Podcast Summary
From Fascination to Career: Nathan Diver's Passion for DJing: Nathan Diver's passion for DJing started from a young age due to his ability to create a great atmosphere and make a party successful. His experiences in school fueled his desire to control the vibe, leading him to a career where he brings joy to others through music and events.
Nathan Diver discovered his passion for music and DJing at a young age, despite not being musically talented in school. He was fascinated by the power a DJ holds in creating a great atmosphere and making a party successful. His experiences in school, where music teachers took things too seriously, fueled his desire to be the one in control of the vibe. He shares a common experience with many people of having a friend who ruins the vibe when given control of the music. Nathan's journey began with a fascination and evolved into a career, where he brings joy to others through music and events.
From parties to professional DJing, experience matters: Starting from attending parties and fascinated by DJs, gaining experience through family gatherings and school discos, and learning from good and bad nights, has led to a successful DJ career spanning over 15 years.
The speaker's passion for DJing didn't come from a traditional musical background, but rather from attending parties and being fascinated by the DJs. He started with an MP3 player and eventually moved on to CDs and decks. The speaker began DJing for family gatherings and school discos at a young age and has been doing it professionally for over 15 years. He emphasizes that experience, including the bad nights where he was booed off, is crucial to becoming a successful DJ. The speaker doesn't plan his sets and judges the crowd before him to determine the direction of his performance. He has been DJing for a long time and has gained valuable experience that helps him succeed on a live level at festivals and other events.
Experiencing the Thrill of DJing at Festivals: DJing at festivals offers a unique adrenaline rush and connection with the crowd, despite initial challenges.
The art of DJing involves playing to the crowd's preferences while experimenting with different genres to keep them engaged. The experience of performing, especially at festivals, provides an adrenaline rush similar to scoring a last-minute goal in football. For the speaker, DJing is their favorite aspect of their career, and they find excitement in playing to large crowds. Despite initial challenges and less-than-ideal shows, the speaker has gained valuable experience that contributes to their current success. For artists like KSI, performing live for the first time at festivals can be an overwhelming experience, but it also brings a sense of accomplishment and connection with their fans.
Believing in Your Own Potential: Underestimating yourself can hinder success, but having faith in your abilities and maximizing your fan base can lead to unexpected achievements.
Sometimes, people underestimate their own abilities and potential, even when others believe in them. JJ was once considered a YouTube rapper by the music industry, but when he released his commercial record "Lighter," his career took off unexpectedly. My friend, who was involved in JJ's management, was initially hesitant but ultimately decided to take a risk and release the song. The success of "Lighter" came as a surprise to JJ himself, who may not have fully believed in his own capabilities. The experience shows that having faith in oneself and maximizing one's fan base can lead to significant achievements in music or any other field.
The unpredictability of music industry success: Success in music can stem from talent, hard work, and luck. A song can perform well despite not reaching the number one spot, and timing can also play a crucial role in its success.
Creating a successful song can be a combination of talent, hard work, and luck. The speaker, in this conversation, shared his experience of coming close but not quite reaching the number one spot on the charts with his tune "Flowers," only to be surpassed by Joel Corry's "Head and Hart." However, "Flowers" turned out to be a consistent performer, staying in the charts for weeks, earning the title of a "chugger" in the YouTube world. The speaker went on to have bigger successes with "Lighter" and collaborations with Anne Marie and Little Mix, which helped him reach new audiences. The timing of releasing "Lighter" during lockdown was uncertain, but the song's appeal transcended the circumstances, becoming a summer anthem that resonated with people despite the lack of nightclubs and festivals. The conversation highlights the unpredictability and excitement of the music industry, where success can come from various sources and in unexpected ways.
Surreal moments of recognition in the music industry: Unexpected discoveries and validation can lead to major opportunities in the music industry, from being scouted by A&R representatives to signing with major labels
Making it in the music industry often involves surreal moments of recognition, such as hearing your music in unexpected places like shopping centers, on the radio, or in an Uber. These moments can be validating and exciting, even if they come with a dose of disbelief or a desire for anonymity. The process of being discovered can also be unexpected, with opportunities arising through unexpected channels or meetings. For example, being scouted by an A&R (Artists and Repertoire) representative while still unsigned and preparing to release your first song. These experiences can lead to signing with a major label, joining the ranks of established artists, and receiving industry support. Overall, the journey to success in music is filled with unexpected milestones and moments of validation.
The Complexity of Music Collaborations in the Industry: Collaborations in the music industry involve close communication between artists, managers, A&Rs, and labels, and can result in unique and successful music. However, they can also involve rejection and require respectful communication when they don't work out.
The process of creating music collaborations in the music industry is a complex and organic one. Artists and their teams work closely with record labels, managers, and A&Rs to create the best possible songs. Sometimes, collaborations come from the label's suggestions, while other times, artists initiate them. The process involves a lot of communication, approval, and sometimes rejection. It's important to keep the lines of communication open and be respectful when collaborations don't work out. Ultimately, the goal is to create the best possible music, and the process can vary greatly from collaboration to collaboration. The artist in the discussion shared an experience of being offered a record contract by a major label and the subsequent collaborations that ensued. They mentioned that sometimes, the label comes with suggestions for collaborations, while other times, artists and their teams initiate them. The artist also shared that sometimes, collaborations don't work out, and it's important to communicate respectfully and honestly when that happens. The artist emphasized that every collaboration is unique and requires a close working relationship between artists, managers, A&Rs, and labels.
Creating a surprise hit song: Stay dedicated and open to unexpected success in the creative process, whether in music or content creation.
The creative process in music, like in other forms of art, can be unpredictable and surprising. The speakers discussed their experience of writing a song called "No Time For Tears" with Little Mix during the pandemic. They wrote it in just two hours, but it was originally intended for Ella Henderson as a ballad. The process of turning it into a dance track was spontaneous and successful. However, not all creative projects turn out to be hits. The speakers emphasized the importance of staying dedicated and not being complacent, as success can come in various forms and at unexpected times. The music industry and creating content for platforms like YouTube share similarities in this regard. Despite the potential for disappointment, the key is to keep creating and focusing on pleasing the immediate fan base.
Balancing different types of events in the entertainment industry: DJs must find a balance between club nights, festivals, tours, and private parties to maximize enjoyment and financial success. Each event type offers unique challenges and rewards.
The entertainment industry, specifically for DJs, involves a balance between various types of events such as club nights, festivals, tours, and private parties. While each event type has its unique challenges and rewards, the financial aspect plays a significant role in the decision-making process. Club nights, for instance, can be enjoyable for DJs who have experience and love the energy of a crowd. However, they can be challenging to manage due to the need to balance multiple engagements and negotiate fees. Private parties, on the other hand, offer a more personal and often unpaid experience, allowing DJs to express their musical creativity without the pressure of a large audience. Ultimately, the key is finding a balance between these various opportunities and understanding the unique demands and rewards of each.
DJing at Private Events: Financial Gain vs. Musical Fulfillment: Some DJs prefer to avoid private events due to potential negative experiences and a desire for musically fulfilling collaborations. The right song and collaboration is more important than a list of desired artists.
While opportunities to DJ at private events, such as birthday parties, can provide significant financial gain, some artists, including the speaker, prefer to avoid them due to potential negative experiences and a desire for more musically fulfilling collaborations. The speaker shares an instance where Skepta, a renowned artist, attended a child's birthday party and requested payment in cash, leading to speculation about the excessive wealth of some clients. Despite receiving numerous requests for private parties, the speaker only accepts a few, preferring to focus on creating music with artists they admire. The speaker expresses a desire to collaborate with Drake and T.I., among others, and believes that the right song and collaboration is more important than a list of desired artists.
Thriving in the Music Industry with Technology: Despite challenges, artists can use technology to collaborate and maintain their music careers from home, offering cost savings and convenience.
The music industry, even during challenging times like lockdowns, can still thrive with the help of technology. The artist, Nathan Dore, shares his experience of working from his hometown in Burton, utilizing Zoom sessions for collaborations with London-based songwriters and producers. Despite the challenges of managing studio work, DJing, touring, and branding, he finds the convenience of staying in Burton and avoiding the hassle of London's bins collection system appealing. Although he has considered moving to central London for the industry opportunities, the cost of living and house prices have kept him in his hometown. Overall, technology and adaptability have enabled Nathan Dore to maintain his music career while enjoying the benefits of living in a more affordable area.
The Value of Freedom and Control for DJs and Commuters: DJs should entertain and be open to requests, while commuters value freedom to travel without disruptions.
Freedom and control are valuable, whether it's the freedom to travel or the control a DJ has over their set. The new HS2 train promises faster travel to London but has caused disruptions, taking away some people's freedom on the roads. Similarly, DJs have the power to control the music played at clubs, but some take it too far by refusing requests, denying patrons a part in creating the atmosphere they came for. The DJ's role is to entertain, and while they may have extensive music knowledge, they should be open to requests that fit their set and the crowd's vibe. Additionally, the allure of being a DJ once included the ability to attract women, but the focus should be on providing a great experience for everyone in the club.
Balancing work and play as a DJ: Maintaining focus and dedication is crucial for long-term DJ success despite the temptations of the party scene.
Becoming a successful DJ involves a balance between work and play. The initial years are filled with parties and friends, but as you progress, it becomes more professional. The attention and popularity can be intoxicating, but it's crucial to maintain focus and curb the party lifestyle to avoid burning out. Residencies at renowned clubs like Ibiza Rocks can be a dream come true, but they require dedication and frequent travel. The allure of the party scene can be tempting, but staying committed to your craft and working hard is essential for long-term success.
Ibiza and Vegas: Dream Destinations for DJs: DJs face long hours, constant travel, and high anticipation in their glamorous careers, with Ibiza offering iconic status and exceptional treatment, and Vegas providing financial rewards.
Ibiza is a top destination for the ultimate DJ experience due to its iconic status, exceptional treatment of artists, and the surreal atmosphere. For many DJs, it represents the pinnacle of their careers. However, the lifestyle comes with its challenges, including constant travel and long waits at airports, which are often overlooked by the public. Vegas is another dream destination for DJs due to the financial rewards it offers, including private jets and high-paying residencies. Despite the privileged position, DJs face long hours and endless anticipation, which can be exhausting. Ultimately, the glamorous image of being a DJ masks the hard work and dedication required to succeed in the industry.
The relentless pursuit of excellence in creative fields: Creative professionals dedicate immense time and energy to their craft, often neglecting relationships due to constant traveling and busy schedules, but finding a supportive partner and experiencing unforgettable events like Tomorrowland can make it all worthwhile.
Being successful in creative fields requires immense dedication and obsession. Youtubers and DJs, for instance, may appear to be having fun, but the reality is that they put in long hours and can never truly switch off. Constantly thinking of new ideas and staying updated on trends keeps them from taking a break. This relentless pursuit of excellence can impact relationships, as partners may feel neglected due to the constant traveling and busy schedules. Despite these challenges, it's essential to find a supportive partner who understands the demands of the job. Tomorrowland, a renowned festival, is a testament to the unique energy and crowd that can make the hard work worthwhile. The phenomenal stages and respectful crowd make it an unforgettable experience for creatives in the music industry.
Achieving Tomorrowland: A motivating goal for artists: Believing in oneself and setting big goals, like performing at Tomorrowland, can inspire continuous hard work and ambition towards the next milestone.
Tomorrowland is a dream destination for many musicians, DJs, and artists around the world, representing a pinnacle in their careers. This international music festival is not just a far-off goal but a realistic and achievable one, even if the timeline is not explicitly defined. The manifestation of being on that stage can be a powerful motivator, and one doesn't necessarily need to rely on vision boards or constant reminders to believe in themselves and their eventual success. Milestones, like reaching a million subscribers or sales, serve as tangible reminders of accomplishments, but their value doesn't diminish with time. Instead, they inspire continued hard work and ambition towards the next goal.
Measuring Success in the Music Industry with Streaming: The shift from physical sales to streaming has changed how success is measured in the music industry, with a song going gold now equating to millions of streams instead of 500,000 units sold. This can lead to confusion about financial situations and the perception of wealth.
The music industry's shift from physical sales to streaming has led to a new way of measuring success. For artists, a song going gold, which is 500,000 units sold in the past, now equates to millions of streams. The artist in the conversation shared his pride in his first gold-certified single, which has recently reached this milestone, despite it not being his biggest achievement. He also shared his surprise at the difference between sales and streams, estimating that around 1,000 streams may equal one sale. This revelation led to a discussion about the impact of streaming on the perception of success and wealth in the music industry. The artist also shared his experience with people misunderstanding his financial situation due to the shift from sales to streams. Overall, the conversation highlighted the importance of understanding the new metrics of success in the music industry and the potential for confusion that comes with it.
Understanding Personal Preferences: Respecting individual preferences is crucial for satisfying experiences and successful collaborations. Personal motivations can lead to pivotal career moves.
Personal preferences play a significant role in our experiences and choices, whether it's about food, music, or anything in between. The man in the conversation expresses his dislike for peas in takeaways and onions in chicken curry. Similarly, he shares his excitement about potentially collaborating with artists and DJs, mentioning Justin Bieber and Joel Corry as potential partners. He also talks about transitioning from DJing to creating music as a business move to ensure longevity. Overall, this conversation highlights the importance of understanding and respecting individual preferences and pursuing goals based on personal motivations.
From DJing to creating own music - a fulfilling journey: Making your own music and performing for a live audience provides an unmatched experience, involving learning from experts, clear communication, and audience connection.
Creating and performing your own music is a deeply fulfilling experience that cannot be replicated through digital means alone. The speaker shared how transitioning from DJing other people's tracks to making his own was a lengthy process that involved learning from experienced producers and songwriters, and the importance of clear communication in the studio to ensure everyone is on the same page. The ultimate goal is to connect with a live audience and receive their reciprocation through singing the lyrics word for word. The speaker expressed envy towards the speaker in the YouTube video who confidently went on stage to tie JJ's laces, experiencing the excitement of performing in front of a large crowd, even if he wasn't the one performing. The speaker acknowledged that making YouTube videos can provide some feedback, but it doesn't compare to the feeling of connecting with a live audience. The journey to achieving a successful performance, such as the one at Reading Festival, is often filled with challenges and obstacles that make the final outcome all the more rewarding.
Overcoming Adversity with Perseverance: Staying focused and determined can help overcome unexpected challenges, even in high-pressure situations. Paying attention to small details can also contribute to a successful outcome.
Perseverance and a positive mindset can help overcome seemingly insurmountable challenges. The story shared involves a musician's last-minute dash to make it to a festival performance despite their car running out of fuel just miles away. With the help of the festival organizers, they managed to make it just in time, emphasizing the importance of staying focused and determined in the face of adversity. Additionally, the musician's rider, or list of requirements for their backstage area, was also discussed, ranging from simple requests like specific types of drinks and snacks to more extravagant demands. Ultimately, the tale serves as a reminder that even the smallest details can make a significant difference in the success of a performance.
Artists' Backstage Requests: Artists have unique demands for their performances, ranging from basic needs to extravagant requests, and failure to meet these demands can lead to dissatisfaction and negative audience reactions.
Artists have specific requests, or "riders," for their performances which can include various items and accommodations. Some of these requests can be quite extravagant, like a fully kitted out backstage area or a Nando's section for the artist and their entourage. Missing a performance can lead to disappointment and anger from the audience, and artists often have warm-up acts or perform at festivals where they may interact with other artists. Despite these interactions, artists may not always be starstruck, but recognizing the impact they've had on their fans can be a humbling experience.
Encountering Football Legends Ronaldo and Ferdinand: The speaker felt starstruck by Ronaldo and shared mutual respect with Ferdinand, highlighting the unique bond between successful musicians and footballers.
The speaker has had only two instances of feeling starstruck in his life, one being when he met football player Ronaldo and the other when he encountered football legend Rio Ferdinand. The encounter with Ronaldo left him visibly sweating and nervous due to the pressure of making a video together. With Ferdinand, the speaker felt a mutual respect and admiration, as they both had achieved success in their respective fields. The speaker also highlighted the unique bond between footballers and musicians, with both groups appreciating each other's accomplishments. The speaker's connection to Aston Villa football club and its famous fans, including Dean Smith, added to his sense of respect and admiration for the club and its community. Overall, the speaker's experiences demonstrate the power of mutual respect and admiration between individuals who have achieved success in their chosen fields.
Friends' Passionate Investment in Fantasy Premier League: Friends find joy and camaraderie through their commitment to Fantasy Premier League, despite its time and financial demands.
The group of friends in this discussion are deeply invested in their Fantasy Premier League (FPL) league, with some even going as far as imposing consequences for poor performance. The passion for FPL is so strong that it consumes a significant amount of their time and energy, leading some to consider taking a break to recharge. The group also shares a sense of camaraderie and humor, as evidenced by their banter and the potential punishment for losing in the league. Despite the time commitment and potential financial burden, everyone in the league is financially capable of participating, but they choose to do so willingly due to the enjoyment and social aspect it brings. The group's dedication to FPL is a testament to the power of friendly competition and the importance of finding joy in shared experiences.
Finding Happiness: Different Perspectives: People prioritize fun, personal growth, and relationships to find happiness. New Year's resolutions can bring meaning but come with challenges. Improve mental health through self-care and realistic expectations.
People have different perspectives on life and finding happiness. While some believe that having fun and enjoying the present moment is key, others prioritize personal growth and relationships. New Year's resolutions, such as striving to be the happiest one can be or pursuing a dream like joining a football academy, can be meaningful but also come with challenges. It's essential to have realistic expectations and be prepared for potential failures. Improving mental health is an ongoing process, and taking time for oneself, such as going on holidays, can be beneficial. Ultimately, everyone's journey is unique, and it's essential to find what brings joy and fulfillment in life.
Speaker's car dreams despite challenges: Speaker maintained positive attitude, dreamed of luxury cars, advised focusing on self-improvement after a breakup, and planned future tours
Despite facing challenges such as poor performance on the football field and a knee injury, the speaker maintained a positive attitude and continued to dream about owning luxury cars. During a conversation with a friend, they discussed their car preferences and the speaker expressed a desire for a G Wagon or a Lamborghini, but acknowledged the practicality of their current Range Rover. They also shared their amusement at seeing stars in car interiors on social media. The conversation then shifted to advice for someone who had recently gone through a breakup, with the speaker suggesting that focusing on self-improvement could help in moving on. The speaker also mentioned their recent successful UK tour and plans for a larger tour in the future.
Stay updated with Chip and Nathan's music releases and events through social media: Follow Chip and Nathan on Instagram and Twitter for music updates and to join them at Ibiza Rocks this summer
Chip and Nathan, the hosts of the podcast, emphasized the importance of staying connected with them through social media, particularly Instagram and Twitter, to keep updated on their music releases and upcoming events. They mentioned their plans to perform at Ibiza Rocks this summer and invited listeners to join them. The conversation was friendly and laid-back, with the hosts expressing their excitement about sharing their music with their audience. Overall, the message was clear: follow Chip and Nathan on social media to stay in the loop and be part of their musical journey.
