Mark Ronson is one of the most influential music producers of the past two decades. Starting out as one of New York’s most in-demand DJs in the 1990s, he went on to produce for Amy Winehouse, Lady Gaga, Adele, Dua Lipa, Jay-Z, Paul McCartney, and more. He also co-wrote Bruno Mars’ “Uptown Funk”—one of the defining hits of the 21st century, and most recently curated The Barbie soundtrack.

In his new book Night People, Ronson reflects on the unpredictable rhythm of his career—from early acclaim as downtown New York’s “It DJ” to post-hype setbacks and creative reinvention. The book also serves as a love letter to a city that no longer exists: a grittier, unpolished New York during hip-hop’s golden age.

In this episode, we dive into the unwritten rules of DJing, why you should never play a hit to an empty room, and the thrill of turning a skeptical crowd into a sweaty, euphoric mess. Ronson reflects on the rise of bottle service, Giuliani-era crackdowns, and how NYC nightlife shifted from chaotic melting pot to velvet-rope exclusivity.

Don’t miss this candid, wide-ranging conversation with a man who has shaped the sound of modern music—both from behind the decks and inside the studio.

00:00:00 Introduction and Book Discussion
: Mark Ronson discusses his book "Night People" and its inspiration.
00:02:00 Early DJing Days
: Mark reflects on his initial experiences in the New York City nightlife scene.
00:04:00 Musical Influences
: Exploration of the musical influences that shaped Mark's career.
00:06:00 The 90s Nightlife
: A deep dive into the vibrant nightlife of New York City in the 90s.
00:08:00 Transition to DJing
: How Mark transitioned from playing in bands to becoming a DJ.
00:10:00 The Art of DJing
: Insights into the skills and strategies that define a great DJ.
00:12:00 Reading the Room
: The importance of adapting to the crowd as a DJ.
00:14:00 Cultural Shifts
: Mark talks about the changes in the music industry over the years.
00:16:00 Personal Growth
: Reflections on Mark's personal growth and its impact on his music.
00:18:00 Collaborations
: Discussion on working with artists like Amy Winehouse.
00:20:00 Producing Music
: The creative process behind producing music and notable projects.
00:22:00 Vinyl to Digital
: The evolution of DJing from vinyl to digital formats.
00:24:00 Authenticity in Music
: Mark emphasizes the importance of authenticity in his work.
00:26:00 Future Projects
: Mark shares his thoughts on upcoming projects and collaborations.
00:28:00 Closing Thoughts
: Final reflections and a look towards the future.

Check out the archive of episodes at https://www.theplugwithjustinjay.com