Poducer

Masks on, filters off. Richard Finger pulls up to Poducer for pure chaos, Red Rocks stories, internet conspiracies, and how a joke project turned into a real movement. The Podcast for Producers Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/qSaPcpJAET Poducer: https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast Richard Finger: https://richardfinger.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio&fbclid=PAZXh0bgNhZW0CMTEAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQMMjU2MjgxMDQwNTU4AAGnj8v9ybAL8ugNjc9RHHQhFqZntJpF5I8zUhGgrW40pdZ5GMHXX9lNP_yuvA4_aem_bj-btiQ2nel-YTw1nVug0A

In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with Shami Sosa, a Chicago-based media producer, musician, and community builder whose work lives at the intersection of creativity, technology, and culture. From growing up immersed in photography and graffiti to producing music and building community spaces, Shami shares how wearing many hats shaped his creative identity. We dig into his journey from making early beats on cracked software to working with major brands and music tech companies, navigating trade shows like NAMM, and building Parallel Play, a listening room and learning space in Humboldt Park. Shami talks about finding opportunities through relationships, why showing up matters, and how community and consistency open doors in the long run. On the creative side, we get into hands-on gear talk with the Orchid synth, why limitations can spark better ideas, and how video games, sound design, and media production influence his musical process. We also talk about content creation in the algorithm era, balanci

In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with Combine, a producer and DJ whose sound lives at the intersection of engineering precision and creative risk. From growing up in North Wales to building a life between Oregon, touring, and a demanding day job, Combine talks about staying consistent while still pushing his own artistic lane. We dig into why originality isn’t optional, why the scene remembers the pace-setters, and how developing your own methods is the only way to build a lasting sound. Combine breaks down his influences, collaboration process, and why chasing trends leads to forgettable music. On the technical side, we get into building tracks from scratch in Serum, using spectrograms and visual tools to solve mix problems, dialing loudness without ugly artifacts, and why kick/sub phase alignment matters for real-world playback. We wrap with DJ life, gear goals, and game influences like Half-Life and Doom. The Podcast for Producers Join the Discord! https://discord.gg/qSaPcpJAET Follow Poducer:

In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with guesst, an artist and producer whose work lives at the intersection of electronic music, community, and intentional creation. guesst shares how collaboration, curiosity, and consistency have shaped their path. We talk about the “zone 2” mindset and building self trust by working at a sustainable pace, and how that philosophy applies directly to music making, burnout, and long term growth. On the technical side, we dive into dance music mixing and why the kick and sub relationship does so much of the heavy lifting, along with how arrangement and sidechaining can often create more space than endless EQ moves. The conversation expands into the ethics of modern music distribution, streaming culture, and data scraping. guesst explains why they pulled their catalog from major streaming platforms, what a modern digital dubplate mentality looks like, and how community first sharing can act as a form of resistance. We wrap with creativity beyond music including fashion, u

In this NSW x Poducer episode, we sit down with Medicine Place for a super honest, wide-ranging talk on where he comes from, what keeps him grounded, and why he sees this project as bigger than just playing shows. We get into his roots in basketball (and how that “trust the process” mindset carries straight into music), growing up fast, and being a “product of good friends” the mentors and homies who shaped how he moves today. From there, we dive into the intention behind his debut album Wake Up: a dream-like, story-driven project that stretches beyond dubstep into rap and other lanes, all centered on growth, awareness, and learning how to navigate the gray areas as life speeds up. We also listen to unreleased music, including “Sleepwalking” (ft. IMC) and “The Cycle” (with Aquatic Cat Dolphin), and talk about the real challenge of blending hip-hop into an EDM set without killing the flow. And if you’ve ever felt like certain artists create a “different world” in the room,we talk about that too: community, r

In this NSW x Poducer episode, we sit down with Denver-based dubstep producer CØNTRA, whose path spans Suzuki violin, metal guitar, and 16+ years of bass music exploration. From growing up in the California redwoods to relocating to Denver, CØNTRA shares how nature, travel, and rave culture shaped his sound and artistic identity. The conversation gets real as he opens up about OCD, anxiety, sobriety, gym routines, cold plunges, and how mental health shapes his creativity. We dive into the Denver scene, Submission’s role in his career, and what it actually feels like to go from fan in the crowd to artist on the agency roster. We also explore his philosophy on creativity (inspired in part by Rick Rubin’s “antenna” concept), the myth of originality, why vocals are almost always part of his tunes, and how he’s still figuring out what a “signature sound” means in modern bass music. The Podcast for Producers

In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with Zen Selekta, a DJ and producer whose fusion of spirituality, intention, and raw energy has defined her signature ceremonial bass sound. From Atlanta roots to festival stages, Zen Selekta shares how meditation, breathwork, and self-reflection shape her creative process and keep her grounded on and off stage. She opens up about transforming anxiety into presence, turning music into medicine, and drawing inspiration from thinkers like Joe Dispenza, who teaches the power of embodying what you want before it manifests. We also explore her path through the music industry, building community in Atlanta’s bass scene, learning the value of a great agent, and navigating professionalism behind the decks. Zen Zelekta reflects on mentorship, creative faith, and the lessons learned from Pretty Lights’ comeback shows, while offering perspective on what it means to thrive as a woman in a male-dominated space. This episode is a reminder that the most powerful artists move both bod

In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with Slot-A — a Chicago-based DJ, producer, curator, and community-builder whose journey bridges Detroit grit and Chicago soul. Known for his work with Jamila Woods, his Open Swim Chicago event series, and deep roots in the city’s underground, Slot-A embodies what it means to turn passion into longevity. From growing up in Ypsilanti, Michigan, to producing in New York and ultimately building a home in Chicago’s scene, he shares how faith, hustle, and self-awareness have guided his creative path. Slot-A takes us through his musical beginnings—discovering Sony Acid and Fruity Loops, experimenting with beatmaking on early software, and landing sync placements on shows like Jersey Shore and Stomp the Yard. He reflects on his time interning in New York studios, learning from industry veterans, and realizing that DJing is just as much a sales game as it is an art form—about knowing your value, understanding your crowd, and building leverage through relationships. We explore

In this Poducer: Chicago Series episode, we sit down with Aria Pedraza, community archivist and founder of the Midwest Rave Culture Archive (MWRCA) — a living digital collection preserving the Midwest’s underground electronic music history. From growing up surrounded by DJs and renegade parties to scanning and cataloging decades of flyers, zines, cassette tapes, and VHS footage, Aria shares how the project began and why documenting rave culture matters now more than ever. She opens up about the process of digitizing fragile materials, the ethics of archiving a misunderstood subculture, and how Chicago’s DIY spirit continues to shape the city’s dance music identity. Together, we explore the evolution of the Midwest rave scene — from illegal warehouse parties with 24-hour info lines to the influence of modern technology — and discuss how community-driven preservation keeps these stories alive for future generations. Aria also reflects on her vision for exhibitions, collaborations with museums, and the future

In this Poducer: Chicago Series episode, we sit down with John Rynecki, a DJ, producer, event promoter, and educator whose mission is simple: bring abundance to the dance floor. From growing up across Panama, Puerto Rico, and Germany to finding his creative home in Chicago, John shares how his multicultural upbringing shaped his sound and his vision for a more collaborative, community-driven nightlife. He talks about his early influences from salsa and Everything But the Girl to Craig David and Rusko at Congress Theater, and how those experiences evolved into his approach to DJing: sets that breathe, connect, and tell stories rather than chase drops. We explore how growing up abroad helped him view music as a universal language, and why he believes Chicago’s scene can thrive through openness and shared purpose rather than competition. John also shares the story behind co-founding the Chicago Electronic Music Conference (CEMC), an event built to educate, connect, and inspire, and how it aims to elevate dance

In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with Dr. Shannon Switzer, Doctor of Audiology at Sensaphonics, the Chicago based clinic trusted by touring artists around the world. Specializing in music industry hearing health, Dr. Switzer bridges the gap between science and sound, helping musicians protect the very tool that defines their craft. From growing up in Vermont to studying audiology at Northwestern and joining Sensaphonics, she shares how her background in music led her to a career focused on preserving it. We dive into how hearing actually works, why the modern world has become dangerously loud, and how overexposure to sound quietly reshapes your ability to create and enjoy music. Dr. Switzer breaks down everything from the physics of hearing and tinnitus to custom in ear protection, high fidelity earplugs, and the misconceptions that make musicians ignore hearing care until it’s too late. She also explains why properly fitted, filtered earplugs can improve how music sounds and how Sensaphonics helped

In this collaboration episode of Poducer with NSW, we sit down with Detroit-based producer DÊTRE (pronounced “Detra”) an artist whose path runs from guitars and rap vocals to intricate bass design, blending grit, groove, and raw self-expression. He grows weed by day (as an irrigation manager) to building bass-heavy tracks rooted in emotion and precision, DÊTRE opens up about his creative evolution, mental health, and the balance between passion and stability. We explore the meaning behind his name, how Vital and additive distortion shaped his sound, and why he sometimes records his own vocal hooks instead of relying on samples. We dive into Detroit’s warehouse scene, Movement Festival, and the “homie fest” culture that keeps underground music alive. Along the way, DÊTRE shares unfiltered thoughts on panic attacks, moderation, and staying grounded while navigating the modern music industry from corporate festivals to small, community-built events.

In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with Chicago creatives Greg Corner — bassist, DJ, promoter, and co-founder of the legendary Darkwave Disco parties. From playing bass with Kill Hannah to booking breakout artists at JBTV, Greg has lived through multiple eras of Chicago music and helped shape the city’s underground into a global influence. He shares the journey from sneaking into raves and punk shows to sharing stages with icons, why the “bloghouse” years created a blueprint for today’s DJ culture, and what it really takes to build a scene. We dive into his philosophy on curation, taste, and trust, plus the challenges of breaking artists in a city that often celebrates its own only after they’ve left. Greg also gives his perspective on the future: how AI could flood dance music, why bands may be poised for a comeback, and why real fans — not algorithms — still decide which art lasts.

In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with Zino B and Jimmy Bonks — producers, engineers, and co-founders of Channel Recording Company, a brand-new Chicago studio designed to feel like a living room while sounding world-class. They share the story of transforming a raw warehouse into a fully treated space in Fort Knox Studios, complete with cedar diffusion walls, a 25×25 ft live room, and a glass-walled ISO booth big enough for a grand piano. We dive into their philosophy of hospitality-driven engineering, why “good sound should be the default,” and how creating a comfortable environment frees artists to focus on making their best music. Beyond the technical build, Zino B and Jimmy reflect on their paths through the Chicago scene — from Joyride sessions with legends like Buddy Guy to Grammy-nominated projects, to building a community hub where artistry, collaboration, and care come first. They also tackle big topics like AI in music, the importance of “first listeners” in mastering, and how true fans sust

In this episode of Poducer, recorded live at Summer’s End Smokeout in Republic, Michigan, we sit down with Porch (Nick Loporchio) — a multi-instrumentalist and producer whose journey bridges music, science, and spirit. From his first spark of inspiration through Weird Al parodies to years of playing guitar, handbells, and powerlifting, Porch opens up about the pivotal injury that led him toward reggae, bass, and ultimately the Porch project. He shares stories from touring with his band Iya Terra (200+ shows a year across the U.S. and abroad) and how his sound evolved into a fusion of roots, funk, hip-hop, and heavy dub. We dive into his scientific background in molecular biology, exploring how concepts like epigenetics and energy transfer connect to sound, and why he sees music as a kind of “potion.” Porch also reflects on the spiritual side of creation, from the unique frequencies of Joshua Tree to the vibrations we carry in everyday life.

In this collaboration episode of Poducer with NSW, we sit down with UK producer HIJINX (formerly known as Mr. K) — an artist who’s evolved from heavyweight dubstep roots into a boundary-pushing sound that blends groove, texture, and raw energy. From his beginnings in Essex and early raves at Brixton Academy to releasing on respected labels like 1985 Music, White Peach, and his own imprint Fortune, HIJINX opens up about the creative reinvention that’s carried him through two distinct eras of his career. We dive into his transition from Mr. K to HIJINX, his shifting production style, and why he’s more interested in originality and groove than chasing trends. Along the way, he reflects on collaboration, the challenges of staying inspired in dubstep, and the crossover influences of metal, skate culture, and techno in his music. HIJINX also shares candid thoughts on the music industry — from the realities of releasing on major labels to the freedom of running his own platform, and what true success looks like o

In this episode of Poducer, recorded live at Summer’s End Smokeout in Republic, Michigan, we sit down with Hypho and CØNTRA — two forward-thinking artists bridging UK and US bass culture with a shared love for heavy sound design, collaboration, and community. Hypho reflects on his roots in Manchester’s dubstep and MC scene, releasing on labels like Swamp81 before co-founding Manuka Records, while CØNTRA shares his path from classical violin and guitar to discovering rave culture in San Francisco and eventually settling in Denver’s thriving bass scene. We dive into the vision behind Manuka, the freedom of running an independent label, and their upcoming plans — from no-phone club tours to festival highlights like Wicked Woods and Lost Lands. Along the way, Hypho and CØNTRA open up about influences ranging from UK drum & bass and 90s hip-hop to French downtempo, world bass, and reggae.

In this episode of Poducer, we sit down with Charlie Heldman — Chicago-based artist, producer, and founder of Windy City Wavs, a grassroots music production collective dedicated to building community, fostering creativity, and supporting independent artists. Charlie opens up about his journey from his early teenage band days to developing his own R&B-inspired sound — blending sweet lyrics with soulful, sexy beats. We explore his approach to growth as an artist, the role of collaboration in shaping his music, and how consistency and community feedback have fueled his development. Beyond music, Charlie shares his perspective as a studying therapist, reflecting on mental health, empathy, and the importance of creating safe spaces for expression. He talks candidly about navigating self-doubt, learning to shift negative self-talk, and balancing passion with purpose.

In this episode of Poducer, recorded live at Summer’s End Smokeout, we sit down with Manic Focus. The genre-bending producer who has built a reputation on soulful beats, heavy grooves, and an unfiltered approach to storytelling through music. From his first concert memories to the dynamics of working with his brother as both manager and creative partner, Manic Focus opens up about the honesty, trust, and tension that shape his art. We dive into his unique production style, how he avoids chasing trends by designing sounds with swing and swagger, and the lessons he’s learned from years of performing on stage. He also speaks candidly about living with bipolar I, how music serves as his medicine, and why being open about mental health matters not only for himself but for the wider community of fans and artists. Along the way, we touch on his biggest live inspirations, creative rituals, and what it means to keep growing while staying true to your sound.

In this live episode of Poducer, recorded at Summer’s End Smokeout, we sit down with Joe Nice — a pioneering figure often credited with bringing Dubstep to the United States. From launching the legendary Dub War parties in New York to shaping the global spread of the genre, Joe has been at the heart of underground culture for nearly two decades. We dive into his journey as a tastemaker, his thoughts on the modern expectation for DJs to also be producers, and how he stays grounded through organization, sobriety, and a commitment to mental health. Joe also speaks on the responsibility of artists to use their platform for advocacy, his favorite sound systems around the world, and why unionization could be the future of fair treatment in electronic music.