Young DJs Believe Social Media Presence Outweighs Musical Talent

61% of young DJs think social media numbers matter more than musical skills—what does this mean for the music industry?

Survey Highlights Young DJs' Perspectives

A recent survey has thrown the spotlight on a concerning trend in the music industry, revealing that 61% of emerging DJs believe that social media presence matters more than actual musical skill. This finding comes from a report issued by the Pete Tong DJ Academy, presented at the International Music Summit currently happening in Ibiza, a key event for the electronic music community.

The survey, which gathered insights from 15,000 DJs and producers, highlights a significant shift in values among these artists and executives in the electronic music scene. One of the most striking revelations is the sentiment shared by a 24-year-old DJ and producer from France, who articulated the pressure of the digital age with the quote:

“Every [social media] post feels like a test. If it flops, I feel like a failure.”

Challenges Facing Young Artists

In addition to the emphasis on social media, the survey uncovered several challenges that young DJs face in the industry:

• 62% of respondents described the electronic music industry as a “closed club.”
• 52% reported experiencing feelings of anxiety or burnout.
• 31% have considered leaving the industry within the past year.

Positivity seems to be in short supply, with only 35% expressing belief that “if you persist and have resilience, it will happen.”

Industry Growth Amidst Concerns

Despite the challenges, there’s a glimmer of hope for the electronic music world. During the summit, it was revealed that videos tagged with #ElectronicMusic on TikTok have surpassed those in indie and rap categories for the first time in 2024.

Toyin Mustapha, TikTok's head of partnerships for the UK and Ireland, commented on this trend:

“TikTok users tend to tag the genres of music, especially genres like electronic music. It shows the community they are trying to build and are part of, and electronic music is very much a community-led thing.”

The electronic music industry has also seen significant financial growth, generating $12.9 billion over the past year—a 6% increase from 2023. This surge is attributed mainly to festivals and nightclub attendance. The live music sector alone has reached over double its pre-COVID levels, with companies like Live Nation and Eventim generating approximately $27 billion in income. However, experts suggest that this growth may be more about soaring ticket prices rather than an uptick in ticket sales.

Conclusion

The insights from this survey reflect a complex landscape for young DJs navigating the balance between social media clout and musical talent. Are we prioritizing the wrong metrics in the music industry?

• What percentage of young DJs think social media matters more than musical skill? 61% of young DJs believe social media presence is more important than musical talent.
• What are some mental health concerns young DJs face? 52% reported experiencing anxiety or burnout due to the pressures of the industry.
• How has the electronic music industry's financial outlook changed? The industry generated $12.9 billion in the last year, reflecting a 6% growth.
• Do young DJs agree that persistence leads to success? Only 35% of young DJs feel that resilience and persistence will pay off in the long run.
• What social media platform is currently trending for electronic music? TikTok has become a leading platform, with videos tagged #ElectronicMusic surpassing those in other genres like indie and rap.

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