Creative Minds Podcast

Callum Hughes

The Creative Minds podcast was borne from the realization that there is no definitive handbook or blueprint to success for the music industry, the arts, running a successful business and the world of academia. My special guests have honed their craft, earned their stripes, taken calculated risks, and experienced the highs and lows. Here you can find invaluable advice, wise words, and an insight into the mindset, work ethic, sacrifices, and passion from their past experiences and current affairs. Hosted by Callum Hughes: Elevate Artists ~ Undergrowth ~ Lab11

  1. Episode #29 - Flashmob - Staying True To Yourself

    02/04/2021

    Episode #29 - Flashmob - Staying True To Yourself

    Alessandro, better known as Flashmob, is a DJ & Producer who is responsible for one of the greatest house records in recent years - ‘Need In Me’. Surpassing 30 million views over numerous platforms, the timeless classic was awarded the accolade of Essential New Tune by Pete Tong, & was the biggest selling track on Defected Records during 2012. Alessandro joined me live & direct from his beautiful pad in Milan (apologies if the audio isn't perfect), and there's no holds barred in this life story so far podcast. We talk about the realities behind the world of social media, his humble upbringing & his Irish and Italian roots, the importance of hard work, making mistakes, not fearing failure when it comes to progression, playing the long game & staying true to yourself, a positive mindset, the ups and downs of being a touring DJ and we then take it right up to the present day where he discusses the period of reflection and ability to reset since Covid hit. The timeless classic ‘Need In Me’ of course gets an honorary mention, as well as the great work being implemented by the respective Defected & Toolroom teams not just on his releases, but for also using their platforms to improve equality with gender and race issues. We finish off by discussing his favourite gigs to date as an international touring artist, his standout timeless house records that feature in his sets (or he loses himself to at home in Milan), & there's important advice for any aspiring artists who may be looking to climb the ladder in the industry. New release 'Closer' on Toolroom: https://www.beatport.com/release/closer/3322046 & https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ecnVAVaa2xI Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flashmobdj/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/flashmobdj

    2h 2m
  2. Episode #28 Pt. 2 - Tom Frankel - Council Work

    16/03/2021

    Episode #28 Pt. 2 - Tom Frankel - Council Work

    Tom Frankel is a DJ, producer, one half of the duo Frankel & Harper, and is also A&R for his respected and rapidly rising record label Council Work. Tom is someone who I've always bonded well with on a personal level due to his outlook on the music industry and the political landscape as well. As a born and bred West Londoner growing up in a culturally diverse environment - he’s never pigeonholed himself musically or conformed to the belief of sub genres, supporting everyone from Robin Schulz to Skream over the years. Jungle/Drum & Bass, Dubstep, Garage, House, Techno - name the genre & there’s a good chance he’s turned his hand to it. We discuss networking, getting your foot in the door, playing the long game & doing it for the love of music and the art of DJing, 3 consecutive seasons as a worker in Ibiza in 2011, 2012 & 2013, his imprint Council Work and the feeling of landing the labels 'Instinct' remix on Rockstar's legendary Grand Theft Auto franchise, what he’d like to see change in the music industry, artists to watch out for & the importance of empowering women on the scene + much more. This episode is in partnership with Nathan Kay's independent business Origin Creations. They specialise in artwork, motion art, videos, animation & branding. Let's continue to support independent businesses. Origin Creations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creations.origin/?hl=en Origin Creations Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Origin-Creationss-101719754891959 Council Work Record Label: https://www.discogs.com/label/1641292-Council-Work Council Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/councilwork/ Frankel & Harper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankelandharper/

    1h 19m
  3. Episode #28 Pt. 1 - Tom Frankel - Council Work

    11/03/2021

    Episode #28 Pt. 1 - Tom Frankel - Council Work

    Tom Frankel is a DJ, producer, one half of the duo Frankel & Harper, and is also A&R for his respected and rapidly rising record label Council Work. Tom is someone who I've always bonded well with on a personal level due to his outlook on the music industry and the political landscape as well. As a born and bred West Londoner growing up in a culturally diverse environment - he’s never pigeonholed himself musically or conformed to the belief of sub genres, supporting everyone from Robin Schulz to Skream over the years. Jungle/Drum & Bass, Dubstep, Garage, House, Techno - name the genre & there’s a good chance he’s turned his hand to it. We discuss networking, getting your foot in the door, playing the long game & doing it for the love of music and the art of DJing, 3 consecutive seasons as a worker in Ibiza in 2011, 2012 & 2013, his imprint Council Work and the feeling of landing the labels 'Instinct' remix on Rockstar's legendary Grand Theft Auto franchise, what he’d like to see change in the music industry, artists to watch out for & the importance of empowering women on the scene + much more. This episode is in partnership with Nathan Kay's independent business Origin Creations. They specialise in artwork, motion art, videos, animation & branding. Let's continue to support independent businesses. Origin Creations Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/creations.origin/?hl=en Origin Creations Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Origin-Creationss-101719754891959 Council Work Record Label: https://www.discogs.com/label/1641292-Council-Work Council Work Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/councilwork/ Frankel & Harper Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/frankelandharper/

    1 hr
  4. Episode #27 Pt. 1 - Sacha Lord - The Voice Of The People

    27/02/2021

    Episode #27 Pt. 1 - Sacha Lord - The Voice Of The People

    Sacha Lord is the co-founder and Managing Director of The Warehouse Project, Parklife, has held the position of Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester working alongside the Mayor Andy Burnham since 2018 & is a board member for the Night Time Industries Association.  Apologies in advance, as there is feedback in parts throughout this episode due to us experiencing signal/connection interferences. This was recorded live on Instagram during the third lockdown following the Covid-19 pandemic.  In part one of this episode, I sat down with Sacha to discuss the difficulties hospitality and nightlife have been faced with during 3 consecutive lockdowns, what he hopes to see in the Chancellor’s budget, his early years and the decision to venture into the music industry by chance after deciding further education wasn’t for him. We finish part one off by discussing his role in politics and business as Night Time Economy Adviser for Greater Manchester, his favourite performance he’s seen at The Warehouse Project & who he’d choose to book if he could resurrect one legendary act and bring them back to life for one night on the main stage.  This episode is in partnership with local independent business Fit N Fresh. They deliver freshly cooked, macro and calorie controlled meals in and around the Luton area, and their protein bars are shipped nationwide for you to reach your health goals. The protein bars are a firm favourite for many (including myself), so message them through Instagram or Facebook to order.  We should be supporting independent businesses in normal times, but even more so now with how uncertain the economic climate is.  Fit N Fresh website: https://www.fitnfresh.co.uk  Fit N Fresh Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/fitnfreshuk/  Fit N Fresh Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/fitnfreshfoodprep  Sacha Lord LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sacha-lord/?originalSubdomain=uk

    51 min
  5. Episode #26 - Rue Jay - Building An Empire

    18/02/2021

    Episode #26 - Rue Jay - Building An Empire

    Rue Jay is an entrepreneur, businessman, DJ & party starter - a guy who rose from humble beginnings to become one of the most respected, successful & well connected figures to come out of Birmingham. He has achieved success worldwide as his RockNRolla brand went on a maiden voyage to everywhere from Ibiza to even the more obscure countries including South Korea.  This is a full life story so far podcast, as we detail Rue's journey from his humble beginnings growing up in a working class environment in Birmingham's Nechells area, to being taken under the wing of Eddie Boulton with brands including Steering Wheel & Spin, before he then went on his own path with legendary brands RockNRolla and OurHouse.  The second half of the podcast moves on to his entrepreneurial ventures into hospitality, tattoos, property and interior design with The Funky Bear and The New Masons restaurants & bars, Vivid Ink shops in Sutton, Derby and Stafford, villas in Spain & the R&R projects that involve him working alongside the likes of England international and Premier League star Jack Grealish.  There's an abundance of wise words and knowledge in here on the importance of manifestation, visualisation, overall mindset when operating at this level, work ethic, networking, remaining humble, taking calculated risks, the reality of occasionally being ruthless in competitive dog-eat-dog arenas, standing out from the crowd with branding and marketing, adapting and evolving since the Covid-19 pandemic hit the UK and the added determination to grow the empire since he has settled down with his lovely partner Lou and his daughter Romy.  This episode is in partnership with local independent jewellers Goldtaste. The two brothers Lex & Lou are based in Birmingham's Jewellery Quarter district, but they ship their products worldwide. Goldtaste is one of the most unique jewellery brands on the market as they take classic jewellery recipes, then they mash them up and remix them to the taste of the 21st century. Rings - Gold Chains - Sovereigns - Pendants - Grillz. Worn by Skepta, Kurupt FM & viral Instagram satirist Munya Chawawa. The brothers have built this business from scratch and are continuing to grow their empire - so make sure you show some love to independent businesses.  Goldtaste website: https://goldtaste.co.uk  Goldtaste Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldtasteuk/  Goldtaste Grillz Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goldtastegrillz/  Vivid Ink Sutton, Stafford & Derby: https://www.instagram.com/vividinksutton/ https://www.instagram.com/vividinkstaffs/ https://www.instagram.com/vividink.derby/  The Funky Bear: https://thefunkybear.co.uk  R&R Interior Design: https://www.instagram.com/rr_interior_design/

    1h 51m

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

The Creative Minds podcast was borne from the realization that there is no definitive handbook or blueprint to success for the music industry, the arts, running a successful business and the world of academia. My special guests have honed their craft, earned their stripes, taken calculated risks, and experienced the highs and lows. Here you can find invaluable advice, wise words, and an insight into the mindset, work ethic, sacrifices, and passion from their past experiences and current affairs. Hosted by Callum Hughes: Elevate Artists ~ Undergrowth ~ Lab11