Interview: Pete Tong DJ Academy & Future Talent Awards Winners (Constanza Pucheta, DJ DAHEIN, Liz Somes)

The Pete Tong DJ Academy opened its doors to the world in April of 2022, and since then, it has become home to some of the most exciting up-and-coming talents. With a handpicked selection of only the very best tutors, Pete welcomed Carl Cox, Nicole Moudaber, Adam Beyer, Sama’ Abdulhadi, TSHA and Jamie Jones to lead the way when it came to guiding the next generation of DJs from their bedrooms to the booth. 

Towards the end of last year, Pete announced the Future Talent Awards – an initiative in which the top 10 students are celebrated and awarded by the academy’s teachers, having the chance to play with them worldwide and get dedicated career-building support. The final winner, crowned as the PTDJA Future Talent, was also awarded during IMS, opening the line up of the IMS Dalt Vila. 

The Scholarships Program opened the opportunity to join the academy to everyone and anyone who thinks they have the talent, with only 50 completely free places up for grabs. During the application process, thousands of students submitted mixes to the team to be critiqued by the best DJs in the world. Quite a daunting task! 

The team announced their Grand Prize winner is Argentinian producer and DJ – Constanza Pucheta. With releases this year on Dushe, and the iconic Relief, she is already well on her way to a successful career. As the Grand Prize winner, she bagged herself a coveted spot playing her first set at the beautiful Dalt Vila in Ibiza Town, warming up for Pete. Nicole Moudaber and Carl also chose Constanza as their personal choice. 

“She’s amazing! There was a lot of people to listen and consider, but I thought she had such an incredible groove, a great flow while playing, and I enjoyed the tracks she selected. I am so happy she’ll be coming back to play with me at ‘In The Mood’ events around the world. She is also so sexy!” – Nicole Moudaber.

Adam Beyer chose Polish DJ DAHEIN as his top pick after hearing his techno set. 

“I’ve watched and listened to all the material, and the person that really stood out to me was DAHEIN. His sound just resonates with me. I was trying to approach the judging from a Drumcode perspective, according to my own sound as well, and he nailed it with the same kind of techno vibe and tempo. He seems confident, and the journey he provided in his set was impressive. I can see him working well on a main stage techno party, so for me, he was the guy”. – Adam Beyer. 

Showing age is just a number, and a number that really doesn’t matter is the amazing Liz Somes. Awarded as a winner by Sama’ Abdulhadi, the 57-year-old from Seattle started DJ’ing the year before covid. While live streaming during Covid, she struggled with mental health as it was not the same as being at the club. After taking a year off, she threw herself back into music and started levelling up. “Don’t listen to the naysayers, especially the one in your head?” says Liz. 

The academy is excited to take these students under their wing and give them the tools to become part of the next generation of DJs. The additional seven talented finalists worldwide will also get a special mention and recognition, including 2 Nomads, Cozmic Cat, Deefo, FiveQuestionMarks, Mista Mani, Nuans and Daniella Font. 

To celebrate this milestone occasion for the Pete Tong DJ Academy and all its winners, we caught up with some of the team and successful awardees for an immersive interview around the academy, showing why it is fast becoming one of the industry’s most celebrated initiatives: 

What inspired the creation of the Pete Tong DJ Academy, and what courses do you offer? 

The creation of the Pete Tong DJ Academy was inspired by a passionate vision to establish a definitive destination for both seasoned DJs and aspiring talents alike. 

We recognised the need for a genuine point of reference where individuals from different generations could come together to learn and enhance their artistry in the realm of DJing. Our primary objective was to inject a fresh perspective into the industry, emphasising not just the technical aspects but also the rich cultural heritage surrounding this vibrant art form.

We sought to go beyond the conventional notions of mixing and beat-matching and instead delve into the realms of creativity, musicality, and self-expression. Our courses are meticulously designed to equip DJs with the necessary skills, both hard and soft, knowledge, and confidence to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of the industry.

We aspire to be more than just an educational institution and aim to serve as a dynamic hub, bringing together like-minded individuals who are passionate about music, creativity, and the transformative power of DJing. Our goal is to shape the future of DJ culture by nurturing talent, fostering innovation, and providing a nurturing environment where both tradition and innovation can flourish.

How do your instructors, such as Pete Tong and Carl Cox, help students learn the technical and creative aspects of DJing? 

Our instructors are not just accomplished DJs; they are industry legends who have dedicated themselves to mastering their craft over the years. They have honed their skills through countless performances, and their track record of success speaks volumes about their expertise. 

They all go beyond simply demonstrating technical skills. They provide invaluable insights that are incredibly useful for aspiring DJs who are looking to develop their careers. Through their teachings, students gain access to the intricacies of the DJing world, including the secrets behind crafting seamless mixes, reading crowds, and creating unforgettable sets.

Our instructors’ guidance extends beyond the technical aspects of DJing. They understand the importance of nurturing creativity and fostering individual style. They encourage students to explore their own musical identity, pushing boundaries and experimenting with different genres and techniques.

Can you walk us through the beginner and advanced DJ course curriculum? 

Our beginner DJ course is designed for individuals who have little to no knowledge about DJing or have minimal rudiments but are still not able to beat-match. In this course, we provide a comprehensive introduction to DJing and guide students through all the fundamental concepts and skills they need to become proficient DJs.

The curriculum starts by familiarising students with the DJ equipment and teaching them how to operate the various components such as turntables, CDJs, mixers, and controllers. We emphasise the importance of understanding the equipment and its functionality to ensure a seamless DJing experience.

Next, we focus on essential skills such as counting beats, understanding track structure, and learning phase alignment techniques. Beat-matching, a critical skill in DJing, is given significant attention. Our instructors provide step-by-step guidance and practice exercises to help students develop their beat-matching abilities and ensure smooth transitions between tracks.

Additionally, we cover mixing techniques that enable students to create cohesive and harmonious DJ sets. They learn about blending tracks together, using EQ and filters effectively, and mastering basic mixing transitions like fades, cuts, and drops. Throughout the course, we encourage hands-on practice and provide ample opportunities for students to refine their skills.

Moving on to the advanced DJ course, this module is perfect for individuals who have already mastered beat-matching and want to take their DJing skills to the next level. In the advanced course, we delve into the secrets, tricks, and, most importantly, the advanced techniques employed by professional DJs.

Our experienced instructors share their expertise, such as creative transitions, advanced EQ and building and maintaining energy on the dance floor. We also explore various genres and styles of DJing, allowing students to develop their unique sound and style.

Moreover, the advanced module provides valuable insights into the industry and offers guidance on building a successful DJ career. We provide resources on music selection, track curation, creating unique sets, and developing a personal brand. For those interested in pursuing DJing professionally, we offer access to our talent pool, providing opportunities to perform on global stages.

What advice do you have for aspiring DJs who want to improve their beat-matching and mixing skills?

First and foremost, it is essential to focus on analysing track structure. Understanding the composition of a track, including its different elements and sections, enables DJs to identify suitable mixing points and create seamless transitions. By dissecting tracks and becoming familiar with their structures, aspiring DJs can elevate their mixing abilities.

Being able to align the beats and rhythms of two or more tracks accurately ensures a smooth and harmonious transition. DJs should invest time in mastering the technical aspects of beat-matching, such as using pitch control and monitoring waveforms, to achieve precise phase alignment.

Creative transitions are another aspect that can set a DJ apart. Experimenting with different mixing techniques, such as EQ blending, filter sweeps, and acapella overlays, can add a unique flavour to your sets. Pushing the boundaries of conventional transitions and incorporating your own creative style can captivate audiences and leave a lasting impression.

Passion for music is the driving force behind any successful DJ. It is crucial to be deeply passionate about the art form, immerse yourself in various genres, and continually explore new sounds. A genuine love for music will fuel your creativity and inspire you to deliver exceptional performances. And don’t forget – endless practice is the key to honing your skills.

How does the academy identify and support talented students through programs like the Future Talent Awards? 

When selecting the recipients of the Future Talent Awards, we embark on a comprehensive evaluation process that goes beyond mere technical skills. We delve into each DJ’s unique sound, authentic style, and captivating personality, recognising that true talent extends beyond technical proficiency. We seek individuals who possess a remarkable attitude and the ability to thrive on a grand stage, ensuring that they are ready to make their mark in the industry.

Tell us about this year’s Future Talent Award winners and what made them stand out. 

This year’s Future Talent Award winners have truly left a lasting impression with their exceptional talent and remarkable qualities. The ten DJ students selected for this prestigious accolade have showcased an outstanding level of skill and innovation in their mixes. What truly sets these winners apart is their inspiring stories and unwavering confidence. They embodied the whole package that defines a remarkable DJ, and their potential for greatness is undeniable.

This question is for Constanza Pucheta. How has winning the Grand Prix, Carl Cox, and Nicole Moudaber awards impacted your career, and what was it like playing the Dalt Vila party at IMS? 

I think winning those awards will have a huge positive impact on my career; being recognised by such important people in the industry takes my profile to the next level. Everything is very recent; my shows with Carl and Nicole still need to materialise; after that, I’m sure only good things will come.

As I mentioned before, playing in Dalt Vila was the realisation of a dream. It was one of the happiest moments of my life. I really wanted to be there, and that’s why I enjoyed it to the fullest.

To Liz Somes: We’ve been connected for a little while now; what advice can you give artists slightly older than many of the newcomers on the scene who feel like they have less chance of breaking through as a result? 

This is a great question, and thank you for asking it. I personally struggled for the first few years; I quit a few times actually because I thought, how could someone like me even think I could be a DJ or producer? But as I always say, I didn’t choose music; it chose me. 

The best advice I can give anyone is to believe in yourself first and foremost; that is key. Remember, there is no one like you in the whole world, and you, and only you, can tell your story through music, no one else. I know it is not easy sometimes, but trust me when I say all artists have the same fears, frustrations and doubts that we all do. I think the biggest thing for me was finding my tribe, those people that truly wanted to see me succeed. They helped me level up by sharing information freely and were honest with me about my progress in a kind and constructive way. 

Remember, each no, means next, and each mistake is necessary. It is how we learn and grow as artists. But when we help each other, are kind to each other, have gratitude for the gifts we are given, share them freely to help others succeed, and give people the opportunity to shine, we all win.

This one is for Daman Hein. Adam Beyer is a largely respected name within the industry; how does it feel to win an award connected to such a well-respected figure, and what goals do you have for the future?

The feeling This cannot be described in words. I remember when I came back from my work to my home, I glanced at Instagram, and here just Constanza Pucheta started the live stream of the IMS Future Talent Awards 2023 PTDJA Conference and the knowledge of how Adam Bayer said about me that “This is my guy” at once started so tears flowing from happiness.

I felt so incredibly appreciated to be noticed by one of the most important personalities in the industry in the world that for the next couple of days, I could not concentrate on anything else and my daily work; I went an hour too early. To this day, when I watch it, I get goosebumps. Until now, I had many dreams, but this surpassed everything.

Yes, I really had one goal from the beginning when I started playing as a DJ, and that will never change is to give people through music as many unforgettable impressions, feelings and experiences as I can, and all that on this road to the goal (which is really before every performance) What I manage to achieve causes even more willing to share it further.

What other opportunities does the academy provide for students to gain experience and exposure in the industry? 

Once they are part of our Talent Pool, they have the chance to showcase their skills by submitting their mixes for evaluation and selection by our esteemed teachers. The selected mixes are then released on the prestigious Apple Music DJ Mixes series alongside some of the biggest names in the industry. This not only provides our students with an exceptional platform to showcase their talent, but it also exposes them to a wider audience and industry professionals.

We go the extra mile to ensure that our students have direct interaction with our experienced teachers. Students get the incredible opportunity to be backstage and meet our teachers in person during their gigs around the globe. This personalised access allows our students to learn directly from industry veterans, gaining valuable insights and forging meaningful connections.

What is the future of DJ education, and how is the academy adapting to new technologies and trends?

In line with this vision, our academy is proud to announce our upcoming partnership with Tribe XR. Through this collaboration, we are providing our students with an immersive learning experience like never before. Utilising virtual reality technology, students will have the unique opportunity to learn and apply their DJ skills in a virtual environment that closely mimics real-world setups and hardware integrations.

Additionally, we are excited to announce our partnership with Volta, which will provide our students with the necessary tools to create their own visuals. Visual performance has become an integral part of DJ sets, and our collaboration with Volta enables our students to expand their creative abilities and enhance their performances.

For more information on the Pete Tong DJ Academy, you can visit their website or various social media channels below: 

Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube