I spent time with an accomplished DJ and producer today, and as usual, we got deep into the psychology of DJing. There are a few things we always end up circling back to—stuff we wish someone had told us early on: 1. DJing = Real-Time Problem Solving If you’ve ever played vinyl, you’ll get this. Things go out, go wrong, need fixing—live. You’re solving problems in front of a crowd while making it look like you’re...
Alphatheta (Pioneer DJ) integrating Apple Music into Rekordbox marks the first time a primary streaming service with mainstream music rights becomes entirely usable within a professional DJ ecosystem. This could unlock: Huge new music libraries for casual or open-format DJs Easy access to trending tracks for wedding/party DJs Seamless sync between consumer listening and DJ prep Why Beatport Is Worried Beatport’s recent survey about expanding into open-format signals clear pressure. As Apple opens the gates to massive catalogues beyond electronic,...
Let’s get something straight— Books don’t change your life. Taking action after you read one does. Music? Same deal. A song on its own doesn’t change your life. But it does burn itself into your brain, tagging memories so vivid that you can taste the air from that night, feel the bass in your chest, and maybe, just maybe, remember who you were becoming. These are five tracks like that for me. Not because they’re perfect....
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,...
If you've ever seen Steve Aoki perform, you've probably witnessed his now-infamous cake-throwing routine. Aoki, known for his high-energy EDM sets, doesn't just play music—he turns his shows into full-blown entertainment spectacles. And a key part of that spectacle? Hurling full-sized cakes at the audience. It’s ridiculous. It’s messy. And somehow, it works. Why Throw a Cake? Throwing a cake at someone during a DJ set isn't about music—it's about branding. Aoki's cake-throwing has become his signature, something that...
I recently sat down with a senior executive to talk business. He’s worked for major firms like the Financial Times and a well-known taxi company, so he’s seen it all. But while our meeting was set up for professional reasons, our real connection was music. He’s a guitarist. I’m a DJ. And as much as business was on the agenda, our conversation naturally flowed into something deeper: the intersection of work, creativity, and resistance. Here’s what...
Sacrificing Creativity In 2009, I embarked on the journey of running a tech business. Whist it was exciting to become a founder, it demanded sacrifices—most notably, my passions for screenwriting and DJing. As I transitioned, I recall a pivotal moment when a film producer optioned one of my stories. The opportunity to write the screenplay was within reach, but time was not. Choosing the business meant sidelining my creative endeavours, leading to a huge of loss....
The best DJs, producers, and performers don’t just rely on talent—they put in the work. There’s a myth that great performances are effortless, like some kind of magic. But in reality, every flawless mix, seamless transition, and track that hits just right is the result of hours of preparation, experimentation, and refinement. Comedy and DJing: The Art of Rehearsed Spontaneity Comedians are a perfect example. Everything they do is heavily researched, practiced, and honed. Even their "mistakes"...
Humans have emotions to help us survive, communicate, and adapt to our environment. But emotions don’t just guide our primal instincts—they also define the way we experience music. As DJs, we tap into emotions not only to craft our sets but also to connect with audiences on a deeper level. Survival and Emotions in DJing Emotions have always played a survival role, influencing fight, flight, and freeze responses. While DJing isn’t a life-or-death scenario, our emotions...
Warning: This is a bit woo-woo, but it works. Being an artist is tough. Being a successful one—both artistically and commercially—is even tougher. It requires you to engage a part of your brain that may not come naturally: being process-oriented, consistent with content marketing, and structured in how you manage your outreach. Art Alone Is Not Enough Pablo Picasso is estimated to have created around 147,800 works of art, including paintings, prints, sculptures, and ceramics. Here’s a...