Industry Interviews

Seattle House Mafia
  • 5.0 (4)
  • Music Interviews

Interviews of music industry professionals from in and around the Seattle House music scene. DJs, producers, promoters and everything in between.

  1. Seattle House Mafia Industry Interviews by Seattle House Mafia S04E04

    2d ago

    Seattle House Mafia Industry Interviews by Seattle House Mafia S04E04

    Seattle House Mafia sits down with Sloane Motion, and this time the crew is in the hot seat. This episode brings all three members of Seattle House Mafia together for a deep, unfiltered conversation about how three DJs with completely different backgrounds became a crew, a brand, and lifelong friends. The trio traces their individual paths into electronic music: Phil's Seattle upbringing and first rave at 16, Paul's journey from UK happy hardcore tape packs to house music, and Sang-Do's route from Seoul to Honolulu to West Seattle's rave scene. They also share how they actually found each other, starting with a SoundCloud connection and a Global Dance Records release, and how pandemic-era beach sessions at Alki turned into the crew that exists today. Listeners get a real look at how the Mafia builds a b2b2b set. No pre-planned track lists, just genre-based folders and an unspoken system for setting each other up rather than trying to outdo one another. They revisit some of their favorite recent gigs, including Flammable, Be My Guest and opening for global headliners. There's a great detour into Seattle nightlife history with the story of Medusa (and how it eventually became Foundation), plus a candid discussion on identity, balancing DJing with full-time careers, and why none of them see it as a sacrifice.  The episode closes with a look at where the Seattle House Mafia brand is headed next, from expanding the interview series to production plans on the horizon. #SeattleHouseMafia #HouseMusic #DJInterview

    1h 33m
  2. Mixed Up Mike Industry Interviews by Seattle House Mafia S04E03

    Jun 30

    Mixed Up Mike Industry Interviews by Seattle House Mafia S04E03

    Phil Anthony sits down with Mixed Up Mike (Mike Comella), a Seattle DJ, promoter, and dance music veteran with more than 25 years in the scene. Mike's introduction to dance music is one you won't forget. After growing up between Portland and Seattle and getting into trouble as a teenager, he found himself being hauled off to a wilderness rehabilitation program by two giant dudes, an experience that changed the course of his life. There, he met a new group of friends who introduced him to his first rave at NAFF Studios in 1999, and the rest is history. Later that same summer, watching Seattle DJ legend Donald Glaude perform at Bumbershoot became the defining moment when he realized exactly what he wanted to do with his life. Phil and Mike trace the full arc, from the early days grinding on Gemini belt-drive turntables and building a vinyl collection to landing his first residency at Watertown in Belltown while working a day job at Guitar Center. They also dive into his work with Kaos Theory Events alongside promoter Jeff Dowlz, including the story of bringing Skrillex to Seattle for the very first time in 2011. The contract was signed before "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" exploded a month later, setting the stage for a memorable call from the booking agent asking to renegotiate the deal. The conversation also explores why Mike stepped away from DJing for a time, and what ultimately brought him back. That story is deeply personal. One afternoon, Mike's three-year-old daughter Lyla wandered into the garage and instinctively started back-spinning on his turntables. As a non-verbal child with autism, music has become one of the ways she connects with the world, and one of the ways Mike connects with her. Watching her that day, Mike realized DJing had become something bigger than himself. About a year into creating content, Mike's "Bring These Tracks Back" series caught Phil's attention on Instagram, long before he realized Mike was local. That's what led to this conversation. They also dive into a thoughtful discussion about AI in music, what it means for creators, why it sparks such strong reactions, and what it could eventually mean for people like Lila. Honest, experienced, and refreshingly free of clout-chasing. Just a deep love of music and a story worth hearing. Be sure to check out Mixed Up Mike and his thoughtful, raw, and often hilarious content: Instagram: @_mixedupmike_ Instagram: @groove_refuge TikTok: @grooverefuge And if you're in the Seattle area, don't miss his monthly party, Disco Sucks, at Calypso in Edmonds.  #DJInterview #ElectronicMusic #SeattleDJ #HouseMusic #RaveHistory

    1h 18m
  3. Jason Brown Industry Interviews by Seattle House Mafia S04E02

    Apr 8

    Jason Brown Industry Interviews by Seattle House Mafia S04E02

    In this episode of Seattle House Mafia Industry Interviews, we sat down with Jason Brown, DJ, producer, and grandson of the Godfather of Soul himself, James Brown. Jason came through Seattle for back-to-back gigs, playing Elevated Frequencies’ 3rd anniversary party, Transcend, at Nectar Lounge and the Populus Hotel, hosted by the Pacific Skyline Club. We were lucky enough to catch him between shows. We got into Jason’s upbringing in Augusta, Georgia, just minutes from where his grandfather lived, and what it was like growing up under the Brown legacy. He didn’t fully grasp the scale of who James Brown was until the funeral at the Apollo Theater, when he was just 16. Seeing the crowds and the celebrities who showed up that day changed everything. Music ran through the entire family. His uncle played in James Brown’s band, his aunt performed alongside Bootsy Collins, and his mom became a radio DJ, which is where Jason spent his formative years. She now runs the James Brown Academy of Music in Augusta, teaching kids ages 4–18 through his grandfather’s catalog, and leads the James Brown Family Historical Tour. Jason earned his degree in film and worked on the Get On Up before fully committing to music. He spoke candidly about navigating the weight of the Brown name while building his own identity as an artist, not wanting to rely solely on James Brown remixes, but proving he has a real ear and a sound of his own. We talked about how it all started when he brought a track featuring his granddad to Universal Music Group. They liked it, but said it needed a bigger name attached. He took that note and, through cold DMs, locked in Laidback Luke, then landed a Carl Cox collaboration shortly after, turning that early moment into real traction. He also teased upcoming collabs with Ferreck Dawn, Todd Terry, Will Clarke, and Born Dirty. The conversation got real when Jason opened up about the grind of self-managed touring, the difference between a $500 booking and a $50,000 one, and why his core mission is bringing James Brown’s music to the next generation through electronic music and beyond. Raw, honest, and genuinely inspiring. Listen to his guest mix: https://youtu.be/Su9ekmv2q_E #SeattleHouseMafia #JasonBrown #JamesBrown

    52 min
  4. Darek Mazzone Interviews by Seattle House Mafia S04E01

    Feb 11

    Darek Mazzone Interviews by Seattle House Mafia S04E01

    In this episode of Seattle House Mafia’s Industry Interviews, Phil Anthony sits down with Darek Mazzone, a veteran DJ, radio host, filmmaker, and cultural connector with over 30 years immersed in the music and art world. The conversation traces Darek’s journey from growing up in communist Poland, where Western music was contraband, to landing in Boston as a nine-year-old immigrant with zero English, and eventually finding his way to Seattle in 1992 after his car broke down just outside the city. Darek shares how college radio at WMFO in Boston ignited his passion for global music, and how that passion carried him into a 33-year run at KEXP (formerly KCMU), where he created and continues to host the long-running show Wo’ Pop. He talks about the early Seattle club scene, his work with the legendary Tasty Shows crew, and the sense of community that defined that era of DJing and live music promotion. The conversation dives into Darek’s founding of SAMA Music and Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing international artists rooted in tradition to the Pacific Northwest. He explains the challenges these artists face, from U.S. visa bureaucracy to the economics of streaming, and why live performance remains the most meaningful way to connect audiences with music from around the world. The discussion also touches on AI-generated music, the role of algorithms in flattening music discovery, and why getting out to experience live shows matters more now than ever. Darek also reflects on his new documentary film, SAMA: To Listen, a deeply personal exploration of transcendent music traditions filmed across Morocco, Turkey, and beyond. True to his philosophy, the film is only available through in-person screenings, with no streaming option. The episode wraps with thoughts on ego, legacy, and the simple power of showing up for the people and music you care about. #globalmusic #worldmusic #communityradio #liveperformance #musicdiscovery

    1h 18m
  5. Cisco Industry Interviews by Seattle House Mafia S03E07

    11/27/2025

    Cisco Industry Interviews by Seattle House Mafia S03E07

    In this episode, we sit down with Cisco, a Seattle-based shuffle dancer who discovered the dance form through YouTube videos in 2018. From practicing alone in her Atlanta apartment to building a thriving dance community in the Pacific Northwest, Cisco shares her seven-year journey and the determination it took to transform from a self-described "cringe" beginner to a recognized instructor and performer. She discusses the challenges of learning shuffle through YouTube videos before tutorials were widely available, slowing down videos to half-speed and rewinding them countless times to decode the movements. Cisco explains how shuffle evolved from Melbourne's underground rave scene in the late 1980s, spreading through different electronic music communities and developing distinct regional styles - from the aggressive, fast-paced Melbourne shuffle to the smoother California variations. We explore what it takes to build a shuffle community in Seattle, including Cisco's decision to start teaching classes when none existed locally and her creation of "You Can Shuffle With Us" to make the dance form more accessible. She addresses common misconceptions about shuffle dancing, the importance of finding the right footwear, and how the dance continues to evolve with each generation of dancers. The conversation covers shuffle's explosion during the pandemic when people had time to practice at home, the role of social media in spreading dance styles globally, and the ongoing tension between keeping shuffle authentic to its rave roots while welcoming newcomers. Cisco shares insights on performing at major festivals like Beyond Wonderland and the unique challenges of dancing at different venues across Seattle. Finally, Cisco offers advice for hesitant beginners, emphasizing that everyone starts somewhere and encouraging people to "treat your joy like it's more important than your fear." Her message centers on building an inclusive community where dancers support each other regardless of skill level. #shuffledance #seattle #edm #dancemusic #shuffling #edmculture #seattledance #youcanshufflewithus

    1h 3m
  6. Alex Bosi Industry Interviews by Seattle House Mafia S03E06

    06/16/2025

    Alex Bosi Industry Interviews by Seattle House Mafia S03E06

    In this episode, we sit down with Alex Bosi, Insomniac Events' regional promoter for the Pacific Northwest. Alex shares his journey from starting in live sound at age 12 and spinning vinyl by 14 to becoming the sole Insomniac employee representing the entire region. He talks about his path through the Seattle music scene, including running a club in Olympia for nearly a decade and launching his own event company before joining Insomniac in 2022. Alex breaks down what it's really like working for one of the world's largest dance music companies, which produces over 400 events annually. He explains how Insomniac maintains founder Pasquale Rotella's original vision while operating at massive scale, and addresses common perceptions about corporate promoters moving into local markets. We dive into the complex logistics behind festivals like Beyond Wonderland at The Gorge, from artist negotiations and venue limitations to why lineups vary by market size and cost constraints. The conversation explores how social media and technology have transformed both artist discovery and audience behavior. Alex shares stories about viral producers like Vengeance selling out shows and discusses the balance between veteran DJs who built the scene and emerging talent breaking through platforms like TikTok. He reflects on how club culture has changed post-pandemic and the challenge of maintaining authenticity in an increasingly digital world. Alex also reveals his vision for Insomniac's future in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on intimate pop-up events and locals-only shows that capture the underground spirit while leveraging the company's resources. He emphasizes his commitment to hiring locally and working with regional artists, venues, and production teams to keep the scene rooted in the community that built it. #insomniacevents #seattle #edm

    1h 20m
  7. Paul Song Industry Interviews by Seattle House Mafia S03E05

    05/27/2025

    Paul Song Industry Interviews by Seattle House Mafia S03E05

    In this episode we sit down with Paul Song, the owner of Q Nightclub in Seattle and 45 East in Portland. Paul shares his fascinating journey from attending his first rave in the 1990s to building a nightclub empire that produces over 300 events annually across the Pacific Northwest. Paul reveals how he acquired Q Nightclub in February 2025 and discusses his plans to revitalize the venue by returning it to its dance music roots after years of focusing on hip-hop. He offers insights into the challenges of nightclub ownership, including dealing with customer complaints and managing staff, while emphasizing the importance of building a reliable team. The conversation explores Paul's background as a DJ performing under the name "sidestep" since 2000, how he met his wife at one of his shows, and how his company Red Cube got its name. Paul also compares the Seattle and Portland nightlife scenes, noting differences in drinking habits and market size. Throughout the interview, Paul shares his business philosophy, his approach to working with other promoters, and his long-term vision of establishing sustainable venues that will provide for his family's future while preserving his legacy in the dance music community. #NightlifeIndustry #DanceMusicCulture #ClubOwnership

    56 min
  8. Nathie Katzoff Industry Interviews by Seattle House Mafia S03E04

    05/06/2025

    Nathie Katzoff Industry Interviews by Seattle House Mafia S03E04

    In this episode, we sit down with Nathie Katzoff — the creative force behind Seattle’s Naf Revival/Naf Studios. Nathie shares the story of how he and his team transformed his woodworking studio into a thriving warehouse venue that pays tribute to the iconic Naf Studios and its legendary role in both the rave and grunge scenes, while pushing Seattle’s warehouse culture into a bold new era. Naf is back — bigger, better, and armed with upgraded production that delivers unforgettable experiences for music lovers across generations. Nathie opens up about the challenges of running a venue, his ambitious expansion plans (including a new rooftop space), and how his artistic vision landed him squarely in the heart of Seattle’s underground scene. From world-class DJs to hip hop shows to Muay Thai fights — and who knows what else — Nathie and Naf are pushing the boundaries of what a warehouse can be. With innovative touches like health-focused sauna and yoga day parties, and a glowing pathway from South Seattle Community College's parking lot, discover how Naf is evolving while staying true to its roots. 👉 For event details and tickets, head to: nafrevival.com/events #SeattleRaveScene #NAFStudios #WarehouseVenue Follow us for more interviews with key players in Seattle's music scene!

    1h 13m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Interviews of music industry professionals from in and around the Seattle House music scene. DJs, producers, promoters and everything in between.

Information

  • Creator
    Seattle House Mafia
  • Years Active
    2024 - 2026
  • Episodes
    35
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Copyright Seattle House Mafia. All rights reserved. The views and opinions expressed by guests on this podcast are their own and do not necessarily reflect the official position of Seattle House Mafia or its producers. The content provided is for informational purposes only.
  • Show Website
    Industry Interviews