Creative Minds Podcast

Bradley "The Sting" Rea is a professional middleweight boxer with an undefeated record of 10-0. Hailing from Manchester, Bradley had over 90 amateur fights under his belt before turning pro, he trains out of Ricky Hatton's gym and is trained by respected coach Blain Younis. I spoke to Brad about the importance of mindset, the gruelling and demanding daily routines that go into his dietary and training commitments, the sacrifices he's made so far even by the age of 23, the realities of the ups and downs that people don't see away from social media, his future ambitions, and staying focused during a pandemic when opportunities to fight were almost non existent at times. Brad's impressive string of consecutive back-to-back victories has caught the eye of influential promoters including Eddie Hearn and his Matchroom team, and Brad recently earned the opportunity to fight on undercards on Sky Sports. I wanted to switch it up for this episode, and it was great to speak to such a motivated and humble young man. Brad is a fighter that will no doubt become a champion in his division when the title shots arise in future. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bradrea_/?hl=en Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BradleyTheStingRea YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=USM7BK6p6XE

Janai is a singer ~ songwriter hailing from London, and in this next episode we discuss the inner work and self reflection that we were forced to do in the last year since Covid slowed the music industry down, collaborating with Sonny Fodera, and Jan-ai reminisces on being in creative circles with the likes of Gorgon City & Dusky during her time at college. She’s toured the UK with Sonny Fodera for his sold out Solotoko tours, and has collaborated with him in the studio on multiple occasions. The results have been straight up magic as they’ve conjured up successful records “You & I” that was released on Defected Records, as well as “Give Me A Reason” on his album Rise. We also go deeper discussing racial discrimination, gender inequality in the music industry and wider society, why it’s important to get a music lawyer, the importance of finding passions away from music, her interesting London Carnival experiences & much more. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/JanaiMusic Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/janaimusic/ Important books on racial discrimination, inequality & mental health: Why I'm No Longer Talking To White People About Race - Reni Eddo Lodge Natives / Race & Class In The Ruins Of Empire - Akala Behind The Mask - Tyson Fury

Alessandro, better known as Flashmob, is a DJ & Producer who is responsible for one of the greatest house records in recent years - ‘Need In Me’. Surpassing 30 million views over numerous platforms, the timeless classic was awarded the accolade of Essential New Tune by Pete Tong, & was the biggest selling track on Defected Records during 2012. Alessandro joined me live & direct from his beautiful pad in Milan (apologies if the audio isn't perfect), and there's no holds barred in this life story so far podcast. We talk about the realities behind the world of social media, his humble upbringing & his Irish and Italian roots, the importance of hard work, making mistakes, not fearing failure when it comes to progression, playing the long game & staying true to yourself, a positive mindset, the ups and downs of being a touring DJ and we then take it right up to the present day where he discusses the period of reflection and ability to reset since Covid hit. The timeless classic ‘Need In Me’ of course gets an honorary mention, as well as the great work being implemented by the respective Defected & Toolroom teams not just on his releases, but for also using their platforms to improve equality with gender and race issues. We finish off by discussing his favourite gigs to date as an international touring artist, his standout timeless house records that feature in his sets (or he loses himself to at home in Milan), & there's important advice for any aspiring artists who may be looking to climb the ladder in the industry. New release 'Closer' on Toolroom: https://www.beatport.com/release/closer/3322046 & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecnVAVaa2xI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flashmobdj/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flashmobdj

Tom Frankel is a DJ, producer, one half of the duo Frankel & Harper, and is also A&R for his respected and rapidly rising record label Council Work. Tom is someone who I've always bonded well with on a personal level due to his outlook on the music industry and the political landscape as well. As a born and bred West Londoner growing up in a culturally diverse environment - he’s never pigeonholed himself musically or conformed to the belief of sub genres, supporting everyone from Robin Schulz to Skream over the years. Jungle/Drum & Bass, Dubstep, Garage, House, Techno - name the genre & there’s a good chance he’s turned his hand to it. We discuss networking, getting your foot in the door, playing the long game & doing it for the love of music and the art of DJing, 3 consecutive seasons as a worker in Ibiza in 2011, 2012 & 2013, his imprint Council Work and the feeling of landing the labels 'Instinct' remix on Rockstar's legendary Grand Theft Auto franchise, what he’d like to see change in the music industry, artists to watch out for & the importance of empowering women on the scene + much more. This episode is in partnership with Nathan Kay's independent business Origin Creations. They specialise in artwork, motion art, videos, animation & branding. Let's continue to support independent businesses. Origin Creations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creations.origin/?hl=en Origin Creations Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Origin-Creationss-101719754891959 Council Work Record Label: https://www.discogs.com/label/1641292-Council-Work Council Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/councilwork/ Frankel & Harper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankelandharper/

Tom Frankel is a DJ, producer, one half of the duo Frankel & Harper, and is also A&R for his respected and rapidly rising record label Council Work. Tom is someone who I've always bonded well with on a personal level due to his outlook on the music industry and the political landscape as well. As a born and bred West Londoner growing up in a culturally diverse environment - he’s never pigeonholed himself musically or conformed to the belief of sub genres, supporting everyone from Robin Schulz to Skream over the years. Jungle/Drum & Bass, Dubstep, Garage, House, Techno - name the genre & there’s a good chance he’s turned his hand to it. We discuss networking, getting your foot in the door, playing the long game & doing it for the love of music and the art of DJing, 3 consecutive seasons as a worker in Ibiza in 2011, 2012 & 2013, his imprint Council Work and the feeling of landing the labels 'Instinct' remix on Rockstar's legendary Grand Theft Auto franchise, what he’d like to see change in the music industry, artists to watch out for & the importance of empowering women on the scene + much more. This episode is in partnership with Nathan Kay's independent business Origin Creations. They specialise in artwork, motion art, videos, animation & branding. Let's continue to support independent businesses. Origin Creations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creations.origin/?hl=en Origin Creations Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Origin-Creationss-101719754891959 Council Work Record Label: https://www.discogs.com/label/1641292-Council-Work Council Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/councilwork/ Frankel & Harper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankelandharper/

Sacha Lord is the co-founder and Managing Director of The Warehouse Project, Parklife, has held the position of Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester working alongside the Mayor Andy Burnham since 2018 & is a board member for the Night Time Industries Association.  Apologies in advance, as there is feedback in parts throughout this episode due to us experiencing signal/connection interferences. This was recorded live on Instagram during the third lockdown following the Covid-19 pandemic.  In part one of this episode, I sat down with Sacha to discuss the difficulties hospitality and nightlife have been faced with during 3 consecutive lockdowns, what he hopes to see in the Chancellor’s budget, his early years and the decision to venture into the music industry by chance after deciding further education wasn’t for him. We finish part one off by discussing his role in politics and business as Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, his favourite performance he’s seen at The Warehouse Project & who he’d choose to book if he could resurrect one legendary act and bring them back to life for one night on the main stage.  This episode is in partnership with local independent business Fit N Fresh. They deliver freshly cooked, macro and calorie controlled meals in and around the Luton area, and their protein bars are shipped nationwide for you to reach your health goals. The protein bars are a firm favourite for many (including myself), so message them through Instagram or Facebook to order.  We should be supporting independent businesses in normal times, but even more so now with how uncertain the economic climate is.  Fit N Fresh website: https://www.fitnfresh.co.uk  Fit N Fresh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitnfreshuk/  Fit N Fresh Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitnfreshfoodprep  Sacha Lord LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sacha-lord/?originalSubdomain=uk

First of all, thank you for joining me on this journey podcast journey. The idea was brought to life at the start of lockdown in 2020 after the Covid-19 pandemic hit the UK, and I wanted to take this opportunity to interview everyone from artists in the music industry to promoters, venue owners, festival directors, singers, songwriters, record label owners, tour managers, visual artists & more. Away from the music industry I speak to interesting figures ranging from actors to scientists & psychologists. I'm a big advocate of using even the smallest platform and the relationships I've built over the last 5 years to help others and give back, and I appreciate you taking the time to listen.

Rue Jay is an entrepreneur, businessman, DJ & party starter - a guy who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected, successful & well connected figures to come out of Birmingham. He has achieved success worldwide as his RockNRolla brand went on a maiden voyage to everywhere from Ibiza to even the more obscure countries including South Korea.  This is a full life story so far podcast, as we detail Rue's journey from his humble beginnings growing up in a working class environment in Birmingham's Nechells area, to being taken under the wing of Eddie Boulton with brands including Steering Wheel & Spin, before he then went on his own path with legendary brands RockNRolla and OurHouse.  The second half of the podcast moves on to his entrepreneurial ventures into hospitality, tattoos, property and interior design with The Funky Bear and The New Masons restaurants & bars, Vivid Ink shops in Sutton, Derby and Stafford, villas in Spain & the R&R projects that involve him working alongside the likes of England international and Premier League star Jack Grealish.  There's an abundance of wise words and knowledge in here on the importance of manifestation, visualisation, overall mindset when operating at this level, work ethic, networking, remaining humble, taking calculated risks, the reality of occasionally being ruthless in competitive dog-eat-dog arenas, standing out from the crowd with branding and marketing, adapting and evolving since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the UK and the added determination to grow the empire since he has settled down with his lovely partner Lou and his daughter Romy.  This episode is in partnership with local independent jewellers Goldtaste. The two brothers Lex & Lou are based in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter district, but they ship their products worldwide. Goldtaste is one of the most unique jewellery brands on the market as they take classic jewellery recipes, then they mash them up and remix them to the taste of the 21st century. Rings - Gold Chains - Sovereigns - Pendants - Grillz. Worn by Skepta, Kurupt FM & viral Instagram satirist Munya Chawawa. The brothers have built this business from scratch and are continuing to grow their empire - so make sure you show some love to independent businesses.  Goldtaste website: https://goldtaste.co.uk  Goldtaste Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldtasteuk/  Goldtaste Grillz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldtastegrillz/  Vivid Ink Sutton, Stafford & Derby: https://www.instagram.com/vividinksutton/ https://www.instagram.com/vividinkstaffs/ https://www.instagram.com/vividink.derby/  The Funky Bear: https://thefunkybear.co.uk  R&R Interior Design: https://www.instagram.com/rr_interior_design/

Habs Akram is a pioneering visual artist, and was Carl Cox's personal visual artist at the world renowned Space Ibiza for 8 years. Habs also travelled around the world with Carl as he conjured up magic with his visuals at the likes of Ultra Miami, and before that he worked on other projects including Glastonbury’s iconic Pyramid Stage. There’s many things that we should be reflecting and re-evaluating on about the music industry since Covid-19 brought the industry to its knees last March - and one of them is giving credit to those behind the scenes who make the events what they are. Whilst the DJs are amazing at what they do, the focus and limelight is of course always on them in the centre of the booth, but the events at that scale even down to your more intimate affairs would not be the same spectacle without visual artists like Habs. Habs recalls his first initial encounter with Carl Cox, the inspiration and patience that went into his visual mixing app, reminisces on the amazing years at Space, meeting the likes of Uma Thurman to Lionel Messi & Kyle Minogue, refusing Paris Hilton entry into the booth, hilarious stories from when he did the visuals at a fetish party in London, the importance of remaining humble & never forgetting where you’ve come from, and the highs and lows that come with the demands of touring the world. Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Habs2ci Website for App: https://djvj.app/habs-welcome/

Hannah Wants is an international artist who you may have seen at Creamfields, Parklife, We Are Fstvl, Reading & Leeds festival, Printworks, Hideout, Annie Mac presents Lost & Found, Pacha, Amnesia terrace, EDC in New York, Vegas, Mexico, during her tours of Australia, America, four consecutive years of sold out large scale U.K and Ireland tours for her PLAY and WHAT HANNAH WANTS concepts, then further sold out intimate tours across the UK & Ireland in more recent years. Some of her awards include being crowned as Mixmag’s Best Breakthrough DJ in 2012, DJ Mag’s Best Breakthrough DJ in 2012, Mixmag’s Star of the Year in 2014 + so much more. Hannah’s talent combined with a vision for success & an unwavering relentless work ethic has seen her become one of the true international superstar DJs, a position that she has rightly maintained as well. In this episode we discuss her musical influences growing up, her grandad being an original don of a DJ in the post WW2 era, the importance of starting from the bottom as a DJ, work ethic, lessons learnt about physical & mental well-being due to the demands of being a touring DJ, her stand out moments from over the years, maintaining success & longevity, and also her upcoming releases with vocalists Nathan Nicholson & Clementine Douglas. This episode of the Creative Minds podcast is in partnership with Birmingham based independent streetwear brand Dark Circle. Their pre SS21 drop is launching on 10th Feb. Show some love to the independent brands out there and #SupportLocal. Dark Circle: https://www.darkcircleclothing.com Hannah Wants Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hannahwantsdj Hannah Wants Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hannah_wants/?hl=en