The Toolroom Academy Artist Breakthrough Podcast

From unpaid work experience at Amnesia Ibiza to interviewing Carl Cox, David Guetta, Underworld and some of the biggest names in electronic music, Katie Knight has built one of the most respected careers in dance music broadcasting.In this episode of The Artist Breakthrough Podcast, Katie Knight shares the reality of building a career in the music industry - from working seven days a week in Ibiza and dealing with rejection, to creating one of dance music's leading podcasts and learning from hundreds of artists, managers and industry professionals along the way.Whether you want to become a DJ, producer, broadcaster or work behind the scenes, this conversation is packed with honest advice on networking, storytelling, creating opportunities, and building a long-term career in electronic music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Artist Breakthrough Podcast, Pete sits down with Martha Bolton, founder of Not Bad For A Girl and one of the UK's leading voices on diversity and community in electronic music.Together they explore what it really takes to build a career in today's music industry, why community beats competition, how grassroots culture shapes the future of dance music, and the changes the industry still needs to make. From creating opportunities for underrepresented artists to navigating social media, networking, and breaking into the scene, Martha shares practical advice alongside her own journey building one of electronic music's most impactful organisations.Whether you're an artist, DJ, producer or simply passionate about the future of dance music, this episode is packed with honest insights and actionable advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From grassroots clubs in Liverpool to sold-out headline shows around the world, Girls Don't Sync have become one of the most influential collectives in electronic music.In this live conversation recorded at our conference, the Girls Don't Sync crew share the real story behind their rise - from playing seven-hour sets for £50 and building local communities, to navigating social media, producing music, dealing with criticism, and staying authentic in an industry obsessed with virality.We dive into why community matters more than followers, how they built a movement around inclusivity and friendship, the realities of life behind the scenes, and why supporting grassroots culture is more important than ever.Whether you're a DJ, producer, promoter or simply passionate about dance music culture, this episode is packed with honest insights, practical advice and powerful stories from one of the most exciting acts in electronic music today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Artist Breakthrough Podcast, we sit down with Grahame Farmer, founder of Data Transmission and The Artist Blueprint. He is one of the most respected voices in electronic music, to explore what really drives artist growth in today's industry.From building one of dance music's biggest media platforms to helping artists navigate social media, branding, networking and long-term career development.We discuss why most artists focus on the wrong things, how to grow a genuine audience, the importance of consistency, and why going viral isn't the shortcut many people think it is.Whether you're a DJ, producer, label owner or artist trying to break through, this episode is packed with practical advice you can apply immediately. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From acid house and record shops to ADHD, autism and redefining success in dance music...In this episode of The Artist Breakthrough Podcast, Pete sits down with legendary DJ, producer, journalist and author Harold Heath to explore his remarkable journey through over 30 years of electronic music culture.Harold shares how he discovered DJing through record collecting, built a career in the early house and tech-house scenes, and why some of his most celebrated records were created with little more than second-hand gear and instinct. He also opens up about receiving an ADHD and autism diagnosis later in life, how neurodiversity shaped his career, and why he believes DJ culture has always been a place where different minds can thrive.The conversation dives into creativity, record shop culture, social media, the changing definition of success, and why a life spent doing what you love is worth more than any headline slot.Whether you're a DJ, producer, artist or simply passionate about dance music culture, this episode is packed with wisdom, perspective and inspiration. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finishing Tracks, Overthinking & Producer Mindset...In this episode of The Artist Breakthrough Podcast, Pete and Cal dive deep into one of the biggest struggles producers face - actually finishing music. From perfectionism and overthinking to feedback, rejection, and creative block, they unpack the mindset shifts that help artists move forward and release more consistently.They discuss whether a “perfect track” really exists, how to handle opinions on your music, why too much feedback can hurt creativity, and the importance of trusting your instincts as a producer. The conversation also explores DJing your own tracks, working with engineers, red flags in feedback, social media’s impact on music culture, and why every artist’s journey looks completely different.An honest conversation packed with practical advice for producers trying to break through without losing themselves in the process. 📈 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Steven Braines joins us on The Artist’s Breakthrough Podcast to share his incredible journey through the global music industry - from promoting club nights in Sunderland to becoming one of electronic music’s most respected voices.Steven is the co-founder of the award-winning HE.SHE.THEY., former Head of Events for Defected & Glitterbox, and has worked across legendary brands including Ministry of Sound, Kiss and TAP Music. He’s also served on the boards of the NTIA, MMF and AFEM, while managing internationally acclaimed artists including Maya Jane Coles, Tale Of Us, Tricky, Nadine Shah, SYREETA, Catz N Dogz, Emily Nash, KDA and more.In this episode we dive deep into artist management, networking, club culture, diversity in dance music, mental health, building long-term careers, and what truly separates successful artists from the rest. Steven also shares powerful advice for new producers and DJs trying to break through in today’s music industry.From Ibiza stories and underground culture to major festivals, chart success and global touring - this episode is packed with honest insight, inspiration and real-world industry knowledge. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Laura is an award-winning producer, DJ and songwriter, and the first woman to win the Music Producers Guild Self-Producing Award.In this episode, she breaks down her journey from DIY pop projects and vocal features to becoming a fully self-produced artist in the dance music world.We talk about the moment that changed everything at Miami Music Week, why she stopped putting vocals on her own tracks, and how she built a signature sound by not reinventing the wheel every time.She also opens up about balancing motherhood with touring, the pressure of constant content, and why finding your own process matters more than chasing trends.If you’re trying to build a long-term career in music - this is one you need to hear! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

London-based DJ, producer and multi-instrumentalist Kiimi joins the Artist Breakthrough Podcast to talk about their journey from classical music training to playing some of the UK’s most exciting underground dance floors.In this episode, Kiimi shares how learning multiple instruments shaped their musical identity, why they refuse to be boxed into one genre, and how lockdown became the unexpected moment that pushed them into DJing and electronic music.We also dive into building a career in the modern dance scene, the importance of community in club culture, navigating social media as an artist, and why financial stability is a topic the music industry doesn’t talk about enough.Kiimi also discusses launching Club Hunni, their initiative supporting FLINTA producers and artists, and reflects on the realities of breaking through as an independent artist in today’s music landscape.If you're an aspiring producer, DJ, or artist trying to find your sound, this conversation is packed with honest insights and advice. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Being a DJ today looks very different to how it did even a few years ago. In this episode, Pete sits down with Jamie and Lawrence from Crossfader to talk about what it really takes to build a career in the modern DJ world.From the early days of Crossfader in Leeds to becoming one of the biggest DJ education platforms online, they break down the fundamentals most DJs overlook - developing real skills behind the decks, building a network, creating attention online, and learning how to read a crowd when not every set is a Boiler Room moment.They also discuss the realities of getting your first gigs, why many DJs overthink genres and playlists, how content and storytelling have become part of the job, and why authenticity matters more than ever in a crowded scene. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Carly Wilford joins the Artist Breakthrough Podcast to share her journey from 12-hour bar sets and Rinse FM breakfast radio to playing Tomorrowland and building an international DJ career.In this episode, Carly opens up about reinventing herself in dance music, navigating industry setbacks, starting again during the pandemic, and transitioning from presenter to producer. She breaks down the realities of momentum, networking, resilience, and what it actually takes to build longevity in today’s scene.If you're trying to carve your own path as a DJ or producer, this one is packed with perspective, honesty, and real-world lessons. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

D. Ramirez has lived through every era of dance music - from witnessing the birth of house in the UK to shaping sounds that defined entire movements. In this episode, he unpacks the real story behind his journey: early rave culture, underground clubs, Top of the Pops, career-defining remixes, industry mistakes, and the moments that almost broke him.This is a rare, honest conversation about longevity, reinvention, and what it actually takes to survive 30+ years in dance music - told by someone who was there when it all began. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From early label politics and dodgy contracts, to moving to London with no studio, working as a waiter, and rebuilding everything through residencies, relentless output, and smart connections. We get into workflow, touring vs family life, why warm-up culture is fading, how he writes so fast (including making Love Desire in under an hour), and why he’s staying true to house even when trends move on. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What does it really take to last in dance music?In this Christmas Special of The Artist Breakthrough Podcast, Mark Knight reflects on over two decades at the top of electronic music - from building Toolroom into one of the world’s most influential labels to navigating constant change, pressure, and expectation.The conversation goes beyond success stories, digging into longevity, relevance, decision-making, and the realities behind running a global label while still touring and creating. Mark speaks candidly about how the industry has evolved, the role of platforms like Beatport and Spotify, why human curation still matters, and what upcoming artists misunderstand about careers in music.There’s reflection, humour, honest perspective - and a reminder that staying at the top is often harder than getting there. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of The Artist Breakthrough Podcast, Pete sits down with Stuart Knight (Co-founder of Toolroom) and Chris Goss (Co-founder of Hospital Records) to unpack how dance music culture has shifted over the last 30 years - from vinyl, white labels and packed record shops to Boiler Room, phones on the dancefloor, and the rise of DJ celebrity culture.They go deep on how independent labels were built from nothing, the real hustle behind early club culture, why events have become riskier than ever, and whether the music has been lost in the performance. It’s an honest, unfiltered conversation about community, legacy, and what actually matters if you’re trying to break through today. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Finding your sound is one of the hardest parts of becoming a producer and Cal and Pete pull it apart properly. From choosing your lane to shaping an identity that actually gets traction, they share the practical mindset shifts and techniques new artists need.You’ll also hear fresh Academy updates, insights from ADE, details on new courses with Crossfader, Cruzy and Rewire, and live A&R reactions to alumni demos. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

How far can obsession take you? Chapter & Verse has dropped 132 tracks in five years, built his own success, and outworked half the scene. We get into the madness behind the method - the obsession, the doubt, the hunger - and how to keep going when everyone else burns out. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.