Malika is the voice behind Go - a record that’s become part of the fabric of UK dance music - but this episode goes far beyond one iconic track. We get into what it means when a song takes on a life of its own, how to handle imposter syndrome as an artist, and why longevity in music comes from pairing fearless creativity with a real understanding of the business. If you’re trying to build a career in music without losing yourself in the process, there’s a lot in this one for you.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• Why big career moments are usually built on years of smaller, unglamorous steps
• How imposter syndrome can be part of growth, not proof you don’t belong
• What it means to let a song belong to the world once you’ve released it
• Why great collaboration requires full commitment to the art, not your self-image
• The importance of combining creativity with ownership, structure, and industry know-how

BEST MOMENTS

I'm a fearless spirit. I'm fearless in my career and I'm bold and unapologetic.

Most people don't get to the big thing, or nobody gets to the big thing without the small steps

It's not your song. Once you write a song, it's for the world and it's not yours

Owning 100 of nothing is nothing.

If you are gonna do it, you do the job, you commit to the job, you commit to the art form. You can. You get out of your head. You don't worry what people think. You don't worry about what you're gonna look like, because you. You become the art.

VALUABLE RESOURCES

• Sounds Write
• PRS

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Lawrence Hart

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

http://instagram.com/opendawmusic

http://instagram.com/lexluca

Email: hello@opendawtalks.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

From classical trumpet to electronic beats, some musical journeys take

unexpected turns that lead to extraordinary destinations. Lawrence Hart's path

through jazz conservatories, indie band tours, and collaborative studios reveals

how diverse musical experiences can shape a unique artistic voice.

In this conversation, we explore the evolution of an artist who started

with Miles Davis and ended up crafting producing music that bridges the gap

between visceral emotion and dance floor energy. Lawrence shares how his

classical training and jazz background continue to influence his approach to

modern production, even when creating tracks that sound nothing like traditional

jazz.

Key Takeaways:

• How classical and jazz training can enhance electronic music production -

even when the final product sounds completely different from your musical

roots.

• Practical strategies for beating creative blocks - including the power of

starting with vocal samples and setting specific creative tasks.

• The importance of developing multiple industry skills - from production to

mixing to collaboration techniques.

• Honest perspectives on social media and self-promotion - finding ways to

engage authentically with platforms you might not naturally love.

• Real-world advice for building sustainable music careers - including the

value of working with others while maintaining creative control.

Best Moments

“No one's going to care as much about it as you do. Don't just expect people to

do stuff for you. Just view yourself as part of your management team, as part of

your booking agent team, part of this, and work and try and be across it all”

“I think when you're making music, you’ve got to be like a child, like, just running

towards something with no worry of your own safety and just love this thing. Let

me go towards it. And I think the best ideas come out from that.”

"I think what's drawn me to both [jazz & electronic music], is they're

both visceral art forms... My love is stuff that's visceral, stuff that's generally without

lyrics."

"It's about getting that feeling in you, rather than your intellect, rather than hearing a story and processing it through your brain. It's much more of an

immediate response that you feel in your chest.”

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Kidnap Kid

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

http://instagram.com/opendawmusic

http://instagram.com/lexluca

Email: hello@opendawtalks.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

I sit down with modular synth artist, producer, and label owner David Castellani to unpack the twists and turns of a music career built on exploration, curiosity, and relentless self-reflection. From his early roots in live percussion and hip-hop to the immersive world of modular synthesis, David shares how staying open to change has shaped both his sound and his outlook.

We talk about defining success beyond numbers, the importance of mentorship and collaboration, and why creative momentum starts with the quality of your thoughts. David opens up about the pressures of going solo, what keeps him inspired in the studio, and how he balances deep artistic vision with the day-to-day of running a label and performing live.

• Why genre-hopping can sharpen your musical identity
• How modular synthesis can unlock new creative directions
• The difference between technical skill and idea quality
• Staying inspired as a solo artist without getting stuck in a vacuum
• Practical advice on finishing tracks, performing live, and running a label

"Music is just ideas - and the only thing separating the artists who make it is the quality of those ideas."

"When I became a solo producer and had to make every decision myself, everything got tighter. Suddenly I was responsible for every sound, every choice."

"I’m always looping back into myself - questioning, adjusting. That internal feedback is where the growth happens."

"Follow your sound, trust your intuition… but don’t stop checking what’s just outside your blind spot. That’s often where the magic is."

"Electronic musicians are often in a vacuum. And I don’t think that helps us - it actually holds us back."

"I truly believe everyone could have a rewarding life in music. The difference isn’t talent - it’s the moment they were (or weren’t) inspired the right way."

VALUABLE RESOURCES

Download 5 Proven Habits of Artists Who Actually Finish Tracks

EPISODES TO CHECK OUT NEXT

Shadow Child

ABOUT THE HOST

Lex Luca is a London-based DJ, producer, and tastemaker, known for his infectious energy both behind the decks and in the studio. With releases on Snatch!, Nervous, and his own label In Tune, Lex has garnered support from industry heavyweights like Pete Tong, Annie Mac, and Claude von Stroke. A former BBC Radio 1 producer, he brings a wealth of experience to his craft, delivering a unique blend of house, disco, and techno that has taken him from London to Ibiza and beyond. Lex founded OpenDAW Songwriting camps, bringing together independent musicians to collaborate. And now, as the host of OpenDAW Talks, Lex shares his journey and insights with the next generation of music creators.

CONNECT & CONTACT

http://instagram.com/opendawmusic

http://instagram.com/lexluca

Email: hello@opendawtalks.com

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.