EMCAST

In this special conversation, François Kevorkian sits down with Lorna Clarkson to reflect on more than five decades at the heart of dance music. From his early days as a failed drummer in New York’s underground disco scene to becoming a pioneering DJ, remixer, producer, engineer and label owner, François traces the unexpected path that shaped his career, driven as much by necessity and curiosity as by ambition. The conversation explores the formative New York dancefloors, record stores and communities that shaped his approach to DJing, his pioneering work in the studio and the evolution of remix culture, including his time at Prelude and the creation of Wave Music . François shares candid stories of experimentation, failure, commercial compromise and creative independence, offering insight into why learning to work with limitations often led to some of his most important discoveries. At the heart of the conversation is François’s enduring belief in the power of community. Reflecting on legendary spaces including The Loft, Paradise Garage and Body & Soul , he considers what has been lost as dance music has become increasingly driven by scale, social media and commercial pressures, and why he believes the future lies in thinking smaller, staying local and creating spaces where people can genuinely connect. A candid and wide-ranging conversation about the art of DJing , creative independence, musical lineage and the enduring relationship between the DJ, the dancefloor and the community around it. François K — A Conversation Through Music is presented with the support of friends of culture Monkey Shoulder. EMC’s initiatives and programs are supported by the Australian Government through Music Australia.

Detroit techno didn’t just create a sound, it created a movement. Narrated by Talia Jimenez aka Tangela, this episode of EMCAST features Detroit techno pioneer John 'Jammin' Collins from Underground Resistance in conversation with Australian DJ Simon Caldwell , tracing the roots, politics and global impact of Detroit techno. From the industrial landscape of 1980s Detroit to the rise of Underground Resistance , the episode explores how Black artists transformed futurism, resistance and DIY culture into one of the world’s most influential electronic music movements. Together, they unpack the Detroit–Berlin connection, the importance of ownership and independence in underground music, the role of community and counterculture, and why preserving techno’s Black history remains essential today. The conversation also shines a light on overlooked pioneers like K- Hand , explores the political spirit behind Underground Resistance, and reflects on the enduring underground ethos that continues to shape dance music culture around the world. This episode was produced in partnership with TAFE Media by Evanna Kelly and Iain Wilson. Additional thanks to Krystel Diola for her contributions to this series.

Jamz Supernova is a multi-hyphenate force in the UK’s music space, holding multiple labels which are as numerous as they are formidable. She is a label head, radio host, DJ, podcaster, and overall tastemaker with a broadcasting career in the industry spanning more than a decade. EMC had the pleasure of hosting Jamz at their conference back in 2019 where she sat down with George Maple for an in-conversation about their journeys as DIY artists and offered advice to emerging artists, creatives and professionals on similar paths. Hosted by Talia Jimenez, Episode 3 is an exploration of artistic resilience and adaptation. Through a ‘then and now’ conversation with Jamz Supernova where we dive into the impact of the pandemic on her work, exploring the pre-and post-COVID landscape, and her perspectives on what it means to be a DIY artist or creator in today's world and beyond. We also discuss the importance of community, mental health, and adapting to the changing landscape of the music industry. This episode was produced in partnership with TAFE NSW by Jeremy Niass and Iain Wilson. Additional thanks to Krystel Diola for her contributions to this series.

Pilerats, Stoney Roads, Howl & Echoes, Cool Accidents, InTheMix. These are just a few of the blogs & websites no longer operating & sharing their voice in the dwindling landscape of Australian music journalism. In this episode, we dive into the shrinking media landscape, and its impacts on the music industry more broadly, as well as right here at home. What does this mean for musicians, labels, festivals, artists, and journalists themselves? We’re chatting with some of the country & the world’s foremost experts, including: Andrew Cotman (Co-Founder/Director, Stoney Roads) Arun Ramanathan - (Managing Director, Mixmag Asia) Cyclone Wehner (Journalist) Melody Forghani (Founder - twnty three) Julie Fenwick (Music and Culture Journalist) Shivani Sharma (City Manager Sydney, Resident Advisor + Community Engagement Manager, EMC) Hosted by Jack Colquhoun (Managing Editor, Mixmag ANZ) From the power of individual creators to the expectation being placed on musicians to act as their own PR team, this conversation provides a look into exactly what the music industry needs from media, and what it’s likely to get moving forward. This episode was produced in partnership with TAFE NSW by Gig Hope and Iain Wilson. Additional thanks to Krystel Diola for her contributions to this series.

Bluesfest, Groovin The Moo, Pitch Music & Arts, Splendour In The Grass, who’s next? 2024 has been one of the most brutal years on record for music festivals, & Summer is fast approaching. Depending on who you ask, everyone has a different take on why our most beloved festivals are failing. From curation to insurance, police pressure to climate change, & let’s not forget the cost of living, there’s no shortage of challenges for our local festival industry. So, what’s next? What could this mean for Australia’s music industry, its culture, & the future of festivals overall? This episode sees us delve into the evolving landscape of the festival circuit & speaking with a variety of experts, including; Cate Faehrmann, MLC (She/Her - Greens MP, Member of the NSW Legislative Council). Erik Lamir (He/Him - Director Rabbits Eats Lettuce Festival) Mitch Wilson (They/Them - Managing Director, Australian Festival Association) Talia Jimenez (She/Her - Artist, Radio Host, Promoter) Tara Medina (She/Her - Co Founder, Strawberry Fields) Hosted by Jack Colquhoun (He/Him - Managing Editor, Mixmag ANZ) From highlighting thriving festivals amidst change and economic instability to exploring factors that attract and retain audiences, this episode discusses the challenges being faced by festivals today, and what future solutions may be. This episode was produced in partnership with TAFE NSW by Jac Hope and Iain Wilson. Additional thanks to Krystel Diola for her contributions to this series.