A DJ’s Journey Ep. 12 drops now — featuring the legendary Sporty-O (@sportyowingman), the international wingman himself.
From hustling mixtapes in Atlanta to performing on the main stage at EDC, Sporty-O’s story is one of hustle, reinvention, and relentless love for music. We talk about his early days as a hip-hop MC, his move to LA and writing music for TV, connecting with Keith MacKenzie through MySpace, and finding his true voice in electronic music.
Now stepping into DJing while still producing and performing, Sporty-O reflects on evolution, staying creative, and how dance music opened up a global world of sound and possibility.
🎧 Available on all platforms
🔊 Hosted by Deckard
🔥 Full episode out now
ShowNotes
00:00 The Musical Roots of Sporty-O
13:06 From Hip-Hop to Dance Music
24:37 Navigating the Music Business
31:48 Opportunities in Los Angeles
32:34 The Breakbeat Scene and Guest List's Impact
34:50 Transitioning from Hip Hop to Dance Music
38:02 The Moment of Realization in Dance Music
41:2 Unique Contributions to Electronic Music
44:26 Navigating Production in Dance Music
48:59 Collaborations and Touring with Keith
53:31 The Birth of Tequila Rageface
01:00:23 Returning to Atlanta and Building Community
01:02:32 The Journey of Music and Community
01:06:42 Evolving as an Artist in Dance Music
01:14:12 Navigating Challenges in DJing
01:22:45 The Future of Performance and Collaboration
#ADJsJourney #SportyO #ElectronicMusic #PodcastInterview #DanceMusicScene #HipHopInfluence #DeckardPodcast
📣 New Episode Drop: Krafty Kuts on A DJ’s Journey
From bingo caller and car boot crate-digger to breakbeat icon, Martin Reeves aka Krafty Kuts shares the wild ride that took him from the UK’s underground scene to world tours and legendary festival sets like Shambhala 🌍🎶
We talk:
🔊 His musical roots in ska, funk & electro
🎧 How a Beastie Boys record named him “Krafty Kuts”
📀 The moment Fatboy Slim walked into his shop
🔥 Touring with Rage Against the Machine, playing to 40k
🎤 Raising Future Flex & streaming during lockdown
💥 And why BREAKBEAT. IS. BACK.
Full episode up July 9. You know what to do 🎙️
Follow Krafty Kuts:
🎚️ @KraftyKutsOfficial on Facebook
🎵 SoundCloud | Mixcloud
00:00 The Musical Roots of Crafty Cuts
03:07 The Evolution of DJing and Breakdancing
05:58 From Record Collector to DJ
09:08 The Journey into Production
12:20 The Rise of Crafty Cuts
15:13 Influences and Inspirations
18:08 The Impact of Live Performances
21:23 The Transition to Music Production
24:19 The Breakthrough Moment
27:10 The Whirlwind of Success
32:41 The Journey to Recognition
36:04 Building a Breakbeat Scene
39:51 Mastering the Craft of DJing
45:23 The Importance of Supportive Relationships
49:59 Navigating the Music Industry
56:07 The Evolution of Breakbeat and EDM
01:00:39 The Melting Pot of Genres
01:01:48 Heartfelt Moments in Music
01:02:55 Collaboration and DJing Dynamics
01:04:07 The Art of DJing and Musical Expression
01:07:01 Influences and Musical Journey
01:09:04 Family Legacy in DJing
01:11:02 The Festival Experience and Community
01:13:00 The Power of Streaming and Connection
01:17:51 Advice for Aspiring DJs
01:21:38 Upcoming Projects and Future Directions
01:25:27 Outro Music
From early breakbeat bangers to classic electro and modern productions, Lee Coombs walks us through 9 pivotal tracks that shaped his career. From The Invisible Men to Break Free, this deep dive is packed with moments in time and stories from a legend.The Invisible Men - Self Indulge • The Invisible Men - Self Indulge Exodus to Paradise - Rock It (Exodus to Paradise Remix) • Exodus To Paradise - Rock It (Exodus To Pa... The Freakazoids - @tic Futura • The Freakazoids - @tic Futura (1998) Lee Coombs - The Future Sound of Retro • Future Sound of Retro (Remix) New Order - Crystal (Lee Coombs Remix) • New Order – Crystal (Lee Coombs Remix) [HD] Lee Coombs - Breakfast of Champions • Lee Coombs - Breakfast Of Champions (2004)... Lee Coombs & Uberzone - Right Now • Lee Coombs & Uberzone "Right now" The Freakazoids - Freak Jam • Freak Jam Lee Coombs - Break Free • Break Free Lee Coombs Music & Socialshttps://thrustrecordings.bandcamp.com/ / leecoombs1 / leecoombsofficial #ADJsJourney #CrateDigging #LeeCoombs #Breakbeat #FingerLickinRecords #VinylCulture #DJPodcast #ElectronicMusic #90sBreaks #ProducerLife #DJDeckard #MusicDocumentary #ThrustRecordings #NewOrder
A DJ’s Journey - Ep. 9 Jem "Stone" Panufnik In this conversation Deckard speaks with Jem Stone, co-founder of Finger Lickin' Records, who shares his unique journey through the music industry, from his unconventional musical upbringing to the birth of his record label. He discusses his early influences, the evolution of the breaks scene, and the importance of collaboration and community in music. Jem also reflects on the relationship between his art and music, his experiences as a DJ, and the changes he has witnessed in the music scene over the years. Jem reflects on his journey through the music industry, discussing his disillusionment with evolving music trends, the challenges of maintaining artistic identity, and the importance of collaboration. He shares insights into his involvement with producing, art and DJing, the revival of Finger Lickin' Records, and the creation of his new project, Kaptain Karnival, which combines music and storytelling. Throughout, he emphasizes the need for creativity and the joy of making art that resonates with personal experiences.Chapters00:00 Introduction to Gemstone05:57 First Musical Loves and Inspirations11:50 The Birth of Fingerlickin' Records18:11 The Evolution of Fingerlickin' and Its Roster24:12 The Big Beat Era and Its Impact29:30 The Journey of an Artist37:38 Art and Music: A Creative Synergy43:33 The Evolution of DJing48:39 The Shift in Musical Tastes59:17 Reflections on Music Production01:08:57 Reviving Finger Lickin' Records01:21:55 Creative Fuel and Aging GracefullyIG https://www.instagram.com/jem_stone_panufnik/
🎨 Jem’s Gallery: https://jempanufnikart.com
Jem Stone Art FB https://www.facebook.com/jempanufnikart/Jem Stone Music FB https://www.facebook.com/jemstonemusic/ 🪩 The Legend of Kaptain Karnival: https://kaptainkarnival.com
Kaptain Karnival FB https://www.facebook.com/kaptainkarnival/
Kaptain Karnival IG https://www.instagram.com/kaptainkarnival/
Finger Lickin’ Records https://www.instagram.com/finger_lickin_records/
#ADJsJourney #JemPanufnik #FingerLickinRecords #Breakbeat #UKBreaks #FatboySlim #DJPodcast #funkybreaks #renniepilgrem #DJCulture #ElectronicMusic #kaptainkarnival
In Episode 8 of A DJ’s Journey, Canadian producer and DJ Myagi (Andrew Mavor) joins me for an expansive conversation about artistic evolution, the breakbeat era, touring the world, and why Burning Man marked a turning point in how he saw music, purpose, and success. We cover everything, from the remix that ties Myagi and I together to his new album The World of Tomorrow and how his love of sound, food, and fire shaped the next chapter of his journey.
Check out Myagi's outstanding new album The World of Tomorrow on Myagi's Bandcamp
IG @andrewmavor
Threads @andrewmavor
FB @myagimusic
🎧 Full Episode out now — June 18
🔥 Like & Subscribe to catch the full journey.
#ADJsJourney #Myagi #AndrewMavor #BreakbeatHistory #DJLife #BurningMan #ElectronicMusicPodcast #DJProducerLife #ArtistJourney #Ableton #DJInterview #CanadianDJ #UndergroundSound
🎧 A DJ’s Journey – Episode 7: Simon Shackleton
Hosted by Deckard
Simon Shackleton joins Deckard for a deep dive into a life shaped by music — from acid house and warehouse parties to global tours and reinvention. They cover his early days as a classically trained pianist, forming Lunatic Calm, defining breakbeat as Elite Force, and his most recent work, The Shadowmaker.
Listen now on Spotify and all major podcast platforms.
#ADJsJourney #DJLife #MusicProduction #SimonShackleton #ElectronicMusic #Breakbeat #TheShadowmaker #DJPodcast #EliteForce
🎤 Interview Outline – Lee Coombs | Ep. 6 of A DJ’s Journey
The conversation explores the Lee Coombs journey through music, from early childhood memories and influences to the evolution of DJing and music production.
Lee highlights the significance of sampling, the importance of building relationships within the music industry, and the impact of live performances on the speaker's career.
The discussion also touches on the Lee's experiences with record labels, remixes, and the lasting legacy of electronic music.
The discussion also touches on the impact of platforms like Bandcamp and the challenges of navigating the music business, including royalties and independent releases.
Chapters
00:00 Musical Beginnings: A Journey Through Childhood Memories
06:13 The Rise of DJing: From Passion to Profession
12:52 The Evolution of Music Production: Early Releases and Breakthroughs
20:58 Sampling and Sound: Crafting Unique Musical Identities
27:20 Label Relationships: Building a Career in Music
34:40 Remixes and Recognition: Expanding Musical Horizons
36:06 Exploring Musical Influences and Collaborations
39:04 The Evolution of Sound and Career Milestones
43:40 Collaborations and the Rise of New Labels
46:57 Transitioning to Film Scoring and Sync Licensing
51:52 Navigating the Music Business and Royalties
54:46 Teaching and Mentoring the Next Generation
01:00:10 The Impact of Bandcamp and Independent Releases
01:03:30 Reflections on Legacy and Future Aspirations
#ADJsLife #DJLife #AcidHouse #ElectronicMusic #Sampling #RecordLabels #Remixes #MusicHistory #UKMusicScene #MusicProduction #DJing #Collaborations #FilmScoring #Bandcamp #MusicBusiness #Teaching #SoundEvolution #Legacy
A DJ's Journey Ep. 5 Keith Mackenzie
🎧 Keith talks about starting off in the record business, diving in to the Florida rave scene and beginning his DJ and production career. We also talk about his record label Illeven:Eleven Recordings and the origin of his long standing friendship and collaboration with Sporty-O.
Check out the full episode for Keith Mackenzie's journey to breakbeat legend.
Like and Subscribe for full episodes and more content!
Keith Mackenzie Social Links
https://linktr.ee/keithmackenzie
https://keithmackenzie11.bandcamp.com/
https://soundcloud.com/keithmackenzie
https://www.facebook.com/illeveneleven
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1SeAGuTL2MFLRTYC2svp4Q
#adjsjourney #djpodcast #breakbeat #musicproduction #deckard #keithmackenzie @KeithMacKenzie #electronicmusicpodcast @Sportyotv
Qdup shares his musical journey, from his childhood influences to his evolution as a DJ and producer. He discusses the impact of his early experiences with music, the rise of Fort Knox, and his festival experiences, particularly at Shambhala. Jason emphasizes the importance of supporting independent artists and shares insights into his current projects, including music production and sample packs. The conversation highlights the joy of music, the community it creates, and the aspirations for the future.
🔔 Subscribe for more DJ stories, music culture insights, and behind-the-booth interviews!
Qdup Links: https://qdupmusic.bandcamp.com/https://soundcloud.com/qdupmusichttps://open.spotify.com/artist/5UngVn9tz1U6mmyR6Tp6Ki?si=cSmh8zLMTnKZR7jyiuOoZAWild Things ft Awoke with Roat Beatz & Kenny Beeper that came out recently-https://fortknox.bandcamp.com/album/wild-things-ft-awoke-remixed
#ADJsJourney #Qdup #DJLife #ElectronicMusic #ShambhalaFestival #Breakbeat #SamplePacks #SupportIndieArtists #LiveDJSet #BaltimoreBeats #Deckard #MusicProduction #UndergroundMusic #IbizaDreams #HybridSet #FestivalCulture
In this engaging conversation, Kelly Reverb shares his extensive journey through the music industry, from his early influences in a musical household to becoming a prominent DJ and producer. He discusses the evolution of his career, the founding of Lone Star Records, and the importance of community in music. Kelly reflects on the challenges and triumphs he faced while navigating the ever-changing landscape of the music industry, emphasizing the blend of genres that defines his work. In this conversation, Kelly Reverb discusses the challenges and expectations faced by DJs in the music industry, particularly the struggle between artistic freedom and audience expectations. He reflects on the impact of digital music formats like MP3s on the industry, his personal journey with alcoholism, and the importance of mental health within the DJ community. Kelly shares insights on his recovery journey, the creation of his podcast, and his aspirations for the future in music and podcasting, emphasizing the importance of passion and authenticity in pursuing one's dreams.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Kelly Reverb
01:43 Musical Roots and Influences
04:40 The Journey to DJing
07:48 First Gigs and Open Format
10:45 Transitioning to Professional DJing
12:46 The Impact of Record Stores
15:43 The Evolution of Music Tastes
18:42 The Role of Influential DJs
21:44 The Shift to Production
23:44 Conclusion and Future Aspirations
24:12 The Rise of Kelly Reverb29:31Navigating the Dallas Music Scene
31:00 First Steps in Music Production
31:47 Building a Name and Community
35:31 The Breakthrough with Here We Go
37:11 The Formation of Lone Star Records
44:47 The Challenges of Marketing and Distribution
47:53 The Evolution of Fine Ladies Only
50:26 Navigating DJ Expectations and Artistic Freedom
52:36 The Blessing and Curse of Iconic Tracks
55:16 The Balance Between Personal Style and Audience Expectations
56:47 The Impact of MP3s on the Music Industry
58:47 Struggles with Alcoholism and the DJ Lifestyle
01:01:38 Recovery and Rediscovering Passion for Music
01:14:52 The Journey of Sobriety and Recovery
01:17:47 Mental Health and Community Support
01:19:55 Productivity and Clarity Post-Sobriety
01:21:38 The Evolution of Podcasting and Music
01:24:53 Reconnecting with Old Friends and Collaborations
01:28:14 Building a Brand in the Music Industry
01:31:33 The Role of Digital Distribution in Music
01:34:14 Future Aspirations in Music and Podcasting
#KellyReverb #ADJsJourney #MusicPodcast #Breakbeat #HouseMusic #SoberDJ #ElectronicMusicScene #DJStories #PodcastInterview #LoneStarRecords #DJLife #DJCulture
DJ Deckard and Wes Smith explore the intricate journey of becoming a DJ, delving into their musical roots, early influences, and the evolution of the electronic music scene. They discuss the impact of raves, the challenges of navigating the music industry, and the importance of community and networking in shaping their careers. The dialogue highlights the unique paths each DJ takes, the significance of live performances, and the ongoing evolution of music production techniques. In this engaging conversation, Deckard and Wes Smith explore their journeys in the music industry, focusing on the evolution of DJing, the impact of technology like Ableton Live, and the importance of understanding one's worth in the business. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences in New York, the challenges of releasing music, and the significance of networking. The discussion also touches on unique experiences at events like Burning Man and the business side of music, including licensing and royalties.
Thank you to our sponsor and friends at Asiento in San Francisco. A local woman owned neighborhood bar with fresh cocktails & delicious shareable bites. Deckard recommends the Madam burger. Hosts DJs & bands.
Chapters
00:00 The DJ's Journey Begins
01:07 Musical Roots and Influences
04:11 Discovering the DJ Culture
09:42 The Evolution of Breaks and Rave
14:59 First Rave Experience and Its Impact
20:18 Networking and Building a DJ Identity
28:33 The Evolution of DJing and Influences
30:38 Balancing DJing with Education and Career
33:19 The Buzz DC Experience and Networking in Music
36:45 Learning the Craft: From DJing to Producing
41:20 Building Community and Collaborations in DC
44:04 Transitioning to New York: Challenges and Opportunities
49:46 Finding Worth: The Value of Music and Engineering
53:38 Navigating the Music Industry: Lessons Learned
01:02:52 The Journey of a DJ: From College to Professional
01:04:38 The New York Experience: A DJ's Perspective
01:07:03 Cultural Exchange: DJing in India
01:12:05 The Evolution of Music Revenue: Vinyl to Video Games
01:16:22 Memorable Experiences: DJing at Burning Man
01:21:50 Lessons Learned: DJ Fails and Growth
01:31:16 Emerging Talent: Shoutouts and Inspirations
After 25 years behind the decks, I've learned that every DJ has a unique path.
I'm DJ Deckard, I’m launching 'A DJ's Journey' - a podcast that explores the stories behind the music with the DJs who shaped our scene.
My first guest is pioneer DJ Dan, taking us from the early West Coast rave scene up to today's electronic landscape.
Welcome to A DJ's Journey - where every beat tells a story.