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In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, we sit down with Kurt Hurst - music industry entrepreneur, artist manager, promoter and founder of Hide&Seek Festival - to explore his journey through the world of electronic music and his growing influence on the UK and Ibiza scenes. Kurt takes us behind the scenes of building Hide&Seek from the ground up, the importance of passion when navigating the highs and lows of the music industry, and what it really takes to turn an idea into a successful festival and music platform. We explore Kurt’s journey alongside his long-time friend and business partner Josh Baker, from the early days of building their careers together to watching their vision of one day hosting the Amnesia Terrace become a reality. Today, Kurt and the You&Me team host their own residency at Amnesia every Thursday throughout the season - a full-circle moment that reflects just how far their ambitions have taken them. Kurt also opens up about the realities of artist management and development, including the importance of knowing when to say no, avoiding overexposure and helping artists make the right decisions as their careers accelerate. Along the way, he shares the moment he first realised something was happening with Josh, the challenges of building a career in an industry that demands relentless passion, and the lessons he has learned from more than a decade working across festivals, events, artists and international dance music scenes. From Hide&Seek to You&Me and from the UK festival circuit to one of Ibiza’s most iconic terraces, this is a conversation about ambition, passion, artist development and what it takes to build something that lasts. Subscribe to Loud & Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators and cultural entrepreneurs, and connect with us on Instagram @loudandunfilteredpod

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, we sit down with Alex Montoya - one of Spain’s most influential music executives, artist managers, booking agents and promoters - to explore the business of electronic music and his journey from Madrid to Ibiza. Alex reflects on arriving in Ibiza as an established promoter in Madrid, only to quickly realise that the island was an entirely different world. At a time before social media, breaking into Ibiza meant getting out on the streets, building relationships and putting in the graft - with no shortcuts and no guarantee of success. We explore Alex’s philosophy of working behind the scenes and putting the artist first. As he puts it, his role is to provide a service to the artist - not to be seen - with no ego and a focus on building long-term careers. As CEO, Partner and Promoter of Analog Agency, Alex has built a career working with some of the biggest names in electronic music, while also playing a major role in artist management, bookings and the wider business of dance music. We dive into his work with artists including Chelina Manuhutu and Joseph Capriati, the evolution of artist management, and what it takes to develop talent in an increasingly competitive industry. Alex also shares his experience on the other side of the business, from co-owning Madrid’s Bassement Club and promoting major events to helping shape the next generation of music industry professionals through the Music Business Academy. Along the way, we discuss the changing relationship between Madrid and Ibiza, how the music industry has evolved since the pre-social media era, the importance of relationships and reputation, and why sometimes the most influential people in the industry are the ones working behind the scenes. Subscribe to Loud & Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators and cultural entrepreneurs, and connect with us on Instagram @loudandunfilteredpod

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, part of our Inside Ibiza S3 series, we sit down with Graham Sahara - multi-award-winning DJ, producer and Founder of Sahara Music Group - for a conversation packed with two decades' worth of anecdotes from the heart of the island's club scene. Graham landed in Ibiza in 1997, having just turned 20, not speaking a word of Spanish and knowing next to nothing about the island. As he puts it, it just sounded like a sensible idea at the time. What followed was one of the most enduring careers on the White Isle - a residency at the legendary Pacha Ibiza that began around the turn of the millennium, alongside sets at KM5 Bar Lounge and virtually every major venue on the island. We talk about what Ibiza was really like back then - hedonism on another level, where you could be on the dancefloor with a junkie to your left and a Saudi prince to your right, and nobody batted an eyelid. Graham is full of stories from those years, and this episode doesn't hold back. Beyond the decks, Graham has built a career as a genre-defying selector, moving effortlessly between deep, soulful house, tech house, techno and Balearic rhythms - work that's earned him Best Ibiza DJ at the Ibiza DJ Awards in 2017 and the same title from the Ibiza Clubbing Guide. He's released and remixed for labels like Ministry of Sound, Hed Kandi, Armada Music and Spinnin' Records, and today runs Sahara Music Group, a label services operation behind some of the scene's biggest underground and crossover acts, alongside A&R and management work across imprints including Seamless Recordings, Electric Ibiza and Electronic Nature. We get into how Ibiza has changed since the late '90s, what's stayed the same, and why Graham - one of the island's biggest and most likeable characters - has never wanted to leave. Subscribe to Loud & Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators and cultural entrepreneurs, and connect with us on Instagram @loudandunfilteredpod

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, part of our Inside Ibiza S3 series, we sit down with Nick Ferguson - Founder and Managing Director of The Supernova Group - to unpack a career that's shaped some of the island's most iconic nights out. Nick's story starts far from the White Isle. Growing up in Cornwall, he lived a fairly sheltered life as a hardcore indie kid, more interested in guitars than dance music. That changed when his mates, dead set on a trip to Ibiza, sat him down to watch Ibiza Uncovered in 1998. One viewing was all it took - Nick fell in love with Amnesia before he'd even set foot on the island. From there, the journey moved fast: entry-level grafting as a ticket seller and PR for San Antonio bars like Bay Bar and Kanya, before working his way up to nearly a decade running Cream Ibiza at Amnesia, cementing its status as a legendary Thursday night institution. Today, through The Supernova Group, Nick is behind some of the island's biggest brands and concepts - One More Time Ibiza at Eden, the Kevin & Perry Amnesia Experience, Shine Ibiza alongside Paul van Dyk, and global stewardship of Godskitchen - alongside close work with BBC Radio 1, Defected and CamelPhat. He's sold out Eden with Defected, sold out Pacha with CamelPhat, and been part of events that have sold out every single club on the island. He'll also tell you he's not on Instagram - so you might not recognise his face, but chances are you've danced to something he built. We get into the reality of building brands that last on an island where trends move fast, what it takes to sell out a club night after night, and how a Cornish indie kid became one of Ibiza's most influential promoters. Subscribe to Loud & Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators and cultural entrepreneurs, and connect with us on Instagram @loudandunfilteredpod

Alex sits down with LDN East owner Matt Blewitt and Creative Director & Programmer Zack Geraci on the dancefloor of one of East London’s most talked-about open-air venues. From its DIY beginnings to becoming a trusted home for some of electronic music’s biggest brands, artists and events, Matt and Zack share the story behind LDN East’s rise over the past four years. They discuss the venue's origins, the parties that helped put it on the map, why Eastenderz became a turning point, and how LDN East has become a launchpad for emerging talent, including Max Dean. The conversation also explores the realities of running large-scale events, working with councils on street parties, investing in sound and production, and balancing commercial success with a genuine passion for underground culture. Matt and Zach also reflect on standout moments including Skepta & Sammy Virji's EP launch, DR Banana's sold-out All Day Long, Throwdown with Max Dean, Luke Dean and Enzo Siragusa, and why they believe UK house and tech house is leading the world right now.   Presented by Alex Jukes

Factory Town has become one of the defining destinations of Miami Music Week. A sprawling multi-stage playground, attracting some of the biggest names in electronic music and thousands of fans from around the world. With multiple stages, diverse sounds and an atmosphere unlike anywhere else in Miami, Factory Town has redefined what a dance music venue can be. In this special edition of Loud & Unfiltered: Inside Miami, Alex and Grego explore the rise of Factory Town before speaking with Lumia Nocito, Patrick Topping and Max Dean about their experiences of Miami Music Week, the evolution of the city's electronic music scene and what makes Factory Town such a standout venue. Featuring exclusive insights, favourite Miami memories and Patrick Topping's comparison of Factory Town to Glastonbury, this episode captures why the venue has become an essential stop on the global dance music calendar. Guests: Lumia Nocito Patrick Topping Max Dean Presented by Alex Jukes Grego O'Halloran

Winter Music Conference has been bringing the electronic music industry together for decades, evolving from a niche networking event into one of the defining fixtures of Miami Music Week. In this special episode of Loud & Unfiltered: Inside Miami, Alex and Grego reflect on their own experiences of WMC before speaking with seven respected figures from across the scene: Megan Venzin, Doc Martin, Nicolas Rizzo Ehrenbock, Courtney Paige Nelson, Tiffany Baez, Nitin and DJ Ease. Together, they explore the changing face of Miami Music Week, the value of genuine industry connections, unforgettable moments from years gone by, and why WMC continues to play such an important role in electronic music culture. Whether you're a seasoned industry veteran or making your first trip to Miami, this episode captures the stories, perspectives and community spirit that have made Winter Music Conference a cornerstone of the global dance music calendar. Presented by: Alex Jukes | @alexjukebox Grego O’Halloran | @gregoibiza

Kellie Allen joins Loud & Unfiltered for an honest conversation about resilience, sobriety, longevity and carving out a lasting career in electronic music. Recorded immediately after her debut Defected set at The Sagamore during Miami Music Week, Kellie reflects on her journey from vocalist and songwriter to becoming one of the UK's most respected selectors, as well as why she's focused on long-term growth rather than chasing short-term hype. The conversation explores her early years in music, working a full-time job while staying up until the early hours writing songs, moving to Ibiza to work for a start-up label, and the moment she nearly sold her decks and walked away from DJing altogether before winning a competition that led to a 26-week residency on the island. Kellie also discusses her sobriety journey, breaking through with BBC Radio 1, opening Fabric Room 1 for PIV's London showcase, and how a relationship that began through Ibiza Global Radio evolved into becoming part of the PIV family. She shares her thoughts on representation for women in dance music, the balance between inclusion and tokenism, and what it means to now curate her own line-up for PIV. Presented by: Alex Jukes | @alexjukebox Grego O’Halloran | @gregoibiza Guest Handle: @kellieallenmusic

Melé joins Loud & Unfiltered for an honest conversation about creativity, anxiety, longevity and evolving through electronic music culture. From growing up on the Wirral and initially falling in love with Hip Hop before discovering dance music through Sasha, Digweed and The Prodigy, to becoming one of the UK’s most respected electronic artists, Melé reflects on the moments that shaped his journey. The conversation explores his infamous Boiler Room set and the impact it had on his career at just 18 years old, moving from Liverpool to Miami, the pressures of staying relevant 15 years into the industry, and learning to become more present rather than constantly chasing the next milestone. Melé also discusses writing his new album in Miami, experimenting with broader vinyl sets, using Ableton as a live creative tool, memories of Miami Music Week and Defected at The Sagamore, as well as the realities of balancing passion, anxiety and longevity within modern dance music culture. Presented by: Alex Jukes @alexjukebox Grego O’Halloran @gregoibiza Guest Handle: @mele

Recorded at the Sagamore Hotel during Miami Music Week ahead of his B2B set with Olive F at the Defected Pool Party, house music legend Harry Romero joins Loud & Unfiltered for a deep dive into his journey through dance music culture. From discovering electronic music in the 90s as a “brown kid from the tri-state area” through Hip Hop and Latin Freestyle, to becoming one of the most respected names in house music, Harry reflects on the sounds, people and moments that shaped his career. The conversation explores his memories of the iconic Magic Sessions with Louie Vega, seeing Daft Punk in Miami during the 90s, the resurgence of Nervous Records, the legacy of Subliminal, and his long-standing relationship with Defected. Harry also discusses balancing creativity and longevity as an artist, why he still approaches music like a student, the reasoning behind his many aliases, and how modern audiences are reconnecting with the roots and history of house music. Subscribe to Loud & Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators and cultural entrepreneurs, and connect with us on Instagram @loudandunfilteredpod Presented by: Alex Jukes @alexjukebox Grego O’Halloran @gregoibiza Guest Handles: @harryromeroofficial @defected

Welcome to the very first episode of Inside Miami - a new series exploring the people, stories and culture that helped shape one of the world’s most influential electronic music cities.  Before streaming platforms and social media algorithms changed dance music forever, DJs discovered records in clubs, traded white labels in person, and built scenes from the ground up.    In this episode, Miami nightlife legend Jonathan Cowan reflects on the golden era of underground music culture - from the early days of vinyl digging and unpredictable club nights to unforgettable moments with artists like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Luciano, Loco Dice and more.    Jonathan shares stories from the rise of Miami’s electronic music scene, how travel and entertainment shaped his path, and why real-world music discovery created a completely different energy in club culture during the 90s and early 2000s.   Subscribe to Loud & Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators and cultural entrepreneurs, and connect with us on Instagram @loudandunfilteredpod   Presented by:    Alex Jukes | @alexjukebox    Grego O'Halloran | @gregoibiza

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, we sit down with Tom Leek - owner of UNUM Festival - to explore the story behind one of Europe’s most respected underground electronic music festivals. This conversation dives into how a once-overlooked destination became a global hotspot for underground music culture. Tom shares the origin story of UNUM, the vision behind building a festival in Albania, and the realities of creating a destination festival from the ground up. We explore the unique relationship between UNUM and the Albanian government, how the country embraced the festival’s cultural impact, and why Albania has become one of the most exciting emerging destinations in electronic music. Tom also opens up about the behind-the-scenes reality of running a destination festival - from logistics, artist programming and production challenges, to building a loyal global community around the UNUM brand. Along the way, we discuss the evolution of underground dance music culture, the importance of authentic festival experiences, and what it really takes to build a world-class event in a rapidly growing scene. Subscribe to Loud & Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators and cultural entrepreneurs, and connect with us on Instagram @loudandunfilteredpod Also @unumfestival @tomm_leek @alexjukebox @gregoibiza

In this episode of Inside SXM Festival, we sit down with Sistek (Adolfo) — Chilean DJ and producer — to explore how he’s building a global sound by combining Latin rhythms, melodic house and euphoric electronic music. Recorded in Saint Martin during SXM Festival, this conversation dives into how travel, nature and culture shape creativity — from writing music on Caribbean beaches to finding inspiration in sunsets around the world. Sistek shares how his upbringing in Chile influences his sound, why Latin audiences bring unmatched energy to dancefloors, and how he uses that energy to shape his DJ sets around the world. From reading crowds in different cultures to finding “your people” on the dancefloor, this is a masterclass in connection through music. We also explore his journey as an artist — from discovering electronic music through Tomorrowland aftermovies, to playing the festival himself, and now pushing towards global stages like SXM Festival and Ibiza. Along the way, Sistek opens up about his production process, the rise of Latin influence in electronic music, and why blending genres is the future of the scene. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 00:00 – Sunset Rituals & Latin-Electronic Fusion 00:21 – Podcast Intro & Welcome to Sistek 00:58 – Who Is Sistek? Name, Chilean Roots & British School 01:20 – From Chile to Sweden & Touring Life 01:48 – First Impressions of St. Martin (St Maarten) 02:10 – Exploring St. Martin: Sunsets, Beaches & Creative Inspiration 03:02 – How Sistek Describes His Sound: Euphoric Latin House 04:35 – Comparing Crowds: Latin America, Europe & the Middle East 05:35 – Reading the Crowd & Freestyling DJ Sets 06:44 – SXM Festival Crowd: Cultures, Ages & Vibes 07:34 – Ibiza as a Turning Point & Seeing Calvin Harris 08:37 – Sistek’s Upcoming Ibiza Debut at Hï 08:53 – Festivals vs Club Shows: Intimate vs Big-Stage Energy 09:45 – Ocean Stage & Intimate Beach Set at SXM 10:02 – Production Style: Latin Toplines & Emotional Melodic House 10:58 – Dream Collaboration: Rufus Du Sol–Style Spanish Melodic Tracks 11:20 – Craziest Gigs: Tomorrowland & Unique Locations 11:53 – 96-Hour Non-Stop Party Cruise (Miami to Bahamas) 12:37 – Touring, Moving to Paris & Life Plans Beyond DJing 13:04 – Football, National Teams & Supporting Barcelona

In this episode of Inside SXM Festival, we sit down with Elderbrook — singer, producer and globally recognised electronic music artist — to unpack how he approaches performing, writing and touring at the highest level. Recorded in Saint Martin during SXM Festival, this conversation dives into how Elderbrook prepares for completely different environments — from sunset sets on a mountain stage to late-night club performances — and why every show requires its own unique energy and curation. We explore the key differences between his live show and DJ sets, including how he uses his voice as an instrument, builds looping performances in real time, and balances playing his own music with other artists’ tracks. Elderbrook also shares insight into his songwriting process — why he now focuses on speed and instinct over perfection, how collaboration helps unlock creativity, and why spending too long on a track doesn’t necessarily make it better. Along the way, the conversation touches on touring life, playing unique venues around the world, discovering electronic music, and how early club experiences shaped his journey into becoming a global artist. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 00:00 – Elderbrook in the Caribbean: Outdoor Gigs & First Impressions 01:18 – SXM Festival Podcast Intro: Rum, Pina Coladas & Guest Lineup 02:05 – Playing a Mountain Sunset Set at Pararama Party (SXM Festival) 03:51 – Elderbrook’s Live Show Setup: Looping Vocals & Using Voice as Keys 04:28 – DJ vs Live Performance: Energy, Identity & Expectations 06:10 – New Music: Elderbrook & Adriatique Collab + Working Fast in the Studio 07:44 – Songwriting Mindset: From Over-Perfecting to Raw Ideas 08:12 – Mobile Studio Gear: Producing on the Road with Just a Laptop 08:35 – Favourite Places to Play: USA, Poland & Unforgettable Crowds 09:16 – The Club That Changed Everything: Discovering Fabric & Electronic Music 10:07 – Dream Collaborations: Jamie xx, The xx & Influential Albums 10:29 – SXM Festival Tips: Sunscreen, Shade & Wild Gig Stories

In this episode, we sit down with &Friends, DJ, producer and global collaborator to explore the reality of life inside the electronic music industry, from playing stages like Coachella to performing at SXM Festival. Recorded live on the island of Saint Martin, this conversation goes beyond music. It’s about mindset, wellness, creativity and staying grounded in an industry that moves faster than ever. &Friends shares how journaling became a key part of his creative process, why slowing down is essential in a fast-paced touring lifestyle, and how chasing “more, more, more” can quietly disconnect artists from why they started in the first place. We also dive into the philosophy behind the &Friends project — a collaborative, global approach to music that blends influences from the Middle East, Africa, Europe and beyond. From working with vocalists around the world to building a unique sound rooted in emotion, rhythm and storytelling, this is a masterclass in modern electronic music creativity. Along the way, we explore festival culture, the SXM experience, and what it really means to create connection through music — whether that’s playing intimate rooms or closing major stages in front of thousands of people. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ Key Moments: 0:00 – Trailer 01:15 – Welcome to Loud&Unfiltered: Live at SXM Festival 02:11 – Meet &Friends: DJ, Producer, Collaborator 03:13 – Touring Life, Mental Health & Journaling Practice 05:25 – Slowing Down, Presence & Coachella Perspective 07:07 – Inside the &Friends Project: Community & Collaboration 10:49 – Saying No: Authenticity in a Toxic Music Industry 14:10 – Lebanon Home Base & The Reality of Middle Eastern Hospitality 16:21 – Signature &Friends Sound: Melodic, Afro‑Influenced, Joyful 19:12 – Crafting 3‑Hour Sets: Emotional Journey & Track Selection 21:05 – SXM Festival, Caribbean Crowds & Island Vibes 24:14 – Wellness on Tour: Gym, No Alcohol & Science‑Based Fasting 27:14 – Favourite Places, Life‑Changing Clubs & Egyptian Euphoria 29:37 – Festival Survival Tips & Closing Thoughts