Riordan - Why DJs Need Social Media to Survive

Sign up for intellijend now: https://go.intellijend.com/will-clarke Riordan joins me on the podcast for a proper conversation about what it actually takes to build a career in dance music today. We get into the reality of touring, how social media has completely changed the game for DJs, why great music alone isn’t always enough anymore, and the difference between getting views and building a fanbase that actually buys tickets. Riordan also talks about finding his sound, the pressure of following up big records, how TikTok helped launch his career, and why some artists blow up online but still can’t shift tickets. We also get into self-releasing, DJ support, playlist culture, the UK vs US scene, and the moments that make all the hard work worth it. A really honest episode about the modern music industry, building a career the right way, and what it takes to last. Talking points: The reality of touring full time How social media changed DJ careers Why TikTok can launch records faster than ever Great music vs great marketing Followers vs fans who actually buy tickets Why some viral DJs still can’t sell tickets Self-releasing music vs waiting on labels Finding your sound as an artist Big commercial records vs club records UK crowds vs US crowds Breakthrough moments in a DJ career ⏲ Follow Will Clarke ⏱ https://willclarke.komi.io/ https://djwillclarke.com/ https://open.spotify.com/artist/1OmOd...   / djwillclarke     / willclarkedj     / djwillclarke     / djwillclarke   Chapters: 00:00 Touring, travel and life on the road 01:58 The reality of playing venues like Radius and Elrow 04:50 Getting sick while touring and protecting your health 08:55 Why Riordan never drank 10:08 10 years of touring and how the scene has changed 13:58 When your hobby becomes your job 16:28 Why you have to truly love making music 19:32 Great records, bad timing and self-releasing 23:45 How TikTok now shapes record releases 29:29 What makes a DJ video actually work online 33:51 Why DJs now need great content, not just great music 36:23 Can you still make it without social media? 40:59 When your following grows faster than your music 44:34 Views vs real fans who actually buy tickets 48:54 Riordan’s breakthrough records and finding his sound 53:12 From Latin house to a new identity 58:47 Big records vs club records for DJs 01:00:12 How streaming and playlists can change everything 01:06:37 Why DJ support still means the most 01:09:12 Living between the UK, Chicago and the US market 01:12:27 Why being British helps in America 01:14:24 Why UK crowds still hit differently 01:16:27 Full circle moments and what makes it all worth it