Off The Record - The DJ Podcast by Crossfader

Meet James Hype at Magazine London - August 14th https://8ea26lmng75.typeform.com/to/QkdO83SSWhat 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 complaining08:28 Start over11:09 What path does a DJ take? 16:33 How to build an audience?29:30 Comparing yourself 32:13 diversification in the scene34:19 Networking43:51 How to level up your content48:00 Outro

In this week’s Crossfader Podcast, we cover everything you need to level up your next performance.Main topic: 5 essential live set tipsKnow the venue – event type, crowd, age rangePlan your music – folders, hot cues, energy flowUnderstand the nuance – visuals, MCs, pyro, peak timeCapture great content – filming, angles, examplesPerform with presence – crowd engagement, movement, mic useA short, practical episode packed with value for any DJ playing live.www.wearecrossfader.co.ukUse code : OFFTHERECORD20For 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

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.ukUse code OFFTHERECORD20 for 20% off any DJ course

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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?

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 planWhy networking in the DJ industry feels fakeBuying followers to get noticedThe highs and lows of Beatport chart successHer struggles with social media and pressureUsing strategy (and a meme page!) to break tracksIf you’re an aspiring DJ or producer, this episode is full of raw truths, laughs, and lessons from someone who’s lived i

From bedroom DJ to building platforms that power the global dance scene — Oscar (Don’t Blink / 1001Tracklists / Songstats) has transformed the way DJs and artists grow their careers.As a teenager, he grew a YouTube channel to 1M+ subscribers, then became a resident DJ in Shanghai, playing alongside Chris Lake and Benny Benassi. He later co-founded 1001Tracklists, the go-to database for DJ setlists, and launched Songstats, the real-time analytics app that alerts artists when their tracks are played or playlisted.Oscar is also half of the duo Don’t Blink, known for tech-house hits like Vibration and high-energy global sets.

Win A DJ Set On A Main Stage @ Rise Festival -https://app.wearecrossfader.co.uk/risefestivalIn this episode, we break down the real steps DJs need to take to land festival gigs — and how to make the most of them once you're booked.We start by explaining why we’re launching a DJ competition, then walk through 7 key steps every DJ must follow to level up and land on festival lineups like Tomorrowland, Creamfields, or local stages.

Code: OFFTHERECORD20 for 20% off any DJ Coursewww.wearecrossfader.co.ukJoin us for an electrifying deep dive into 30 years of drum & bass history with Hospital Records co-founder Chris Goss. From humble beginnings in Leeds and vinyl shops, to global domination through Hospitality events and TikTok-fueled resurgenceWhat the modern label actually does, and how A&R works in 2025The impact of TikTok, short-form culture, and why tempo mattersBehind-the-scenes of Hospitality events—booking, venues, and logisticsThe label's equality mission: women’s mentorship, business schemes, and inclusionHow Hospital discovers and supports rising talent—lens, Gabrielle Bongo, HoaxNostalgia for vinyl and dubplate era creativity vs today's algorithm-driven worldTheir long game: aiming for timelessness and musical legacySubscribe for more exclusive interviews from the electronic music underground

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