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 range
• Plan your music – folders, hot cues, energy flow
• Understand the nuance – visuals, MCs, pyro, peak time
• Capture great content – filming, angles, examples
• Perform with presence – crowd engagement, movement, mic use

A short, practical episode packed with value for any DJ playing live.

www.wearecrossfader.co.uk

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For 20% off any DJ Course

In this episode, Elijah-DJ, writer and creator of the Yellow Squares, sits down to talk all things music, creativity, and the future of DJing. We cover:Buy - Close the app, make da ting https://www.amazon.co.uk/Close-App-Make-Ting-Transformative/dp/1913231798Follow Elijahhttps://www.instagram.com/eli1ah/What does it mean to be a DJ in 2026?How the Yellow Squares project went from Instagram to global impactThe tension between creativity, commerce, and algorithmsHis bold collab with AlphaTheta on the yellow OMNIS-DUO controllerWhy “friends buy tickets” and the economics of music cultureBreaking out of the bubble and redefining success on your own termsA must-listen for anyone navigating the modern music industry.00:00 Intro 05:15 What is a DJ? 10:30 Creative Freedom 15:45 The Algorithm 21:00 Friends Buy Tickets 26:30 DIY DJ Culture 31:45 The Yellow Squares 37:00 Why DJs Should Write 42:15 Agent vs Artist 47:30 AlphaTheta Collab

🚨BLACK FRIDAY SALE - 50% OFF ALL DJ COURSES 🚨

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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.)

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

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:

 ⁠⁠www.wearecrossfader.co.uk⁠

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