Explore every episode of the podcast Beats Learning
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| EP014 – Matt Smallwood: Leading the Scene – A Career in Electronic Music | 15 Feb 2026 | 02:20:01 | |
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 | |||
| EP013 - Dr Deorge Musgrave: The Cost of Creativity - A career as a music industry academic | 15 Jan 2026 | 02:48:15 | |
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:
#BeatsLearning #GeorgeMusgrave #CanMusicMakeYouSick #MusicMentalHealth #MusicIndustryInsights #WellbeingInMusic #CreativeCareers #MusicCareers #MentalHealthAwareness #AcademicInMusic #TheCostOfCreativity | |||
| EP004 - Silvia Montello: The True Queen of The Jungle... and D'n'B! | 15 Apr 2025 | 02:17:53 | |
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. | |||
| EP003 - Andy MacDougall: Mastering The World of Electronic Music | 15 Mar 2025 | 01:58:09 | |
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. | |||
| EP002 - Alex Branson | 15 Feb 2025 | 01:51:56 | |
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 | |||
| EP001 - Paddy Fletcher | 15 Jan 2025 | 01:24:27 | |
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 | |||
| EP012 - Nick Angel: Crafting Soundtracks – A Life in Music Supervision | 15 Dec 2025 | 02:38:38 | |
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. | |||
| EP011 - Mark Milsted: Behind the Money - A Career in Music Accounting | 17 Nov 2025 | 01:48:36 | |
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. | |||
| EP010 - Miles Shackleton: The Rise of Toolroom Records | 15 Oct 2025 | 02:04:52 | |
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 | |||
| EP009 – Cameron Richardson: From Lincolnshire to Broadway | 17 Sep 2025 | 02:06:37 | |
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. | |||
| EP008 - Matt Cartmell: Building the Future of Music Tech | 15 Aug 2025 | 01:34:51 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Matt Cartmell—CEO of Music Technology UK—to unpack the growing influence of the UK’s music tech sector and how innovation is reshaping the way music is created, distributed, and experienced. With a background in communications and advocacy, Matt is now leading the charge to connect music and technology communities, championing creators, startups, and global players alike. | |||
| EP007 - Julian Palmer: Discovering Greatness - 40 Years of A&R | 15 Jul 2025 | 02:08:57 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Julian Palmer—Senior A&R Manager at Universal—to explore the art and strategy behind discovering, signing, and developing major artists. With a career spanning over 40 years in A&R, Julian has worked with legends like Jocelyn Brown, Run DMC, NWA, and is the man behind Rag’n’Bone Man’s breakout success. | |||
| EP006 - Caroline Wigmore and Jennifer Green: From Page to Stage | 15 Jun 2025 | 02:00:21 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Caroline Wigmore and Jennifer Green—the phenomenal writing duo behind hit musical theatre productions including The Gingerbread Man, Errol’s Garden, and The Bachelor Girls. With their work staged everywhere from the West End to community schools, they share an honest, engaging look into the craft of creating stories that sing. | |||
| EP005 - Tom Allen: From Startup to Industry Giant and The Tech Making a Difference | 15 May 2025 | 02:19:41 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Tom Allen—CTO of Downtown Music and founder of Curve Royalty Systems—to explore his journey through music tech innovation, royalty systems, and business leadership. From building startups to leading global technology teams, Tom shares deep insights into the future of music royalties and the challenges of scaling tech in the music industry. | |||
| EP015 - Caitlin McAllister: Taking on an Icon - A Career as a Music Industry MD | 18 Mar 2026 | 01:56:36 | |
In this episode, we sit down with Caitlin McAllister, a music industry MD leading one of the most iconic global brands in music. As Managing Director at Ministry of Sound, Caitlin oversees a business spanning club culture, events, recordings, and international partnerships. From brand evolution to commercial growth, this conversation offers a rare look at what it really takes to operate at the highest level of the music industry. 🔥 What you’ll learn in this episode: 🏢 What it actually means to be a Managing Director in music 📈 How to grow and evolve a global music brand 🎧 Balancing commercial success with cultural credibility 🚀 Advice for anyone aspiring to leadership roles in the music industry 📺 Watch now and subscribe for more industry insights from top music professionals! 🎧 Watch & listen via my Linktree: 👉 https://linktr.ee/beatslearningmusic #BeatsLearning #CaitlinMcAllister #MusicIndustryMD #MusicLeadership #MusicCareers #WomenInMusic #ClubCulture #MusicIndustryInsights | |||