Mic Minded People - The Podcast

THE CRAFT #1. How I Made A Mixtape In 7 Days - Fokus

The Craft #1: How I Made a Mixtape in 7 Days
About The Craft
The Craft is a new series within Mic Minded People. Alongside the guest conversations you've come to expect, these episodes take a deeper look at the art of MCing - exploring the creative processes, tools, techniques, and mindsets behind the music.
Episode Notes
What happens when you give yourself just 7 days to make a mixtape?
In this first episode of The Craft, Fokus breaks down the making of his 7 Day Mixtape - from beat selection and rapid-fire writing sessions to trusting instinct, embracing vulnerability, and letting the music lead. He shares the mindset behind creating under pressure, how storytelling shaped the project, and why documenting the process became just as important as the finished music.
A conversation about creativity, discipline and getting out of your own way.
In this episode:
The idea behind 7 Day Mixtape
Writing and recording at speed
Trusting intuition over overthinking
Using personal stories to build deeper songs
Blending styles, skits, and older material into a narrative
Finding the balance between quality and quantity
Keeping momentum and energy alive after release
Key takeaway
Sometimes the best way to unlock creativity is to stop waiting for the perfect moment and start creating with a deadline. Just start!
Listen to The 7 Day Mixtape
🎧 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/mc-fokus/7daymixtape?si=d7ed10c9ddab4baa94b8e8cbca1c213a&utm_source=clipboard&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=social_sharing
👇 Tap below to watch, listen and follow
🎧 Listen
Podbean: https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16ZUeZQGwA8oSvJPZCpgAd
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mic-minded-people-the-podcast/id1804623810
📺 Watch
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@micmindedpeople
📱 Follow
🎙️ Mic Minded People: https://instagram.com/micmindedpeople
🎤 Fokus: https://instagram.com/mcfokus
For the love of MCs — the culture, the craft, the conversation. 🎙️🎤🔥

Episode 30: How A Girl From Jordan Became A Drum & Bass Artist | Ayah Marah

Fokus sits down with Ayah Marar for a candid conversation about her journey from growing up in Jordan to becoming one of the UK's most respected voices in drum and bass. Ayah reflects on her early musical influences, breaking into the scene, and the pivotal moments that shaped her career as an MC, singer, songwriter, and artist.
The conversation explores the culture and evolution of MCing in electronic music, the challenges of navigating a male-dominated industry, and the lessons she's learned from artist management and career development. Ayah also shares stories from her work with major artists, including Calvin Harris, and offers valuable advice for emerging artists looking to build sustainable careers in music.
They also discuss music production, publishing, licensing, the impact of AI on creativity, and why supporting grassroots music culture remains more important than ever.
🔥 In This Episode
🎤 Ayah Marar's journey into drum and bass
🎶 The history and role of MCs in electronic music
💪 Breaking barriers as a woman in the scene
📈 Artist management and industry lessons
🌟 Discovering and supporting emerging talent
🎛️ Music production, publishing, and licensing
🤖 AI's impact on the future of music
🚀 Advice for aspiring artists and creatives
🌱 The importance of grassroots culture and community support
A thoughtful and inspiring conversation packed with insights for music fans, artists, and anyone interested in the realities of building a lasting career in the music industry.
🎤 Connect with Ayah Marar
📸 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/ayahmarar/
📘 Facebook https://www.facebook.com/AyahMarar/
🌐 Website https://ayahmarar.co.uk/
👇 Tap below to watch, listen and follow
🎧 Listen
Podbean: https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16ZUeZQGwA8oSvJPZCpgAd
Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mic-minded-people-the-podcast/id1804623810
📺 Watch
YouTube: https://youtube.com/@micmindedpeople
📱 Follow on Instagram
🎙️ Mic Minded People: https://instagram.com/micmindedpeople
🎤 Fokus: https://instagram.com/mcfokus
❤️ For the love of MCs — the culture, the craft, the conversation.
👍 If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, follow, leave a review, and share it with someone who loves MC culture, creativity and real conversations.

Episode 29: JoSoSick - Grime Roots, Creative Growth & Pushing Boundaries

JoSoSick joins Fokus for a deep conversation on UK underground music, South London culture, pirate radio, and building a career independently without following trends.
They talk grime roots, DIY hustle, clashes, live shows, and how Jo evolved his sound into drum & bass, melodic styles, and genre-blending experimentation - all while staying authentic in a fast-changing scene.
The episode dives into the grassroots side of UK music culture, highlighting the importance of community, independence, and staying true to yourself as an artist. A must-watch for anyone interested in underground music, creative growth, and pushing creative boundaries.
⏱️ Topics include:
South London & pirate radio culture
Grime clashes and underground sets
DIY videos, branding & independence
Genre-blending and musical evolution
Mental health, authenticity & longevity
Building community in the underground scene
👇 Tap below to watch, listen and follow:
🎧 Listen:Podbean: https://micmindedpeople.podbean.comSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/16ZUeZQGwA8oSvJPZCpgAdApple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mic-minded-people-the-podcast/id1804623810
📺 Watch:https://youtube.com/@micmindedpeople
📱 Follow on Instagram:🎙️ Mic Minded People — https://instagram.com/micmindedpeople🎤 Fokus — https://instagram.com/mcfokus
Connect with JoSoSick:
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jososick/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@jososickYouTube: https://youtube.com/@jososicktvSpotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4plADgQTqVwQboafH6KsGLApple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/jososick/1460808700Bandcamp: https://jososick.bandcamp.com/

Episode 28: Limmz - From Lockdown Freestyles to DnB Breakthrough

Fokus links up with rising star Limmz to talk journey, versatility and the grind behind building his name. From lockdown freestyles with friends to making waves in drum & bass, Limmz breaks down how it all started and what drives him.
They explore his early influences - from US rap to grime via Pow - and how that shaped his sound. He reflects on coming up in Bristol’s underground, building confidence on the mic, and the difference between hosting and recording.
Limmz also gets into the realities of being independent: self-releasing, handling social media, and balancing creativity with business. He touches on his earlier, more personal rap versus his current high-energy rave sound.
The episode wraps with his latest DnB EP - a high-energy, collaborative project that marks his growth and positions him as one to watch.
🎧 Listen on Podbean:https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com
📺 Watch on YouTube:https://youtube.com/@micmindedpeople
Follow us on Instagram:🎙️ Mic Minded People: https://www.instagram.com/micmindedpeople🎧 Fokus: https://www.instagram.com/mcfokus
Connect with Limmz:🎵 SoundCloud: https://soundcloud.com/elimo-njau🎧 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4cm0e6rUO2nxaJjkbNqNwf📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/limmzofficial/
For the love of MCs — the culture, the craft, the conversation.

Episode 27: Vispera - Spoken Word Roots to DNB Shellings

Vispera joins the podcast to talk about her journey from spoken word and poetry into the world of MCing and the UK underground scene.
We cover:• competitive poetry slams • developing flow, cadence & mic control• Manchester & Bristol scene connections• grassroots raves, community & DIY culture• linking up with Sofa Sound• the creative process behind her studio works
Real conversation on growth and versatility from an exciting artist reppin' fresh Drum & Bass talent.
As ever — expect ‘ultimate MC cyphers’ and acapella bars.
🎧 Listen: https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com
Follow us:🎙️ https://www.instagram.com/micmindedpeople🎧 https://www.instagram.com/mcfokus
Connect with Vispera:📸 https://www.instagram.com/__vispera/?hl=en🎧 https://open.spotify.com/artist/1gIF11bskGHBzo32hbNO9J?si=jLzTSONeRhCpq-RqcMTHjw

Episode 26: MC Flux - 36 Years of Jungle, Drum & Bass and Rave History

This one is the real deal! True pioneer MC Flux tells the story of his 36-year journey through the UK underground music scene - from the South London sound system culture of the 1980s to the explosive rise of rave, jungle, and drum & bass.
Flux shares first-hand stories from the early days of sound clashes and illegal raves, and how legendary venues like Stearns helped shape the UK rave movement. We dive into the evolution of MC culture in the 90s, the rise of jungle in 1994, and how the scene transformed into modern drum & bass.
He also opens up about the garage era, changes in club culture, the impact of COVID on nightlife, and how resilience, work ethic, and community have kept him going for more than three decades in music.
This conversation is a deep dive into the real history of UK rave culture from someone who helped build it.
In this episode:
The early South London sound system scene
Rave culture in the late 80s & 90s
The rise of jungle and drum & bass
MC culture and pirate radio
Life as an MC during the rave boom
Longevity, resilience, and staying relevant in music
Featuring: MC FluxTopics: Jungle, Drum & Bass, UK Rave History, Pirate Radio, MC Culture, Sound Systems
👇 Tap below to listen and follow
🎧 Listen to the episodehttps://micmindedpeople.podbean.com
📺 Watch on YouTubeyoutube.com/@micmindedpeople
📱 Follow Mic Minded People
🎙️ Mic Minded Peoplehttps://instagram.com/micmindedpeople
🎤 Phil Fokushttps://instagram.com/mcfokus
🔥 Follow MC Flux
📘 Facebookhttps://www.facebook.com/fluxthomas2
📸 Instagramhttps://www.instagram.com/flux_mc/
🎧 Also available on
Spotifyhttps://open.spotify.com/show/16ZUeZQGwA8oSvJPZCpgAd
Apple Podcastshttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/mic-minded-people-the-podcast/id1804623810
For the love of MCs - the culture, the craft, the conversation.
Keywords:MC Flux, Jungle music, Drum and Bass, UK rave culture, Sound system culture, Jungle history, Drum and Bass history, UK underground music, Pirate radio, MC culture, 90s rave scene, Jungle MC, Drum and Bass MC, UK rave history, Sound clash culture

Episode 25: More Than A Host - Visionobi Carves His Own Lane

Phil Fokus chops it up with Visionobi, diving into his journey from growing up in Hertfordshire to finding his voice as an MC in Southampton. They get into early Garage, Grime and Hip Hop influences, pirate radio days, and how community helped shape both sound and mindset.
Visionobi breaks down his approach to mic work, storytelling and hosting, plus the realities of navigating the scene while staying true to yourself. There’s real talk on his time working with Wilkinson, what that era taught him, and how it pushed him to carve out his own lane.
The convo also touches on creativity, writing lyrics with longevity, collaboration vs gatekeeping, and why MCs need space to evolve into full artists, not just hype men. To round it off, Visionobi introduces Colony - a new grassroots event focused on bringing people together and celebrating drum & bass culture at its core.
🎧 Listen on Podbean:https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com
📺 Watch on YouTube:https://www.youtube.com/@micmindedpeople
Follow us on Instagram:🎙️ Mic Minded People: https://www.instagram.com/micmindedpeople🎧 Phil Fokus: https://www.instagram.com/mcfokus
Visionobi:📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/visionobi🎵 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/54llsSjxdbdGegB0X5uXEP?si=ieDGyaQOSHWDNcz_BGHXvw

Episode 24: Pirate Sets to Private Jets - Messy MC on touring and the real music industry

In this episode, Phil Fokus sits down with Messy for a deep dive into MC culture, pirate radio, and the realities of life on the mic. From the raw energy of pirate stations like Renegade FM to the influence of tape packs and iconic MCs like Dynamite, Messy breaks down how the foundations of drum & bass MCing were built - and why crowd connection has always mattered more than hype.
Messy reflects on his journey from university and illegal raves in Norwich to touring with DJ Fresh and performing on major stages in front of huge crowds. The conversation pulls back the curtain on touring life: the brotherhood, the pressure, the music industry, and the emotional highs and lows of performing night after night.
This is an honest look at growth - not just as an MC, but as an artist navigating identity, expectations, business, and balance in an ever-evolving scene.
🎧 Listen on Podbean:👉 https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com
📺 Watch on YouTube:👉 https://www.youtube.com/@micmindedpeople
📲 Follow on Instagram:🎙️ Mic Minded People: https://www.instagram.com/micmindedpeople🎧 Phil Fokus: https://www.instagram.com/mcfokus🎤 Messy: https://www.instagram.com/messymc
For the love of MCs — the culture, the craft, the conversation.

Episode 23: Christmas Special - Phil Fokus Talks UK Music and MC Culture w/ MC AD & Mantmast

Phil Fokus links up with MC AD and Mantmast for a no-holds-barred festive convo covering everything from standout moments from 2025 to the real state of UK music. From Christmas dinners and legendary gigs to grime, drill, and Drum & Bass culture, this episode goes deep.
The crew break down the impact of MCs, the grind behind the scenes, industry pay gaps, social media shifts, and why community still runs the culture. Plus, reactions to the buzz around the Dizzee Rascal & Wiley reunion, debates on UK vs US hip hop, and Skepta’s challenge to the States.
It all wraps with a fun Ultimate MC Cypher and there’s even time for a game of Grime Wars!
 
🎧 Listen on Podbean: micmindedpeople.podbean.com 📺 Watch on YouTube: youtube.com/@micmindedpeople
Follow us on Instagram: 🎙️ Mic Minded People: @micmindedpeople 🎧 Phil Fokus: @mcfokus
Connect with our guests on Instagram:
🎤Mantmast
🎤MC AD

Episode 22: Carasel - Different Flows For Different Shows

Phil Fokus links up with Carasel, the Bristol-based mic controller whose journey runs from Worcester blocks to worldwide raves.
They get into:
🎤 Flows for days - why a real MC’s gotta switch style depending on the dance.📚 Bar library tactics and staying ready for any set.🌏 NZ tour stories and seeing DnB’s global grip.📼 Tape pack nostalgia — the roots, the hunger, the blueprint.💽 Legacy building with his album Dreams of Paradise - born from real-life struggles and breakthroughs.🥊 Hip hop vs DnB competitiveness, collaboration, and culture.🔊 Live show energy - the pressure, the craft, the responsibility: “We have to enhance the vibes.”🤝 Collabs, cyphers, and supporting new talent to keep the scene alive.
Carasel drops gems on resilience, evolution, and why MCs today need both passion and product.If you love rave culture, bars, and honest convo about what it takes to thrive as an MC -  this one is the real deal.
Carasel Links
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caraselmc/Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/4tKJAusQAI9xHrHyDUTf0f?si=7ZZGx8w6SqGznAvQ-7DyoQBandcamp: https://carasel.bandcamp.com/album/dreams-of-paradise
Listen & Watch
🎧 Listen on Podbean: https://micmindedpeople.podbean.com📺 Watch on YouTube: https://youtube.com/@micmindedpeople
Follow Us on Instagram
🎙️ Mic Minded People: https://www.instagram.com/micmindedpeople🎧 Phil Fokus: https://www.instagram.com/mcfokus
For the love of MCs — the culture, the craft, the conversation.