Off The Record - The DJ Podcast by Crossfader

Off 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 DJ

• Building a business mode...

🎧 Off the Record: How to Follow a Bad Headliner + Calvin Harris vs Chicane Beef

In this week’s episode, the Crossfader crew dives into one of the trickiest DJ scenarios: how to take over the decks after a bad headliner—or a DJ who just doesn’t match the vibe. Expect industry insights, real-life stories, and tips every DJ should know.

We also get into:

• The Calvin Harris vs. Chicane controversy over a claimed piano riff copy

• Legenda...

How 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 beef

• Reddit dra...

👉 Join Crossfader for free and start your DJ journey today: ⁠⁠https://bit.ly/4jERmne⁠⁠

In this special episode of Off the Record, we're coming to you from the stunning Hyde Hotel in Ibiza during the International Music Summit (IMS).

We dive deep into the 2024 IMS Industry Report, breaking down key insights on the rise of genres like Drum & Bass and Afro House, the SoundCloud resurgence, and why building your own DJ community is...

This week on Off The Record, we’re joined by the unstoppable force that is Will Clarke — Grammy-nominated DJ, producer, and host of one of the most honest podcasts in dance music.⁠

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From DJing at a caravan park at age 9 to playing Coachella, Will shares his unfiltered journey — the wins, the burnout, the broken promises from labels, and why being a DJ today is more complex than ever.⁠

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🔥 We talk:⁠

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Why he nearly quit music altogether...

Apple Music has officially entered the DJ game – and it’s changing everything. In this episode, we dive into the groundbreaking integration of Apple Music with top DJ platforms like Serato, rekordbox, Engine DJ, and Algoriddim. What does this mean for DJs at all levels? Is this the future of music discovery and performance, or are there risks to relying on streaming in live settings?

We break down:
✅ How DJs can now access over 100 m...

In this raw and unfiltered episode of the Off The Record DJ Podcast, Chapter & Verse returns to share the brutal realities of the DJ industry. From fighting for festival slots at Tomorrowland and Creamfields to dealing with gatekeeping, industry politics, and endless rejections, he reveals how hard it really is to make it as a DJ—and why most fail.

We dive deep into:
✅ Why fanbase growth beats production talent in 2024
✅ The toxic...

In this ep, we speak to Mixcloud CEO Nico Perez about how Mixcloud can help you get gigs and earn money. Learn more about the opportunities Mixcloud offers for DJs and artists!Website & DJ Courses🚨 For 20% Off, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORD at ⁠⁠https://wearecrossfader.co.ukTimestamps:00:00 Intro – Guest: Nico Perez01:00 The DJ creator economy02:30 Mixcloud’s role in DJing04:15 Key features of Mixcloud06:20 Solving copyright issues...

We speak to Sabion Paid, who has risen through the ranks quickly!From learning to DJ with Crossfader to supporting James Hype, this is a story about persistence and taking opportunities.Follow Sabion: https://www.instagram.com/sabionpaid/🚨

Website & DJ Courses🚨 For 20% Off, Use Code: 20OFFTHERECORD at ⁠⁠https://wearecrossfader.co.uk

Timestamps

00:00 Intro – Meeting Sabian on tour

01:10 How Sabian discovered DJing

02:45 Lea...

Join us for an exclusive deep dive into the career of R3WIRE – DJ, producer, and label manager at Stereohype. From his early days as a resident DJ to dominating the decks on party islands across the world, R3WIRE shares how he built his career and developed his signature high-energy style. We explore his transition into working with James Hype, how he became label manager of Stereohype, and what it takes to get your track signed t...

In this episode of Off The Record, we sit down with DJ Andy Purnell to discuss his journey from club residencies to touring the world with top artists.

Andy shares insights on building a DJ career, working with brands like NBA and Gumball 3000, and adapting in the ever-changing DJ landscape.

He also dives into his viral DJ content, the power of networking, and his experience as a tour DJ for Central Cee.

Plus, we talk about h...

This week, we sat down with none other than James Hype, one of the most electrifying DJs and producers in the game.

From sleeping on a studio floor to headlining massive festivals, James shares his raw, unfiltered journey to becoming a global sensation. 🌍

We dive deep into his humble beginnings as a resident DJ, the risks he took to leave residencies behind, and the smoke-and-mirrors strategy that skyrocketed his career.

Jame...