Essel joins us to share her wild journey from dancing and cruise ships to Ibiza residencies, Beatport number ones, and touring the world. In this unfiltered conversation, she opens up about:

• Starting out in Ibiza with zero plan

• Why networking in the DJ industry feels fake

• Buying followers to get noticed

• The highs and lows of Beatport chart success

• Her struggles with social media and pressure

• Using strategy (and a meme page!) to break tracks

If you’re an aspiring DJ or producer, this episode is full of raw truths, laughs, and lessons from someone who’s lived i

From bedroom DJ to building platforms that power the global dance scene - Oskar (DONT BLINK / 1001Tracklists / Songstats) has transformed the way DJs and artists grow their careers.As a teenager, he grew a YouTube channel to 1M+ subscribers, then became a resident DJ in Shanghai, playing alongside Chris Lake and Benny Benassi. He later got involved with 1001Tracklists, the go-to database for DJ setlists, and launched Songstats, the real-time analytics app that alerts artists when their tracks are played or playlisted.Oskar is also half of the duo DONT BLINK, known for tech-house hits like VIBTATION and high-energy global sets.Songstats is offering the Crossfader community an exclusive 10% lifetime discount! Use code CROSSFADER10 or the link below:https://songstats.com/app?ref=CROSSFADER10

Win A DJ Set On A Main Stage @ Rise Festival -https://app.wearecrossfader.co.uk/risefestival

In this episode, we break down the real steps DJs need to take to land festival gigs — and how to make the most of them once you're booked.We start by explaining why we’re launching a DJ competition, then walk through 7 key steps every DJ must follow to level up and land on festival lineups like Tomorrowland, Creamfields, or local stages.💡 Whether you're just starting out or hitting a ceiling in your DJ journey, this episode is packed with no-fluff advice from people who’ve seen it happen — and helped others get there.00:00 DJ On A Main Stage At Rise Festival05:4 Step 1: Build Your Identity as a DJ11:24 Step 2: Create a Real Fanbase17:00 Step 3: Make Music That Matches the Stage22:35 Step 4: Understand the Politics of Booking28:14 Step 5: Get Cosigned by the Right People34:02 Step 6: Build Genuine Industry Relationships40:12 Step 7: What to Do Once You’re Booked