Ep.137 Why Most DJs Stay Average (And How to Escape It)
🎧 Join Crossfader for FREE: https://bit.ly/4jERmneFrom Average to Excellent: What Makes a Great DJ?Feeling stuck as “just an average DJ”? This episode is your wake-up call. We break down the real reasons DJs struggle, how to redefine success, and 5 practical ways to level up your skills, confidence, and community.Timestamps:00:00: How to be an excellent DJ03:04:Inside Ibiza's new superclub06:08: Is it worth the hype?09:12: Reddit DJ feels "just average"12:16: What really defines a DJ15:20: You're not bad, just unseen18:24: Want gigs? Master networking21:28: Goals and metrics that matter24:32: Passion over popularity27:36: Practical tips to improve fast30:40: Add to Playlist
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Ep. 136 - We Used AI to Build a DJ Career from Scratch
Off the Record: Building a DJ Career with AI (The Synth Boys Project)In this special episode of Off the Record, the Crossfader team puts AI to the test - tasking a custom-built GPT with launching a brand-new DJ career from scratch. Meet The Synth Boys, a fictional DJ duo whose journey becomes a roadmap for real aspiring artists.Along the way, we dive deep into:Crafting a compelling brand identity as a DJBuilding a business model that actually makes moneyThrowing your own events to gain tractionFan engagement strategies that go beyond clout chasingCreating content systems that don’t burn you outMonetization techniques, from merch to sample packsWhether you’re just starting out or looking to scale up your DJ brand, this episode is packed with step-by-step insights, actionable strategies, and plenty of laughs.💡 Want your own custom AI career coach? Head to wearecrossfader.co.uk/ai to access the DJ Career Strategist.
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Ep.135 Calvin Harris vs Chicane - who's wrong? + How to Follow a Terrible Headliner
🎧 Off the Record: How to Follow a Bad Headliner + Calvin Harris vs Chicane BeefIn this week’s episode, the Crossfader crew dives into one of the trickiest DJ scenarios: how to take over the decks after a bad headliner—or a DJ who just doesn’t match the vibe. Expect industry insights, real-life stories, and tips every DJ should know.We also get into:The Calvin Harris vs. Chicane controversy over a claimed piano riff copyLegendary sample thefts and famous legal cases (Ed Sheeran, Blurred Lines, and more)The resurgence of dubstep and some killer new tracks in Add to PlaylistAdvice for warming up for big-name acts… and how to recover the dance floorWhy getting a residency could be the best move for aspiring artists🎶 Stay tuned for Add to Playlist at the end—banging dubstep and genre-blending beats incoming.👉 Start your DJ journey today. Join Crossfader for free and get access to lessons, resources, and your own personalized learning journey: www.wearecrossfader.co.uk
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Ep. 134 - Should you DJ for FREE? + How To Deal With TOXIC Promoters
How to Get Paid as a DJ (and Avoid Toxic Promoters)In this episode of Off the Record, we're getting real about one of the most frustrating parts of DJ life: getting paid. From shady promoters to late-night payment excuses, we share real-life stories, hard-earned lessons, and six essential strategies to protect your time, value, and income as a DJ.💬 We also dive into:The hilarious James Hype vs. Deadmau5 tech beefReddit drama on late payments and shady bookingsWhat to do when you're owed $$$How to handle your first gigs like a proReal Crossfader student success stories from IMSAnd our Add to Playlist segment featuring new tracks from emerging DJsWhether you're just starting out or knee-deep in club residencies, this episode is packed with actionable advice to help you grow your DJ career with confidence.Tracks from add to playlist:https://soundcloud.com/rosmicsound/know-youhttps://soundcloud.com/victorfelisa/doo-wop-lauryn-hill-victor-felisa-edit-free-downloadhttps://soundcloud.com/itsholiver/sos-ho-liver-edithttps://soundcloud.com/itsholiver/the-feelinghttps://soundcloud.com/brandodeluca/nowhere-with-karlie-cupanihttps://soundcloud.com/musicbykeleo/👉 Join Crossfader for FREE today: https://bit.ly/4jERmneCreate your custom DJ learning journey, access free lessons, and start levelling up!
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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
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!
Listen to Off The Record - The DJ Podcast by Crossfader, Rockonteurs with Gary Kemp and Guy Pratt and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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