Ep.76 - " DJing isn't a career choice if you want to make loads of money " ANNABEL Special Guest
Oct 23, 2023
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Annabel, an experienced DJ, shares her journey of persistence and authenticity in building her brand. Topics include DJing on Twitch, the challenges of the industry, the importance of social media, and the reality of making money as a DJ. The hosts also discuss the game Crossway, finding favorite tracks, travel experiences, and the benefits of working independently.
Building a personal brand through consistent social media presence and engagement is crucial for DJs to connect with their audience and grow their brand.
Utilizing platforms like TikTok, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp can help DJs expand their repertoire with unique edits and remixes, enriching their DJing style.
Diversifying income streams and forming brand partnerships are essential for DJs to secure their financial stability in the challenging industry.
The journey of a DJ is filled with obstacles and challenges, but perseverance, adaptability, and networking can lead to successful gigs and exciting opportunities.
Deep dives
Annabelle's Journey into Full-Time DJing
Annabelle shares her journey into DJing full-time, starting with her initial doubts and taking a chance on Twitch streaming. She discusses the challenges she faced in the early stages and the importance of building a personal brand through social media. Annabelle emphasizes the need for consistency in content creation and leveraging platforms like TikTok to gain exposure. She also highlights the value of diversifying income streams and expanding into commercial gigs and brand partnerships. Despite the ups and downs, Annabelle's dedication and persistence have led to exciting opportunities and a successful summer of gigs.
Building a Global Dance Music Sound
Annabelle describes her current DJing sound as 'global dance music' encompassing various genres like afro house, ballet funk, dancehall house, and more. She credits TikTok, SoundCloud, and Bandcamp as essential platforms for finding edits and unique remixes to incorporate into her sets. Annabelle shares her passion for playing edits, which allows her to take familiar songs and repurpose them for a fresh and exciting dance floor experience. While she acknowledges the importance of adapting her sound to different crowds, she values the versatility and genre-hopping nature of her DJing style.
Content Creation and the Importance of Personal Branding
Annabelle discusses the significance of content creation in her DJing career and the role it plays in building her personal brand. She highlights the impact of going viral on TikTok and how it increased her online visibility and credibility. Annabelle emphasizes the value of consistency and the need to continuously produce engaging and original content. She shares her approach to finding edits, remixes, and new producers through platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp. Annabelle also recognizes the challenges of maintaining job security as a DJ, emphasizing the importance of diversifying income streams and leveraging brand partnerships.
Navigating the Challenges of DJing and Getting Gigs
Annabelle opens up about the challenges and obstacles she faced during her DJing journey. She shares her experience of initially struggling to get gigs and feeling frustrated with the process. Annabelle talks about the importance of adaptability in DJing, from tailoring her sets to different crowds to being open to exploring new opportunities and genres. She also provides insights into the behind-the-scenes aspects of being a DJ, such as networking, outreach, and effective communication with promoters and brands. Annabelle's perseverance and commitment to her craft have ultimately led to a series of successful gigs across Europe.
Future Plans and Growth
Annabelle reflects on her incredible journey so far and looks ahead to the future. She emphasizes the need to strategize and plan for the upcoming winter season, focusing on content creation and consolidating her personal brand. Annabelle discusses the ongoing process of refining her sound and exploring ways to grow her live audience in London. While staying in the moment and enjoying the journey, she remains dedicated to pushing her DJing career forward and continuing to build on her success.
Favorite Music Producers and Discoveries
Annabelle highlights her favorite music producers and shares insights into her process of discovering new music. She mentions producers like Terra Nova, Paul Mond, Solee Hiems, Franchise, and Egg Never. Annabelle explains how she finds these producers through platforms like SoundCloud and Bandcamp, as well as by diving deep into the musical rabbit holes. She emphasizes the joy of uncovering hidden gems and reimagined versions of popular songs, which add unique elements to her sets and keep her audience engaged.
Annabelle's Chart Challenge
Annabelle takes part in the Chart Challenge, organizing seven random songs into her personal chart. She places tracks like 'Little Things' by Georgia, 'Skepta - Love Me Not' (ft. Cheb Rabi & B Live), and 'Say So' by Doja Cat in her chart. Annabelle navigates the challenge, making each placement based on her personal preference for each song. She showcases her eclectic taste and demonstrates her ability to curate a chart that reflects her DJing style.
Our special guest on this week's podcast is Annabel
Annabel was working multiple jobs and was juggling a full-time job alongside trying to build a DJ career on Twitch streaming on the side.
After deciding to leave her residency and focus on DJing full-time, she experienced feelings of isolation and vulnerability as she navigated the tough industry with low-income and limited gigs.
However, after posting consistently on social media, she gained a larger following that eventually led to more gigs and partnerships with brands.
This conversation really shows the importance of persistence and being authentic in order to connect with your audience and grow your brand as a DJ!
Follow Annabel
https://www.instagram.com/annabelstopit
https://www.tiktok.com/@annabelstopit
🚨Website & DJ Courses🚨 https://wearecrossfader.co.uk/
For 20% Off Use Code: OFFTHERECORD
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