A DJ's Journey: DJ Podcast & DJ History Insights

Deckard - DJ Podcast & DJ History
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After 25 years behind the decks, I've learned that every DJ has a unique path. I'm DJ Deckard, host of 'A DJ's Journey' - a podcast that explores the stories behind the music with the legends who shaped our scene. Where every beat tells a story.

  1. Justin Rushmore on Building Finger Lickin' Records, the No-Rules Scene & Norman Cook Bowing Down | A DJ's Journey Ep 16

    1D AGO

    Justin Rushmore on Building Finger Lickin' Records, the No-Rules Scene & Norman Cook Bowing Down | A DJ's Journey Ep 16

    Breakbeat history gets the insider treatment as Justin Rushmore — co-founder of Finger Lickin' Records and one half of Soul of Man — sits down with Deckard for a deep dive into one of the most important independent labels in UK dance music. Justin traces his path from discovering Street Sounds Electro compilations as a teenager to throwing "French Kissing Balls" at 16, organizing acid house revival raves, and eventually meeting Jem Stone through a serendipitous connection that launched Finger Lickin' Records in 1997. This episode covers the full arc — how hearing the Freestylers' Essential Mix crystallized the Finger Lickin' sound, why the label became an "umbrella for no rules" in an era of chin-strokey dark breaks, and how Justin pushed Plump DJs to release A Plump Night Out when they resisted. He explains the Dog Star and Bar Vinyl as ground zero for the Brixton breakbeat scene, what it was like selling records out of the back of vans to the same shops he'd been shopping in, and how running a record shop became the social hub that attracted Lee Coombs, Krafty Kuts, and the wider Finger Lickin' family. Justin shares incredible stories from the road — getting kidnapped in an RV after a Mighty party in San Francisco, pulling back a curtain to find Lee Coombs DJing alone at his own after-party, and the night Norman Cook got on his knees backstage in Barcelona bowing down to Soul of Man (and later had zero memory of it). The conversation goes beyond nostalgia into what happens when a scene runs its course. Justin talks about the conscious decision to end Finger Lickin' after 10 years and 100 singles, the transition into Bug Club — his fleet of VW camper van DJ booths that have done over a thousand events including the London Marathon and Formula One — and the question that defined his post-label life: how can a DJ age gracefully? With Finger Lickin's 30th anniversary on the horizon for 2027, Justin hints at big plans to reconnect with the global community the label built. This episode directly connects to Ep 6 and Ep 10 (Lee Coombs), Ep 9 (Jem Stone), Ep 11 (Krafty Kuts), Ep 14 (The Freestylers), and Ep 15 (Plump DJs) — making it one of the most cross-referenced conversations in the series. Topics: Finger Lickin' Records history, Soul of Man, breakbeat culture, Brighton DJ scene, UK breaks, independent record labels, Bug Club, Bar Vinyl, Dog Star Brixton, Fatboy Slim, A Plump Night Out, acid house, rave culture, DJ entrepreneurship 00:00 Introduction to Justin Rushmore02:00 Musical Beginnings and Influences05:40 Transition to DJing and Early Parties10:52 The Rise of Breakbeat and Acid House18:11 The Birth of Finger Lickin' Records25:35 The Big Beat Scene and Community Dynamics32:20 Soul of Man's Place in Breakbeat History37:17 Pushing for Albums and Collaborations41:08 The Evolution of a Music Collective45:12 Navigating the Digital Shift in Music47:04 Personal Growth and New Ventures52:52 The Future of Bug Club and Events57:33 Reflecting on the Past and Celebrating the Future #breakbeat #fingerlickinrecords #soulofman #djhistory #ukbreaks #djculture #bigbeat #brighton #fatboyslim #plumpdjs #adjsjourney

    1h 16m
  2. Plump DJs: 25 Years of A Plump Night Out, UK Breaks & What Comes Next | A DJ's Journey Ep 15

    MAR 25

    Plump DJs: 25 Years of A Plump Night Out, UK Breaks & What Comes Next | A DJ's Journey Ep 15

    Lee Rous of Plump DJs sits down with Deckard for a DJ history deep dive — from the Freskanova Records scene and Finger Lickin' to a 10-year Fabric residency, Field Day Sydney, Coachella, and 25 years of A Plump Night Out. We get into DJ culture in the UK breaks underground, the Spain breakbeat revival, what's fueling the Plumps' creative resurgence, and their upcoming album Night of the Baku — out October 2026. A DJ's Journey — DJ stories from the artists who shaped dance music.

    1h 17m
  3. Episode 14: Breakbeat Music & The Freestylers — Big Beat, Rave Culture & Making Anthems

    MAR 12

    Episode 14: Breakbeat Music & The Freestylers — Big Beat, Rave Culture & Making Anthems

    Breakbeat helped define an era, and The Freestylers were right in the middle of it. In Episode 14 of A DJ’s Journey, Deckard sits down with Aston Harvey to trace the roots of The Freestylers, the rise of UK breakbeat and big beat culture, the story behind We Rock Hard, life on the road with Lenny Kravitz, and what still drives Aston today. They also get into rave culture, scene history, and new music with Dub Pistols arriving in March 2026. 00:00 The Musical Roots of Aston Harvey 02:01 The Birth of Hip Hop and B-Boy Culture 04:32 Transitioning to DJing and Music Production 07:29 The Rise of Breakdancing and Early Influences 10:20 Starting Out in the Music Industry 13:01 Formation of Blaps Posse and Early Collaborations 15:48 The Evolution of Freestylers and Big Beat Scene 24:21 The Evolution of Big Beat and Freestyle Music 26:40 Creating a Live Band Experience 28:20 Embracing the Journey of Touring 31:20 Navigating the Music Business 34:17 The Impact of Chart Success 37:09 Evolving Sound and Technology 41:00 Collaborations and New Projects 44:11 The Community of Electronic Music 47:39 The Unique Spanish Scene 49:35 The Evolution of Music Genres 52:23 Adapting to Different Audiences 55:18 The Cyclical Nature of Music 57:03 The Challenges of Breakbeat and Drum and Bass 01:00:41 Anecdotes from the Studio and Touring Life

    1h 15m
  4. Fort Knox Five: Breakbeat Origins & DJ Culture with DJ Deckard | A DJ’s Journey Ep 13

    FEB 25

    Fort Knox Five: Breakbeat Origins & DJ Culture with DJ Deckard | A DJ’s Journey Ep 13

    Breakbeat music and DJ culture meet in this deep conversation with Steve Raskin of Fort Knox Five. DJ Deckard hosts one-half of the legendary DC-based duo to explore breakbeat origins, the funk-fueled DC scene, life as a touring DJ, and the story behind Fort Knox Recordings. Whether you’re a DJ, a music lover, or just curious how the greats built their careers — this one’s for you.​ In this episode of A DJ’s Journey, Deckard and Steve dive into how Fort Knox Five helped shape modern funk and breakbeat, what it takes to run an independent label, and how to build a long-term career in underground music. You’ll hear stories from the studio, the road, and iconic events like Shambhala and Burning Man, plus insight into carrying on the Fort Knox Five legacy after the loss of Jon Horvath.​ Topics: Breakbeat origins · DJ culture · Fort Knox Five · Funk music · Independent music · DC music scene · DJ history · Touring DJ life · Burning Man & Shambhala · Fort Knox Recordings​ In this episode you’ll learn: How Steve Raskin’s early bands and influences evolved into Thunderball and Fort Knox Five The role DC’s funk and go-go scene played in shaping the Fort Knox sound What it’s really like to tour the world as a breakbeat/funk DJ How Fort Knox Recordings was built as a home for funk, breaks, and party-starting bass music How the crew has navigated change, loss, and legacy while keeping the dancefloor energy alive​ Keywords: breakbeat DJ, Fort Knox Five interview, funk DJ podcast, DC funk scene, DJ history podcast, DJ culture podcast, Burning Man DJ, Shambhala DJ, independent label, Fort Knox Recordings, touring DJ, Steve Raskin About the guest: Steve Raskin is a producer, DJ, and visual artist best known as one-half of Fort Knox Five, the DC-based funk and breakbeat outfit behind Fort Knox Recordings and a long list of festival-tested anthems. From early band days through major label deals, Thunderball, and the rise of Fort Knox Five, Steve has helped shape the sound of modern party-funk and breaks.​ About the host: Deckard is a San Francisco Bay Area DJ and host of A DJ’s Journey, a podcast exploring the stories, struggles, and creative processes behind DJs and producers who have dedicated their lives to the craft. Timestamps: 00:00 The Funky Roots of Steve Raskin06:17 Musical Beginnings and Early Instruments09:11 Education and the Art-Music Connection12:11 The Rise of Edsull and Major Label Experiences14:59 Transition to Electronic Music and Thunderball17:56 Fort Knox Five: Formation and Vision20:50 The Evolution of Sound and Collaboration23:51 The Breakthrough of Fort Knox Five26:50 Creative Process and Musical Philosophy30:46 The Creative Process and Collaboration33:05 Evolution of Fort Knox 5's Sound35:36 Establishing Fort Knox Recordings36:12 Blending Genres and Influences37:40 Early Shows and Canadian Connections39:08 Impact on the BC Music Scene40:36 Experiences at Shambhala40:56 The Release of Radio Free DC44:37 Balancing Thunderball and Fort Knox 546:06 John as the Brand Ambassador48:04 Burning Man and Legacy54:08 Bringing John's Spirit to Burning Man59:13 The Healing Power of Music01:01:22 Navigating Change and Loss01:03:36 The Evolution of Fort Knox Five01:07:37 The Joy of DJing and Being a Fan01:08:45 Curating Funk: The Label's Journey01:12:27 The Magic of Burning Man01:15:44 A New Chapter in Whistler01:19:19 Memorable Moments from Festivals

    1h 30m
  5. A FORT KNOX 5 MIXTAPE REACHED GWEN STEFANI'S MANAGER

    SEASON 1, EPISODE 13 TRAILER

    A FORT KNOX 5 MIXTAPE REACHED GWEN STEFANI'S MANAGER

    A DJ's Journey Ep 13 Fort Knox Five In this clip as told by Steve Raskin - John H handed out Fort Knox 5 mixtapes everywhere. Every club, every city, every person he met. One of them ended up with Gwen Stefani's manager. Her first solo tour was being planned and they wanted exactly what Fort Knox 5 were doing. There was just one problem — only room for one on the tour bus. Steve Raskin made a decision that said everything about their partnership. Episode 13 drops Wednesday. Link in bio. #ADJsJourney #FortKnoxFive #FortKnoxRecordings #Breakbeat #NuFunk #BreaksMusic #DJLife #MusicPodcast #DJPodcast #ElectronicMusic

    1 min
  6. A DJ's Journey Ep. 12 Sporty-O | Hosted by Deckard

    07/25/2025

    A DJ's Journey Ep. 12 Sporty-O | Hosted by Deckard

    A DJ’s Journey Ep. 12 drops now — featuring the legendary Sporty-O (@sportyowingman), the international wingman himself. From hustling mixtapes in Atlanta to performing on the main stage at EDC, Sporty-O’s story is one of hustle, reinvention, and relentless love for music. We talk about his early days as a hip-hop MC, his move to LA and writing music for TV, connecting with Keith MacKenzie through MySpace, and finding his true voice in electronic music. Now stepping into DJing while still producing and performing, Sporty-O reflects on evolution, staying creative, and how dance music opened up a global world of sound and possibility. 🎧 Available on all platforms🔊 Hosted by Deckard🔥 Full episode out now ShowNotes 00:00 The Musical Roots of Sporty-O 13:06 From Hip-Hop to Dance Music 24:37 Navigating the Music Business 31:48 Opportunities in Los Angeles 32:34 The Breakbeat Scene and Guest List's Impact 34:50 Transitioning from Hip Hop to Dance Music 38:02 The Moment of Realization in Dance Music 41:2 Unique Contributions to Electronic Music 44:26 Navigating Production in Dance Music 48:59 Collaborations and Touring with Keith 53:31 The Birth of Tequila Rageface 01:00:23 Returning to Atlanta and Building Community 01:02:32 The Journey of Music and Community 01:06:42 Evolving as an Artist in Dance Music 01:14:12 Navigating Challenges in DJing 01:22:45 The Future of Performance and Collaboration #ADJsJourney #SportyO #ElectronicMusic #PodcastInterview #DanceMusicScene #HipHopInfluence #DeckardPodcast

    1h 31m
  7. A DJ's Journey Ep. 11 Krafty Kuts

    07/09/2025

    A DJ's Journey Ep. 11 Krafty Kuts

    📣 New Episode Drop: Krafty Kuts on A DJ’s Journey From bingo caller and car boot crate-digger to breakbeat icon, Martin Reeves aka Krafty Kuts shares the wild ride that took him from the UK’s underground scene to world tours and legendary festival sets like Shambhala 🌍🎶 We talk: 🔊 His musical roots in ska, funk & electro 🎧 How a Beastie Boys record named him “Krafty Kuts” 📀 The moment Fatboy Slim walked into his shop 🔥 Touring with Rage Against the Machine, playing to 40k 🎤 Raising Future Flex & streaming during lockdown 💥 And why BREAKBEAT. IS. BACK. Full episode up July 9. You know what to do 🎙️ Follow Krafty Kuts: 🎚️ @KraftyKutsOfficial on Facebook 🎶 Bandcamp | Patreon 📷 Threads | TikTok 🎵 SoundCloud | Mixcloud 🟢 Spotify | Twitch 🎧 Beatport | X/Twitter 00:00 The Musical Roots of Crafty Cuts 03:07 The Evolution of DJing and Breakdancing 05:58 From Record Collector to DJ 09:08 The Journey into Production 12:20 The Rise of Crafty Cuts 15:13 Influences and Inspirations 18:08 The Impact of Live Performances 21:23 The Transition to Music Production 24:19 The Breakthrough Moment 27:10 The Whirlwind of Success 32:41 The Journey to Recognition 36:04 Building a Breakbeat Scene 39:51 Mastering the Craft of DJing 45:23 The Importance of Supportive Relationships 49:59 Navigating the Music Industry 56:07 The Evolution of Breakbeat and EDM 01:00:39 The Melting Pot of Genres 01:01:48 Heartfelt Moments in Music 01:02:55 Collaboration and DJing Dynamics 01:04:07 The Art of DJing and Musical Expression 01:07:01 Influences and Musical Journey 01:09:04 Family Legacy in DJing 01:11:02 The Festival Experience and Community 01:13:00 The Power of Streaming and Connection 01:17:51 Advice for Aspiring DJs 01:21:38 Upcoming Projects and Future Directions 01:25:27 Outro Music

    1h 26m
  8. Crate Digging with Lee Coombs | A DJ’s Journey

    07/03/2025 ·  BONUS

    Crate Digging with Lee Coombs | A DJ’s Journey

    From early breakbeat bangers to classic electro and modern productions, Lee Coombs walks us through 9 pivotal tracks that shaped his career. From The Invisible Men to Break Free, this deep dive is packed with moments in time and stories from a legend.The Invisible Men - Self Indulge   • The Invisible Men - Self Indulge  Exodus to Paradise - Rock It (Exodus to Paradise Remix)   • Exodus To Paradise - Rock It (Exodus To Pa...  The Freakazoids - @tic Futura   • The Freakazoids - @tic Futura (1998)  Lee Coombs - The Future Sound of Retro   • Future Sound of Retro (Remix)  New Order - Crystal (Lee Coombs Remix)   • New Order ‎– Crystal (Lee Coombs Remix) [HD]  Lee Coombs - Breakfast of Champions   • Lee Coombs - Breakfast Of Champions (2004)...  Lee Coombs & Uberzone - Right Now   • Lee Coombs & Uberzone "Right now"  The Freakazoids - Freak Jam   • Freak Jam  Lee Coombs - Break Free   • Break Free  Lee Coombs Music & Socialshttps://thrustrecordings.bandcamp.com/  / leecoombs1    / leecoombsofficial  #ADJsJourney #CrateDigging #LeeCoombs #Breakbeat #FingerLickinRecords #VinylCulture #DJPodcast #ElectronicMusic #90sBreaks #ProducerLife #DJDeckard #MusicDocumentary #ThrustRecordings #NewOrder

    12 min
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After 25 years behind the decks, I've learned that every DJ has a unique path. I'm DJ Deckard, host of 'A DJ's Journey' - a podcast that explores the stories behind the music with the legends who shaped our scene. Where every beat tells a story.

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