July 9, 2026

You Don't Have to Be a DJ to Build a Label ft. PNK Records | EF EP 159

You Don't Have to Be a DJ to Build a Label ft. PNK Records | EF EP 159
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This episode is sponsored by Trackstack: the operating system built for music professionals who invest in each other. Trackstack Pro gives you access to a network of labels, curators, and artists where every connection you make is yours to keep. No algorithms, no platform holding your contacts hostage. Just real professional relationships that can turn into collaborations, bookings, and opportunities that can change the trajectory of your career.

Use code ELEVATED for 50% off Pro for 3 months at trackstack.app

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You don't have to make music to build a respected underground label. Olivia Mancuso sits down with Nick Alatriste, founder of PNK Records — the Miami minimal/tech house label that grew from an anonymous house-Twitter account into a label, event series, and management company.

Inside: finding his musical obsession at a six-hour PAWSA set at Club Space, signing artists nobody else would, and developing a sound instead of chasing big labels. Plus throwing your first party, Beatport genre boxes, and staying underground as you grow.

Essential for producers, DJs, and anyone building a brand in dance music.

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👉 Want personalized guidance on your music career? Book a one-on-one consultation with Olivia on GreenRoom where you can get tailored advice on branding, business strategy, and sustainable career growth: https://greenroomnetwork.com/creator/OliviaMancuso
👉 Instagram: @oliviamancuso__
👉 Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx

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00:00 - Introduction

00:58 - Sponsor

01:45 - Running a Non-DJ Label

03:25 - From Sports to House Music

04:33 - Discovering House at III Points

05:38 - The PAWSA Set That Clicked

06:37 - Starting an Anonymous Account

07:05 - The Burner: Findom Bresky

08:38 - Rebranding to The Panther

10:15 - From Zero to One

11:07 - Signing a 150-Follower Artist

12:07 - Memes and Valentine's Cards

13:36 - A Pink Show in New York

14:34 - The First Party at Negroni

15:09 - Stickers Everywhere

16:21 - Book Yourself

17:44 - Splitting the First Show

19:04 - Just Do It Imperfectly

19:40 - Underground vs. Expansion

21:08 - Learning to Give Feedback

23:20 - Dance Floor Experience Matters

25:26 - Genres and Beatport

26:31 - What Makes an Artist Signable

27:50 - Only Managing Friends

29:29 - The Slam Case Study

30:46 - Slam's Night-and-Day Growth

32:57 - Develop Sound, Not Resume

33:52 - Create Your Own Box

34:54 - Trends Priming 2027

35:43 - House Music Goes Mainstream

37:17 - Curating for a Feeling

38:38 - How to Start Your Own Thing

39:38 - Take Your Time Branding

40:37 - Build Relationships First

41:38 - Keeping House Music Alive