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Most producers think getting ignored is a taste problem. It is not. There is a production quality threshold your music has to clear before a DJ even decides if they like it. In this episode, Ralph, Jobke, and Joey get honest about what actually happens when your demo lands in someone's inbox, why paid promo services can never guarantee support, and what it really takes to get bigger artists opening your emails consistently. (00:00) Introduction(05:00) Club scene and the Amsterdam Nachtpass(13:00) DJ set preparation: clubs vs festivals(18:00) Livestream visuals vs the live experience(31:00) What got us into music(35:00) Ads on promo videos(39:00) Do DJs practice enough(43:00) Old school vs new generation DJs(50:00) Comparing yourself to bigger artists(52:00) Paid promo services and red flags(54:00) What music means personally(55:00) Getting your music in front of bigger DJs(56:00) The quality threshold(59:00) Expanding your support list

Jay Hardway paid for Google ads, crossed 100,000 views on his live set, and watched everything stop the moment the budget ran out. Was it worth it? What does it actually take to turn views into a fanbase that actually follows you? Joey, Bassjackers, and Jay Hardway talk through it honestly. Jay explains what he thinks the ad investment was actually for. Joey breaks down why getting someone to watch once means nothing if you have no way to reach them again. Jay responds to Dimitri Vegas claiming aspiring producers have two years before AI makes a career impossible, and why he thinks building from that fear is the wrong foundation entirely. And Joey officially retires from DJing after a comeback gig where everything went fine, the crowd danced, and he felt absolutely nothing. Ready to take your artist career seriously? Apply for 1-on-1 coaching at www.artistcoaching.nl

Most artists sending demos to DJs already know on some level the track is not ready. This episode is about what happens when you ignore that. Joey, Ralph, and Jobke answer your questions about networking, getting your music heard, and what actually moves the needle in a music production career. They get into why music quality is still the baseline before networking works, how to build an honest feedback loop around your productions, and what promo services can and cannot do for you long term. Honest conversation, no easy answers. (00:00) Intro (06:00) Backstage vs. frontstage promotion for DJs (09:00) SoundCloud as a creative hub for producers (12:00) Jobke joins + the Hyves era (15:00) KelderClub memories and old tracks (23:30) Beats and Brand Retreat announcement (25:30) Demo feedback sessions: good idea or not? (28:00) Networking mistakes: Jobke's take (30:00) Ralph: music quality comes before networking (33:00) Building your inner feedback circle as a producer (36:00) Are two-minute songs too short? (41:30) Promo services for music producers: ROI and reality (45:30) What happened to melody in house music? (47:00) AI music production: curator mindset explained (50:00) Simple melodies that work: Martin Garrix and John Williams (51:00) Is music production still a viable career in 2026? (56:00) AI vocals: is it morally right? (59:00) Free content challenge in the Artist Coaching Discord, April 13

Sarah Landry and Amélie Lens played 11 tracks from the same unknown producer in a single Ultra set. He wasn't there. He wasn't booked. His music was everywhere, and nobody in the crowd knew his name. That moment kicked off one of the most honest conversations we've had on this podcast. Joey, Ralph, and Jobke break down why streaming disconnected music discovery from artist identity, why releasing more isn't the answer, and what a sustainable career actually looks like when you're building from scratch. What we get into: Spotify streams don't equal bookings because people can love a track without knowing who made it — and that's a structural problem, not a talent problemThe music industry has moved from scarcity to noise, and the artists who will win are the ones who make fewer, better things instead of feeding the algorithm every two weeksJobke's approach to money: build financial stability with a job first, then go all in on music — that way the pressure doesn't kill your creativity before you get tractionConsistency beats intensity every time — especially if you have a day job, a family, or anything else pulling at your timeStarting your own label to release other artists' music means starting a second business — most artists aren't ready for what that actually involvesYour content doesn't have to be about music to build a music audience — shared interests create real connections, and those connections transfer Ready to take your artist career seriously? Apply for 1-on-1 coaching at artistcoaching.nl 📺 Watch on YouTube📸 Instagram: @artistcoachingnl🎵 TikTok: @artistcoaching Tags / Keywords music producer tips, DJ career advice, electronic music industry, streaming vs bookings, artist identity, sustainable music career, music producer burnout, artist branding, content strategy, DJ podcast Chapters (00:00:00) Welcome (00:05:11) 11 tracks played at Ultra — and the producer wasn't booked (00:07:28) Is the industry still about the music? (00:08:29) How streaming broke the link between discovery and identity (00:09:52) Millions of streams, no bookings — why it keeps happening (00:15:00) Stop analyzing what works and start building from within (00:29:51) Are we in a creativity crisis? (00:33:43) Why there were no incentives to be different — and why that's changing (00:49:02) Should you start your own label? (00:51:33) Going all in: what artists actually get wrong about money and burnout (00:55:35) Why content that isn't about music still builds your audience (01:01:02) Closing + retreat announcement

Does visibility beat talent? In this episode, we get into one of the biggest tensions in modern music careers. We talk about why visibility, consistency, and output matter if you want to make a living from music, but also why authenticity still has to stay at the center. A real conversation about deadlines, community, radio, content, quantity vs quality, and building a DJ or music producer career without losing the love for making music.      (00:00) Intro (00:38) Jobke’s new live set and taking action (01:28) Put it on your calendar and work towards it (04:41) Artist Coaching retreat update (06:35) The power of community (16:14) Does making multiple genres confuse your audience? (17:34) Is radio still relevant? (25:59) Community questions (26:57) Quantity vs quality in music releases (35:56) Content strategy for artists (38:33) Visibility beats talent (39:58) What changes when music becomes your income (40:50) Why it’s not just about the music anymore (45:20) More output means more chances (46:29) Authenticity and volume (47:33) The mindset behind a sustainable music career

Most artists think getting signed starts with sending demos. In this episode, Jay Hardway explains why labels usually come later, and why DJ support, strong music, and real-world proof matter more than just chasing inboxes. We also get into free downloads, Spotify strategy, pitching tracks, genre choices, and what beginner DJs should focus on. Timestamps (00:00) Intro (01:00) Artist Coaching retreat (05:30) Ultra and live set culture (15:28) Borrowing gear and creativity (17:29) Sending your music to artists (18:10) Choosing your genre (31:32) How to get signed (33:45) Free downloads and Spotify growth (38:38) Radio edit vs extended mix (44:55) Should you pitch unfinished music? (49:12) Beginner DJ tips (51:08) Set structure, loops, and transitions (54:53) Why DJ support matters (01:02:07) Why every track needs its own sound

For DJs and music producers building a career today, one question keeps coming up. Do you still need record labels to succeed? In this episode of the Artist Coaching Podcast, we talk about how independent releases, SoundCloud, and social media have changed the way artists build a DJ career. For years, record labels were the gatekeepers of the music industry. If you wanted to reach a global audience, you needed a label behind you. But today, artists can release music themselves, collaborate with other producers, and grow their audience without relying on traditional labels. So what role do labels actually play today? We discuss when labels still make sense, when they don’t add much value anymore, and what artists should focus on instead if they want to build a sustainable DJ career. Question for you: Do you think artists still need record labels today?

You spend weeks finishing a track. You finally release it… and then nothing happens. In this episode we talk about one of the most frustrating realities of being a DJ or music producer: the moment after releasing music when the algorithm seems to completely ignore your track. We discuss why most releases don’t immediately take off, why the algorithm isn’t something you can control, and why building a sustainable music career requires a completely different mindset than most artists expect. We also talk about DJs faking festival support videos, the current state of festival ticket sales, ghost production as a career, and what it really takes to survive in today’s electronic music industry. 🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 More info about the Beats and Brand Retreat: https://www.artistcoaching.nl/beats-and-brand-retreat/ Timestamps (00:00) Intro (02:00) Beats & Brand Retreat (07:45) DJs faking festival support videos (15:00) AI-enhanced DJ press photos (22:00) Festival ticket sales discussion (26:30) Community questions (31:00) The KSHMR sample pack (38:00) Why Your Song Gets No Plays (40:30) Are big DJs starting to retire? (44:00) Progressive house comeback (48:00) Can you live from ghost producing? The Artist Coaching Podcast is for DJs and music producers who want to build a sustainable music career and navigate the realities of the electronic music industry.

Is music still the most important thing in a DJ career? In this episode, we end up in a conversation that feels uncomfortable but necessary. We talk about discipline vs motivation in the studio. About finishing tracks even when nobody is waiting for them. About releasing music without external validation. And then we go deeper. If festivals use your music in promos but don’t book you… what does that say about the industry? Is great music enough? Or has branding become just as important? If you’re building a long-term music producer career and want clarity instead of hype, this episode is for you. (00:00) Intro (02:00) Weather and productivity (07:00) Discipline vs motivation (15:00) Evolving your sound (27:00) Releasing vs shelving tracks (34:00) Is melodic dance music dead? (41:00) Copying vs inspiration (54:00) Music vs branding debate (01:02:00) Retreat announcement If this resonates, share it with another producer who needs to hear it.

You don’t need another tutorial. You need to release music. A lot of DJs and producers feel busy. Watching studio breakdowns. Buying plugins. Saving ideas. But nothing is getting shipped. In this episode, we talk about: – The education trap that keeps producers stuck – Why motivation won’t build your DJ career – Discipline vs inspiration – Finishing music consistently – Age pressure in the music industry – When to sign with a booking agency – Slowing down to gain clarity – Building a sustainable artist career If you want longevity instead of hype, this conversation will resonate. (00:00) Intro (02:00) Slowing down and clarity (09:00) The lost art of doing nothing (17:00) The education trap (25:00) Discipline vs motivation (33:00) Age pressure (38:00) Releasing imperfect music (45:00) Booking agency advice (52:00) Analog gear discussion (54:00) Beats & Brand Retreat

Most producers think talent is the key. But if that was true, the most talented person in every room would win. In this episode, we talk about why discipline, consistency, and vision build sustainable DJ careers. We break down talent myths, social media numbers, bookings, and why showing up weekly matters more than perfection. For serious DJs and music producers who want longevity. Timestamps: (00:00) Intro (06:00) Talent vs Discipline (14:00) Tomorrowland Is Not a Strategy (22:00) Followers vs Community (30:00) Showing Up Weekly (52:00) What Makes Top Artists Different

At some point in your DJ or producer career, doing more stops working. Real growth starts when you learn what to say no to. In this episode of the Artist Coaching Podcast, we talk about the shift every artist runs into sooner or later. When saying yes to everything no longer helps your career, your creativity, or your life. We discuss touring versus studio time, finishing music, creative discipline, insecurity, and why long-term careers are built on better choices, not more pressure. This episode is about sustainability, clarity, and staying in the game without burning yourself out. (00:00) Intro (02:00) Touring, shows & testing new music (06:20) Why playing live helps finishing tracks (09:30) Saying no and career growth (13:40) Sustainability and boundaries for artists (16:00) Joey returning to the studio after time away (23:50) When is a track actually finished (37:30) Procrastination, discipline & creative work (42:00) Insecurity, authenticity & image (49:00) Tomorrowland 2026 Line Up (55:30) Closing thoughts

Joey, Ralph, and Jobke discuss the 'Golden Combo' of music production and marketing in this episode of Artist Coaching. Learn why legendary DJ Benny Rodrigues still handles his own management and how to navigate early-career label contracts (00:00) Welcome back & Jobke’s China tour (07:04) Substance vs. Packaging: Why our last episode went viral (10:53) Benny Rodrigues: The case for total independence (12:35) The "Punishment" of office work: Why it keeps you grounded(19:46) Bassjackers Studio Dynamic: Producer vs. DJ feedback (23:22) Releasing multiple genres: Is it "too random"? (28:58) Viral hits vs. Originality: Should DJs be more experimental? (35:31) Label Contracts: Negotiation and master rights (42:18) Ralph’s exact Mastering Chain revealed (52:44) The Verdict: Music vs. Marketing 🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Join the Artist Coaching Community:https://linktr.ee/artistcoachingnl🙋🏼‍♂️ Get coached by us: https://linktr.ee/artistcoachingnl❤️ Follow us on:https://youtube.com/@artistcoachingnlhttps://www.tiktok.com/@artistcoachinghttps://www.instagram.com/artistcoachingnl

Most artists wait their whole lives for a DM from a legend. Jobke got one, and then he stopped replying. Ralph is back from his break, and we are diving straight into the reality of "making it" in the music industry. We discuss the mental traps of success, from accidentally ghosting Tiësto to selling your first number one hit for a tiny fee. We also break down the Ekboj challenge of 52 releases a year and answer community questions about booking agents, DJ fees, and why elevator music might be the most profitable thing you ever produce. What we discussed: - The 52 release challenge: Why Jobke is releasing a track every single week and how he manages the quality. - Club energy vs. Elevator music: The difference in production effort between Lo-fi and club tracks. - Ralph’s biggest failure: Selling a track that became a number one hit just two weeks later. - Jobke’s biggest failure: The story of how he ghosted Tiësto because he was too proud to use certain presets. - Meeting booking agents: What you actually need to ask to see if you are a priority for their roster. - International bookings: Deciding if a 500 to 700 euro landed fee is an investment or a loss. - Hosting events: Why security, ticketing, and bars make hosting your own show a massive headache. (00:00) Welcome back: The combatant soldier mindset (07:55) The 52 release challenge: Can you stay consistent? (15:31) Why you should or shouldn’t release every track you finish (19:57) Ralph’s biggest failure: Selling a number one hit (21:33) Jobke’s biggest failure: Ghosting Tiësto (27:11) Advice for meeting your first booking agent (33:10) Are 2-hour DJ sets coming back? (42:18) Negotiating DJ fees without being too Dutch (46:50) How to get international bookings with 150k listeners (51:00) The reality of hosting your own events 🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Join the Artist Coaching Community: https://linktr.ee/artistcoachingnl 🙋🏼‍♂️ Get coached by us: https://linktr.ee/artistcoachingnl ❤️ Follow us on: https://youtube.com/@artistcoachingnl?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.tiktok.com/@artistcoaching https://www.instagram.com/artistcoachingnl

One year. 52 releases. No ghost producers. In this episode, Jobke (Jay Hardway) breaks down his most ambitious goal yet: releasing a track every single week of 2026. We discuss how to build a massive catalog by utilizing small pockets of time, why "perfection" is often just a mask for procrastination, and how to handle the burnout that comes with high-volume output. Discussion Points: - The math behind a 52-release year - Producing in 20-minute "miracle" windows - Why Jobke is quitting social media consumption to find focus - The difference between "overproducing" and finishing a track - Real-world advice for landing your first club gigs (00:00) Welcome back & Pizza sessions (05:55) Jobke’s 2026 Goals: 100kg Bench & 52 Releases (13:30) Why Jobke is quitting Reels and TikTok consumption (25:30) Community Questions (37:15) What does "Overproduced" actually mean? (52:35) How to get your first club gigs 🧑🏼‍🤝‍🧑🏼 Join the Artist Coaching Community: https://linktr.ee/artistcoachingnl 🙋🏼‍♂️ Get coached by us: https://linktr.ee/artistcoachingnl ❤️ Follow us on: https://youtube.com/@artistcoachingnl https://www.tiktok.com/@artistcoaching https://www.instagram.com/artistcoachingnl