RA Exchange

Joseph Capriati, a renowned Italian DJ and producer, dives deep into his passionate journey through electronic music. He shares insights on his early start at just 11 and the evolution to his current sound in the ‘business techno’ realm, despite facing criticism. Capriati opens up about his struggles with mental health and his commitment to sobriety, showcasing the therapeutic love of music. He reflects on the contrasting experiences of performing in intimate clubs versus massive festivals, emphasizing authenticity and community in his artistry.

Gabrielle Kwarteng, a rising DJ and radio host from New York, now based in Berlin, dives into the rich musical tapestry that shaped her. She reflects on her Bronx upbringing in a Ghanaian household, highlighting the influences of reggaeton, highlife, and jazz. Kwarteng shares her transformative experiences with radio, the challenges as a female minority in the industry, and the differences in music culture between the US and Europe. The interview also touches on identity and empowerment, showcasing her journey and aspirations in blending fashion with music.

In this engaging conversation, Rüfüs Du Sol members Tyrone Lindqvist, Jon George, and James Hunt discuss their decade-long journey in music, revealing their refined creative process shaped by wellness practices. They share the challenges of balancing parenthood and touring, emphasizing the need for personal recharge. The trio reflects on the excitement of their upcoming album, 'Inhale / Exhale,' and their thrilling festival preparations. They also delve into the emotional significance behind their Grammy win and the evolution of their sound in the ever-changing electronic music landscape.

Sofia Kourtesis, a Peruvian DJ and producer based in Berlin, weaves her music around sociopolitical activism and her personal experiences. In this engaging conversation, she passionately discusses the impact of her mother’s battle with cancer and the gratitude that led her to invite the neurosurgeon to her show. Kourtesis explores the intersection of art and activism, addressing LGBTQIA+ rights and community issues through her acclaimed work. Her journey of self-acceptance and the collective strength of her Latin American heritage shine through as she reflects on the power of music in advocating for social change.

Quincy Jones, a legendary composer and producer, shares insights from his expansive career and his influence across various music genres. He discusses the evolution of technology's impact on artists, particularly in R&B and hip-hop. Quincy emphasizes the importance of creativity in adapting to the music industry’s challenges, such as piracy. He reflects on his transition from classical training to jazz, highlighting collaborations with iconic musicians and the artistry behind blending styles. This conversation uncovers the lesser-known facets of a monumental career.

HAAi, an Australian DJ and producer based in London, shares her unconventional journey from psych rock to the heights of dance music. She discusses the importance of inclusivity in the music scene and reflects on her ADHD diagnosis, emphasizing how neurodiversity fuels creativity. Other intriguing topics include addressing cultural appropriation in sampling and the challenges of maintaining sustainability within the industry. HAAi’s experiences shed light on the vibrant, supportive spirit of London's queer community and the push for accountability in music.

Bradley Zero, a DJ and founder of Rhythm Section International, shares his journey from local gigs to a global stage, emphasizing community empowerment in music. He discusses the creation of Jumbi, a bar fostering Caribbean conviviality in Peckham, and the challenges of gentrification. The conversation dives into the 'Future Proof' masterclass series, dedicated to uplifting Black artists and promoting financial education within the music industry. Zero’s passion for community and culture shines through as he reflects on his decade-long impact in Peckham.

"There are so many different takes on reggaeton." The Latine supergroup discusses dembow, Afro-Caribbean music and more in this Playing Favourites live from C2C Festival.This week's RA Exchange revisits one of Resident Advisor's flagship live formats, Playing Favourites, where we bring guests onto the pod to walk through their musical influences and play us some tracks that have been formative in their personal and creative development. This week, we're honouring El Dia de la Raza—which happened on October 12th—an occasion that remembers the colonisation of Latin America and pays tribute to its heritage and cultural diversity. Our guest is Sangre Nueva, a trio made up of the artists DJ Python, Florentino and Kelman Duran. They all come from different backgrounds: Kelman is a Dominican multidisciplinary artist, Florentino is a musician of Colombian heritage signed to XL Recordings and DJ Python is Ecuadorian-Argentinian, releasing prolifically under a number of aliases in the worlds of ambient and club-adjacent music. Together, their style explores pan-Caribbean musical styles, especially dembow, which is experiencing a parallel renaissance in the underground and commercial dance music spheres. In this conversation, they talk to journalist Christine Kakaire from last year's C2C Festival about what it means to approach Latin music from an experimental perspective to bring an amalgamation of Caribbean and Spanish-speaking musical cultures into their work. They also reflect on the stigma that was attached to reggaeton for a long time and the songs that represent its reclamation in the world of contemporary club music culture. Listen to the episode in full. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Blessed Madonna, a Chicago house music staple and former A&R lead, chats with A-Trak, the Canadian DJ and founder of Fool's Gold Records. They delve into how Chicago's segregated music scenes shape perceptions and discuss the balance between underground and commercial realms. The duo critiques nostalgia in dance music, unpacking racism and sexism within the culture. They also reflect on the synergy between hip-hop and rave, sharing personal stories and the evolution of their genres, while emphasizing the importance of local scenes.

"Our collaboration is greater than the sum of its parts." Kai Campos and Dominic Maker discuss their new album on Warp and what it felt like to work together again after years apart.British outfit Mount Kimbie first made their mark with their 2010 release Crooks and Lovers, inspired by contemporaries like James Blake and King Krule. The group's two primary members, Kai Campos and Dominic Maker, met at London South Bank University, where they simultaneously became enamoured with the '00s dubstep scene and the intersection it paved between commercial stardom and the underground, illuminating an alternative path for artists, producers and selectors on a global scale. Together, they became synonymous with hazy electronics and lo-fi indie pop throughout the mid-'10s.Over the last few years, Maker and Campos have pursued different paths: Maker moved to Los Angeles, where he's produced for hip-hop giants like Travis Scott and Jay-Z, while Campos explored the world of DJing and electronic music, releasing a number of mixes geared towards the club. But they reunited for the first time in years on their newest album, The Sunset Violent, which came out on Warp Records in April. In this RA Exchange, the duo talk about the recording process and what it felt like to work together again after spending so much time on independent projects. They also unpack the power of making art for art's sake and how their respective experiences in art and in life have taught them to be better creative partners. Listen to the episode in full. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.