Off The Record - The DJ Podcast by Crossfader

Being a great DJ isn't enough anymore.

The DJ industry has changed.

In 2026, simply being able to mix two tracks together isn't what gets you booked, builds a fanbase, or creates a long-term career. The DJs making the biggest impact today understand that success goes far beyond technical ability.

This is the full recording of a live talk from our Crossfader DJ to Producer Summit at Fabric London, where we explore what it really takes to build a career as a DJ in today's industry.

In this session, we discuss:

• What separates successful DJs from everyone else
• Why DJing alone isn't enough in 2026
• How to build a brand that stands out
• The skills every modern DJ should be developing
• How to create opportunities instead of waiting for them

Whether you're a beginner DJ, an aspiring touring artist, or already playing gigs, this conversation will change the way you think about building a career in electronic music.

If you're serious about growing as a DJ, this is one talk you don't want to miss.

Let us know in the comments: What's the biggest challenge you're facing in your DJ journey right now?

Are DJs being replaced? And is your DJ career actually at risk?In this Off The Record Podcast, filmed at IMS Ibiza, we break down how the DJ industry is evolving, and the 5 common DJ mistakes that are holding most DJs back.With more competition, new tech, and changing standards, standing out as a DJ has never been harder. This episode gives real insight into what separates DJs who stay stuck vs those who actually grow.If you’re serious about improving your DJ skills and building a long-term career in DJing, this is a must watch.

Meet James Hype at Magazine London - August 14th https://8ea26lmng75.typeform.com/to/QkdO83SS

What does it really take to go from a bedroom DJ to headlining stages around the world?

We sit down with James Hype to break down the full journey- from early struggles and self-doubt to viral moments, chart-topping tracks, and global touring.

James shares the mindset, discipline, and decisions that shaped his career, and why he believes anyone can make it with the right approach.

If you’ve ever wondered what separates average DJs from the elite… this is it.

In this episode of 'Off The Record' Podcast, we dive deep into the art of business networking with Olivia Mancuso, offering practical networking tips for anyone looking to expand their professional circle. We discuss the importance of relationship building and how to effectively navigate gatekeeping in various industries. This discussion is crucial for personal growth and career development. Let us know in the comments, what’s been your biggest challenge with networking? Timestamps: 00:00 - Intro02:35 - Jealously in the industry 06:51 - Is short form content the issue? 08:41 - Sippy on Olivias podcast11:50 - Different content serves different audiences13:40 - Going viral17:10 - Entitlement of music fans19:51 - Tips to request music21:31 - Reviewing Student Social Media pages26:49 - Pinned posts and their purpose28:00 - Who are you making content for? 30:36 - Strategy to networking 35:54 - Miami music week 37:43 - What we have coming up39:40 - Surround yourself with the right people 42:13 - Outro

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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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

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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.