Loud&Unfiltered
Bringing you behind the scenes of the music industry and beyond. Each episode features Loud&Unfiltered conversations with music industry professionals and entrepreneurs, diving into topics like personal branding, innovation, and the intersection of music and tech. Tune in for insightful stories, actionable advice, and unfiltered discussions on how to thrive in the fast-paced world of business and creativity.
Bringing you behind the scenes of the music industry and beyond. Each episode features Loud&Unfiltered conversations with music industry professionals and entrepreneurs, diving into topics like personal branding, innovation, and the intersection of music and tech. Tune in for insightful stories, actionable advice, and unfiltered discussions on how to thrive in the fast-paced world of business and creativity.
Episodes
26 minutes ago
26 minutes ago
In this episode of Inside SXM Festival, we sit down with Sistek (Adolfo) — Chilean DJ and producer — to explore how he’s building a global sound by combining Latin rhythms, melodic house and euphoric electronic music.
Recorded in Saint Martin during SXM Festival, this conversation dives into how travel, nature and culture shape creativity — from writing music on Caribbean beaches to finding inspiration in sunsets around the world.
Sistek shares how his upbringing in Chile influences his sound, why Latin audiences bring unmatched energy to dancefloors, and how he uses that energy to shape his DJ sets around the world. From reading crowds in different cultures to finding “your people” on the dancefloor, this is a masterclass in connection through music.
We also explore his journey as an artist — from discovering electronic music through Tomorrowland aftermovies, to playing the festival himself, and now pushing towards global stages like SXM Festival and Ibiza.
Along the way, Sistek opens up about his production process, the rise of Latin influence in electronic music, and why blending genres is the future of the scene.
Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/
Key Moments:00:00 – Sunset Rituals & Latin-Electronic Fusion00:21 – Podcast Intro & Welcome to Sistek00:58 – Who Is Sistek? Name, Chilean Roots & British School01:20 – From Chile to Sweden & Touring Life01:48 – First Impressions of St. Martin (St Maarten)02:10 – Exploring St. Martin: Sunsets, Beaches & Creative Inspiration03:02 – How Sistek Describes His Sound: Euphoric Latin House04:35 – Comparing Crowds: Latin America, Europe & the Middle East05:35 – Reading the Crowd & Freestyling DJ Sets06:44 – SXM Festival Crowd: Cultures, Ages & Vibes07:34 – Ibiza as a Turning Point & Seeing Calvin Harris08:37 – Sistek’s Upcoming Ibiza Debut at Hï08:53 – Festivals vs Club Shows: Intimate vs Big-Stage Energy09:45 – Ocean Stage & Intimate Beach Set at SXM10:02 – Production Style: Latin Toplines & Emotional Melodic House10:58 – Dream Collaboration: Rufus Du Sol–Style Spanish Melodic Tracks11:20 – Craziest Gigs: Tomorrowland & Unique Locations11:53 – 96-Hour Non-Stop Party Cruise (Miami to Bahamas)12:37 – Touring, Moving to Paris & Life Plans Beyond DJing13:04 – Football, National Teams & Supporting Barcelona
3 days ago
3 days ago
In this episode of Inside SXM Festival, we sit down with Elderbrook — singer, producer and globally recognised electronic music artist — to unpack how he approaches performing, writing and touring at the highest level.
Recorded in Saint Martin during SXM Festival, this conversation dives into how Elderbrook prepares for completely different environments — from sunset sets on a mountain stage to late-night club performances — and why every show requires its own unique energy and curation.
We explore the key differences between his live show and DJ sets, including how he uses his voice as an instrument, builds looping performances in real time, and balances playing his own music with other artists’ tracks.
Elderbrook also shares insight into his songwriting process — why he now focuses on speed and instinct over perfection, how collaboration helps unlock creativity, and why spending too long on a track doesn’t necessarily make it better.
Along the way, the conversation touches on touring life, playing unique venues around the world, discovering electronic music, and how early club experiences shaped his journey into becoming a global artist.
Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/
Key Moments:00:00 – Elderbrook in the Caribbean: Outdoor Gigs & First Impressions01:18 – SXM Festival Podcast Intro: Rum, Pina Coladas & Guest Lineup02:05 – Playing a Mountain Sunset Set at Pararama Party (SXM Festival)03:51 – Elderbrook’s Live Show Setup: Looping Vocals & Using Voice as Keys04:28 – DJ vs Live Performance: Energy, Identity & Expectations06:10 – New Music: Elderbrook & Adriatique Collab + Working Fast in the Studio07:44 – Songwriting Mindset: From Over-Perfecting to Raw Ideas08:12 – Mobile Studio Gear: Producing on the Road with Just a Laptop08:35 – Favourite Places to Play: USA, Poland & Unforgettable Crowds09:16 – The Club That Changed Everything: Discovering Fabric & Electronic Music10:07 – Dream Collaborations: Jamie xx, The xx & Influential Albums10:29 – SXM Festival Tips: Sunscreen, Shade & Wild Gig Stories
Tuesday May 05, 2026
Tuesday May 05, 2026
In this episode, we sit down with &Friends, DJ, producer and global collaborator to explore the reality of life inside the electronic music industry, from playing stages like Coachella to performing at SXM Festival.
Recorded live on the island of Saint Martin, this conversation goes beyond music. It’s about mindset, wellness, creativity and staying grounded in an industry that moves faster than ever.
&Friends shares how journaling became a key part of his creative process, why slowing down is essential in a fast-paced touring lifestyle, and how chasing “more, more, more” can quietly disconnect artists from why they started in the first place.
We also dive into the philosophy behind the &Friends project — a collaborative, global approach to music that blends influences from the Middle East, Africa, Europe and beyond. From working with vocalists around the world to building a unique sound rooted in emotion, rhythm and storytelling, this is a masterclass in modern electronic music creativity.
Along the way, we explore festival culture, the SXM experience, and what it really means to create connection through music — whether that’s playing intimate rooms or closing major stages in front of thousands of people.
Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/
Key Moments:
0:00 – Trailer
01:15 – Welcome to Loud&Unfiltered: Live at SXM Festival
02:11 – Meet &Friends: DJ, Producer, Collaborator
03:13 – Touring Life, Mental Health & Journaling Practice
05:25 – Slowing Down, Presence & Coachella Perspective
07:07 – Inside the &Friends Project: Community & Collaboration
10:49 – Saying No: Authenticity in a Toxic Music Industry
14:10 – Lebanon Home Base & The Reality of Middle Eastern Hospitality
16:21 – Signature &Friends Sound: Melodic, Afro‑Influenced, Joyful
19:12 – Crafting 3‑Hour Sets: Emotional Journey & Track Selection
21:05 – SXM Festival, Caribbean Crowds & Island Vibes
24:14 – Wellness on Tour: Gym, No Alcohol & Science‑Based Fasting
27:14 – Favourite Places, Life‑Changing Clubs & Egyptian Euphoria
29:37 – Festival Survival Tips & Closing Thoughts
Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
Inside SXM Festival: Adassiya, From Soul Singer to Global DJ
Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
Tuesday Apr 28, 2026
What does it really feel like to play SXM Festival? And how do you go from soul singer to global DJ performing around the world?
Welcome to Loud&Unfiltered: Inside SXM Festival — the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of one of the world’s most unique electronic music festivals, set in the heart of the Caribbean.
If you are looking to understand DJ culture, festival life, and how artists build their sound in electronic music, this episode gives you a real, unfiltered perspective from the artists living it.
In this episode, we sit down with Adassiya, a French DJ, producer and former singer, who shares her journey from growing up between Paris and Algeria to performing at global festivals like SXM. She opens up about how she transitioned from soul, R&B and gospel into electronic music, how her cultural influences shape her sound, and why emotion, love and connection sit at the heart of everything she creates.
We also explore what makes SXM Festival so special — from sunrise sets on the beach to the global community of music lovers who travel to the island each year. Adassiya breaks down how she prepares for sets, reads a crowd, and blends live vocals into her DJ performances — something rarely seen in dance music.
Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/
Key Moments:00:00 – Episode Trailer: Adassiya00:33 – Podcast Intro & SXM Festival Overview (Caribbean, Saint Martin)01:06 – SXM Festival Atmosphere & Global Dance Community01:25 – Introducing Adassiya at SXM Festival02:35 – Adassiya’s Background: Paris, Algeria & Cultural Influences04:07 – From Soul Singer to DJ: Transition to Electronic Music07:09 – Musical Influences & Singing While DJing (Unique Live Sets)09:35 – Describing Her Sound: Tribal, Groovy & Melodic House11:01 – Festivals vs Clubs & SXM Crowd Energy (Love & Happiness)13:09 – Favourite Places to Play: Tulum & Magical Mountain Venue in Greece15:09 – Producing Music & Running Her Label ‘Mektoub’17:45 – Dream Collaborations & Emotion-Driven Music19:14 – Upcoming Gigs & Future Plans (Ibiza / Hi Ibiza Mentions)20:08 – SXM Festival in One Word & Final Festival Tips
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
Tuesday Apr 21, 2026
Lee Burridge is a true pioneer of electronic music culture. From discovering acid house in the late 80s, to building a global DJ career, launching All Day I Dream, and becoming a defining figure at SXM Festival and Burning Man — his journey is one of longevity, taste and staying true to the music.
In this episode of Inside SXM Festival, Lee takes us back to the origins of rave culture — from underground parties and record shops to playing in front of 20,000 people almost overnight. He shares how electronic music evolved from a niche sound into a global movement, and why the real magic has always been about connection, community and emotion on the dancefloor.
The conversation dives deep into the philosophy behind his career, the creation of All Day I Dream, the unique energy of sunrise sets, and why he’s always chosen to play music he loves — not just what works. This is a masterclass in longevity, authenticity and building a career that lasts in an ever-changing music industry.
Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/
Key Moments:0:00 – Keeping DJing a Gift, Not a Job0:40 – Introducing Lee Burridge at SXM Festival01:40 – First Trips to SXM and Island Life02:05 – The Legendary SXM Sunrise Party02:56 – What Makes SXM Festival Special03:49 – Early Raves, Sunrise Culture and Thailand04:35 – From Mobile DJ to Early House and Acid House06:21 – First Electronic Tracks: Marshall Jefferson & Chicago House07:16 – Late 80s Rave Culture and 20,000-Person Parties08:18 – DIY Beach Parties and Moving to Hong Kong09:33 – Becoming a Promoter in Hong Kong and Importing UK DJs11:33 – Records vs Food: The Reality of Early DJ Life12:17 – Touring in the 90s and Believing the Scene Would Last Forever13:08 – Not a Purist: Living on the Edge of Genres18:06 – Discovering Burning Man in 200519:21 – Shaping the Burning Man Sound and Sunrise Sets21:34 – How Burning Man and Dance Music Changed Each Other24:30 – The Birth of “All Day I Dream”25:58 – From Mix to Movement: Early All Day I Dream Parties27:30 – Building the All Day I Dream Brand in New York29:41 – Long Sets, Emotional Journeys and Marathon DJing30:05 – Ibiza, Venues and the Challenge of Outdoor Sound30:54 – Why Akasha in Ibiza Feels Right31:39 – Where Electronic Music Is Heading Now33:32 – Creative Restlessness and Moving Beyond Organic House34:05 – 43 Years of DJing: Keeping the Energy and Passion35:03 – Quickfire Round: Fabric, Frankie Knuckles and Long Sets36:07 – Sunrise Philosophy: Playing Patient Tracks for the Moment36:43 – Festival Tips for SXM and Pacing Yourself37:05 – Ones to Watch: Shouting Out Francis Mercier
Tuesday Apr 14, 2026
Tuesday Apr 14, 2026
Welcome to the very first episode of our brand new series, Inside SXM Festival — taking you behind the scenes of one of the world’s most unique destination music experiences.Recorded live in the Caribbean on the island of Saint Martin, this episode features Alex Jukes and Grego O’Halloran, sat down with SXM Festival founder Julian Prince, sharing the real story behind how a small island idea turned into a globally recognised electronic music and DJ culture event.
From early days partying in Saint Martin to launching a festival that now attracts thousands of music lovers from around the world, Julian breaks down the journey of building SXM Festival from scratch — without shortcuts, without huge budgets, and with a relentless focus on experience, community and culture.
The conversation explores how the rise of destination festivals like Burning Man, Coachella and BPM Festival helped shape the vision for SXM, and why creating something truly immersive — not just another “festival” — became the mission.
Julian also opens up on the realities of building a festival in the Caribbean: from logistics, shipping equipment and infrastructure challenges, to navigating hurricanes, pandemics and the pressure of delivering a world-class event on a remote island.
Alongside the challenges, this episode captures what makes SXM Festival special — the energy, the people, the sunrise parties at Happy Bay, and the philosophy that the island itself is the true headliner.
Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/
Key Moments:00:00 – Welcome to SXM Festival in St Martin - Trailer00:45 – What Makes St Martin Unique: French & Dutch Island History02:27 – Julian’s First Trip to St Martin and Falling in Love with the Island04:31 – Montreal Rave Culture and Julian’s DJ Roots05:32 – The Original Idea: Dreaming of a Destination Music Festival07:35 – Burning Man & Coachella: The Rise of Travel for Music Festivals10:52 – From Idea to Action: Founding SXM Festival in 201511:54 – Building the Team: Alex Fish, PR, and Key Partners16:17 – Surviving Stress: Early Years, Burnout, and Learning to Cope18:34 – Hurricane & Family Crisis: The Emotional Cost Behind the Festival20:23 – Why Island Festivals Are So Hard: Logistics, Costs, and Tickets22:04 – What Is SXM Festival Really About? Experience vs ‘Just a Festival’23:56 – Integrating Local Community, Talent, and Businesses25:17 – Politics, Economics, and SXM as a Labour of Love27:17 – Why Julian Still Has the Most Fun at His Own Festival29:08 – Signature Moments: Sunrise Parties at Happy Bay with Lee Burridge33:21 – Booking Legends: Carl Cox’s First-Ever Gig in the Caribbean36:03 – Why Travel to SXM Festival? Three Reasons to Come to St Martin37:08 – Enter the Legend: Julian’s Father on the ‘Magic’ of SXM40:17 – Croissants at Sunrise: A Family-Run Festival Spirit38:53 / 39:43 – Building Happy Bay from Empty Beach to Festival Village40:44 – Closing Reflections: Culture, Family, and the Spirit of SXM Festival
Tuesday Apr 07, 2026
Tuesday Apr 07, 2026
In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, Josh Karpf sits down with rising house music artist Sian Owen for a candid conversation about breaking into the electronic music industry, finding your sound, and building a credible career in club culture from the ground up.
From being scouted for The Circle and hosting a show on Flex FM, to learning to DJ during lockdown and going on to land releases on Defected’s D4 D4NCE imprint, Sian shares the real story behind her journey into house music. She opens up about the challenge of being taken seriously in the industry, why personality and relationships matter, and how she went from warm-up sets and brand gigs to becoming a full-time DJ and producer.
The episode explores the craft of DJing in real depth — especially the underrated art of being a great warm-up DJ, reading a room, and building a dancefloor without chasing big moments too early. Sian also talks about the turning point when she realised house music was what she wanted to pursue fully, why some early opportunities did not align with her long-term sound, and how she is now focused on making more playable, authentic records for herself as an artist.
She also breaks down the thinking behind launching Ryder Sounds, her own party brand and creative platform, designed to reflect her musical identity and champion artists she genuinely believes in. Along the way, the conversation touches on London club culture, grassroots venues, dream spaces like KOKO, the importance of keeping events rooted in the scene, and what it means to grow without losing authenticity.
There is also plenty on Ibiza, including her newly announced Pacha shows, support from Sonny Fodera, her ambitions for a bigger international season, and how last year’s releases — including the viral “Bad Mama Jama” moment — helped raise her profile while also clarifying the direction she wants to take next as a producer.
Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/
Key Moments:0:00 – “Intro: From Reality TV to Rising House DJ”01:39 – “Who Is Sian Owen? Moving from Hertfordshire to London”02:40 – “From The Circle (Channel 4) to Flex FM Radio”03:40 – “Learning to DJ During COVID: First Decks and Obsession”04:55 – “First Gigs, Brand Work & Transition into House Music”06:15 – “How Reality TV Found Her: Festivals, Instagram & The Circle”09:43 – “Personality vs Looks: Playing the Plain Jane on The Circle”13:24 – “From Influencer DJ Fears to Earning Respect in House Music”14:55 – “The Art of the Warm-Up DJ: Reading the Room & Holding Back”18:05 – “The Moment It Clicked: First House Festival Set at La Fiesta”19:54 – “Finding Her Sound & Saying No to the Wrong Gigs”20:48 – “Launching Ryder Sounds: Brand, Vision & Cowboy Aesthetic”24:53 – “First Ryder Sounds Party: The Annex, Shoreditch & Lineup”28:11 – “Club Culture, 77 London & Growing the Brand”29:38 – “Pacha Ibiza & Sunny Fodera: Huge Residency Moment”31:41 – “Signing with D4 DANCE: Studio Sessions & Perfectionism”32:37 – “‘Bad Mamma Jamma’: Viral Success vs DJ Playability”36:42 – “Evolving as a Producer & Making Playable DJ Tracks”37:30 – “Upcoming Releases & Teasing New Music on TikTok”38:18 – “Advice to Her Younger Self: Start Early, Trust the Journey”40:06 – “Five-Year Vision: Ryder Sounds Label, Big Venues & Festivals”41:46 – “Quick-Fire: Dancefloor Weapons, Favorite Brands & Albums”44:41 – “Wildest Party Story (PG Version) & Closing Thoughts”
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
Tuesday Mar 31, 2026
In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, Josh Karpf sits down with two of the most recognisable figures in global nightlife and DJ culture — The Menendez Brothers.From selling out their first parties at 18 to running events, booking festivals and playing across the world, Deniz and Eniz share the real story behind their rise in the music industry — built on energy, instinct and an obsession with making people dance.
Recorded live in London, this conversation dives into their journey through Ministry of Sound, Defected, Glitterbox, Fabric, Ibiza and global festival circuits, alongside the realities of building a career in nightlife and electronic music today.
The episode explores how they developed their signature DJ style — rooted in versatility, crowd connection and reading the room — rather than sticking to one genre or trying to follow trends. From early days learning on vinyl to playing major stages like Glastonbury, Notting Hill Carnival and Outlook Festival, they break down what it really takes to move a dancefloor.
They also share honest insight into the business side of nightlife — running events, building brands like So Fresh So Clean and Feelings, and navigating the changing landscape of London club culture post-COVID.
Along the way, there are stories from across their careers — from wild festival moments and global touring to the lessons they’ve learned working with some of the biggest names and venues in the industry.
Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/
Key Moments:00:00 – Trailer00:33 – Podcast Intro & Menendez Brothers Overview02:38 – Inside Club 77: Sound System & Tech Setup03:46 – Who Are the Menendez Brothers? Early Events & Ministry of Sound05:51 – From Homeless Outreach to Full-Time Music Career07:35 – First DJ Moments: Vinyl, Cheap Decks & Controlling a Dancefloor09:28 – Genre Hopping & Mashups: Hip Hop Vocals on Drum & Bass10:00 – Growing Up as Twins: Parents, Vinyl & Musical Education15:00 – Leeds, Outlook Festival & The Sunshine Bus Era16:19 – Twin Swap Chaos at Outlook & The ‘Deniz’ Cocktail17:24 – Why Deniz & Eniz? Name Story & Twin Identity18:10 – Ministry of Sound Golden Era & Core Crew21:59 – Building Iconic Parties: Feelings, Dan Shake & DJ Alfredo24:08 – State of Clubbing Post-Covid: London Nightlife & Youth Culture25:00 – Alcohol Decline, Weed Culture & Changing Uni Nights Out27:00 – Leaving Defected, New ANR Role & Ibiza Season with ANTS30:00 – Skepta’s Mas Tiempo: From Grime Icon to House Party Brand31:19 – Booking Strategy, Talent-Led Events & Temple Raves31:49 – First Big Booking Fanboy Moments: DJ Hype & Fabric33:10 – Embarrassing Fan Moments: Kaytranada in the Toilets34:26 – Touring with Wu-Tang & Airport Encounter with RZA37:39 – How the Menendez Brothers Read a Crowd & Fill Any Dancefloor39:21 – Glastonbury, Wishing Well Stage & Rebuilding a Crowd from Zero42:36 – So Fresh So Clean, Feelings & Their Own Party Brands44:27 – Hip Hop Karaoke at Queen of Hoxton & Miss Dynamite Booty46:06 – Future Plans: South of France, Family-Friendly Festivals & Ibiza46:52 – Closing Thoughts: Community, Kindness & Supporting the Scene
Tuesday Mar 24, 2026
Tuesday Mar 24, 2026
For the 50th episode of Loud & Unfiltered, we step inside one of the most iconic institutions in global dance music, Ministry of Sound.Recorded live from the heart of the club, this special episode brings together the voices shaping the next era of Ministry, unpacking how a legendary brand evolves in a rapidly changing music, nightlife and cultural landscape.From underground beginnings to global dominance, Ministry of Sound has been a cornerstone of club culture for decades and now it’s entering a new chapter.For the 50th episode of Loud & Unfiltered, we step inside one of the most iconic institutions in global dance music — Ministry of Sound.Recorded live from the heart of the club, this special episode brings together the voices shaping the next era of Ministry, unpacking how a legendary brand evolves in a rapidly changing music, nightlife and cultural landscape.From underground beginnings to global dominance, Ministry of Sound has been a cornerstone of club culture for decades — and now it’s entering a new chapter.
Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/
Key Moments:00:00 – Ministry of Sound: Career Launchpad & Industry Impact01:15 – History of the Box: Iconic DJs & Dance Music Legacy01:55 – Meet Matt & Joe: From Leeds, Festivals & E1 to Ministry of Sound03:30 – Ministry of Sound at 35: Heritage, Emotion & Personal History04:50 – Why Refurbish the Box? Reconnecting DJ & Dancefloor05:10 – New Sound & Visual Design: Lucid, Patchwork and the Diamond Structure06:35 – Farewell to the Stacks: Sound Testing, Anxiety & Capacity Boost08:10 – 360 Crowd Experience: Boiler Room Influence & Multi-Level Club Design10:50 – First Reactions: Walking into the New Box for the First Time12:40 – First Ministry Memories: Gallery, Trance & Secret Sundays18:40 – Building New In-House Brands & Repositioning the Club24:40 – Marketing After the Sony Sale: From Compilations to Community29:00 – Post-Covid Club Culture: New Venues, Occasions & London’s Ecosystem32:10 – Why Ministry Creates Industry Leaders: Culture, Standards & Legacy35:40 – Lohan’s Origin Stories: How Ministry Instills Brand Pride39:25 – Where Ministry Sits in London, UK and Global Clubbing43:55 – Reaching Gen Z: Targeting, Community & Changing Drinking Habits47:05 – No & Low Alcohol in Clubland + Sober & Fitness Raving51:40 – 35th Anniversary Masterplan: Refurbs, Tours, Merch & Book54:50 – The Big 35th Birthday Weekend: October 3–556:00 – Office & Staff Stories: Culture, Chaos and Content Disasters59:45 – Legendary Staff Parties & Photocopier Mayhem1:04:10 – Will Ministry of Sound Still Exist in 35 Years?1:06:05 – Life-Changing Clubs: Robert Johnson, Amnesia, Watergate & The End1:07:45 – Dream Bookings in the New Box: DJ Harvey, Fatboy Slim & More1:09:40 – Closing: Tribute to Ministry & Hype for the Future
Thursday Mar 19, 2026
Thursday Mar 19, 2026
In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, Josh Karpf sits down with one of the music industry’s most influential behind-the-scenes figures — Rick Blaskey.
A veteran of the global music business, Rick has worked with some of the biggest artists, labels and campaigns in modern music history. From shaping global marketing strategies for superstar acts to navigating the inner workings of record labels and artist management, Rick offers a rare insider’s view into how the music industry really works.
Across the conversation, Rick shares stories from decades inside the business — including early campaigns for Whitney Houston, insights into artist development, the role of luck and timing in music success, and how record labels identify and build global stars.
The episode explores the evolution of the music industry, the realities of artist marketing, and the complex relationship between creativity, commerce and cultural moments that shape the biggest music careers.For anyone interested in music business, artist management, record label strategy, or the history of global music marketing, this is a fascinating deep dive with one of the industry’s most experienced operators.
Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/
Key Moments:00:00 – Trailer00:46 – Host Intro: Rick Blaskey’s Legendary Music Career Overview02:09 – How Rick Got Started: From Opportunity Knocks to Polygram07:18 – Breaking Artists at Polygram: Million-Selling Records from TV08:53 – Moving to Arista: Barry Manilow, Aretha Franklin & Adult Pop12:22 – First Week in New York: Discovering Whitney Houston in a Club17:14 – Building Whitney Houston: Singles Strategy & Global Breakthrough19:27 – Cracking France: Whitney Houston, Serge Gainsbourg & Viral TV Moment28:13 – How Ghostbusters Happened: Film Meeting, Huey Lewis & Theme Song Battle35:44 – Golden Age of Music: Why 70s–90s Artists Are Timeless44:41 – Meeting Aretha Franklin: Detroit Supper Club & Dressing Room Piano51:30 – Leaving Major Labels: From EMI Frustrations to The Music & Media Partnership57:21 – Inventing Brand–Music Partnerships: Pepsi, Tina Turner & Rod Stewart1:07:01 – Branded Compilations & Comedy Albums: Doc Martens, Milktray & Holsten Pils1:11:49 – World in Union: Rugby World Cup Theme & Classical Crossover1:17:48 – Creating Three Lions: How England’s Football Anthem Was Born1:23:25 – Scotland, Missed Penalty & the Moment Three Lions Took Off1:25:23 – From Football to World Cups: Ricky Martin, Russell Watson & Stadium Voices1:28:35 – David Garrett & Classical Rock: Turning Violin into Pop Spectacle1:30:32 – New Musical ‘Soul Sisters’: Aretha, Tina, Whitney & Nile Rodgers1:35:22 – Rick’s Favourite Role: Songwriting, Bocelli & Reimagining Classics1:39:43 – Final Reflections: Audiences, Lyrics & Why Great Songs Last



