Why Small-Town DJs Must Embrace Social Media

Taking pictures of the dance floor at The Awakening with Discognition.

The Harsh Reality (and Opportunity) of Being a DJ in Southeast Idaho

Let’s get straight to the point: if you’re a DJ in a small town—especially somewhere like Southeast Idaho—you have to be on social media.

Yes, it feels cringe.
Yes, it’s uncomfortable.
No, it’s not what you want to be doing.

You just want to make music and play gigs, right? But here’s the reality: there aren’t many gigs happening here—and even fewer people throwing events that cater to underground genres like house, progressive, or melodic techno. If you’re not consistently getting booked, you’re not getting in front of people. And if you’re not getting in front of people, your music isn’t being heard.

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Social Media vs. Musical Skill: A Modern DJ Dilemma

Social Media and Music Ability Blog Post

A Hard Pill To Swallow

A recent Mixmag article revealed a sobering truth: 61% of emerging DJs believe that their social media numbers are more important than their musical ability when it comes to getting ahead in the industry. As discouraging as that sounds, it reflects the digital culture we now live in—one dominated by consumption, instant gratification, and 30-second clips on TikTok, Instagram, or YouTube.

This is the reality: when short-form content shapes people’s perception of value, it makes sense that DJs think promoters and industry insiders will judge them based on follower counts and likes.

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