This is a moment that we look forward to each year. The Annual is now a deeply-ingrained When We Dip tradition that gives us a moment to look back on the year past and an opportunity to gaze to the future with insights from an array of leading artists, managers, agents, promoters and other leading industry figures.
After a number of turbulent years, 2022 offered a chance for the music and live industry to get firmly back on its feet. Now, with things changing faster than ever, it is a new world with new challenges and new opportunities.
Thank you to all our readers and supporters this year, we look forward to accompanying you on your journey in music throughout 2023. But first, it’s time to close the book one another unique chapter in time, we are very happy to present The Annual 2022!
ARTISTS
SÉBASTIEN LÉGER
One thing you’ve learned in 2022?
That I’m not 20 years old anymore, and I really have to slow down my touring, it’s not healthy, physically and mentally.
2022 Track of the year?
Opening my Rekordbox, checking the DJ Play Count tab, most played track from 2022 is Sebastien Leger & Tim Green – Duel. So I guess this is my track of the year 2022.
Your standout moment of 2022?
I’m terrible at this. I barely remember where I was last week !
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
My friend Roy Rosenfeld is doing a great job, he’s not a newcomer, but the tracks that are upcoming from himself are seriously too good for not mentioning him.
To make it in music in 2023, you must…
Constant on quality and focused on your plans. Work hard in the studio, make the best music you can, release only the very best, with the very best people, be interesting and different, and make your social media worth looking at for your fans. Nobody gives a shit of your selfies next to your pool in Ibiza, your music is way more important than your cocktails. At least for me.
FUR COAT
One thing you’ve learned in 2022?
In 2022 I’ve learned and applied the process to keep me inspired in the studio, it’s all about constancy and the habit of practice. Inspiration doesn’t come if you’re not practicing. My goal is to be in the studio for at least a couple of hours, just jamming. You never know when a great idea can come, and from there become a track. Been working a lot in the mixdowns of my tracks also, the technical side is very important, and it’s always a goal to keep improving. There is always something new to learn.
2022 Track of the year?
Wow, that’s a hard one, got to say there is so much talent, specially on the artists I’ve signed to Oddity. One of my favorite ones, and that always killed the dancefloor, is Armonica – Daydream.
Your standout moment of 2022?
Extrema Outdoor and We Can Dance Festival were two of the highlights of my summer.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
Definitely one of my favorites, Final Request. Some surprises from him coming on Oddity and more.
To make it in music in 2023, you must…
Be yourself and don’t put limits on what you are doing, hit that studio as much as you can, because with all the digital technology we have nowadays, everyone can make a big record from their bedroom.
JEREMY OLANDER
One thing you’ve learned in 2022?
How important it is to have healthy routines both on and off tour.
2022 Track of the year?
Fred Again – Danielle (smile on my face)
Your standout moment of 2022?
Doing the first-ever electronic event at the Stockholm City Hall. Such an amazing venue with so much history.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
OLING and MOLØ.
To make it in music in 2023, you must…
Be guided by passion and surround yourself with people you trust.
MARC ROMBOY
One thing you’ve learned in 2022?
That it´s never to late to make good friends which happened recently with Timo Maas. Of course we have known and respected each other for a long time but a common friend, André Winter, introduced us and it made click instantly. The result was an amazing b2b set before X-Mas and a release we are working on at the moment.
2022 Track of the year?
The Josh Wink remix of my track ‘Belgium’, a crazy crazx remix with an energy level of 11/10, love it so much.
Your standout moment of 2022?
Without any question the second when I finished my live show at Wembley Arena in October. Carl Cox and his team organized this unforgettable event there and I had the joy to play right before him. This moment when people cheered was very satisfiyng after the covid break.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
Oh, this will be Toto Chiavetta without a doubt. I have listened already to some of his album tracks and he made a fantastic remix of ‘Intelligence’, one track of my forthcoming album on Awesome Soundwave. This gentle fellow makes crazy tunes that are right up my alley for sure.
To make it in music in 2023, you must…
…have the power to imagine how great a track can work during a show, although you are sitting in the studio room alone and it´s so hard to enter this mindset. Sometimes it works for me and sometimes it doesn’t. So you only need the patience to wait for the special moment.
KLAUDIA GAWLAS
One thing you’ve learned in 2022?
Being more relaxed in many ways.
2022 Track of the year?
Yves Deruyter – ‘Ravers United’ [YDR Records]
Your standout moment of 2022?
Luckily, I had many of them this year. But the most emotional for me, was Tomorrowland. It was such a packed crowd, the vibe was insane, electric. We had to stop entry to where I was playing, as it was so busy! That was an amazing feeling. Thanks to all my amazing fans.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
For me, it would be Joyhauser. They had one track this year which I loved so much. It has a lot of feeling to it, and it also works as a techno track on the dancefloor. I will be watching to see what they do next year for sure.
To make it in music in 2023, you must…
To be a good all-rounder. Never forget your passion in life, and do what you love the most, and for me that’s always music.
KHEN
One thing you’ve learned in 2022?
How to be more efficient in the studio and not get stuck on small details.
2022 Track of the year?
Eli Nissan – Snow Tiger
Your standout moment of 2022?
My Argentina tour was very special. Great energy and beautiful people everywhere.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
Juan Yarin is a phenomenal producer.
To make it in music in 2023, you must…
Have fun, go away from trends, and work hard 🙂
AUDIOFLY
One thing you’ve learned in 2022?
Anthony: Always add 2 hours to your travel time since COVID.
Luca: Real love can come in the most unexpected places and can truly transform your whole life
2022 Track of the year?
Anthony: Quenum & Dachshund ’Speechless’
Luca: Liva K & Atsou (feat Starving Yet Full) – ‘Deja Vu’ (Avangart Tablot Remix)
Your standout moment of 2022?
Anthony: Dancing like crazy behind Dubfire at Get Lost Off Sonar like I wasn’t a DJ
Luca: Playing the closing set at Gardens Of Babylon in Amsterdam during ADE, to a packed crowd was an absolute highlight for me.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
Anthony: Bartolomeo. Underground. No selling out. Musically educated and an excellent producer who’s quite elegant behind the decks.
Luca: Avangart Tablot. A duo out of Turkey who are making excellent music right now. Their latest remix of Livi K which I shared above, is just another level!
To make it in music in 2023, you must…
Anthony: Carefully divide your time between travelling, performing, inner world and creativity.
Luca: Have a good idea and develop it in a way that talks to people.
D-NOX
One thing you’ve learned in 2022?
I moved out of the city into the country side and this has giving me all I every wanted, a move I should have done long time ago.
2022 Track of the year?
K3V & Jayy Vibes – Kingdom of Dreams (Juan Ibanez Remix)
Your standout moment of 2022?
To play at Boom Festival in Portugal, must have been the most amazing gathering of people from all over the world that I have experienced in my 30 years as a dj. Pure energy of love and unity.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
Mike Griego
To make it in music in 2023, you must…
Believe in what u do and be authentic and better every time u do it.
COSMIC BOYS
One thing you’ve learned in 2022?
We lost the world cup hahaha Bravo to Argentina and especially to Messi, an example of personality and work.
2022 Track of the year?
Cosmic Boys – I’m A Robot on Drumcode
Your standout moment of 2022?
The great moment we remember is when we decided to organize a fundraising for an association “Une Lueur d’Espoir Pour Louane” during our LEGEND event at the Pérols’ arena this summer. Everyone presents participated without knowing it. It was an important moment for us because we were able to give a little help to this family and this little girl to help them in their daily life, we hope so!
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
Demon Noise is an Argentinian artist that we like a lot. We played a lot of his music during our sets. Listen to his track ‘Losing Control’ on our label Legend:
To make it in music in 2023, you must…
A lot of determination, hard work and regularity in music and social networks which have an important role today.
GORJE HEWEK
One thing you’ve learned in 2022?
Rather once again convinced that everything is possible and everything can become a reality.
2022 Track of the year?
Not easy to take one, this year was really colourful and bright for hits, but this definitely one them.
Your standout moment of 2022?
Debut EP on Watergate records, I liked absolutely everything, how it turned out – production, reaction and after taste.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
Maz (from Brazil) – very talented in all aspects and pleasant as a person. I wish him only success and conquering new heights. I will definitely follow him in 2023.
To make it in music in 2023, you must…
Like someone said earlier “muse never comes in an empty studio”
JOYCE MUNIZ
One thing you’ve learned in 2022?
One of the things that I learned in 2022 was that sometimes you have to take a risk.
When I decided to launch a label just to release my new album ‘Zeitkapsel’ I got a little afraid. Even though I had all kinds of label possibilities I thought it’s time to take the risks and do it on my own. It’s a new challenge but it feels good to be able to do things that I always wanted to do, and I don’t have to ask anyone for permission. This album is so diverse musically. I am finally able to bring an album out with all kinds of genres that I like. It’s exciting.
2022 Track of the year?
Kungs & Boys Noize – ‘Fashion’
Your standout moment of 2022?
It was to finish my new album Zeitkapsel which is out in 2023.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
My friends the German duo Local Suicide have been releasing great music on their new label Iptameno Discos. I am really looking forward to music from them in 2023. One of my favourite tracks is this great Arabic, disco bass tune with Theus Mago.
To make it in music in 2023, you must…
Make a Tik Tok account 😊
AVISION
One thing you’ve learned in 2022?
Never take life for granted, time moves fast and it’s important to try and enjoy every moment.
2022 Track of the year?
Avision feat. Strafe ‘Party Started’ – almost every show I have played this year I had a request to from someone to play this track. It seems like I can’t get away from this one! LOL
Your standout moment of 2022?
I think my standout moment of this year was playing in Europe this fall (October). The overall season was such a ‘high’ moment for me and I hit a lot of cities for the first time. One that stands out for me, was when I was playing at T7 in Paris. I remember playing one of my records called ’Contrast’ and looking over my right seeing the Eiffel Tower through the glass windows lighting up. It was definitely a “pinch me” moment.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
One artist I’ll be watching in 2022 is Xander. I collaborated with him on my album that dropped at the end of last year. He is definitely one of my favorite up-and-coming artists coming out of New York.
To make it in music in 2023, you must…
Have your own identity, don’t follow a trend to fit in. Build your own sound, and the rest should follow. Also, document your journey as its good for that content we all need nowadays! 😊
BORA UZER
One thing you’ve learned in 2022?
It’s hard to pinpoint one answer or one thing, but I’m a person who likes to learn and grow constantly as it should be. For me to achieve that I must always dive into the unknown. So I have discovered new ways to cook with new recipes, new ways to produce music with new technologies, new instruments. Also, being a father and a friend to many is a constant learning curve. Basically, these are some of the areas where I’ve been growing in 2022.
2022 Track of the year?
It’s impossible for me to pick up one track!! There were so many great tracks in 2022 !!
Your standout moment of 2022?
So many highlights. Some of my favorites were playing Off-Sonar with Dynamic, Tropico Festival in Mexico, BOMA in Sao Paulo. Not to mention my summer residency at Blue Marlin in Ibiza, and Scorpios in Mykonos. We had some incredible nights.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
Mochakk
To make it in music in 2023, you must
Be true to yourself and to your vision… and don’t ever stop.
AZZECCA
One thing you’ve learned in 2022?
Sleep is incredibly valuable!! I’ve also learned to trust myself and to stop comparing my sound and my style to other artists.
2022 Track of the year?
This is tough. ‘Dream Pop’ by Earth Trax is definitely my top track.
Your standout moment of 2022?
2022 has been full of so many special moments it’s hard to pick one. I think releasing my first track has to take the top moment.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
I’m really into Jasper Tygner and looking forward to seeing what he does in 2023. This mix is a big vibe https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dPku82bGi1M&themeRefresh=1
To make it in music in 2023, you must…
Stop trying to follow trends. Take risks and be a bit more experimental with your music. I think the post-covid era of cookie cutter tech-house is ending and people are really looking for music that makes them feel things again.
DAVID CASTELLANI
One thing you’ve learned in 2022?
The most important thing in this industry is nurturing personal relationships. We are an underground scene that is based on friendship, respect and hard work. Without these, you’re career will be short lived.
2022 Track of the year?
I’m a bit biased here but for me it’s ‘Requiem (Etapp Kyle Remix)’ out on Noetic. I strongly believe Etapp is one of the smartest producers in techno and Requiem is a prime example.
Your standout moment of 2022?
My ‘Metanoia’ stream in collaboration with a Mixmag was a special moment for me in 2022. It took some amazing people and a lot of work for it to all come together as it did. If you haven’t yet, check it out.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
Already on fire, Colin Benders is one of the most interesting artists on the scene right now. His provocative live shows are phenomenal and he’s someone I always turn to for knowledge and inspiration.
To make it in music in 2023, you must
In a world full of so many talented artists, being successful first and foremost means having deep passion for what you do. If you’re heart and head aren’t fully in it, you’ll have a tough time. It takes focus, persistence, experience and, most of all, love for the music you’re making. If you don’t live and breath the music, you won’t have the stamina and stride to see it through.
AIR JACKSON
One thing you’ve learned in 2022?
I learned that forcing creativity is pointless as the end product will reflect that you weren’t in the right headspace. With a packed work and family schedule I would often force myself into the studio late at night and that’s when I’m least creative and I found myself just mixing & editing what I had already laid down rather than coming up with new ideas. What I started doing in 2022 is getting into the studio very early in the morning when my brain was most active and only when I really felt the creative urge and not simply because I felt that I had to make progress on my release schedule. I probably spend less time in the studio now but I feel that the output is much stronger and my workflow much quicker.
2022 Track of the year?
There was so much good music released in 2022, an insane amount, but there is one track springging to mind that did real damage in my sets every time and that was ‘Loving You’ by Irish DJ & Producer Cromby. It’s an amazing ravey dance floor monster released at the start of 2022 on Erol Alkan’s Phantasy records. I can see myself playing that record for years to come.
Your standout moment of 2022?
This is a tough one as there were 2 major milestones for me in 2022. The first was playing my biggest show to date to thousands of people, closing out Saturday night in the big tent for Secret Society @ Beyond the Pale festival. The second was a very memorable weekend in Amsterdam playing a very cool party called Under Construction at Club Atelier. I had the late slot in the main room and the crowd were very up for a genre journey which is where I like to take my sets. I spent a long weekend in Amsterdam with a group of close friends and it was such a nice vibe to play and hang out again in my former home town.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
I’m going to go local here as there is an insane amount of talent coming out of Ireland at the moment, I think the next DJ that deserves super kudos is SHEE / David Sheerin from Kerry in Ireland. His productions and DJ sets are a lot of fun and I’m starting to see his tracks appear in sets globally. He’s definitely one to watch. Internationally, keep an eye on Ghoulish who’s a UK Garage and Drum & Bass producer who is bringing a very strong game at the moment.
To make it in music in 2023, you must…
Break the generic template, try new things and don’t be afraid to be different. There is far too much cookie cutter electronic music at the moment and it’s the same 10 ideas being regurgitated over and over on dance floor records. Try and make your arrangement unpredictable and interesting, this often gets the best crowd reaction as people aren’t anticipating every drop. Also don’t be afraid to make music that doesn’t work on a dance floor. That’s also perfectly fine.
INDUSTRY
LEAH FORD (Artist Agent @ Liaison Artists)
2022 Track of the year?
My track of the year is ‘NTO, Tricky – Loving You Like Always (Innellea Remix)’
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
I’ll be watching ANZ. She is an up-n-coming DJ / producer from London, who has an upbeat, UK funk sound. She has already released a couple of EP’s on Ninja Tune, and am very excited to see what she gets up to next year.
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
I hope to see more changes that bring more diversity to line ups. There have been some strides made, but I hope to see more established DJs requesting POC, LGBTQ, or female DJs to open for them. Along, with party goers getting to the event early enough to discover someone new and show them support.
To make it in music in 2023, you must…?
To make it in music in 2023 you must have a lot of patience. Take your time and learn all aspects of the music industry so you can find out what works best for you, and what division you enjoy working in. So much has changed in this industry since covid, so taking your time to gain knowledge about the business and meeting the right people can be very beneficial.
JULIAN PRINCE (Founder @ SXM Festival)
2022 Track of the year?
I think Blondish and Francis Mercier popped it with Sete! All the feels were in this one!
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
I think Demi Requisimo is gonna conquer lots of heads.
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
More integrity and commitment towards green initiatives. We all have to party responsibly and we need to keep the community together with such values. Artists are the best ambassadors.
To make it in music in 2023, you must…?
Wear lots of hats… I’m sure many of us envy musicians who built a career on music only, but all landscapes grow and music is always at the forefront of expressing communal psychology and social behaviors. Music makes the present amazing, makes you travel in the past, and also predicts the future.
JON SAX (Artist Agent @ Liaison Artists)
2022 Track of the year?
‘Tell Me (Original Mix)’ by Rene Wise. Versatile techno track with cool, rhythmic vocals that made its way into plenty of workouts and travel playlists.
One event you’ll be attending in 2023?
Movement Festival in Detroit, Michigan. May 27-29.
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
More camaraderie and compassion. Safer events and dance floors.
To make it in music in 2023, you must…?
Familiarize yourself with all the technology that’s available to you. Embrace change. Anticipate problems so you’re prepared to solve them. Don’t sweat your failures; use them as learning experiences to fuel improvements and success.
ALEX DREWNIAK (Artist Manager @ BC DGTL / Co-Founder @ Vivrant)
2022 Track of the year?
This year was a great year for music release-wise. There was quality stuff being dropped virtually every week, and it was evident the pandemic allowed producers to have a different level of focus. I’d have to say ‘IZA’ by map.ache and ‘Murphy’ by Jeremy Olander.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
Kilig.
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
I could write a paper on this topic, but renewed investment and focus on small-capacity venues with the help of government funding (Culture Box in Copenhagen is one good example). This is absolutely essential to building talent on a grass root level and our scene will be immensely hurt if this doesn’t happen. We also need greater transparency and disintermediation in all value chains, which is the primary reason why Web3 is such a game changer for music. We also need even more increased focus on reasonable touring routines and mental health.
To make it in music in 2023, you must…?
Realize the music business is incredibly dynamic and you can’t model your strategy based on how one specific artist you like came up 5 years ago. Realize there are rules to the game that are rewritten all the time, and you need to learn them before you can break them on your own terms. This is a big undertaking for an artists, so you need a team that you can truly trust. This is not a one man or women show.
Most importantly; be humble and be kind. Careers will ebb and flow, and the people you meet you on your way up will be there when you have a dip.
LYDIA LAWS (Founder & Director @ Lydia Laws PR)
2022 Track of the year?
Lawrence Hart ‘A Deeper Love’ (Attack Decay Sweet Release). I honestly can’t get enough of this track, it’s currently doing the rounds with UK radio tastemakers. It’s a glorious slice of synthy breaksy goodness. I love music that gets you moving no matter where you hear it but that also arouses all the emotions, and Lawrence is a maestro at that.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
Azzecca – she’s from Chicago and has been bubbling up over the summer, she’s releasing on Higher Ground and just played her debut fabric and Printworks shows. She runs her own ‘Dirty Disco’ parties in Chicago too. I just love her and am excited to see what she does in 2023.
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
A more sustainable music scene becoming the norm instead of a novelty. It’s been a hot topic for the last few years but I’d love to see it become fully part of day to day logistics… instead of planning one-off gigs on the other side of the world, let’s encourage and help venues and promoters to be more eco friendly, eg electric cars/hybrids for transfers/airport pickups, no single use plastic, request flights using sustainable aviation fuel… this is something that we should all be looking into, especially those using private jets.
To make it in music in 2023, you must… ?
Do your homework – figure out who you are. What’s your brand? Who is your audience? What music do you want to make? It’s so important to be clear about what sort of impact you want to have in the industry.
MANON KRIM BENQUE (Assitant & Label Manager @ Cosmic Boys / Legend Audio)
2022 Track of the year?
Little Hero by Cosmic Boys & T78. This track is epic, with a mix between their two universes. I love it.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
Cosmic Boys of course, many big projects are in preparation for 2023 on their label Legend among others. Big tours are also in preparation all over the world.
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
The electronic music scene is already changing. Doors are opening for newcomers thanks to the big labels that are putting them in the spotlight. This is a crucial role in the evolution of the scene worldwide.
The industry is also changing a lot because today an artist must not only make “good music”, he must also be a content creator on social networks. A different organization is created around that. Artists have to be even more multi-skilled in their activities and creativity. Artists’ managers also have to follow this evolution and improve their marketing skills which is a very busy communication plan to integrate all the news of the artists and think to constantly stand out because it’s one of the keys for promoters with streaming statistics.
Concerning the shows, things are evolving well, the stages are getting bigger, the festivals are more and more varied and offer unique experiences for the public. On this side, we can trust the promoters who always try to do better from year to year.
If I have to point out a change, it would be to be able to give a new life to the clubs which suffered a lot during the Covid…
To make it in music in 2023, you must…?
Have your own style and identity. Identity is the key to everything for me Then knowing how to highlight it on social networks and being able to associate and/or create a label that reflects and carries this identity through a universe.
WILLIAM REED (Founder @ Mainline PR)
2022 Track of the year?
In terms of Mainline PR, the biggest track we worked on in 2022 was the collaboration between UMEK, Popof, and Space 92 called ‘Control’. Also, I’ve been enjoying the 2022 vinyl repress of Steffi and Virginia’s classic track ‘Yours’. I know that technically it’s not a new release, but it’s a track I’ve played a lot in 2022.
One artist you’ll be watching in 2023?
This is a hard one, if we are talking about our Mainline PR clients or artists that regularly get signed to the record labels we work with, then Mha iri seems someone who is hotly tipped for 2023, as each of her new releases always has a lot of hype around it.
In terms of people outside of those we work with via Mainline PR. I think La La from Rinse FM, as I’ve listened to her show for quite a while after it randomly played when another set finished on SoundCloud. She plays a lot of classics that I own on vinyl and has the techy style of underground house that I’ve always enjoyed. I’d previously mentioned her to a few people and no one had ever heard of her. Although recently, I’ve had lots of people start recommending her to me, which is a sign she is building up a solid fanbase.
Others I’d recommend are Kerrie from Manchester, as she is someone who I’ve known for a long time and helped out with some production tips when she first started making music. She is way more talented than me now and I’d ask her for tips rather than the other way round lol.
Rene Wise I also want to mention, as I first discovered him as a producer a couple of years ago and have since discovered what a talented DJ he is. These days he is already quite well-known, but he strikes me as an artist that’s going to become a genre leader in a few years.
What changes do you hope to see in a rebuilt music industry and in future shows?
The pandemic hit the electronic music industry harder than others, as there are lots of parts to the industry other than nightclubs, festivals and dance floors. Electronic music is often referred to as dance music for a reason and the end result is to unite people with the shared experience of dancing. Whether dancing with a small group of friends or thousands of strangers, it’s a shared experience that brings people together and electronic music is often made specifically for DJs to play in their sets.
Although the industry did limp on through the pandemic, the closure of clubs and not being able to gather in groups had a knock-on effect that eventually trickled down to everyone. Producers lost motivation to make music, DJs lost their income and had to find other sources of work, which meant less new music and a reduced need for the supporting businesses that provided things like promotion, management and distribution. Not to mention the nightclub owners who were arguably hit the hardest, due to their continued overheads having to be paid despite there being no income to cover costs.
2022 has still had a bit of a hangover from the pandemic and the last 12 months have still been a little bit quieter than it has been before the lockdowns, but as the year progressed things went from strength to strength.
Some of the old-guard have been tailing off, which has left some space for innovative new record labels and producers to shine. The pandemic exposed how fragile the music industry can be, but also the resilience of those who have a passion for music.
At this point, I think we need to continue as we are and support emerging artists that are helping to grow the world’s electronic music scene. Also, acknowledge the events that are pushing boundaries and not just booking the obvious headliners.
Many of us are still recovering from the pressures of the pandemic, so need to make sure we can walk before we run and that we don’t forget how lucky we are to be working in this industry.
To make it in music in 2023, you must…?
These days, it seems that a DJ career has limitations unless that person also produces music.
One bit of advice, is to get established as possible within the local nightclub scene of your hometown, as playing to a dance floor full of people on a large sound system is very different from practicing at home. These days just being a DJ rarely gets someone noticed outside of your local scene unless there is something really innovative happening within their sets.
Producing music is what opens someone up to a global audience, as stores such as Beatport can be accessed from all parts of the world, so a big hit on there can make you a global success overnight. It’s this point where having the DJ skills from your local scene come into play, as you can walk into a nightclub having the confidence to smash your set. It’s much harder to make the transition from the bedroom to a nightclub when you are already the headliner, as there is a lot more scrutiny and a bigger expectation from the dance floor.
There is no single way to find success but set your own goals, as not everyone wants to be successful as someone like Carl Cox. It’s also fine to make music just for fun and DJ without plans for it to become a career.
PR and promotion help get music into the hands of the right people and if you want a career in electronic music, at some point it’s something you will likely need to consider. Even if it’s just for someone to start taking over mundane tasks that stop you focusing on making music or being a better DJ. Once a career starts to take off, long flights and lots of traveling take their toll, and sometimes it’s hard to find time to focus on music. So, lots of successful artists pay people to manage social media, reply to emails, handle their schedule and promote their gigs/releases.
Also, there is no one way to find success, for some people it’s a long and drawn-out process that takes years of persistence and resilience pushing the same sound, but for others it’s an overnight flash in the pan. The only thing that’s usually the same in all instances, is that once success finds you, it’s important to maintain a steady momentum with gigs and releases, as this industry has a short memory and there is always someone else ready to become the next flavour of the month.
Most importantly, stay positive, and keep focusing on the big picture of what you want your end goal to be.