Off The Record - The DJ Podcast by Crossfader

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 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

🚨BLACK FRIDAY SALE - 50% OFF ALL DJ COURSES 🚨https://wearecrossfader.co.uk/black-friday-2025/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.

Join Crossfader for free 👉 get access to lessons, resources, and your own personalised learning journey:For 20% Off DJ Courses, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORDDJ 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.

Join Crossfader for free 👉 get access to lessons, resources, and your own personalised learning journey: ⁠⁠www.wearecrossfader.co.uk⁠For 20% Off DJ Courses, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORDOur 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?

Join Crossfader for free 👉 get access to lessons, resources, and your own personalised learning journey: ⁠⁠⁠www.wearecrossfader.co.uk⁠⁠For 20% Off DJ Courses, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORDFrom bedroom DJ to building platforms that power the global dance scene - Oskar (DONT BLINK / 1001Tracklists / Songstats) has transformed the way DJs and artists grow their careers.Oskar is also half of the duo DONT BLINK, known for tech-house hits like VIBTATION and high-energy global sets.Songstats is offering the Crossfader community an exclusive 10% lifetime discount! Use code CROSSFADER10 or the link below:https://songstats.com/app?ref=CROSSFADER10

Join Crossfader for free 👉 get access to lessons, resources, and your own personalised learning journey: ⁠⁠⁠www.wearecrossfader.co.uk⁠⁠For 20% Off DJ Courses, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORD🎧 In this episode, we sit down with DJ & producer Angel Lee to talk about her journey from the Leeds nightlife scene to playing at iconic venues like Amnesia Ibiza and beyond. We dive into how she built a sustainable career in the music industry, the lessons she learned from reading crowds, starting her own booking agency, and creating Angie’s Disco during lockdown.From networking and industry connections to music production, label signings, and staying authentic in a competitive scene, this episode is packed with insights for aspiring DJs and music lovers. Whether you’re looking to break into the club scene, grow as a producer, or simply get inspired by a DJ making waves in Ibiza, this conversation is for you.

Join Crossfader for free 👉 get access to lessons, resources, and your own personalised learning journey: ⁠⁠⁠www.wearecrossfader.co.uk⁠⁠For 20% Off DJ Courses, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORDIn 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,

Join Crossfader for free 👉 get access to lessons, resources, and your own personalised learning journey: ⁠⁠⁠www.wearecrossfader.co.uk⁠⁠For 20% Off DJ Courses, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORDIn 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.

Join Crossfader for free 👉 get access to lessons, resources, and your own personalised learning journey: ⁠⁠⁠www.wearecrossfader.co.uk⁠⁠For 20% Off DJ Courses, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORDBreaking 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 👉 get access to lessons, resources, and your own personalised learning journey: ⁠⁠⁠www.wearecrossfader.co.uk⁠⁠For 20% Off DJ Courses, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORDOff 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 DJBuilding a business model that actually makes moneyThrowing your own events to gain tractionFan engagement strategies that go beyond clout chasingCreating content systems that don’t burn you outMonetization techniques, from merch to sample packsWhether 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.

Join Crossfader for free 👉 get access to lessons, resources, and your own personalised learning journey: ⁠⁠⁠www.wearecrossfader.co.uk⁠⁠For 20% Off DJ Courses, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORDHow 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 beefReddit drama on late payments and shady bookingsWhat to do when you're owed $$$How to handle your first gigs like a proReal Crossfader student success stories from IMSAnd our Add to Playlist segment featuring new tracks from emerging DJsWhether 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-youhttps://soundcloud.com/victorfelisa/doo-wop-lauryn-hill-victor-felisa-edit-free-downloadhttps://soundcloud.com/itsholiver/sos-ho-liver-edithttps://soundcloud.com/itsholiver/the-feelinghttps://soundcloud.com/brandodeluca/nowhere-with-karlie-cupanihttps://soundcloud.com/musicbykeleo/👉 Join Crossfader for FREE today: https://bit.ly/4jERmneCreate your custom DJ learning journey, access free lessons, and start levelling up!