AMPEDCast Kay Cote and Evan Light

Welcome to another episode of AMPEDCast, the go-to podcast for EDM DJs, Producers and music lovers alike. Today, your host Kay Cote delves into the compelling world of Shadowstar, a melodic techno DJ and producer, is a master of blending diverse soundscapes into his music. His current project is a daring exploration of personal themes such as redemption and hope. Shadowstar's music resonates with the depth of moody blues and the foundational rhythms of dub, a nod to his musical roots which he considers essential to his artistic growth. His evolving sound as a reflection of his journey towards understanding and harnessing his personal experiences, aiming to create tracks that not only entertain but resonate on a deeper emotional level. With his unique blend of genres and introspective themes, Shadowstar continues to redefine the boundaries of techno music, ensuring that each beat and note is infused with his soulful, blues-tinged essence.

In this exclusive interview, Shadowstar shares the pivotal moments that have marked his journey in the electronic music scene. From his strategic submission to a Mau5Trap label competition to his unique approach to music production, he provides invaluable insights into the mechanisms of building a successful career in this fast-paced industry.

Key Takeaways:


Have Hope: Shadowstar discusses the role of hope and redemption in his music, driving him to continuously evolve and connect with his audience on a deeper level.
Putting Yourself Out There in Creative Ways: Learn about Shadowstar's bold move to submit an original track to a Mau5Trap competition, a decision that significantly boosted his profile and opened new doors in his career.
Experimenting with Your Sound: Shadowstar emphasizes the importance of experimentation, revealing how his upcoming "B side" tracks explore new dimensions of his artistic identity.
Community to Help You Thrive: Hear how the overwhelming support from his fans not only propelled him to new heights but also underscored the essential role of community in an artist’s growth.
Earl Nightingale Said It Best: Drawing inspiration from Earl Nightingale, Shadowstar reflects on the impact of mindset and attitude on achieving success and personal fulfillment in the music industry.

Don't miss this episode of AMPEDCast where we explore the intersections of creativity, community support, and career development with one of the electronic music scene's most exciting figures. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to not just navigate, but truly thrive in the world of EDM. Subscribe now to follow along on this and other music journeys with Kay Cote!

Welcome to a very special episode of AMPEDCast, the heartbeat of the EDM community and your go-to destination for everything electronic dance music. This week, we're excited to sit down with Evan Light, a distinguished DJ and producer better known by his stage name, No Light Thing. Evan hails from Austin, Texas and is a central figure in the popular weekly radio show, "What's On My Mind."

Born amidst the natural beauty of Lake Tahoe, Evan has been immersed in the techno and house music scene since 2006. He's skillfully crafted a unique sound that blends mainstream appeal with deeper, more personal rhythms. In this episode, we delve into a year in the life of Evan, celebrating his artistic achievements and examining his personal and professional growth amidst various challenges and victories.

We'll look back on his memorable birthday event at the chic "This Too Shall Pass" cocktail lounge, his transition from IT to full-time music production, and his notable performances, including opening for Becky Hill at Austin City Limits. We'll also give you a sneak peek into the must-attend pre-party for his upcoming major event.

Expect an episode filled with laughter, intimate revelations, and exclusive insights into the EDM industry. Whether you're managing life transitions, exploring new career paths, or simply seeking joy in music and community, this episode offers inspiring stories and valuable lessons.

So, tune in, get inspired, and let us amplify every beat of our musical journey together on AMPEDCast.

Takeaway Bullet Points:


Appreciate Team Efforts: Recognizing and valuing the contributions of others is crucial in achieving collective success.
Celebrate Personal Growth: Reflect on and celebrate personal development and milestones.
Navigate Through Challenges: Learn how to manage and overcome personal and professional challenges.
Explore Career Transitions: Consider the possibilities and impacts of shifting career paths.
Connect with Community: Embrace and contribute to your community, finding joy and support within it.

Follow No Light Thing on Instagram and WOMM Radio on Mixcloud

Welcome to AMPEDCast with JessMe and Marvin Acosta, a vibrant exploration of the electrifying world of electronic music, directly from its birthplace—Chicago. Dive deep into the heart of House music with JessMe, a captivating vocalist known for her dynamic range and heartfelt performances, and Marvin Acosta, a visionary producer who's reshaping the house music landscape with his innovative beats and productions. Together, they bring you exclusive interviews, behind-the-scenes insights, and unforgettable stories from the artists who make Chicago's music scene thrive.

In this episode, JessMe shares her musical journey from YouTube covers to electrifying the Chicago club scene with her voice, ultimately finding her passion in electronic and house music. Marvin Acosta takes us back to his roots, surrounded by the foundational beats of house music, and charts his rise from a neighborhood DJ to a key player in the resurgence of Chicago's house music scene through his work with iconic labels. This episode is a testament to the transformative power of music, the importance of community, and the unstoppable spirit of Chicago's artists.

Key Takeaways from This Episode:


Music as a Journey: Both JessMe and Marvin highlight the evolving nature of a music career, illustrating how explorations within different genres and opportunities can lead artists to discover their true calling.
Music Influences: The episode dives into the varied musical inspirations that have shaped JessMe and Marvin's careers, ranging from vocal powerhouses like Whitney Houston to house music pioneers like Frankie Knuckles. Their stories underscore the importance of drawing inspiration from both personal heroes and the rich history of one's genre.
Find What Inspires You: JessMe emphasizes the role her musically inclined family played in her development as an artist, while Marvin reflects on the influence of the Chicago house music community and his early exposure to the genre through his family's musical preferences. As an artist, what inspires you?
Adaptation and Growth: The episode touches how to delve deeper into your craft, and embrace new aspects of music production and DJing.
Milestones and Achievements: Hear first hand experiences from JessMe and Marvin share their recent career milestones, including their collaboration on their track "Dopamine".
The Significance of Labels: Discover tips and tricks to navigating the world of getting signed.



Join JessMe and Marvin Acosta on AMPEDCast for a deep dive into the beats and rhythms that make Chicago the undisputed home of house music. Follow their journey, get inspired, and discover the stories behind the sounds that move us.



Follow on Insta: JessMeMusic and MarvinAcostaMusic

Check out their track Dopamine on Spotify

In this episode of AMPEDCast, we explore the EDM industry with DJ, Producer and owner of The Bop Shop record label, Spencer Arnold. From the vibrant energy of warehouse parties to the meticulous craft of music production, Spencer shares his transformative path from DJing to producing to launching his record label.

Our conversation uncovers the pivotal moments, inspirations, and the relentless pursuit of his musical passion, providing an inspiring blueprint for artists navigating the world of EDM.

Spencer recounts his initial steps into the DJing scene and his transition to music production fueled by a desire to make an impact beyond local venues. The challenges and breakthroughs of his journey, including the significant milestone of signing his first track illustrate the dedication and hard work behind his success. Spencer's story is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the importance of collaboration.

Beyond his personal achievements, Spencer emphasizes the importance of community, mentorship, and overcoming the common hurdles artists face, such as perfection paralysis and self-doubt. His decision to start his record label, The Bop Shop, reflects a commitment to giving back and supporting fellow artists.

This episode is packed with valuable insights, practical advice, and the inspiring story of how Spencer turned his dreams into a reality, offering motivation and guidance for aspiring DJs and producers aiming to carve out their own path in the music industry.

Start Where You Are: Spencer's journey from warehouse DJ to chart-topping producer shows that starting with what you have and where you are is crucial. Your current situation is your launching pad.

Transition with Purpose: Moving from DJing to producing wasn't just a shift in focus for Spencer; it was about making a bigger impact. Know why you're moving in the direction you're choosing.

Perseverance Pays Off: Signing with Taldor Records was a milestone made possible by relentless hard work and dedication. Keep pushing, even when the going gets tough.

Build Your Community: Spencer's emphasis on community and mentorship highlights the importance of surrounding yourself with people who support and uplift you. Find your tribe and grow together.Face Challenges Head-On: Overcoming self-doubt and perfectionism is part of the process. Recognize these feelings but don't let them stop you. Keep creating, keep experimenting, and keep moving forward.

Resources: If you are interested in music production, check out Zen World on Youtube.



Also Follow Spencer on IG at @spencerarnoldmusic and on Spotify.

DJ and Producer, Ryan Dupre shares his journey as an artist up until the point of launching his first album in this candid interview. He shares the importance of embracing your own unique sound and keeping the magic alive in music with play.

When it comes to planning your album release party, it's important to make it unique and fitting to you while keeping your audience in mind. Dupre's event is all about mixing it up with different kinds of music and folks, making sure there's a little something for everyone who shows up.

Dupre digs deep into what keeps them pumped about making music, and it's all about the people. Like, knowing you're part of a crew that's all about lifting each other up and pushing the boundaries of music. It's this vibe of being in it together, experimenting, and just having a blast while staying true to what got you into music in the first place.

Key components from this episode:


Find your own sound and rock it.
Don't be scared to try new stuff in your music.
Always remember why you started making music.
Build up your confidence to create your own circle of cool, supportive people.

That's the kind of spirit we're talking about—keeping it real with your music, having fun, and making sure everyone feels like they're part of something special.



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Dive into an electrifying episode of AMPEDCast, where we journey deep into the heart of Houston's EDM scene, live from the Green Room at Galaxy Station festival. Today, we're joined by the illustrious talents of Texas: Reva, HZY, Ghem, Jam Sheddy, and Maddy Scott, each sharing their unique journey, inspirations, and the beats that have shaped their path in the world of electronic dance music.

Through their stories, a few key takeaways resonate, offering invaluable lessons not just for aspiring DJs and producers, but for anyone passionate about their craft:

Inspiration is the force of creativity. Our guests illustrate the power of drawing from personal experiences, serendipitous moments, and the musical legends before them. Whether it's the unity felt on the dance floor or a late-night discovery of an underground party, letting inspiration guide your creative process is crucial.

Art is not just about creation but also about sharing that creation with the world. Each guest emphasizes the importance of sharing their inspirations, whether through their music, social media, or conversations. This exchange not only enriches the community but also connects artists to their audience on a deeper level.

The journey through music is best shared. Our guests highlight the sense of community and camaraderie found within the EDM scene, especially at events like Galaxy Station. Sharing experiences, challenges, and successes with friends and fellow artists can amplify your growth and enrich your journey.

Festivals are not just platforms for performance but also incredible opportunities for growth, learning, and networking. Participating in festivals exposes you to new audiences, trends, and connections within the industry, playing a pivotal role in any artist's career advancement.

The journey of an artist is paved with the development of various skill sets, from technical skills in mixing and production to soft skills like networking and storytelling. Leveraging these skills can propel you forward, helping you navigate the industry and connect with your audience more effectively.

As we wrap up this special episode from the Green Room at Galaxy Station, we're reminded of the powerful thread that music weaves through our lives, connecting, inspiring, and moving us forward. These takeaways are not just lessons but beacons that light the path for anyone daring to follow their passion in the music world and beyond.

Tune into AMPEDCast for more episodes that explore the sounds and stories of the EDM scene, and let these narratives inspire your own journey. Whether you're an artist, a fan, or someone in between, there's a place for you in the vibrant tapestry of electronic dance music. Follow us on Instagram at Amplify EDM and visit amplifyedm.com for updates on events and episodes. Let the music amplify your spirit.



Follow the artists featured on this podcast on Instagram:

Farzain Jamsheddy

Hzy

Reva

Maddie Scott

Ghem