Elijah: The future is DIY

You might know him for his iconic Yellow Squares, those bold, catchy prompts that have redefined how we talk about creativity, visibility, and value in the age of social media, . What started as bite-sized creative provocations have now evolved into a brilliant new book, Close the App, Make the Ting, a manifesto for artists navigating the noisy world of social media.But Elijah’s story runs deeper than Instagram. From co-founding the legendary label Butterz and championing grime’s rise, to blending DJing, strategy, and creative education, Elijah has spent over a decade shaping the culture from the inside out.In this episode, we rewind to where it all began, his love for music, the roots of UK club culture, and how his purpose has shifted along the way. We talk about shaping education after struggling to connect with it himself, and the lessons he’d bake into curriculums if he had the chance. He shares his perspective on DIY vs. labels in 2025, what sustainability really means in a content-driven industry, and the creative thinking behind some of his most powerful Yellow Squares.This conversation is loaded with insight for anyone making art in the digital age, and it’s powered by Trackstack, the platform designed to help you build a long-term music career. Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.

This week my guest is the wonderful Katie Bain, Director of Billboard Dance and one of the most respected music journalists in the game. For over a decade, Katie’s voice has shaped the narrative of dance music through her insightful, honest, and culturally rich storytelling. From underground risers to global icons, she’s interviewed them all, always with curiosity, integrity, and a genuine love for the scene.In this episode, we talk about the story behind her very first interview, and how her process and perspective have evolved along the way. Katie shares how she preps, what makes an interview truly resonate, and what have been some of her favourite interview so far!This episode is powered by Trackstack, the ultimate platform for building a sustainable career in electronic music. Whether you're managing demos, levelling up your production, or monetising your music knowledge, Trackstack makes it all seamless. Use promo code CUPMOG for 10% off, for life.Recorded at the beautiful Hyde Ibiza.

This episode features an icon, a true force of nature in electronic music: Nicole Moudaber. DJ, producer, promoter, and movement-maker, Nicole has carved out her own powerful lane in the techno world. Before she was headlining festivals and filling legendary clubs, Nicole was behind the scenes booking artists, building relationships that would later evolve into creative partnerships and long-standing friendships. In this episode, she shares the story of how she transitioned from promoter to globally respected artist, and the mindset that helped her sustain a long, evolving career. We talk about her early years in nightlife and the pivotal moments that shaped her, the ever-changing landscape of Ibiza and what it means for artists today, staying relevant and creatively inspired in 2025 and beyond, plus her passion for fast cars!This episode is powered by Trackstack, the platform helping you manage demos, send promos, level up your productions, and monetize your music knowledge. It’s super intuitive and with promo code CUPMOG, you’ll get 10% off for life.

Mark Newton has played a defining role in reshaping the global dance music experience, from the festivals we travel to, to the spaces we party in. As the founder of Hideout Festival and a creative force behind Field Day, Snowbombing, Printworks, Depot Mayfield, and Drumsheds, Mark doesn't just book DJs, he builds culture.In this episode, we dive into what makes a venue or festival great, and how each uniquely impacts dance music culture. We explore the rise of immersive, large-scale venues, the shifting economics of nightlife, and ask whether the festival boom is pushing clubs, and clubbing, into the shadows. We also get into the future of residencies, the challenges of licensing, and what all this means for the next generation of artists and ravers.This episode is powered by Trackstack, the platform built to help you manage demos, promos, and your music career more sustainably. Use the promo code CUPMOG for 10% off, for life.

A week after Toolroom was crowned Label of the Year at the Beatport Awards for the second year running, I sit down with Mark Knight to explore one of the most pressing questions in the industry today: can you succeed as a DJ without producing music, or as a producer without ever stepping behind the decks?Mark reflects on his own path, starting out in one role before embracing the other, and how that dual perspective shaped his longevity in the scene. We unpack how the DJ–producer relationship has evolved in 2025, the impact of streaming and algorithm-driven discovery, and why the divide between studio and stage is more complex than ever.He shares his thoughts on why some modern productions lack the punch of a true anthem, whether producers without club experience miss something essential, and offers honest advice for artists trying to navigate their strengths. This season is powered by Trackstack, the platform that helps electronic music pros stay organized and get ahead. Streamline your demos, level up your promos, and even sell your music skills, all in one place.Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.

Kicking off season 7, I sit down with Chicago’s own Hiroko Yamamura, an artist deeply rooted in the city’s rich club culture, to explore the place that shaped her. Hiroko takes us back to the record stores and warehouses that built her musical foundation and shares stories of legendary underground parties that defined an era.From early mentorship and pivotal career decisions to the evolution of Chicago’s raw, rebellious energy, Hiroko reflects on how the scene has changed, what still excites her today, and why life behind the decks can feel so strange and surreal. It’s an episode packed with history, honesty, and humor.This podcast is powered by Trackstack, the platform helping you build a sustainable career in electronic music. Discover, manage, and grow your network all in one place at trackstack.me. Use the promo code CUPMOG  for 10% off for life.

In the last episode of the year, I chat with Regal as he unveils his brand-new alias, ACIDBOY. Dive deep into the mind of a true innovator as we discuss the inspiration behind his project, we explore his early beginnings as well as reflect on his growth, pivotal moments, and the artistic ethos driving his career.

In this episode I chat with Lumi, a rising talent whose journey is as inspiring as it is relatable. Growing up in Finland, Lumi's path to the DJ booth wasn't a straight line. We explore how she juggles a full-time job while building her name in the industry, sharing insights on the hustle, passion, and perseverance it takes to make it in music.

In this episode, I sit down with DJ and producer, Azzecca, diving deep into her artistic journey. She opens up about the importance of staying true to yourself and making music you genuinely love, rather than chasing trends. We reflect on how far she’s come, from her early days to becoming a standout name in the industry, and explore how the music scene continues to evolve around her. Azzecca also shares exciting insights about her new event series, Cosimea, an open exploration of forward thinking and other-worldly club sounds.

From celebrity encounters, getting his tent run over at Glastonbury by the BBC, eating Tom Jones' last yorkie, going to Top of The Pops, Beyonce giving him her chair because she thought he looked tired, us eating dog treats, the story of Sandra Spitz and so much more, this is just a normal, everyday conversation between me and one of my best friends, Steven Braines as we talk about everything and anything that springs to mind. Enjoy x