Beats Learning

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Nick Faber, an experiential creative director in the music industry and founder of FABYL, a creative production house specialising in artist campaigns, experiential events, and culture-led marketing. From building unforgettable fan experiences to helping artists stand out in an overcrowded digital world, Nick shares what it really takes to create...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Carl Loben—a music journalist, editor, and author who has spent decades documenting the evolution of electronic music and club culture. As a long-time editor at DJ Mag and author of Renegade Snares, Carl has had a front-row seat to the rise of dance music in the UK and beyond. From the underground rave scene to global festival culture, Carl shares...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Caitlin McAllister, a music industry MD leading one of the most iconic global brands in music. As Managing Director at Ministry of Sound, Caitlin oversees a business spanning club culture, events, recordings, and international partnerships. From brand evolution to commercial growth, this conversation offers a rare look at what it really takes to o...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Matt Smallwood, a leader in the electronic music world and Head of Music at Club Class, overseeing the direction and programming of The Cross. With years of experience shaping line-ups, supporting emerging talent, and helping build respected platforms in dance music, Matt shares what it really takes to lead in a fast-moving, culture-driven industr...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Dr George Musgrave —a music industry academic and co-author of the influential book Can Music Make You Sick? —to explore the complex, and often hidden, relationship between creativity and mental health. With a rare dual perspective as both a former artist and a leading researcher, George shares powerful insights into why so many musicians struggle...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Nick Angel—veteran music supervisor, former Head of Music at Wokring Title, and the man behind the soundtracks of Shaun of the Dead, Hot Fuzz, About a Boy, and countless other iconic films. From working with directors like Edgar Wright and Richard Curtis to helping shape the sound of British cinema, Nick shares incredible stories and deep insights...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Mark Milsted, a leading chartered accountant in the music industry who works with artists, managers, and businesses to help them stay financially in control. From tour budgets to tax returns, Mark shares real-world advice on managing your money, avoiding common pitfalls, and building a stable foundation for long-term success. 🔥 What you’ll learn...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Miles Shackleton — COO of Toolroom Records , one of the world’s leading dance music labels. With a career spanning over two decades in electronic music, Miles offers rare insight into what it takes to run a globally respected independent label, balance creativity with business, and build long-term success in a fast-moving industry. 🔥 What you’ll...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Cameron Richardson—Head of Musical Theatre at Cambridge University, former staff pianist at Juilliard, and international vocal coach for West End, Broadway, TV, and film performers. Cameron shares his fascinating journey through elite training, artistic excellence, and nurturing the next generation of musical theatre talent. 🔥 What you’ll learn i...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Matt Cartmell—CEO of Music Technology UK—to unpack the growing influence of the UK’s music tech sector and how innovation is reshaping the way music is created, distributed, and experienced. With a background in communications and advocacy, Matt is now leading the charge to connect music and technology communities, championing creators, startups,...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Julian Palmer—Senior A&R Manager at Universal—to explore the art and strategy behind discovering, signing, and developing major artists. With a career spanning over 40 years in A&R, Julian has worked with legends like Jocelyn Brown, Run DMC, NWA, and is the man behind Rag’n’Bone Man’s breakout success. 🔥 What you'll learn in this epi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Caroline Wigmore and Jennifer Green—the phenomenal writing duo behind hit musical theatre productions including The Gingerbread Man, Errol’s Garden, and The Bachelor Girls. With their work staged everywhere from the West End to community schools, they share an honest, engaging look into the craft of creating stories that sing. 🔥 What you'll...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Tom Allen—CTO of Downtown Music and founder of Curve Royalty Systems—to explore his journey through music tech innovation, royalty systems, and business leadership. From building startups to leading global technology teams, Tom shares deep insights into the future of music royalties and the challenges of scaling tech in the music industry. 🔥 What...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we sit down with Silvia Montello—music industry leader and former CEO of AIM (Association of Independent Music)—to explore her incredible journey through major labels, startups, and championing the independent music sector. With decades of experience at Universal Music, Audio Network, and beyond, Silvia offers sharp insights into what’s shaping the future of music...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, we dive deep into mixing, mastering, and music production with Andy MacDougall—producer and mix & mastering engineer behind Trilucid and owner of Ionica Audio. With years of experience fine-tuning electronic music, Andy shares invaluable insights into creating professional-sounding tracks, the biggest mistakes producers make, and how to navigate the modern mus...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 2: Alex Branson – Shaping the Future of Music Services at Beatport In this episode of Beats Learning , we sit down with Alex Branson , Senior Vice President of Music Services at The Beatport Group. With over 20 years of experience in the music industry, Alex has worked across multiple roles, including General Manager at Warner Music Group and advisor to some of the biggest...

Send us Fan Mail Episode 1: Paddy Fletcher – Behind the Music of Squid Game The Challenge & Minecraft Live In our very first episode of Beats Learning , we’re joined by BAFTA-nominated composer and sound designer Paddy Fletcher . From crafting music for hit productions like Squid Game The Challenge to creating immersive soundscapes for Minecraft Live , Paddy takes us through his incredible jou...