The Story of House Music Legend: Todd Terry

In this episode of Can You Put Me On Guest List?, I sit down with legendary house DJ Sam Divine for a live keynote conversation recorded at the Night Time Economy Summit in Liverpool (2026).With more than two decades in the scene and a long-standing relationship with Defected Records, Sam shares the story behind her journey — from growing up on a council estate in Bristol and buying her first decks for £100, to becoming one of the most respected names in global house music.We talk about the importance of grassroots clubs, why they are essential for developing DJs, and why so many smaller venues are disappearing. Sam also reflects on her early days hustling for gigs in Ibiza, what she learned from playing marathon sets in small venues, and why real experience behind the decks matters more than viral success.She also introduces her new 555 concept - five cities, five-hour sets, and £5 tickets - designed to support grassroots venues and make club culture accessible again.In this conversation we also discuss:• Her journey with Defected Records• Winning Best House DJ at the Ibiza DJ Awards• Life on the road and finding balance through sobriety• The lost art of the warm-up DJ• Why diversity in lineups matters• Advice for the next generation of DJs and producersIf you care about the future of club culture, DJing, and house music, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss.Follow Sam Divinehttps://www.instagram.com/samdivinedjFollow Katie Knighthttps://www.instagram.com/katiehayknightFollow Can You Put Me On Guest List?https://www.instagram.com/canuputmeonguestlistThis episode is supported by:Trackstack – The all-in-one platform for music creators.https://www.trackstack.app/LabelWorx – Distribution, royalty management, and tools built for dance music labels.https://labelworx.com/

Todd Terry is one of the true architects of house music - a Brooklyn original whose sound helped shape club culture worldwide. Recorded live at the Night Time Economy Summit in Liverpool, this episode dives into Todd’s journey: growing up in New York, his early hip-hop roots, the moment house music entered his world, and the raw, high-impact production style that helped define an era.We also connect the past to the present - from early sampling and reel-to-reel editing, to the UK embrace that pushed his sound global - and bring it right up to today’s dance music landscape: festivals vs clubs, DJ craft in the digital era, originality in a world of unlimited tools, and what it really means to protect the soul of house.Plus: Todd shares the story behind opening a bar in Liverpool at a time when nightlife venues are under pressure - and why community still matters.In this episode:• Brooklyn beginnings + hip-hop influence• First exposure to house music + early gigs• Sampling, edits, and building energy on the dancefloor• UK club culture + the first UK night that clicked• DJing then vs now: vinyl to digital• The soul of house music in 2026• Nightlife today + Todd’s Liverpool bar projectFollow Todd Terry: https://www.instagram.com/djtoddterry/Follow Katie: https://www.instagram.com/katiehayknight/Follow Can U Put Me On Guestlist?: https://www.instagram.com/canuputmeonguestlist/TrackstackTrackstack is the all-in-one platform built for music creators - send and receive promos, manage demos, discover open label inboxes, and create social-ready promo videos with Trackstack Showcase.Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.https://www.trackstack.app/LabelWorxDistribution, royalty management, promo tools, and insights - built by people who live and breathe dance music.https://labelworx.com/

Louis Nesbitt quit his 9-5 job in finance to shoot Michael Bibi at DC10 Ibiza - and it completely changed his life.In this episode of Can You Put Me On Guest List?, I sit down with the photographer behind DC10, Solid Grooves and some of the defining moments in Ibiza’s modern rave culture.From studying corporate tax in London to documenting Michael Bibi’s DC10 residency, Louis shares how one DM, one terrace moment, and one risky decision pushed him to leave his stable career and go all in on photography.We talk about shooting Bibi’s emotional comeback at DC10, what really happens backstage at Ibiza’s most iconic club, and the pressure of capturing rave culture in the age of social media.Louis opens up about:– Film vs digital photography in club culture– Authenticity vs content– The mental battle creatives rarely talk about– Networking in the dance music industry– Why he believes the scene needs more individualityThis is a conversation about risk, self-doubt, timing, and carving your own lane in an industry that moves fast and forgets even faster.If you’ve ever considered quitting your 9-5 to follow something creative, this one’s for you.—🌟 SPONSORS🎧 TrackstackThe all-in-one platform built for music creators - send and receive promos, manage demos, discover open label inboxes, and create social-ready promo videos with Trackstack Showcase.Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.👉 https://www.trackstack.app/🚀 LabelWorxDistribution, royalty management, promo tools, and insights - built by people who live and breathe dance music.👉 https://labelworx.com/

In this episode of Can You Put Me On Guestlist?, Katie Knight sits down with 1 half of Saudi DJ and producer duo Dish Dash for a candid deep dive into the rise of Saudi Arabia’s dance music scene, from illegal underground parties and secret no-phone raves to major festivals and a booming new ecosystem.Dish Dash share what it was really like DJing when public events weren’t possible, how they threw private parties in a “grey area,” and the surreal moment they first played in Saudi for only 20 minutes on stage. They also unpack how the audience has evolved fast, why festivals like MDLBEAST Soundstorm and XP Music Futures changed everything, and how local promoters now work together to grow a healthier scene.We also get into:-How Saudi’s underground scene grew long before it was public-The first big “we made it” moments and what changed after 2017–2018-Why the no-phones debate hits differently when you lived it-How Saudi crowds went from “two genres” to real musical education-The local promoter culture: group chats, aligned dates, and healthy competition-Clubs, weekly parties, and the new club culture emerging in Saudi-Guiding the next wave of Saudi DJs and producers-Guest list chaos and the wildest guest list stories-Their origin story: family support, music at home, and why they’re called Dish DashSPONSORSTrackstack: The all-in-one platform for music creators - promos, demos, open label inboxes, and social-ready promo videos with Trackstack Showcase. Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life: https://www.trackstack.app/LabelWorx: Distribution, royalty management, promo tools, and insights built for dance music labels: https://labelworx.com/Sounds Australia: Supporting Australian artists globally - thanks for hosting us in Amsterdam: https://soundsaustralia.com.au/Wow Cacao: A refreshing drink made from rescued cacao pulp, packed with natural electrolytes and antioxidants.https://www.instagram.com/drinkwowcacao/CONNECTFollow Dish Dash: https://www.instagram.com/dishdash_musicFollow Katie Knight: https://www.instagram.com/katiehayknightFollow Can You Put Me On Guestlist?: https://www.instagram.com/canuputmeonguestlist

In this episode of Can You Put Me On Guestlist?, I sit down with DJ and producer Yulia Niko for an honest conversation about sobriety, touring life, creativity, and staying connected to emotion on the dance floor.Yulia opens up about quitting alcohol - and how going sober helped her feel clearer, more productive, and more confident in her decisions, both in the studio and behind the decks. She also shares the realities of life on the road, including a terrifying flight experience that led to ongoing travel anxiety, and what it takes to keep showing up every weekend.We get into:How sobriety changed her mindset as a DJ and producerThe pressure of touring, airports, and burnoutTrusting your instincts and focusing on the musicBurning Man stories and what makes it so specialHer new role as a Beatport music creatorStarting a management company and mentoring emerging artistsHer hot take on the scene in 2026: “More music, less social media.”DJ booth etiquette - and what friends should never do when they’re on guestlist!Follow Yulia Niko: @yulianikoFollow Katie: @katiehayknightFollow the podcast: @canuputmeonguestlistSPONSORSTrackstackTrackstack is the all-in-one platform built for music creators - send and receive promos, manage demos, discover open label inboxes, and create social-ready promo videos with Trackstack Showcase.Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.trackstack.appLabelWorxDistribution, royalty management, promo tools, and insights - built by people who live and breathe dance music.labelworx.comSounds AustraliaHuge thanks to Sounds Australia for hosting us in Amsterdam and supporting Australian artists globally.soundsaustralia.com.auWow CacaoMade from rescued cacao pulp, Wow Cacao is a refreshing, vitamin-rich drink packed with natural electrolytes and antioxidants.Follow: @drinkwowcacao

I sit down with the founders of Teletech to break down how the hard techno scene exploded into a global movement.From underground raves in Manchester to selling 20,000 tickets in an hour, we unpack how Teletech scaled by prioritising community over hype, accessibility over elitism, and long-term thinking over quick wins.We talk about why hard techno connected so deeply with younger crowds, what most promoters get wrong about the raver experience, and how learning from negative feedback shaped Teletech’s growth. The conversation also dives into touring Australia and Europe, building artists alongside a brand, and why things like sound, space, water, and respect matter more than flashy line-ups.This episode is about the rise of hard techno, building culture instead of just events, and what it really takes to grow a global event brand.🌟 Sponsors🎧 TrackstackThe all-in-one platform built for music creators - send and receive promos, manage demos, discover open label inboxes, and create social-ready promo videos with Trackstack Showcase. Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.🚀 LabelWorxDistribution, royalty management, promo tools, and insights - built by people who live and breathe dance music.🇦🇺 Sounds AustraliaHuge thanks to Sounds Australia for hosting us in Amsterdam and supporting Australian artists globally.🥥 Wow CacaoA refreshing, vitamin-rich drink made from rescued cacao pulp, packed with natural electrolytes and antioxidants.

In this episode of Can U Put Me On Guestlist?, I sit down with Chris Avantgarde to talk about why we’re officially in the genre-blending era of dance music.From being “too techno for the commercial crowd and too commercial for the techno crowd” to playing the Las Vegas Sphere, Chris opens up about finding creative freedom beyond genre labels, navigating rejection, and trusting instinct over perfection.We talk about his journey from Germany to London, working with Anyma and Afterlife, producing music for clubs versus festivals, and building a parallel career in film, TV, and gaming with projects for Netflix, Amazon, and Call of Duty. Chris also shares the thinking behind Hyperreal, his approach to evolving as an artist, and why genre lines matter less than ever.This episode is about identity, authenticity, and making music that feels real - without fitting into a box.🌟 SPONSORS🎧 TrackstackTrackstack is the all-in-one platform built for music creators — from promos and demos to social-ready video content.Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.👉 https://www.trackstack.app/🚀 LabelWorxDistribution, royalty management, promo tools, and insights — built by people who live and breathe dance music.👉 https://labelworx.com/🇦🇺 Sounds AustraliaHuge thanks to Sounds Australia for hosting us in Amsterdam and supporting Australian artists globally.👉 https://soundsaustralia.com.au/🥥 Wow CacaoMade from rescued cacao pulp, Wow Cacao is a refreshing, vitamin-rich drink packed with natural electrolytes and antioxidants.👉 Follow @drinkwowcacao

In this in-depth conversation, Moody Jones shares how he went from Dirtybird superfan to Label President, and what it really takes to take over an iconic dance music record label without losing its soul.We unpack the full story behind Dirtybird’s 20-year legacy, why the label was acquired as an act of cultural preservation, and how community — not hype or algorithms — became its strongest asset. Moody breaks down the difference between acquiring vs signing labels, building sustainable, artist-led ecosystems, and why infrastructure matters more than ever in modern dance music.In this episode, we cover:• How Dirtybird was saved from disappearing• Taking over your hero’s record label• Why community-led labels outperform hype-driven ones• The future of A&R, audience-building, and artist ownership• How Dirtybird continues to grow globally at 20 years strongWhether you’re an artist, label founder, music executive, or dance music fan, this episode offers rare insight into the business, culture, and community behind one of electronic music’s most influential labels.🌟 Sponsors🎧 TrackstackThe all-in-one platform for music creators — send and receive promos, manage demos, discover open label inboxes, and create social-ready promo videos with Trackstack Showcase.Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.👉 https://www.trackstack.app/🚀 LabelWorxDistribution, royalty management, promo tools, and insights — built by people who live and breathe dance music.👉 https://labelworx.com/🇦🇺 Sounds AustraliaHuge thanks to Sounds Australia for hosting us in Amsterdam and supporting Australian artists globally.👉 https://soundsaustralia.com.au/🥥 Wow CacaoMade from rescued cacao pulp, Wow Cacao is a refreshing, vitamin-rich drink packed with natural electrolytes and antioxidants.👉 Follow @drinkwowcacao

In this episode, I sit down with SYREETA, one of the most respected DJs in house music, to talk about the moment you know it’s time to leave the day job and fully commit to your path in dance music.From waking up at 4am to drive trucks for 12-hour shifts, to playing Paradise, ANTS, DC10, Amnesia, and Space Miami with Carl Cox, SYREETA’s journey is a masterclass in graft, self-belief, and trusting your instinct.We talk honestly about the fear of quitting stability, the reality behind the DJ lifestyle, and why there’s never a “right time” - only the moment when you finally back yourself.This episode was recorded live at Duke of Tokyo in Amsterdam, with SYREETA opening up about confidence, staying grounded, and why not dimming to fit in has shaped her career.We get into:• Working as a full-time truck driver while DJing on weekends• 4am starts, sunrise drives and learning music on the road• Knowing when the day job is holding you back• Why there’s no perfect moment to quit — only a feeling• Taking the risk and going all in on dance music• Playing with Carl Cox, ANTS, Paradise and Space Miami• What Carl Cox taught her about confidence in the booth• Never playing the same set twice and trusting your instincts• Growing up around underground parties, reggae, soul and jungle• From Cocoon at Amnesia to playing Ibiza’s biggest stages• Hearing her own track played by Loco Dice for the first time• Supporting emerging artists and opening doors for others• Touring life, burnout, balance and sustainability• Going sober, mental clarity and performing without alcohol• Why representation, authenticity and community matter• “Don’t dim to fit in” - and why there’s space for everyone• Her guestlist rules• The strangest fan gift she’s ever received• What success really feels like when you’ve earned every stepIf you’re a DJ, producer, creative, or anyone navigating the jump from stability to passion, this episode is for you.SPONSORSTrackstackThe all-in-one platform for music creators — send and receive promos, manage demos, discover open label inboxes, and create social-ready promo videos with Trackstack Showcase.Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.https://my.trackstack.app/auth/loginLabelWorxDistribution, royalty management, promo tools, and insights — built by people who live and breathe dance music.https://www.labelworx.comSounds AustraliaHuge thanks to Sounds Australia for hosting us in Amsterdam and supporting Australian artists globally.https://www.soundsaustralia.com.auWow CacaoMade from rescued cacao pulp, Wow Cacao is a refreshing, vitamin-rich drink packed with natural electrolytes and antioxidants.https://www.instagram.com/drinkwowcacao/CONNECTFollow SYREETA: https://www.instagram.com/syreetamusicFollow me: https://www.instagram.com/katiehayknightFollow Can U Put Me On Guestlist?: https://www.instagram.com/canuputmeonguestlist

In this episode, I sit down with fast-rising hard techno DJ and producer AZYR to unpack one of the most unexpected breakout stories in electronic music - from training as an engineer at Rolls-Royce to selling out all-night-long shows and playing a Boiler Room set watched by millions.We go from underground Teletech parties and getting a call on the day to play, to quitting a “safe” career and touring Australia and South America as hard techno explodes worldwide.In this episode, we get into:Training as an engineer at Rolls-Royce and why he never planned to be a DJLearning to DJ and produce from scratch during COVID, with zero musical backgroundDiscovering hard techno through Teletech and early underground partiesGetting a call on the day to play Teletech after another artist dropped outBeing signed to an agency the same day he played one of his first major showsWhy being thrown in the deep end helped him avoid overthinking big momentsPlaying Boiler Room - the nerves, the pressure, and watching it back weeks laterThe rise of hard techno and why the crowds feel different right nowTikTok’s role in making hard techno explode, even though he barely uses the appNo-phone shows vs viral culture and why presence still mattersSelling out a 6,500-capacity all-night-long show in ManchesterQuitting his full-time job and choosing a world tour over a safe careerTouring Australia and South America, and why global crowds connect so deeplyHow he’s built a loyal community by staying accessible and authenticDealing with online criticism without letting it affect his confidenceWhy producing music is harder now than ever, and his plans for an albumThe strangest fan gift he’s ever receivedHis guestlist rules, and why energy matters more than numbersSponsors - a huge thank you for supporting the showTrackstackTrackstack is the all-in-one platform built for music creators. Send and receive promos, manage demos, discover open label inboxes, and create social-ready promo videos with Trackstack Showcase.Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for lifemy.trackstack.appLabelWorxDistribution, royalty management, promo tools, and insights built by people who live and breathe dance music. If you are growing a label or releasing music, LabelWorx gives you the system to scale.labelworx.comSounds AustraliaHuge thanks to Sounds Australia for hosting us in Amsterdam. They support Australian artists at the world’s biggest showcases, festivals, and conferences, helping them reach new audiences worldwide.soundsaustralia.com.auWow CacaoMade from rescued cacao pulp, Wow Cacao is a refreshing, vitamin-rich drink packed with natural electrolytes and antioxidants. Ideal for wellness lovers, post-party recovery, or swapping alcohol for something that actually feels good.