Features
Meet the Smirnoff Sound Collective
Get to know the new faces of electronic music and shift the dial
Daouda Leonard and Rick Trainor of With You., Artists
Daouda Leonard is a member of the DJ supergroup With You. and founder of creative agency Mastor Craft. The innovator has produced and helped launch off artists and publishers like Brodinski, DJ Snake and Skrillex's OWSLA, acting as one of the most formative behind-the-scenes industry assets.
Rick Trainor of With You. was previously an apprentice of Dave "Switch" Taylor, but quickly made his ranks proving to be one of the most musically valuable DJs in the LA area.
Finally, the third member of With You. is Dave Taylor, better known as 'Switch', also known for his work as the co-founder of Major Lazer. The collective has always focused on progressive outlooks, pushing their fans to challenge cultural issues and emotions through the spirit of soul music.
Joseph "Joe" Ray from NERO
Known for his work as one part of the three piece of NERO, Joe Ray is said to have come up with the first concept of the band during one fateful night at Fabric. The British group have championed a unique, live electronic sound that launched their debut album 'Welcome Reality' to the top of the UK charts and eventually scored them a Grammy alongside Skrillex for their collaborative remix of their smash hit, 'Promises'.
Julia Willinger, Senior Vice President of A&R Records and Publishing at Mom + Pop Music
As the Senior Vice President of A&R Records and Publishing at Mom + Pop Music, Julia Willinger plays a crucial role in making sure music on the cutting edge is heard. She’s been involved in the label side of the industry for many years, earning her chops at respected imprints like XL Recordings and RCA before joining the Mom + Pop team. She released the debut single from Australia’s leading indie electronica group Jagwar Ma on a label she co-founded, The Blue Rider, and more recently released the band’s new album via Mom + Pop in 2016. She’s proven herself as a tastemaker, relentlessly on the hunt for the next breakthrough artist.
