Still about the music and the moment: A DJ’s truth in a World obsessed with numbers
I’ve been DJing for over 20 years. Back then, I did all the groundwork, setting up my own events, handling contracts and invoices, promoting with flyers, group texts, and in-person conversations. The hustle was always part of the culture. But the focus was clearer: it was about the music, the vibe, and the real-time energy exchange between the DJ and the crowd.
Now? That connection is still there... it has to be. But it feels different. These days, you’re expected to be a content creator, a promoter, a graphic designer, a social media strategist, a videographer, a photographer, a model... and sometimes even a comedian... all at once. Social media has created huge opportunities, and I respect that…it’s helped me grow in real ways. But it’s also changed how people experience music and moments. Most people can't be on the dance floor without their phones. I'm definitely guilty of it. It’s just become a way of life. The crowd is still in front of you, but sometimes it feels like you're performing for the algorithm too.
Today, I came across a post from DJ Craze that really hit me. He was talking about how creatives feel stuck in this new era where everything is judged by metrics... followers, plays, views. Where people ask for your stats before they even press play on your mix. And how exhausting it is to constantly create content just to stay visible.
I felt that... deeply.
If you’re a DJ, artist, or musician who’s been in the game for a long time and you’re feeling this shift... you’re not alone. So many of us are trying to adjust, to hold onto our passion, and to find ways to move forward without losing ourselves. This blog is my way of processing those thoughts and hopefully reaching others who feel the same way. Because even with all the pressure and noise, I’m still here... Still creating. Still spinning. Still chasing that moment when the music cuts through everything. And maybe that’s what still makes it all worth it.
The Shift in Creative Process: From the Art to the Algorithm
When I first started DJing, it was all about the craft. I’d spend hours digging for new tracks, building playlists that felt fresh yet still connected with myself and the crowd. For me, the goal was always to create a vibe, something that made people feel good, a moment that resonated.
These days, that same goal is still there... but the process has changed. The creative part of DJing doesn’t stop once I’ve put together a playlist. It’s about how I package it, how I promote it, and how I deliver it to an audience that may never experience me live. Suddenly, I’m thinking about videos, photos, captions, posting at the right time... all while keeping that balance with the energy I want to bring.
I’m an energy DJ. I build my sets from the flow of the crowd, from the feeling in the room. And while that’s still my foundation, the reality of social media adds layers to that process. There are times when I feel like I’m not just DJing to connect with the crowd in front of me, but to get that perfect photo or video..perform for an algorithm too. The challenge is remembering that it doesn’t have to be perfect for the feed... it’s about letting the energy speak for itself, without the distractions of what people might think or expect.
Even though the crowd often has their phones out, trying to capture the moment, I still feel like I’m creating something real. At the end of the night, no matter how many posts go up or how many followers they have, what really counts is the energy we’ve shared in the room. You can be famous on TikTok, Instagram, or Facebook... but if you can’t bring the same energy in person, then it’s not the same thing. People will feel the difference.
And that’s why we have to stay grounded. At the end of the day, it’s the real connection, the energy, the moments that we create in real life that truly matter. The algorithms can’t capture that.
Conclusion
Even with all the noise and pressure, I’m still here... still creating. I still get that thrill from seeing people lose themselves in the moment, to escape their everyday lives, this crazy world…even if just for a few hours. It’s that energy that reminds me why I decided to make it a career in the first place...and that’s what still makes it all worth it.
So, if you’re feeling this shift in the industry, remember: you’re not alone. Stay grounded, give yourself some grace, stay true to your art, and keep chasing that real connection. Because the algorithms & metrics can’t replace the magic that happens when we're truly present in the moment.
