Breakbeat Music: Wes Smith on Juice Recordings, DC Rave Roots & the Art of Knowing Your Worth | A DJ's Journey Ep 2

DJ Deckard and Wes Smith explore the intricate journey of becoming a DJ, delving into their musical roots, early influences, and the evolution of the electronic music scene. They discuss the impact of raves, the challenges of navigating the music industry, and the importance of community and networking in shaping their careers. The dialogue highlights the unique paths each DJ takes, the significance of live performances, and the ongoing evolution of music production techniques. In this engaging conversation, Deckard and Wes Smith explore their journeys in the music industry, focusing on the evolution of DJing, the impact of technology like Ableton Live, and the importance of understanding one's worth in the business. They share personal anecdotes about their experiences in New York, the challenges of releasing music, and the significance of networking. The discussion also touches on unique experiences at events like Burning Man and the business side of music, including licensing and royalties.Thank you to our sponsor and friends at Asiento in San Francisco. A local woman owned neighborhood bar with fresh cocktails & delicious shareable bites. Deckard recommends the Madam burger. Hosts DJs & bands. Chapters00:00 The DJ's Journey Begins01:07 Musical Roots and Influences04:11 Discovering the DJ Culture09:42 The Evolution of Breaks and Rave14:59 First Rave Experience and Its Impact20:18 Networking and Building a DJ Identity28:33 The Evolution of DJing and Influences30:38 Balancing DJing with Education and Career33:19 The Buzz DC Experience and Networking in Music36:45 Learning the Craft: From DJing to Producing41:20 Building Community and Collaborations in DC44:04 Transitioning to New York: Challenges and Opportunities49:46 Finding Worth: The Value of Music and Engineering53:38 Navigating the Music Industry: Lessons Learned01:02:52 The Journey of a DJ: From College to Professional01:04:38 The New York Experience: A DJ's Perspective01:07:03 Cultural Exchange: DJing in India01:12:05 The Evolution of Music Revenue: Vinyl to Video Games01:16:22 Memorable Experiences: DJing at Burning Man01:21:50 Lessons Learned: DJ Fails and Growth01:31:16 Emerging Talent: Shoutouts and Inspirations