MistaJam On Ed Sheeran, David Guetta & Creating Capital Dance | CVLTURE Episode 9

In the ninth episode of CVLTURE, Mark Foster (Solardo) and Nik "Nika D" Nagarkar (Virus Syndicate, Bad Medic Records & EY3 Media) are joined by legendary DJ, producer and radio presenter MistaJam to discuss his journey through the music industry, the power of radio, the politics behind the scenes and the artists he's helped break along the way. From playing his first professional gig at Manchester's iconic Haçienda aged just 14 to giving Ed Sheeran his first national radio play and helping Tinie Tempah's *Pass Out* take off, MistaJam shares stories from over two decades at the heart of UK music. The conversation explores why he left BBC Radio 1, how he pitched the idea for Capital Dance, the changing influence of radio in the age of TikTok, and whether it's harder than ever for new artists to break through. They also discuss AI's impact on creativity, working with David Guetta, the egos and politics of the industry, and MistaJam's personal journey from 40 stone to the best shape of his life. For the CVLTURE. By the CVLTURE. **In this episode:** - MistaJam's first DJ gig at The Haçienda aged 14 - Working a day job while building his radio career - Giving Ed Sheeran his first national radio play - How Tinie Tempah's *Pass Out* became a hit - The politics behind radio playlists - Why MistaJam left BBC Radio 1 - How he came up with the idea for Capital Dance - Has TikTok replaced radio for breaking new artists? - Why major labels spend thousands promoting music - Can AI-generated music ever have real soul? - Working with David Guetta and the story behind their collaboration - David Guetta's work ethic and support for upcoming DJs - Ego, success and relationships in the music industry - MistaJam's personal journey from 40 stone - Why money and success can't be your only motivation - His predictions for the future of dance music For the CVLTURE. By the CVLTURE. **MistaJam On Ed Sheeran, David Guetta & Creating Capital Dance | CVLTURE Episode 9** 00:00 Cold Open 00:58 Welcome to CVLTURE 01:35 Introducing MistaJam 02:11 MistaJam's First DJ Gig at The Haçienda Aged 14 04:11 His Early Career at BBC Radio 1Xtra 08:34 Giving Ed Sheeran His First National Radio Play 11:51 How Tinie Tempah's Pass Out Became a Hit 14:02 The Politics Behind Radio Playlists 17:20 Why MistaJam Left BBC Radio 1 19:19 How He Created Capital Dance 22:17 How Hard Is It to Get Your Music on Radio? 24:42 Has TikTok Replaced Radio? 26:21 Is Social Media Becoming Pay-to-Play? 28:11 Can New Artists Still Blow Up Organically? 30:27 Is AI Taking the Soul Out of Music? 35:13 How MistaJam Ended Up Working With David Guetta 38:15 Mark's Private Jet Story With David Guetta 40:11 Does Success Change People in the Music Industry? 43:18 MistaJam's Weight Loss and Mental Health Journey 47:01 Finding Purpose Beyond Money and Success 53:12 Quick-Fire Music Questions 57:03 The Importance of Reload Culture 01:01:05 Where Is Dance Music Heading Next? 01:06:27 Outro #CVLTURE #MusicIndustry #Podcast **Follow CVLTURE:** https://www.instagram.com/cvlture.tv [https://www.tiktok.com/@cvlture.tv](mailto:https://www.tiktok.com/@cvlture.tv) https://www.facebook.com/CVLTURE.TV **Available on all podcast platforms:** Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/033GOSsjKRqVkYADg6TCw9?si=dyKmWj2dRgyPYh470PUuCg Apple Podcasts - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/cvlture/id6785525121 Amazon Music - https://music.amazon.co.uk/podcasts/edca6046-9b72-4771-9397-e0f3cfc64847/cvlture