Shadow Child on Reinventing Yourself and Staying Creative in Dance Music

This episode was filmed and sponsored by THE LINE LA, Will’s favourite place to stay in LA - for 20% off your stay use code WILLCLARKE at www.thelinehotel.comAnabel Englund joins me on the podcast to talk about her journey from growing up in a musical family to becoming one of the most recognisable voices in dance music.We dive into the early days of discovering house music, working with Lee Foss and the Hot Creations crew, and writing one of the most iconic dance records of the last decade, Electricity with MK. Anabel also opens up about the realities of being a vocalist in dance music, navigating confidence as an artist, and how songwriting has always been her way of expressing emotion.This was a really honest conversation about creativity, identity and building a career in music.In this episode we talk about:• Growing up surrounded by music and creativity• Discovering house music and the UK dance scene• Writing the global hit Electricity with MK• The early Hot Creations touring days• Being flown first class at 18 years old• The realities of being a vocalist in dance music• Finding confidence as an artist• Using songwriting to process emotion• The highs and challenges of touring• What the future looks like for Anabel EnglundListen to more episodes of The Will Clarke Podcast for honest conversations with artists, producers and industry figures from across the world of music.⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://willclarke.komi.io/https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

intelligend 30% off life time subscription: Use "WILL" at checkout https://go.intellijend.com/willThis episode was filmed and sponsored by THE LINE LA, Will’s favourite place to stay in LA - for 20% off your stay use code WILLCLARKE at www.thelinehotel.comClaude VonStroke joins me for one of the most honest conversations we’ve had on this podcast. Ive wanted to have this conversation for a long time so lock in people its a good one. We talk about building Dirtybird from nothing, turning it into one of the most influential house labels in the world, and why he eventually decided to sell it. Claude opens up about burnout, identity, losing connection with the magic, and what it really feels like when the thing you built becomes bigger than you.We dive into:• The early Dirtybird days and how it became a movement• How tech house took over America• Why the middle class of DJs is disappearing• The stress of running festivals and events• The reality behind ticket sales and the business of dance music• Saying no to Coachella style loss leader deals• Why he refuses to chase hits• Starting again with a new label• Finding joy in music againThis is a conversation about evolution, ego, independence, and what success actually costs.If you are a DJ, producer, creative entrepreneur, or someone building something from the ground up, this episode will resonate.Subscribe for weekly conversations with artists, founders, and the people shaping electronic music culture.Who is Claude VonStroke: Claude VonStroke is a house producer, festival organizer, and seasoned A&R. Founded Dirtybird Records in 2004 and sold it in 2022. Now the owner of Wrong Number Records.⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://willclarke.komi.io/https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Songstats: For 10% off lifetime subscription use the code word "WILLCLARKE" or follow the link https://songstats.com/app?ref=WILLCLARKEWho is Layton Giordani: Layton Giordani stands firmly as one of the most popular tastemakers of techno’s new school, with his pioneering musical vision serving as a contemporary voice for the younger generation. Spending years acquiring knowledge from musical greats, the 28 year old possesses a wealth of experience far beyond his years and has now undeniably earned his rank in the upper echelon of techno.Podcast Overview: In this episode Layton opens up about taking back control of his career, leaving the comfort of Drumcode, changing management, launching his own record label, and building serious momentum in America.We talk about:1) Taking the driver’s seat in your career 2) The reality of stepping away from a label family3) Meeting John Summit and witnessing the US scene explode4) Starting a label and partnering with Armada5) The year long process of clearing Gorillaz Dare6) Production culture versus pure music7) Ego, fame, money, and whether success actually brings happinessThis is a real conversation about growth, ambition, identity, and what happens when you finally achieve the things you once dreamed about.If you are a DJ, producer, creative, or entrepreneur trying to level up, this episode will hit. Subscribe for weekly conversations with the most interesting minds in electronic music.⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://willclarke.komi.io/https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuew https://www.instagram.com/djwillclarke https://www.facebook.com/willclarkedj https://twitter.com/djwillclarke https://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Use code "WILLCLARKE20" to gain 20% off pointblank LA or Online courses (excluding only degree programmes), or follow the link https://bit.ly/willclarkepbSign up for the latest podcast info - https://laylo.com/willclarke/uqFWnJKaPodcast Overview: In this conversation, Will Clarke sits down with Cinthie to talk about her journey through Berlin’s club scene, her deep connection to record store culture, and why community still matters in dance music. She reflects on growing up in Germany, watching Berlin evolve, and what makes the city’s nightlife feel different from anywhere else. Lastly, she shares why supporting other people’s music and staying true to her values has kept her grounded in an increasingly commerical industry. Who is Cinthie: German producer, DJ, label and record store owner Cinthie is one of the most sought-after artists in contemporary electronic music, often referred to as the Berlin Queen of House after a decade of nonstop global touring. Her deep knowledge of house music comes from a vinyl collection built since 1995, with DJ sets that connect the swing of New York, the rawness of Chicago, and the energy of Berlin through stripped-back, emotive grooves. In the studio, she has spent over 20 years crafting timeless house music on labels like Heist, Aus Music, and her own 803 Crystal Grooves, alongside releases such as her debut album Skylines City Lights and her standout DJ-Kicks mix. Beyond the booth, Cinthie continues to push boundaries with live shows at events like Sonar and Mutek while running Elevate.Berlin, a handpicked record store that reflects her commitment to authenticity, community, and proper house music.⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

intelligend 30% off life time subscription: Use "WILL" at checkout https://go.intellijend.com/willUse code "WILLCLARKE20" to gain 20% off pointblank LA or Online courses (excluding only degree programmes), or follow the link https://bit.ly/willclarkepbSign up for the latest podcast info - https://laylo.com/willclarke/uqFWnJKaPodcast Overview: In this conversation, Will Clarke speaks with Pan-Pot about what it takes to stay creative and grounded after more than 20 years in electronic music. They discuss why they never chased mainstream fame, how their definition of success has changed, and why connection with the crowd matters more than numbers. Lastly, Pan-Pot explains how their HUMAN project has become a creative reset, centered on presence, connection, and making music without expectationsWho are Pan-Pot: Who is Pan-Pot: Comprising the dynamic duo Tassilo Ippenberger and Thomas Benedix, Pan Pot has carved out a unique niche in the electronic music landscape. In 2025, the legendary techno pair launched HUMAN, both a label and an event series, marking a new chapter in their journey. HUMAN bridges raw techno energy with something deeper, delivering a sound that is emotional, warm, and unapologetically human, with a clear focus on connection through music and on placing feeling back at the center of the dancefloor rather than chasing fleeting trends. This year shows no signs of them slowing down as they continue to expand their creative universe through HUMAN, which has already hosted standout events in Berlin, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, and the official Street Parade afterparty in Zurich that drew over 1.3 million attendees. Following the release of singles “OPERA (Street Parade Anthem),” “Nightcode,” “TDD,” “KALTSTROM,” and "Phantaxxxy" marks another powerful evolution in Pan Pot’s ever shifting sonic identity.⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Use code "WILLCLARKE20" to gain 20% off pointblank LA or Online courses (excluding only degree programmes), or follow the link https://bit.ly/willclarkepbSign up for the latest podcast info - https://laylo.com/willclarke/uqFWnJKaPodcast Overview: In this conversation, Shadow Child sits down with Will Clarke to reflect on reinvention, longevity, and the pressure of evolving in a constantly changing dance music landscape. He opens up about the grind of the modern industry, blocking out the noise, and reconnecting with the reasons he started making music in the first place.Who is Shadow Child: Emerging from the rave, breakbeat, hardcore, and jungle scenes of the ’90s UK, Shadow Child first came to prominence as Dave Spoon with global residencies and hit remixes for artists like Pet Shop Boys and Dizzee Rascal. As Shadow Child, he’s carved a niche in deep house and bass-driven dance music, blending euphoric vocals with rave-inspired beats. Beyond the music, Simon mentors emerging artists and champions wellness in the industry, balancing high-energy performances with a thoughtful, grounded approach to his career.⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

intelligend 30% off life time subscription: Use "WILL" at checkout https://go.intellijend.com/willUse code "WILLCLARKE20" to gain 20% off pointblank LA or Online courses (excluding only degree programmes), or follow the link https://bit.ly/willclarkepbSign up for the latest podcast info - https://laylo.com/willclarke/uqFWnJKaPodcast Overview: In this conversation, Will Clarke sits down with Charlie Tee to unpack the realities of drum and bass today, from money and industry pressure to the complicated idea of “selling out.” Charlie opens up about radio, raving, mental health, and why performing on stage feels easier than navigating everyday social situations. They also dive into ticket sales, social media stress, and the responsibility artists feel to preserve underground culture while still building sustainable careers.Who is Charlie Tee: Charlie Tee is a DJ, broadcaster, journalist, and deeply proud music nerd who represents the inclusive, forward moving energy reshaping dance music today. As BBC Radio 1’s first full time female drum and bass specialist, she brings deep roots across genres, shaped by years at Kiss and a career built on connecting sounds, scenes, and communities. Through her Radio show, Unitee events, Record label, and DJ Sets, Charlie has consistently championed emerging talent while pushing electronic music forward without losing its foundations. Her work is driven by genuine passion, sharp musical understanding, and a belief that rave culture should be accessible, diverse, and built to last.⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

intelligend 30% off life time subscription: Use "WILL" at checkout https://go.intellijend.com/willUse code "WILLCLARKE20" to gain 20% off pointblank LA or Online courses (excluding only degree programmes), or follow the link https://bit.ly/willclarkepbSign up for the latest podcast info - https://laylo.com/willclarke/uqFWnJKaPodcast Overview: In this episode, Will Clarke sits down with Joshua Grimmett of Goodboys to talk songwriting, creativity, and pressure in modern dance music. Joshua breaks down how early success reshaped his relationship with making music and why removing pressure has become essential to staying inspired. He explains his shift toward pen and paper writing, longer studio retreats, and protecting the human feel in songs. Joshua also shares stories around Grammy nominations, industry realities, and why finishing songs matters more than chasing the next hit.Who are Goodboys: Goodboys are a 2x GRAMMY-nominated, multi-platinum London-based duo with over 5 billion global streams, known for infectious vocal hooks and genre-blending dance records. They broke through with “Piece Of Your Heart” alongside MEDUZA, which hit #2 on the UK Official Charts, earned a GRAMMY nomination, and has surpassed 3.5 billion streams, followed by the multi-billion-stream hit “Lose Control.” Blending melodic basslines, euphoric production, and live vocals, Goodboys seamlessly bridge radio-ready anthems and underground club energy. Their high-energy DJ sets have taken them to iconic stages worldwide, including Tomorrowland, EDC Las Vegas, and Ushuaïa Ibiza, while they continue to expand their sound through new music, collaborations, and global touring.⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

intelligend 30% off life time subscription: Use "WILL" at checkout https://go.intellijend.com/willUse code "WILLCLARKE20" to gain 20% off pointblank LA or Online courses (excluding only degree programmes), or follow the link https://bit.ly/willclarkepbSongstats: For 10% off lifetime subscription use the code word "WILLCLARKE" or follow the link https://songstats.com/app?ref=WILLCLARKESign up for the latest podcast info - https://laylo.com/willclarke/uqFWnJKaPodcast Overview: Pete Tong joins Will Clarke to reflect on four decades at the center of dance music, from his early days on BBC Radio 1 to shaping global DJ culture through the Essential Mix. He opens up about DJ burnout, the fear of being forgotten, and what it really takes to survive in an industry that never slows down. Pete also breaks down how the music business has changed, why gatekeepers no longer exist, and how DJs now build their own careers.Who is Pete Tong: Pete Tong is one of the most influential figures in dance music, with a career spanning over four decades as the global voice of electronic music through BBC Radio 1’s Essential Mix, which he has hosted for more than 30 years. A world-renowned DJ and tastemaker, Pete has headlined festivals and arenas across the globe, while his Ibiza Classics project has become a landmark live show, selling out London’s O2 Arena multiple times and performing for historic events including the King’s Coronation. Beyond the stage, he founded the International Music Summit to connect and shape the global dance music industry, and launched the Pete Tong DJ Academy to mentor the next generation of DJs and producers alongside an all-star group of tutors including Carl Cox, Jamie Jones, Diplo, TSHA, Nicole Moudaber, Adam Beyer, Parisi, and more.⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

pointblank: Use code WILLCLARKE20 to gain 20% off pointblank LA or Online courses (excluding only degree programmes), or follow the link https://bit.ly/willclarkepbSign up for the latest podcast info - https://laylo.com/willclarke/uqFWnJKaPodcast Overview: In this conversation, Will Clarke sits down with Eliza Rose as she talks through the 10 year journey that led to B.O.T.A, from working in a record shop at 15 to hearing the track everywhere at Glastonbury and watching it snowball. She explains why blowing up earlier would have been too much for her, what it felt like going Number One with no money in her account, and how touring became relentless after B.O.T.A. Eliza opens up about burnout, losing her sound, chasing what she thought people expected, and stepping back to figure out what actually feels right.Who is Eliza Rose: Eliza Rose embodies the magic of UK underground club culture. The vocalist, producer, and DJ broke through globally with ‘B.O.T.A (Baddest Of Them All)’, reaching Number One and becoming the first female DJ to top the official charts in 20 years, after years spent building her reputation across London’s clubs, festivals, and record shops. Now with MOBO and Brit nominations, magazine covers, and a world tour, she moves seamlessly between the underground and global stage, collaborating with artists including Calvin Harris, Confidence Man, Carl Cox, The Trip, and Oppidan. Her DJ sets have reached major stages such as Glastonbury, Sonar, Love International, and Boiler Room, with upcoming appearances at Manchester’s Warehouse Project and Homobloc, while she continues to grow her label Rosebud Records and champion her crate-digging roots, bringing her UKG sound to audiences worldwide.⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱https://djwillclarke.com/https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuewhttps://www.instagram.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.facebook.com/willclarkedjhttps://twitter.com/djwillclarkehttps://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.