Emma Kapotes is a content creator/influencer and the host of Rave Culture Cast, a weekly podcast that covers dance music industry news, community topics, festival tips, artist interviews and more.
In this episode we talk about the CULTURE of dance music, how we both got into the scene, the importance of adding value to the community, tips for social media and more.
Follow Emma and Rave Culture Cast here:
https://www.instagram.com/emmakapotes
https://www.tiktok.com/@emmakapotes
https://www.youtube.com/emmakapotes
https://www.instagram.com/raveculturecast
https://www.youtube.com/@RaveCultureCast
And visit my site to join the mailing list, book a free coaching call or get in touch:
https://www.nikcherwink.com
Emma Kapotes is a content creator/influencer and the host of Rave Culture Cast, a weekly podcast that covers dance music industry news, community topics, festival tips, artist interviews and more.
In this episode we talk about the CULTURE of dance music, how we both got into the scene, the importance of adding value to the community, tips for social media and more.
Follow Emma and Rave Culture Cast here:
https://www.instagram.com/emmakapotes
https://www.tiktok.com/@emmakapotes
https://www.youtube.com/emmakapotes
https://www.instagram.com/raveculturecast
https://www.youtube.com/@RaveCultureCast
And visit my site to join the mailing list, book a free coaching call or get in touch:
https://www.nikcherwink.com
don't overthink it just start posting like you just need to be Consistent and put your energy into something. Share your journey, talk to your audience. When I'm creating videos, I'm like, okay, what is my Audience need to see like what tips can I provide them? What are they talking about right now? How can I help them honestly just start posting and don't overthink things really don't be too stressed out. It doesn't need to be overly produced or anything. Like, yes, there's a time and place for that. Um, but I think you can just start sharing.
Nik (Detached audio):What's up everybody. Welcome to the headliner mindset podcast. Today's guest is the host of rave culture cast, a podcast that covers everything about dance music and rave culture from tricks and tips on how to get the most out of your festival experience to interviews with artists and industry guests. Her podcast is truly adding a ton of value to the scene and community. Thanks for listening. This is Emma Kapotes,
Track 1:hi guys, thanks for having me
Nik (Detached audio):welcome, welcome. I'm so excited to see you and to have you here. You know, we are, uh, we just got to meet in person recently in Austin and just like nerd out on everything about dance music, uh, and raving and podcasting. And it was so good to meet you in person.
Track 1:Same here. Yeah. No, I told you but it's like your name kind of like entered my universe and so many people We have like so many connections So to actually like be able to go meet you in person after that and just like yeah I love doing this. So meeting other people who have the same passions. It was awesome to connect like that
Nik (Detached audio):Yeah, Same thing. Your name was popping up from like just different friends and people and the universe was magnetically attracting us to, to me at some point. So glad we could make it happen.
Track 1:same here
Nik (Detached audio):Yeah. So I'd love to start off by having you share a little bit about what your podcast is all about. Rave culture cast. First off, like what inspired you to start this? When did you start it and what was the inspiration?
Track 1:Yeah, for sure. So, I started it in April 2019, so actually we're almost at our five year anniversary this month, which is crazy. That went fast. Thank you. Um, yeah, I mean, you know more than anyone, I love talking to podcasters because like you get what the grind is like, but, um, yeah, so I had a YouTube channel first where I was doing like festival and rave related videos and then, you know, podcasting was already kind of blowing up at the time, um, but it was more so, I just wanted a longer format. to discuss, um, some of the topics I was doing on my YouTube channel because I love to talk, and I was like, we don't have, or as far as I knew, there wasn't anything like community related. There were a lot of like interview podcasts or like artist interviews I would, you know, read online or watch those on YouTube. Um, but I was like, okay, I think we need something to talk about like community topics, so that's kind of where Rave Culture, it was originally Rave Culture Podcast and then we cut the pod after like a year or two, I rebranded.
Nik (Detached audio):yeah.
Track 1:If you will, and um, And yeah, and it was kind of like, I would read a lot of like listener submissions and like funny stories and things happening at raves. Uh, I would talk about like festival tips and just experiences I had, harm reduction, like all kinds of different things like that. And, and then interviews started, you know, getting involved too. And I started having guests on and it's kind of just like completely snowballed from there over the last five years.
Nik (Detached audio):Yeah, so cool. Like, you know, I think when I look at what you're doing, the biggest thing that I see is just adding value,
Track 1:Thank you,
Nik (Detached audio):you said one of the key words, which is community, you know, and, and a lot of, a lot of artists talk about wanting to build their community and that's what this whole thing is. It's just this big community and, and you found a really cool way to, to add value to it, you know? And I think that that's why it's been successful.
Track 1:Thank you so much. Yeah, I have, I do have a lot of fun coming up with like the topics we talk about and the episodes I've covered and there's been, I think next week I'm putting out episode 218 already, but there's still like so many things to discuss and so many like interesting stories to tell. so it's fun for me to just like come up with new, new things that I want to cover on the podcast.
Nik (Detached audio):when did you have the idea for this? And like, where does your passion for adding value to this particular community come from?
Track 1:Um, yeah, so it came. I went to EDC Las Vegas. That was kind of like the catalyst to everything I had been to shows and raves just like locally or in college, but EDC Vegas was my first festival in 2015 and that was kind of like Obviously being thrown into the culture and my first time seeing rave culture in that way and like I think From the size of the production to like the outfits and seeing how people like express themselves I like just had not been around that at that magnitude and that's when I was like, oh my god There's so many people Like me who love this and I met so many people from around the united states who are still my friend like friends today So that was like the catalyst that was like, okay. I'm obsessed with this now. Like this is my personality now um, yeah, and then I started my youtube channel in 2017 and that Was honestly because I was youtubing so many things like how do I prepare for ultra Miami? What do I bring into EDC and I'm like looking this up and there were like two videos on YouTube. There was like nothing So that's when I decided I was like, okay, I'm gonna start making tips and advice videos, you know for people Who are searching the same thing? then I think a lot of people found me through my EDC content cuz I had so much so many videos on EDC And it yeah that also just steamrolled from there Heh
Nik (Detached audio):I love that part of it where, It's like any business really, where if you see a void in the marketplace,
Track 1:Mm hmm
Nik (Detached audio):where there's this thing that I want and I can't find it, it doesn't exist. So going and creating it and saying, Hey, like there's a, there's a demand for this, but there's no supply. Right. And so you really stepped in and really started, uh, Yeah, Adding value in that way. It's so cool.
Track 1:Yeah, thank you. Yeah. No, I think um there I mean, it's it's completely different now Like there's so many content creators and I feel like that has taken on a life of its own Even like with influencer marketing and how it's like related to festival marketing and stuff But yeah at the time there just was not that that much online. So it was good to get in there early You
Nik (Detached audio):into the scene a little bit earlier than, than you. I think I was, it was like 2009 was when I went to my first rave. And back then, shout out to all my OG ravers. If you know, what's up, you know, what's up. Because there was this thing we had called plur life and it was basically. My space for ravers. So that was like how we all connected, you know, cause there was no, I mean, even like social media was barely like, you know, like Instagram wasn't really popping off like nothing. I don't even know. Yeah. When I don't, I don't remember being on Instagram back then. It was like we had Facebook, but there was this thing called plur life and it was basically like my space, but it was, everyone had their rave profile and it was just, you know, your raver name. And then it was just like, you know, you'd post pictures of you and like your rave family. And then you'd go out and you'd meet people, you know, you'd meet the other like ravers, you know, you'd introduce like your real name, but then you'd give them the raver name, right? Everybody knew their raver names. And then it'd be like, Oh, you on plur life. And that's how we get connected. And then you'd, you know, you'd, you'd coordinate like link ups and stuff like, Oh, you're gonna be at the next rave. And then like our little crews would all get together. Like it was such a, it was such a cool thing. Yeah, I don't, I don't think that's around anymore. But plur life was the shit. Shout
Track 1:I love that. See, this is why I love doing that. Yeah, because it's so cool. And I actually get asked a lot about covering more like 90s rave culture and things like that. Cause I, you know, I was born in 91. So that was, I was not a part of that at the time. But, um, no, but I do remember, I think it was at that first EDC that I went to, we just met a random person like in the stands and he came up to us out of nowhere and was just like, I'm gonna give you guys your rave names and we were like, oh, what does that even mean? Okay, and he like assigned I don't even remember what mine was But he like assigned us each rave names and like it was just those little moments that I was like Okay, cool. Like this is a part of the culture and i'm just diving into it. So I love that
Nik (Detached audio):So do you have a rave name? You got a rave name. Then that was always one of my favorite things. I loved finding the perfect name. I was like, I got it. This is your name. And it would and you know, like that was one of my favorite things was to name people. You don't remember what yours was or did you eventually get another rave name?
Track 1:No, I never really ended up getting i'm always i've always just been like rave mom to everyone Like I feel like all my subscribers literally just call me rave mom. Like these are all my babies but no he assigned one to my friend. I don't remember. I think he called him like ghost or something
Nik (Detached audio):Ha ha
Track 1:I just remember his but no, I don't remember what he called me We'll have to find one or I need a dj name eventually if I ever decide to do that
Nik (Detached audio):sure. For sure. Yeah, mine, when, let's see, my first rave, we went to see Armand Van Buren. It was called, it was Monster Massive. It was, Monster Massive was a big Halloween party. Saw Armin van Buuren. Cause I was already like, I was, I've came from a musician background. So I was more like, I was listening to the music for a while. I was just like getting into, you know, back then it was just like, trance was like, that was, it was like, Tiesto was like the only DJ anybody had ever heard of and found Armin and, uh, yeah, went, went to this Monster Massive and it was super, super fun. Met like a couple other, you know, cool people that night, like my little, my little group. And, uh, We were leaving. It was when we had left the rave and it was like, you know, you're all like hot and sweaty while you're, while you're
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):back to the parking lot. As soon as you leave, you're like, holy shit, it's four in the morning and it's freezing and everybody's cold. And, um, there was this girl that we were with and as we were walking, I was like, I just like kind of grabbed her from behind cause she was like, oh, I'm cold. And so I just like put my arms around her to like warm her up. And she was like, oh, you're like my jacket. And then that became my raver name. I was jacket was my, yeah,
Track 1:I thought you were gonna say you were like shivers or something because you were
Nik (Detached audio):Yeah, yeah, yeah. So that was always my thing. I would just like, when people were cold, I would just come like wrap them
Track 1:Oh, I love that.
Nik (Detached audio):them up. Yeah, that
Track 1:That's so
Nik (Detached audio):that was my gift. Yeah, oh man, that was fun. that was fun.
Track 1:Yeah. Didn't you say you came from like a rock background though as well? Before
Nik (Detached audio):still I'm still like
Track 1:In that
Nik (Detached audio):metalhead. Yeah, I mean, I grew up playing drums and, uh, it was in metal bands.
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):I grew up on classic rock punk punk. I was like a big skater and punk rock. So it was interesting. It was actually I was Really into even like this kind of specific sub genres of like European death metal, but it was very, very melodic. It was very like, it was very, uh, musically intelligent and very, uh, very, just like beautiful compositions. Like if you, you could play like an orchestra version of it, it would be very orchestral. And so actually for me, that was where I, it was the connection between that style of music, not like hardcore heavy. You know,
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):think a lot of people think of. This is more like Swedish and finish like, uh, you know, roots of, of musicianship, but it translated to trance music because trance music was, you know, very melodic, very musical. And I, that, that connection was just like what kind of had me make the jump. Um, it was always about like the, yeah, the melodies and stuff for me.
Track 1:I love, I love that people who similarly have that gateway. So are you like, I know Sullivan King is like a big one, but are, do you just love when other artists like have that? Cause I mean, obviously Skrillex came from a band, but even like Keizo and other artists who feature, you know, rock in their, in their tracks.
Nik (Detached audio):it's hard. I haven't seen that many people really do it well. To be honest, I actually had this guy, Johnny McBee on my podcast. He's in a band called the Browning and there's a whole sub genre called electronic core. So it's very, it's very metal. It's very, it's like metal core, but it's also very heavily influenced with electronic music. So the Browning, I think are, you know, it's probably like 75 percent metal and 25 percent electronic. But I think for me right now, it's like. Pendulum is are probably the ones that do it best
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):you know, like the dmb scene I think the drum and bass scene is doing a good job of kind of bringing like the the more metal stuff like yeah I still don't totally some of the collabs. There's like actually some pretty big collabs with big djs and actual metal bands like they're they're They're getting closer, they're getting closer
Track 1:You sure?
Nik (Detached audio):it, you know, it's uh, it'll still be like, uh, you know, just like a metal verse and then a dubstep drop, it's almost like they just start taking like a mashup, you know, like two
Track 1:For sure.
Nik (Detached audio):but we're getting closer.
Track 1:I love it. Yeah. I like the more, so like, I'll, it's more just nostalgic for me. I was definitely more on like the lighter, like pop punk girl kind of vibe. So like, said this guy, like those, when he does like those collaborations, I'm like, oh, that hits my, that hits my high school self.
Nik (Detached audio):for sure. So this word culture has really been on my mind for the last like month or so. Uh, I interviewed Carlos Alcala a little while ago, really great episode for everyone to go check out. He is the head of A& R at Thrive Music, um, which is, you know, been one of the, you know, just super hot labels right now. And, you know, he talked about how. He even as as an A& R for the head of this label like he's still he's going out every weekend And he's still DJing and he's just like got his finger on the pulse of the culture, right? Like he's still he goes out. He's out, you know going out till 4 in the morning Like he loves on the underground scene He loves dance music culture and rave culture and like he's just all about it and it got me really thinking about Just this whole idea of culture and so I first want to ask you like how would you describe? rave culture
Track 1:Ooh, today, I guess? Anyway.
Nik (Detached audio):Sure
Track 1:Oh my god, I don't know. I feel like it's changed so much. To me, like, rave culture is just like Creating a safe, inclusive space for people to kind of like, express themselves, be fully present in the moment, like all surrounded by music, like music being at the center of it for me personally. so for me, I don't know, it's just a place like where I'm able to like, just kind of escape the real world, be fully present in it, enjoy dance music, like. Be whoever I want to be in that time. and then also just having this collective Of other people on the exact same wavelength for you Like as you because that's how I feel with all the friends i've met through this scene. They're like my closest Like tight knit community of of people so I just think it's like I don't know just a separate like unit of people for me personally
Nik (Detached audio):do you feel the rave culture has changed?
Track 1:I try to like stay as tapped in as I can especially just like online just seeing like what what people are talking about and I feel like there's this constant conversation of like Is plur dead or like the scene has changed so much. It's too mainstream now. I still feel like at its core people are still as passionate about the music and people are there to like Have a good time and I I still see people like taking care of one another on the dance floor. I think the scale of it is probably the biggest difference because I always see people commenting They're like it's not the same as like the warehouse energy when they were illegal and it was underground which I totally get like we Just don't have that as much now. I think Just how big they are and the amount of people it attracts in has probably changed the crowds a lot. but I still think that like passion and love and energy, and like magic is still there. Uh, it might just, you know, depending on the event that you go to, it might just be a different experience.
Nik (Detached audio):Yeah. I'm really excited to peel the layers back and go deeper into this conversation. Uh, You know, with you being somebody who really is connected as a fan and obviously also like, you know, an influencer as well. so much of what I've, my experience has been working with artists on the artist side, right? It's kind of like you're on, you know, one side of the stage and the other, uh, obviously everybody plays their role in creating, creating that culture and creating that experience. Um, because when I was, Talking to Carlos, it was like this was the seed that was really planted from my perspective Is I think a lot of artists are actually very disconnected from the culture
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):artists that you know, they Make music and they spend a lot of time in the studio as you should And maybe they were introduced to music through video games or through you know, some other form some other place You Rather than actually going out to raves, so they might not have had an experience of going to raves or going to clubs, or maybe they just don't go out at all really that much. So there's this interesting lane of artists where they're really tapped into the culture of the music per se, or more just like the studio life. But You know, it's different than when you have, you know, someone like Carlos, he's like, yo, I'm, I'm out every, every weekend and I'm, and I'm DJing and I'm going out and I'm really like tapped into that. I think that it's really important, you know, cause as an artist, you're choosing to, you know, if, if you want to be a touring artist. You got to be about the culture. You got to be about it. You got to understand it and like the more you kind of have your finger on the pulse of what's going on and what it's all about. It's like understanding the fans understanding the culture like you're going to be a better DJ because there's also there's a lot of and I guess this is more like. The difference between DJ culture and being an artist or a music producer. They're actually two different things. A lot of people spend so much time in the studio making the music and like you have to, like, that's where it starts. but. Are you also a good DJ? And do you know, like, how to actually really have that connection with the crowd? And have you been in the crowd before? Do you know what it's like to be a fan? You know, and, and, and I think a lot of people still, you know, that's usually most people's stories. They probably were going to raves or going to shows and like, fuck, I want to be on stage. But there's actually a lot of people that. are very disconnected from the culture and they're not going out. And I just think it's, I think it's important. I think if you're saying, Hey, I want this to be my lifestyle. I want to be a touring artist. Then I think it's really important that you understand the bigger, you know, ecosystem and the bigger culture that you're actually going to be a part of, you know, so there's rave culture and like, you know, your podcast really is about rave culture. but I think there's also a difference between like club culture and maybe even festival culture in general. All do you see that same kind of separation between like each of those worlds?
Track 1:yeah, I think so. I mean, so for me, I'm in New Jersey, so for, I always went to shows, like, pretty much in New York City or Brooklyn, we, I didn't, really didn't do, like, much in New Jersey, When I was going out more to like clubs in manhattan or going to shows in brooklyn I do think it's a little bit of a different energy than what i'm going to experience at like a major music festival like I would say i'm more of a fan of festival culture just because It's a different energy there. I don't know, people are just like super, super friendly and open. Uh, sometimes at shows I feel like it, it just depends on the show and the night. Like you can get people who are there just to like party and just want to go out that night. and then you can get hardcore fans who are like really there for the music. Like fully enjoying the show. So, for me it's like, it was always like hit or miss with, with club shows. Cause it, it, Was a mix of like people who wanted to do bottle service people who were partying too hard and then people who were there for the music and I feel like festivals it was really like They were more immersed in rave culture. So I I have noticed differences in those two So that's why I don't I don't go to I definitely don't go to clubs as much anymore since i'm a mom But like i'll go to shows at brooklyn still occasionally. but I prefer festival culture
Nik (Detached audio):it's just, I hadn't thought about it until I was preparing for This
Track 1:Mm hmm
Nik (Detached audio):conversation I was like, what do I really want to talk about? And just like, I can't get over this word culture, but then I started thinking about like, wait, there is a, there's different cultures, right? There's a different culture, even within, you know, obviously different festivals have their own culture as well. You know, Texas eclipse is happening right now. There's going to be a certain vibe. It's going to attract a certain type of person. but like club culture is very different from festival culture. I would say also even rave culture. You know,
Track 1:Mm hmm
Nik (Detached audio):the more like underground rave scene. There's a difference between a festival and a rave,
Track 1:Yes, definitely
Nik (Detached audio):out to, I know you're, you know, you're super deep in like going to all the big festivals. Do you go to like proper raves? Like, is there like underground shit that you're tapped into and like New York and stuff? I know, I know there's some fucking sick parties
Track 1:for sure Honestly, it's been a long time. Honestly, probably not as much No, I always went to like some of the bigger venues and things like that or just concerts in general like anything live events related But no, I really haven't had the opportunity. I would love to go abroad That's been on like my bucket list for a very long time because to me that is like proper Dance music culture. So that is for sure on the bucket list. But no, I mean I've seen venues pop up I haven't had a chance to go that are kind of trying to emulate that culture the closest thing that I loved I was actually just talking to someone about it today. We used to have a venue in New York called out output which was like No cameras, they covered your phone when you came in and it was just like a dark Kind of like warehouse club vibe energy And I saw nicole mudaber play there from like open to close and that was one of my favorite Nights ever woke up woke like left and the sun was coming up. So like that club. I like r. i. p I wish they kept it. It's not around anymore But that to me I I felt like was like true dance music fans when I would go there
Nik (Detached audio):yeah. yeah. And I love pointing out like, yeah, the distinction between that. And again, I do think it's good for artists to also understand, especially when you become a touring DJ is like knowing where, what city are you playing in? What club or festival or environment are you playing in? What time of night is it? Like that's where like good DJs really know how to like curate their set depending on like, Where they are in the globe, what season it is, what time it is, you
Track 1:For sure.
Nik (Detached audio):play a different set in Miami than you are in, you know, New York or Amsterdam or
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):I know you and I, a great example of this, you and I are both the big Eric Pridz fans. I saw you talk, I saw you getting pumped about Pridz. He's like my number one. He's
Track 1:Oh, I love him! That's amazing.
Nik (Detached audio):the God of fucking
Track 1:Everything.
Nik (Detached audio):opinion, you know, I
Track 1:Yeah, yeah, yeah.
Nik (Detached audio):like worship at the, at the church of Pridz, but it was so cool to see him where I've seen. His actual production, you know, where it's just a Eric Prid's headline show at like a 4, 000 cap venue and like what he does with that, the hologram stuff, like all the visuals, like the set that he plays, then I also seen him at a, you know, club space, you know, in Miami playing
Track 1:Oh, nice.
Nik (Detached audio):a, nightclub
Track 1:Yeah, yeah, yeah. Mm hmm. Mm
Nik (Detached audio):Escape from wonderland, a festival set. Which was probably my least favorite. I actually remember like not really loving it that
Track 1:For sure. Yeah,
Nik (Detached audio):then also seeing him here in Austin at the concourse project, which is just like a fat warehouse, just lasers, like no visual background and just seeing like. All of those were different sets. All of those were even just like, I don't know, just it's like this very nuance even of culture, you
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):going to space that, you know, that the crowd at space versus the crowd at escape versus the crowd, you know, at these other shows. It's like, it's just a really interesting thing to pay attention to that. I think where, where all this is coming from. I'm just like.
Track 1:Yeah,
Nik (Detached audio):artists to pay attention to this is like go out more and like notice the difference. Notice those distinctions,
Track 1:yeah, and play different venues to like, because I totally agree with you. It's like you have the bigger concert halls, which is going to be one experience and attract a certain crowd. And then, yeah, I mean, I've been to some really tiny venues to like, just a room like in Brooklyn as well. And like that, I saw Mala play that in 2016 when he was like, Just about to blow up and I'll like never forget that because I like who knows if he'd even play something like that now so I think yeah It's important for them to play the different size venues because I I wonder this all the time like if you blew up Right away and you went straight to playing like main stage festival sets and you didn't have that time to play the small stages I'm like I I would be nervous, but I don't know how they do it
Nik (Detached audio):gotta cut your teeth a little
Track 1:Mm hmm. Definitely. Yeah, just get those experiences
Nik (Detached audio):You know, and back to that. Question around how has like the culture change and you're seeing a little bit of this conversation of like, Oh, you know, is it used to be different or plur isn't as alive as it used to be. And, and I can see how that is true to a certain extent.
Track 1:hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):when you think about the nineties, it's like there wasn't huge. Fuck you money. You know, there were, and it wasn't like all of this fame. It was like it was underground. So people that were doing it, We're really more so doing it from pure passion and just like, yo, we're not here to like get a bunch of Instagram followers and get a bunch of clout and make a ton of money and like, you know, live this like private jet lifestyle.
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):being a famous DJ, like, yeah, they were. Big, but it was still underground. So it's like anyone that was doing it. I think it was a bit more pure. It was purely coming from like, I fucking love this. Like, I love this culture.
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):you know, now, I think it is a bit different because now it's huge. And there's a lot of money, and there's a lot of fame, and there's a lot of clout. And so I think that there's, you know, it does attract, you know, even just from I'm thinking, even from the artist perspective, you know, there's
Track 1:Mm
Nik (Detached audio):bit more
Track 1:Yep.
Nik (Detached audio):a famous DJ versus I want to be a DJ because I really love the scene and I love this culture. Yeah,
Track 1:everyone. I think that applies to artists. I think that applies, because on my side, just hearing about, like, other content creators and things like that, I think It's everything. Uh, if there's money to be made there now, then I think that like, changes the energy a lot as well. And it's like, you have these massive organi I mean, I've spoken to a lot of festival organizers too, and I think, Their intentions and how they're coming about a festival obviously plays a huge toll as well because festival tickets are just like rising in price so I think that probably is a huge difference in the culture now Like I feel like you probably just didn't even pay to go to these raves You would just like show up and have a good time and now it's like six hundred dollars to go to a festival weekend Which is not everyone can afford that so that automatically cuts out a huge portion of people even being able to attend
Nik (Detached audio):yeah, yeah. It's interesting to like understand the whole economics is of it as well. It's like catching it right when it blew up, uh, 2009 2010, there was this scene, there was this moment where there was this huge bubble, where like it, the wave just really hit America, and Vegas was the thing that really, I don't want to say fucked it up, but it changed the economy of it, because, DJs were getting paid a certain rate to play, you know, shows and festivals and stuff. But then Vegas had this like casino money
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):started paying people like, yo, you can come here and play for a million dollars a night,
Track 1:Right.
Nik (Detached audio):And that was just like, maybe you were getting 50 grand or a hundred grand, you know, to play these other shows. And then all of a sudden, 10 times as much. And so it, it really kind of pushed the bar because then a lot of DJs were like, well, I'm getting paid a million dollars a year to play over here. These little 50 K fees like almost forced other promoters to start having to pay more and kind of compete with Vegas. Like it was really interesting, you know, economics of dance music culture that, that
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):And I think it's still figuring itself out as well.
Track 1:For sure, yeah, and I mean, I guess on like the positive side of things, as far as like a fan experience, I, as, I mean, I would say the production, like what we're able to experience to me is incredible, even just compared to like what I was going to in 2012, 2013, 2014. Like, The size of the events, the visuals, like talk about Eric Prydz, so like I, I'm happy on that side of it because it seems like everyone's just forced to like step up their production, step up their visuals, like what is a fan experience, what is their tour going to be like, so on that side of things, it's amazing to see the culture like develop in that way and see how they're using like AI and all different things like that to just like enhance their experiences, so that side of things I think is like absolutely incredible and I want to, I definitely want to do more types of like events and festivals as well, That I haven't, like, tapped into yet, but I love that part of it.
Nik (Detached audio):Yeah, Where would you want to go? What would you want to tap into?
Track 1:Ooh, I still have Tomorrowland on my list. Like, I'm more, yeah, more, like, abroad. Tomorrow, you haven't done it either?
Nik (Detached audio):No, I haven't been.
Track 1:yeah. Our group is, like, contemplating next year. It's on the, it's on the radar for 2025.
Nik (Detached audio):Yeah. yeah,
Track 1:So, Tomorrowland would, just to check that one off. and then I've had friends do things like Envision. Or like BPM, I think something like that. That's like a house and techno festival. that's also more of like Where they have like workshops and it's like well being and like it's a little spiritual as well Like that I want to do next that's on the list
Nik (Detached audio):Yeah, I love seeing that, like, Kind of transformational festival
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):really growing as well, right where it's more than just like oh We're just just music and just partying. It's like oh there's workshops and there's yoga and all these other things too. It's pretty cool
Track 1:I love that part of it. Yeah, and I know like, some festivals do, I mean, Electric Forest does a really good job with it. Um, I was a part of their creator program in 2022, and they, they also have like their Brainerie, which is like all workshops. I know Lost Lands offers like a ton of stuff in their campgrounds, so I feel like if it's a camping festival in the U. S., they're starting to elevate what they offer, like as far as like any activities like that. Okeechobee was another one. They had some really fun. Um, Things at Okie. So I love that. I think I just talked about this in a previous episode. I was like if we're gonna be paying these high Prices for tickets like we better have I better be coming out as a new human being at the end of it
Nik (Detached audio):sure Yeah, from your perspective as a fan. who are artists that you really like and that you're like really really like a super fan
Track 1:Mm hmm
Nik (Detached audio):what is it about them that makes you a super fan? What is it beyond like just loving the music that makes you like really follow an artist and really be like a super fan of them?
Track 1:Yeah, okay, so, I've, like, I've always said this, I haven't changed, my top three for, like, ever has always been Eric Prydz, Seven Lions, and Oliver Heldens. Like, I've just loved the three of them. Honestly, Prydz and 7Lions, although their music is different, they were similar for me. I saw both of them, like, I saw 7Lions first, but around 2015, 2016, both at EDC's. And for me, it was their live set that sealed it in. I already liked 7Lions music, but when I saw him play live, Hearing him blend like melodic bass and dubstep with trance and side trance drops like literally blew my mind and I was like What is this? This is incredible and I would just tell everyone i'm like you have to see him live Like you'll get it when you see it live And just watching his career Develop and what he's done for the genre like I feel like there's so many copycats of him now or people trying to do What he does but and the man never speaks Like I don't think that like Personally different but like on like never talks. He just lets his music and sets like do the talking.
Nik (Detached audio):it's such a great example because he really was a risk taker and an innovator where he's like, Hey, I'm going, he was one of the, you know, first main guys that was breaking the genre boundary and being like, Hey, when I play a set, I'm going to, I'm going to very artistically mix in. Six, seven, eight different genres. Nobody was doing that. I remember seeing him too. And I was like, this motherfucker just dropped like every style of music in an hour and nobody else was really trying that or taking that kind of a risk. So that's a great, great example.
Track 1:Yeah, and I think he just exactly he tapped into people who like who might really be huge trance lovers But then he also tapped into dubstep and like bass music fans and like you could be fans of both and go see him um, and then prids like Again, as I was getting into like the rave scene, I think like seeing him it was a totally different style and like just hearing his progression, the way he built up his drops and things like that was completely different for me. And then, like, getting to see the hollow experience and just see all his visuals and just how it's, like, blown up since then. Like, like you said, every set I've seen of his has been completely different. I've seen all the aliases, like, everything. And I'm in awe every single time I see him.
Nik (Detached audio):another really great example as well, uh, because Erik Prids, you know, he was one of the original, like, members of Swedish House Mafia. He was like the fourth, like,
Track 1:Doesn't surprise me at all. Yeah.
Nik (Detached audio):member because it was, you know, part of that crew, but basically they were going in this different direction and he just, you know, stylistically, artistically was like, yeah, I, you know, he's more of like, uh, you know, making eight minute long songs that just play the same fucking loop the whole time. And I always loved that because he wasn't. Big until you know, he had like call on me, which
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):you know hit or whatever But he had a vision. It was such a long term thing and he never Sold out or like chased genres or chase styles.
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):i'm gonna make these fucking really long repetitive songs and, it wasn't until, I don't know how long ago that like, he really, really like popped off, but I always respected that because I think he just like stuck to his guns and you know, he, he, he's just like the godfather of like that kind of like progressive house sound, but like nobody was doing that shit. Like he just was a pioneer in that sense as well. Right. So, so I love that. It's like. the commonality is the innovation and really being Yeah, like you like how you point out it's like beyond just the music also like how are they performing the music, you
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):the visuals and like the actual vision of the of the performance Um to the actual djing style,
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):important for artists to think about is again Not only what is what are the songs that you're making? But how are you going to share this, you know with the world, right? What are you gonna do in your dj sets? What are you gonna do with your visuals?
Track 1:I think it's also how you make people feel. Cause like, the biggest thing for me, like, both of those artists are just tied to so many memories. And I've had such special moments at their live sets. Like, again, I can listen I listen to them all day long. Normally, every day, whenever. But, just how I felt, and like, now. My friends know I just lose my mind at their sets because I literally get like a physical reaction like I'll get chills I'll cry. I don't know what it is. But like I physically it just makes me so emotional seeing them now So it's yeah, it's how you make people feel with your music, too
Nik (Detached audio):yeah. And so who are artists that you feel are really adding value and contributing to the culture since we're on this topic
Track 1:Mm hmm.
Nik (Detached audio):right? Because a lot of DJs, a lot of artists and DJs, like they just, you know, they, they kind of, I don't want to say come and go, but they're, they're just there,
Track 1:Yeah
Nik (Detached audio):And then like, for me, it's like, I think about somebody like Cascade, you know, who's like, he is so about the fucking culture and just such an advocate for like dance music and what it's all about You know Like there's who are people like that that you think? Are really kind of going that extra step above and beyond that are really actually about the culture
Track 1:Yeah, I love that you said I was just listening to an interview about with cascade before this So yeah, he's a great example I mean on that level to probably armin van buren just what he's done with a state of trance is absolutely incredible and i've Just when he performs he's so happy and I feel like every time I watch him I'm like this man. No wonder he's been doing has has had such Longevity in his career. He just seems so passionate about it and has like united so many fans together um, but I would say lpgob so she Is an incredible human being, just watching her career, like, absolutely blow up and everything that she's done, but she, you know, co created Fem House, and I know, like, on every tour that she does before the shows, they have, like, workshops for women and non binary folk, they are training them to be engineers, producers, DJs, they do scholarships, like, She is so about enriching the lives of, like, future creators, and it's, like, such an amazing organization, and I, every time I talk to her, I, like, adore her, so I think what she's doing with her mix a lot is also involved in that, is incredible. She's a perfect example.
Nik (Detached audio):Yeah, that's amazing. Back to that idea of like adding value, you know, and that's, that's a seed I want to plant with it with everybody is like, are you just showing up to play a DJ set and get your fee?
Track 1:Right.
Nik (Detached audio):and really this is what it boils down to. Are you just focused on yourself? And a lot of people are, I want. To achieve this goal and this dream of being a full time artist and like and and I even coach this I'm like, Lock your fighter jet, you know laser focus on your goals and I coach that I preach that I teach that but If you're only making it about you and what you can get, right, then, uh, you, you can succeed at that, right? But there's a whole different level when you really start to think like, how am I adding value to this scene? How am I adding value to this culture? How am I contributing? Right? And this is just like, uh, you know, like. Just life lesson, right? Like just to think about how are you adding value? You know, how are you making people feel? are you leaving the world better than when you found it? You know, or are you, or are you just trying to get yours,
Track 1:100 yeah, and are you cultivating a community like that? Phrase comes to mind as well because I think the artists who are building communities around them And then those people are making friends within their communities and they're connecting like I think it becomes so much bigger than the artist So also being like a catalyst for making that happen as well
Nik (Detached audio):Yeah, totally. I had Wednesday on the podcast, uh, not that long ago. And that, and that was a really great episode for everyone to check out, but that was a huge thing for her, which she just, she's created, you know, she's not the biggest artist in the world, but she's created a community and she was saying how, like, she has a, you know, really active Facebook page and it's like, people will link up with each other. They're like, Oh, I don't have someone to go to the show with. And like, they'll meet each other just through the community that she's created. And that's a, it's such a beautiful thing. You know, like you're really. I don't know. You're really just adding value in that way. It's, it's rad.
Track 1:That's awesome. Yeah. And it's, I mean, there's so, there's so many different, like, communities within, like, rave culture as well, which, like, you know, have tapped into that as well. And, like, as I get older, as I'm a parent now, I've, like, tapped into, like, the other parents who rave, and there's a lot of them. So, that's been really, really cool to see, too.
Nik (Detached audio):I wanted to ask you about that because I saw that on your bio. It says Rave mom to real
Track 1:Yeah. Yeah,
Nik (Detached audio):love that. So, uh, you have a baby boy, right? What's his name?
Track 1:Hayden.
Nik (Detached audio):Hayden. How old is he now?
Track 1:He's just turned Eight months.
Nik (Detached audio):Yeah. still, still fresh fresh out the fresh out the oven. Still. That's great. How, um, how has being, well, first off, like I just love, you know, you there, there's this belief, I think that a lot of people have that, like, I can't be an artist or I can't like work in this industry and this scene and have a family.
Track 1:For
Nik (Detached audio):and it's this kind of weird, I don't know, fucked up subconscious limiting belief. I think that a lot of people have, so one, I love that you're demonstrating that and showing that, uh, and this is cool that you've found some other people. There's another, there's a community of people out there
Track 1:For sure.
Nik (Detached audio):How has your life changed since motherhood besides less
Track 1:Yeah.
Nik (Detached audio):Yeah. Yeah.
Track 1:hours a night. So, knock on wood, we love that for me. Uh, did not start that way. But, yeah, I think I had the same belief. Like, obviously, you have lots of, you know, fears come up, even just being pregnant. Because I was like, okay, is this going to slow me down? Like, obviously, I'm not going to, I'm going to have to take a break from shows, take a break from work, everything, have a full maternity leave, stop the podcast. So, there were a lot of fears around, like, will that slow momentum? Um, yeah. Will people not want to come back? Is my content going to change? Are they not going to be interested? Like all of those thoughts happened, And luckily it was like quite the opposite like so many exciting things and the momentum afterwards has actually been freaking bananas And I think it's because my priorities have obviously shifted but literally just him being here I've just like way more Like I'm like nope my personal life needs way more of a focus now like professional is still there and it's still a goal But it's not like as high above as like personal. It's not like he's up way more up here But no you can I think you have to give yourself grace Especially if you like giving birth like having that time It was, you know, went through postpartum, like, had all of that, but now, like, eight months out, it's obviously getting better and better, and we're able to, like, adjust to it more. I'm back at work now, so that's great, and I, I feel more like myself, and I'm able to handle things, but you just gotta figure it out as you go, and adjust as you go.
Nik (Detached audio):That's awesome. And you're killing it. Super mom.
Track 1:Thank you. I'm trying.
Nik (Detached audio):Yeah. I love that. I love that.
Track 1:You gotta hire help, too, that's the next, delegating and elevating is the next big step here. Yeah.
Nik (Detached audio):I always see people struggle with this a lot, especially artists, you know, where they're like, Oh, I think a family is going to be a distraction. Right. And then they might not. Maybe be seeing anybody else do it or, you know, it's like who they're looking at. It's like, I always ask people. It's like, who are you modeling yourself after? Like, yeah, if you're looking at like the single dude that doesn't have a family that's struggling with relationships and it's like, okay, if that's, if that's what you're looking at, that's what you're going to see. And that's what you believe is like reality or the only option. But it's like, we'll go, go look at. All these other examples of people that do have really successful relationships. They do have, they do have kids. They're out there. A lot of them are out there. Like, so it's just like, you know, if you want it, you know, it's, it really boils down to, I think, who are you, who are you using as an example? Who is your role model? You know?
Track 1:Yeah, and that visibility is important. And I think like it can, exactly, like whatever your goal is and whatever will make you happy at the end of the day is like what you should focus on. But I know we talked a little bit about it, like for me. Having being fulfilled in that way just allows me to like be a happier person in general like my energy is better And I think it's like allowed me to attract other things because I have a supportive partner, you know I have shitty days. I get stressed all the time. That's my biggest thing is I would get very like a lot of anxiety and stuff But then he'll come home from daycare And like all that goes out out the window and he smiles and like a freaking piece of broccoli makes him happy I'm like, this is all that matters who cares about anything else? So yeah, so it just puts me in like such a good Energy and like realizing that literally nothing else is fucking important. So yeah
Nik (Detached audio):and you get to bring that joy into, into the
Track 1:100
Nik (Detached audio):and even this is like, what kind of parents are you modeling yourself after, you know, cause there's also, you know, there's this scary thing. I think a lot of people are like, Oh my God, like having a kid is so stressful and, you know, scary and horrible and you lose your freedom. And there's like all these things that come with that. But then I see people that are like. They're fucking killing it in the
Track 1:Heh
Nik (Detached audio):game, and they're like, they're like, no, like, I love being a parent and having a kid is super fun and awesome and they bring me so much joy, you know, so
Track 1:Yeah, it's important. I think so I mean, just like, rounding that out, I think just visibility is so important in any avenue. Like whether you're an artist, like, leading the charge for somebody else, for people under you. Like, when when I was pregnant and like, I just made a Decision like I had festivals booked. I had partnerships already planned that I had to fulfill um, and I was like i'm i'm choosing to post about this and share my experience and just like the amount of Women that reached out to me who were like, I want to have a family one day I'm, so glad you you're showing that you can do it And even now like having a child so many parents have reached out and like they feel less Like stigmatized about going out still when they have kids. So I feel like now I almost feel You Uh, like this is a new important part of my content that like I want to continue to talk about like being a mom and I still rave. And like if that's a problem for you, that's your issue, not my issue, yeah. Yes,
Nik (Detached audio):like for kids it's called like rate rave tots or something like that is literally like it's so
Track 1:It could be a future business idea. I've thought about this,
Nik (Detached audio):yeah, it's so cool. Well, I I love that you've been Sharing your story and that you're emphasizing the importance of sharing your story, you know, be, being the example, being that, being that role model, showing people that it's possible. And, and ultimately just like, you know, sharing, sharing your story and. That makes me just think about your content in general. You know, you are a proper influencer, you know, you have like influence, right? And, and, and that's a, I think it's a beautiful word. I think people, some people kind of shy away from that word. Some artists are like, I don't want to do content. I want to be an influencer. And I'm like, yo, you don't want to have fucking influence. You're like, that's the whole point. You know, being an artist is you want to like, you know, move people. Right. And so. You've been killing it in that game. Uh, I know you've also done some like social media coaching, As well in the past. And so I, I'm so curious if you could share some tricks and tips for the artists out there that are listening that, uh, you know, everybody wants to build their audience, right? Build their community, build their audience, build their, you know, social media up.
Track 1:well, thank you for saying that. I mean, I would say, like, the platforms have changed so much, but where they are at now, If you're somebody coming at it where like this feels like a chore or it may not like come as easily to you I would say just like share whatever like maybe it's just a part of your process and like your creation process Like maybe pick a platform that feels most comfortable to you Like maybe tik tok is the one that you want to do like don't overthink it just start posting like you just need to be Consistent and put your energy into something. Maybe not don't spread yourself too thin and do all of them. I just wouldn't overthink it, like share, share your journey, talk to your audience. I always think of like when I'm creating videos, I'm like, okay, what is my Audience need to see like what tips can I provide them? What are they talking about right now? How can I help them a lot of times? I look at what questions they're asking and then I respond to their questions with videos So people are you can literally reply to a comment with the video like that's so easy to do TikTok loves that when you use their features So yeah, just get out there and honestly just start posting and don't don't overthink things really it's yeah I always say i'm like Don't, don't be too stressed out. It doesn't need to be overly produced or anything. Like, yes, there's a time and place for that. Um, but I think you can just start sharing.
Nik (Detached audio):Yeah. I love that. That, you just simplified it so
Track 1:Yeah.
Nik (Detached audio):It's like, don't don't over complicate it. Just, just post.
Track 1:Yep, just post. If there's a trend you find, like, if there's audio you find, or like, if you're just documenting something, or sharing a part of your life, or whatever it is. Like, I, I personally, as a fan, like, I like to see artist personalities. I think that's, like, what you connect with when you relate to your audience. It makes me fall in love with them more as a human being. So, I, I love when artists, like, share about themselves.
Nik (Detached audio):Yeah, my favorite saying, besides this word culture that I've just been
Track 1:Yeah.
Nik (Detached audio):on so much lately, but, but, but the, the other phrase that I find myself saying a lot lately that I really love is fuck around and find
Track 1:Right. Yeah, exactly.
Nik (Detached audio):Just try it try some shit try it like just post some stuff see what happens, you know It's I think we make it this big scary, you know thing where it's like It's like I don't know. It's so disposable, you know, like we're Social media and content. It's like it just it It goes by so quickly, you know People are just scrolling and we make it so big and it's like you might get like 60 seconds of somebody's time, if you're lucky, and then they're on to the next video. So yeah, don't overthink it. Just throw it out. Throw it out there. See what happens.
Track 1:Yeah, especially on TikTok. I mean like Instagram is a little bit more curated. I would say, so TikTok is like, we say post your draft energy. Like it doesn't have to do big numbers or anything, just be consistent with it. And if something like really flops, delete it or archive it. You know what I mean?
Nik (Detached audio):Okay, let me let me pick your brain now that I have a fellow badass podcaster on here What are some tips you have for me to help? Grow the podcast get the headliner mindset, out to more people. What should I do? Help me
Track 1:Yeah.
Nik (Detached audio):Where do? I begin?
Track 1:Okay, so I always start with, I mean, you're on YouTube, right? I think you're on
Nik (Detached audio):Yeah, I haven't been focusing on it like yeah, I'm on it I put it on there but I don't I'm not even like posting my like my YouTube shorts clips and stuff like that. I've been really lazy or not lazy I've been fucking busy
Track 1:No, you're good. Yeah, not lazy.
Nik (Detached audio):day. But yeah, okay
Track 1:so I would say, I mean, either way, on Spotify, wherever it's at, definitely taking advantage of, you know, SEO and like what your name, your, your titles, because I think a lot of times, and not you specifically, but people like, if it's not, if you don't give any context as to like the conversation or what it's about, then people may not want to click on it. Click on it. If they see a name they don't recognize. So I think like adding context and like giving people a reason to click in the title and the description is huge. We talked about
Nik (Detached audio):so what are we gonna name this one then
Track 1:Great question. I know I'll have to brainstorm after this.
Nik (Detached audio):yeah
Track 1:Something, probably something about content creation. We'll chat. Yeah.
Nik (Detached audio):I'm gonna call
Track 1:Rave culture.
Nik (Detached audio):how to be, a fucking badass with Emma
Track 1:Appreciate you. Yeah
Nik (Detached audio):not get the best SEO,
Track 1:you gotta say something about culture. We just talked about rape Okay, well, yeah, we'll chat but no that and then I mean I think clips clips are a huge part of it now as well And I mean you're doing you have guests so I think that's always one avenue obviously having other people Promote it or share the clips. But I think whatever you have in that clip, having people like interested enough to come back and watch the full episode.
Nik (Detached audio):And that's a good one for artists to think about as well. Cause like definitely for me, uh, it's probably how a lot of people are even listening right now. They probably saw somebody they were following post a collaboration clip with me because they were a guest and then they start following me and they're following the podcast. And so I'd, I'd encourage other artists to think about like, who can you collaborate with? Right. Can you, maybe it's not like, You know, we're always thinking about collaborating on a song with somebody. Maybe you're not collaborating on a song with another artist. Maybe you're collaborating on a piece of content, right? And like tap into each other's fan bases. That's definitely been a huge part of, me just growing, my little audience over here as well. So I plant that seed for artists to think about too.
Track 1:I would throw this out. I spoke to another podcast host. Uh, I would throw this out there too. So, a lot of the times, from my own analytics, from what I've seen, my interviews don't always perform the best, actually. Like, even if it's a big artist, like, sometimes they just don't do the same numbers as, say, an episode where it's, like, a festival guide, or I'm, like, answering, you know, like, A question. So like my last one was like, why the fuck are festival tickets so expensive? That one got way more views because it was like a clicky title. so sometimes like you're an artist coach, like even doing a solo episode where you're like addressing common questions that you get, like that would probably do numbers, maybe over an interview.
Nik (Detached audio):I like that. I will say I have been very resistant to just staring at a camera by
Track 1:I know. I
Nik (Detached audio):I'm going to have a conversation by myself in my room right now. I can do this all day. I can chat with people all day. I love it. That's why every single day. You know, this whole almost year now, it's always been interviews. So, uh, you guys let me know, do you want to hear me blab by myself on this podcast, or would you rather hear these conversations? Maybe it's a little bit of both, but I don't know. I'm going to leave it. I'm going to leave it, leave it up to you guys. Y'all let me know, send me a comment. If, if here's the thing, all right, if you want me to do one, let me know what topic or question
Track 1:you gotta ask
Nik (Detached audio):would be cool for me to, for me to do
Track 1:Give him questions. Ask questions. I used to do that as a series. I should bring it back. I did like an Ask Emma Anything and I would just pick a bunch and I would just like knock them out like one topic after the other, and those would do pretty well as
Nik (Detached audio):Do you do shorter episodes
Track 1:It depends, like typically, yeah, sometimes I do, but typically they're closer to the 45 minute to an hour mark just because I can talk a lot.
Nik (Detached audio):damn Yeah, I don't know if I could Do it I All right,
Track 1:this out for me. Do like a 20 minute episode addressing a bunch of questions and then, yeah, I'm just curious how that would perform.
Nik (Detached audio):try it. I'll try it out. We'll see. Yeah, I love it. I love it. Well, thank you for the great tips. Thank you for coming on and being a guest. You know, like I said, I'm so glad that we finally got to bring our worlds together. We got to meet in person. We're getting to do some podcasts together. And, um, yeah, I'm just really, uh, yeah. Honored to have you in my circle now and, uh, appreciate you coming on to dive into all this fun, juicy stuff today.
Track 1:Yes, thank you for the questions and you're seriously cultivating such your own community now with this podcast and what you're doing It's so cool to see so I'm excited to see like what what's it up next for you? What's in store for you next?
Nik (Detached audio):Hell yeah.