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:
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.)
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For 20% Off DJ Courses, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORD
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?
Join Crossfader for free 👉 get access to lessons, resources, and your own personalised learning journey:
For 20% Off DJ Courses, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORD
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
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
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.
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
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
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.💡
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
🎧 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.
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
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
Subscribe for more exclusive interviews from the electronic music underground
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
In this episode of Off The Record, Crossfader’s Lawrence James shares game-changing advice for up-and-coming DJs and producers.
Recorded during a live session with Toolroom Academy, Lawrence dives deep into branding, social media strategy, content creation, storytelling, community building, and how to grow as a DJ in today’s digital world.
Plus, there’s a huge announcement: Crossfader has teamed up with Rise Festival to offer one DJ the chance to play a main stage set in the French Alps this December. If you’re serious about making it in the music industry,
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
In this episode of the Crossfader Podcast, we sit down with Olivia Mancuso - founder of Elevated Frequencies and business coach for DJs and music creatives.
We dive deep into how DJs can build sustainable careers beyond the decks, from mastering sales skills and branding to overcoming perfectionism, rejection, and the fear of putting yourself out there.
Olivia shares her inspiring journey from TV reporting to launching her own agency and podcast, her experience supporting artists worldwide, and why niching down is the fastest path to standing out.
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
In this very special episode, we sit down with one of the most respected DJs and educators in the world: DJ Angelo. From humble beginnings in the UK to becoming a global ambassador for DJ culture and technology, Angelo has carved out an inspiring career that blends performance, innovation, and education.
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
Welcome back to Off The Record, the ultimate DJ podcast by Crossfader! In this packed episode, we kick things off with stories from Parklife Festival 2025 -festival sets, sound system secrets, and what makes a great live DJ performance.
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
Breaking that first follower/subscriber barrier can be the toughest part of being a beginner DJ. But don't worry, we have put together an easy step-by-step guide for you to follow.
Topics covered:
➡️ How to grow your first 10,000 fans
➡️ What kind of content actually works
➡️ Why storytelling builds superfans
➡️ Advice for introverted artists
➡️ Instagram vs TikTok vs YouTube Shorts
➡️ Real examples from Crossfader, Toolroom Academy, and top DJs
➡️ Why one viral post isn’t enough
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
From 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 DJ
03:04:Inside Ibiza's new superclub
06:08: Is it worth the hype?
09:12: Reddit DJ feels "just average"
12:16: What really defines a DJ
15:20: You're not bad, just unseen
18:24: Want gigs? Master networking
21:28: Goals and metrics that matter
24:32: Passion over popularity
27:36: Practical tips to improve fast
30:40: Add to Playlist
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
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 DJ
Building a business model that actually makes money
Throwing your own events to gain traction
Fan engagement strategies that go beyond clout chasing
Creating content systems that don’t burn you out
Monetization techniques, from merch to sample packs
Whether 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.
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
🎧 Off the Record: How to Follow a Bad Headliner + Calvin Harris vs Chicane Beef
In 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 copy
Legendary sample thefts and famous legal cases (Ed Sheeran, Blurred Lines, and more)
The resurgence of dubstep and some killer new tracks in Add to Playlist
Advice for warming up for big-name acts… and how to recover the dance floor
Why 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
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
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 beef
Reddit drama on late payments and shady bookings
What to do when you're owed $$$
How to handle your first gigs like a pro
Real Crossfader student success stories from IMS
And our Add to Playlist segment featuring new tracks from emerging DJs
Whether 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-you
https://soundcloud.com/victorfelisa/doo-wop-lauryn-hill-victor-felisa-edit-free-download
https://soundcloud.com/itsholiver/sos-ho-liver-edit
https://soundcloud.com/itsholiver/the-feeling
https://soundcloud.com/brandodeluca/nowhere-with-karlie-cupani
https://soundcloud.com/musicbykeleo/
👉 Join Crossfader for FREE today: https://bit.ly/4jERmne
Create your custom DJ learning journey, access free lessons, and start levelling up!
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
In 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 episode
03:02 – Drum & Bass and Afro House rising
06:05 – SoundCloud is thriving again
09:08 – Live scene growth & saturation
12:11 – Build your own DJ community
15:14 – Women in DJing: Still rising
18:17 – Emerging markets shaping the future
21:20 – DJs must diversify creative output
24:23 – We need more real DJs
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
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 altogether
The truth about labels and releases
Building a career without relying on virality
DJing for 14 hours a day in Ibiza
What the scene gets wrong (and right) in 2025
His mission to keep conversations real through podcasting.