Maxims on the Mix
In life and in DJing, we all have values—things we stand for. But when the booth lights are up and the crowd is vibing, what actually keeps us grounded is something smaller: maxims.
These are bite-sized beliefs that shape how we show up. For me, they’re little reminders that help me stay sharp, generous, and true to the vibe I want to create. Sure, I’ve got business values like People First and Grow or Die, but in the music world, I live by a different set of micro-mantras:
- Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t—you’re right. (Henry Ford)
- You make your own sunshine. (my philosophy)
- Worry about the energy, not your ego.
Today I spoke to a brilliant Irish team who’ve built something fresh and creative. They dropped two maxims that hit me hard:
- There are no stupid questions.
- No bad news after 4pm.
That second one is genius.
How many times have you had your flow killed by a stress bomb at the wrong time? In a DJ context, it’s like someone telling you your USB’s corrupted just as you’re about to play a headline set. Not helpful. Hold it, breathe, deliver with care.
Maxims matter in music too. Some of my coaching clients have come up with their own:
- Dance like no one’s watching, mix like everyone is.
- Headphones on, ego off.
- One dodgy transition does not a bad set make.
And in the broader scene?
- Dixon is rumoured to have said: “Never play to the crowd—play with them.”
- Black Coffee lives the maxim: “The energy you give is the energy you get.”
So if you’re building your DJ identity, don’t just think about your brand or sound—think about your maxims. The phrases that keep you in flow, keep you kind, keep you pushing.
This was a little riff for a Friday—but it reminded me that behind every great artist is a great inner dialogue. What’s yours?
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