The UAE’s homegrown Str8up podcast is back for Season 2 with a string of top-flight guests. Str8up gives listeners an insight into the music industry through the real-life experience of musicians, managers, agents and other industry professionals. “We make the podcast as lighthearted as possible but we tackle real subjects,” said host Berto Brown.
Co-founder of Emirates Music Summit, Berto launched Str8up after the first two summits identified a lack of music industry education in the UAE. “Guests’ stories help people realise there are no shortcuts when it comes to the business of music,” said Berto.
Personal
Str8up gets personal with international stars visiting the UAE, as well as key players in the local and regional scene. Season 2’s guests include New York rapper Mazzi (S.O.U.L. Purpose/Def Jam), Philly artist Dappa, former Foreign Beggers frontman PAV4N and Grammy-winner Ashthon Jones.
“The Ashthon Jones interview was fun,” said Berto. “She’s so talented and has a lot going on. It was great to hear about the people she’s worked with and her plans for the future. That interview is very informative, especially for anyone interested in songwriting. I can’t wait for people to hear that one.”
Young Blood
Berto, aka Albert Carter, has interviews with Universal artist Hadi and IKOMboy in the bag too. Pint-sized turntablist DJ Michelle also visited the Str8up studio recently. The nine-year-old from Dubai is one of the youngest turntablists to ever enter a DMC DJing competition.
“Michelle is amazing – very articulate and intelligent,” said Berto. “Her turntable skill level is out of this world for someone twice her age! The interview with Michelle was fun and shows how much she appreciates music.”
Energy
Reflecting on all his Str8up interviews, Berto claims British singer-songwriter and DJ Afro B stands out as the most memorable guest so far. He guested on the inaugural podcast with Mackie from Mackie Entertainment. “I didn’t really discover Afro Beat music until I moved to the UAE,” admits Berto, who left his native Philadelphia five years ago. “Afro B was one of the first Afro Beat artists I paid attention to, so to have him on the podcast was amazing. He has an insane amount of energy.”
Inquisitive
Also the founder of AudioSwim, Berto offered advice for would-be podcast presenters. “First up, understand your audience. They want to hear about a specific subject. Deviate too far from the subject and you will lose your core audience. Secondly, be authentically you. Too often people try to be someone else and that translates to your audience. Last but not least, be inquisitive. Always try to find out the what, why and how.
A new Str8up podcast drops every Monday throughout Season 2. Find the freshest episodes – and all of Season 1’s interviews too – right here.
Also read: UAE Company AudioSwim Adopts Futuristic Tactics to Boost Music Careers
