Coffee with The DJ Coach

Coach Hapa breaks down the biggest barriers he faced when he started DJing in the ‘90s, spoiler alert: vinyl wasn’t cheap. But he also draws a sharp contrast with today’s DJ world, where the challenge isn’t gear or music, it’s clarity and guidance. With thousands of tutorials and tools at your fingertips, it’s easy to get lost in the noise. This episode is a reminder that building a strong foundation is everything, especially if yo...

Hey! In this "Coffee with The DJ Coach" episode, we're tackling two great questions from our community member, Hicks: how to choose past songs the crowd will love and when to switch genres. It's all about "programming"—what you play and when. Join me and Coach Bryy as we discuss organizing tracks into "vibe" and "floor" categories to fit different gig objectives. Plus, we'll share...

In this episode of "Coffee with the DJ Coach," Coach Hapa dives into the essentials for beginner DJs looking to get started. He answers a question from Marci about the best equipment for newbies, emphasizing the importance of starting with what you have and setting a realistic budget. Coach Hapa highlights a variety of DJ controllers like the DDJ FLX 4, Hercules DJ Control Inpulse 500, and Roland DJ 202, all under $500, m...

Welcome back to Coffee with The DJ Coach. In this episode, we continue our conversation with Jacob Mack, a DJ and wellness advocate. Jacob shares some powerful insights into the importance of breath work and mindfulness for DJs. He walks us through pre-show and post-show breathing techniques, highlighting how they can positively impact energy levels, performance, and overall well-being. Join us as we delve into practical strategies...

Welcome to Coffee with the DJ Coach! In this episode, Coach Hapa sits down with the talented Jacob Mack, a DJ and holistic performance coach for DJs who is also passionate about mindfulness. They dive into the importance of mental and physical well-being in the entertainment industry and discuss how to combat burnout and create sustainable habits. Jacob shares his personal journey and the tools he has developed to help fellow DJs t...

Welcome to the latest episode of Coffee with The DJ Coach, where we dive into the essential elements of preparing for your first or next gig. In this episode, host Coach Hapa shares expert advice on how to get gig-ready, whether you're a beginner or a seasoned DJ. He breaks down the importance of communication, skill set, contingency planning, and the power of having a support network. From crafting your track outline to packin...

Welcome to another episode of Coffee with The DJ Coach! In this episode, Coach Hapa and Coach Andre dive into the world of branding for DJs. They tackle the question of how to build a unique DJ brand, with Andre sharing valuable insights as the resident business and branding guru at The DJ Coach. Together, they explore the importance of brand development and the steps to creating a standout brand in the competitive DJ space. From d...

Welcome back to "Coffee With The DJ Coach". In today's episode, Coach Hapa delves into the critical topic of time management. With a focus on the value of time as our most precious resource, he provides insightful guidance on intentional planning, budgeting, and value-based scheduling. Join us for an in-depth exploration of effective time blocking techniques and practical strategies for optimizing our time. This episo...

Hey, welcome back to "Coffee with The DJ Coach"! Today, we've got Coach Hapa talking about an essential topic for all DJs out there - setting your DJ rates. This episode is all about leveling up your business game as a DJ. Hapa shares some really valuable insights into separating equipment costs from talent fees, and he dives deep into the art of setting and negotiating rates. So, if you're a DJ looking to navigat...

Welcome to Coffee with The DJ Coach, where we bring you 10-minute talks to help you level up. In this episode, Coach Hapa discusses the top 5 networking mistakes people often make. From being authentic to listening more than talking, to avoiding the urge to oversell, and being aware of body language, Hapa breaks down the dos and don'ts of networking. He emphasizes the importance of genuine connections and following up with cont...

Hey there! In today's episode, Coach Hapa shares his recent experience with a vinyl-only gig and gives us the lowdown on the world of DJing on vinyl turntables. From the different types of vinyl records to the tools needed, this episode is like a crash course in vinyl DJ 101. So grab your coffee and join us in exploring the unique world of DJing on vinyl.

Vinyl DJ Gig Essentials:

Vinyl Records: Make sure you have a diverse...

Welcome to "Coffee with The DJ Coach", where we're brewing up wisdom for your journey in the music industry. In today's 10-minute chat, host Coach Hapa delves into the delicate balance of mixing personal and business relationships, inspired by a real-life dilemma faced by a mentee. Navigating a romantic falling out with a friend who handles the financials for a DJ gig, sparks a discussion about integrity, professi...

Welcome back! Today we're tackling the hot topic of prerecorded DJ sets, inspired by Deadmau5's take on the matter. Coach Hapa goes deep into the use of tech at festivals, the thrill of live performances, and how it all plays out in smaller venues. We're getting into the nitty-gritty of live mixing versus hitting play, so get ready to brew some coffee and join us for the ride!

But seriously! Where do you liste...

Welcome back to "Coffee With The DJ Coach," Coach Hapa dives into the debate of whether experienced DJs should adapt to new equipment and if newer DJs should explore older gear. The discussion delves into the tendencies of DJs to select equipment based on their budget, influence from other DJs, and familiarity. Hapa challenges listeners to step out of their comfort zones and consider trying different equipment and softwar...

Welcome to "Coffee With The DJ Coach." In this episode, broadcasting from Atlantic City, we're diving into the nuances of "How to Play with Another DJ." Coach Hapa offers a thorough guide on the technical aspects of shared performances, emphasizing the significance of preparation, seamless transitions, and effective communication between DJs. Whether you're an aspiring or experienced DJ, this insightful ...

In this episode, coach Hapa discusses the importance of supporting fellow DJs within the subculture. He emphasizes the importance of unspoken norms and cultural practices in the DJ community, touching on shared experiences, the significance of going out to see other DJs perform, the impact of social media interactions, and the value of offering help and fostering a collaborative mindset instead of a competitive one. Hapa encourages...

In our latest episode, Coach Hapa continues his conversation with his student Luis, delving into the burning question many aspiring DJs have: How do I get to DJ at massive festivals like Tomorrowland, Coachella, EDC, or Lollapalooza? Hapa challenges listeners to ponder their true motivations and goals, emphasizing the importance of understanding the "why" behind their aspirations. As he shares his personal journey of pers...

Welcome to Coffee with the DJ Coach! In this episode, DJ Dynamix joins us to discuss how he prepares for a routine set as a DJ. From identifying the audience and setting goals to testing out material and getting honest feedback, DJ Dynamix shares insights into his creative process. He also provides tips for beginner DJs on experimenting with ideas and fusing different songs seamlessly. Tune in to learn how to take your DJ skills to...

Hey, welcome to this episode of "Coffee With The DJ Coach." This time, Coach Hapa takes us behind the scenes of a chat with one of his students, who's all about making it to the stage at Tomorrowland. They talk about the difference between aiming for that one big gig and building a long-lasting career in the DJ world. You'll hear about setting long-term goals, spotting unexpected opportunities, and how saying yes ...