This week I'm joined by Amy Dabbs - Berlin-based DJ, producer, and label owner who has built a music career entirely around a demanding job in digital advertising, international gigs, and a self-run release schedule.

No shortcuts, no safety net - just an incredibly honest account of what it actually takes.

We get into how she structures her time to protect studio sessions, the moment during covid that forced her to either quit or throw everything at it, and the creative process behind going from self-taught beginner to releasing music she's proud to play in her own sets.

We also talk about running her own label, why she can directly track gaps in her release schedule to her bookings dropping off, and the technique she uses - the golden hour - to hear her tracks with fresh ears before that window closes forever.

This one's for anyone trying to make music fit around real life without losing their mind or their sound.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Protect your golden hour: After two sessions building an idea, leave it completely alone for one to two weeks. That third session is the only time you'll ever hear it with fresh ears - make every decision you can in that window because it never comes back.
• Finish it even when you hate it: Every good track was once a track you wanted to bin. Pushing through that moment - not opening a new Ableton session - is the single most important habit you can build as a producer.
• Kill your darlings: Sometimes the thing you've spent the most time on is the thing that's holding the track back. Save it somewhere, close the folder, and let the track become what it needs to be.
• Release schedule drives bookings: If you're not releasing consistently, you're going backwards. Amy can see the correlation on a graph - gaps in output lead directly to fewer gigs.
• Ask for what you need: She asked to go part time and remote before covid made it normal. They said yes. If you don't ask, nothing changes - and more flexibility might be closer than you think.

BEST MOMENTS

"Every good track I've ever made was a shit track I didn't give up on." - Claude VonStroke, quoted by Amy

"That third session is the golden hour - the only time you're ever going to hear that track with fresh ears in the whole world. It never comes back."

"I've missed my friend's birthday for this. I can't do it. Maybe I've written all the good tracks I'm ever going to write. And then you turn a corner - and you did not see it coming."

"If you have a gap between releases, I can see a couple of months later my bookings lay down. Put it on a graph - it's very easy to correlate the two things."

"Don't lose yourself. Don't let the knockbacks make you start changing who you are. Being authentic is the most important thing of all."

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Kidnap

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

http://instagram.com/opendawmusic

http://instagram.com/lexluca

Email: hello@opendawtalks.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week I'm talking to James Hurr, a producer who's been behind some of the biggest records in dance music for over two decades. Over a thousand released tracks, a top 10 UK hit, a gold record for Tiesto, and a long-running studio partnership with Mark Knight.

We get into James' full creative process - how he starts a club record versus a commercial one, how he uses reference tracks inside the DAW to stay objective about his own work, and the songwriting camp session that started as a 90-second demo and ended up in the UK top 10.

We also talk about what it's actually like navigating feedback when a record goes major label, why stripping your plugin folder back to almost nothing can unlock better results, and the business basics that took him years to figure out and cost him real work in the meantime.

If you're serious about making records and building a career around it, this one's jam packed.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Start with the end in mind: Knowing who the record is for which DJ, which playlist, which market — makes every creative decision easier.
• The magic lives in the first 10 minutes: Most great vocal hooks and ideas come before anyone has time to overthink. Capture them fast and raw.
• Less is more with sound design: Stripping back to simple oscillators consistently gets more excitement in the room than complex layered sounds
• Creativity isn't scarce: Don't get tied to one idea. There are limitless records to make. If someone doesn't want that idea, save it - it'll find its moment.
• Business is just two people with mutual needs: Get the basics right, they're the ones that cost people real opportunities.
• 
  

BEST MOMENTS

Just because you love it doesn't mean the rest of the world is going to love it.

I am today the sum of all the people I've worked with.

Creativity isn't a scarcity. There are limitless songs you can write. Don't limit yourself by getting tied to one idea.

Nothing's ever finished - it's just knowing where to define the boundaries of what other people think is finished. Not your own.

The first preset on Omnisphere is just a saw lead. Eight or nine times out of ten, everyone goes, oh my god, what's that sound? And it's literally nothing.

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Mark Knight

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

http://instagram.com/opendawmusic

http://instagram.com/lexluca

Email: hello@opendawtalks.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malika is the voice behind Go - a record that’s become part of the fabric of UK dance music - but this episode goes far beyond one iconic track. We get into what it means when a song takes on a life of its own, how to handle imposter syndrome as an artist, and why longevity in music comes from pairing fearless creativity with a real understanding of the business. If you’re trying to build a career in music without losing yourself in the process, there’s a lot in this one for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Why big career moments are usually built on years of smaller, unglamorous steps
• How imposter syndrome can be part of growth, not proof you don’t belong
• What it means to let a song belong to the world once you’ve released it
• Why great collaboration requires full commitment to the art, not your self-image
• The importance of combining creativity with ownership, structure, and industry know-how

BEST MOMENTS

I'm a fearless spirit. I'm fearless in my career and I'm bold and unapologetic.

Most people don't get to the big thing, or nobody gets to the big thing without the small steps

It's not your song. Once you write a song, it's for the world and it's not yours

Owning 100 of nothing is nothing.

If you are gonna do it, you do the job, you commit to the job, you commit to the art form. You can. You get out of your head. You don't worry what people think. You don't worry about what you're gonna look like, because you. You become the art.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

• Sounds Write
• PRS

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Lawrence Hart

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

http://instagram.com/opendawmusic

http://instagram.com/lexluca

Email: hello@opendawtalks.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From classical trumpet to electronic beats, some musical journeys take

unexpected turns that lead to extraordinary destinations. Lawrence Hart's path

through jazz conservatories, indie band tours, and collaborative studios reveals

how diverse musical experiences can shape a unique artistic voice.

In this conversation, we explore the evolution of an artist who started

with Miles Davis and ended up crafting producing music that bridges the gap

between visceral emotion and dance floor energy. Lawrence shares how his

classical training and jazz background continue to influence his approach to

modern production, even when creating tracks that sound nothing like traditional

jazz.

Key Takeaways:

• How classical and jazz training can enhance electronic music production -

even when the final product sounds completely different from your musical

roots.

• Practical strategies for beating creative blocks - including the power of

starting with vocal samples and setting specific creative tasks.

• The importance of developing multiple industry skills - from production to

mixing to collaboration techniques.

• Honest perspectives on social media and self-promotion - finding ways to

engage authentically with platforms you might not naturally love.

• Real-world advice for building sustainable music careers - including the

value of working with others while maintaining creative control.

Best Moments

“No one's going to care as much about it as you do. Don't just expect people to

do stuff for you. Just view yourself as part of your management team, as part of

your booking agent team, part of this, and work and try and be across it all”

“I think when you're making music, you’ve got to be like a child, like, just running

towards something with no worry of your own safety and just love this thing. Let

me go towards it. And I think the best ideas come out from that.”

"I think what's drawn me to both [jazz & electronic music], is they're

both visceral art forms... My love is stuff that's visceral, stuff that's generally without

lyrics."

"It's about getting that feeling in you, rather than your intellect, rather than hearing a story and processing it through your brain. It's much more of an

immediate response that you feel in your chest.”

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Kidnap Kid

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

http://instagram.com/opendawmusic

http://instagram.com/lexluca

Email: hello@opendawtalks.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I sit down with modular synth artist, producer, and label owner David Castellani to unpack the twists and turns of a music career built on exploration, curiosity, and relentless self-reflection. From his early roots in live percussion and hip-hop to the immersive world of modular synthesis, David shares how staying open to change has shaped both his sound and his outlook.

We talk about defining success beyond numbers, the importance of mentorship and collaboration, and why creative momentum starts with the quality of your thoughts. David opens up about the pressures of going solo, what keeps him inspired in the studio, and how he balances deep artistic vision with the day-to-day of running a label and performing live.

• Why genre-hopping can sharpen your musical identity
• How modular synthesis can unlock new creative directions
• The difference between technical skill and idea quality
• Staying inspired as a solo artist without getting stuck in a vacuum
• Practical advice on finishing tracks, performing live, and running a label

"Music is just ideas - and the only thing separating the artists who make it is the quality of those ideas."

"When I became a solo producer and had to make every decision myself, everything got tighter. Suddenly I was responsible for every sound, every choice."

"I’m always looping back into myself - questioning, adjusting. That internal feedback is where the growth happens."

"Follow your sound, trust your intuition… but don’t stop checking what’s just outside your blind spot. That’s often where the magic is."

"Electronic musicians are often in a vacuum. And I don’t think that helps us - it actually holds us back."

"I truly believe everyone could have a rewarding life in music. The difference isn’t talent - it’s the moment they were (or weren’t) inspired the right way."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Download 5 Proven Habits of Artists Who Actually Finish Tracks

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Shadow Child

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

http://instagram.com/opendawmusic

http://instagram.com/lexluca

Email: hello@opendawtalks.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today we speak to Avaion - a genre-defying producer, vocalist, and live performer whose music connects by design. From SoundCloud beginnings to sold-out live shows, Avaion reveals how he built a music career on emotional honesty, sonic depth, and relentless consistency.

We explore how to stay creative in a dopamine-fuelled, fast-scrolling world, how to finish music when perfectionism strikes, and how sound itself can speak louder than words. For independent artists feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure, this is an invitation to return to the joy of creating.

This episode is for anyone asking: How do I stay inspired and finish more music without selling my soul - or burning out?

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Finishing is a muscle: Why treating music-making like daily training (not divine inspiration) helped Avaion break through.
• Design for emotion, not algorithms: Synths, textures, and ambiguity let listeners feel their own story.
• From YouTube to headliner: The DIY approach to branding, visual storytelling, and getting signed without gatekeepers.
• Inside the live show: A behind-the-scenes look at Avaion’s Ableton-based performance rig—plus why his fans rarely have phones in the air.
• Creative recovery: How sunlight, cold showers, and friends—not plugins—can help you beat creative blocks.

BEST MOMENTS

Your opinion is the one that matters most. Everyone else is just noise.

Music is art—not work. But you still have to train like an athlete.

If I can help people make their own story with my song - that’s the whole point.

The tracks I overthought never worked. The ones I just felt - those are the ones that connected.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Download 5 Proven Habits of Artists Who Actually Finish Tracks

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Camden Cox

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

http://instagram.com/opendawmusic

http://instagram.com/lexluca

Email: hello@opendawtalks.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I sit down with legendary UK producer and DJ Shadow Child (formerly Dave Spoon) to talk reinvention, artistic integrity, and the realities behind a long-lasting career in dance music. From stepping away at the height of commercial success to redefining his sound and creative purpose, Shadow Child opens up about the risks, the doubts, and the breakthroughs that shaped his evolution as an artist.

We talk candidly about mental health, the pressure to stay relevant, and how to build a sustainable, meaningful career in an industry that often rewards fast wins over long-term vision.

Key Takeaways:

• Why walking away from success can be a creative turning point
• Navigating burnout, anxiety, and the pressure to always perform
• How Shadow Child rebuilt his identity—and his sound
• Real-world tips on collaboration and staying grounded in the studio
• What it really takes to build a sustainable music career today

Join us for a conversation full of depth, honesty, and lessons from someone who’s lived it.

BEST MOMENTS

"Everything starts like in here … in the studio. I can be a DJ as well and do the radio thing and whatever I've done else I've done in my career, but if it's not happening in a room like this, then I need to take a look at that"

"If a label isn't going to take your music, it doesn't mean that the music is bad … it's all very subjective"

"I needed a reset button and I needed me to come through the music again because I wasn't coming through the music. My roots, my background, everything I grew up with, that I'm passionate about musically came through in all my early Spoon stuff. But it stopped coming through because of the need to maintain this profile on this circuit I was on."

"Trying to get out of this room sometimes it's easy to forget to step out and just feel that the air, the breeze or even a bit of rain. I'm fortunate my studio’s in house. I can sit in here in my pants once my daughter's gone to school if I want to. No one's here. Actually it's not the greatest idea to just sit here all day."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Download 5 Proven Habits of Artists Who Actually Finish Tracks

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Steve Bug

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

http://instagram.com/opendawmusic

http://instagram.com/lexluca

Email: hello@opendawtalks.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.