Beat Wala

In this episode of Beat Wala, we speak with leading neuroscientist Dr. Julia Basso as part of AlphaTheta’s documentary: We Become One. [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEwb-PiUMs4] Julia shares her research into how the brain processes music, how rhythm and sound influence emotion, and what happens neurologically when people experience music together and dance. We explore how music affects memory, mental health, and why shared musical moments feel so powerful—both individually and collectively. This conversation brings a scientific lens to the emotional experience of music and opens up new ways of understanding connection through sound.

In this brand new series of Beat Wala we team up with AlphaTheta, the parent company behind the iconic Pioneer DJ brand, known globally for shaping the landscape of electronic music through cutting-edge technology and innovation.  We are back in Ibiza for the next few episodes and today we sit down with one of the most exciting and boundary-pushing DJs to emerge from the underground in recent years — Kikelomo. She was the lead artist in the recent documentary We Become One: The Power Of The Shared Musical Experience [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EEwb-PiUMs4] and she tells us how she stepped into the spotlight to go on a journey to learn why people choose music as a vehicle to connect with others, appreciating it as a universal "language" that speaks to everyone. And how the human brain harnesses sound to evoke euphoria and reduce stress." She is London-born and Berlin-based, and brings a bold,  fearless approach to club culture, blending UK sounds, bass-heavy rhythms, and genre-defying energy in every set.  As a broadcaster, Boiler Room host, radio station founder and passionate community builder, she’s become a powerful voice in shaping the future of dance music — not just behind the decks, but through activism, inclusivity, and intention. Today we are here to talk about music as a healing force, the neuroscience behind the dancefloor, and what it really means to create safe, transformative spaces through sound.

In this episode of Beat Wala, we dive deep into the sonic journey of Bushwacka!, aka Matthew Benjamin — a true pioneer of the UK underground, previously one half of the legendary duo Layo & Bushwacka!. From his early roots in the acid house explosion of the late ‘80s to becoming a cornerstone of the global tech-house movement in the 2000s, Bushwacka’s path through music is as iconic as it is evolving. We talk about his London legacy and his residencies at The End nightclub, what it was like shaping a sound that defined a generation, and his transition into a powerful solo career that’s still pushing boundaries today. Mathew is about to release another new album very soon and has just started a monthly Ibiza residency at Pikes, where you can see him in action all summer.

We head to London to meet Kidnap and talk about the release of his second album, Something Lost, Something Gained. The record chronicles his shift from playing endless shows and constantly touring and releasing music to becoming a dad for the first time and explore feeling all the feels of loss relating to his close knit group of friends. Over the past decade, the UK-based artist made a name for himself with his rich, evocative soundscapes, winning over a global fanbase and he is still playing some smaller shows in London and next month in India, but things have calmed down considerably. Matt says last year was mostly him making music at home alone and in his studio, despite collborations on the new record with Leo Stannard again and this year he wishes to work with more outside influences once again. Lost Without You and Feels Like Home both feature female vocalist Gabrielle Aplin and are stand out singles which have been leading up to last years release.

In our last Episode recorded at ADE we hear from NYC born and raised techno Queen Louisa Pilot about her struggles in the music industry and how she is now working with those suffering with mental health issues and to help create a safer dance floor and world where these conversations can be had.