Ep 142. How to Build a DJ Brand That Actually Grows

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 - Oskar (DONT 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 got involved with 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.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

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.💡 Whether you're just starting out or hitting a ceiling in your DJ journey, this episode is packed with no-fluff advice from people who’ve seen it happen — and helped others get there.00:00 DJ On A Main Stage At Rise Festival05:4 Step 1: Build Your Identity as a DJ11:24 Step 2: Create a Real Fanbase17:00 Step 3: Make Music That Matches the Stage22:35 Step 4: Understand the Politics of Booking28:14 Step 5: Get Cosigned by the Right People34:02 Step 6: Build Genuine Industry Relationships40:12 Step 7: What to Do Once You’re Booked

🎧 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.Use code: OFFTHERECORD20 for 20% Off Any DJ Course www.wearecrossfader.co.uk

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.