DJ Culture
R.O.A.D. Podcast – DJ ZIMMIE: Why DJs Need the ‘Level Up’ Conference?

This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew welcomes back returning guest @DJZimmie!
The crew discusses how having a camera operator during Club DJ Sets has now become mandatory, how that increases costs, and how it affects how much money a DJ can make (01:55). Crooked shares how @DJNugget saved him one night in Pittsburgh by taking a punch for him (05:01).
Zimmie breaks down what “Level Up For DJs” has to offer (13:40) and speaks on a moving moment involving @Shortkut at the #LevelUp4DJs 2025 conference (21:50). The crew also talks about how they manage their presence on social media as DJs (40:40), Crooked speaks on the beauty of collaboration, building community, and social media exhaustion (53:01).
The fellas reflect on their experience at NAMM 2026, as well as new @AlphaThetaUSA products being released this year (1:04:33). Optic asks Zimmie when Serato users will be able to have their library on a USB stick (1:18:01).
Finally, Zimmie explains how the YouTube series “Pioneers of Hip Hop DJs” came to fruition (1:31:01).
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Related Post: R.O.A.D. Podcast – THE STEREOTYPES: Crafting Hits For Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber
R.O.A.D. Podcast – THE STEREOTYPES: Crafting Hits For Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber
This week on @RoadPodcast features an in-depth conversation with The @StereotypesTV (@JonYip + @JermBeats + @RayRomulus), charting their rise from interns and studio rats to Grammy-winning producers behind era-defining records.
Crooked opens by giving them their flowers as true DJ “life savers,” praising their ability to balance vibe, storytelling, and music that unites people in the middle (02:33), before Ray reflects on growing up in New York, interning at Bad Boy and Def Jam, and learning the industry from the ground up (05:23). They tell the full story of “Damage” by Danity Kane, from ballad to hit, including seeing it on Making The Band and hearing it play at Guitar Center while they were still broke (35:26).
The conversation moves into their relationship with Far East Movement and Bruno Mars, leading to a detailed breakdown of 24K Magic, Finesse, and the writing process behind records like “That’s What I Like” and “Chunky,” plus how adding Cardi B turned “Finesse” into a mega hit (44:30). They also touch on uncredited work, publishing lessons, career slowdowns, and behind-the-scenes realities, from studio grind to IRS stress and finally winning Grammys after years in the trenches (1:04:55).
The episode closes with optimism about new music, future collaborations, and why 2026 is shaping up to be a special year (1:34:01).
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Related Post: R.O.A.D. Podcast – HICKIES + DRYHUMPS: A SoCal Party That Became a Filipino Movement ft. Esentrik
R.O.A.D. Podcast – HICKIES + DRYHUMPS: A SoCal Party That Became a Filipino Movement ft. Esentrik
This episode of Road Podcast features @JulzDelaPena and @Esentrik breaking down how real DJ careers evolve, from Julz getting into weddings and understanding presentation (02:05). The conversation touches on the reality of DJ promo culture, online bravado, and mentorship (07:03).
The crew then speaks on DJ friendships, leaving retail to focus on parties, and changing economics (10:10). Julz revisits the roots of @HickiesAndDryhumps, why the party originally felt like a house party, and how moments like @MilesMedina and @JustBlaze pulling up after the Goldie Awards shaped its growth (25:07), before diving into Filipino classics and the quiet influence of Filipino DJs in nightlife (29:01).
The crew then talks about San Diego’s venues, DJ unity, and why the city’s crowds feel more receptive and fun than Hollywood (47:59). Esentrik explains his showcase style of DJing and crowd reading (57:01).
The episode closes with viral Seafood City DJ pop-ups (1:15:01), shrinking DJ rates, and promotion strategies (1:25:01).
Follow the R.O.A.D. Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Related Post: R.O.A.D. Podcast – DJ SNIPS, KARL BRISSEAUX, SVPPLY & MOOCHIE: How Vinyl DJs Redefined NYC Nightlife
R.O.A.D. Podcast – DJ SNIPS, KARL BRISSEAUX, SVPPLY & MOOCHIE: How Vinyl DJs Redefined NYC Nightlife
This week on @RoadPodcast, the crew sits down with @Moochie, @DJSvpply, @Snipsmusic, and @KBrissy to talk about @RecordRoom and vinyl parties.
The episode begins with Crooked reflecting on his first time attending Record Room and what immediately stood out (03:20), before the crew breaks down why vinyl sets earn more trust from audiences, from the visual curiosity of watching a DJ work to the difference between a DJ and a vinyl selector mindset (12:40). They explore why letting songs play longer works better in today’s shortened attention economy , the origins of Record Room and NYC’s Sway era, and the early days of Suede, including the choice to identify as vinyl DJs in 2025 (18:50).
The conversation dives into why R&B sounds so good on vinyl, the importance of bridges, nuance, and letting records breathe, even at prime time (32:30). From there, the crew talks about party arcs, creative limitations, building crowds that trust DJs enough to book weeks ahead, and competing with couches instead of clubs (53:40).
The episode closes with reflections on NYC nightlife legacy (1:03:10), curating an authentic New York experience (1:13:01), the cost of vinyl (1:21:05), rocking parties without obvious hits, and the personal relationships DJs have with their records (2:02:01).
Follow the R.O.A.D. Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.
Related Post: R.O.A.D. Podcast – BUCKWILD: On Producing for Biggie, D.I.T.C., and Shaping the NY Sound
NAMM Mega Mixer 2026
Mega Mixer 2026
Join us Friday, January 23, 2026 from 6pm to 9pm in Santa Ana, CA for an evening of live DJ showcases, networking, and next-level vibes inside one of Southern California’s most iconic venue.
Meet the teams of Beatsource, Club Killers, DJcity and DMS.
🎁 PLUS all attendees are entered into a FREE RAFFLE for a chance to win the brand-new RANE release. (Must RSVP to enter raffle).
Mega Mixer 2026 is the place to be.
🔗 Spots are limited. Pull up early, stay connected, and be part of what’s next.
Related Post: NAMM 2025 – The Wrap-Up
EXCLUSIVE RANE LAUNCH EVENT: Powered by Beatport + Beatsource + DJcity
RANE’s latest release is here – and we’re inviting LA’s DJ Community to come experience it in person at Beatport’s LA office.
Be among the first to experience RANE’s latest release – before it hits NAMM.
The RANE team will be on site to unveil the unit, break down its key features, and answer your questions live. Get hands-on time, connect with the Beatsource, Beatport, and DJcity teams, and vibe with some of the community’s most notable DJs.
Space is limited. RSVP required.
Doors open at 6:30 PM.
Related Post: LOS ANGELES DJs: Get Hands On With The New Serato DJ Pro 4.0
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