Most producers underestimate how long it actually takes to make money from music. In this episode, I sit down with Ralph (Bassjackers) and Jobke to talk honestly about timelines, consistency, and what it really costs to build a sustainable career as a DJ/producer.

We dive into why it took Bassjackers five years to break through with Mush Mush, how Jobke spent eight years grinding before getting momentum, and why so many artists quit right before things start compounding. We also touch on multi-genre vs signature sound, the DJ Levi debate, “real DJ” conversations, and how to build a long-term career in 2026.

What we cover:

• Why your career takes years, not months

• Mindset vs talent

• The unsexy reality of studio work

• Martin Garrix naming story

• Trend-chasing vs consistency

• Hype vs long-term respect

• Royalty expectations

• Goals for 2026

• Black Friday plugin picks

Chapters:

(00:00) Intro

(07:20) Why it takes YEARS to make money

(09:10) Talent vs mindset

(10:20) Reality of studio work

(11:50) Track titles & Martin Garrix story

(13:20) Romanticising the artist life

(17:20) Bassjackers & “Mush Mush”

(19:00) Jobke’s 8-year journey

(22:40) Gigs as a side effect

(24:20) Royalties aren’t a pension

(26:00) Consistency vs trends

(28:10) Two styles vs many

(33:20) DJ Levi & “real DJ” talk

(36:20) Short-term hype vs long-term career

(45:50) 2026 goals

(51:20) Black Friday plugin picks

Join the community / coaching / socials:

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