Off The Record - The DJ Podcast by Crossfader Ep-153. "Not Every DJ Needs to Play Clubs Anymore" - Elijah
14 snips
Nov 27, 2025 Elijah, a dynamic DJ, writer, and creator of the Yellow Squares project, explores the evolving landscape of DJ culture. He discusses what it means to be a DJ in 2026, emphasizing creative freedom over traditional club gigs. Elijah reveals insights from his collaboration on the AlphaTheta Omnis Duo controller and highlights the economics of niche audiences. He advocates for authentic storytelling on social media, the importance of reading and writing for DJs, and breaking out of industry bubbles to seek diverse inspirations.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
DJ Is A Broad Creative Platform
- The label “DJ” is now intentionally vague and can mean many creative roles beyond club performance.
- Elijah frames DJing as an open platform for different practices like producing, writing, and community-building.
Follow Instincts Over Crowded Formulas
- Use your instincts to do things that feel original instead of copying congested paths to stand out.
- Elijah intends his writing as sparks to make creators think and act, not as prescriptive checklists.
Prioritize Representation Over Algorithm Hacks
- Present your work how you want to be seen rather than chasing short-term algorithmic tricks.
- Prioritize long-term resonance with the right audience even if engagement metrics stay lower.