Loud&Unfiltered

Tom Leek on Building UNUM Festival and Albania’s Underground Music Scene

In this episode of Loud & Unfiltered, we sit down with Tom Leek - owner of UNUM Festival - to explore the story behind one of Europe’s most respected underground electronic music festivals. This conversation dives into how a once-overlooked destination became a global hotspot for underground music culture. Tom shares the origin story of UNUM, the vision behind building a festival in Albania, and the realities of creating a destination festival from the ground up. We explore the unique relationship between UNUM and the Albanian government, how the country embraced the festival’s cultural impact, and why Albania has become one of the most exciting emerging destinations in electronic music. Tom also opens up about the behind-the-scenes reality of running a destination festival - from logistics, artist programming and production challenges, to building a loyal global community around the UNUM brand. Along the way, we discuss the evolution of underground dance music culture, the importance of authentic festival experiences, and what it really takes to build a world-class event in a rapidly growing scene. Subscribe to Loud & Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators and cultural entrepreneurs, and connect with us on Instagram @loudandunfilteredpod Also @unumfestival @tomm_leek @alexjukebox @gregoibiza

Inside SXM Festival: Sistek’s Journey From Chile to Tomorrowland — Latin Electronic Music, SXM Festival & Building a Global DJ Sound

In this episode of Inside SXM Festival, we sit down with Sistek (Adolfo) — Chilean DJ and producer — to explore how he’s building a global sound by combining Latin rhythms, melodic house and euphoric electronic music. Recorded in Saint Martin during SXM Festival, this conversation dives into how travel, nature and culture shape creativity — from writing music on Caribbean beaches to finding inspiration in sunsets around the world. Sistek shares how his upbringing in Chile influences his sound, why Latin audiences bring unmatched energy to dancefloors, and how he uses that energy to shape his DJ sets around the world. From reading crowds in different cultures to finding “your people” on the dancefloor, this is a masterclass in connection through music. We also explore his journey as an artist — from discovering electronic music through Tomorrowland aftermovies, to playing the festival himself, and now pushing towards global stages like SXM Festival and Ibiza. Along the way, Sistek opens up about his production process, the rise of Latin influence in electronic music, and why blending genres is the future of the scene. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ [https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/] Key Moments: 00:00 – Sunset Rituals & Latin-Electronic Fusion 00:21 – Podcast Intro & Welcome to Sistek 00:58 – Who Is Sistek? Name, Chilean Roots & British School 01:20 – From Chile to Sweden & Touring Life 01:48 – First Impressions of St. Martin (St Maarten) 02:10 – Exploring St. Martin: Sunsets, Beaches & Creative Inspiration 03:02 – How Sistek Describes His Sound: Euphoric Latin House 04:35 – Comparing Crowds: Latin America, Europe & the Middle East 05:35 – Reading the Crowd & Freestyling DJ Sets 06:44 – SXM Festival Crowd: Cultures, Ages & Vibes 07:34 – Ibiza as a Turning Point & Seeing Calvin Harris 08:37 – Sistek’s Upcoming Ibiza Debut at Hï 08:53 – Festivals vs Club Shows: Intimate vs Big-Stage Energy 09:45 – Ocean Stage & Intimate Beach Set at SXM 10:02 – Production Style: Latin Toplines & Emotional Melodic House 10:58 – Dream Collaboration: Rufus Du Sol–Style Spanish Melodic Tracks 11:20 – Craziest Gigs: Tomorrowland & Unique Locations 11:53 – 96-Hour Non-Stop Party Cruise (Miami to Bahamas) 12:37 – Touring, Moving to Paris & Life Plans Beyond DJing 13:04 – Football, National Teams & Supporting Barcelona

Inside SXM Festival: Elderbrook on DJ vs Live Sets, SXM Festival, Songwriting Process & Life as a Global Electronic Artist

In this episode of Inside SXM Festival, we sit down with Elderbrook — singer, producer and globally recognised electronic music artist — to unpack how he approaches performing, writing and touring at the highest level. Recorded in Saint Martin during SXM Festival, this conversation dives into how Elderbrook prepares for completely different environments — from sunset sets on a mountain stage to late-night club performances — and why every show requires its own unique energy and curation. We explore the key differences between his live show and DJ sets, including how he uses his voice as an instrument, builds looping performances in real time, and balances playing his own music with other artists’ tracks. Elderbrook also shares insight into his songwriting process — why he now focuses on speed and instinct over perfection, how collaboration helps unlock creativity, and why spending too long on a track doesn’t necessarily make it better. Along the way, the conversation touches on touring life, playing unique venues around the world, discovering electronic music, and how early club experiences shaped his journey into becoming a global artist. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ [https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/] Key Moments: 00:00 – Elderbrook in the Caribbean: Outdoor Gigs & First Impressions 01:18 – SXM Festival Podcast Intro: Rum, Pina Coladas & Guest Lineup 02:05 – Playing a Mountain Sunset Set at Pararama Party (SXM Festival) 03:51 – Elderbrook’s Live Show Setup: Looping Vocals & Using Voice as Keys 04:28 – DJ vs Live Performance: Energy, Identity & Expectations 06:10 – New Music: Elderbrook & Adriatique Collab + Working Fast in the Studio 07:44 – Songwriting Mindset: From Over-Perfecting to Raw Ideas 08:12 – Mobile Studio Gear: Producing on the Road with Just a Laptop 08:35 – Favourite Places to Play: USA, Poland & Unforgettable Crowds 09:16 – The Club That Changed Everything: Discovering Fabric & Electronic Music 10:07 – Dream Collaborations: Jamie xx, The xx & Influential Albums 10:29 – SXM Festival Tips: Sunscreen, Shade & Wild Gig Stories

Inside SXM Festival: &Friends, From Coachella to SXM Festival — DJ Culture, Wellness, Touring Life & Building a Global Sound

In this episode, we sit down with &Friends, DJ, producer and global collaborator to explore the reality of life inside the electronic music industry, from playing stages like Coachella to performing at SXM Festival. Recorded live on the island of Saint Martin, this conversation goes beyond music. It’s about mindset, wellness, creativity and staying grounded in an industry that moves faster than ever. &Friends shares how journaling became a key part of his creative process, why slowing down is essential in a fast-paced touring lifestyle, and how chasing “more, more, more” can quietly disconnect artists from why they started in the first place. We also dive into the philosophy behind the &Friends project — a collaborative, global approach to music that blends influences from the Middle East, Africa, Europe and beyond. From working with vocalists around the world to building a unique sound rooted in emotion, rhythm and storytelling, this is a masterclass in modern electronic music creativity. Along the way, we explore festival culture, the SXM experience, and what it really means to create connection through music — whether that’s playing intimate rooms or closing major stages in front of thousands of people. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ [https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/] Key Moments: 0:00 – Trailer 01:15 – Welcome to Loud&Unfiltered: Live at SXM Festival 02:11 – Meet &Friends: DJ, Producer, Collaborator 03:13 – Touring Life, Mental Health & Journaling Practice 05:25 – Slowing Down, Presence & Coachella Perspective 07:07 – Inside the &Friends Project: Community & Collaboration 10:49 – Saying No: Authenticity in a Toxic Music Industry 14:10 – Lebanon Home Base & The Reality of Middle Eastern Hospitality 16:21 – Signature &Friends Sound: Melodic, Afro‑Influenced, Joyful 19:12 – Crafting 3‑Hour Sets: Emotional Journey & Track Selection 21:05 – SXM Festival, Caribbean Crowds & Island Vibes 24:14 – Wellness on Tour: Gym, No Alcohol & Science‑Based Fasting 27:14 – Favourite Places, Life‑Changing Clubs & Egyptian Euphoria 29:37 – Festival Survival Tips & Closing Thoughts

Inside SXM Festival: Adassiya, From Soul Singer to Global DJ

What does it really feel like to play SXM Festival? And how do you go from soul singer to global DJ performing around the world? Welcome to Loud&Unfiltered: Inside SXM Festival — the podcast that takes you behind the scenes of one of the world’s most unique electronic music festivals, set in the heart of the Caribbean. If you are looking to understand DJ culture, festival life, and how artists build their sound in electronic music, this episode gives you a real, unfiltered perspective from the artists living it. In this episode, we sit down with Adassiya, a French DJ, producer and former singer, who shares her journey from growing up between Paris and Algeria to performing at global festivals like SXM. She opens up about how she transitioned from soul, R&B and gospel into electronic music, how her cultural influences shape her sound, and why emotion, love and connection sit at the heart of everything she creates. We also explore what makes SXM Festival so special — from sunrise sets on the beach to the global community of music lovers who travel to the island each year. Adassiya breaks down how she prepares for sets, reads a crowd, and blends live vocals into her DJ performances — something rarely seen in dance music. Subscribe to Loud&Unfiltered for more unfiltered conversations with music industry leaders, innovators, and cultural entrepreneurs and connect with us on Instagram https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/ [https://www.instagram.com/jukeboxpr/] Key Moments: 00:00 – Episode Trailer: Adassiya 00:33 – Podcast Intro & SXM Festival Overview (Caribbean, Saint Martin) 01:06 – SXM Festival Atmosphere & Global Dance Community 01:25 – Introducing Adassiya at SXM Festival 02:35 – Adassiya’s Background: Paris, Algeria & Cultural Influences 04:07 – From Soul Singer to DJ: Transition to Electronic Music 07:09 – Musical Influences & Singing While DJing (Unique Live Sets) 09:35 – Describing Her Sound: Tribal, Groovy & Melodic House 11:01 – Festivals vs Clubs & SXM Crowd Energy (Love & Happiness) 13:09 – Favourite Places to Play: Tulum & Magical Mountain Venue in Greece 15:09 – Producing Music & Running Her Label ‘Mektoub’ 17:45 – Dream Collaborations & Emotion-Driven Music 19:14 – Upcoming Gigs & Future Plans (Ibiza / Hi Ibiza Mentions) 20:08 – SXM Festival in One Word & Final Festival Tips