MJ Cole on Finding His Sound, UK Garage, & Staying Creative

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 and MJ Cole dive into the roots of UK garage, the evolution of British electronic music, and the importance of creating the music you genuinely want to make. MJ Cole reflects on his classical upbringing, his early love for hardcore and jungle, and how discovering slower tempos helped shape his signature sound. He shares how he keeps creativity fresh by avoiding autopilot in the studio, constantly experimenting with new tempos, tools, and sound-design techniques. They also revisit the journey behind “Sincere,” his breakthrough single and album, and discuss the realities of performing live, where passion often outweighs profit. Despite the industry’s pressures, MJ Cole emphasizes that he has never wanted to quit because his drive comes from true artistic expression.Who is MJ Cole: The 90s reshaped UK culture with garage, jungle and more, and MJ Cole stood at the center with a 2-step sound that influenced grime, dubstep and artists like The xx. His breakout hit “Sincere” became one of the first garage tracks to reach the UK top 40, leading to a career producing for Dizzee Rascal, Katy B, Becky Hill, Stormzy, and co-writing Mary J Blige’s “Nobody But You.” Raised in a musical West London home and trained at the Royal College of Music, Cole blended classical skill with electronic experimentation, eventually landing at Sound of the Underground and scoring chart success with “Crazy Love.” Today he stays focused on new ideas, pushing his sound through collaborations like AJ Tracey’s “The Rumble,” releases on labels like Method White, and his own imprint 892, all while championing underground artists and music that feels real and connected.⏲ 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, Zerb breaks down how Mwaki going viral completely changed his life after years of struggling and releasing music that wasn’t connecting. He explains how he started producing 13 years ago, growing up in Brazil, learning everything on his own, and slowly building his sound. He talks about the moment Mwaki hit the global viral charts and how that led to working with big artists like The Chainsmokers, Coldplay, Victor Ray, Wiz, and Ty Dolla $ign. Zerb also shares how he manages touring, routines, and mental health while creating music and content nonstop. The episode closes with his advice about putting your heart into your work and staying patient because success can take years.Who is Zerb: Zerb, a São Paulo born producer, is known for pushing the boundaries of electronic music with a self taught style rooted in authenticity. His EP SURRENDER reflects 10 years of work and showcases the sound that has carried him onto the global stage. His breakout single Mwaki went viral, hitting #1 on Spotify’s Global Viral Chart, going platinum in Italy, and becoming one of the most Shazamed records in the world, leading to a major European tour with stops like Tomorrowland and Ushuaïa Ibiza. Zerb followed this success with Addicted alongside The Chainsmokers and later collaborated with Coldplay on a reimagined remix of Feels Like I’m Falling in Love. His journey reflects a deep dedication to creating music that connects people everywhere.⏲ 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/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: In this conversation, Oskar Eichler talks about juggling his roles as a touring artist with Don’t Blink and his work in music tech at Songstats and 1001 Tracklists. He explains how his businesses helped fund his artist career, why multiple income streams are essential today, and how focusing on storytelling helped DONT BLINK have a breakthrough year. Eichler also breaks down festival realities, the need for virality, and how Songstats has evolved into a one-stop tool for artists with features like Radio Stats and label recommendations. His core message is that artists must promote more than they create and build a story that makes listeners care.Who is Oskar Eichler: Oskar Eichler is a touring DJ and producer behind the project DONT BLINK and a leading figure in music tech. Starting his career early by uploading DJ mixes that gained over a million subscribers, he went on to build multiple successful companies including Arcane, 1001Tracklists, and Songstats. His work has shaped the electronic music industry by giving artists and labels powerful tools to track data, grow their careers, and monetize their music. As DONT BLINK, Oskar continues releasing top-charting Tech House records and remains recognized as one of the scene’s most influential rising artists, all while leading a global team across his ventures.⏲ 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/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: In this conversation, Will Clarke, Dylan, and Ricky cover everything from their coffee habits to staying healthy on tour. They break down how their SIDEPIECE duo works, stressing communication, collaboration, and the importance of having a solid team in the music industry. They also open up about financial uncertainty, building SIDEPIECE into a long-term brand, and navigating early success in house music. Other themes include breaking through gatekeeping, balancing ego and humility, evolving musical taste, and creating a community that stays connected to the art and the fans.Who are SIDEPIECE: While Dylan Ragland and Ricky Mears meant to start a side project, they weren’t totally expecting to create SIDEPIECE, the GRAMMY-nominated house duo that’s clocked more than 362 million global streams since its inception. The two producers – Ragland makes music as fan favorite Party Favor and Mears produces as dancefloor igniter NITTI – first linked via DM in 2019 to share track ideas. Sensing their musical chemistry, they jumped on Facetime. By the end of the call, they’d registered the @youasidepiece social handles and their own figurative side piece had been born.⏲ 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/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: In this conversation, Will Clarke and Max Styler delve into the journey of music production, the evolution of sound, and the challenges faced in the music industry. They discuss the importance of community, the role of record labels, and the impact of social media on artists. Max shares his personal experiences, including the struggles of balancing success with personal life and the excitement of starting his own record label. The conversation highlights the need for authenticity in music and the continuous growth required to thrive in the ever-changing landscape of the music industry.Who is Max Styler: California-born Max Styler is a dynamic force in the world of dance music. Utilizing his over-a-decade of production experience to consistently push boundaries and evolve his unique sound with each release, as well as heading up his record label Nu Moda, Styler continues to establish himself as one of the industry’s staple electronic artists and tastemakers.⏲ 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/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: In this engaging conversation, Cassian and Will Clarke explore the journey of a musician transitioning from casual DJing to a full-time career. They discuss the challenges and rewards of the music industry, the importance of performance and connection with the audience, and the balance between personal fulfillment and professional success. The conversation also touches on the significance of marketing, social media, and building a strong team to support one's career. Throughout, they emphasize the need for honesty, ambition, and the responsibility artists have towards their fans. Also touched on his roles with working with Rufus Du Sol & Anyma.Who is Cassian: Cassian is a Grammy Award winning DJ, producer, and mixing engineer from Australia based in Los Angeles. A leading voice in Melodic House and Techno, he counts 200 million streams and 1.5 million monthly listeners, with releases on Afterlife, Rose Avenue, and TSZR topping Beatport. He has played Tomorrowland, Coachella, EDC, and Lollapalooza, and headlined stages from Hï Ibiza and Red Rocks to Printworks, selling over 100,000 tickets worldwide. In the studio he helped RÜFÜS DU SOL earn a Grammy with Alive and has worked with Anyma, John Summit, Dom Dolla, Adriatique, and Hayden James, contributing to billions of streams and multiple gold and platinum records. He also served as Musical Director for Anyma’s Sphere show in Las Vegas, drawing over 200,000 fans across 12 dates.⏲ 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/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: In this conversation, Bob Moses joins Will Clarke to discuss their evolution from the Brooklyn club scene to performing live at Coachella. They share how they blended electronic and band worlds, transitioned from DJ sets to full live shows, and built a loyal fanbase in both spaces. The duo also reflects on touring, creating albums in a singles era, and the inspiration behind their new project BLINK!Who are Bob Moses: Bob Moses makes music built for both dark clubs and wide open skies. “It feels like just yesterday we were in warehouses DJing raves,” says Howie. Over the years, they have amassed countless hits and accolades, but the yearning for more never quite goes away. “We’ve gone to the Grammys and sold out Red Rocks, but at the same time, I still haven't achieved what I wanted to. Is that even possible?” Blink is an album shaped by the bittersweet passing of time. Its ten songs serve as snapshots, capturing the life moments that inspire and vanish before they’re truly understood. Written between Los Angeles and New York, it reflects both distance and connection as Howie and Vallance continue to evolve. From Brooklyn’s underground to global stages, Bob Moses continues to find new ways to make dance music feel human.⏲ 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.

Songstats: 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: In this conversation, Loco Dice and Will Clarke discuss the evolution of DJ culture, the importance of self-care, and the challenges of traveling as a DJ. They explore authenticity in music, the impact of social media, and identity in the industry. The discussion touches on the art of DJing, balancing new music with classics, and the future of albums in a fast-paced world. Ultimately, they emphasize community and support among artists while navigating the changing landscape of music.Who is Loco Dice: Loco Dice, born in Düsseldorf, Germany, grew up in a multicultural Tunisian household that shaped his distinctive sound. Starting in hip-hop and touring with icons like Snoop Dogg and Ice Cube, he later transitioned into electronic music, releasing acclaimed works like 7 Dunham Place and collaborations with Skrillex and Fireboy DML. With EPs and remixes spanning labels such as Ovum, Minus, and Cocoon, Dice has become a global fixture at festivals like EDC, Tomorrowland, and Coachella. Beyond music, he’s merged fashion and culture through his FKD project, collaborations with brands like Daily Paper and New Era, and his own line, Seran Bendecidos. His boundary-pushing creativity continues to define him as a visionary in modern music.Join for updates: https://laylo.com/willclarke⏲ 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.

Songstats: 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: In this engaging conversation, Will Clarke and Dreya V explore the challenges and triumphs of being an artist in the music industry. They discuss the impact of rebranding, the importance of personal identity, and the pressures of social media. Dreya shares her journey from being a weed grower to a successful DJ, the struggles of writer's block, and the significance of saying no to opportunities that don't align with her vision. The duo also delves into the gender dynamics within the music scene and the evolving nature of sound and style in today's industry.Who is Dreya V: As MISS DRE, Drea Kaplan was already carving her lane: charting vocals, breakout festival sets at EDC Las Vegas and Project GLOW, a viral Tinashe remix rinsed by Dom Dolla and MEDUZA. But DREYA V is the refined vision - a full-spectrum artist who doesn’t just belong in the booth, she owns it. Tracks like her debut on Aeterna, Light The Fire, showed her command of contrast - tough drums and tender toplines. Now, Up Front hammers it home: DREYA V isn’t blending in. She’s cutting through.Join for updates: https://laylo.com/willclarke⏲ 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.

Songstats: 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: In this engaging conversation, Rebūke discusses the upcoming release of his album, the creative process behind it, and the challenges of collaboration in music production. He reflects on the balance between artistic integrity and the demands of the music business, emphasizing the importance of evolving one's sound and maintaining freshness in creativity. The discussion also highlights the significance of visuals in music performances and the necessity of building relationships within the industry. Rebuke shares insights on finding the right management and the ongoing struggle to balance art with business in the ever-changing landscape of music. In this conversation, Will Clarke and Reuben discuss the evolution of creative tools like Unreal Engine, the challenges of creating unique visuals for music, and the importance of branding consistency. They delve into the financial realities of ambitious projects, the pressures of live performances, and the constant demands of music production. The discussion also touches on the changing landscape of music consumption, the impact of major labels, and the glamorization of the DJ lifestyle, particularly in relation to Ibiza's evolving culture. They emphasize the need for authenticity in a commercialized industry and the importance of community and resources for artists.Who is Rebūke: Rebūke is an artist constantly searching for something new and exciting who’s captured that elusive thing – a sound and a style... all his own. ERA is Rebūke’s brand new world. A place for people to lose themselves in a realm of sound and vision. The first release, the double header "Glow / Void" – is an introduction to ERA's universe, where Rebūke has created a captivating sense of futurism. Carefully crafted pieces of music accompanied by a visual narrative, allowing people to experience Rebūke’s ERA vision and storytelling in full and create something truly remarkable across music releases, live shows, and a thriving online community.Join for updates: https://laylo.com/willclarke⏲ 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.