Explore every episode of the podcast There Is No Planet Earth Stories
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Episode 15 w/ Justin Strauss | 04 juin 2025 | 01:32:53 | |
In the Fifteenth episode There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I sit down with legendary DJ, producer, and remixer Justin Strauss for a wide-ranging conversation about his remarkable journey through music and nightlife culture. We explore Justin’s early music experiences—from seeing The Beatles live to attending iconic shows at Electric Circus. He shares stories from his time as the frontman of the glam-punk band Milk n' Cookies, and his transition into DJing, including his first gig and influential residency at the legendary Mudd Club. Justin also reflects on his pivotal roles as resident DJ at iconic 80’s NYC venues like Area, and The Ritz. Additionally, our conversation explores the origins and evolution of his prolific remix and production career, which continues to inspire across generations. “Few DJs could adequately represent the last three decades of New York nightclub history - no less do so with such iconic credentials as Justin Strauss. Since he was 17, when his first band was signed to Island Records, Justin has had a career that reads like a Who’s-Who of the music scene, spinning at nearly every dance club that you’d ever want to go to. Starting as DJ at New York’s legendary Mudd Club, he spun his way through The Ritz, Limelight, Area, Tunnel, M.K., Life, Centro Fly and more, pioneering his own distinctive sound, and becoming one of the most sought-after remixers and producers not just in New York, but in the world. He has worked with the gamut of artists - Depeche Mode, Hot Chip, Sergio Mendez, Tina Turner, Jimmy Cliff, B-52s, Luther Vandross, 808 State, Malcolm McClaren, Skinny Puppy, Goldfrapp, LCD Soundsystem to name a few and on over 300 records! Much of the new dance crowd that goes to hear Justin DJ today, doesn’t necessarily know his history; they simply love his spinning because he always keeps them dancing and surprised, seamlessly mixing between choice classics, delectable rarities and innovative beats. For Justin, no genre or style is off-limits – he can and will mix anything, so long as he can keep the crowd enthralled. His self-proclaimed mission is “connecting the dots” between what might otherwise seem disparate musical periods and styles, while introducing exciting new sounds. He does so with infectious passion, subverting preconceptions about what’s old and new, and inspiring young DJs with his masterful skill and ever-youthful spirit. But Justin Strauss doesn’t stop there. As half of the production duos, Whatever/Whatever and A/JUS/TED, he continued to produce and mix records, working on remixes for the likes of Hot Chip, William Onyeabor,LCD Soundsystem, Blood Orange, Holy Ghost!, Franz Ferdinand, Beyonce. Working on new projects Extra Credit with Joe Goddard of Hot Chip & Marcus Marr, and with Max Pask under their Each Other moniker, whose debut E.P.’s were mixed by Soulwax and released on their Deewee label, with new releases coming soon. Touring the world Dj’ing at Panorama Bar in Berlin, Robert Johnson in Frankfurt, Zunkunft in Zurich to name a few. In fact, he doesn’t stop at all.” | |||
| Episode 14 w/ Benny Soto | 07 avr. 2025 | 01:28:41 | |
For the Fourteenth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I sat down with legendary club promoter Benny Soto, a pivotal figure in New York City's dance music scene. Benny takes us through his upbringing in the Bronx and shares how his formative experiences at the iconic Paradise Garage sparked his love for music and nightlife. We explore the evolution of his career as a promoter and event producer, including the backstory behind two of NYC’s most beloved party institutions: 718 Sessions and Dance.Here.Now. Don’t miss this insightful conversation about the culture, the music, and the passion that continues to drive Benny’s groundbreaking work in the scene. "Benny Soto has been an essential force behind several of New York’s most important nightlife institutions including the Dance.Here.Now. and 718 Sessions brands, as well as the legendary venues Output and Cielo. From his days as an assistant for Keith Haring through now when he produces events with many of the world’s elite House and Techno DJ’s, Benny Soto has evolved into one of the industry’s most highly respected and esteemed promoters / event producers.” | |||
| Episode 13 w/ Doc Martin | 10 mars 2025 | 01:00:17 | |
For the Thirteenth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories I'm Join by guest Doc Martin representing stories from San Francisco & Los Angeles | |||
| Episode 12 W/ Jamie 3:26 | 11 févr. 2025 | 01:21:05 | |
For the twelfth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I'm joined by guest Jamie 3:26 representing stories from Chicago. | |||
| Episode 11 w/DJ Odi | 18 déc. 2024 | 01:56:33 | |
For the eleventh episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I'm joined by guest DJ Odi, representing stories from New York. We discuss a range of topics including his formative NYC clubbing experiences at parties/venues: Mars, Tracks/Kilimanjaro, Wild Pitch, and Roger S - Ego Trip @ Octagon. Additionally we discuss his first time going to Storm Rave, as well as his first time DJ'ing at NASA, and much more. | |||
| Episode 10 w/ Alan Oldham | 09 oct. 2024 | 01:17:29 | |
For the tenth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I'm joined by guest Alan Oldham representing stories from Detroit. The Detroit-born polymath, now living and working in Berlin, began his dual careers in the late 80s. First as the host of the “Fast Forward Program” on WDET FM 101.9, Detroit’s first-ever radio show devoted exclusively to electronic music, and as a young indie comic artist, writing and drawing his own original creation, “Johnny Gambit” (predating the Marvel character). Oldham was later tapped by his childhood friend, Derrick May, to illustrate the label art for the now-classic records “Nude Photo” and “Beyond The Dance” on his fledgling Transmat label, and Detroit Techno history was made. Oldham was later hired by another childhood friend, Jeff Mills, to do freelance PR for the nascent Underground Resistance collective, writing press releases for the label. When Mills departed for a solo career, UR partner “Mad” Mike Banks tapped AO to replace him as DJ for their Australian Tour of 1992. The codename DJ T-1000 was adopted, and history was made once again. Jumpstart to infamy. Since then, as an international DJ, Oldham has spun all over the planet, as far afield as Tokyo, Manila, The Phillipines, and Shanghai. When he’s not behind the decks at home clubs Tresor Berlin and RSO, on the road to places like Batumi, Georgia or Trapani, Italy, or in the studio making music for labels like RSPX/Rekids, BPitch Berlin, Suspected Music, Third Ear, Elypsia Records, or his own Pure Sonik Records label, he is making new paintings and organizing art openings showcasing his iconic works. Oldham has put on art happenings in Amsterdam, Paris, Barcelona, Berlin, Vienna, and Detroit, as well as his iconic techno artworks being on view in Paris, London and Dusseldorf, as part of its traveling “Electronic: From Kraftwerk to the Chemical Brothers” exhibit. The multi-talented Oldham has also made his artistic debut in Kobe, Japan in 2022 with the exhibit “Massive Dynamic” at the Nick Jerky Art Cafe. In 2024, Oldham was also honored by the Mayor and Detroit City Council with a “Spirit of Detroit” Award for his musical and artistic contributions to his hometown. And back in Berlin, as part of Love Parade founder Dr. Motte’s Rave The Planet team, Oldham helped Berlin Techno to achieve UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage status. Oldham’s long-awaited EP as DJ T-1000 for Rekids sub-label RSPX is out now, as well as his new “Ask Me No Questions And I’ll Tell You No Lies” EP on Pure Sonik Records, currently riding high on several Spotify techno charts including Mary Anne Hobbs’ on BBC6. New releases to come! | |||
| Episode 9 w/ Tommie Sunshine | 27 sept. 2024 | 02:10:24 | |
For the Ninth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories I'm joined by guest Tommie Sunshine representing stories from Chicago, Atlanta, New York. "Tastemaker to tastemakers, curator and shapeshifter, Tommie Sunshine is renowned for his reputation of being consistently ahead of the curve bridging the worlds of Rave, Disco, Tech House, and House while still standing firmly in the zeitgeist. Establishing his name as a fixture throughout the American Rave scene during the '90s, he became one of the most recognizable figures of the Electroclash movement during the early 2000s, his Rock & Pop remixes made him a key figure in the Blog House scene (’06-’09) and helped set the stage for the EDM boom of the 2010s. 31 years as a DJ and 37 years as a clubber gives Sunshine his unique perspective on the business & informs his present Rave Revival sound. | |||
| Episode 8 w/ Merlin Bobb | 01 juil. 2024 | 01:27:19 | |
For the Eighth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories I'm joined by guest Merlin Bobb representing stories from New York. | |||
| Episode 7 w/ Music Institute: Chez Damier & Alton Miller | 21 mai 2024 | 01:16:56 | |
For the Seventh episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I’m joined by guests Chez Damier & Alton Miller, representing stories from Detroit. This episode is a special feature on the history and background of the iconic and foundational Detroit nightclub: The Music Institute. “ The Music Institute, a Black-owned club in the heart of downtown Detroit, emerged as a pivotal player in the rise of the city’s Dance Music and Youth Culture. For a fleeting 18 months, The Music Institute was more than just a club. It became a creative sanctuary for pioneering artists, and a host of influential DJs and producers. They didn't just play music; they created a revolutionary movement that echoed far beyond Detroit's borders. Today, the legacy of The Music Institute is not just a memory of Detroit; it's a chapter in the history of Dance Music worldwide. This club didn't just witness history; it made it, securing its place in it’s evolution and in it’s cultural fabric” “Tucked away in Detroit's vibrant heart, The Music Institute has earned its place as a cornerstone in the history of dance and electronic music. Founded in the late 1980s by Detroit's own George Baker and Alton Miller, along with Chicago's Anthony Pearson, better known as Chez Damier, this iconic venue quickly rose to prominence as a hub of musical innovation during one of the most difficult economic times in Detroit’s history. The Music Institute wasn't just another club; it emerged due to the economic climate, the struggles and was where artists and music lovers gathered to forge a sound and a culture that would leave its mark on music worldwide. It was Detroit's answer to the legendary house and disco clubs of its era, like New York’s Paradise Garage, Chicago’s Music Box, and Toronto’s Twilight Zone. The club stood as a beacon of creative energy, a place where collaboration, expression, diversity and creativity flourished. Operating from midnight to the early hours, with a members-only policy and a strict no alcohol and drugs rule, the club set the stage for many of dance and electronic music's most influential DJs and artists. It was more than a club; it was a movement, leaving an indelible impact on the world of music” | |||
| Episode 6 w/DJ Garth | 01 mai 2024 | 00:58:47 | |
For the Sixth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I'm joined by guest DJ Garth representing stories from San Francisco. We discuss a range of topics including his formative clubbing experiences in the English Raregroove & House music scenes , the early 90's San Francisco rave scene, and the origins and evolution of rave institution: Wicked.
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| Episode 5 w/Abbie Adams | 02 avr. 2024 | 01:01:11 | |
For the fifth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I’m joined by guest Abbie Adams representing stories from New Jersey. We discuss a range of topics including her formative experiences in the New York clubs of the 70’s & 80s, the origins and evolution of Movin records, Tony Humphries, Zanzibar, and the House sound of New Jersey. “As one of the prominent, iconic women in the Dance Music business, Abigail Adams’ critical role in the development of New Jersey’s Essex County-centered dance music industry continues to impress upon the new crop of DJ’s, remixers, producers, record labels and recording artists. Abigail began her career in the Dance music arena via her DJ boyfriend, KB. In the early 1980’s, they owned a custom roller skating store Movin’ Skates in East Orange, NJ.
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| Episode 4 w/Adriel Thornton | 20 mars 2024 | 01:40:02 | |
For the fourth episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories, I'm joined by guest Adriel Thornton representing stories from Detroit. We discuss a range of topics from his 30+ years of experience as a rave promoter, event and festival producer. Other highlights include the origins of the first raves he threw at 1515 Broadway, and his core residents : Robert Hood, Claude Young, and Dan Bell. Additionally, we discuss iconic Detroit venues: Packard Plant, Saint Andrews/The Shelter, 1217 Griswold, Motor, and his role as Detroit's First Independent Nightlife Ambassador. | |||
| Episode 3 w/ King Britt | 07 mars 2024 | 01:31:18 | |
For the third episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories I'm joined by guest King Britt representing stories from Philadelphia, New Jersey, New York, and San Diego. We discuss a range of topics from his from his 30+ year career as a Dj and Producer, his experiences in the club and rave scene in Philadelphia in the 80's & 90's, Silk City - Back 2 Basics , his partnership with Josh Wink and the creation of Ovum Records, and his lecture course Blacktronika : Afrofuturism In Electronic Music at UCSD. In his role as performer, he has travelled globally playing thousands of venues and festivals, including, AfroPunk (NYC), Berghain (Berlin), MoogFest (Durham), Le Guess Who Festival (Utrecht) and Public Records (NYC). King was also the original DJ for the Grammy Award winning Digable Planets. His curatorial work has been seen in many collaborations with the likes of MoMA PS1, Philadelphia Museum of Art and most recently Carnegie Hall. As Teaching Professor in Computer Music | University of California San Diego, King carries a unique perspective, bringing a non-linear approach and knowledge to the department by focusing on various modern forms of electronic music pedagogy, while continuing to be an active force in the music industry. Blacktronika : Afrofuturism In Electronic Music, is a new lecture course at UCSD, created by King, researching and honoring the people of color, who have pioneered groundbreaking genres within the electronic music landscape. Genres span from Chicago House, Detroit Techno and Drum & Bass music. Using his position in the industry, the class has been attended by many, including Questlove, Herbie Hancock, and Flying Lotus. King remains one of the go to authorities on Afrofuturism in music. " | |||
| Episode 2 w/DJ Heather | 06 févr. 2024 | 01:09:45 | |
For the second episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories I'm joined by guest DJ Heather representing stories from Chicago. We discuss a range of topics from the celebration of her 35 year DJ career, her experiences in the Chicago House Music Scene of the 80's and 90's, working at Gramophone records, as well as her experiences over the years as a DJ and Producer. | |||
| Episode 1 w/ Richard Alvarez | 07 janv. 2024 | 01:05:42 | |
Debut episode of There Is No Planet Earth Stories. | |||