Mark Newton has played a defining role in reshaping the global dance music experience, from the festivals we travel to, to the spaces we party in. As the founder of Hideout Festival and a creative force behind Field Day, Snowbombing, Printworks, Depot Mayfield, and Drumsheds, Mark doesn't just book DJs, he builds culture.

In this episode, we dive into what makes a venue or festival great, and how each uniquely impacts dance music culture. We explore the rise of immersive, large-scale venues, the shifting economics of nightlife, and ask whether the festival boom is pushing clubs, and clubbing, into the shadows. We also get into the future of residencies, the challenges of licensing, and what all this means for the next generation of artists and ravers.

This episode is powered by Trackstack, the platform built to help you manage demos, promos, and your music career more sustainably. Use the promo code CUPMOG for 10% off, for life.

A week after Toolroom was crowned Label of the Year at the Beatport Awards for the second year running, I sit down with Mark Knight to explore one of the most pressing questions in the industry today: can you succeed as a DJ without producing music, or as a producer without ever stepping behind the decks?

Mark reflects on his own path, starting out in one role before embracing the other, and how that dual perspective shaped his longevity in the scene. We unpack how the DJ–producer relationship has evolved in 2025, the impact of streaming and algorithm-driven discovery, and why the divide between studio and stage is more complex than ever.

He shares his thoughts on why some modern productions lack the punch of a true anthem, whether producers without club experience miss something essential, and offers honest advice for artists trying to navigate their strengths.

This season is powered by Trackstack, the platform that helps electronic music pros stay organized and get ahead. Streamline your demos, level up your promos, and even sell your music skills, all in one place.

Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.

Kicking off season 7, I sit down with Chicago’s own Hiroko Yamamura, an artist deeply rooted in the city’s rich club culture, to explore the place that shaped her. Hiroko takes us back to the record stores and warehouses that built her musical foundation and shares stories of legendary underground parties that defined an era.

From early mentorship and pivotal career decisions to the evolution of Chicago’s raw, rebellious energy, Hiroko reflects on how the scene has changed, what still excites her today, and why life behind the decks can feel so strange and surreal. It’s an episode packed with history, honesty, and humor.

This podcast is powered by Trackstack, the platform helping you build a sustainable career in electronic music. Discover, manage, and grow your network all in one place at trackstack.me. Use the promo code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.