Ep.133 - How the DJ Industry is growing but making LESS money
👉 Join Crossfader for free and start your DJ journey today: https://bit.ly/4jERmneIn this special episode of Off the Record, we're coming to you from the stunning Hyde Hotel in Ibiza during the International Music Summit (IMS). We dive deep into the 2024 IMS Industry Report, breaking down key insights on the rise of genres like Drum & Bass and Afro House, the SoundCloud resurgence, and why building your own DJ community is more important than ever.We also spotlight female representation in DJing, explore how emerging markets like India and Latin America are shifting the landscape, and unpack why festivals are booming — but also becoming less accessible.Whether you're an aspiring DJ or industry insider, this episode is packed with must-know trends and honest conversations from the heart of the global electronic music scene.00:00 – Welcome to IMS Ibiza episode03:02 – Drum & Bass and Afro House rising06:05 – SoundCloud is thriving again09:08 – Live scene growth & saturation12:11 – Build your own DJ community15:14 – Women in DJing: Still rising18:17 – Emerging markets shaping the future21:20 – DJs must diversify creative output24:23 – We need more real DJs
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EP 132. THIS is how the DJ INDUSTRY works in 2025 - Will Clarke
This week on Off The Record, we’re joined by the unstoppable force that is Will Clarke — Grammy-nominated DJ, producer, and host of one of the most honest podcasts in dance music.From DJing at a caravan park at age 9 to playing Coachella, Will shares his unfiltered journey — the wins, the burnout, the broken promises from labels, and why being a DJ today is more complex than ever.🔥 We talk:Why he nearly quit music altogetherThe truth about labels and releasesBuilding a career without relying on viralityDJing for 14 hours a day in IbizaWhat the scene gets wrong (and right) in 2025His mission to keep conversations real through podcasting.00:00 – Who is Will Clarke10:00 – DJing in Ibiza20:00 – Breaking into Labels30:00 – Streaming vs Touring40:00 – Building Real Community50:00 – Why Albums Matter01:00:00 – The Live Show Struggle01:10:00 – Podcasting and Pressure01:20:00 – The Goal Reset
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Ep 131. You Can Now DJ with APPLE MUSIC
Apple Music has officially entered the DJ game – and it’s changing everything. In this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking integration of Apple Music with top DJ platforms like Serato, rekordbox, Engine DJ, and Algoriddim. What does this mean for DJs at all levels? Is this the future of music discovery and performance, or are there risks to relying on streaming in live settings?We break down:✅ How DJs can now access over 100 million songs directly in their software✅ Apple Music’s bold commitment to DJ culture✅ The pros (and cons) of a streaming-based workflow✅ What this move means for creativity, accessibility, and the next generation of DJsLearn more : https://wearecrossfader.co.uk/blog/apple-music-update/
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Ep.130 - How to be a world-famous DJ in your 40s! (Chapter & Verse)
In this raw and unfiltered episode of the Off The Record DJ Podcast, Chapter & Verse returns to share the brutal realities of the DJ industry. From fighting for festival slots at Tomorrowland and Creamfields to dealing with gatekeeping, industry politics, and endless rejections, he reveals how hard it really is to make it as a DJ—and why most fail.We dive deep into:✅ Why fanbase growth beats production talent in 2024✅ The toxic snobbery in underground dance music 🤯✅ How to actually get signed to major labels (without industry connections!)✅ The dark side of DJ touring: sleepless nights, visa issues & the grind✅ Why he personally funds a DJ competition to give newcomers a chance✅ What separates DJs who break through from those who never make itThis no-BS conversation will change the way you think about DJing, social media, and building a real career in music. If you’ve ever felt stuck, ignored by labels, or doubted your path, this episode is for YOU.Website & DJ Courses🚨 For 20% Off, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORD at https://wearecrossfader.co.uk
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Ep.129 Why DJs Stay STUCK (and how to break through)
Check out the complete DJ Package: https://wearecrossfader.co.uk/complete-dj/In this episode, Jamie & Lawrence talk about the reasons why DJs get stuck and discuss in detail how to break through! Reddit drama is back with a CONTROVERSIAL story of a DJ 'faking it' until he made it.Plus we talk about the new Mixed in key 11 pro!
About Off The Record - The DJ Podcast by Crossfader
Off the record is a DJ-related podcast by Crossfader. We're an online DJ community that reviews the latest DJ products and provides online DJ courses, tips, tricks and more to the DJ industry. Listen as we chat about all things DJ related, from beginner to advanced DJ equipment, how to get DJ gigs, the do's and don'ts of the industry, plus much more!
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