• Bexxie: Mastering Music Production, Finding Confidence, and Staying Grounded
    Nov 19 2024

    Bexxie is a house music producer and DJ whose 90s-influenced sound is lighting up the electronic music scene. With millions of streams and a reputation for blending modern dance vibes with an old-school edge, Bexxie has built a career defined by passion, persistence, and connection.


    In this episode, Bexxie shares her journey from discovering her love for electronic music through her parents' vinyl collection to carving her own path in the industry. We explore how she transitioned from drum and bass to house music, the challenges of re-entering the scene after a hiatus, and the key lessons she's learned along the way.


    Key Takeaways

    • The importance of consistency in music production and social media.
    • Why breaks can lead to renewed focus and creativity.
    • Building connections with labels and the value of networking.
    • How personal growth can impact your music career.
    • Strategies to maintain self-belief and stay grounded in a chaotic industry.


    Bexxie also opens up about her production techniques, her approach to social media, and her advice for aspiring producers. From overcoming self-doubt to making your music stand out, this episode is packed with actionable insights for anyone passionate about electronic music.


    KEY MOMENTS

    "I’ve always just loved music. Even as a kid, I was just very curious about everything music."


    "In hindsight, I think I just didn’t have the belief in myself as I do now, coming back into it."


    "This industry can be such a roller coaster, but if you can stay grounded within the chaos, it’s going to be so helpful."


    "You absolutely have to put in the work. Some days you’re not going to feel like doing it, but you have to grind to make it."


    "For me, it’s about the connection I get through music with other people - that’s what keeps me going."


    VALUABLE RESOURCES

    Check out our Spotify Playlist


    EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

    Episode Made By Pete


    ABOUT THE HOST

    Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.


    CONNECT & CONTACT

    OpenDAW Instagram

    Lex Luca Instagram


    Email: hello@opendawtalks.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    54 mins
  • Flashmob: Unleashing Creativity, Mindset & Keeping It Real
    Nov 12 2024

    Global DJ and producer Flashmob is best known for his groundbreaking releases on labels like Defected and Hot Creations, Flashmob has built a brilliant career with hit records and club anthems that have shaped Ibiza’s dance floors and the global house music scene. But it wasn’t always a smooth journey - in fact, his path has been one of constant reinvention and resilience.


    Flashmob shares his story of rediscovering his passion during the COVID-19 pandemic, a period that became a turning point in his life and career. He opens up about stepping back from the relentless pace of touring to reconnect with his purpose, allowing him to dive deeper into music with a fresh perspective. His journey is a testament to the power of authenticity & resilience, and highlights the importance of having the courage to follow your own creative path.


    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • The importance of putting feelings into music and making it personal
    • How to overcome the pressure of maintaining a specific sound
    • Balancing touring life with creative output
    • The power of discipline and hard work in achieving success
    • Strategies for effective collaboration and production workflows


    This episode is about reclaiming your creative freedom and building a career that’s true to who you are. Get ready to redefine what success means on your own terms.


    BEST MOMENTS

    The mindset is your biggest tool. For me, the mindset of, well, being extremely organized, that's a mindset, it's a job. And you have to believe in what you do and you have to believe that it will work for you and that it will improve everything that you do to oblige yourself to do it.


    You're on your own trajectory and like many others, and you just do your own thing. You just do your own thing. No matter how hard it gets, which it does, just always try to refresh the happiness in doing it.


    I decided to be faithful to myself and to what I wanted from music and what I wanted from myself once and for all, to be strong enough to say, okay, going to do my own thing. I'm going to do an album that is completely crazy. I'm going to do releases that are just not what you're expecting from me.


    VALUABLE RESOURCES

    Check out our Spotify Playlist


    EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

    Ros T


    ABOUT THE HOST

    Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.


    CONNECT & CONTACT

    OpenDAW Instagram

    Lex Luca Instagram


    Email: hello@opendawtalks.com



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    48 mins
  • Rinzen: Guide to Creative Mastery & Constant Artistic Growth
    Nov 5 2024

    Rinzen is an electronic music producer and DJ known for his cinematic approach to techno and his drive to create immersive, narrative-based worlds through sound. His journey from a college dorm DJ to a sought-after producer offers fascinating insights into the creative process and the mindset needed to succeed in the industry.


    We explore Rinzen’s methods for maintaining a high level of creativity, his routines for maximizing focus, and his approach to balancing the demands of touring with the discipline of studio work. He reveals his strategies for consistent artistic growth, including the role of patience, the importance of uninterrupted studio time, and the value of seeking out inspiration across different art forms.


    Key Takeaways

    • Quality Over Quantity in Creative Work
    • The Power of Routine for Creative Flow
    • How to Create with an Audience in Mind—Without Losing Your Artistic Integrity
    • Networking and Relationship-Building in the Industry
    • Staying Grounded and Inspired

    Key Moments


    “Get so good at what you do that they can’t ignore you. Focus on the craft, and the rest will follow.”


    "I don't find joy in repeating myself...I need to explore something different every time.


    "Patience is everything in this journey. The more you can dedicate yourself to quality, the more fulfilling the path becomes."


    For me, the entire journey of a music producer centers around mastering the craft of production of making music. I am a forever student, so I'm constantly learning and developing my skills.


    Success is such a paradox because … at a certain point you get successful and you realize you've become like a professional person who responds to email

    I'm big into, like, gratitude, practice, and just thinking every day, like, just you're. You're lucky just to be alive, you know, I think any day you have is a blessing. Any, like, extra day or whatever is. It's all a gift.


    I'm generally at the mindset most of your goals can be accomplished by getting really f*&king good at making music. You know, that's been my approach my entire career and everything else is usually out of your control.


    Amore fati. Like, whatever happens today, I love that this is happening because there's something to be gained from it.


    VALUABLE RESOURCES

    Spotify Playlist


    EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

    Made By Pete


    ABOUT THE HOST

    Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.


    CONNECT & CONTACT

    OpenDAW

    Lex Luca

    Email: hello@opendawtalks.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 13 mins
  • Made By Pete: Embracing Playfulness in Music Production
    Oct 29 2024

    Made By Pete is a London-based producer and DJ who has been rising steadily to the top of the electronic music scene. Made By Pete has set himself apart through a unique approach to music that champions playfulness and exploration.


    Expect to learn how he keeps the creative spark alive and navigates industry pressures while staying true to his sound. Made By Pete shares why he’s constantly pushing his own boundaries and what he does to stay inspired. He shares invaluable insights on balancing artistic evolution with audience expectations, the power of a good listening environment, and why playfulness is essential in the studio.


    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • The importance of playfulness and experimentation in music creation
    • Strategies for staying authentic under industry pressures
    • How to build a sustainable career without compromising on artistic vision
    • Tips for designing a productive and inspiring studio space
    • Practical advice for aspiring producers and DJs looking to make a mark


    This episode is packed with actionable advice for you to take into your own creative process.


    BEST MOMENTS

    "Great music is all about ideas... you can be a perfect technician, but music without emotion falls flat."


    “I’ve learned not to pressure myself to make a track every day. Some days, I just create new sounds or make patches—keeping it playful, without the expectation.”


    “There’s nothing wrong with breaking rules—just make sure you’re breaking them in ways you believe in.”


    "The best ideas are always the simple ones."


    "I love photography, I love design. There’s so many times that I’ve looked at an image and thought, 'That’s what I want my music to sound like.'”


    "Collaboration is a good way of finding new inspiration and learning new techniques, especially from people who use [tools] differently than you."


    "Everyone loves having loads of stuff… but it’s about understanding what you have and knowing the best things you can get out of it."


    "Having a source of income outside of music helped me avoid taking gigs I didn’t want or remixes just to pay bills."


    VALUABLE RESOURCES

    Spotify Playlist



    EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

    Kidnap


    ABOUT THE HOST

    Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.


    CONNECT & CONTACT

    OpenDAW

    Lex Luca


    Email: hello@opendawtalks.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 4 mins
  • Kidnap: The Relentless Pursuit of Mastery & Creative Freedom
    Oct 22 2024

    Kidnap is a celebrated electronic music producer known for blending evocative melodies with rich, atmospheric soundscapes. With millions of streams to his name and a reputation for crafting deeply moving tracks, Kidnap has just released his 2nd album Something Lost, Something Gained.


    Expect to learn about Kidnap’s creative process, how he finds inspiration beyond music, and the mindset that has driven his journey from a bedroom producer to an internationally recognised artist. Kidnap shares his personal approach to learning and developing his sound including his technique of starting with harmony and melody on the piano to translating those ideas into digital production.


    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • The power of starting with harmony and melody before adding drums
    • How to overcome creative blocks and find inspiration beyond music
    • Balancing technical skills with intuition in the studio
    • The challenges and rewards of releasing full-length albums in the streaming era
    • Kidnap’s strategies to mastering his art


    Kidnap also opens up about the importance of building a supportive community and shares practical advice for emerging producers. This episode is filled with valuable lessons and real-world insights from one of the most talented music producers on the planet.


    BEST MOMENTS


    "I like to try to develop this evocative, nostalgic sound. The focus for me is always harmony based. So every piece of music I'm starting starts as a harmonic structure and then I'm fleshing that out first."


    "I would say really focus on building community around yourself..... I feel like there's a huge amount of value in ... existing in an ecosystem whereby people around you are ... all involved in the same kind of goal of making and releasing music."


    "I always start writing by picking apart other pieces of music. And often I'll do that for two or three pieces. I might just sit down and be like, oh, I heard this, this song that I liked recently. Let's just try and work it out on the piano"


    "Never ever start with a blank slate. I feel like if I have a blank piece of paper in front of me, so to speak, it's just quite daunting."


    VALUABLE RESOURCES

    Check out our Spotify Playlist

    https://open.spotify.com/playlist/41TxD7AfLModEzxhb6Tr9k?si=57b83806a4fd4c54


    EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

    Episode Ros T


    ABOUT THE HOST

    Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.


    CONNECT & CONTACT

    OpenDAW

    Lex Luca

    Email: hello@opendawtalks.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 6 mins
  • Kelli Leigh: Vocal Mastery - Insights on Preparation, Creativity, and Success
    Oct 15 2024

    The incredible Kelli Leigh, a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter behind some of the biggest dance tracks over the last 10 years is our guest this week.


    Kelli Leigh shares her journey as an artist, songwriter, and vocalist, exploring the highs and lows of the music industry, offering invaluable insights on how she's carved out her own path in the industry. She offers practical advice on songwriting, vocal techniques, and maintaining creativity in a demanding industry.for both established and emerging artists.


    KEY TAKEAWAYS


    • Kelli Leigh’s pre-recording rituals for vocal and mental preparation
    • Techniques for overcoming self-doubt and staying motivated
    • The importance of finding your unique sound and voice
    • Navigating the challenges of being an uncredited vocalist
    • Strategies for building a successful career as an independent artist


    This conversation provides an honest look at the realities of pursuing a career in music and the importance of advocating for yourself as an artist.


    BEST MOMENTS


    “I wouldn't be here chatting to you today if I hadn't decided to back myself."


    "Believe in yourself deeply, because the days when no one else will, you're the one. And your own self belief will be the thing that makes you keep going and step forward."


    “How can you, as a creative, create from the ground? It's like, when you're down there and you're so low, how are you supposed to reach places of highs to bring that energy? He was like, you need rest. You need to take this time out and heal yourself and get yourself into a better space so you can rise back up again.”


    “Don't wait for someone to open doors. You do need to start creating them. You need to be putting yourself ..... online. And I talk about a lot about self releasing. You know, I was an independent artist for years. I still am an independent artist even though my current single is signed to an indie label itself.”


    “The devaluation of singers on dance music has to stop. It's not cool. It doesn't make you look cool. It makes you look like a dickhead, in my opinion.”


    VALUABLE RESOURCES

    You Know My Voice Podcast


    EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

    Camden Cox


    ABOUT THE HOST

    Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.


    CONNECT & CONTACT

    OpenDAW

    Lex Luca


    Email: hello@opendawtalks.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 15 mins
  • Ros T: How To Turn Ideas Into Tracks That Stand Out
    Oct 8 2024

    Ros T is an electronic music producer from Scotland, whose debut album Teach Me reached #1 on the iTunes chart earlier this year. Ros shares his experiences growing up in a tight-knit island community and how it shaped his musical perspective. Ros talks us through the creative processes behind his music,, the challenges he’s faced, and the pivotal moments that have defined his career.


    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • Ross's unique approach to music production and how he balances emotion with technical skill
    • The story behind his hit track "Out the Fire" and its journey to success
    • Insights into the making of his debut album and his collaboration with Perfect Havoc
    • How he manages his creative process and maintains productivity in the studio
    • The impact of personal loss on his music and how he channels emotions into his work

    "I need to feel something from it. And that's where a lot of my stuff's quite emotive in that, because I need to feel something from it."


    Ross T is carving his own path in the industry, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration, from one of the industry's most respected. Get inspired to push your own creative boundaries.


    BEST MOMENTS


    Without [my mum's] knowledge and love of music, like, we wouldn't be having this conversation right now. There'd be no album, there'd be no anything.

    Forget about all that rubbish, focus on the music and by all means, promote yourself on socials. But the music's the most important thing.


    All you need to do is just make the one tune that connects. Like, you could have 50,000 followers, you can have 20 followers, you could have started making music last week, you could have been making music for 40 years. If you just make that tune, if that tune is good enough, you send it to the label and the label does hear it and it is that good, they will sign it.


    Focus wholeheartedly on the music, just enjoying it and doing that before you start really being like, I need to get signed and then free. Don't worry too much about saying I need to be signed because I was unsigned for years, happily just doing my thing


    I can't really make happy music because it's, like my outlet, I suppose when I fully get over some stuff. Maybe I'll be like, right, sweet. I can make some really happy stuff.


    VALUABLE RESOURCES

    Check out our Spotify Playlist


    EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

    Episode Dave Lee


    ABOUT THE HOST

    Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.


    CONNECT & CONTACT

    OpenDAW

    Lex Luca


    Email: hello@opendawtalks.com


    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 26 mins
  • Dave Lee: Creative Freedom & The Art of Finishing Tracks
    Oct 2 2024

    Have you ever wondered what it's like to have complete creative control over your music? In this episode, I sit down with the legendary Dave Lee, a true icon in the electronic music scene, know best for his pseudonym Joey Negro to explore the ins and outs of his 30 year career.


    Dave shares his journey from the early days of Glam rock to becoming a powerhouse in the house and disco world. He opens up about the freedom he now enjoys in his career, making music on his own terms and bringing his wildest ideas to life.


    KEY TAKEAWAYS

    • Insights into Dave's creative process, from initial ideas to finished products
    • The art of remixing and re-editing classic tracks for modern dancefloors
    • The importance of trusting your instincts and being honest with yourself about your work
    • Tips for emerging artists on navigating the music industry and protecting their rights
    • Strategies for overcoming creative blocks and finding inspiration in unexpected places
    • The value of owning your music rights and building a strong back catalog

    Whether you're an aspiring producer, a seasoned DJ, or simply a music enthusiast, this episode is packed with valuable insights and inspiration, from one of the industry's most respected figures.


    BEST MOMENTS


    "I would say the most exciting thing that's happening is that I've got to a point in my career where I'm kind of doing what I want."


    "Just to follow your gut. Follow your gut instincts about things. If you've worked on a piece of music and you don't think it's right or you think it's great or there's somebody you're working with, you're not really sure if it's, you know, the synergy's there or you're not happy. You know, I just think, follow your gut instincts."


    "I've always been a finisher. I remember the guy when I was signed to a publisher in the early nineties, he said that you're a finisher and I finish off track. My problem is not, oh, I've got lots of half finished tracks on my hard drive."


    "One thing is important to know is what you're good at, what you're bad at. And I can play chords, but I know I'm not great. You know, I'm not. My taste in chords is better than my ability to play them."


    VALUABLE RESOURCES

    Check out our Spotify Playlist


    EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

    Roger Sanchez


    ABOUT THE HOST

    Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.


    CONNECT & CONTACT

    OpenDAW

    Lex Luca


    Email: hello@opendawtalks.com



    Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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    1 hr and 43 mins