Trackstack Podcast – Détails, épisodes et analyse

Oskar Eichler is a Entrepreneur and DJ / Producer who has built Songstats and 1001Tracklists as well as being one half DONT BLINK @dontblinkmusic

Summary

1. **Life as a Digital Nomad in Bali**:

Oskar has been living in Bali for almost a decade, enjoying the relaxed, unique lifestyle that combines remote work with island vibes. He describes how Bali offers a distinct experience for digital nomads, comparing it to other hotspots like Thailand. For Oskar, Bali is a haven for those seeking balance between professional and personal life, complete with studios set in scenic villas.

2. **Evolution of the DJ Scene**:

Oskar reflects on the transformation of the DJ scene, reminiscing about the days of physical records and vinyl culture. He shares how digital platforms, like YouTube, have reshaped the industry. Back in the day, DJs would dig for music in record stores, building connections through a shared love for music—a very different experience from today’s instant access to digital tracks.

3. **Challenges with Digital Rights and YouTube**:

Oskar talks about his journey with a YouTube channel that quickly gained over 100,000 subscribers by sharing DJ mixes, only for it to be abruptly shut down due to licensing issues. Undeterred, he launched another channel, this time negotiating with electronic music labels for proper licensing, which grew to over a million subscribers. He shares the ongoing struggles DJs face with content ID systems, which often block or claim earnings from uploaded mixes.

4. **Nostalgia for Traditional DJ Practices**:

Oskar expresses nostalgia for the original, hands-on elements of DJing, like beat matching on vinyl. He discusses how modern DJ software has removed much of the tactile experience, shifting the DJ’s role from crate-digging in record shops to managing playlists on digital platforms. Both he and the host agree that some of the social and creative magic of early DJ culture has been lost in the digital age.

5. **Connecting through Global Festivals**:

Oskar highlights the importance of music industry events like ADE (Amsterdam Dance Event) as opportunities for connection, collaboration, and celebration within the electronic music scene. Reflecting on his early years of “hustling” for connections, Oskar notes how the tables have turned—now, people seek him out, a testament to his growth and influence within the industry.

**Episode Summary**:

This episode presents Oskar’s insights and experiences in the evolving world of electronic music and DJing. He shares a mix of personal stories and professional reflections, from adjusting to Bali’s unique lifestyle to navigating the digital challenges in music. Oskar’s perspective underscores the resilience needed to adapt to the fast-paced changes in the industry, all while celebrating the roots of electronic music culture.

Manu Naykene, joins us for the Trackstack Podcast - EP 31.

We touched on Manu’s origin story, how he got into DJing and content creation, advice for up-and-coming producers and much more.

Send tracks to Manu: https://tstack.app/manu

Send demos to KLUB RECORD: https://tstack.app/klub-record

Connect with Manu: clozer.io/manunaykene

Key takeaways:

• Manu ecently completed a mini-tour, including performances in Dubai, Doha, and Mykonos.

• Professionalism is crucial in DJing, including staying focused during performances and limiting alcohol consumption while playing.

• Manu highlights the importance of "locking in" during performances to ensure the audience has a good time.

• DJ etiquette and the balance between appearing as a "party person" while maintaining professionalism behind the scenes.

• Manu's background to music starting DJing around 2016, inspired by South African DJs and the Afro house genre.

• Getting gigs as a new DJ often requires persistence and "hustling" - reaching out to venues directly and being proactive.

• The importance of enjoying the process of learning to DJ, such as the satisfaction of successfully transitioning between tracks.

• Electronic music is becoming more global, with pop music increasingly incorporating electronic elements.

• Modern DJ sets often include a variety of genres, focusing more on creating a "party vibe" rather than sticking to a single genre.

• The value of building a career from the "grassroots" level and how it can help in the long run.

Mark Mcmahon, Manchester UK joins us on Stacked. Mark is an artist liaison, DJ and producer working behind the scenes at JBM Music, Warehouse Project, Creamfields and more.

Connect with Mark at @markmcmahon

Alev Tav joins us from Ibiza, Spain. Alev Tav was a part of new wave inside the electronic music scene of Ukraine. She puts her soul into everything she does and into a spectacular music selection. Alev Tav has established herself as an elegant person in electronic music, always connected with the crowd.

Alev Tav has established herself as an elegant person in electronic music, always connected with the crowd. Alev starts developing her role as a music producer in 2016, refines her sound into a unique combination of deep tech , tech house, garage , house and shared the stage with some great names in the club world: Dennis Cruz, Claptone, Who Made Who, Alex Kennon, Oliver Koletzki, Jos & Eli, Whitesqueare and more. In 2021 start to do her own house parties, that where famous in Ukraine. And had her own stage at one of the biggest festival White Nights, Kyiv. Alev Tav was invited to take a part in 12 hours fundraiser livestream with Electronic labor day and Beatport ReConnect in efforts to raise money and help Beirut. She was always true to her musical taste and this has strengthened her ability to stand out from the crowd. Currently based in Ibiza.

Connect with Alev: @alev_tav

Nate Chapman, Miami US joins us on Stacked. Part of our Stacked spotlight series where we highlight up coming producers breaking through the inbox on Trackstack.

Ammo Avenue joins us on Stacked from Peru.

Peruvian Ammo Avenue keeps rising through the underground music scene establishing himself as one of house music’s most exciting newcomers. Armed with bumping basslines and solid house beats, the past months have seen Ammo release his high energy tunes on labels such as Black Book, Kaluki, Deeperfect, Moon Harbour, VIVA, Revival, Rawthentic, Repopulate Mars, Toolroom, Circus and more. 

 Ammo has been playing around the world in major venues such as Warehouse Project Manchester, Pacha Barcelona, Ultra Brasil, Ultra Peru, BPM Costa Rica, Too Long Milan, The Lab Madrid, Give Soul Festival Rotterdam, Resistance and The Masquerade Lima, Lost Beach Montañita, Salon Amador Medellin, Club Room Santiago and Park.Art Curitiba, next to DJs like Jamie Jones, Joseph Capriati, Loco Dice, Hot Since 82, Joris Voorn, Dubfire, Stefano Noferini, Stacey Pullen, Camelphat, De La Swing, Claptone, Adana Twins, ANOTR, Carlo Lio, Hector Couto, Rafa Barrios, Archie Hamilton and more.

 Live support for his music grows every weekend on dance floors around the world, with major name DJ’s playing his music including the likes of Jamie Jones, The Martinez Brothers, Marco Carola, Joseph Capriati, Ilario Alicante, Michael Bibi, FISHER, Eats Everything, Cuartero, Solardo, Stefano Noferini, Latmun, Claptone, Lee Foss, Archie Hamilton, wAFF, Chris Stussy, Chris Lake, Dennis Cruz, Rafa Barrios and many more.

 Only during this summer season we’ve seen his tracks get played at iconic venues and festivals such as Space Miami, Music On Festival Amsterdam, Pacha Ibiza, Amnesia, Hi Ibiza, DC-10, Ushuaia, Solid Grooves, Dreambeach Festival, Sunblast Festival, Panorama Festival, Fabrik Madrid, Zamna Barcelona, several Elrow Parties and more.

 Further support has come from electronic music big hitters including Data Transmission, Music Is 4 Lovers, Toolroom Radio, Jamie Jones' Hot Robot Radio, Roger Sanchez' Release Yourself Radio, Solardo’s The Spot and multiple playlist additions and charting tracks across Beatport, Traxsource and Spotify.

2023 and beyond will see more bumping tunes and appearances from the Lima based rising star. Watch this space!

https://ammoavenuemusic.wixsite.com/ammoavenue

Jeff Sorkowitz is a New York based DJ, producer and founder of the Short Circuit record label and event series. We dive into his life from Corporate Law to Electronic Music as well as his practices around creativity, production and A&R decisions. Listen to the full episode on Spotify or Apple Podcasts today.

@jeffsorkowitz - https://www.instagram.com/jeffsorkowitz

Micah, UK joins us on Stacked to share his journey of mastering his DJ skills in Malia before starting his production journey during Covid and more recently his label imprint Gritty Music.

George Hess, US radio promotion for Armada Music joins us on Stacked to share his journey. We cover many topics but the most important point is his personal journey of sobriety and of his impact dance music today.

Hartley joins us Stacked discussing the growing scene in Dubai, how she balances work and production as well as how a consistent positive mindset has accelerated her career forward.