Think learning to DJ means mastering your equipment? You're missing the entire point.

Your Shot just wrapped their first-ever US competition after 15 years of success in Australia, and what I witnessed at the LA finals completely shifted my perspective. Hundreds of people across LA and New York signed up for six weeks of free DJ training - most had never touched a deck. The LA finals drew 4,000 people (the largest crowd Catch One has ever hosted), and NYC brought 3,600 across two days.

Nobody was competing against each other. Complete strangers were hyping each other up like lifelong friends. No one was on their phones unless they were recording their friends perform. Pure community, pure support.

The LA winner was Ashley Wilkins (@jellybean.dj), a 29-year-old wellness consultant from Santa Clarita. NYC's champion was Jade Letlow (@punkybutter), a 34-year-old Senior Claims Examiner from Brooklyn. These aren't industry insiders - they're regular people who committed six weeks to betting on themselves.

In this conversation, Rashna Krishnan explains why Your Shot teaches the soft skills and industry etiquette that no one else does. How to approach promoters correctly. Why showing up for your scene matters more than your mixing ability. The difference between networking and asking for gigs. And why putting yourself in uncomfortable situations is the fastest way to grow.

Key Takeaways:

• Your DJ career starts on the dance floor, not behind the decks
• Industry etiquette and soft skills matter more than technical ability
• Show up for your scene before expecting your scene to show up for you
• The right way to approach venues, promoters, and other DJs
• Why building genuine community beats competition every time
• How six weeks of pressure with a deadline creates transformation
• Creating your own opportunities when they're not presenting themselves

Registration for Your Shot 2026 is now open. Even if you never do the competition, the principles in this conversation will change how you approach your career.

Follow Your Shot: @yourshot_usa

Connect with me: @oliviamancuso__

Video Editor/Audio Engineer: James Fixx