ROAD PODCAST (Reflections Of A DJ)

Latest Episodes:

Episode 380: DJ HABIBEATS: "The Palestinian Pioneer of Arabic Club Music" Apr 22, 2026

Show notes

Episode 380: DJ HABIBEATS: "The Palestinian Pioneer of Arabic Club Music" In this episode of the ROAD podcast, the crew welcomes @DJHabibeats for a deep dive into his meteoric rise and the evolution of the global Arab club scene. The conversation begins with a recap of his recent milestones (1:45) and a look at his expanding international tour schedule, including his highly anticipated set at the @Coachella @TheDoLab. Habibeats addresses his infectious energy behind the decks and explains how he utilizes his open format roots to represent Arabic house music by drawing from a rich, worldwide musical heritage (13:50). As the market for Arab music parties grows, he discusses the healthy competition in the scene, the logistical challenges of touring, and the importance of prioritizing health and team building while on the road (21:01). The dialogue shifts toward the business of music as Habibeats talks about signing with a new agency and his creative process for tracks like "Hayati", while Crooked draws parallels between the sub-genres of Latin and Arabic music (32:20). The DJs get technical about their preference for playing tracks at +4 pitch, leading to a discussion on how music acts as a bridge between cultures in a divided world (37:15). Habibeats shares his philosophy on dealing with openers and how the "third culture" experience shaped the entire crew's upbringing (48:24). Later, they tackle "front row red flags" and the need for audiences to be present rather than just filming (55:01), before exploring the broken state of music distribution and how Gen Z interacts with new releases (1:00:01). The episode concludes with a look at his favorite producers (1:18:01), the value of saying "no" to protect his brand, and a hilarious story about a super-fan in Delhi, ending on a reflective note about using his platform to showcase his unique perspective (1:36:22). Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 379: RICHARD VISSION (Pt.2): "Epic B2Bs w/Bad Boy Bill + LA's Underground Rave Revival" Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

Episode 379: RICHARD VISSION (Pt.2): "Epic B2Bs w/Bad Boy Bill + LA's Underground Rave Revival" The Road Podcast crew is in LA for the NAMM show and sits down with LA-born and raised house/dance music legend Richard Vission. Part 2 picks up with @RichardVission reflecting on LA nightlife in the 2000s, from 60,000-person events to a Grammy nomination (05:44) and the rave era of “Together as One” with @PasqualeRotella. He talks about landing multiple number one Billboard remixes for artists like @Madonna and the backlash that came with it. He shares the story behind “I Like That,” the pop EDM wave, and working with @Britneyspears and @iamwill, before explaining why he stepped away during the EDM over saturation era and how house found its way back to the forefront (17:01). Richard breaks down his current production approach (31:55) and his House Issues partnership with @DJBadBoyBill, including their highly praised b2b set and the work behind it (1:42:00). He also discusses vinyl nights in LA (45:01) and the rise of invite only underground after hours reshaping the city’s nightlife (52:01). The episode closes with reflections on Power Tools (1:00:02) and the ROAD 10, where Richard names LA his favorite city to DJ and recalls playing the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for 70,000 people as a career highlight (1:12:23). Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 379: RICHARD VISSION (Pt.1): "The Architect of L.A. Dance Culture" Mar 18, 2026

Show notes

Episode 379: RICHARD VISSION (Pt.1): "The Architect of L.A. Dance Culture" The Road Podcast crew is in LA for the NAMM show and sits down with 1/2 of the duo #TheHouseConnection with @DJBadBoyBill, the Founder of the historic radio show @Powertools, LA-born and raised house/dance music legend, @RichardVission! The episode kicks off with Richard breaking down the early LA dance scene, starting with The Dome and The Arena (01:57), and how his first techno group, The Movement, led him to DJ Bad Boy Bill (04:10). He shares the backstory of Florentine Gardens and the infamous heist (07:12), then talks about his live mixes on Power 106, where late-night recordings turned into a movement (11:20). Richard explains how The Casa became the foundation of LA house, the moment freestyle faded while house took over the city (13:10), and the era of 15 DJs a night that helped shape LA’s fast-paced quick-mixing style (16:01). At just 16, Richard was already booking high school dances featuring The Cover Girls, World Class Wreckin' Cru, and Eazy‑E—events that generated serious money and earned the nickname “High School Coachella” (19:55). He also explains how he got the name Richard Vission (30:10) and reflects on early LA house records, including “House Music” by Eddie Amador, and how The Dome helped bring artists like Louie Vega, Armand Van Helden, and David Morales to Los Angeles. The episode later shifts to radio, where a single 30-minute mixtape landed him on Power 106 (46:10). Richard recalls how his mix aired by accident, the phones immediately blowing up, and the mantra he still lives by: “The harder you work, the luckier you get” (51:50). Lastly, He closes by discussing creative freedom in radio and nightlife (58:55), his mixtape era with Bad Boy Bill and House Connection, and his first New York show alongside Erick Morillo (1:07:30). Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 378: DJ ZIMMIE "Why DJs Need the 'Level Up' Conference?" Mar 04, 2026

Show notes

Episode 378: DJ ZIMMIE "Why DJs Need the 'Level Up' Conference?" This week on @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome Pittsburgh native, PioneerDJ/@AlphaThetaGlobal product planning team member, and founder of the @LevelUp4DJs Conference @DJZimmie! The crew discusses how having a camera operator during Club DJ Sets has now become mandatory, how that increases costs, and how it affects how much money a DJ can make (01:55). Crooked shares how @DJNugget saved him one night in Pittsburgh by taking a punch for him (05:01). Zimmie breaks down what “Level Up For DJs” has to offer (13:40) and speaks on a moving moment involving @Shortkut at the #LevelUp4DJs 2025 conference (21:50). The crew also talks about how they manage their presence on social media as DJs (40:40), Crooked speaks on the beauty of collaboration, building community, and social media exhaustion (53:01). The fellas reflect on their experience at NAMM 2026, as well as new @AlphaThetaUSA products being released this year (1:04:33). Optic asks Zimmie when Serato users will be able to have their library on a USB stick (1:18:01). Finally, Zimmie explains how the YouTube series “Pioneers of Hip Hop DJs” came to fruition (1:31:01). Use Discount Code “ROADPODCAST” at checkout for up to $50 off your tickets to #LevelUp4DJs: https://levelup4djs.com/ Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 377: THE STEREOTYPES "Crafting Life Saver Hits For Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber" Feb 18, 2026

Show notes

Episode 377: THE STEREOTYPES "Crafting Life Saver Hits For Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber" This week on @RoadPodcast features an in-depth conversation with The @StereotypesTV (@JonYip + @JermBeats + @RayRomulus), charting their rise from interns and studio rats to Grammy-winning producers behind era-defining records. Crooked opens by giving them their flowers as true DJ “life savers,” praising their ability to balance vibe, storytelling, and music that unites people in the middle (02:33), before Ray reflects on growing up in New York, interning at Bad Boy and Def Jam, and learning the industry from the ground up (05:23). The trio breaks down how they first connected, their wide-ranging influences from the Bay to Snoop, Dre, Bone Thugs, Premier, and Teddy Riley, and the moments that permanently shifted their musical perspective, including hearing Busta Rhymes’ “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” (17:20). They tell the full story of “Damage” by Danity Kane, from ballad to hit, including seeing it on Making The Band and hearing it play at Guitar Center while they were still broke (35:26). The conversation moves into their relationship with Far East Movement and Bruno Mars, leading to a detailed breakdown of 24K Magic, Finesse, and the writing process behind records like “That’s What I Like” and “Chunky,” plus how adding Cardi B turned “Finesse” into a mega hit (44:30). They also touch on uncredited work, publishing lessons, career slowdowns, and behind-the-scenes realities, from studio grind to IRS stress and finally winning Grammys after years in the trenches (1:04:55). The episode closes with optimism about new music, future collaborations, and why 2026 is shaping up to be a special year (1:34:01). Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 376: HICKIES + DRYHUMPS "The SoCal Party That Became a Filipino Movement" Feat. Esentrik Feb 04, 2026

Show notes

Episode 376: HICKIES + DRYHUMPS "The SoCal Party That Became a Filipino Movement" Feat. Esentrik This episode of Road Podcast features @JulzDelaPena and @Esentrik breaking down how real DJ careers evolve, from Julz getting into weddings and understanding presentation (02:05). The conversation touches on the reality of DJ promo culture, online bravado, and mentorship (07:03). The crew then speaks on DJ friendships, leaving retail to focus on parties, and changing economics (10:10). Julz revisits the roots of @HickiesAndDryhumps, why the party originally felt like a house party, and how moments like @MilesMedina and @JustBlaze pulling up after the Goldie Awards shaped its growth (25:07), before diving into Filipino classics and the quiet influence of Filipino DJs in nightlife (29:01). The crew then talks about San Diego’s venues, DJ unity, and why the city’s crowds feel more receptive and fun than Hollywood (47:59). Esentrik explains his showcase style of DJing and crowd reading (57:01). The episode closes with viral Seafood City DJ pop-ups (1:15:01), shrinking DJ rates, and promotion strategies (1:25:01). Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 375: "How Vinyl DJs Are Redefining NYC Nightlife” Feat. DJ Snips, Karl Brisseaux, Svpply, and Moochie Jan 21, 2026

Show notes

Episode 375: "How Vinyl DJs Are Redefining NYC Nightlife” Feat. DJ Snips, Karl Brisseaux, Svpply, and Moochie This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @Moochie, @DJSvpply, @Snipsmusic, and @KBrissy to talk about @RecordRoom and vinyl parties. The episode begins with Crooked reflecting on his first time attending Record Room and what immediately stood out (03:20), before the crew breaks down why vinyl sets earn more trust from audiences, from the visual curiosity of watching a DJ work to the difference between a DJ and a vinyl selector mindset (12:40). They explore why letting songs play longer works better in today’s shortened attention economy , the origins of Record Room and NYC’s Sway era, and the early days of Suede, including the choice to identify as vinyl DJs in 2025 (18:50). The conversation dives into why R&B sounds so good on vinyl, the importance of bridges, nuance, and letting records breathe, even at prime time (32:30). From there, the crew talks about party arcs, creative limitations, building crowds that trust DJs enough to book weeks ahead, and competing with couches instead of clubs (53:40). The episode closes with reflections on NYC nightlife legacy (1:03:10), curating an authentic New York experience (1:13:01), the cost of vinyl (1:21:05), rocking parties without obvious hits, and the personal relationships DJs have with their records (2:02:01). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!! Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 374: BUCKWILD "On Producing for Biggie, D.I.T.C., and Shaping the NY Sound" Jan 07, 2026

Show notes

Episode 374: BUCKWILD "On Producing for Biggie, D.I.T.C., and Shaping the NY Sound" This week on @RoadPodcast, we sit down with legendary producer @buckwild_ditc as he traces his full arc as a producer, starting with how he met Goldfinger at (01:14) and how tracks like Rakim’s “You Got Soul” at (05:10) pushed him toward beat making. The crew dives into the Roosevelt Room record convention at (13:10), where Pete Rock, Large Pro, Q Tip, Capri and others found the records that shaped classic hip hop, with Goldfinger adding his perspective at (23:45). They break down the core of the New York sound at (15:10), covering O.C.’s “Times Up” and the four to eight bar sample loop that defined 1994 and NYC. Buckwild speaks on digging for fresh textures at (25:01), the origins of Digging In The Crates, and how he used the “Seed of Love” sample before Just Blaze flipped it for Jay Z on “Public Service Announcement,” then explains how he met O.C. at (19:50). He runs through his top five productions at (39:00), breaks down why he insists on being in the studio during recording sessions at (22:01), and gets into the realities of clearing samples. The Biggie stories land at the center of the episode at (26:14). The conversation shifts into whether 2025 is a strong year for hip hop but a tough one for clubs at (32:51), why one-liners and real bars feel missing, and when the culture changed at (41:11) as labels downsized and the SoundCloud era took over. Buckwild reflects on chasing hits at (57:10), the story behind “Whoa!,” the beats Jay Z passed on, and what it meant to miss those records erupting in the club. The episode closes with thoughts on Saigon’s album at (1:00:51) and why a DITC compilation would be difficult to assemble at (1:11:01). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!! Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 373: 2025 WRAP-UP “Reviewing the Year's Best & Worst in Music & DJing” Dec 17, 2025

Show notes

Episode 373: 2025 WRAP-UP “Reviewing the Year's Best & Worst in Music & DJing” This week on @RoadPodcast we're joined by @Kazi, @Shwcase and @DJMarcoPenta to close out 2025 with a full wrap up of what actually mattered this year, breaking down Top 5 Club Bangers before diving into why songs are taking longer to connect, the lack of label support, and whether release dates should move back to Tuesdays so audiences can learn records before the weekend (14:13). The crew gives @Kehlani her flowers and talks about the success of “Folded” (19:33), then unpacks how rappers who once made club hits are now making gym or car music, GRWM and ‘vibey’ records, why “Whim Whammiee” feels like a novelty song, and how labels treat these tracks like penny stocks for quick money (31:10). A standout conversation follows on whether NYC DJs play edits or originals, genre flexibility in New York and what actually makes an edit better than the original (41:08). This leads into the Top 5 Edits (41:20) and a discussion on edit oversaturation after viral moments and why DJs lean on edits before developing their own style (51:32). The crew then reveals their Top 5 Editors of 2025 (1:23:01) and moves into Top 3 Overrated Tracks (1:39:40). The episode continues with Top 3 Artists (2:01:01), a wider Top Artists of 2025 conversation featuring Bad Bunny jokes, Drake talk, Beyonce’s unmatched versatility for DJs, and why legacy artists remain essential in 2025, ending with Crooked’s top three (2:18:03). They also cover Top 3 Back in Rotation (2:16:01), Crooked’s stories from @Moochie’s party at @RecordRoom in New York and why it stood out (2:47:00), Top Live DJ Sets (2:33:01), Favorite Moments from the year (2:53:01), and the most valuable lessons learned heading into 2026 (3:03:01). This episode is sponsored by @SoundCollectiveNYC, an industry-leading music school, musical space and community located in downtown Manhattan for aspiring DJ’s, Producers, Musicians and more. Take private Ableton lessons, practice DJ routines, experiment with different audio equipment and reserve studio spaces for just the day, maybe a week or sign up for their monthly membership. Check www.soundcollective.com for more info and try their Online Classes free for a month by entering the code “ROAD”. If you’re in the New York area, visit them at 28 Broadway, New York, NY 10004 and tell them the Road Podcast sent you!! Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

Episode 372: LAIDBACK LUKE “Discovering Avicii, DJing on an iPhone, and the Rise of Pre-Recorded Sets” Dec 03, 2025

Show notes

Episode 372: LAIDBACK LUKE “Discovering Avicii, DJing on an iPhone, and the Rise of Pre-Recorded Sets” This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @LaidbackLuke for a rare deep dive into his Vegas roots, the peak of EDM, and what keeps him inspired after three decades behind the decks. He recalls returning to Las Vegas and the opening of Hakkasan in 2012, a moment he calls the “we won” era of dance music when pop stars like @Pitbull and @IAmWill jumped on the EDM wave (01:66). Luke breaks down those early residencies that felt exotic at the time and how Vegas became a second home (06:10). The conversation turns to his most viral controversy: DJing on an iPhone. Luke explains the real setup behind it, the backlash, and how he uses feedback from that experience to push technology forward (11:27). Between laughs about “Do Not Disturb” mode during sets and Optic calling him the “Kevin Gates of EDM,” Luke shares how he balances innovation with the physical toll of performing that way. Luke also opens up about his respect for open-format DJs, calling them “heavily underrated,” and breaks down his approach to preparing for festivals while staying spontaneous on stage (28:01). Comparing DJing to martial arts, he says the real mastery comes from being prepared enough to adapt in real time (34:01). From there, he dives into the darker side of modern EDM: pre-planned sets, ghost production, and DJs who are “famous for being famous.” He estimates that 80 to 90 percent of festival sets are no longer fully live (36:35). Luke also revisits his time mentoring Avicii, running one of the first online DJ forums, and the wild story of downloading “Levels” on Limewire after fans wouldn’t stop requesting it (45:59). Later, he gets personal about burnout, sobriety, and finding longevity in an industry that rarely slows down (53:01). He shares the creative spark behind “Show Me Love” with @SteveAngello (1:19:05), and how that track evolved from “Leave the World Behind” into one of EDM’s defining remixes. The episode closes with Luke reflecting on control, collaboration, and his remixes being available on @Beatsource as he continues shaping the next generation of DJs (1:30:01). Try Beatsource for free: btsrc.dj/4jCkT1p Join DJcity for only $10: bit.ly/3EeCjAX

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