In this episode of Seattle House Mafia’s Industry Interviews, Phil Anthony sits down with Darek Mazzone, a veteran DJ, radio host, filmmaker, and cultural connector with over 30 years immersed in the music and art world.

The conversation traces Darek’s journey from growing up in communist Poland, where Western music was contraband, to landing in Boston as a nine-year-old immigrant with zero English, and eventually finding his way to Seattle in 1992 after his car broke down just outside the city.

Darek shares how college radio at WMFO in Boston ignited his passion for global music, and how that passion carried him into a 33-year run at KEXP (formerly KCMU), where he created and continues to host the long-running show Wo’ Pop. He talks about the early Seattle club scene, his work with the legendary Tasty Shows crew, and the sense of community that defined that era of DJing and live music promotion.

The conversation dives into Darek’s founding of SAMA Music and Arts, a nonprofit dedicated to bringing international artists rooted in tradition to the Pacific Northwest. He explains the challenges these artists face, from U.S. visa bureaucracy to the economics of streaming, and why live performance remains the most meaningful way to connect audiences with music from around the world. The discussion also touches on AI-generated music, the role of algorithms in flattening music discovery, and why getting out to experience live shows matters more now than ever.

Darek also reflects on his new documentary film, SAMA: To Listen, a deeply personal exploration of transcendent music traditions filmed across Morocco, Turkey, and beyond. True to his philosophy, the film is only available through in-person screenings, with no streaming option. The episode wraps with thoughts on ego, legacy, and the simple power of showing up for the people and music you care about.

#globalmusic #worldmusic #communityradio #liveperformance #musicdiscovery

In this episode, we sit down with Cisco, a Seattle-based shuffle dancer who discovered the dance form through YouTube videos in 2018. From practicing alone in her Atlanta apartment to building a thriving dance community in the Pacific Northwest, Cisco shares her seven-year journey and the determination it took to transform from a self-described "cringe" beginner to a recognized instructor and performer.

She discusses the challenges of learning shuffle through YouTube videos before tutorials were widely available, slowing down videos to half-speed and rewinding them countless times to decode the movements. Cisco explains how shuffle evolved from Melbourne's underground rave scene in the late 1980s, spreading through different electronic music communities and developing distinct regional styles - from the aggressive, fast-paced Melbourne shuffle to the smoother California variations.

We explore what it takes to build a shuffle community in Seattle, including Cisco's decision to start teaching classes when none existed locally and her creation of "You Can Shuffle With Us" to make the dance form more accessible. She addresses common misconceptions about shuffle dancing, the importance of finding the right footwear, and how the dance continues to evolve with each generation of dancers.

The conversation covers shuffle's explosion during the pandemic when people had time to practice at home, the role of social media in spreading dance styles globally, and the ongoing tension between keeping shuffle authentic to its rave roots while welcoming newcomers. Cisco shares insights on performing at major festivals like Beyond Wonderland and the unique challenges of dancing at different venues across Seattle.

Finally, Cisco offers advice for hesitant beginners, emphasizing that everyone starts somewhere and encouraging people to "treat your joy like it's more important than your fear." Her message centers on building an inclusive community where dancers support each other regardless of skill level.

#shuffledance #seattle #edm #dancemusic #shuffling #edmculture #seattledance #youcanshufflewithus

In this episode, we sit down with Alex Bosi, Insomniac Events' regional promoter for the Pacific Northwest. Alex shares his journey from starting in live sound at age 12 and spinning vinyl by 14 to becoming the sole Insomniac employee representing the entire region. He talks about his path through the Seattle music scene, including running a club in Olympia for nearly a decade and launching his own event company before joining Insomniac in 2022.

Alex breaks down what it's really like working for one of the world's largest dance music companies, which produces over 400 events annually. He explains how Insomniac maintains founder Pasquale Rotella's original vision while operating at massive scale, and addresses common perceptions about corporate promoters moving into local markets. We dive into the complex logistics behind festivals like Beyond Wonderland at The Gorge, from artist negotiations and venue limitations to why lineups vary by market size and cost constraints.

The conversation explores how social media and technology have transformed both artist discovery and audience behavior. Alex shares stories about viral producers like Vengeance selling out shows and discusses the balance between veteran DJs who built the scene and emerging talent breaking through platforms like TikTok. He reflects on how club culture has changed post-pandemic and the challenge of maintaining authenticity in an increasingly digital world.

Alex also reveals his vision for Insomniac's future in the Pacific Northwest, focusing on intimate pop-up events and locals-only shows that capture the underground spirit while leveraging the company's resources. He emphasizes his commitment to hiring locally and working with regional artists, venues, and production teams to keep the scene rooted in the community that built it.

#insomniacevents #seattle #edm