The Afters Cast

#020 | DJ S.K.T | Opioids, chasing success & 28 day comas

We welcome London-based artist DJ S.K.T (aka Steve) to the forefront. Get ready for a rollercoaster ride through the highs and lows of his remarkable journey. The conversation kicks off with a glimpse into DJ S.K.T's humble beginnings, tracing his roots from early forays into music production to his breakthrough moment with the renowned UK label 'Defected.' From there, we delve into the whirlwind ascent to stardom, Steve shares captivating tales of touring the globe and reveling in the fast-paced lifestyle of a music sensation.Steve bravely confronts the shadows lurking beneath the surface, as he opens up about his harrowing battle with opioid addiction. He shares the raw and unfiltered story of his brush with death, as he grappled with MERS and slipped into a coma for 28 days, emerging on the other side to face the daunting task of learning to walk again.We discuss profound reflections on the transformative power of self-focus and introspection, revealing how Steve's personal journey of healing and growth has reshaped his approach to music and life. He delves into the pitfalls of chasing success at all costs, urging listeners to prioritise self-care and authenticity in their pursuit of fulfillment. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#019 | Mark Knight | Family, team sports & submarine after parties

This week we are sat with legendary DJ, producer, label owner and all round entrepreneur, Mark Knight. Prepare to be captivated as we journey through the illustrious career and profound insights of this multifaceted industry titan.The conversation commences with a heartfelt exploration of Mark's musical odyssey, from his early fascination with soul and hip hop records to his groundbreaking contributions to electronic and house music. We also uncover the remarkable origin story behind 'Toolroom Records,' a beacon of innovation in house music.Mark offers a candid glimpse into the joys and challenges of running a family business, sharing invaluable lessons learned along the way. From the importance of teamwork instilled by his passion for sports to the profound impact it has had on his journey as an entrepreneur and father, Mark's reflections resonate deeply.As the conversation unfolds, we also delve into the darker side of the music industry, confronting the pervasive culture of 'take take take' that often undermines its inherent creativity and community spirit. He shares his personal journey of introspection and growth, revealing the transformative decision to prioritise quality over quantity by cutting down his gigs to focus on what truly matters.For anyone who wants to learn more about Toolroom Academy, click the link below:https://toolroomacademy.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#018 | George Fleming | Connection, venue closures & 'Save Our Scene'

We are honoured to be joined by the visionary force behind the 'Save Our Scene' movement, George Fleming, exploring the challenges and triumphs of him and his team's tireless advocacy efforts.The conversation begins with a glimpse into George's personal journey as a fervent lover of live music and raves, laying the foundation for his passionate commitment to preserving the essence of the scene. From there, we delve into the origins of 'Save Our Scene,' tracing its humble beginnings to a grassroots movement driven by a shared love for music and a fierce determination to protect its future.George shares captivating anecdotes of the movement's early days, recounting the electrifying atmosphere of the first pop-up street rave that drew an astonishing 50,000 people to the streets outside Downing Street in London. Yet, amidst the celebration, George shines a light on the sobering realities facing music venues today, from skyrocketing rents to the encroachment of larger establishments on grassroots venues.As the conversation unfolds, George offers poignant reflections on the profound impact of venue closures on both DJs and bands alike, underscoring the vital role of human connection and community in preserving the soul of the music scene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#017 | Jacky & Sean | Insecurity, hospital visits & the ketamine epidemic

Jacky & Sean take centre stage for a candid exploration of a topic that has reverberated throughout the music industry: drug use. With raw honesty and vulnerability, they peel back the layers of their own experiences to shed light on the silent ketamine epidemic and the insidious journey from occasional use to regular dependency.As they delve deeper into the complexities of drug use in their careers, Jacky & Sean bravely confront the insecurities that fuelled their reliance on alcohol and drugs as coping mechanisms. They share intimate reflections on the pivotal role of 'hunger' in driving their ambitions, emphasising the importance of unwavering determination and resilience in achieving one's goals.But amidst the shadows, Jacky & Sean find rays of light, uncovering valuable lessons from sobriety (permanent and temporary) and the transformative power of picking their moments wisely. They explore the concept of subconscious reprogramming, urging listeners to make note of their own narratives and break free from self-imposed labels that hinder personal growth. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

#016 | Jansons | Touring, live sets & not rushing releases

We are joined by the esteemed British DJ and producer, Jansons, for an intimate conversation around his journey into and through the music industry.The discussion kicks off with a reflection on Jansons' breakthrough moment: his first big release on Steve Lawler's esteemed imprint, 'VIVa.' From there, we journey through the evolution of content creation in the digital age, as Jansons shares his insights into the ever-changing landscape.Jansons also offers a candid look into the challenges of building a brand around oneself in an increasingly competitive market, highlighting the importance of authenticity and self-expression in the modern DJ landscape.As the conversation unfolds, we delve into the nitty-gritty of live performance, with Jansons sharing his experiences and lessons learned from setting up and playing live sets in a 'dynamic' club environment. From the exhilaration of the stage to the loneliness of the road, Jansons offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into the highs and lows of life as a touring DJ, touching on the personal sacrifices and challenges faced along the way.Additionally, Jansons shares invaluable wisdom about the art of patience in the creative process, urging aspiring artists to resist the temptation to rush the release of their music for the sake of it and instead embrace the journey with patience and perseverance. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.