PLEASE NOTE * This podcast was recorded in July 2025, and there were many technical issues. It was almost never released, however Sandy Rivera is an incredibly busy person and the chances of us doing this again are very slim and could be a very long time from now, so I decided to put this out. After a lot of editing and trying to make it work, there still are some issues and if you watch the video you can see that at moments when we speak, it doesn't sync with what you are watching. However, this is his first podcast and a lot of valuable information is here. So I am releasing this conversation, as raw and gritty as it is.... I believe in production over perfection. Especially in the podcast world where now it seems to be a lot of flash and perfect editing, without substance, I'm going back to the basics.....
Sandy Rivera, the prominent DJ / producer, shares his journey in the music industry, reflecting on the impact of his iconic track 'Finally' and the evolution of DJing. He discusses his roots and the challenges of balancing family life with a demanding career, and the realities of navigating the music business. Sandy offers valuable advice for aspiring artists and emphasizes the need for hard work and resilience in a competitive industry. The conversation is filled with funny moments, honest realities, personal anecdotes, insights into the creative process, and a glimpse into Sandy Rivera's life on the road and with family.
In this engaging conversation, Amalia Leandro interviews film and television actor Sammi Rotibi. His most notable roles are Rodney in Django Unchained and General Amajagh in Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. He shares his experiences navigating the complexities and hustle of the acting industry. They discuss the current challenges faced by actors, as well as the necessity to adapt to the business side of their craft. Sammi reflects on his journey from studying architecture to pursuing acting, the thrill of live performance, and the realities of self-doubt that many artists face. Sammi Rotibi and Amalia Leandro discuss the current state of Hollywood, the challenges of night shoots, and the journey to landing a role in Django Unchained. They explore the passion and perseverance required to succeed in the acting industry, sharing personal stories of adversity and serendipity that shaped their paths. The discussion highlights the importance of preparation, the realities of the film industry, and the connections that can lead to unexpected opportunities.
Junior Sanchez is one of dance musics most prolific artists, working with a long list of the biggest names in the industry, including Daft Punk, Madonna, Shakira, and Armand Van Helden. DJ/Producer Junior Sanchez discusses his journey from a young DJ in New Jersey to becoming a pioneer in the house music scene. He discusses his early influences, and how he transitioned into music production. Junior also emphasizes the importance of health and wellness in his touring lifestyle and reflects on the formation of the S-Men collective, showcasing the organic nature of his passion for music. In this engaging conversation, Junior shares with Amália his passions beyond DJing, including his love for food, art, and being a dad. He discusses the intertwining of creativity in various forms and reflects on the future of his career in music and art. Junior also talks about his upcoming music releases, the creative process, how he finds inspiration in his older work, and playing two parties at Movement Electronic Music Festival 2025.
In this conversation, Amalia Leandro speaks with prominent house music DJ/Producer Demuir about his journey through the music industry. They discuss his recent move to Chicago, a decade-long break from music, the impact of personal experiences on his career, and the catalysts that inspired his return. Demuir shares insights into the current state of the music industry, the importance of health and balance in the demanding world of the DJ lifestyle, and his work beyond music. The conversation highlights the evolving landscape of DJing and the necessity of adapting to new realities in the music industry, including the role of social media and financial literacy. Demir shares insights on maintaining creativity, preparing for gigs, and the significance of routine in achieving success.
Sequin Kay shares her artistic journey with Amália, from her early influences in fashion design to her current work with Swarovski crystals. She discusses the importance of nature in her creative process, her time in Goa, the evolution of her art, and how personal experiences have shaped her identity as an artist. Sequin Kay delves into her nighttime creative rituals and the spiritual aspects of her work, including her upcoming shows in Ibiza and Dubai, projects that blend art with concepts of freedom and cryptocurrency. In this engaging conversation, Sequin Kay and Amalia explore the profound connections between how art can serve as a therapeutic outlet for mental health, and personal growth. They discuss the magic of early mornings, the healing aspects of creativity, and the challenges of self-doubt that artists often face. The dialogue highlights the emotional impact of art on individuals and the subjective nature of artistic expression. As they share their artistic journeys, they emphasize the importance of sharing work and receiving feedback in the creative process.
In this conversation, Amália and Greg Gow discuss the journey of Greg as a renowned techno DJ and music producer, to the winner of a Juno Award, the evolution of DJing, the impact of technology on music, and the challenges faced by modern DJs. They explore the importance of crowd reading, the influence of social media, and the isolating nature of being a DJ in today's world. In this engaging conversation, Amália and Greg discuss the challenges and experiences of being a DJ, including the chaos of back-to-back sets, the importance of recovery, and the energy of different crowds. They explore Greg's aspirations to play at major festivals, the evolution of DJing and music culture, and share memorable nights that have shaped their careers. The conversation includes insights into Greg's future plans and upcoming music releases.
In this episode Amalia Leandro interviews George Vidal, a seasoned DJ with a 40-year career. They discuss Vidal's journey from his early days in Miami, to his recent success with the track Danny Tenaglia Presents: 'Out From Obscurity.' The conversation touches on the importance of family , the evolution of music styles, staying current with new music, the roots of Miami after hours, taking a chance and sharing your art, and the challenges of balancing a nightlife career with personal life. Vidal shares insights on the music industry, the significance of networking, and his aspirations for the future, including a desire to travel and explore new experiences.
Amália Leandro interviews Ana Sorys, an Emmy-nominated and CND Screen Award winner hairstylist and makeup artist. They reminisce about their early connections, Ana's journey into the world of makeup artistry, working with Tia Carrere early on and her experiences working on hit TV show Schitt's Creek with Catherine O'Hara and Eugene Levy. The discussion delves into the challenges and creative processes behind makeup artistry, the influence of inspirational literature, and the importance of self-care and preparation in a demanding industry. Anna shares her insights on navigating long hours on set, managing jet lag while traveling, and her aspirations for the future, including her new hobby paddle boarding.
In this conversation (recorded in January 2025) Amalia Leandro interviews Grammy-winning artist Jarvis Church, exploring his journey from high school to becoming a successful musician. They discuss his early days with The Philosopher Kings, his collaboration with Nelly Furtado, and the recent Grammy win for his work with K’naan. Jarvis shares insights on the music industry, the importance of authenticity in artistry, and his passions outside of music, including flying RC planes. The conversation reflects on the evolution of the music business and the significance of creating art for oneself.
Amália Leandro deep dives in this sit down with Ivano Bellini, a renowned DJ and educator, to discuss his journey from Switzerland to becoming a prominent figure in Miami's nightlife. They explore Ivano's early passion for music, his experiences in the DJ scene, and the evolution of iconic venues like Space. The discussion also touches on the importance of health and balance in a DJ's life, the art of DJing, and the rewarding experience of teaching at the Miami DJ Academy. Additionally, Ivano shares his love for cooking, soccer, and travel, revealing a multifaceted personality driven by passion and creativity.