There Is No Planet Earth Stories

In the Fifteenth episode There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I sit down with legendary DJ, producer, and remixer Justin Strauss for a wide-ranging conversation about his remarkable journey through music and nightlife culture.We explore Justin’s early music experiences—from seeing The Beatles live to attending iconic shows at Electric Circus. He shares stories from his time as the frontman of the glam-punk band Milk n' Cookies, and his transition into DJing, including his first gig and influential residency at the legendary Mudd Club.Justin also reflects on his pivotal roles as resident DJ at iconic 80’s NYC venues like Area, and The Ritz. Additionally,  our conversation explores the origins and evolution of his prolific remix and production career, which continues to inspire across generations.“Few DJs could adequately represent the last three decades of New York nightclub history - no less do so with such iconic credentials as Justin Strauss. Since he was 17, when his first band was signed to Island Records, Justin has had a career that reads like a Who’s-Who of the music scene, spinning at nearly every dance club that you’d ever want to go to. Starting as DJ at New York’s legendary Mudd Club, he spun his way through The Ritz, Limelight, Area, Tunnel, M.K., Life, Centro Fly and more, pioneering his own distinctive sound, and becoming one of the most sought-after remixers and producers not just in New York, but in the world. He has worked with the gamut of artists - Depeche Mode, Hot Chip, Sergio Mendez, Tina Turner, Jimmy Cliff, B-52s, Luther Vandross, 808 State, Malcolm McClaren, Skinny Puppy, Goldfrapp, LCD Soundsystem to name a few and on over 300 records!  Much of the new dance crowd that goes to hear Justin DJ today, doesn’t necessarily know his history; they simply love his spinning because he always keeps them dancing and surprised, seamlessly mixing between choice classics, delectable rarities and innovative beats. For Justin, no genre or style is off-limits – he can and will mix anything, so long as he can keep the crowd enthralled. His self-proclaimed mission is “connecting the dots” between what might otherwise seem disparate musical periods and styles, while introducing exciting new sounds. He does so with infectious passion, subverting preconceptions about what’s old and new, and inspiring young DJs with his masterful skill and ever-youthful spirit. But Justin Strauss doesn’t stop there. As half of the production duos, Whatever/Whatever and A/JUS/TED, he continued to produce and mix records, working on remixes for the likes of Hot Chip, William Onyeabor,LCD Soundsystem, Blood Orange, Holy Ghost!, Franz Ferdinand, Beyonce. Working on new projects Extra Credit with Joe Goddard of Hot Chip & Marcus Marr, and with Max Pask under their Each Other moniker, whose debut E.P.’s were mixed by Soulwax and released on their Deewee label, with new releases coming soon. Touring the world Dj’ing at Panorama Bar in Berlin, Robert Johnson in Frankfurt, Zunkunft in Zurich to name a few.  In fact, he doesn’t stop at all.”Support the show

For the Fourteenth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I sat down with legendary club promoter Benny Soto, a pivotal figure in New York City's dance music scene. Benny takes us through his upbringing in the Bronx and shares how his formative experiences at the iconic Paradise Garage sparked his love for music and nightlife. We explore the evolution of his career as a promoter and event producer, including the backstory behind two of NYC’s most beloved party institutions: 718 Sessions and Dance.Here.Now. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the culture, the music, and the passion that continues to drive Benny’s groundbreaking work in the scene."Benny Soto has been an essential force behind several of New York’s most important nightlife institutions including the Dance.Here.Now. and 718 Sessions brands, as well as the legendary venues Output and Cielo. From his days as an assistant for Keith Haring through now when he produces events with many of the world’s elite House and Techno DJ’s, Benny Soto has evolved into one of the industry’s most highly respected and esteemed promoters / event producers.”Support the show

For the Thirteenth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories I'm  Join by guest Doc Martin  representing stories from San Francisco & Los AngelesWe discuss a range of topics including his formative musical experiences in San Francisco, the Los Angeles scene in the early 90's and various parties and residencies held in those years, as well as the evolution of his DJ, and music production career over the years, and much more.A product of the 80’s San Francisco dance music boom, DJ/Producer Doc Martin has been creating innovative, high-energy electronic music for nearly three decades. Once a mainstay on the Pacific Northwest scene, he has gone on to perform everywhere from Ibiza to Tokyo, London and beyond, creating an enduring body of work in the process. Now, as he enters a new phase of his career, Doc shows no signs of slowing down, as he continues to evolve, revealing new sides of his artistry as he releases the most compelling music of his career.  Doc Martin’s choice to pursue a career in music was an obvious one, given the musical family he grew up in. Most notably, his mother sang with Bay Area icons Jefferson Starship.Doc, however, was more interested in absorbing the various electronic subcultures that were emerging around the country. Endless hours spent in SF’s indie record stores armed him with an expertise in everything from acid house to techno, as he developed the genre bending style that would come to define his career.  Within a few years of his first performance, Doc was selling out shows across his hometown, and began setting his sights on bigger things. In the early 90’s, he relocated to Los Angeles, where he quickly integrated himself into the city’s thriving rave scene. Not long after, his profile had risen enough for him to be invited to Europe to play at some of the continent’s most iconic clubs and parties, including Fabric(Residency), Circoloco, The Rex, Panorama Bar, and Sunwaves to name a few,. In the ensuing decades, he became a favorite amongst audiences from New York to London, performing regularly at clubs including Output, Coachella, The Roxy, Twilo, City Fox, Space, Desert Hearts, Movement, and Lightning in a bottle After three decades of bringing people together with music, Doc Martin’s passion and drive remain as strong as ever. He maintains a steady schedule of performances across the globe while continuing to release new tracks regularly. As the rare artist to achieve the status of elder-statesman, he has left a lasting legacy in electronic music, a legacy which he continues to add to every day.Also played with James Brown/Grace Jones/Tour Dj for Deee-lite,Support the show

For the twelfth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I'm joined by guest Jamie 3:26 representing stories from Chicago.We discuss a range of topics including his formative music experiences growing up in the Beverly area on the South Side of Chicago, as well as being an adamant fan and follower of Ron Hardy around Chicago in the late 80's and Early 90's. Additionally, we discuss the origins and evolution of his career as a DJ and producer, and much more."The dance floor of Chicago’s Jamie 3:26 is one in which music heads and party goers alike can’t help but lose themselves in the rhythm. Driven by his desire to provide a liberating outlet for people, Jamie has garnered recognition for his fiercely masterful selection.Touring globally and asserting himself on lineups, Jamie continues to flex his musical muscles and push boundaries. Groove is the feeling when it comes to Jamie’s sets – which he curates by embracing everything from 30-year-old overlooked gems to scorching new tracks. Jamie’s productions are just as memorable as his sets and as head of 3:26 records he continues to nurture his sound and future talent. No stranger to remix duties, Jamie’s recent spin on Glitterbox’s ‘Gonna Be Alright’ is already a staple in bag of respected selectors.Unapologetically authentic, Jamie 3:26 embodies the future of Chicago House music."Support the show

For the eleventh episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I'm joined by guest DJ Odi, representing stories from New York. We discuss a range of topics including his formative NYC clubbing experiences at parties/venues: Mars, Tracks/Kilimanjaro, Wild Pitch, and Roger S - Ego Trip @ Octagon. Additionally we discuss his first time going to Storm Rave, as well as his first time DJ'ing at NASA, and much more.Odi (Digital Konfusion, Konkrete Jungle) Bronx-born Carlos “Odi” Castillo is not only one of the most highly-respected DJs in the stateside jungle scene, but in great part responsible for its stylistic evolution in NYC. He got his big break after high school, when promoting for the famous mid-90’s NASA rave parties grew into a steady DJing slot. Back then, the 90’s electronica wave was called “breaks” or “techno,” until Odi and some childhood friends who shared a lifestyle, culture and musical interest began pumping out electronic records with their own signature twist. Having grown up on 125th street in Harlem, Odi began to introduce the hip hop elements that helped create and push the jungle sound. It has been the defining style of NYC and the east coast in general since 1997, when the DigitalKonfusion crew formed their own eponymous record label and began spinning at NYC’s most dedicated weekly jungle party: Konkrete Jungle. Being taken inby the new born JUNGLE SKY Imprint, as well as being the jungle/DnB buyer at Satellite records gave Odi the chance to stay ahead of the curve withpromos on the regs, leading to a position as an import buyer at Nemesis music Distribution. Eventually Odi caught the ears of TC IZLAM, the international spokesman for the respected Hip Hop society Zulu Nation. He was initiated in 2003, making him the first junglist to enter the organization. Touring regularly Odi and the Digital Konfusion Crew have remained prolific ever since, Dj’ing across the nation and producing for multiple other artists. Odi’s home base is now in the Cincinnati area where he exists under the thumb of his cats Edward and Nola.Support the show

For the tenth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I'm joined by guest Alan Oldham representing stories from Detroit.ALAN OLDHAM has been called “Detroit’s Renaissance Man,” equally as known for his art as for his music under the pseudonym DJ T-1000.  The Detroit-born polymath, now living and working in Berlin, began his dual careers in the late 80s. First as the host of the “Fast Forward Program” on WDET FM 101.9, Detroit’s first-ever radio show devoted exclusively to electronic music, and as a young indie comic artist, writing and drawing his own original creation, “Johnny Gambit” (predating the Marvel character). Oldham was later tapped by his childhood friend, Derrick May, to illustrate the label art for the now-classic records “Nude Photo” and “Beyond The Dance” on his fledgling Transmat label, and Detroit Techno history was made. Oldham was later hired by another childhood friend, Jeff Mills, to do freelance PR for the nascent Underground Resistance collective, writing press releases for the label. When Mills departed for a solo career, UR partner “Mad” Mike Banks tapped AO to replace him as DJ for their Australian Tour of 1992. The codename DJ T-1000 was adopted, and history was made once again.  Jumpstart to infamy.Since then, as an international DJ, Oldham has spun all over the planet, as far afield as Tokyo, Manila, The Phillipines, and Shanghai. When he’s not behind the decks at home clubs Tresor Berlin and RSO, on the road to places like Batumi, Georgia or Trapani, Italy, or in the studio making music for labels like RSPX/Rekids, BPitch Berlin, Suspected Music, Third Ear, Elypsia Records, or his own Pure Sonik Records label, he is making new paintings and organizing art openings showcasing his iconic works. Oldham has put on art happenings in Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Vienna, and Detroit, as well as his iconic techno artworks being on view in Paris, London and Dusseldorf, as part of its traveling “Electronic: From Kraftwerk to the Chemical Brothers” exhibit. The multi-talented Oldham has also made his artistic debut in Kobe, Japan in 2022 with the exhibit “Massive Dynamic” at the Nick Jerky Art Cafe. In 2024, Oldham was also honored by the Mayor and Detroit City Council with a “Spirit of Detroit” Award for his musical and artistic contributions to his hometown. And back in Berlin, as part of Love Parade founder Dr. Motte’s Rave The Planet team, Oldham helped Berlin Techno to achieve UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status. Oldham’s long-awaited EP as DJ T-1000 for Rekids sub-label RSPX is out now, as well as his new “Ask Me No Questions And I’ll Tell You No Lies” EP on Pure Sonik Records, currently riding high on several Spotify techno charts including Mary Anne Hobbs’ on BBC6. New releases to come!Support the show

For the Ninth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories I'm joined by guest Tommie Sunshine representing stories from Chicago, Atlanta, New York."Tastemaker to tastemakers, curator and shapeshifter, Tommie Sunshine is renowned for his reputation of being consistently ahead of the curve bridging the worlds of Rave, Disco, Tech House, and House while still standing firmly in the zeitgeist. Establishing his name as a fixture throughout the American Rave scene during the '90s, he became one of the most recognizable figures of the Electroclash movement during the early 2000s, his Rock & Pop remixes made him a key figure in the Blog House scene (’06-’09) and helped set the stage for the EDM boom of the 2010s. 31 years as a DJ and 37 years as a clubber gives Sunshine his unique perspective on the business & informs his present Rave Revival sound.Set apart by his iconoclastic productions, he is regarded as one of today!s most prolific remixers providing club-ready makeovers for countless household names, including Billie Eilish, Bob Marley, Katy Perry, Harry Styles, Beyoncé, Miley Cyrus, Kim Petras, Nicki Minaj, Rosalía, Dua Lipa, Sofi Tukker, Lenny Kravitz, Elvis Presley, Lizzo, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Kelly Clarkson, Major Lazer, Santana, and Fall Out Boy. Tommie"s original production career spans collaborations with artists such as Oscar nominated and Grammy winner Junkie XL, Chocolate Puma, Grammy winner James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem, legendary producer Arthur Baker, House Music pioneer Felix da Housecat, Peaches, The Disco Fries, and many more. His music has been released on all of the biggest Dance labels in the world including Spinnin!, Ultra, Armada, Musical Freedom, Heldeep, Size, Revealed, Mixmash, Dim Mak, and Mad Decent amongst others. On Spotify alone his original production has reached 26 million listeners & 127 million streams. Tommie also wrote and recorded 9 tracks for several editions of Konami!s classic arcade game Dance Dance Revolution (DDR). Now well beyond its 600th release, his label Brooklyn Fire provides a platform to young producers just getting started in the business giving their music mass exposure, DJ support from the biggest in the game & streams into the millions.Whether as a Producer, DJ or Artist, Tommie brings a unique enthusiasm to his craft; fueled by his encyclopedic (if not obsessive) knowledge of Underground and Pop music spanning the last half-century. His TV show After The Raves on Netflix took him around the world speaking intimately with Fatboy Slim, Solardo, Hardwell and Paul Oakenfold, and his deep musical knowledge and outspoken views have landed him airtime on numerous talk shows and radio programs. Sunshine, also known as a social media provocateur, has been known to cause an uproar in his firm stance on many issues most won't dare talk about & his activism has landed him on TMZ for gun control. Tommie served as an entertainment surrogate for the 2016 & 2020 Presidential campaigns of Bernie Sanders. He served 3 semesters and counting as adjunct professor at NYU - Tisch School Of The Arts - Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music & serves the Recording Academy as a voting member of the Grammys."Support the show

For the Eighth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories I'm joined by guest Merlin Bobb representing stories from New York.Merlin Bobb, a native of Brooklyn, New York, is a renowned DJ and widely acknowledged as a pioneer of the house music genre. His contributions to the industry have garnered significant recognition, including an invitation from Boiler Room to perform his first live DJ set in 2022. Growing up in New York exposed Merlin to a rich tapestry of musical genres, from R&B and jazz to disco, salsa, punk, and hip hop.  Merlin's journey began when he landed his inaugural mix show on WBLS, quickly capturing the hearts of dance music enthusiasts. Throughout his career, he fearlessly experimented with diverse techniques and musical styles, consistently pushing the boundaries of DJ-ing. This marked the commencement of a remarkable and enduring presence in the entertainment industry.  Beyond his prowess behind the DJ booth, Merlin exerted influence as an executive at major music recording labels such as Atlantic and Elektra Records. His instrumental role in introducing and popularizing the burgeoning house music scene to a wider audience cannot be overstated. Merlin worked closely with industry giants like Missy Elliott, Brandy, Busta Rhymes, Pharrell Williams, Timbaland, Outkast, and Dr. Dre to name a few, signing, developing, and collaborating with these iconic artists. He also collaborated with prominent dance music DJs and producers like Frankie Knuckles, Timmy Regisford, Roger Sanchez, Kerri Chandler, David Morales, Steve Hurley, Louie Vega, Roland Clark, Marshall Jefferson and Tony Humphries, contributing to the production of remixes and the dissemination of the house music sound.  Merlin's entrepreneurial spirit led him to co-found Club Shelter NYC, an esteemed nightclub that swiftly became the epicenter of New York City's house and dance music scene. The indelible impact of the Shelter brand and the vibrant culture it fostered continues to reverberate throughout the global house music community.  Recently making his return to DJ-ing, much to the delight of his fans, Merlin remains an influential figure in the world of house music on a global scale. His ongoing dedication and creative contributions ensure that his legacy endures and continues to shape the landscape of house music.Support the show

For the Seventh episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I’m joined by guests Chez Damier & Alton Miller, representing stories from Detroit. This episode is a special feature on the history and background of the iconic and foundational Detroit nightclub: The Music Institute.“ The Music Institute, a Black-owned club in the heart of downtown Detroit, emerged as a pivotal player in the rise of the city’s Dance Music and Youth Culture. For a fleeting 18 months, The Music Institute was more than just a club. It became a creative sanctuary for pioneering artists, and a host of influential DJs and producers. They didn't just play music; they created a revolutionary movement that echoed far beyond Detroit's borders. Today, the legacy of The Music Institute is not just a memory of Detroit; it's a chapter in the history of Dance Music worldwide. This club didn't just witness history; it made it, securing its place in it’s evolution and in it’s cultural fabric”“Tucked away in Detroit's vibrant heart, The Music Institute has earned its place as a cornerstone in the history of dance and electronic music. Founded in the late 1980s by Detroit's own George Baker and Alton Miller, along with Chicago's Anthony Pearson, better known as Chez Damier, this iconic venue quickly rose to prominence as a hub of musical innovation during one of the most difficult economic times in Detroit’s history. The Music Institute wasn't just another club; it emerged due to the economic climate, the struggles and was where artists and music lovers gathered to forge a sound and a culture that would leave its mark on music worldwide. It was Detroit's answer to the legendary house and disco clubs of its era, like New York’s Paradise Garage, Chicago’s Music Box, and Toronto’s Twilight Zone. The club stood as a beacon of creative energy, a place where collaboration, expression, diversity and creativity flourished. Operating from midnight to the early hours, with a members-only policy and a strict no alcohol and drugs rule, the club set the stage for many of dance and electronic music's most influential DJs and artists. It was more than a club; it was a movement, leaving an indelible impact on the world of music”Support the show

For the Sixth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I'm joined by guest DJ Garth representing stories from San Francisco.  We discuss a range of topics including his formative clubbing experiences in the English Raregroove & House music scenes ,  the early 90's San Francisco rave scene, and the origins and evolution  of rave institution: Wicked. "First of the Wicked crew to call San Francisco home, Garth hasspent the past three decades fanning the flames of conscious hell-raising in California.His sound is a unique fusion of Acid House and Psyche Disco.He has produced more than 60 records mostly on his ownlabels Grayhound, Wicked and Golden Goose and remixedeveryone from Strafe, The Units, Tribe Called Quest, Faithless,Perry Farrell, Yabby You and Adam Freeland.Bringing UK sound system culture to San Francisco in 1991,Wicked’s lawless full moon beach parties ushered in an era ofrave hysteria that ripped through the west coast and spread intothe heartland. Their packed club nights showcased the cream ofearly House music luminaries including first ever west coastappearances of Harvey, Francois K, Joe Claussel and manyothers. For years Garth and crew toured the U.S. in acustomized 1947 Greyhound bus with imported Turbosoundsystem. Garth was first to set up renegade sound at BurningMan and Reggae on the River festivals.In 2016 Time Out NY placed Garth and Wicked crew in the Top10 Best House DJs of all time alongside Frankie Knuckles, RonHardy, Masters at Work and Tony Humphries.Garth stays true to the original art form playing marathon vinylsets at clubs and festivals around the world. His monthly ForThe Record internet broadcast keeps him in shape. He is alsoan accomplished TV and film actor."Support the show