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.⁠

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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.⁠

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🔥 We talk:⁠

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Why he nearly quit music altogether⁠

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The truth about labels and releases⁠

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Building a career without relying on virality⁠

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DJing for 14 hours a day in Ibiza⁠

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What the scene gets wrong (and right) in 2025⁠

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His mission to keep conversations real through podcasting.⁠

00:00 – Who is Will Clarke10:00 – DJing in Ibiza20:00 – Breaking into Labels30:00 – Streaming vs Touring40:00 – Building Real Community50:00 – Why Albums Matter01:00:00 – The Live Show Struggle01:10:00 – Podcasting and Pressure01:20:00 – The Goal Reset

Apple Music has officially entered the DJ game – and it’s changing everything. In this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking integration of Apple Music with top DJ platforms like Serato, rekordbox, Engine DJ, and Algoriddim. What does this mean for DJs at all levels? Is this the future of music discovery and performance, or are there risks to relying on streaming in live settings?

We break down:
✅ How DJs can now access over 100 million songs directly in their software
✅ Apple Music’s bold commitment to DJ culture
✅ The pros (and cons) of a streaming-based workflow
✅ What this move means for creativity, accessibility, and the next generation of DJs

Learn more : https://wearecrossfader.co.uk/blog/apple-music-update/

In this raw and unfiltered episode of the Off The Record DJ Podcast, Chapter & Verse returns to share the brutal realities of the DJ industry. From fighting for festival slots at Tomorrowland and Creamfields to dealing with gatekeeping, industry politics, and endless rejections, he reveals how hard it really is to make it as a DJ—and why most fail.

We dive deep into:
✅ Why fanbase growth beats production talent in 2024
✅ The toxic snobbery in underground dance music 🤯
✅ How to actually get signed to major labels (without industry connections!)
✅ The dark side of DJ touring: sleepless nights, visa issues & the grind
✅ Why he personally funds a DJ competition to give newcomers a chance
✅ What separates DJs who break through from those who never make it

This no-BS conversation will change the way you think about DJing, social media, and building a real career in music. If you’ve ever felt stuck, ignored by labels, or doubted your path, this episode is for YOU.

Website & DJ Courses🚨 For 20% Off, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORD at ⁠⁠https://wearecrossfader.co.uk

Check out the complete DJ Package: https://wearecrossfader.co.uk/complete-dj/In this episode, Jamie & Lawrence talk about the reasons why DJs get stuck and discuss in detail how to break through! Reddit drama is back with a CONTROVERSIAL story of a DJ 'faking it' until he made it.Plus we talk about the new Mixed in key 11 pro!

In this ep, we speak to Mixcloud CEO Nico Perez about how Mixcloud can help you get gigs and earn money. Learn more about the opportunities Mixcloud offers for DJs and artists!Website & DJ Courses🚨 For 20% Off, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORD at ⁠⁠https://wearecrossfader.co.ukTimestamps:00:00 Intro – Guest: Nico Perez01:00 The DJ creator economy02:30 Mixcloud’s role in DJing04:15 Key features of Mixcloud06:20 Solving copyright issues08:10 Community and engagement tools10:30 Monetization for DJs12:45 Mixcloud acquiring Encore14:30 How Encore helps DJs16:15 The rise of DJ streaming18:00 Streaming trends post-pandemic19:45 How Mixcloud shares revenue21:30 The future of Mixcloud23:00 Final thoughts and outro

Our new mix channel : https://www.youtube.com/@OfficeHours_Crossfader

This week, we give you a step-by-step plan on how to market yourself as a DJ. Although it takes consistency, if you apply this strategy - you will grow an audience much sooner than you think.

Website & DJ Courses🚨 For 20% Off, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORD at ⁠⁠https://wearecrossfader.co.uk

We speak to Sabion Paid, who has risen through the ranks quickly!From learning to DJ with Crossfader to supporting James Hype, this is a story about persistence and taking opportunities.Follow Sabion: https://www.instagram.com/sabionpaid/🚨

Website & DJ Courses🚨 For 20% Off, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORD at ⁠⁠https://wearecrossfader.co.uk

Timestamps

00:00 Intro – Meeting Sabian on tour

01:10 How Sabian discovered DJing

02:45 Learning DJing through Crossfader

05:00 First controller and early struggles

08:50 Connecting with James Hype

12:40 Call of Duty opportunity

15:30 Helping James Hype’s live shows

18:45 Filming and assisting live streams

22:00 Transitioning to DJing on tour

25:10 First warm-up set for James

29:00 Opening every Get Closer show

32:50 Life on a DJ tour bus

36:15 DJing challenges and set planning

40:20 How opening for James helped

45:30 Plans for 2025 and beyond

50:10 Advice for new DJs

Join us for an exclusive deep dive into the career of R3WIRE – DJ, producer, and label manager at Stereohype. From his early days as a resident DJ to dominating the decks on party islands across the world, R3WIRE shares how he built his career and developed his signature high-energy style.

Timestamps

00:00 Grinding through the early days
02:05 First DJ setup at 14
04:50 First club gig at 16
07:30 Learning the club scene abroad
10:45 Joining Ministry of Sound
13:05 Touring with MTV
16:50 Starting Stereohype with James Hype
21:45 What labels look for in artists
29:10 The importance of DJ content
39:50 Touring the U.S. in 2025

🚨Website & DJ Courses🚨

In this episode of Off The Record, we sit down with DJ Andy Purnell to discuss his journey from club residencies to touring the world with top artists.

Andy shares insights on building a DJ career, working with brands like NBA and Gumball 3000, and adapting in the ever-changing DJ landscape.

He also dives into his viral DJ content, the power of networking, and his experience as a tour DJ for Central Cee.

Plus, we talk about his latest role in the legendary Red Bull Culture Clash.

Follow Andy Purnell

https://www.instagram.com/djandypurnell

The number one question DJs are asking right now is "How Can I Get More Gigs" this year!

We set out a full-proof strategy to help you get there.