The Pirate Studios Podcast

DJ, curator and producer Siobhan Bell joins us on the Pirate Studios Podcast to share the story behind her journey from spinning house parties on Virtual DJ to becoming one of the UK's most respected DJs. We discuss how East London's underground scene shaped her sound, why she spent years sitting on original music before finally releasing it, and the creative leap from playing other people's recor...

Swedish-born artist and vocalist Manda Malina joins the Pirate Studios Podcast to talk about growing up around music, learning Pro Tools at 10, and launching her career through Swedish X Factor as a teenager. In this episode, Manda reflects on the reality of moving from early industry momentum into a more self-directed creative life in LA, where she has learned to prioritise authenticity, fun and...

On this episode of the Pirate Studios Podcast, we’re joined by Vi Diep, a genre-fluid DJ originally from San Diego, now based in Santa Ana. Vi talks about moving to New York at 18, falling in love with the city’s music scene, and how that experience helped shape her creative identity. Rooted in electronic music, her sets move through house, UK garage, bass, trap and beyond, with a focus on keeping...

In episode 29 of the Pirate Studios Podcast, Sammi sits down with artist manager Henry Lyons for a wide-ranging conversation on finding your way into the music industry without a clear blueprint. Henry traces his journey from making remixes on GarageBand and studying at NYU’s Clive Davis Institute, to assisting Hayley Kiyoko, tour managing Gus Dapperton and Claud, and eventually finding his way in...

In this episode of the Pirate Studios Podcast, we sit down with Initial Rhi to unpack the journey behind the artist — from early influences to carving out a distinct identity in a crowded and fast-moving scene. Rhi shares how music first became part of their world and the key moments that pushed them from interest into intent. We get into the realities of building a creative career today — what’s...

In this episode of the Pirate Studios Podcast, we sit down with Juliana Beltran to talk about the journey from early musical instincts to fully committing to songwriting and performance. Juliana shares how growing up immersed in music led her from experimenting with different instruments to becoming obsessed with writing her own songs. Inspired by artists like Taylor Swift, she talks about the mom...

In Episode 26 of the Pirate Studios Podcast, we’re joined by Poli van Dam ; musician, songwriter, and former member of The Bombpops, for a candid conversation that begins with a Pirate customer service mishap and unfolds into something far more meaningful. Poli shares her origin story, from piano lessons at five and early dive bar gigs at 13 to growing up in Southern California’s punk and skate sc...

Hayes Bradley joins us at Pirate Studios Silver Lake to talk about the weird, rewarding reality of scoring film and making music for yourself. We get into his early influences (The Prodigy, Depeche Mode, Aphex Twin-adjacent chaos), how artists like Jon Hopkins helped reframe what “composer world” can look like, and the behind-the-scenes logistics of scoring — schedules, deadlines, feedback from no...

In this episode of the Pirate Studios Podcast , we sit down with indie pop artist Aleesha King to talk about DIY creation, van-life recording, and turning existential fear into deeply personal music. Aleesha shares how she recorded her debut album in a self-built van, why albums still matter in a singles-driven world, and how themes like mental health, perfectionism, and mortality shape her upcomi...

This week on the Pirate Studios Podcast, Sammi and Flasch sit down with LA-based electro-pop artist Colaine . From growing up in upstate New York to studying Music Business at Belmont University, Colaine breaks down her songwriting process, the emotional themes behind her debut EP I Don’t Know How to Relax , and why understanding the business side of music matters as much as the art itself. They t...

Brooklyn edition 🎙️ Keemie sits down with Staten Island rapper Hue Hef to talk Wu-Tang roots, coming up around real NYC hip-hop, staying relevant without losing the essence, and why independence + creative control matter more than ever. Follow Hue Hef on IG - https://www.instagram.com/therealhuehef/ Tap in.

Oddly Shrugs joins us to talk about identity, personal growth, artistry, and building a career in LA’s underground scene. We get into vulnerability, how his sound has evolved, why he alternates between chaos and preparation on stage, and how community fuels his creativity. A thoughtful and emotional conversation with an artist who wears his heart on his sleeve. Artists mentioned: Oddly Shrugs - ht...

Feathers (aka Pirate’s own Kate Harmon ) joins us for a warm, funny and intimate episode about artistic confidence, writing late at night, and finding her voice as a solo artist after fronting a metal band. We talk about her favourite Pirate moments, the chaos of running studios, the now-infamous “fuzzy mouth” DJ desk moment, and the emotional high of watching a whole crowd wave feathers during he...

In this episode of the Pirate Studios Podcast, we sit down with the bold and magnetic artist Farrah Fawx . From her early beginnings singing in church in Virginia to performing at Coachella, Farrah walks us through her powerful journey in music, creativity, and self-definition. She opens up about discovering her voice, learning from early industry experiences (including a surreal Rick Ross co-sign...

In this episode of the Pirate Studios Podcast, we welcome the electrifying DJ and producer Clawz , fresh off her performance at EDC Las Vegas. Known for her high-energy techno sets and genre-defying sound, Clawz shares her journey—from piano recitals to becoming a major player in the thriving hard techno scene. Clawz dives deep into her creative process, describing her sound as a chaotic yet nosta...

In this special episode of the Pirate Studios Podcast, guest host Keemie sits down with the inspiring and extraordinarily talented Iolanta, a 13-year-old musical prodigy whose powerful voice and incredible story are captivating hearts worldwide. Born in Russia and now thriving in the U.S., Iolanta shares how her unique journey—from overcoming childhood blindness due to retinoblastoma to discoverin...

In this episode of the Pirate Studios Podcast , we sit down with JayaHadADream , a rapper, musician, and performer who has carved out a unique lane in UK hip-hop. From Cambridge to Nottingham , Jaya shares her journey—from open mics to winning the Glastonbury Emerging Talent Competition and performing across multiple festival stages. Jaya talks about the influence of grime, hip-hop, and UK dance m...

In this episode of the Pirate Studios Podcast , we sit down with BSHP , a powerhouse vocalist and songwriter who has spent the last eight years navigating the industry. From writing for other artists to stepping into her own as a solo act, BSHP shares the challenges of balancing creativity and business, staying motivated in a fast-moving industry, and why 2025 is all about fully embracing her arti...

In this episode of the Pirate Studios Podcast, we sit down with Plastician , a pioneering DJ, producer, and label head who has played a crucial role in shaping the sounds of grime and dubstep. From his early days in Croydon to launching his own label Terrorhythm , Plastician has spent over two decades navigating the ever-evolving music industry. We dive into his journey—from starting out as a bedr...

In this episode of the Pirate Studios Podcast, we sit down with Natty Lou , a powerhouse DJ, producer, and performer known for her energetic drum and bass sets. Starting her journey in the vibrant music scene of Bristol, Natty’s passion for drum and bass took her from raver to performer, dancer, and now DJ, where she’s paving her own path in the genre. Natty discusses her influences, the significa...

In Episode 12 of the Pirate Studios Podcast, we welcome the multi-talented artist FLASCH —musician, photographer, and fashion enthusiast—who’s been making waves in LA with their unique blend of hyper-pop, rock, and genre-bending sounds. FLASCH shares the journey from a small-town upbringing to building a life in music, bringing honesty and creativity to every endeavor. FLASCH talks about balancing...

In this episode of the Pirate Studios Podcast, we welcome Emi Grace and her manager Jordan Smith , an artist & manager duo. Emi has made waves with her unique blend of rock and pop, layered with infectious guitar riffs and a bold, authentic sound. Jordan, her dedicated manager, shares insights on what it takes to build trust, cultivate genuine relationships, and navigate the music industry wit...

In this episode of the Pirate Studios Podcast, we’re thrilled to chat with Jordan Abrams, the dynamic music manager behind artists such as Erick the Architect, one of hip-hop’s most innovative voices. Jordan’s passion for artist development has been instrumental in shaping careers and expanding creative visions. Beyond her work in music management, Jordan also hosts a regular show on dublab and is...

The Pirate Studios team talk to RaeCola in our Silver Lake, Los Angeles studios. The dynamic DJ duo taking the electronic music scene by storm with their infectious beats and innovative sound. Blending a mix of house, techno, and deep bass grooves, these two artists have a unique ability to energize any crowd, whether at a massive festival or an intimate underground club. With their seamless colla...

The Pirate Studios team talk to WA Radio in our London, Dalston studios. The music, events and production outfit made up of Just JJ, Ki Pharaoh, Reece Laurent & Nigel Ruwende. WA Radio performed at City Splash as part of the residency program and have a lot of exciting events and productions in the pipeline. We’ll also listen to one of their recent releases by Ki Pharoah. The team talked about...