This episode of Electronic Music Life is with a true legend in the world of music, a masterful artist whose transcendent talents have left an indelible mark on the global music landscape. He is none other than Mr. Femi Kuti, recorded in person after soundcheck on the day of his Sydney performance at the Recital Hall in April 2023. Femi Kuti, the eldest son of the Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti, carries forward seven generations of music with unparalleled dedication and innovation. His music is a mesmerizing fusion of traditional Afrobeat rhythms, electrifying horns, and socially conscious lyrics that resonate with audiences worldwide. Femi Kuti's career spans over four decades, during which he has earned multiple Grammy nominations, global acclaim, and an unwavering reputation for his high-energy live performances. Beyond his music, Femi Kuti describes what appears to be a staunch advocate for social justice and political activism, and rather be defined as a concerned citizen of the world, using his platform to raise awareness about crucial issues facing our world today. Join us as we delve into the life, music, wisdom, and vision of this extraordinary artist, Femi Kuti, and explore the profound impact he has had on dance, electronic music, and beyond. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation that promises to be both inspiring and enlightening. FOLLOW FEMI KUTI: https://www.instagram.com/femiakuti/

This episode of Electronic Music Life was recorded at Verge Film Productions Studios in Dubai in March 2023 with DJ, dance music historian and journalist,  Bill Brewster. Host of DJ History and The Bill Brewster podcasts, UK’s very own driving force behind dance music culture, who has been behind the turntables and behind the pen for decades for some of the most insightful music journalism, and some of the most brilliantly documented books you'll ever read on dance music.  Bill shares some of his incredible journey and his invaluable insights into the industry, including what has driven him that has impacted and shaped the lives of many over the years in dance music.  FOLLOW BILL BREWSTER: https://www.instagram.com/bill_brewster/

This episode of Electronic Music Life was recorded in front of a live audience in Sydney in March 2023 with Jazzie B of iconic collective  Soul II Soul, during a sold out tour of Australia with James Locksmith and Paris Pompor of Groovescooter. We sat back and listened to a dive deep into Jazzie B's incredible journey. Jazzie shares some of the highs, the challenges, and some moments that have defined his remarkable career., and his views on the ever-evolving dance music scene. Soul II Soul has been a driving force in the music industry for over three decades, creating timeless classics like "Back to Life" and "Keep on Movin'." They revolutionized the British music scene, blending soulful melodies with cutting-edge electronic beats, and became the embodiment of cool, effortlessly transcending genres. Jazzie B, the mastermind behind this iconic collective, has been a relentless innovator, not only in music but also in fashion and culture. His influence knows no bounds, and his legacy continues to shape the global electronic music landscape. Brought to you by the good people of Inner Sauce, Groovescooter, 2SERFM Sydney, Radio alHara Palestine and Electronic Music Life. FOLLOW JAZZIE B OBE: https://jazzieb.co.uk/

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with dance music icon and one  most influential figure Nicky Siano. Founder of the legendary Gallery, original resident of Studio 54, disco DJ, philanthropist and avid meditator. Mr Siano sat with James and shared some of his simple yet so important ways to keep dance music’s essence, keeping the purpose of the culture, some modern music perspective and why original dance music is so relevant today more than ever, his work with AIDS victims and the power of meditation on his life and DJing. FOLLOW NICKY SIANO: https://www.patreon.com/nickysiano

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Jakarta-born, Gadigal Land based multi-disciplinary artist, DJ, music producer, songwriter and vocalist Putrika. From pop girl band groups in Jakarta and traditional Indonesian dancing groups, Putrika shares about her nine year “DIY” journey in Australia, of perseverance, shutting down imposter syndrome, developing her own art, sound, business and music identity process, before being noticed by creative circles and alternative music scenes.. With a passion for developing electronic music of her own, Putrika also took to DJing lessons to sharpen her skills further with Aussie favourite Aybetonye, which led bookings to DJing and live perfornances with New Beginnings Festival and Freedom Sessions by SSI and Sydney’s alternative club collective Mixagi, including club gigs at Club 77. Putrika also talks about how her music was picked up by Netflix Australia for the reboot of Heartbreak High series.    FOLLOW PUTRIKA: https://linktr.ee/putrika

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Dubai based Pakistani DJ and music producer, Rudoh aka Bilal Khan. Co-founder of independent label Jugaar Records, Rudoh’s music combines wonky beats, space pads, strong and heavy poly-rhythms, pulling influences from UK’s drum n bass, soul, jazz and LA’s Beat scene. Rudoh shares his early education diversion, moving away from cultural expectations and switching career paths, including insights and personal experiences with Pakistan’s exciting and emerging electronic music scenes.  FOLLOW RUDOH:: https://linktr.ee/rudoh

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Astronafrica aka Raphael Ramires, a Sydney based Brazilian born, DJ, producer, radio host, cultural agitator, founder, producer and curator of Mixagi Collective, New Beginnings Festival and Settlement Services International. Raphael and James discuss the cultural boundaries and political challenges with developing diverse music platforms in Sydney Australia during lockout laws and COVID, that existed prior and still exist post the pandemic and the lockout laws. Raphael shares his insight and personal first hand experiences through his music projects working with First Nation and Refugee artists. FOLLOW ASTRONAFRICA:: https://www.instagram.com/astronafrica/

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is Egyptian, Amsterdam based Moataz Rageb aka Disco Arabesquo, who for the last few years, grabbed the attention of music lovers, electronic music, vinyl enthusiasts and the dance music industry.  A sociologist, DJ, researcher and avid collector of Arabic cassettes and vinyl, his DJ sets and mixes have been blowing up dance floors and spreading like wildfire online.  With a rich and deep understanding of sounds from the 70's, 80’s & 90’s of the Middle East, SWANA regions and its diaspora, he’s recognised as a music historian. He’s collaborated with labels such as WeWantsSounds, Habibi Funk Records and has a vinyl release forthcoming featuring edits with Saudi-Irish DJ producer Moving Still. Moataz and James discuss his recent international appeal, 80’s Egyptian love letters on cassettes, ethical licensing and artist acknowledgment. FOLLOW DISCO ARABESQUO: https://www.instagram.com/discoarab/

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with Martha van Straaten, real name Hannah, recognised internationally for blending her fond love of folkloric, global electronic music. Truly a bright star in her genre, who now continuously travels the world sharing joy through multicultural sounds in clubs and on festival stages, after years of yearning cultural connection. Martha and James discuss how a lack of cultural exposure created a hunger for connection, expression and the reverse positive effects with art and music. FOLLOW MARTHA VAN STRAATEN: https://www.instagram.com/marthavanstraaten/

In this episode of Electronic Music Life with James Locksmith is with co-founder and label head of one of the most internationally respected house and electronic record labels over the last decade, Tooli of Local Talk Records, out of Stockholm, Sweden. Tooli is often referred to as “the other guy” of Local Talk, alongside his partner Mad Mats, both of them also co-run Omena Records, a few other labels individually, and Tooli also runs 18437 Records, one of his latest projects since 2020. Tooli and James discuss multiple label management, distribution, A&R, label cycles, keeping focussed, structure and tenacity. FOLLOW TOOLI (LOCAL TALK): https://www.instagram.com/__tooli__omena.local.talk/