House Music Connection

Interview with DJ Kelly Kel of Columbia, South Carolina.Overwhelmed with music production tasks? Learn how my free Release Roadmap tool can help you keep track of everything: https://tonyfuel.com/roadmapDJ Kelly Kel / Columbia House Music Project Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/djkellykelz/https://www.facebook.com/DJKellyKelzhttps://www.thecolumbiahousemusicproject.com/https://www.traxsource.com/artist/481477/dj-kelly-kelSummaryDJ Kelly Kell shares her journey of starting the Columbia House Music Project in South Carolina. She discusses her early experiences with DJing and her love for house music. The project aims to bring authentic soulful house music to South Carolina and create a transformative and inclusive experience for the community. DJ Kelly Kell emphasizes the importance of representing and embracing Southern culture and history in their events. The project also focuses on community engagement and volunteerism, organizing free events and initiatives to support underprivileged communities. They are always looking for sponsors to help further their mission. The Columbia House Music Project is a grassroots movement that has gained support from the community and the city. They have been successful due to the will of the people and their dedication to serving the community. The project has a team of volunteers who help organize events and ensure their success. They are open to sponsorship in various forms, not just monetary contributions. The project has upcoming events, including Houseteenth and House on the Beach, which aim to celebrate music, culture, and community. The power of house music lies in its ability to bring people together and create positive change. In this conversation, DJ Kelly Kel discusses her love for Deep House music and her experiences as a DJ in Columbia, South Carolina. She emphasizes the importance of connecting with other DJs and building a community. DJ Kelly Kel's passion for house music and her positive influence on the local scene are highlighted.TakeawaysThe Columbia House Music Project is a grassroots movement that has gained support from the community and the city.The project has been successful due to the will of the people and their dedication to serving the community.The project has a team of volunteers who help organize events and ensure their success.Sponsorship can come in various forms, not just monetary contributions.House music has the power to bring people together and create positive change.
Building connections with other DJs is crucial for fostering a strong community.
DJ Kelly Kel's love for Soulful and Deep House music shines through in her work.
Her positive impact on the house music scene in Columbia, South Carolina is recognized and appreciated.

Interview with house music singer, Becka Ward.Overwhelmed with producer tasks? Learn how my free Release Roadmap tool can help: https://tonyfuel.com/roadmapBecka’s Linkshttps://www.instagram.com/beckaward1/https://www.traxsource.com/artist/75790/becka?ipp=100https://www.facebook.com/becka.ward.756SummaryBecka Ward, a house music vocalist, shares her journey and experiences in the music industry. She talks about her early exposure to house music and her desire to become a singer from a young age. Becka discusses her process of writing lyrics and working with producers, emphasizing the importance of trust and collaboration. She also mentions her interest in exploring other genres, such as R&B and hip hop. Becka shares her thoughts on performing live and the balance between her music career and family life. She concludes with advice for working with producers, including establishing clear expectations and communication. Becka discusses the importance of contracts in the music industry and shares her positive experiences with labels that provide contracts and artwork promptly. She advises aspiring singers to get to know house music and its producers, explore different genres, and trust their own instincts when choosing tracks to work on. Becka emphasizes the importance of vocal technique and understanding equipment in the studio. She also talks about her influences in the music industry and the need for more women producers. Becka highlights the spiritual and liberating nature of house music and the joy of performing live. She shares upcoming projects and invites listeners to connect with her on social media.TakeawaysBecka Ward has been singing house music for many years and was introduced to it by her brother.
She prefers to write her own lyrics and work with producers who trust her creative vision.
Becka is interested in exploring other genres, such as R&B and hip hop.
She enjoys performing live and collaborating with DJs.
Balancing her music career with family life can be challenging but rewarding.
Establishing clear expectations and communication is important when working with producers. Contracts provide peace of mind and protect artists in the music industry.
Getting to know house music and its producers is essential for aspiring singers.
Exploring different genres and pushing oneself creatively is important for vocalists.
Vocal technique and understanding studio equipment are vital for recording artists.
There is a need for more women producers in the music industry.
House music is a spiritual and liberating genre that connects people and allows them to let go.
Becka has upcoming releases and is open to collaborations and vocal lessons.
Listeners can connect with Becka on social media to learn more about her work.
Chapters00:00:00 - Episode Intro00:00:19 - Becka Ward Introduction00:07:04 - Desire for Live Performances00:15:01 - Exploring Other Genres00:29:00 - The Need for More Women Producers00:36:27 - Upcoming Projects and Collaborations00:45:13 - Connect with Becka and Learn More

Overwhelmed with music production tasks? Learn how my free Release Roadmap tool can help you keep track of everything: https://tonyfuel.com/roadmap
Ramiro / Uniting Souls LinksInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/ramiro_uniting_souls/Traxsource: https://www.traxsource.com/label/14733/uniting-souls-musicBeatport: https://www.beatport.com/label/uniting-souls-music/519YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UnitingSoulsMusicFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/unitingsoulsmusicEpisode SummaryRamiro Gutierrez, founder and president of Uniting Souls Music, discusses the origin and longevity of Uniting Souls, a community-based event production company and record label. The conversation covers topics such as the evolution of the sound, the importance of community, and the challenges of promoting events in the digital age. Ramiro also shares insights on how they select artists for their lineups and the role of branding in creating a unique identity for their events. Uniting Souls is celebrating its 27-year anniversary with a 12-hour party at Monkey Loft in Seattle. The event will feature three stages, including a rooftop deck stage, and will showcase the authentic vibe and inclusivity that has been the ethos of house music since its inception. Uniting Souls has a strong team behind it, including business partner Tate, resident DJs Emily Griffin, Amy Snapdragon, and Alex Lagaspi, and designer Tashia Ortiz. The organization also supports local charities, such as Northwest Youth Services and GenPride, and is committed to giving back to the community.TakeawaysUniting Souls is a community-based event production company and record label that has been active for 27 years.The key to their longevity is consistency and a strong sense of community.They have evolved their sound over the years while still preserving the soulfulness of the classic house music sound.Word of mouth and personal connections play a significant role in promoting their events.They select artists for their lineups based on their sound and their involvement in the community.Branding is important in setting themselves apart from other events and creating a unique identity. Uniting Souls is celebrating its 27-year anniversary with a 12-hour party at Monkey Loft in SeattleThe event will showcase the authentic vibe and inclusivity that has been the ethos of house music since its inceptionUniting Souls has a strong team behind it, including business partner Tate and resident DJs Emily Griffin, Amy Snapdragon, and Alex LagaspiThe organization supports local charities, such as Northwest Youth Services and GenPride, and is committed to giving back to the community

Interview with house music artist, educator, and podcaster, Heidi B.Overwhelmed with producer tasks? Learn how my free Release Roadmap tool can help: https://tonyfuel.com/roadmapHeidi B’s Linkshttps://www.traxsource.com/artist/467868/heidi-bhttps://www.youtube.com/@heidibofficialhttps://www.instagram.com/heidibmusic/SummaryHeidi B, a music producer, DJ, and podcast host, joins Tony Fuel on the House Music Connection podcast. Heidi shares her background in education and psychology, her love for music, and her journey in the house music scene. Heidi's professional training includes studying Vocals in Helsinki Pop & Jazz Conservatory and Musicology at Helsinki University.
She discusses her experience living in different countries and how it has influenced her music. Heidi also talks about her passion for soulful house music and her exploration of different sub-genres. She shares the story behind starting her podcast, Heidi's House, and the importance of connecting with fellow artists and sharing their stories. Heidi encourages aspiring musicians to follow their passion and make their music heard. Heidi B discusses her journey as a vocalist, producer, and label owner in the house music scene. She talks about her love for soulful and deep house, as well as her exploration of different genres of music. Heidi shares her experience in producing her own tracks and the importance of education in music production. She also discusses the challenges faced by women in the male-dominated industry and the need for more female representation. Heidi shares her vision for the future, including growing her brand, performing internationally, and expanding her label. She also talks about her podcast and the format of featuring artists and showcasing their music.TakeawaysHeidi B has a background in education and psychology but has always had a passion for music.
She has lived in different countries, which has influenced her music and allowed her to connect with artists from around the world.Heidi's main focus is on soulful house music, but she also explores other sub-genres like disco house and Afro house.She started her podcast, Heidi's House, to connect with fellow artists and share their stories.Heidi encourages aspiring musicians to follow their passion and make their music heard. Exploring different genres of music can help artists orientate into different kinds of projects and collaborations.Education and learning from others are essential in music production.There is a need for more female representation in the male-dominated music industry.Heidi B's vision for the future includes growing her brand, performing internationally, and expanding her label.Her podcast features artists and includes a DJ set showcasing their music.

Overwhelmed with producer tasks? Learn how my free Release Roadmap tool can help: https://tonyfuel.com/roadmapCarlos Ruiz / Ruez Linkshttp://www.carlosruiznyc.com/https://www.instagram.com/ruez_nyc/https://www.traxsource.com/artist/151183/ruez?ipp=100https://www.facebook.com/carlos.ruiz.31945SummaryCarlos Ruiz, an audio engineer and DJ based in New York City, shares his journey in the music industry and his love for house music. He discusses how his day job in the energy industry has influenced his approach to running his mix engineering business. Carlos also talks about the evolution of music production technology, including the use of AI, and the importance of maintaining the human essence in music creation. Carlos Ruiz started taking mixing seriously from an engineering business standpoint about six or seven years ago. He had been doing mixing for a long time before that, but it took him a while to feel comfortable charging for his services. He learned through trial and error and listened back to his early work to improve. Carlos believes that creative mixing is about understanding the artist's vision and creatively extracting it from the song. He uses visual references, such as films and artwork, to inspire his mixes. He also emphasizes the importance of balance and using techniques like reverbs and delays to create dimension in the mix. In this conversation, Carlos Ruiz shares his insights on the importance of taking breaks, physical activity, and mental health in the music industry. He also discusses some of the highlight reels of his career, including working with Ted Patterson and achieving vinyl releases with Rissa. Carlos emphasizes the importance of recognizing that as an engineer, you are there to assist and support the artist's vision, rather than taking ownership of the project. He also provides tips for aspiring mix engineers, such as focusing on learning how to listen, investing in good speakers and a well-treated room, and utilizing resources like Mix with the Masters and Pensado's Place.TakeawaysCarlos Ruiz has been involved in the music industry for over 20 years as an audio engineer, DJ, and label owner.
His day job in the energy industry has influenced his approach to running his mix engineering business, as he applies operations skills and creativity to both.
Carlos discusses the evolution of music production technology, from vinyl records to digital formats, and the use of AI in music creation.
He emphasizes the importance of maintaining the human essence in music, even with advancements in technology. Carlos Ruiz started taking mixing seriously about six or seven years ago, but had been doing it for a long time before that.
Creative mixing is about understanding the artist's vision and creatively extracting it from the song.
Visual references, such as films and artwork, can inspire the mix.
Balance is crucial in mixing, and techniques like reverbs and delays can create dimension.
It's important to constantly learn and improve in mixing, and collaboration and communication are key skills to develop.
Finding a balance between work, music, and personal life is a challenge, but taking breaks and engaging in physical activity can help. Take breaks and engage in physical activity to break up the monotony and prevent feeling overwhelmed.
Recognize that as an engineer, your role is to assist and support the artist's vision, not take ownership of the project.
Invest in good speakers and create a well-treated room to ensure accurate monitoring and improve the quality of your mixes.
Train your ears by listening in a flat and accurate environment, and learn how different tools and techniques affect the mix.
Utilize resources like Mix with the Masters and Pensado's Place to enhance your knowledge and skills in mix engineering.