A week after Toolroom was crowned Label of the Year at the Beatport Awards for the second year running, I sit down with Mark Knight to explore one of the most pressing questions in the industry today: can you succeed as a DJ without producing music, or as a producer without ever stepping behind the decks?

Mark reflects on his own path, starting out in one role before embracing the other, and how that dual perspective shaped his longevity in the scene. We unpack how the DJ–producer relationship has evolved in 2025, the impact of streaming and algorithm-driven discovery, and why the divide between studio and stage is more complex than ever.

He shares his thoughts on why some modern productions lack the punch of a true anthem, whether producers without club experience miss something essential, and offers honest advice for artists trying to navigate their strengths.

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