Episode 19

Kyle Watson is a South African DJ, producer, and label co-owner who has spent over a decade shaping the global house music landscape with his distinctive blend of bass-driven beats, innovative sound design, and dynamic drum work. His music, a fusion of dark and melodic elements, has earned support from industry heavyweights like Diplo, Chris Lake, and Gorgon City, and has been released on prominent labels including Ultra, Atlantic, Dirtybird, and This Ain’t Bristol. Watson has performed everywhere from underground clubs in the U.S. to major festivals in Brazil, while also remixing tracks for top-tier artists such as Rudimental, ZHU, and Malaa. As co-owner of the indie label Box Of Cats, he continues to champion emerging talent and push the boundaries of the genre, cementing his role as a trailblazer in the house music community.

The power of dance music lies in its ability to unite people, creating inclusive spaces where self-expression knows no bounds—and few embody this spirit better than 20-year-old DJ Jake Smith. Living with cerebral palsy, Jake has broken barriers by performing at iconic venues like Ibiza’s Ocean Beach, Manchester’s hottest clubs, and the VIP tent at Creamfields. A passionate producer and music student, he’s earned national airplay on BBC Radio 1 and Kiss FM, inspiring others with his message that disability doesn’t limit dreams. Backed by his supportive family and a deep love for the dancefloor, Jake is proof that talent and determination transcend all obstacles.

Josh Butler is a globally respected figure in house music, known for his standout debut “Got A Feeling” in 2013, which catapulted him to international acclaim and earned accolades from Beatport and DJ Mag. With an impressive discography including releases on Rejected, Defected, Kaoz Theory, and VIVa, plus remixes for legends like Fatboy Slim, Carl Cox, and Joris Voorn, Butler has cemented his place at the forefront of the genre. He’s graced the stages of Glastonbury, DC-10, Parklife, and Defected Croatia, while holding down Ibiza residencies and extensive global tours. As the founder of ORIGINS RCRDS, he’s championed both icons and emerging talent, releasing music from Kerri Chandler, Groove Armada, and Marshall Jefferson. With major radio features including BBC Radio 1’s Essential Mix and a relentless touring schedule, Butler continues to shape and inspire the sound of modern house music.

Sam Divine, widely known as the First Lady of Defected, is a powerhouse in the global house music scene. From her early days spinning vinyl in her mom’s shed and running a pirate radio show, to heading up Defected’s radio and commanding dance floors at Pacha, Amnesia, and Ushuaïa, Divine’s journey is rooted in passion and persistence. She’s not only been central to Defected’s rise but has also carved her own lane through her label DVINE Sounds, which showcases talent like Black V Neck and Amine Edge & DANCE. With acclaimed remixes, original productions, and stage takeovers at major festivals like ADE and We Are FSTVL, Sam Divine remains an unstoppable force shaping the future of house music.

Ky William is a Brooklyn-based DJ, producer, label owner, and music educator known for his emotive, groove-driven blend of UK tech and deep house. With a background that spans from DJing local events at age 12 to earning support from icons like Jamie Jones and The Martinez Brothers, Ky has steadily built a reputation as one of New York’s most promising electronic artists. As the head of Andhera Records and a dedicated mentor, he’s committed to nurturing fresh talent and evolving the sound of the underground. Whether headlining his first tour or teaching production workshops, Ky brings passion, patience, and a deep love for dance music culture to everything he does.

Spanish-born Hector Couto has solidified his place as a key figure in the international tech house scene over the past decade, known for his dynamic DJ sets and a distinctive production style that fuses Chicago house with old-school techno. With releases on top-tier labels like Hot Creations, Defected, Get Physical, and his own acclaimed imprint Roush, Couto has built a stellar reputation among peers and fans alike. His music consistently charts, earning him a spot in Resident Advisor's Top 100 Most Charted Artists and a nomination for Best House Artist at the Vicious Music Awards. Renowned for his groove-heavy sound and commitment to elevating both established names and emerging talent, Hector Couto remains a driving force in the evolution of house music.

Lauren Lo Sung is a UK-based DJ, producer, and label owner known for her distinctive blend of deep, groovy house and minimal sounds. Emerging from Liverpool’s underground scene, she quickly gained acclaim for her smooth, vinyl-heavy sets and sharp production style. Lauren is the founder of LOLIFE, a label and event brand that reflects her forward-thinking taste and commitment to quality club culture. She has graced iconic venues and festivals across the globe, including fabric, DC-10, The Warehouse Project, and Parklife, while releasing music on respected imprints such as DJ Steaw’s House Puff and her own LOLIFE Records. Celebrated for her ability to create hypnotic, rolling atmospheres, Lauren Lo Sung continues to be a powerful force in the international house music scene.