Like a lot of DJs I meet, their careers often feel a bit haphazard—full of bursts of intense learning and growth, followed by long droughts and uncertainty. We evolve alongside technology (vinyl to digital), mature through genres, and ride the rhythm of life—oscillating between periods of going out and staying in. I used to think success in DJing came down to two things: the work you put in and the people you meet. And yeah,...
Open Decks are one of the best ways to connect with other DJs, try out new music, and support the scene. In London, they’re everywhere—from gritty basements to rooftop bars, and each one has its own energy depending on the promoter, crowd, and time of day. Some of my favourite Open Decks: London Sound Academy Networking – good vibes, great talent, and loads of networking. Patchouli Deep Open Decks – beautiful energy, usually leaning toward organic and...
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...
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...