Redefining Music

Kay Cote
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  • Music Interviews
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Redefining Music is an intimate podcast hosted by Kay Cote exploring the real-life journeys shaping today’s dance music industry. Through candid conversations with DJs, producers, and industry leaders, the show uncovers how artists navigate change, build careers, overcome adversity, and stay aligned with purpose. Designed for EDM artists, music lovers, and industry professionals, Redefining Music goes beyond the stage to reveal the stories behind the sound. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, with live shows every 4th Thursday in Austin, TX.

  1. 1h ago

    EP 34: Proppaganda: Build a Brand They Can’t Duplicate

    Absolutely — here are YouTube-ready show notes for the **Proppaganda** episode:## YouTube DescriptionIn this live episode of **Redefining Music**, Kay sits down with California-based artist **Proppaganda** to talk about building a music career through originality, fear-facing, and unforgettable branding. Proppaganda shares the wild story of how he learned to DJ in 30 days before opening for Zeds Dead in front of 2,600 people, why it took him eight years to release his first song on Spotify, and how his daredevil visuals — from DJing underwater with sharks to performing 12,000 feet in the sky — became part of a larger artist universe. This episode is for DJs, producers, and artists who want to stop playing it safe, build something hard to duplicate, and create a brand people actually remember. ## Timestamps / Chapters00:01 — Welcome to Redefining Music + meet Proppaganda00:44 — How Proppaganda got started in music01:30 — Learning to DJ in 30 days before opening for Zeds Dead03:02 — Walking on stage for the first time in front of 2,600 people04:08 — The moment he knew he wanted to do music forever05:50 — Dropping out of college to pursue DJing08:03 — Fighting for the caddy job that funded music school10:40 — Why it took eight years to release his first song12:38 — Marketing, branding, and building an audience13:53 — How daredevil DJing became part of the brand15:53 — DJing underwater with sharks17:52 — Facing fear through skydiving and extreme stunts20:27 — Performing 12,000 feet in the sky22:24 — Why facing fear changes who you are23:08 — What’s next: new music + official remix opportunity25:17 — How Proppaganda is redefining the music industry26:15 — Closing + first podcast experience## Key Takeaways* Sometimes the biggest career moves start before you feel fully ready.* Your support system can help you overcome fear and step into bigger rooms.* Perfectionism can delay your release, but your music has to leave the hard drive to grow.* Strong branding is more than visuals — it’s creating a world people remember.* Facing fear can become part of your creative identity.* The most powerful artist concepts are original, intentional, and hard to duplicate.

    28 min

  2. 1h ago

    EP 33: Lee Cabrera: Why Doubt Never Goes Away (And Why That’s Good)

    On this episode of Redefining Music Podcast, Kay sits down live with house music legend and entrepreneur **Lee Cabrera** to talk about what it really takes to sustain a career in an ever-changing music industry. From landing a dream job at **Strictly Rhythm** as a teenager to writing a global hit at 19, Lee breaks down the mindset behind handling pressure, imposter syndrome, and performance nerves—plus the relationship game that comes with nightlife culture. You’ll also hear the story behind **FaderPro** and how Lee turned his experience into education and new royalty opportunities for artists. If you’re a DJ, producer, or artist building your platform, this episode is packed with real perspective and practical lessons.**Key takeaways:*** How to manage self-doubt when success comes fast* Why mentorship and an honest support circle matter* Turning fear into fuel before stepping on stage* How to bounce back after a bad set or setback* The role relationships play in the music/nightlife business* Building multiple income streams through education (FaderPro)**Timestamps / Chapters:**00:04 — Welcome to Redefining Music + meet Lee Cabrera00:35 — Portland to NYC: NYU, Strictly Rhythm, and getting into the scene02:25 — Behind-the-booth life: clubs, DJs, and learning fast04:50 — Early success + the head game: pressure, doubt, and staying grounded08:26 — Advice for artists breaking in: support systems, honesty, relationships10:47 — Performance nerves: why they happen and why they matter12:02 — Fear + confidence: getting out of your head and taking the stage16:34 — Resilience: how to keep going after a bad show19:18 — FaderPro origin story + building education for artists24:58 — Audience Q: balancing artistry and business27:38 — Where to find Lee + closingFollow Lee Cabrera on Instagram and Spotifyhttps://www.instagram.com/stevenleecabrerahttps://open.spotify.com/artist/4h8hm6TjKsvgmLajBgaI9w?si=aulF1jOkT52xLBSzshhUiwFollow Amplify EDM and Kay Cotehttps://www.instagram.com/thekaycotehttps://www.instagram.com/amplifyedm

    29 min

  3. Apr 10

    EP 32: From Bass to House: Riot Ten’s Next Chapter

    In this episode of Redefining Music, Kay Cote sits down with Riot Ten to explore his evolution as an artist—from his early roots in hip hop to becoming a force in bass music, and now stepping into a new chapter with his house project, WILSON. This conversation dives into the realities of touring, finding balance in personal life, and discovering deeper purpose through music while navigating adversity in the ever-changing electronic music industry. Key Elements: Riot Ten’s origin story and hip hop rootsTransition from bass music to his new house project, WILSONFinding harmony between touring and personal lifeDiscovering purpose through musicHow to keep going through adversity in the music industryFollow & Listen:Riot Ten Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/riottenmusic/Riot Ten Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Zxy5LwBatI5kw4uponwHQ?si=A-JpPZIkSI-Xop5fAcjESAWILSON Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilson.sound/WILSON SoundCloud: https://on.soundcloud.com/sIycznXPtSSkvAf6Ni Amplify EDM: https://www.instagram.com/amplifyedm/Kay Cote: https://www.instagram.com/thekaycote/

    26 min

  4. Jan 25

    EP 31 More Than Music: Redefining the Texas EDM Scene with Leaders in the Industry

    Recorded live at Sound Camp Festival in New Braunfels, TX, this special Redefining Music episode features powerful conversations with women leading change in the Texas electronic music scene. Host Kay Cote sits down with Sydney Cheatham (The Ripple Effect), Sarah Supinski (EDM Prosperity Network), Lauren Bruno (Prosper XO), and Hannah Allen (Elixir Mixer Events) to explore how community, emotional connection, and sustainable systems can help artists thrive. From redefining success and supporting artists beyond streaming to preserving humanity in an age of automation, this episode offers real insight, inspiration, and actionable resources for DJs, producers, and music lovers alike. 🎧 New episodes weekly | Live shows every 4th Thursday in Austin, TX

    43 min
  5. EP 30 Find Your Sound Against The Odds with Shay De Castro

    Jan 20

    EP 30 Find Your Sound Against The Odds with Shay De Castro

    In this episode of Redefining Music, host Kay Cote sits down with techno DJ and producer Shay De Castro for a raw, inspiring conversation about taking risks, trusting the long game, and redefining success in dance music. Shay shares her journey of leaving the U.S. to follow her passion abroad, playing marathon club sets for next to nothing, and sharpening her craft in real-world environments that shaped her sound. After returning to Los Angeles during the height of the global lockdown, Shay made a pivotal decision to pivot fully into music production — focusing on the one thing she could control when live shows disappeared. Today, Shay De Castro is an internationally respected techno artist, with tracks supported and played by heavyweights like Adam Beyer and other top selectors in the global techno scene. Her story is one of resilience, adaptability, and commitment to the craft. This episode is for: • DJs navigating uncertainty • Artists questioning their next move • Fans who want a deeper connection to the music and the humans behind it 🎧 Listen now and hear how Shay turned adversity into momentum — and continues redefining music on her own terms. 👉 Follow us on Instagram @AmplifyEDM 🎟 Join our live studio audience every 4th Thursday in Austin 🌐 Tickets & info: amplifyedm.com/podcast

    39 min
  6. EP 29 Crafting Her Sound: Esther Anaya’s Unforgettable Fusion of Strings and Dance Music

    05/02/2025

    EP 29 Crafting Her Sound: Esther Anaya’s Unforgettable Fusion of Strings and Dance Music

    From childhood serenades to festival main stages, Esther Anaya’s musical journey is anything but ordinary. Classically trained and fearlessly original, she shares how her father's love for music sparked her own passion—and how a fateful moment at a private party led her to blend violin with electronic music. Now, with over a decade of experience as a DJ, producer, and live performer, Esther is known for bringing soul and showmanship to every set. In this episode, we dive deep into her path—from being denied entry to a conservatory to building her own lane in house music. She opens up about the power of failure, the freedom of authenticity, and the magic that happens when you embrace what makes you unforgettable. 🎻✨ "Don’t hold onto your songs. Be vulnerable. The moment you put them out there, that’s where growth begins." 🔥 Key Takeaways: How Esther uniquely fused classical violin with EDM Why rejection helped her find her true path Her advice to artists on overcoming fear and putting their work out into the world Why playing big festivals fuels her fire The story behind her new track with Thomas Gold — listen now! 🎧👉 ⁠⁠Listen to "The Godfather" under the group name Anaya & Gold: https://open.spotify.com/track/7HXYrnNCgWwf4sdae0Q46x?si=c215107d7d044301 🔗 Connect with Esther Anaya: Instagram:⁠https://www.instagram.com/estheranaya/⁠ Spotify:⁠https://artists.spotify.com/c/artist/517LXfGhdG0xgfJiz6h0U5/profile/overview⁠ TikTok: ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@esther_anaya⁠ YouTube: ⁠https://www.youtube.com/@EstherAnaya⁠

    9 min
  7. EP 28 Why NIKMIND Says Burnout Is Real—and How Artists Can Avoid It

    04/11/2025

    EP 28 Why NIKMIND Says Burnout Is Real—and How Artists Can Avoid It

    🎧 AMPEDCast Show Notes: NIKMIND | Live at Winter Music Conference 🎙 Captured live at Miami Music Week's Winter Music Conference, this episode features the inspiring journey of NIKMIND, a Colombian-born DJ and producer blending Techno and House with minimalistic touches. 🌍 From Colombia to the U.S.: NIKMIND moved from Colombia to the U.S. to turn his dream into reality. With six years of experience in music production and content creation, his sound is a fusion of deep roots and global influence. 🎶 Musical Journey & Style: Inspired during high school and formally trained in audio engineering, NIKMIND now mixes and masters all his own work. His 2024 goal? Release a new track every month and collaborate with European artists and labels. Rooted in intentional growth, he's building connections and staying true to his love for Techno, House, and Minimal. 💬 Wisdom for Fellow Artists: Burnout is real. Build a strong support system around you and don’t be afraid to ask for help. When it comes to networking, remember: quality over quantity—it's about being intentional. Let people put a face to your music. Show up, meet people in person, and let them see who you really are. Be kind. Be open. Be present. That’s where the magic happens. 🎧 Reflections on Miami Music Week: Returning to WMC after attending in 2019, NIKMIND says the energy is unmatched. It’s a hub for global music connections—a place where real, lasting relationships begin. “Things move fast. One hello could change everything.” 🔗 Connect with NIKMIND: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsnikmind/ Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/6sw1rtZ2s9ZI3iT3voudbJ 💥 Love content like this? Hit like, follow, and subscribe to AMPEDCast for more authentic conversations and behind-the-scenes stories from the heart of the dance music community. 🔊

    9 min
  8. EP 27 From Army to Touring DJ, Embrace Your True Calling with Jaxx Noveira

    04/11/2025

    EP 27 From Army to Touring DJ, Embrace Your True Calling with Jaxx Noveira

    🎧 AMPEDCast Show Notes: Jaxx Noveira | Live at Winter Music Conference 🎙 Captured live at Miami Music Week's Winter Music Conference, this episode features the inspiring journey of Jaxx Noveira, a Netherlands-born DJ and producer lighting up the dance floors with his signature Tech House and UK Garage sound. 🌍 From Amsterdam to LA: Originally from Amsterdam, Jaxx is currently soaking up the energy and sunshine of Los Angeles while continuing to push his sound forward before heading back to Europe. He’s a firm believer in living where the music moves you. ⚡ A Bold Leap: Military to Music What makes Jaxx’s story so unique? Before turning up clubs, he was training in the military. During off-time on the training range, he started teaching himself how to produce music. Fueled by passion, he left the army to pursue DJing and music full-time. 💡 Inspiring Words from Jaxx: “Go all in or nothing. If you do it halfway, you get half the results.” “Just keep going. I heard ‘no’ so many times, but if you stay in the game, you’ll get that ‘yes.’” On Miami Music Week: “Things happen fast—you never know who you’ll meet!” 🔗 Follow Jaxx Noveira: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jaxxnoveira/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jaxxnoveira Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Nf48dKQ1RymTM3vchqxp1 🎧 Love this kind of content?Hit like, follow, and subscribe to catch more powerful stories from the heart of the dance music world. From festival stages to behind-the-scenes hustle, we bring you the vibes, the voices, and the vision—only on AMPEDCast. 💥

    4 min
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About

Redefining Music is an intimate podcast hosted by Kay Cote exploring the real-life journeys shaping today’s dance music industry. Through candid conversations with DJs, producers, and industry leaders, the show uncovers how artists navigate change, build careers, overcome adversity, and stay aligned with purpose. Designed for EDM artists, music lovers, and industry professionals, Redefining Music goes beyond the stage to reveal the stories behind the sound. New episodes drop weekly on YouTube, Spotify, and Apple Podcasts, with live shows every 4th Thursday in Austin, TX.

Information

  • Creator
    Kay Cote
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    34
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Kay Cote
  • Show Website
    Redefining Music