https://app.wearecrossfader.co.uk/risefestival

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,

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.

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.

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.

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: https://bit.ly/4jERmne

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

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.

🎧 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

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 and start your DJ journey today: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4jERmne⁠⁠

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 episode03:02 – Drum & Bass and Afro House rising06:05 – SoundCloud is thriving again09:08 – Live scene growth & saturation12:11 – Build your own DJ community15:14 – Women in DJing: Still rising18:17 – Emerging markets shaping the future21:20 – DJs must diversify creative output24:23 – We need more real DJs