by Tony y Not
This series is shining a light on mental health within the nightlife music industry. Sharing individual experiences might help others realize that they are not alone with their mental health issues. It is a safe space to be open and vulnerable. We are not doctors or mental health professionals, just people and their stories. follow me on Instagram @tonyynot._ @safespacesseries
Language
🇺🇲
Publishing Since
1/30/2022
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May 27, 2026
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/stevenklavier/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Steven Klavier</a> is one of the key architects behind New York City’s modern nightlife and he unpacks what it really takes to build culture, sustain a career, and stay grounded in an industry that never stops moving.</p><p>From his early days throwing parties at downtown Manhattan to shaping institutions like House of Yes and Brooklyn Mirage, Steven shares the evolution of his 15+ year journey through the city’s club ecosystem. He currently works as the booker at Brooklyns Signal and Paragon, as one of the many hats he wears. What began as a passion for music and community quickly turned into a multifaceted career spanning promotion, booking, programming, and consultancy.</p><p>The conversation goes deep into the realities behind the scenes — from navigating agents and oversaturated lineups to understanding the economics of nightlife and what makes a party actually work. Steven breaks down the art of curation and why authenticity, taste, and relationships still matter more than hype.</p><p>He also just opened up to 1:1 consultancy in nightlife with <a href="https://stevenklavier.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Business Therapy</a> where you can get advice and strategy on building a career in nightlife. </p><p>Beyond the business, this episode opens up an honest dialogue around mental health in nightlife. Steven speaks candidly about burnout, boundaries, and the importance of building a life outside the club — touching on meditation, sleep, diet, and his evolving relationship to substance use. It’s a grounded perspective from someone who’s seen every side of the industry.</p><p>He also explores the shifting future of nightlife — from safer, more inclusive spaces to the rise of community programming and educational events — and how venues like Public Records and Paragon are redefining what club culture can be.</p><p>As a vocalist and collaborator, Steven’s creative work with artists like Moon Boots, Kenny Dope, and Eli Escobar adds another layer to his story — one rooted not just in building spaces, but contributing to the sound itself.</p><p>This episode is both a behind-the-scenes look at NYC nightlife and a practical, honest guide to navigating creative careers without losing yourself in the process.</p><p><br></p><p>(00:00) Introduction to Steven Klavier's Journey </p><p><br></p><p>(02:52) The Transition from Corporate to Music Industry </p><p><br></p><p>(06:05) Building a Career in Nightlife and Booking </p><p><br></p><p>(08:57) Navigating the Challenges of Being a Booker </p><p><br></p><p>(11:54) The Role of Agents in a DJ's Career </p><p><br></p><p>(15:01) Mental Health and Setting Boundaries in the Industry </p><p><br></p><p>(17:55) Healthy Habits for a Sustainable Career </p><p><br></p><p>(21:01) Consultancy in Nightclubs and Event Management </p><p><br></p><p>(27:51) Building a Safer Nightlife </p><p><br></p><p>(30:42) The Importance of Community and Awareness </p><p><br></p><p>(32:54) The Value of Panel Discussions </p><p><br></p><p>(35:49) Evolving Club Culture and Community Engagement </p><p><br></p><p>(40:48) Challenges of Booking in a Saturated Market </p><p><br></p><p>(45:42) Maintaining Balance in Nightlife Careers </p><p><br></p><p>(50:37) Advice for Navigating Mental Health in the Scene</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>Nightlife, Booking, DJ, Club Management, Mental Health, Brooklyn Scene, Nightlife Industry, Nightclub Consulting, Security, Community</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
May 13, 2026
<p>In this deeply personal and expansive conversation, <a href="https://de.ra.co/dj/toribio" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Toribio</a> — Dominican-American musician, producer, DJ, and sonic architect — explores the intersection of music, spirituality, and personal evolution.</p><p>Rooted in his upbringing in his grandfather’s church and shaped by his studies at the Berklee College of Music, Toribio shares how rhythm became both his language and his compass. From jazz drumming and marching band in Florida to global stages like Boiler Room and Glastonbury Festival, his journey reflects a commitment to sound as a tool for connection, transformation, and healing.</p><p>Together, they dive into the spiritual dimension of music — not just as performance, but as a lived, embodied practice. The conversation moves through sound meditation, emotional sensitivity, and the power of collective movement, drawing parallels between nightlife, ritual, and sacred space.</p><p>Toribio also opens up about navigating the music industry while staying aligned with purpose, and how his work — from his band <a href="https://www.toribiomusic.com/conclave" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Conclave</a> to community-driven projects like <a href="https://www.instagram.com/publicservice_nyc/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Public Service</a> NYC and <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thesalasessions/" target="_blank" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer">Sala Sessions</a> — centers around creating intentional environments where music becomes medicine.</p><p>This episode is an invitation to rethink how we listen, gather, and heal — and to reconnect with music as something far deeper than entertainment.</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>(00:00) Introduction and Weather Talk </p><p><br></p><p>(02:03) Cesar's Musical Roots and Influences </p><p><br></p><p>(08:52) The Spiritual Component of Music </p><p><br></p><p>(20:37) Exploring Sound Meditation and Listening Experiences </p><p><br></p><p>(29:44) The Impact of COVID on Music and Community </p><p><br></p><p>(34:32) The Intersection of Music and Spirituality </p><p><br></p><p>(36:37) Music as a Healing Tool </p><p><br></p><p>(39:08) Navigating Emotional Sensitivity </p><p><br></p><p>(42:16) The Unique Path of the Artist </p><p><br></p><p>(50:21) Establishing Rituals for Wellbeing </p><p><br></p><p>(57:22) Words of Wisdom for Struggling Artists</p><p><br></p><p><br></p><p>music, spirituality, community, healing, ambient, jazz, DJ, meditation, self-awareness, cultural roots</p><p><br></p><p><br></p>
April 29, 2026
<p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/solsync.health/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">Veronique de Leon</a>, a seasoned music industry professional turned health coach, shares her firsthand experience. Having worked across various roles in the Netherlands’ music scene, from being an artist liaison, stage manager and booker at Amsterdams <a href="https://www.instagram.com/deschoolamsterdam/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer">De School</a>, she observed how demanding this world can be on physical and mental health. </p><p>Her journey from industry insider to founder of<a href="https://www.solsync.nl/" target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferer"> SolSync</a>, a coaching practice tailored for nightlife professionals, illustrates a powerful transformation that offers hope for others. Veronique touches on the industry's dark areas: burnout, irregular sleep cycles, stress, and safety concerns.that often go unspoken. Recognizing these challenges is the first step toward creating a healthier environment for industry personnel.</p><p><br></p><p>(00:00) Introduction and personal updates on health and industry context </p><p><br></p><p>(02:00) Veronique’s background: from festivals to wellness entrepreneur </p><p><br></p><p>(04:00) The impact of industry pressures: burnout and pandemic reflection </p><p><br></p><p>(06:00) Founding SoulSync: merging industry experience with health expertise </p><p><br></p><p>(09:00) The significance of routines for mental health and industry resilience </p><p><br></p><p>(12:00) How backstage care supports artists and crews </p><p><br></p><p>(13:30) The importance of industry-specific mental health resources </p><p><br></p><p>(16:00) Barriers: visibility, finances, and stigma in nightlife wellness </p><p><br></p><p>(18:00) Early signs of burnout and when to seek help </p><p><br></p><p>(20:00) The value of specialized therapeutic understanding in the nightlife context </p><p><br></p><p>(32:00) Practical tips: circadian light exposure and morning routines </p><p><br></p><p>(36:00) The effects of night shifts and neurodivergence on health </p><p><br></p><p>(40:00) Naming and concept behind “SoulSync”: aligning with natural cues </p><p><br></p><p>(44:00) Building habits: grounding, digital detox, and sleep hygiene </p><p><br></p><p>(46:00) Flexibility in routines and mental health maintenance </p><p><br></p><p>(50:00) How music and nightlife passions are reconnecting health-wise </p><p><br></p><p>(52:00) Supporting oneself and community through vulnerability and openness </p><p><br></p><p>(55:00) Final words of encouragement for those struggling </p><p><br></p><p>(56:00) Closing thoughts and future plans</p>
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This series is shining a light on mental health within the nightlife music industry. Sharing individual experiences might help others realize that they are not alone with their mental health issues. It is a safe space to be open and vulnerable. We are not doctors or mental health professionals, just people and their stories.
follow me on Instagram @tonyynot._ @safespacesseries
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