From Fan to President: Moody Jones on Taking Over the Dirtybird Label

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.

Juliet Fox: Motherhood in dance music - touring, pregnancy, identity & building a new life.In this episode, I sit down with techno powerhouse Juliet Fox for one of the most honest and important conversations we’ve ever had on the show - diving deep into motherhood, identity, touring, and what it really means to be a woman in the dance music industry today.From DJing at eight months pregnant in a cage at Revolver to navigating promoters’ expectations, relationship growth, and travelling the world with a six-month-old baby… Juliet opens up in a way you rarely hear publicly.We talk about the things no one prepares you for - the fear of career loss, the pressure on female artists, the support (and lack of it) in the industry, and the messy, beautiful reality of creating a life while still chasing your passion.We get into:• Not planning to have children - and the “miracle baby” moment that changed everything• The fear of telling agents and promoters she was pregnant• DJing until 8 months pregnant and the reaction from the crowd• Touring with a newborn, pumping on planes and the logistics no one sees• Why Australia feels like her calmest self• How becoming a mother strengthened her relationship• Balancing identity: artist, partner, mother, woman• The lack of conversation around motherhood in dance music• Support from Amelie Lens and the women who reached out• Returning to gigs weeks after giving birth• Advice for women who want a family but fear the impact on their career• Her vision for a platform or panel on motherhood in the industry• Cosmo Fox - the most travelled six-month-old ever• Why Australian crowds are on another level• The DJs she rates• The cutest (and funniest) fan gifts Cosmo has receivedIf you care about dance music, women’s stories, touring realities, or simply hearing a raw, human conversation behind an artist’s journey, this one will stay with you.---🌟 SPONSORS — thank you for supporting the show🎧 TrackstackThe platform built for music creators: send and receive promos, manage demos, discover open label inboxes, and create promo videos through Trackstack Showcase.Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.👉 [https://my.trackstack.app/]🚀 LabelWorxDistribution, royalty management, promo tools, and insights - built for labels serious about growth.👉 [https://labelworx.com]🥥 Wow CacaoMade from rescued cacao pulp, Wow Cacao is a refreshing, vitamin-rich drink packed with natural electrolytes and antioxidants.👉 Follow @drinkwowcacao🇦🇺 Sounds AustraliaA huge thank you to Sounds Australia for hosting us in Amsterdam. They champion Australian artists globally through showcases, festivals, and conferences.👉 [https://soundsaustralia.com.au]---📲 CONNECT WITH USFollow Juliet Fox: @djjulietfoxFollow me: @katiehayknightSubscribe for more in-depth conversations with DJs, producers and industry voices!

I sit down with multi-platinum DJ and producer Jonas Blue to unpack how he creates worldwide anthems - from the melodies and emotions behind each track to the moments that shaped his career.We go from mixing Adidas with Nike to the moment he nearly quit music, and what pulled him back.We get into:• Swapping grey London for sunny Miami - and why he doesn’t miss London at all• Summers in Ibiza, living in the north and avoiding hangovers• Edge of Desire becoming one of the most Shazamed tracks in Ibiza 2025• The wild story of Malive nearly quitting before their collab changed his life• How Club Reps made him want to DJ at age 11• Fast Car turning 10, fans who grew up with his music and dealing with pressure• The advice he got from Calvin Harris when he lost direction during COVID• Keeping his sound credible for the dancefloor while dominating the global charts• Why writing a great song is so difficult - and why melody is everything• His dream to create a Balearic / Zero 7 / Air-inspired album• The creepiest fan gift he’s received (a whole book of baby photos)• His no-phones guestlist rule• Where he’s heading next and what keeps him inspiredIf you love dance music, Ibiza stories, songwriting breakdowns, and hearing the human side of huge artists, this episode is for you.Thank you to the sponsors of this episode:TrackstackTrackstack is built for music creators: send and receive promos, manage demos, discover open label inboxes, and create promo videos through Trackstack Showcase.Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.https://my.trackstack.app/LabelWorxDistribution, royalty management, promo tools and insights — created by people who live and breathe dance music. If you’re growing a label or releasing music, LabelWorx gives you the system to scale.labelworx.comWow CacaoMade from rescued cacao pulp, Wow Cacao is a refreshing, vitamin-rich drink packed with natural electrolytes and antioxidants. Perfect for wellness lovers, post-party recovery or swapping alcohol for something that actually feels good.Follow @drinkwowcacaoSounds AustraliaA huge thank you to Sounds Australia for hosting us in Amsterdam. They champion Australian artists at showcases, festivals and conferences worldwide — helping them reach new audiences.soundsaustralia.com.auFollow Jonas Blue: https://www.instagram.com/jonasblueFollow me: https://www.instagram.com/katiehayknight/Subscribe for more in-depth conversations with DJs, producers and industry voices!

What happens when music isn’t just your passion but also a family affair? In this episode, I chat with Betical, the sibling duo known for their emotive sound and deep musical chemistry. We trace their story from growing up together to finding their own workflow in the studio, how they navigate creative blocks, and the ways they keep their personal relationship strong amidst industry pressures. They open up about what they’ve learned from each other, how they handle moments of divergence, and what excites them about the future of Betical.This episode is powered by Trackstack - the platform that helps you manage demos, promos, and sell your music expertise. Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.

Arodes joins us on the podcast to share the story behind his career change into an internationally touring DJ. We dive deep into his earliest musical memories, first gigs, Ibiza and how his sound has evolved into what we hear today.He opens up about the sacrifices you have to make to become a touring artist- the long nights, missed moments at home, and trying to keep healthy while constantly on the move. From his very first official gig to playing at iconic venues and festivals like Burning Man, Arodes reflects on the surreal highs and the tough challenges that shaped his career.We also talk about the labels he co-runs with Andrea Oliva, Unreleased and All I Need, and how stepping into the role of label head has changed his perspective on the music industry.This episode is powered by Trackstack, the platform that helps you manage demos, promos, and sell your music expertise. Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.This episode was recorded live from Soho House Barcelona in partnership with Techno & Chill.

Today’s guest is a true cultural powerhouse, Georgia Taglietti. With over 30 years in the music industry, Georgia has been shaping narratives at the crossroads of creativity, technology, and communication. You might have seen her speaking on global panels or driving cultural conversations behind the scenes. As the founder of The International Consulting Network for Arts & Culture, she now helps creatives and companies navigate change with smart strategy and deep cultural insight.This episode is powered by Trackstack, the platform that makes managing demos, promos, and even selling your expertise seamless. Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.

This episode was recorded live from Soho House Barcelona in collaboration with Techno & Chill.Today’s guest is the one and only DJ Tennis, an icon in electronic music and the creative force behind the label Life and Death. Beyond the decks, he’s also the founder of Munchie Town and a passionate foodie. In this episode, we delve into his passion for cooking and food culture, the DJs who can genuinely cook, his journey to getting started in the music industry, his experience as a manager, and how he balances multiple projects simultaneously.Whether you’re here for the music industry insights or the kitchen stories, this conversation offers a unique perspective from one of the scene’s most creative minds.Can U Put Me On Guestlist? is powered by Trackstack, the platform to manage your demos, promos, and sell your music expertise.Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life: https://www.trackstack.com