Can U Put Me On Guestlist?

Katie Knight

As the dance music industry grows and grows, Katie digs deep into the lives of DJs, producers, managers, tour managers, publicists, club owners, label managers, promoters... (basically all of the people who get asked for guestlist) to find out how they started out, challenges they’ve come across, achievements, opinions, goals and, of course, all of the exciting stories that they’ve made along the way... And there's definitely some good ones out there. This podcast is powered by Trackstack.

  1. Jun 9

    Charlie Sparks: I Didn't Even Know What a DJ Was Until 18 - Now I'm Headlining Awakenings

    Charlie Sparks joins Katie for a raw, wide-ranging conversation about the philosophy, stories and personal experiences behind one of techno’s fastest rises. From discovering electronic music at 18 in Fabric to headlining Awakenings just a few years later, Charlie breaks down how Japanese anime One Piece became the blueprint for his entire career , mapping his journey from “nobody” to chasing his own version of king of the pirates. In this episode, Charlie opens up about his half-Japanese heritage, returning to Japan as a touring DJ after leaving as a student, crying in a taxi when his Awakenings booking came through, and a near-death experience in the Colombian jungle during his first ever tour. He also talks about playing sober for two years, why his mum has become the real VIP at his shows, the story behind his debut album, and why hard dance is exploding right now. This is a conversation about ambition, identity, resilience, community and the mindset it takes to build something that feels completely your own. Follow Katie: https://www.instagram.com/katiehayknight/Follow Can U Put Me On Guestlist?: https://www.instagram.com/canuputmeonguestlist/Follow Charlie: https://www.instagram.com/charliesparksmusic/ This episode is powered by LabelWorx — the engine behind thousands of independent dance labels. Distribution, royalty management, promo tools and industry insights, all built by people who live and breathe dance music. Find out more at https://www.labelworx.com Also powered by Trackstack - the all-in-one platform for music creators. Send and receive promos, get unreleased tracks into DJs’ hands, and create social-ready promo videos. Use code CUP for 10% off for life. https://www.trackstack.app/

    1h 6m
  2. Mar 4

    Why Grassroots Clubs Matter More Than Ever: Sam Divine

    In this episode of Can You Put Me On Guest List?, I sit down with legendary house DJ Sam Divine for a live keynote conversation recorded at the Night Time Economy Summit in Liverpool (2026). With more than two decades in the scene and a long-standing relationship with Defected Records, Sam shares the story behind her journey — from growing up on a council estate in Bristol and buying her first decks for £100, to becoming one of the most respected names in global house music. We talk about the importance of grassroots clubs, why they are essential for developing DJs, and why so many smaller venues are disappearing. Sam also reflects on her early days hustling for gigs in Ibiza, what she learned from playing marathon sets in small venues, and why real experience behind the decks matters more than viral success. She also introduces her new 555 concept - five cities, five-hour sets, and £5 tickets - designed to support grassroots venues and make club culture accessible again. In this conversation we also discuss: • Her journey with Defected Records• Winning Best House DJ at the Ibiza DJ Awards• Life on the road and finding balance through sobriety• The lost art of the warm-up DJ• Why diversity in lineups matters• Advice for the next generation of DJs and producers If you care about the future of club culture, DJing, and house music, this is a conversation you won’t want to miss. Follow Sam Divinehttps://www.instagram.com/samdivinedj Follow Katie Knighthttps://www.instagram.com/katiehayknight Follow Can You Put Me On Guest List?https://www.instagram.com/canuputmeonguestlist This episode is supported by: Trackstack – The all-in-one platform for music creators.https://www.trackstack.app/ LabelWorx – Distribution, royalty management, and tools built for dance music labels.https://labelworx.com/

    48 min
  3. Feb 24

    The Story of House Music Legend: Todd Terry

    Todd Terry is one of the true architects of house music - a Brooklyn original whose sound helped shape club culture worldwide. Recorded live at the Night Time Economy Summit in Liverpool, this episode dives into Todd’s journey: growing up in New York, his early hip-hop roots, the moment house music entered his world, and the raw, high-impact production style that helped define an era. We also connect the past to the present - from early sampling and reel-to-reel editing, to the UK embrace that pushed his sound global - and bring it right up to today’s dance music landscape: festivals vs clubs, DJ craft in the digital era, originality in a world of unlimited tools, and what it really means to protect the soul of house. Plus: Todd shares the story behind opening a bar in Liverpool at a time when nightlife venues are under pressure - and why community still matters. In this episode:• Brooklyn beginnings + hip-hop influence• First exposure to house music + early gigs• Sampling, edits, and building energy on the dancefloor• UK club culture + the first UK night that clicked• DJing then vs now: vinyl to digital• The soul of house music in 2026• Nightlife today + Todd’s Liverpool bar project Follow Todd Terry: https://www.instagram.com/djtoddterry/Follow Katie: https://www.instagram.com/katiehayknight/Follow Can U Put Me On Guestlist?: https://www.instagram.com/canuputmeonguestlist/ TrackstackTrackstack is the all-in-one platform built for music creators - send and receive promos, manage demos, discover open label inboxes, and create social-ready promo videos with Trackstack Showcase.Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.https://www.trackstack.app/ LabelWorxDistribution, royalty management, promo tools, and insights - built by people who live and breathe dance music.https://labelworx.com/

    46 min
  4. Feb 18

    I Quit My 9-5 to Shoot Michael Bibi at DC10… | Louis Nesbitt

    Louis Nesbitt quit his 9-5 job in finance to shoot Michael Bibi at DC10 Ibiza - and it completely changed his life. In this episode of Can You Put Me On Guest List?, I sit down with the photographer behind DC10, Solid Grooves and some of the defining moments in Ibiza’s modern rave culture. From studying corporate tax in London to documenting Michael Bibi’s DC10 residency, Louis shares how one DM, one terrace moment, and one risky decision pushed him to leave his stable career and go all in on photography. We talk about shooting Bibi’s emotional comeback at DC10, what really happens backstage at Ibiza’s most iconic club, and the pressure of capturing rave culture in the age of social media. Louis opens up about: – Film vs digital photography in club culture – Authenticity vs content – The mental battle creatives rarely talk about – Networking in the dance music industry – Why he believes the scene needs more individuality This is a conversation about risk, self-doubt, timing, and carving your own lane in an industry that moves fast and forgets even faster. If you’ve ever considered quitting your 9-5 to follow something creative, this one’s for you. — 🌟 SPONSORS 🎧 Trackstack The all-in-one platform built for music creators - send and receive promos, manage demos, discover open label inboxes, and create social-ready promo videos with Trackstack Showcase. Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life. 👉 https://www.trackstack.app/ 🚀 LabelWorx Distribution, royalty management, promo tools, and insights - built by people who live and breathe dance music. 👉 https://labelworx.com/

    1h 15m
  5. Feb 10

    Saudi’s Dance Music Scene Explained: Dish Dash

    In this episode of Can You Put Me On Guestlist?, Katie Knight sits down with 1 half of Saudi DJ and producer duo Dish Dash for a candid deep dive into the rise of Saudi Arabia’s dance music scene, from illegal underground parties and secret no-phone raves to major festivals and a booming new ecosystem. Dish Dash share what it was really like DJing when public events weren’t possible, how they threw private parties in a “grey area,” and the surreal moment they first played in Saudi for only 20 minutes on stage. They also unpack how the audience has evolved fast, why festivals like MDLBEAST Soundstorm and XP Music Futures changed everything, and how local promoters now work together to grow a healthier scene. We also get into:-How Saudi’s underground scene grew long before it was public-The first big “we made it” moments and what changed after 2017–2018-Why the no-phones debate hits differently when you lived it-How Saudi crowds went from “two genres” to real musical education-The local promoter culture: group chats, aligned dates, and healthy competition-Clubs, weekly parties, and the new club culture emerging in Saudi-Guiding the next wave of Saudi DJs and producers-Guest list chaos and the wildest guest list stories-Their origin story: family support, music at home, and why they’re called Dish Dash SPONSORSTrackstack: The all-in-one platform for music creators - promos, demos, open label inboxes, and social-ready promo videos with Trackstack Showcase. Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life: https://www.trackstack.app/ LabelWorx: Distribution, royalty management, promo tools, and insights built for dance music labels: https://labelworx.com/ Sounds Australia: Supporting Australian artists globally - thanks for hosting us in Amsterdam: https://soundsaustralia.com.au/ Wow Cacao: A refreshing drink made from rescued cacao pulp, packed with natural electrolytes and antioxidants. https://www.instagram.com/drinkwowcacao/ CONNECTFollow Dish Dash: https://www.instagram.com/dishdash_musicFollow Katie Knight: https://www.instagram.com/katiehayknightFollow Can You Put Me On Guestlist?: https://www.instagram.com/canuputmeonguestlist

    55 min
  6. Feb 4

    Yulia Niko: How Going Sober Changed My Life & Career

    In this episode of Can You Put Me On Guestlist?, I sit down with DJ and producer Yulia Niko for an honest conversation about sobriety, touring life, creativity, and staying connected to emotion on the dance floor. Yulia opens up about quitting alcohol - and how going sober helped her feel clearer, more productive, and more confident in her decisions, both in the studio and behind the decks. She also shares the realities of life on the road, including a terrifying flight experience that led to ongoing travel anxiety, and what it takes to keep showing up every weekend. We get into: How sobriety changed her mindset as a DJ and producer The pressure of touring, airports, and burnout Trusting your instincts and focusing on the music Burning Man stories and what makes it so special Her new role as a Beatport music creator Starting a management company and mentoring emerging artists Her hot take on the scene in 2026: “More music, less social media.” DJ booth etiquette - and what friends should never do when they’re on guestlist! Follow Yulia Niko: @yulianikoFollow Katie: @katiehayknightFollow the podcast: @canuputmeonguestlist SPONSORS TrackstackTrackstack is the all-in-one platform built for music creators - send and receive promos, manage demos, discover open label inboxes, and create social-ready promo videos with Trackstack Showcase.Use code CUPMOG for 10% off for life.trackstack.app LabelWorxDistribution, royalty management, promo tools, and insights - built by people who live and breathe dance music.labelworx.com Sounds AustraliaHuge thanks to Sounds Australia for hosting us in Amsterdam and supporting Australian artists globally.soundsaustralia.com.au Wow CacaoMade from rescued cacao pulp, Wow Cacao is a refreshing, vitamin-rich drink packed with natural electrolytes and antioxidants.Follow: @drinkwowcacao

    52 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
7 Ratings

About

As the dance music industry grows and grows, Katie digs deep into the lives of DJs, producers, managers, tour managers, publicists, club owners, label managers, promoters... (basically all of the people who get asked for guestlist) to find out how they started out, challenges they’ve come across, achievements, opinions, goals and, of course, all of the exciting stories that they’ve made along the way... And there's definitely some good ones out there. This podcast is powered by Trackstack.

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