manchester-based DJ carving out her place in the city’s underground dance music scene.

Lily opens up about the reality of growing as an artist in the social media era, from learning how to build an audience online to balancing authenticity with the pressure to constantly create content. We get into how Instagram has shaped her career, what actually connects with people online today, and the lessons she’s learned about audience-building, visibility, and staying true to yourself as an artist.

We also dive into the industry side of things including signing with both management and an agency, how those relationships came about, and what having a team around you really changes behind the scenes. Lily shares honest insights into what managers and agents are actually looking for in artists today, and whether branding and social media now matter just as much as the music itself.

Alongside this, we talk about her production journey, finding confidence in the studio, creative process and the challenge of balancing music alongside everyday life and work commitments.

A major part of the conversation focuses on becoming a resident at Joshua Brooks, what the opportunity meant to her, how it’s helped shape her development as a DJ and why having a regular home within the Manchester scene can completely change your confidence behind the decks.

In this episode of What’s Cookin?, we sit down with Louis Millne to break down the reality of building a career as a producer in today’s dance music scene.

Louis takes us back to his early days in the studio, learning production, making countless bad tracks, and the moment things finally started to click. We get into how his sound has evolved over time, moving from more commercial spaces into a deeper, more underground direction, and what it takes to truly find your identity as an artist.

We also talk about breakthrough moments including support from key DJs, and how those moments can shift confidence, open doors, and shape your path in the industry.

From getting your music heard and building relationships, to navigating management and understanding the business side of things, this episode gives a real insight into what happens behind the scenes.

We dive into performing at major events, preparing for sets, and the highs (and chaos) that come with life behind the decks, alongside the reality of balancing music with everyday life and staying motivated through it all.

In this episode of What’s Cookin?, we sit down with Chanel Carmichael to unpack her journey from a classically trained musician to one of the most exciting rising DJs in the UK scene.

Chanel opens up about growing up in the world of classical music, the moment DJing first caught her attention, and what it really felt like to step away from a traditional path into something completely different. We get into how lockdown live streams helped build her momentum, and why she ultimately chose to shift her focus when the world reopened.

We also dive into the realities of building a career in music, from navigating agents, management, and eventually stepping into independence, to learning how to back yourself in an ever-changing industry. Chanel shares honest insights on moving to Manchester, building a network from scratch, and finding your place in a new scene.

From her production journey and musical influences to landing a residency at Ministry of Sound, this episode explores both the craft and the career behind the decks. We also touch on digging for music, preparing for sets, and how her classical background still shapes her sound today.

In this episode of What’s Cookin?, we sit down with Josh Hvaal, a DJ and producer originally from Derby and now based in Manchester, to talk about reinvention, artist identity and building something bigger than just music releases.

Josh opens up about his production journey from the very beginning. We talk about the early tracks, creative breakthroughs, unfinished ideas and the habits that helped shape his sound over time. We get into what it really takes to improve as a producer, how to develop your own identity and the process of getting music heard by the right people.

A major part of the conversation focuses on navigating the label world, with Josh sharing his experiences releasing music on labels like Hot Creations, TRICK and Hottrax, including the pressure, confidence shifts and industry realities that come with breakthrough moments.

We also dive into his decision to rebrand himself as an artist and restart his social media presence, opening up about authenticity online, comparison culture, and trying to build something that genuinely reflects who he is creatively.

Alongside this, Josh talks about relaunching his label and brand, Gibberish, and the vision behind expanding it into parties and events this year, creating a platform that goes beyond just releasing music.

In this episode, I sit down with Gaia from Girls Don't Sync to talk about her journey from South London to becoming part of one of the most exciting names in dance music right now.

We get into what life looked like before everything took off, from studying acting at university and working random jobs, to discovering DJing and production and figuring out whether music could really become a career. Gaia also shares some of the early experiences and gigs that helped shape her, and how Girls Don’t Sync first came together before rapidly growing into the force they are today.

Alongside that, we talk about bringing her mixed heritage into her sets and sound, the realities of touring, releasing music, and learning how to balance creativity with the pressures of the industry. Gaia also opens up about being dyslexic, how it’s influenced the way she learns and creates, and why teaching DJing and supporting upcoming artists through community-focused events has become so important to her.

If you’re into DJing, production, dance music culture or the behind-the-scenes reality of building a creative career, this episode is packed with honest insight, real stories and plenty of practical advice.

In this episode, I sit down with DJ & producer Dan White to break down what it really takes to grow as an artist in today’s dance music scene, from building an audience on TikTok to navigating the realities of the industry.

We dive into how Dan approached content creation, what actually works for DJs on TikTok, and the biggest mistakes artists make when trying to grow online. He also shares his process for coming up with content, staying consistent, and how social media has opened up new opportunities in his career.

Alongside that, we get into music production, from the early days of making tracks to the habits that helped him improve, how long it really takes to finish music, and the challenges producers face when trying to develop their sound.

We also talk about DJing, live shows, and the realities of the music industry including the pressure of gigs, standout moments behind the decks, and some honest truths about what it takes to break through.

If you’re an aspiring DJ, producer, or trying to grow your presence online, this episode is packed with practical advice and real insight.

In this episode of What’s Cookin?, we sit down with Aleya Mae, a dance music singer-songwriter based in Manchester.

Aleya talks us through her journey into music, finding her footing in the world of drum & bass, and why she’s now feeling the pull toward house music and a new creative direction. We get into what it’s really like being in writing sessions with DJs and producers, how records come together, and the process of carving out your own identity in a fast-moving scene.

We also open up an important conversation around female safety in nightlife and events, an honest and necessary discussion that deserves more attention across the industry.

Beyond the studio, Aleya shares her love for performing and how stepping into her own artistry and taking control of her path is shaping this next chapter of her career.

We wrap things up with a quick-fire round covering her current favourites, inspirations, and what’s next as she steps into a new chapter sonically.

If you’re an aspiring singer-songwriter in dance music, this is the episode for you.

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