Fort Knox Five: Breakbeat Origins & DJ Culture with DJ Deckard | A DJ’s Journey Ep 13
A DJ's Journey: DJ Podcast and DJ History InsightsShow Notes
Breakbeat music and DJ culture meet in this deep conversation with Steve Raskin of Fort Knox Five. DJ Deckard hosts one-half of the legendary DC-based duo to explore breakbeat origins, the funk-fueled DC scene, life as a touring DJ, and the story behind Fort Knox Recordings. Whether you’re a DJ, a music lover, or just curious how the greats built their careers — this one’s for you. In this episode of A DJ’s Journey, Deckard and Steve dive into how Fort Knox Five helped shape modern funk and breakbeat, what it takes to run an independent label, and how to build a long-term career in underground music. You’ll hear stories from the studio, the road, and iconic events like Shambhala and Burning Man, plus insight into carrying on the Fort Knox Five legacy after the loss of Jon Horvath. Topics: Breakbeat origins · DJ culture · Fort Knox Five · Funk music · Independent music · DC music scene · DJ history · Touring DJ life · Burning Man & Shambhala · Fort Knox Recordings In this episode you’ll learn: How Steve Raskin’s early bands and influences evolved into Thunderball and Fort Knox Five
The role DC’s funk and go-go scene played in shaping the Fort Knox sound
What it’s really like to tour the world as a breakbeat/funk DJ
How Fort Knox Recordings was built as a home for funk, breaks, and party-starting bass music
How the crew has navigated change, loss, and legacy while keeping the dancefloor energy alive
Keywords: breakbeat DJ, Fort Knox Five interview, funk DJ podcast, DC funk scene, DJ history podcast, DJ culture podcast, Burning Man DJ, Shambhala DJ, independent label, Fort Knox Recordings, touring DJ, Steve Raskin About the guest: Steve Raskin is a producer, DJ, and visual artist best known as one-half of Fort Knox Five, the DC-based funk and breakbeat outfit behind Fort Knox Recordings and a long list of festival-tested anthems. From early band days through major label deals, Thunderball, and the rise of Fort Knox Five, Steve has helped shape the sound of modern party-funk and breaks. About the host: Deckard is a San Francisco Bay Area DJ and host of A DJ’s Journey, a podcast exploring the stories, struggles, and creative processes behind DJs and producers who have dedicated their lives to the craft. Timestamps: 00:00 The Funky Roots of Steve Raskin06:17 Musical Beginnings and Early Instruments09:11 Education and the Art-Music Connection12:11 The Rise of Edsull and Major Label Experiences14:59 Transition to Electronic Music and Thunderball17:56 Fort Knox Five: Formation and Vision20:50 The Evolution of Sound and Collaboration23:51 The Breakthrough of Fort Knox Five26:50 Creative Process and Musical Philosophy30:46 The Creative Process and Collaboration33:05 Evolution of Fort Knox 5's Sound35:36 Establishing Fort Knox Recordings36:12 Blending Genres and Influences37:40 Early Shows and Canadian Connections39:08 Impact on the BC Music Scene40:36 Experiences at Shambhala40:56 The Release of Radio Free DC44:37 Balancing Thunderball and Fort Knox 546:06 John as the Brand Ambassador48:04 Burning Man and Legacy54:08 Bringing John's Spirit to Burning Man59:13 The Healing Power of Music01:01:22 Navigating Change and Loss01:03:36 The Evolution of Fort Knox Five01:07:37 The Joy of DJing and Being a Fan01:08:45 Curating Funk: The Label's Journey01:12:27 The Magic of Burning Man01:15:44 A New Chapter in Whistler01:19:19 Memorable Moments from Festivals
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