ROAD PODCAST (Reflections Of A DJ)

Episode 345: DJ SPINNA "Stevie Wonders Favorite DJ" On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome New York’s finest @DJSpinna and guest host @DJGoldfingerNYC. Spinna reflects on getting into the iconic Paradise Garage at just 16 (1:10), talks about the rise of NYC house clubs in the late 80s and early 90s (17:20), and reveals some of his legendary DJ equipment (45:10). He discusses being called the founder of theme parties with his ‘MJ vs Prince’ party (1:04:09), shares #Prince’s reaction to the event (1:11:50), and reflects on his top DJ memory—performing with #StevieWonder (1:19:10). The crew also talks about how new DJs often quick mix out of songs after a lack of immediate crowd reaction (1:47:05). Finally, Spinna looks back on his career and his growth as a DJ (1:56:02). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you! Try Beatsource for free: https://btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: https://bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 344: DJ CASSIDY "His Journey To ‘Pass The Mic’" On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome Grammy-nominated performer, producer, and MC @DJCassidy, along with guest co-host @DJGoldfinerNYC. Cassidy and Goldie reflect on their early experiences and the evolution of Cassidy's career (02:10). Cassidy recalls his first encounter with @Diddy (12:10), discusses his rise in the industry (30:12), and shares his love for DJing, influenced by RUN DMC and soul/R&B music (39:10). He talks about his legendary birthday parties (1:04:55), the iconic performer lineups he curated (1:21:00), and the unforgettable moment when Jay-Z and Nas rapped together at his party (1:32:55). Cassidy also discusses his approach to reading the room and DJing for celebrities (1:47:01), his experience DJing during the EDM era (1:58:01), and how he curates the #PasstheMic roster (2:02:01). Finally, he reveals the origins of “Pass the Mic” with Verdine from #EarthWindandFire (2:27:01).

The 'ROAD 10' is a bonus segment featuring a curated set of 10 questions inspired by the 'Proust Questionnaire.' These consistent, reflective, and often revealing questions are asked to every guest at the end of their appearance on the Road Podcast (Reflections of a DJ). True to its name, the 'ROAD 10' offers a unique glimpse into each guest's personality, values, and preferences, blending humor, introspection, and candid moments. Originally exclusive to Road Podcast Patreon subscribers, these interviews are now available on YouTube after a one-month debut on Patreon. The 'ROAD 10' is designed to offer viewers a memorable and intimate connection with each guest.

Episode 343: JIMMY JAM On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome legendary Grammy Award-winning producer and DJ, Jimmy Jam (@flytetymejam). Jimmy Jam reflects on various milestones in his career, starting with his involvement in the Grammys (01:55), he discusses his favorite new artist (02:40) and the impact of the fires on the awards show (05:34). He breaks down the samples in his production of @JanetJackson’s hit songs (18:45), and the crew credits Jimmy with the creation of New Jack Swing (34:60). Jimmy Jam speaks on his early years in Minnesota DJing (42:20), joining Terry Lewis’ band (@flytetymelewis) (50:10), and recalls going to junior high with #Prince (@1:05:55). Finally, he talks about getting back into DJing (1:35:10) and which current hip-hop artist he would love to work with (2:20:01).

The ROAD 10: Mark Ronson The 'ROAD 10' is a bonus segment featuring a curated set of 10 questions inspired by the 'Proust Questionnaire.' These consistent, reflective, and often revealing questions are asked to every guest at the end of their appearance on the Road Podcast (Reflections of a DJ). True to its name, the 'ROAD 10' offers a unique glimpse into each guest's personality, values, and preferences, blending humor, introspection, and candid moments. Originally exclusive to Road Podcast Patreon subscribers, these interviews are now available on YouTube after a one-month debut on Patreon. The 'ROAD 10' is designed to offer viewers a memorable and intimate connection with each guest.

Episode 342: MARK RONSON On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome Grammy and Oscar-winning producer and DJ Mark Ronson (@IAmMarkRonson). Mark reflects on his journey, starting with his first DJ names "Mark the Spark" and "DJ Old English" (01:34), shares how he got his first gig through @BillSpector (06:24), and admits he was a better DJ before @Serato was released (22:10). He acknowledges his mixed feelings about playing his own music (35:20), talks about his hit “Ooh Wee” (46:30), and discusses his first album "flopping" (51:35). Mark also delves into his influential production work with @LilyAllen (58:00), creating magic with @AmyWinehouse on their hit “You Know I'm No Good” (1:05:20), and collaborating with @BrunoMars on “Locked Out of Heaven” (1:24:02). Finally, he speaks on taking part in major performances at the #Superbowl and #Oscars (1:30:40) and his documentary series Watch The Sound (1:37:01). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you! Try Beatsource for free: https://btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: https://bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 341: RALPH MCDANIELS “Inside Video Music Box” On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome famed music video director, VJ, and co-creator of the longest-running music video show, #VideoMusicBox, Ralph McDaniels (@videomusicbox). Ralph discusses his experiences and pivotal moments in the history of hip hop and music videos, starting with a memorable birthday celebration where #Biggie and #JayZ attended his party (01:55). He reflects on the creation of Video Music Box (08:35) and his role in airing Fresh Fest 85’ (20:00). Ralph also talks about his transition into directing videos (48:00), his role in popularizing shout-outs (56:00), and shares how MTV blocked him (1:24:00). Finally, Ralph speaks on working on new shows (1:42:20) and his book Roscoe Learns About Video Music Box (2:02:01). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you! Try Beatsource for free: https://btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: https://bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 340: DJ MARTY PLAY + LB1 "Inside 1Oak and the Underground Pandemic Parties” On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome New York’s finest @DJMartyPlay and @DJLB1. LB1 discusses recording @DJCrooked's set without Crooked's consent (01:10), and the crew reminisces about their legendary DJ nights in NYC (09:18). LB1 and Marty get candid about DJing the underground party scene in NYC during COVID-19 (37:12). Finally, the guys dive into the backlash of playing parties during the pandemic (40:40) and explain how DJ tips work at strip clubs (1:02:10). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!

Episode 339: DJ JAZZY JOYCE “Hip-Hop's Eleanor Roosevelt” On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas are excited to welcome the legendary DJ and the Bronx’s finest, @DJJazzyJoyce, alongside guest host @DJGoldFinderNYC. Jazzy Joyce discusses her legacy, acknowledging she wasn’t fully aware of the historical impact she was making at the time (02:34). She reflects on her early experiences, including playing clubs by age 16 (9:33), recounts battling major acts like Cash Money (@TheRealDJCashMoney) (17:55), and remembers working on the track “It’s My Beat” with Sweet Tee (17:55). Jazzy talks about how hip hop has changed (33:01), breaks down her time on @VH1’s Master of the Mix (43:01), and discusses the dynamics of being a female DJ and battling unwanted sexual attention (57:10). She speaks on her career in radio (1:13:20) and emphasizes the importance of documenting your history within your DJ career (1:35:40). Finally, Jazzy reflects on her contributions to Digable Planets' (@PlanetsDigable) Blowout Comb (1:49:01) and remembers her mentor, DJ Whiz Kid (1:56:01). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!

Episode 338: MAX GLAZER "Celebrating 25 Years Of Federation Sound" On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas are excited to welcome DJ, producer, and New York’s finest, @MaxGlazer, along with guest host @DJGoldFinderNYC. Max reflects on his journey in the NYC music scene (2:20), from working at iconic record stores like #FatBeats and #8Ball Records to becoming a prominent DJ in the city’s dancehall and reggae circuits (8:08). He shares stories from his early career, including the challenge of opening for headliners at venues like #TheTunnel and #Limelight (23:30) and the rise of dancehall and reggae in the mid-2000s (34:19). Max recounts memorable moments, such as premiering Jay-Z and Nas diss tracks in the club for the first time in 2001 (52:10), and details the foundation of starting the Federation Sound system with @CiphaSounds (1:31:39). Max also talks about working and touring with a young Rihanna (@BadGalRiri) (1:34:10) and encourages tour DJs to understand the landscape to ensure they are properly compensated (1:50:40). Finally, he discusses his working relationships with Sean Paul (@DuttyPaul) (1:58:45) and Vybz Kartel (@VybzKartel) (2:30:01). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!

Episode 337: DANCES "Why No One Dances At Festivals" On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas are excited to welcome iconic vocalist, EDM DJ, and producer Dances (@DancesLife). Dances shares his educational insights on medical and street drugs (00:55) and opens up about his chronic pain after a car accident and his road to recovery (5:10). He announces plans to release more new songs in 2024 (16:10), describes nearly quitting DJing unless he achieved an income goal of $200K (22:40), and talks about creating his song "To The Beat" with inclusivity in mind (27:50). Dances addresses the trend of people not dancing at festivals (35:10), critiques the current state of Afro House music (41:20), and reflects on the need for DJs to engage with the party atmosphere (53:30). Finally, Dances highlights notable dance/EDM clubs in LA, favoring underground events like Lights Down Low (@lights_down_low) and Nite Slut (@NiteSlut) (1:12:40).

Episode 336: NINA SKY " Celebrating The 20th Anniversary For 'Move Ya Body' " On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas are excited to welcome the Nuyorican music duo Nina Sky (@NinaSkyOfficial). Nina Sky discusses celebrating the 20th anniversary of their hit "Move Ya Body," its impact, and their involvement in the reggaeton movement with tracks like "Oye Mi Canto" (1:40). They talk about their new party @Y2QueParty, featuring guest performances from 2000s acts like @Lumidee and @DevEsCaliente (09:01), and share their experiences as DJs before achieving music fame (14:10). Nina Sky addresses whether they’re tired of talking about "Move Ya Body" (23:01), mentions their shelved album (28:50), and emphasizes the importance of their partnership in navigating challenges after leaving their label (33:40). Finally, they share plans for new music and the possibility of releasing their acapellas (38:50). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!

Episode 335: BALLADS "How A Viral Remix Changed My Life" On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome music producer and DJ @BalladsMusic with guest co-host @DJPDot. Ballads speaks on his hectic year with his first US Tour (1:33), discusses losing his job the same day he put out his “Family Ties” edit (3:40), and talks about his early production days (8:50). He opens up about struggling with his mental health as a producer and asking for help (18:10). Finally, Ballads talks about seeing @Skrillex and #FredAgain play his edits (39:10) and explains why #NYC was his favorite stop on his US tour (53:50).

2024 Wrap-Up On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the crew recaps the last year in music. See below for the Top 2024 categories on this episode. 1. Top 5 Club Hits - 01:30 2. Top 5 Edits - 28:27 3. Top 5 Editors - 48:31 4. Top 3 Overrated Tracks - 1:17:02 5. Top 3 Underrated Tracks - 1:52:51 6. Top 3 Artists - 2:12:50 7. Top Live DJ Sets - 2:17:07  8. Favorite Moments - 2:24:10 9. Most valuable lessons learned - 2:36:41

Christmas Came Early Yall! On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas bring you a live episode from @DJJazzyJeff’s 6th annual #PlaylistRetreat24. Jeff explains why he created the retreat (3:30) and expands on the new blood within the invitees this year as opposed to previous years (10:30). He speaks on his frustrations with the nightlife industry (14:50), talks about DJs starting their own parties (21:30) and how he recruits the guestlist for the Playlist Retreat (31:40). Finally, Jeff answers ROAD’s rapid fire questions and explains why he “will always try to pay back what was paid for me” (40:22).  Executive Producer: Lynette Townes Video Production: RomeDigs Reyes Audio: Kelo Saunders Audio Mastering: Distinct Mastering

Episode 333: DJ MIKE NASTY "How To Make It In Brooklyn" On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome New York’s finest @DJMikeNasty with guest co-host @Showcasemontana. Mike Nasty speaks on how moving to #NewYork from #Atlanta changed his life (01:44) and remembers the golden era of the #ATL during the early days of artists like @SummerWalker (21:40). He gives his opinion that hip hop DJs shouldn’t be on sticks (38:00), talks about lifestyle DJs (45:30) and opens up about being an introvert as a DJ (1:02:09). The crew discuss New York crowds being the most difficult to play for (1:10:10) and the predictable recipe for R&B parties (1:19:50). Finally, Mike speaks on the politics of the house music scene (1:23:10). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!

Episode 332: DJ SNS "From Biggie Mixtapes To Leaking Nas’s Illmatic" On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome “The Great Show” and Harlem’s Legendary @DJSNS and guest co-host @DJGoldfingerNYC. SNS speaks on how he got his name (2:15), shows his admiration for #DJHollywood teaching him “it ain’t the records, it’s the guys who play the records” (10:40) and talks about working with  @Diddy (28:00). He describes paying engineering interns for unreleased records (43:30), admits to leaking @Nas’ ‘Illmatic’ album possibly affecting it’s national record sales (1:03:10) and questions why urban DJ box themselves instead of making music like @Tiesto or @Diplo (1:19:50). He shares how he is still so tapped in at his age (1:37:20), talks about getting spanked by @OfficialBizMarkie at a gig (1:51:01) and shares he had information of a #Tupac and #Biggie collaboration album that never happened (2:28:09). Finally, SNS calls Kid Capri (@KidCapri101) live on the podcast to ask about his @Serato settings (2:47:10). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!

Episode 331: ESTELLE + DJ MOMA On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome guest co-host @DJGoldfingerNYC as they speak on the future releases of new episodes moving forward (00:55). Grammy award winning singer Estelle (@EstelleDarlings) stops by to share her latest record ‘Oh I’  and discusses finding her joy again (03:55). She shares her admiration for DJs (21:33), remembers performing ‘Purple Rain’ with #Prince (32:40) and hosting over 500 episodes of @TheEstelleShow on @AppleMusic (37:40). Then, @DJMoma joins the show to share news about @EverydayPpl on @AppleMusic (43:10), his views on the song of the summer (1:17:40), and explains @Tyla addressing she’s not an #afrobeats artist at the @MTV @Vmas was important to correct in the music industry (1:56:05). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!

Episode 330: DJ T MARQ “The Jersey Club Remix Prince” On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome New Jersey’s finest @DJTMarq and guest co-host @ShowcaseMontana. T Marq speaks on making edits at 10 years old (00:57), opens up about his Radial Clubhand not holding his skills back when DJing (8:10), and reveals the huge culture behind Jersey Club remixes (8:21). He reminisces on looking up to @DJEnuff and @DJCamillo growing up (18:10) and going viral for his routine for @BurnaBoyGram’s “Last, Last” Challenge (24:01). Finally, T Marq speaks on openers playing his edits before his set (56:40). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!

Episode 329: DJ SIR CHARLES DIXON “The Unsung Pioneer Of The Record Industry” On this week’s episode of the @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome legendary Syndicated Mixer, Radio Programmer and Record Promoter @DJSirCharles. Charles speaks on his DJ crew “Technicians” (04:11), recalls creating the first version of open format radio mixing (35:55), and remembers conference calls that had 400 plus DJs to make a record hot (42:01). He talks about pushing @Amerie’s first record “Why Don't We Fall in Love” with #RichHarrison (44:01), describes sending @Beyonce the “Crazy In Love” demo (59:01) and explains why #Amerie wasn’t given the beat (1:13:00). Charles describes discovering his talent of pushing records with his first label position at Tommy Boy Records (1:30:00), talks Pioneer (@pioneerdjglobal) Vs. Numark (@numark_dj) (2:01:20) and speaks on how impactful DC’s sound has been in the music business (2:35:01). Finally, he recalls a conversation with Matthew Knowles that planted a seed for a @DestinyChild’s reunion in the mid-00s (2:45:10). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!