ROAD PODCAST (Reflections Of A DJ)

Episode 379: RICHARD VISSION (Pt.2): "Epic B2Bs w/Bad Boy Bill + LA's Underground Rave Revival"

The Road Podcast crew is in LA for the NAMM show and sits down with LA-born and raised house/dance music legend Richard Vission. Part 2 picks up with @RichardVission reflecting on LA nightlife in the 2000s, from 60,000-person events to a Grammy nomination (05:44) and the rave era of “Together as One” with @PasqualeRotella. He talks about landing multiple number one Billboard remixes for artists like @Madonna and the backlash that came with it. He shares the story behind “I Like That,” the pop EDM wave, and working with @Britneyspears and @iamwill, before explaining why he stepped away during the EDM over saturation era and how house found its way back to the forefront (17:01). Richard breaks down his current production approach (31:55) and his House Issues partnership with @DJBadBoyBill, including their highly praised b2b set and the work behind it (1:42:00). He also discusses vinyl nights in LA (45:01) and the rise of invite only underground after hours reshaping the city’s nightlife (52:01). The episode closes with reflections on Power Tools (1:00:02) and the ROAD 10, where Richard names LA his favorite city to DJ and recalls playing the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum for 70,000 people as a career highlight (1:12:23).

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Episode 379: RICHARD VISSION (Pt.1): "The Architect of L.A. Dance Culture"

The Road Podcast crew is in LA for the NAMM show and sits down with 1/2 of the duo #TheHouseConnection with @DJBadBoyBill, the Founder of the historic radio show @Powertools, LA-born and raised house/dance music legend, @RichardVission! The episode kicks off with Richard breaking down the early LA dance scene, starting with The Dome and The Arena (01:57), and how his first techno group, The Movement, led him to DJ Bad Boy Bill (04:10). He shares the backstory of Florentine Gardens and the infamous heist (07:12), then talks about his live mixes on Power 106, where late-night recordings turned into a movement (11:20). Richard explains how The Casa became the foundation of LA house, the moment freestyle faded while house took over the city (13:10), and the era of 15 DJs a night that helped shape LA’s fast-paced quick-mixing style (16:01). At just 16, Richard was already booking high school dances featuring The Cover Girls, World Class Wreckin' Cru, and Eazy‑E—events that generated serious money and earned the nickname “High School Coachella” (19:55). He also explains how he got the name Richard Vission (30:10) and reflects on early LA house records, including “House Music” by Eddie Amador, and how The Dome helped bring artists like Louie Vega, Armand Van Helden, and David Morales to Los Angeles.
The episode later shifts to radio, where a single 30-minute mixtape landed him on Power 106 (46:10). Richard recalls how his mix aired by accident, the phones immediately blowing up, and the mantra he still lives by: “The harder you work, the luckier you get” (51:50). Lastly, He closes by discussing creative freedom in radio and nightlife (58:55), his mixtape era with Bad Boy Bill and House Connection, and his first New York show alongside Erick Morillo (1:07:30).

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Episode 378: DJ ZIMMIE "Why DJs Need the 'Level Up' Conference?"

This week on @RoadPodcast, the fellas welcome Pittsburgh native, PioneerDJ/@AlphaThetaGlobal product planning team member, and founder of the @LevelUp4DJs Conference @DJZimmie! The crew discusses how having a camera operator during Club DJ Sets has now become mandatory, how that increases costs, and how it affects how much money a DJ can make (01:55). Crooked shares how @DJNugget saved him one night in Pittsburgh by taking a punch for him (05:01). Zimmie breaks down what “Level Up For DJs” has to offer (13:40) and speaks on a moving moment involving @Shortkut at the #LevelUp4DJs 2025 conference (21:50). The crew also talks about how they manage their presence on social media as DJs (40:40), Crooked speaks on the beauty of collaboration, building community, and social media exhaustion (53:01). The fellas reflect on their experience at NAMM 2026, as well as new @AlphaThetaUSA products being released this year (1:04:33). Optic asks Zimmie when Serato users will be able to have their library on a USB stick (1:18:01). Finally, Zimmie explains how the YouTube series “Pioneers of Hip Hop DJs” came to fruition (1:31:01).

Use Discount Code “ROADPODCAST” at checkout for up to $50 off your tickets to #LevelUp4DJs: https://levelup4djs.com/

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Episode 377: THE STEREOTYPES "Crafting Life Saver Hits For Bruno Mars and Justin Bieber"

This week on @RoadPodcast features an in-depth conversation with The @StereotypesTV (@JonYip + @JermBeats + @RayRomulus), charting their rise from interns and studio rats to Grammy-winning producers behind era-defining records. Crooked opens by giving them their flowers as true DJ “life savers,” praising their ability to balance vibe, storytelling, and music that unites people in the middle (02:33), before Ray reflects on growing up in New York, interning at Bad Boy and Def Jam, and learning the industry from the ground up (05:23). The trio breaks down how they first connected, their wide-ranging influences from the Bay to Snoop, Dre, Bone Thugs, Premier, and Teddy Riley, and the moments that permanently shifted their musical perspective, including hearing Busta Rhymes’ “Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See” (17:20). They tell the full story of “Damage” by Danity Kane, from ballad to hit, including seeing it on Making The Band and hearing it play at Guitar Center while they were still broke (35:26). The conversation moves into their relationship with Far East Movement and Bruno Mars, leading to a detailed breakdown of 24K Magic, Finesse, and the writing process behind records like “That’s What I Like” and “Chunky,” plus how adding Cardi B turned “Finesse” into a mega hit (44:30). They also touch on uncredited work, publishing lessons, career slowdowns, and behind-the-scenes realities, from studio grind to IRS stress and finally winning Grammys after years in the trenches (1:04:55). The episode closes with optimism about new music, future collaborations, and why 2026 is shaping up to be a special year (1:34:01).

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Episode 376: HICKIES + DRYHUMPS "The SoCal Party That Became a Filipino Movement" Feat. Esentrik

This episode of Road Podcast features @JulzDelaPena and @Esentrik breaking down how real DJ careers evolve, from Julz getting into weddings and understanding presentation (02:05). The conversation touches on the reality of DJ promo culture, online bravado, and mentorship (07:03). The crew then speaks on DJ friendships, leaving retail to focus on parties, and changing economics (10:10). Julz revisits the roots of @HickiesAndDryhumps, why the party originally felt like a house party, and how moments like @MilesMedina and @JustBlaze pulling up after the Goldie Awards shaped its growth (25:07), before diving into Filipino classics and the quiet influence of Filipino DJs in nightlife (29:01). The crew then talks about San Diego’s venues, DJ unity, and why the city’s crowds feel more receptive and fun than Hollywood (47:59). Esentrik explains his showcase style of DJing and crowd reading (57:01). The episode closes with viral Seafood City DJ pop-ups (1:15:01), shrinking DJ rates, and promotion strategies (1:25:01).

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