Dr. Dubplate - How to Build a Music Brand That Supports Artists & Shapes Culture!
Explicit content warning
03/11/25 • 67 min
Podcast Overview: In this conversation, Will Clarke and Yanis aka Dr. Dubplate discuss the evolution of the UK dance music scene, the influence of iconic venues like Plastic People, and the challenges faced by smaller venues in the current climate. Yanis shares his journey in music, the founding of his record label EC2A, and the innovative strategies he employed to build a community and support emerging artists. The discussion highlights the importance of grassroots culture in music and the impact of commercialism on the industry. In this engaging conversation, Yanis and Will Clarke explore the evolving landscape of the music industry, focusing on the importance of community, the resurgence of vinyl, and the innovations in music distribution. They discuss the pressures artists face in the digital age, the significance of supporting local economies, and the
need for genuine connections between fans and artists. The conversation emphasizes the importance of passion, persistence, and the value of tangible music experiences in a streaming-dominated world.
Who Is Dr Dubplate: Be it viral moments during DJ sets or breaking down barriers for the new generation with his label ec2a, Dr Dubplate and the UK’s new underground run closely alongside one another. Dr Dubplate’s entry into dance music came as a teenager. Heavily influenced by his father – then manager of London institution Plastic People – he grew up absorbing Afrobeat, Rare Groove, House and Funk. Working the cloakroom on Thursday nights at Plastic People he was exposed to residencies and performances from some of the most esteemed artists – Theo Parrish, Four Tet and Floating Points to name a few- which paved the way for an education in and appreciation of UK Sound system and club culture. Dr Dubplate’s DJ stripes were earned in Bristol, as promoter and resident for party series Piff where he played alongside artists such as Mall Grab, DJ Seinfeld and Hodge. In 2020 he established ec2a – a more personal project referencing his inspiration and upbringing. Emerging during the height of the new UK Garage scene, Yanis’s debut as Dr Dubplate soon followed. With label and DJ projects running side by side, a following quickly formed, leading to bookings up and down the country when clubs re-opened, and a breakthrough year in 2021. A memorable headline B2B set with Interplanetary Criminal for Keep Hush, at their sold out summer festival, catapulted him into the eyes and ears of post-pandemic clubbers as did an ec2a Fabric RM3 takeover later that year. With a rich musical upbringing, it’s no coincidence that Dr Dubplate’s sets reflect his character; a positive, multi-genre taste with gun fingers as part of the blueprint and treating his crowds to everything from Gil Scott Heron to Kwengface, Dubstep to UK Funky and Trap.
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https://djwillclarke.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuew
https://www.instagram.com/djwillclarke
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Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast Overview: In this conversation, Will Clarke and Yanis aka Dr. Dubplate discuss the evolution of the UK dance music scene, the influence of iconic venues like Plastic People, and the challenges faced by smaller venues in the current climate. Yanis shares his journey in music, the founding of his record label EC2A, and the innovative strategies he employed to build a community and support emerging artists. The discussion highlights the importance of grassroots culture in music and the impact of commercialism on the industry. In this engaging conversation, Yanis and Will Clarke explore the evolving landscape of the music industry, focusing on the importance of community, the resurgence of vinyl, and the innovations in music distribution. They discuss the pressures artists face in the digital age, the significance of supporting local economies, and the
need for genuine connections between fans and artists. The conversation emphasizes the importance of passion, persistence, and the value of tangible music experiences in a streaming-dominated world.
Who Is Dr Dubplate: Be it viral moments during DJ sets or breaking down barriers for the new generation with his label ec2a, Dr Dubplate and the UK’s new underground run closely alongside one another. Dr Dubplate’s entry into dance music came as a teenager. Heavily influenced by his father – then manager of London institution Plastic People – he grew up absorbing Afrobeat, Rare Groove, House and Funk. Working the cloakroom on Thursday nights at Plastic People he was exposed to residencies and performances from some of the most esteemed artists – Theo Parrish, Four Tet and Floating Points to name a few- which paved the way for an education in and appreciation of UK Sound system and club culture. Dr Dubplate’s DJ stripes were earned in Bristol, as promoter and resident for party series Piff where he played alongside artists such as Mall Grab, DJ Seinfeld and Hodge. In 2020 he established ec2a – a more personal project referencing his inspiration and upbringing. Emerging during the height of the new UK Garage scene, Yanis’s debut as Dr Dubplate soon followed. With label and DJ projects running side by side, a following quickly formed, leading to bookings up and down the country when clubs re-opened, and a breakthrough year in 2021. A memorable headline B2B set with Interplanetary Criminal for Keep Hush, at their sold out summer festival, catapulted him into the eyes and ears of post-pandemic clubbers as did an ec2a Fabric RM3 takeover later that year. With a rich musical upbringing, it’s no coincidence that Dr Dubplate’s sets reflect his character; a positive, multi-genre taste with gun fingers as part of the blueprint and treating his crowds to everything from Gil Scott Heron to Kwengface, Dubstep to UK Funky and Trap.
Join for updates: https://laylo.com/willclarke
⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱
https://djwillclarke.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuew
https://www.instagram.com/djwillclarke
https://www.facebook.com/willclarkedj
https://twitter.com/djwillclarke
https://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Previous Episode
Louisahhh - Why Streaming Platforms Must Do Better For Artists
Podcast Overview: In this engaging conversation, Will Clarke and Louisa discuss their experiences with rave cruises, the evolution of self-worth in the music industry, and the challenges posed by streaming platforms like Spotify. They delve into the impact of digital streaming on artists, the value of music in a digital age, and the role of AI in music production. Personal anecdotes highlight the emotional connection to music and the importance of valuing artistic labor. In this conversation, Will Clarke and Louisa delve into the economic realities faced by artists in the music industry, particularly in relation to streaming royalties and the impact of platforms like Spotify. They discuss the importance of valuing art and the challenges artists face in making a sustainable living. The conversation also touches on the role of sponsorship, cultural relevance, and the need for artists to connect meaningfully with their audience through merchandising and branding. In this conversation, Will Clarke and Louisa discuss the intricacies of navigating the music industry as artists, emphasizing the importance of connection through platforms like podcasts. They explore the evolving definition of success, the challenges of transitioning from DJing to live performances, and the significance of setting personal metrics for success. Louisa shares her insights on embracing vulnerability, the joy of the creative process, and the realities of touring with a live band. They conclude with valuable advice for aspiring artists, highlighting the need for clarity in intentions and the importance of enjoying the journey.
Who Is Louisahhh: New York bred, Paris based performer, DJ, producer. Co-founder of RAAR. Thrilled to be alive.
Join for updates: https://laylo.com/willclarke
⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱
https://djwillclarke.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuew
https://www.instagram.com/djwillclarke
https://www.facebook.com/willclarkedj
https://twitter.com/djwillclarke
https://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Next Episode
Fat Tony - Reveals the Truth About Nightlife, Addiction, and the Power of Community!
Podcast Overview: In this conversation, Fat Tony shares his experiences in the music industry, discussing the impact of violence, cultural shifts, and the evolution of nightlife. He reflects on his journey from a troubled
youth to a successful DJ, the role of addiction in his life, and the importance of creating safe spaces in clubbing. The discussion also touches on imposter syndrome, personal growth, and the significance of honesty and acceptance in recovery. In this conversation, Fat Tony shares his profound journey through addiction and recovery, emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance, honesty, and community. He reflects on his past struggles with ego, forgiveness, and the impact of his relationships, particularly with his father. The discussion highlights the daily practices that sustain recovery, the joy of living authentically, and the significance of giving back to the community. Fat Tony's insights serve as a powerful reminder of the ongoing work required to maintain mental health and personal growth.
Who Is Fat Tony: Starting his career 3 decades ago at an age too young to mention, Fat Tony has had his say in paving the way for the UK’s current music scene. Early on he won residencies for Trade at Turnmills, Egg and Limelight while also making his mark in New York holding a weekly show at The Palladium for Steve Rubell during the height of Paradise Garage. He has also graced the main floor of Privilege Ibiza, Space, Amnesia and DC10. A regular at Ministry of Sound and Glitterbox, Tony has already in this short season of 2021 played Defected Festival in Croatia, One Out & Wilderness Festival and countless other venues with The Warehouse Project and so much more around the corner. As official DJ to the Beckhams and Versace, he is also one of the fashion scene’s go to performers
Join for updates: https://laylo.com/willclarke
⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱
https://djwillclarke.com/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOdgwIzub8DYPxQYbbbi?si=hEx8GCJAR3mhhhWd_iSuew
https://www.instagram.com/djwillclarke
https://www.facebook.com/willclarkedj
https://twitter.com/djwillclarke
https://www.tiktok.com/@djwillclarke
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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