To The Beat Podcast

Connor Coates

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Music
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To The Beat Podcast takes you behind the scenes of the electronic music industry - hosted by DJ, radio presenter, and record label founder Connor Coates. Featuring conversations with your favourite artists, producers, songwriters, label executives and music industry professionals, the podcast explores the stories, insights, challenges and career-defining moments that have shaped some of dance music's most influential figures.

Sep 28

Mike Pickering - The Man Behind The Hacienda, M People & Calvin Harris

From The Hacienda to M People, from Acid House to Calvin Harris - few people have played a more influential role in shaping British dance music than one of dance music’s true pioneers, Mike Pickering. Mike takes us back to his early days helping define the sound and culture of Factory Records, before becoming resident DJ at Manchester’s iconic Hacienda - a club that would become the epicentre of the Acid House explosion and a defining force in British nightlife. We discuss what it was really like to be at the forefront of that movement, the records and artists that shaped the era, and Mike’s role as one of its key tastemakers. We also explore the creation of M People, the hugely successful dance group that went on to win x2 Brit Awards and a Mercury Prize award; how Mike’s career evolved from being behind the decks to becoming one of the industry’s most respected tastemakers and A&R figures. From discovering and signing a young Calvin Harris, Mike shares the story of how a 20 minute conversation changed everything and how he helped steer his career away from being the frontman of a band towards solo the electronic music powerhouse, that would ultimately make him one of the biggest artists in the world.
Sep 14

Matt Smallwood - How An Obsession With Dance Music Became A 30-Year Career

In this episode, Connor is joined by A&R, DJ and Head of Music Matt Smallwood, to explore the experiences, people and records that have shaped his journey through dance music. Matt takes us back to his teenage years, sneaking into the legendary The Chunnel Club at just 16 years old, and finding himself learning from the late, great Tony De Vit from inside the DJ booth. That early experience would have a profound influence on Matt’s approach to DJing and most importantly, understanding and reading a dancefloor. We then trace his career through 13 years at Toolroom Records, where Matt played a pivotal role in A&R and helped shape records that would go on to become dancefloor favourites, including Weiss – ‘Feel My Needs’, Mark Knight – ‘Yebisah’ and Leftwing Kody – ‘I Feel It’. Matt shares what it really means to A&R a record, how to recognise potential, and the often-overlooked work that goes into turning a great track into a great release. Now Head of Music at Club Class, Matt works across a roster featuring artists including Meduza, James Hype and Tita Lau, while also running The Cross record label. We discuss the changing role of A&R, developing artists, the evolution of the dance music industry and what it takes to stay relevant across such a rapidly changing landscape.
Aug 31

Saranne Tardelli-Reid - The Truth About Sampling, Music Rights & Record Deals

On this episode, Connor sits down with music lawyer and sample clearance specialist Saranne Tardelli-Reid, the founder of Sample Clearance, to go behind the scenes of one of the most important—and often misunderstood—parts of the music industry. Saranne works with record labels, publishers and some of the biggest artists in the world to help navigate the complex world of sample clearance. She explains exactly what sampling is, why clearing a sample is so important, and what actually happens behind the scenes when an artist wants to use part of an existing recording in a new track. We break down the process of clearing rights, including the difference between master recordings and publishing, as well as remixes, bootlegs and adaptations, and why each can involve very different legal considerations. Saranne also shares her insight into how record label contracts have evolved over the years, what artists should understand before signing a deal, and some of the common misconceptions surrounding music rights and ownership.
Aug 17

Jonas Blue - The Low Point That Almost Made Me Quit Music And Changed My Career

On this episode, we're joined by one of dance music's biggest global success stories, Jonas Blue. Jonas reflects on how a life-changing first trip to Ibiza sparked the inspiration to launch the Jonas Blue project, setting him on a path that would lead to worldwide success with his breakthrough debut single, 'Fast Car' and see him go on to receive over 22 billion streams and 92 million single sales. We discuss the impact of releasing such a defining first record and following it up, the pressures that come with sustained success, and the realities of building a long-term career in the ever-changing music industry. Jonas also opens up about the challenges of staying creatively fulfilled, discussing pivotal moment where he almost quit music, revealing how spending time in Ibiza led him to realise that his music no longer aligned with the clubs and the sound around him - prompting a fresh creative direction and a return to the dancefloor. We dive into the evolution of his sound, embracing a more club-focused direction, and the creative process behind recent releases including 'Edge Of Desire' and 'Girl'. Along the way, we discuss artistic reinvention, longevity in dance music, and why taking risks, trusting your instincts, and continually reinventing yourself are essential to staying relevant in dance music.
Aug 3

Steven Braines - Championing Change In Dance Music & Creating Welcoming Spaces

On this episode, Connor Coates is joined by artist manager, entrepreneur and HE.SHE.THEY founder, Steven Braines for a fascinating conversation about his journey through the world of electronic music. Steven shares the remarkable story of how a life-changing trip to Ibiza at just 16 years old sparked his passion for dance music and set him on a path into the industry. We explore his journey from those early experiences to managing his own roommate to a UK Number 1 record, insights into the role of an artist manager, the challenges that come with it, and the lessons he's learned throughout an impressive career representing artists at the highest level. A major part of our conversation focuses on the creation of HE.SHE.THEY, the globally recognised movement and event brand championing equality, inclusion, and diversity within electronic music. Steven opens up about the inspiration behind launching the platform, why creating safer and more welcoming spaces in club culture is so important, and how the dance music community can continue to evolve for the better.
Jul 19

Raphi - Being Authentic & Evolution of a New Sound

Raphi joins Connor Coates to discuss the evolution of her sound, the inspirations behind it and the exciting new chapter of her career. We dive into her latest releases and chat about working with some of the biggest names in dance music, including Armand Van Helden, Laidback Luke and Patrick Topping. Raphi also shares the story of how she first got into DJing, balancing life behind the decks with writing and recording in the studio. We explore her creative process, the importance of collaboration, insights into navigating social media without losing yourself, and how she's carving out her own unique identity in today's electronic music scene.
Jul 5

KLP - From Pop Group to Dance Music Powerhouse

On this episode, Connor Coates sits down with Australian DJ, producer, vocalist, KLP for an honest conversation about her journey through the music industry and the experiences that have shaped her career. From her early days in a pop girl group to becoming one of Australia's most respected names in dance music, KLP reflects on the evolution of her sound, finding her creative identity, and the lessons she's learned along the way. They also discuss some of her standout collaborations, including working with KETTAMA, Skrillex, and DJ Heartstring, as well as the creative process behind those records, adapting to different production styles, and why collaboration continues to inspire her. And of course, dive into her role as an A&R and publisher at Sweat It Out, discussing what it takes to discover and develop emerging talent, the current state of the dance music industry, and how she balances nurturing other artists while continuing to push her own career forward.
06/03/2024

Judge Jules - From Illegal Raves To Music Lawyer

Connor catches up with music lawyer, Judge Jules! From running illegal raves in the late 80's to becoming one of the biggest DJs in the world and now the go-to Dance music lawyer, Jules has done it all in a career that has spanned over four decades! They chat about the importance of needing a lawyer in the music industry, studying to become a lawyer while being an international DJ, his 15 year Ibiza residency 'Judgement Sundays' and the Dance music scene currently... Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

To The Beat Podcast takes you behind the scenes of the electronic music industry - hosted by DJ, radio presenter, and record label founder Connor Coates. Featuring conversations with your favourite artists, producers, songwriters, label executives and music industry professionals, the podcast explores the stories, insights, challenges and career-defining moments that have shaped some of dance music's most influential figures.

Creator

Connor Coates
Years Active

2024 - 2026
Episodes

17
Rating

Explicit
Copyright

© 2026 Connor Coates
Show Website

To The Beat Podcast

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