Summer's End Smokeout 2025

In this live episode of Poducer, recorded at Summer’s End Smokeout, we sit down with Joe Nice — a pioneering figure often credited with bringing Dubstep to the United States. From launching the legendary Dub War parties in New York to shaping the global spread of the genre, Joe has been at the heart of underground culture for nearly two decades.

We dive into his journey as a tastemaker, his thoughts on the modern expectation for DJs to also be producers, and how he stays grounded through organization, sobriety, and a commitment to mental health. Joe also speaks on the responsibility of artists to use their platform for advocacy, his favorite sound systems around the world, and why unionization could be the future of fair treatment in electronic music.

🔥 Whether you’re a longtime Dubstep head or just discovering the roots of the scene, this conversation is packed with history, honesty, and perspective from one of the culture’s most respected voices.

📲 Follow Joe Nice: https://www.instagram.com/joenicedj
🎙️ Follow Poducer: https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

Chapters:
00:00 – Introduction at Summer’s End Smokeout
00:20 – Joe Nice & the origins of Dub War
04:09 – DJ vs Producer: changing expectations in electronic music
07:16 – Mental health, energy, and preparation on tour
12:34 – Sobriety, veganism & living with balance
13:40 – Advocacy, activism & using your platform responsibly
18:10 – Sound system culture & community through music and food
22:13 – Unionization & fair treatment for DJs and artists
25:11 – Closing thoughts & gratitude

The Podcast for Producers

Summer's End Smokeout 2025: Joe Nice (Live)

In this episode of Poducer, recorded live at Summer’s End Smokeout, we sit down with Manic Focus. The genre-bending producer who has built a reputation on soulful beats, heavy grooves, and an unfiltered approach to storytelling through music.

From his first concert memories to the dynamics of working with his brother as both manager and creative partner, Manic Focus opens up about the honesty, trust, and tension that shape his art. We dive into his unique production style, how he avoids chasing trends by designing sounds with swing and swagger, and the lessons he’s learned from years of performing on stage.

He also speaks candidly about living with bipolar I, how music serves as his medicine, and why being open about mental health matters not only for himself but for the wider community of fans and artists. Along the way, we touch on his biggest live inspirations, creative rituals, and what it means to keep growing while staying true to your sound.

🎧 Listen to Manic Focus: https://manicfocus.com
📲 Follow Manic Focus: https://www.instagram.com/manicfocus
🎙️ Follow Poducer: https://linktr.ee/poducerpodcast

Chapters:
00:00 – First Concert Memories (Pretenders & B-52s)
01:12 – Working With His Brother as Manager
04:23 – Early Inspirations & Making Beats
05:42 – Sound Design, Wobbles, and Avoiding Trends
10:41 – Music, Mental Health & Bipolar I Journey
12:40 – Game-Changing Concert: Moby’s Play Tour

Watch Video

Summer's End Smokeout 2025: Manic Focus

The Podcast for Producers



Watch on YouTube:
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCijzViDaoVljjDXyEPTIwyQ?sub_confirmation=1

Art by: www.henryfeldman.com