Off The Record - The DJ Podcast by Crossfader

Latest Episodes:

Ep 159 Fabric. The Harsh Reality of Being a DJ in 2026 Jul 20, 2026

Show notes

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?

Ep 158 IMS . "The Truth About The DJ Industry Nobody Talks About" Apr 30, 2026

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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.

EP 156. We reviewed DJs Instagram Pages - Olivia Mancuso Apr 02, 2026

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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

EP 155. DJs flexing on instagram doesn't work any more - Olivia Mancuso Feb 26, 2026

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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

Ep 154. 5 Tips to improve your live DJ performance Dec 04, 2025

Show notes

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

Use code : OFFTHERECORD20

For 20% off any DJ Course

Ep 152 - DJing in 2026...Where will you fit in? Nov 18, 2025

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🚨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.

Ep. 151 - There are there too many DJs... How can you stand out? Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

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

Ep. 150 HANA: From touring with Grimes to playing EDC Oct 08, 2025

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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.

Ep. 149 DJ's Dont Need To Worry About These 6 Things Sep 22, 2025

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Join Crossfader for free 👉 get access to lessons, resources, and your own personalised learning journey:

⁠www.wearecrossfader.co.uk

For 20% Off DJ Courses,
Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORD

Every DJ stresses about gear, music, and “perfection”… but most of it doesn’t matter. In this episode of Off The Record DJ Podcast we break down 7 things DJs can finally stop worrying about.

We also share one of the best Reddit stories ever: a wedding that turned into a rave, complete with a bride vs groom sound clash for their first dance. 🔥

Along the way we talk about ADE, our new studio setup (shoutout to RØDE for the podcast gear), and why making mistakes is all part of the DJ journey.)

Ep. 148 What the internet thinks about the CDJ-3000X Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Join Crossfader for free 👉 get access to lessons, resources, and your own personalised learning journey:

⁠⁠www.wearecrossfader.co.uk⁠

For 20% Off DJ Courses, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORD

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?