Advertise on podcast: Off The Record - The DJ Podcast by Crossfader

Being a great DJ isn't enough anymore. The DJ industry has changed. In 2026, simply being able to mix two tracks together isn't what gets you booked, builds a fanbase, or creates a long-term career. The DJs making the biggest impact today understand that success goes far beyond technical ability. This is the full recording of a live talk from our Crossfader DJ to Producer Summit at Fabric London, where we explore what it really takes to build a career as a DJ in today's industry. In this session, we discuss: What separates successful DJs from everyone elseWhy DJing alone isn't enough in 2026How to build a brand that stands outThe skills every modern DJ should be developingHow to create opportunities instead of waiting for themWhether you're a beginner DJ, an aspiring touring artist, or already playing gigs, this conversation will change the way you think about building a career in electronic music. If you're serious about growing as a DJ, this is one talk you don't want to miss. Let us know in the comments: What's the biggest challenge you're facing in your DJ journey right now?

Are DJs being replaced? And is your DJ career actually at risk?In this Off The Record Podcast, filmed at IMS Ibiza, we break down how the DJ industry is evolving, and the 5 common DJ mistakes that are holding most DJs back.With more competition, new tech, and changing standards, standing out as a DJ has never been harder. This episode gives real insight into what separates DJs who stay stuck vs those who actually grow.If you’re serious about improving your DJ skills and building a long-term career in DJing, this is a must watch.

In this episode of 'Off The Record' Podcast, we dive deep into the art of business networking with Olivia Mancuso, offering practical networking tips for anyone looking to expand their professional circle. We discuss the importance of relationship building and how to effectively navigate gatekeeping in various industries. This discussion is crucial for personal growth and career development. Let us know in the comments, what’s been your biggest challenge with networking? Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro02:35 - Jealously in the industry 06:51 - Is short form content the issue? 08:41 - Sippy on Olivias podcast11:50 - Different content serves different audiences13:40 - Going viral17:10 - Entitlement of music fans19:51 - Tips to request music21:31 - Reviewing Student Social Media pages26:49 - Pinned posts and their purpose28:00 - Who are you making content for? 30:36 - Strategy to networking 35:54 - Miami music week 37:43 - What we have coming up39:40 - Surround yourself with the right people 42:13 - Outro

In this episode of 'Off The Record' Podcast, we get real with Olivia Mancuso about what it actually takes to grow as a DJ today on social media.Why are some DJs building momentum online while others stay stuck? Is it the industry… or the mindset? We break down how to build an audience on social media, create content that actually connects, turn engagement into opportunity, and adapt to the modern DJ landscape without burning out.If you’re serious about growing your DJ brand and taking control of your career, this episode is for you. Let us know in the comments, what’s been your biggest challenge with building your audience? Timestamps: 00:00 Intro 01:17 What you been up to? 07:01 DJs need to stop complaining 08:28 Start over 11:09 What path does a DJ take? 16:33 How to build an audience? 29:30 Comparing yourself 32:13 diversification in the scene 34:19 Networking 43:51 How to level up your content 48:00 Outro

In this week’s Crossfader Podcast, we cover everything you need to level up your next performance. Main topic: 5 essential live set tips Know the venue – event type, crowd, age rangePlan your music – folders, hot cues, energy flowUnderstand the nuance – visuals, MCs, pyro, peak timeCapture great content – filming, angles, examplesPerform with presence – crowd engagement, movement, mic useA short, practical episode packed with value for any DJ playing live. www.wearecrossfader.co.uk Use code : OFFTHERECORD20 For 20% off any DJ Course

🚨BLACK FRIDAY SALE - 50% OFF ALL DJ COURSES 🚨 https://wearecrossfader.co.uk/black-friday-2025/ Fresh from speaking on a Native Instruments panel at ADE, Lawrence breaks down the four pillars every modern DJ needs: Passion, Technology, Community, and Attention. If you’ve ever felt stuck with no gigs, slow growth, inconsistent content, or unsure of your DJ identity - this episode helps you diagnose which pillar you’re missing and how to strengthen it. You’ll learn why attention is now a major currency, how tech unlocks creativity, how community creates opportunities, and why passion fuels everything. A clear, practical roadmap for any DJ looking to grow in 2025 and build a career that lasts.

The DJ To Producer Course: https://wearecrossfader.co.uk/dj-to-producer/ We’re back with a big one.There are more DJs than ever, so how do you actually stand out?After a week on the ground at Amsterdam Dance Event, we share what we saw and heard, from chats with major artists to honest conversations with students. We get into why flyers don’t grow an audience, what you should post instead, and why moving from DJ to producer is becoming non-negotiable if you want to cut through. www.wearecrossfader.co.uk Use code OFFTHERECORD20 for 20% off any DJ course

Join Crossfader for free 👉 get access to lessons, resources, and your own personalised learning journey: For 20% Off DJ Courses,  Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORD DJ and producer HANA joins Lawrence James to talk about learning Ableton, touring with Grimes and Lana Del Rey, live-streaming her Hannadriel album on Twitch, and evolving into a global Anjunadeep artist. She shares insights on creativity, balance, mental health, and her new EP “Extended Prey.” If you’re a DJ, producer, or creative chasing balance and longevity in the music industry, this one’s packed with honesty, practical advice, and inspiration.

Join Crossfader for free 👉 get access to lessons, resources, and your own personalised learning journey:  ⁠www.wearecrossfader.co.uk For 20% Off DJ Courses, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORD Every DJ stresses about gear, music, and “perfection”… but most of it doesn’t matter. In this episode of Off The Record DJ Podcast we break down 7 things DJs can finally stop worrying about. We also share one of the best Reddit stories ever: a wedding that turned into a rave, complete with a bride vs groom sound clash for their first dance. 🔥 Along the way we talk about ADE, our new studio setup (shoutout to RØDE for the podcast gear), and why making mistakes is all part of the DJ journey.)

Our CDJ-3000X review reached hundreds of thousands of DJs across social in just 24 hours, showing how big this debate is. Is it worth the upgrade?

Essel joins us to share her wild journey from dancing and cruise ships to Ibiza residencies, Beatport number ones, and touring the world. In this unfiltered conversation, she opens up about: Starting out in Ibiza with zero plan Why networking in the DJ industry feels fake Buying followers to get noticed The highs and lows of Beatport chart success Her struggles with social media and pressure Using strategy (and a meme page!) to break tracks If you’re an aspiring DJ or producer, this episode is full of raw truths, laughs, and lessons from someone who’s lived i

From bedroom DJ to building platforms that power the global dance scene - Oskar (DONT BLINK / 1001Tracklists / Songstats) has transformed the way DJs and artists grow their careers.As a teenager, he grew a YouTube channel to 1M+ subscribers, then became a resident DJ in Shanghai, playing alongside Chris Lake and Benny Benassi. He later got involved with 1001Tracklists, the go-to database for DJ setlists, and launched Songstats, the real-time analytics app that alerts artists when their tracks are played or playlisted.Oskar is also half of the duo DONT BLINK, known for tech-house hits like VIBTATION and high-energy global sets.Songstats is offering the Crossfader community an exclusive 10% lifetime discount! Use code CROSSFADER10 or the link below:https://songstats.com/app?ref=CROSSFADER10

Win A DJ Set On A Main Stage @ Rise Festival -https://app.wearecrossfader.co.uk/risefestival In this episode, we break down the real steps DJs need to take to land festival gigs — and how to make the most of them once you're booked.We start by explaining why we’re launching a DJ competition, then walk through 7 key steps every DJ must follow to level up and land on festival lineups like Tomorrowland, Creamfields, or local stages.💡 Whether you're just starting out or hitting a ceiling in your DJ journey, this episode is packed with no-fluff advice from people who’ve seen it happen — and helped others get there.00:00 DJ On A Main Stage At Rise Festival05:4 Step 1: Build Your Identity as a DJ11:24 Step 2: Create a Real Fanbase17:00 Step 3: Make Music That Matches the Stage22:35 Step 4: Understand the Politics of Booking28:14 Step 5: Get Cosigned by the Right People34:02 Step 6: Build Genuine Industry Relationships40:12 Step 7: What to Do Once You’re Booked

🎧 In this episode, we sit down with DJ & producer Angel Lee to talk about her journey from the Leeds nightlife scene to playing at iconic venues like Amnesia Ibiza and beyond. We dive into how she built a sustainable career in the music industry, the lessons she learned from reading crowds, starting her own booking agency, and creating Angie’s Disco during lockdown. From networking and industry connections to music production, label signings, and staying authentic in a competitive scene, this episode is packed with insights for aspiring DJs and music lovers. Whether you’re looking to break into the club scene, grow as a producer, or simply get inspired by a DJ making waves in Ibiza, this conversation is for you. Use code: OFFTHERECORD20 for 20% Off Any DJ Course www.wearecrossfader.co.uk

Code: OFFTHERECORD20 for 20% off any DJ Course www.wearecrossfader.co.uk Join us for an electrifying deep dive into 30 years of drum & bass history with Hospital Records co-founder Chris Goss. From humble beginnings in Leeds and vinyl shops, to global domination through Hospitality events and TikTok-fueled resurgence What the modern label actually does, and how A&R works in 2025 The impact of TikTok, short-form culture, and why tempo matters Behind-the-scenes of Hospitality events—booking, venues, and logistics The label's equality mission: women’s mentorship, business schemes, and inclusion How Hospital discovers and supports rising talent—lens, Gabrielle Bongo, Hoax Nostalgia for vinyl and dubplate era creativity vs today's algorithm-driven world Their long game: aiming for timelessness and musical legacySubscribe for more exclusive interviews from the electronic music underground