Beats Learning – Details, episodes & analysis

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In this episode, we sit down with Matt Smallwood, a leader in the electronic music world and Head of Music at Club Class, overseeing the direction and programming of The Cross. With years of experience shaping line-ups, supporting emerging talent, and helping build respected platforms in dance music, Matt shares what it really takes to lead in a fast-moving, culture-driven industry.

This conversation explores how electronic music scenes are built, sustained, and evolved, from underground energy to large-scale brand execution.

🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:

🎧 What it actually means to be Head of Music for a club and events brand

🏢 How electronic line-ups are curated and talent is developed

🪩 The realities of building and maintaining club culture in the UK

🚀 Advice for DJs, promoters, and future music leaders looking to make impact

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more real conversations with the people working behind the scenes in the music industry.

📌 Explore Club Class: https://www.club-class.co.uk

📌 Discover The Cross: https://www.thecrosslondon.com

#BeatsLearning #MattSmallwood #ElectronicMusic #ClubCulture #DanceMusicIndustry #MusicLeadership #TheCrossLondon #ClubClass #MusicCareers #MusicIndustryInsights

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In this episode, we sit down with Dr George Musgrave—a music industry academic and co-author of the influential book Can Music Make You Sick?—to explore the complex, and often hidden, relationship between creativity and mental health.

With a rare dual perspective as both a former artist and a leading researcher, George shares powerful insights into why so many musicians struggle with anxiety, burnout, and self-worth—and what needs to change across the industry to support healthier, more sustainable careers.

🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:

🧠 How the pressures of music careers impact mental health

📚 The story and findings behind Can Music Make You Sick?

🎓 What the research reveals about success, identity, and survival in creative industries

🚀 Honest advice for anyone navigating a music career while protecting their wellbeing

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more industry insights from top music professionals!

📌 Follow Dr George Musgrave: https://www.georgemusgrave.com/

📘 Read Can Music Make You Sick?: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/can-music-make-you-sick-9781787438156/

💬 

If you’re struggling or need someone to talk to:

You’re not alone. Please consider reaching out to a support service:

• Help Musicians (Music Minds Matter): 0808 802 8008 – 24/7 support for anyone in the music industry
• Samaritans: 116 123 – free and confidential, 24 hours a day
• Mind: https://www.mind.org.uk
• Music Support: https://www.musicsupport.org

#BeatsLearning #GeorgeMusgrave #CanMusicMakeYouSick #MusicMentalHealth #MusicIndustryInsights #WellbeingInMusic #CreativeCareers #MusicCareers #MentalHealthAwareness #AcademicInMusic #TheCostOfCreativity

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In this episode, we sit down with Silvia Montello—music industry leader and former CEO of AIM (Association of Independent Music)—to explore her incredible journey through major labels, startups, and championing the independent music sector. With decades of experience at Universal Music, Audio Network, and beyond, Silvia offers sharp insights into what’s shaping the future of music.

🔥 What you'll learn in this episode:

🌍 How the independent sector is evolving
🤝 Why diversity and inclusion must be at the heart of the music industry
⚖️ The biggest challenges facing music industry leadership
🚀 Advice for building a meaningful and sustainable career in music

.... and her love for Drum and Bass

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more industry insights from top music professionals!

📌 Follow Silvia Montello: https://www.linkedin.com/in/silviamontello/

#BeatsLearning #SilviaMontello #IndependentMusic #AIM #MusicLeadership #MusicBusiness #WomenInMusic #MusicIndustryInsights #MusicCareers

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In this episode, we dive deep into mixing, mastering, and music production with Andy MacDougall—producer and mix & mastering engineer behind Trilucid and owner of Ionica Audio. With years of experience fine-tuning electronic music, Andy shares invaluable insights into creating professional-sounding tracks, the biggest mistakes producers make, and how to navigate the modern music industry.

🔥 What you'll learn in this episode:
🎛️ The secrets to mastering electronic music
💡 The most common mixing mistakes & how to avoid them
🎶 How Ionica Audio is shaping the industry
🚀 Tips for standing out as a music producer

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more industry insights from top music professionals!

📌 Follow Andy MacDougall: https://www.instagram.com/trilucidofficial/

#BeatsLearning #AndyMacDougall #ElectronicMusic #Mixing #Mastering #Trilucid #IonicaAudio #MusicProduction

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Episode 2: Alex Branson – Shaping the Future of Music Services at Beatport

In this episode of Beats Learning, we sit down with Alex Branson, Senior Vice President of Music Services at The Beatport Group. With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, Alex has worked across multiple roles, including General Manager at Warner Music Group and advisor to some of the biggest names in music tech, such as Facebook and EMPIRE.

Alex shares his journey from starting in the industry to helping shape innovative platforms like Beatport and Loopcloud. We dive into his insights on the evolving landscape of music services, his experiences collaborating with industry leaders, and his advice for aspiring professionals in music tech and services.

Whether you're a music entrepreneur, producer, or someone passionate about the future of music distribution and services, this episode offers invaluable guidance and inspiration.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms! 🎥 Full video episode on YouTube.

Get a behind-the-scenes look at how the industry is evolving in the digital age.

#BeatsLearning #Podcast #MusicIndustry #AlexBranson #Beatport #MusicServices #MusicTech

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Episode 1: Paddy Fletcher – Behind the Music of Squid Game The Challenge & Minecraft Live

In our very first episode of Beats Learning, we’re joined by BAFTA-nominated composer and sound designer Paddy Fletcher. From crafting music for hit productions like Squid Game The Challenge to creating immersive soundscapes for Minecraft Live, Paddy takes us through his incredible journey in the world of media composition.

Discover how Paddy got started, the challenges he’s faced, and the creative process behind some of his most notable projects. Whether you're an aspiring composer, a music enthusiast, or just curious about what it takes to make it in the industry, this episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and actionable advice.

🎧 Available now on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major platforms! 🎥 Full video episode on YouTube.

Don’t miss this exclusive look into the life of a modern media composer.

#BeatsLearning #Podcast #MusicIndustry #PaddyFletcher #ComposerLife #MediaComposition

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In this episode, we sit down with Nick Angel—veteran music supervisor, former Head of Music at Wokring Title, and the man behind the soundtracks of Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, About a Boy, and countless other iconic films. From working with directors like Edgar Wright and Richard Curtis to helping shape the sound of British cinema, Nick shares incredible stories and deep insights into the world of music supervision.

🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:
🎞️ What a music supervisor actually does on a film or TV project
🎧 How music choices can shape the emotional tone of a scene
📽️ Behind-the-scenes stories from major productions like Bridget Jones and Love Actually
🚀 Career advice for aspiring music supervisors and creatives working in film & TV

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more industry insights from top music and media professionals!

#BeatsLearning #NickAngel #MusicSupervisor #FilmMusic #ShaunOfTheDead #HotFuzz #AboutABoy #LoveActually #MusicInFilm #MusicCareers #MusicIndustryInsights #SoundtrackDesign

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In this episode, we sit down with Mark Milsted, a leading chartered accountant in the music industry who works with artists, managers, and businesses to help them stay financially in control. From tour budgets to tax returns, Mark shares real-world advice on managing your money, avoiding common pitfalls, and building a stable foundation for long-term success.

🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:
💰 How to stay financially organised as an artist or creative business
🏦 The biggest money mistakes musicians make (and how to avoid them)
📊 What a music accountant actually does (and why you need one)
🚀 Straightforward tips on taxes, expenses, and income tracking

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more industry insights from top music professionals!

#BeatsLearning #MarkMilsted #MusicAccounting #CharteredAccountant #MusicFinance #MusicBusiness #CreativeIndustry #MoneyInMusic #MusicCareers #MusicIndustryInsights

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In this episode, we sit down with Miles Shackleton—COO of Toolroom Records, one of the world’s leading dance music labels. With a career spanning over two decades in electronic music, Miles offers rare insight into what it takes to run a globally respected independent label, balance creativity with business, and build long-term success in a fast-moving industry.

🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:

🎚️ How Toolroom became a global force in dance music

🏷️ What goes on behind the scenes of a successful indie label

💼 How to balance creative freedom with commercial strategy

🚀 Career advice for anyone wanting to break into the dance music industry

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more industry insights from top music professionals!

📌 Follow Toolroom: https://www.toolroomrecords.com/

📌 Follow Miles Shackleton: https://www.linkedin.com/in/milesshackleton/

#BeatsLearning #MilesShackleton #ToolroomRecords #DanceMusic #ElectronicMusic #MusicBusiness #IndieLabel #MusicIndustryInsights #HouseMusic #MusicCareers

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In this episode, we sit down with Cameron Richardson—Head of Musical Theatre at Cambridge University, former staff pianist at Juilliard, and international vocal coach for West End, Broadway, TV, and film performers. Cameron shares his fascinating journey through elite training, artistic excellence, and nurturing the next generation of musical theatre talent.

🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode:
🎭 What it takes to build a world-class career in musical theatre
🎹 The realities of working at Juilliard and training top-tier performers
🎤 How to coach vocalists for stage, screen, and everything in between
🚀 Advice for young creatives pursuing a career in the performing arts

📺 Watch now and subscribe for more industry insights from top music and theatre professionals!

📌 Learn more about Cameron Richardson: https://www.cameronrichardson.co.uk/

#BeatsLearning #CameronRichardson #MusicalTheatre #VocalCoach #Juilliard #CambridgeUniversity #WestEnd #Broadway #PerformingArts #MusicCareers #MusicIndustryInsights