[sidenote]

We're back from a 3-month break! Consider this season 2, folks. Deep house DJ/producer/vocalist Alice.KM stops in for a conversation spanning her artistic process, the NYC scene, throwing parties in her local Tuscon AZ, and the role of social media as an emerging artist. Connect with Alice: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/alice.km_/ Solo.to | https://solo.to/alicekmNick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decoynick/ [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidenotemedia/All other platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Dollar Sign talks about his journey as a House DJ/producer, recently culminating in one of his releases reaching Beatport's Top 10 for Minimal / Deep Tech. He also chats about his early experiences throwing teen raves at the iconic Fox Theater in Pomona, the renegade party renaissance, and sharing a "hype house" with some of the Coalesce crew. Connect with Dollar Sign: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/kevtranada/ Linktree | https://linktr.ee/dollarsignbeatsNick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decoynick/ [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidenotemedia/All other platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

DJ/Producer Stephen Disario cruises through to chat about his Work residency with 6AM, adventures at Burning Man and ADE, his rave origins, balancing work & music, and his approach to getting tracks released. Connect with Stephen: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/stephendisario/ Linktree | https://linktr.ee/stephendisarioNick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decoynick/ [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidenotemedia/All other platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Gerard Not Gerald, co-head of Incognito, joins Nick for a conversation about the crew's 16-year history as a cornerstone of LA's house & techno scene, including navigating changing musical tastes, economics, and COVID-19. And if anyone's wondering, Gerard meant to shout-out Max Cooper at around 24 mins! Connect with Gerard: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/gerardnotgerald/ Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/iluvincognito/ Soundcloud | https://soundcloud.com/iluvincognito Nick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decoynick/ [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidenotemedia/All other platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Our first dubstep guest Rhino sits down to chat about his recent touring in Texas, regional genre preferences, the sync debate, his approach to producing, and DJ economics. Connect with Rhino: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/iamrhinoofficial/ Soundcloud | https://soundcloud.com/iamrhinoofficial Linktree | https://linktr.ee/IamRhino Nick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decoynick/ [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidenotemedia/

House/Techno newcomer Nica stops by to chat about Coachella, LIB, and Ibiza in addition to DJ gear, her musical influences, and favorite parties in LA. Connect with Nica: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/duhhhhnica/ Nick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decoynick/ [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidenotemedia/All other platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Atmospheric Techno DJ, Realize, stops by to show off his Sasha & Digweed merch while discussing networking in dance music as an introvert, his DJ origin story, partying at Berghain (and Europe in general), commercial considerations as an emerging artist, and more. Connect with Realize: Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/realizedj/ Linktree | https://linktr.ee/realizedj Nick on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decoynick/ [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidenotemedia/

We get another inside look at Southern California's Coalesce Gathering through its founder Forest Bump, who talks about the positive, collectivist ethos that undergirds the renegade event. Connect with Forest Bump: Instagram | @forest_bump, @reflectionsfm, @coalescenewyears Soundcloud | soundcloud.com/forest_bump Linktree | linktr.ee/Forestbump Connect with Nick:Instagram | : @decoynickInstagram | : @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Partner of Coalesce New Year's Gathering and the re|flections DJ collective, J. Gill, sits down with Nick for a conversation spanning 2020's lockdown livestream bonanza, the ups and downs of organizing a large renegade party in the desert, Burning Man (a favorite topic around here), and more. Connect with J. Gill: Instagram | @jgillmusic, @reflectionsfm, @coalescenewyears Soundcloud | soundcloud.com/jgillmusic Linktree | linktr.ee/jgillmusic Connect with Nick:Instagram | : @decoynick  @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Head of LA's Sound Dunes party, Pam Sessions, give us a candid look into the world of talent buying for clubs and festivals. She and Nick also chat about the challenges of juggling competing priorities as a triple threat (DJ/producer/promoter), her college radio and event production roots, and her methodical approach to marketing and networking in the social media age. Connect with Pam: Instagram | @itspamsessions Soundcloud | soundcloud.com/pamsessions Linktree | linktr.ee/pamsessions Connect with Nick:Instagram | : @decoynickInstagram | : @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

International house DJ/producer, FreedomB, stops by for a chat spanning DJing at Berlin sex parties, going to Berghain, his experiences touring North America, the current state of the European scene, and coming out to his mom as a raver. Catch his releases on Toolroom, Kittball, Repopulate Mars and more. Connect with FreedomB: Instagram | @freedom_b_ Linktree | linktr.ee/freedom_b_Connect with Nick:Instagram | : @decoynickInstagram | : @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

House & Techno DJ, Blanc Mamba, sits down for a conversation about her punk rock music roots, navigating trans identity in today's rave scene, building a career and community in the post-COVID landscape, and Burning Man. Connect with Blanc Mamba: Instagram | @blanc__mamba Soundcloud | soundcloud.com/blancmambaInstagram | : @decoynickInstagram | : @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Head of Under Los Angeles, the Eminent Artist Agency, and Progressive House purveyor, J. Wu, drops by for a conversation about navigating Asian American identity in dance music, the challenges of throwing events as a relative newcomer (and in Mexico!), and keeping it all going while holding down a day job. Connect with J. Wu: Instagram | @jwu.ofc / @under.losangeles / @eminentartistagency Soundcloud | soundcloud.com/jwu-music Web | jwumusic.comInstagram | : @decoynickInstagram | : @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Nick's younger brother and sister-in-law, Mark and Jasmine, pop in from New York City to discuss their introduction to rave and the current state of the NYC scene. The three of them also unpack a strange family adventure to Cityfox's Departure festival in Mexico. Forgive us, Cityfox and Brooklyn Mirage!Connect with Mark & Jas: Instagram | @litbyjasmine Nick on Instagram: @decoynick [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Dialogue resident, YOU KNOW WHAT boss, and long-time staple of the LA scene, Enzo Muro, sits down with Nick for a chat about their shared love of old-school Progressive House, Enzo's international festival adventures, aging as a raver, and keeping up with the new school. Nick's mic died during shooting, so pardon the audio issues. One day soon technical difficulties will completely be in our rear-view but, alas, not today. Connect with Enzo: Instagram | @enzomuro Soundcloud | www.soundcloud.com/enzo-muroInstagram | : @decoynickInstagram | : @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

The ubiquitous Lavenge stops by for a conversation about navigating disparate musical scenes as an open-format DJ, providing value as an artist, and the intricacies of networking. Connect with Lavenge: Instagram | @djlavenge Soundcloud | soundcloud.com/djlavengeConnect with NickInstagram | : @decoynickInstagram | : @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

We're back! House and Techno DJ, NOVACANE, stops in for the inaugural episode from our new set, talking to us about his Electric Jungle party, the Inland Empire rave scene, and the haters. Special shout-outs from NOVACANE to: Kylie Coats, Ssurpreme, Impulse, Swaysav, Lavenge, Jupiter, Diskreet, Edward Rodarte, Noscenterairbnb, Elation Moment, William Johnson, Catch One LA, UBL, and Meowhouse Connect with NOVACANE: Instagram | @novacanesounds Soundcloud | soundcloud.com/novacanesounds Web | www.novacane.co Nick on Instagram: @decoynick [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemedia

Marco Sgalbazzini, founder of Synthetik Minds and Chief Growth Officer at 6AM, sits down with Nick for a fascinating look behind the scenes of LA's booming rave scene, the trends and challenges therein, and what lies ahead for the future. Connect with Marco: Instagram | @synthetikminds Instagram | @6amgroup Linktree | https://linktr.ee/6amgroupConnect with NickInstagram | : @decoynickInstagram | : @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

House/Techno newcomer Errol Bangz joins Nick for a conversation about his stage name, going to parties solo, politics & dance music, the end of gatekeepers, and figuring out how to dance to music at 150bpm. More Errol: Instagram: @errolbangz Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/errolbangz Linktree: https://linktr.ee/errolbangz Nick on Instagram: @decoynick [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Techno DJ, Orly Gal, sits down for a conversation about her punk music roots, the grind of touring, playing in Mexico as a rite of passage for LA DJs, her time in the Israeli Defense Forces, and much more. More Orly Gal: Instagram: @orlygalofficialSoundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/OrlyGalOfficial Nick on Instagram: @decoynick [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Melina Saxon, owner and operator of Medusa Complex festival fashion, sits down with Nick for an inside look at festival vendor life, including its similarities to DJing, her packed event schedule, and the rewards and challenges of entrepreneurship within the rave ecosystem. Not surprisingly, psychedelics also come up! Medusa Complex on the Web: https://www.medusacomplex.com/ Medusa Complex on Instagram: @medusacomplex_fashion Melina on Instagram: @melinasaxon Nick on Instagram: @decoynick [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

House/Techno DJ and consummate aesthete, Dark Portals, drops in to shoot the shit about LA's vibrant rave scene, cultivating an image as a DJ, his approach to mixing, navigating ever-changing genres on Beatport, and more. Dark Portals on Instagram: @darkportals_ Vue Series on Instagram: @vue.series Nick on Instagram: @decoynick [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Newcomer and House purist, Tunez from the Crypt, sits down for a conversation spanning DJing in the age of social media, how digital marketing is reshaping the relationship between DJs and promoters, the metaverse, and mushroom trips. Tunez from the Crypt on Instagram: @tunezfromthecrypt ...on all other platforms: https://linktr.ee/tunezfromthecrypt Nick on Instagram: @decoynick[ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Visionary artist, Psychotronic Solutions, stops in to discuss his foray into the NFT space, working this year's Dirtybird Campout, finding a balance between spirituality and reason in the Burning Man community, and how psychedelics inform his truly amazing artwork. Psychotronic on Instagram: @psychotronicsolutions Psychotronic the Web: psychotronicsolutions.com Nick on Instagram: @decoynick [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

6AM boss and one of the principal architects behind LA's contemporary Techno scene, JIA, stops by for a conversation spanning his trance music roots, a life-changing experience at a Marcel Dettmann party, the many facets of the 6AM empire, and the challenges and lessons of entrepreneurship. JIA on Instagram: @jia6am 6AM on Instagram: @6amgroup 6AM on Soundclound: soundcloud.com/6amgroup Nick on Instagram: @decoynick [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

He's back! Nick's buddy Simon pops in to recap his adventures at Renegade Burning Man and Outside Lands. The two of them also nerd out about electronic music (per usual for this show), plan their 2022 festival itineraries, and debrief about a renegade party Nick helped organize. Follow Nick on Instagram: @decoynick Follow [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

DJ/producer, Swaysav, drops in for a compelling conversation spanning his early life living on the streets, how techno saved his life, and where he's at today. He and Nick also discuss their underwear preferences. Follow Sway on Instagram: @swaysav Follow Nick on Instagram: @decoynick Follow [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Sound man and owner of Loud Laboratory, Collin Rodriguez, chats with Nick about their shared music nerdiness, running systems for a wide range of parties from desert renegades to Insomniac events, and a little bit about the science of great sound. Follow Collin on Instagram: @collinreeve Follow Loud Laboratory on Instagram: @loud_laboratory Follow Nick on Instagram: @decoynick Follow [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Nick's friend and fellow bedroom DJ slash raver, Daniel, stops by for an amusing conversation about their most recent excursions in raveland, their shared love of classic trance, the time Nick met Sasha, and...frozen balearic gay biker house. Nick's dog Jasper also reappears for multiple cameos. Follow Daniel on Instagram: @ohemjeestatus Follow Daniel on Mixcloud: mixcloud.com/ohemjeestatusFollow Nick on Instagram: @decoynick Follow [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

LA DJ/Producer, Techsi, sits down with a Nick for a conversation about SoCal's thriving underground and the inspirational artists behind it, psychedelics (one of our favorite topics here), and the positive mindset that informs his approach to developing his musical career. Follow Techsi on Instagram: @techsi_ Check out his Linktree: https://linktr.ee/Techsi Follow Nick on Instagram: @decoynick Follow [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Omar of TechnoFamLA stops by for a deep conversation spanning his journey from promoting mainstream bottle service to underground techno events, his near death experience, and the family ethos that informs his approach to events and business. Follow TechnoFam on Instagram: @technofamlaFollow Nick on Instagram: @decoynick Follow [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Sarah Strandberg, head of the Fallen Angel Techno label and night, pops in for a conversation about everything from concealed weapons to playing gigs in Berlin to having to explain Techno to her parents in Montana. Follow Sarah on Instagram: @sarahstrandberg.dj Listen to Sarah on Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/sarahstrandberg Follow Nick on Instagram: @decoynick Follow [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Sound Nightclub resident and one of LA's most ubiquitous DJs, Ray Kash, sits down with Nick for a conversation about running the well-respected Temple Tuesday club night, addiction and mental health in dance music, economic fragmentation in the scene, and much more. Nick's dog, Jasper, also makes multiple cameos. Follow Ray on Instagram: @_ray_kash Listen to Ray on Soundcloud: soundcloud.com/RAYKASH Follow Nick on Instagram: @decoynick Follow [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemediaWatch or listen to [ s i d e n o t e ] on all platforms: https://linktr.ee/sidenotemedia

Rising Techno newcomer, NEKTER, sits down with Nick for some fun wining and vibing wherein they talk about her introduction to rave, partying in your 30s, and new age woo. Follow NEKTER on Instagram: @nekter.la Follow Nick on Instagram: @decoynick Follow [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemedia

True matriarch of the underground scene, Mama J, takes the hot seat to talk about the risks, challenges, and rewards of throwing events during COVID lockdowns--giving Nick a glimpse of her fascinating life as a DJ, entrepreneur, and jack-of-all-trades in the process. Follow Mama J on Instagram: @mamajmedia Follow Nick on Instagram: @decoynick Follow [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemedia

Florida breaks queen, Eva, chats with Nick about building a thriving online community during lockdown, sexism in the industry, and the post-COVID party scene. Follow Eva on Instagram: @imeltyourface Follow Nick on Instagram: @decoynick Follow [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemedia

New school acid techno DJ, Claws, chats with Nick about partying in Berlin, female representation in the scene, and navigating her secret identity in the default world. Follow Claws on Instagram: @_claws_ Follow Nick on Instagram: @decoynick Follow [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemedia

My good friend and fellow rave enthusiast, Simon, stops by for a hilarious discussion spanning Burning Man, the nature of reality, and...festival vendors.Follow Nick on Instagram: @decoynick Follow [ s i d e n o t e ] on Instagram: @sidenotemedia

LA legend, Thee-O, talks about the early days of the city's rave scene, how it's changed throughout his 30+ year career, and the politics of DJing. 

Electronic sound healer, Torkom Ji, stops by to talk about his Quantum Harmonix system and the intersection of rave and wellness culture. 

LA veteran and co-head of the Plastic Love label and night, Bas, stops by to chat about his introduction to DJing, rave economics, and his recent beef with a certain playa-tech DJ. 

Nick sits down with Robotek Reagan, formerly of the DJ duo, Dance Spirit. Tune in as they discuss the origins of Dance Spirit, hermetic philosophy, and Reagan's past struggles with addiction. 

Nick shares about his introduction to electronic music and the rave scene.