Unlock the secrets to thriving in a crowded DJ landscape with our special guest, Ilia, who shares his unique approach to elevating your DJ career. Discover how to turn your passion for music into a lucrative business by offering more than just sound—think personalized experiences and multimedia magic. Learn the art of capturing the essence of every…

What if following up with clients could transform your DJ career? Dive into this episode of The Clever DJ, where I reveal the secrets to building rock-solid client relationships and securing repeat bookings. From my own journey as a DJ rookie to becoming a seasoned pro, I share invaluable insights on how consistent and effective follow-ups can set …

What if your DJ career could skyrocket from your bedroom to the main stage? Join me, Ilia, as we uncover the secrets to transforming your passion for DJing into a thriving career. This episode is packed with actionable insights on how to position yourself as a unique brand, continuously refine your skills, and tackle the ever-present imposter syndr…

What if you could turn your passion for music into a thriving DJ business? This episode of "Clever DJ" is your roadmap to doing just that. Join Ilia on a heartfelt journey as he transitions from a duo to a solo podcast, sharing the inspiring story of how the show started from passionate conversations during long drives to gigs. With a promise to ke…

Ever wondered how a hobbyist DJ spinning tracks from their bedroom could reshape an entire industry? Tune in as Ilia and Nino unpack the seismic shifts in the DJing world catalyzed by digital technology and the pandemic. We explore the fascinating rise of bedroom DJs, especially those aged 30-50, who’ve transitioned from home setups to making waves…

Is DJing just about playing music and partying? Prepare to have your preconceptions shattered as we bring you the fascinating stories of Ilia, a beginner DJ managing a full-time job, and Nino, a seasoned professional with over two decades in the industry. Together, they reveal the extensive roles that DJs play beyond the turntables, like marketing,…

Ever wondered what goes into making a wedding reception unforgettable? Tune into this week's episode of The Clever DJ, where you'll gain invaluable tips and tricks from Nino, a veteran DJ with two decades of experience, and Ilya, an enthusiastic newcomer to the scene. We'll promise you this: by the end of this episode, you'll have a comprehensive u…

Is harmonic mixing the secret sauce to a flawless DJ set? Join us on this episode of "The Other Platforms" as we unpack the artistry behind dynamic DJ performances with Ilya and Nino. Ilya, a relatively new DJ, shares his journey from bartender to DJ, and his chance encounter with Nino, a 20-year veteran of the industry. You'll hear about their sha…

What’s it really like to handle overly enthusiastic party-goers while trying to keep the dance floor alive? On The Clever DJ, Ilia and Nino reveal the rollercoaster ride of DJing with hilarious personal anecdotes and insights. We start off on a light note, celebrating Ilia's recent birthday with some missed toasts and a showcase of his stylish new …

Ever felt the jitters of stepping into a completely new DJing environment? We’ve got you covered! This episode is packed with practical advice from seasoned DJs Elie and Nino on how to ace gigs that push you out of your comfort zone. Whether it's a cultural wedding or a bar with an eclectic music preference, we emphasize the importance of in-depth …

Ever wondered how to make sure your clients are always thrilled with your DJing services? Join us for an enlightening episode where we promise you'll learn the secrets to stellar client satisfaction, directly from two DJs at different stages in their careers. Ilia, with two years of experience, and Nino, a seasoned pro with over 20 years in the ind…

What does it take to truly succeed in the DJ industry? Discover the secrets of building robust relationships with mentors and business partners in this episode of Clever DJ. We welcome Nino back from his sister's wedding celebration and dive into the intricate dynamics of mentorship. From the importance of being attentive and following instructions…

Ever wondered how DJs manage to keep everyone—from the bride and groom to the event coordinators and venue managers—happy all night long? Join us in this episode of the Clever DJ Podcast with Ilya and Nino, where we pull back the curtain on the multifaceted world of professional DJs. Learn the secrets behind perfecting punctuality and honoring clie…

Do you know what truly sets Canadian weddings apart from American ones? Spoiler: it’s not just the maple syrup! Join us, Ilya and Nino, as we celebrate Canada Day with a deep dive into the fascinating world of wedding DJing across North America. With Jacques the Duck by our side, we explore the striking contrasts in wedding durations, from Canada’s…

Ever wondered how to truly captivate a crowd with your DJ skills? Celebrate our six-month anniversary with us as we pop open a special bottle of sparkling wine, gifted by our wonderful client Francesca Di Lorenzo, and share our journey of growth and reflection. We'll discuss the importance of consistent practice and setting clear objectives, especi…

Ever faced an aggressive guest demanding their song be played on the spot? Discover how to handle these high-pressure moments with grace in our latest episode of Clever DJ with Ilya and Nino. We'll share our experiences of navigating song requests in the post-COVID era, where crowd dynamics have shifted dramatically. From dodging physical threats t…

Ever wondered what happens when the DJ accidentally hits play during wedding vows? Brace yourself for some laugh-out-loud stories and moments of pure chaos from our time behind the decks. This episode features Ilia sharing a cringe-worthy yet heartwarming mishap during a wedding ceremony, teaching us the invaluable lesson of rolling with the punche…

Can artificial intelligence revolutionize the music industry? Brace yourselves as we kick off an electrifying discussion on AI's transformative impact on music production, DJing, and more! We explore how AI is not just a futuristic concept but is already reshaping how music is composed, produced, and even consumed. From AI-generated tracks to perso…

Ever wondered how to turn a good party into an extraordinary one? Join Nino and myself as we reveal the secrets to commanding the dance floor and creating those euphoric moments that people talk about for years. Our latest discussion is like striking gold for DJs eager to electrify their sets and for music lovers fascinated by the wizardry behind t…

Ever felt like DJ myths are clouding the decks of your musical journey? With Digital DJ Tips onboard, we're setting the record straight! Experience an auditory adventure where we dismantle seven DJ myths that might be holding you back. Hear firsthand how jumping into live performances can accelerate your learning curve, drawing from my own rollerco…

Hey beat-mixers and rhythm aficionados, Ilya here, alongside my partner in beats, Nino. Ever wondered how recording your DJ sets could skyrocket your career? We're here to tell you it's not just a trivial pursuit. This episode cracks open the vault on the transformative benefits of capturing your live sessions. From bolstering your online presence …

Have you ever thought DJing was just about hitting 'play'? Prepare to have your mind blown as we peel back the curtain on the world of wedding and event DJs. Our latest episode takes you on a playful yet enlightening journey through the realities of professional DJing. We start with a role-play scenario that'll make you think twice about undervalui…

Prepare to elevate your DJ game to the next level! We're Ilia and Nino, your guides through the electrifying world of music and image on The Clever DJ podcast. This time, we're slicing through the noise to bring you the essentials of professionalism, punctuality, and the subtle art of self-promotion. If you're a DJ aiming for the stars or an event …

Ever found yourself nursing a toothache while the world hums along, blissfully unaware? That's just where our latest episode starts, with a hilarious recounting of my dental debacle - think split tooth, root canal, and the shadow of an impending implant. But this isn't just a tour through the tribulations of chewing rice cakes; it's a springboard i…

Get ready to hit the dance floor as we cut through the noise in the great debate of live band versus DJ! This episode is your ultimate guide to choosing the right beat for your event. We'll reveal the undeniable impact a live band has on the energy and engagement of your crowd, but also discuss the unparalleled versatility a DJ brings to the table.…

Unlock the secrets to turning the art of DJing into a profitable venture with Ilya and Nino on Clevver DJ. This episode promises to stuff your pockets full of fresh strategies by shedding light on the biz side of beats. We discuss how renting out your DJ gear can become your new best friend for passive income—if you've got contracts as tight as you…

Ever wonder what separates a good DJ from a great one? Join us, Ilia and Nino, as we reveal the sacred Ten Commandments of DJing, an essential list of dos and don'ts that has guided us through the highs and lows behind the decks. From treating your gear with the utmost respect to nailing your music library knowledge for those peak-hour sets, we're …

As DJs, we're no strangers to late nights and heavy equipment, but who says we can't be the epitome of health and vitality while spinning tracks? Strap in as we share how pumping iron and hitting the treadmill boosts not just our biceps, but our ability to keep the dance floor alive until the break of dawn. Our laughter echoes as we recount those k…

Ever felt like the life of a party can be the loneliest place in the world? That's the paradox Nino and I unravel as we spin a new narrative on what it truly means to be a DJ. Amid the bustling crowds and pulsating beats, we expose the solitary side of the industry—an emotional journey that demands self-reliance and personal growth. We swap stories…

Have you ever felt the itch to get your hands on the latest DJ gear, wondering if it's the missing piece to elevate your performances? Prepare to navigate the glossy allure of new tech with us, Ilia and Nino, as we discuss the pivotal moments that signal it's time for an upgrade. From the magnetic charm of the Rain 1 to the Pioneer DDJ-SZ's loyal s…

Ever wonder why wedding DJs charge what they do? We're pulling back the curtain on the DJ booth to reveal the true value behind those flashing lights and beats. Join us as we navigate the turbulent waters of wedding DJ pricing, from the initial shock of seeing a $600 price tag to understanding the comprehensive role these music maestros play in orc…

Have you ever wondered if the cutthroat competition rampant in the music industry is the only way to thrive? We, Ilia and Nino, challenge this notion head-on, sharing our journey from the humble beginnings at Off Centre DJ School to the successful careers we've built by embracing the power of community. In this episode of The Clever DJ, we weave th…

From singer to spinner, I've ridden the wave from stage fright to stage might, and in this sonic journey, we're bringing you the naked truths about DJs, the mic, and the hypnotic pull of the crowd. No stone is left unturned as we tackle the inner battle of the mic-shy DJ - should the maestro of music also command the crowd with their voice? Every D…

Ever found yourself tapping your foot, wondering how that DJ just seems to know your jam? I'm Ilya, your Clever DJ podcast host, and together with Nino, we peel back the curtain to show you what it takes to find and hire a DJ that gets your groove. From probing the right questions to ensure your beats align with their rhythm to understanding the se…

Ever felt like your brain is a turntable, spinning tracks at a million miles an hour? That's the daily beat of life with ADHD, a rhythm I know all too well. Join Nino and me as I spin the tale of my journey with ADHD in the bustling world of DJing. We set the record straight on the differences between ADHD and ADD, and groove into how common this c…

Ever stumbled upon a DJ set and thought, "I can do better"? Well, let's turn that thought into a reality! Ilya and Nina are back behind the mics, sharing a treasure trove of DJ insights as we celebrate our fifth episode. From the finesse of using filters to the subtle art of avoiding vocal collisions, we're unpacking the trade's do's and don'ts. Wh…

Embark on a journey with Elia and me, Nino, as we swap tales of transitioning from bedroom hobbyists to professional DJs—that terrifying yet thrilling ride rife with palpable beats and first-gig jitters. In this episode of the Clever DJ podcast, we're not just spinning records; we're spinning stories of stumbling, fumbling, but ultimately mastering…

In this episode we run through the Must Have's and the Guilty Pleasures when it comes to setting up your beginner DJ gear so you can start DJing from home or even book events and use your gear on the go. We brush on what gets someone on this wild ride and what should someone invest their hard earned money into when there are so many things to choos…

In this episode we touch on popular DJ related questions and topics found on the web: open-format DJing, acclaimed skills, song selection, transitions between contrasting genres, common challenges, signature techniques, reading the crowd, creativity and individual style, software, how to stay current. We introduce these topics in general form as we…

In this introduction episode of our podcast you are welcomed into the world of DJ ILIA and DJ Nino. Delve into the DJing journey with Ilia and Nino and discover how it all began. An episode full of stories of friendship and mentorship while describing what to expect in future episodes. This episode is a backstage pass into the makings of a DJ pro, …