Ready for a Wedding Crate Refresh? Tired of Playing The Same Ole SHYT?

Justin the DJ out of Dallas, TX (150K+ Followers on Instagram) joins us tonight at 8pm EST on Twitch to talk about what songs are increasingly on DO NOT PLAYlists and what you should play instead.

PLUS, anyone who RSVPs & shows up live gets a free crate from Justin the DJ.

RSVP HERE

• How To Make Money On Instagram

• Google's Meta AI Glasses

• Spotify's 2025 Summer Predictions

• 10 DJ Tools You Need Now

Turning Posts Into Profit – The DJ’s Guide to Monetizing Instagram

What’s New:

Epidemic Sound just dropped a fresh breakdown of how to actually make money on Instagram — and yes, it’s more than just hoping a Reel goes viral while you remix “Yeah!” for the 27th time. For DJs and content creators looking to go from “cool post, bro” to actual payouts, this guide lays out the current best practices for cashing in on the ‘Gram in 2025.

Why It Matters for DJs:

Let’s be honest — your mixes are 🔥, your party clips are 🔥, your outfit changes mid-set are 🔥… but are they making you any money? Whether you’re rocking weddings every weekend or just trying to grow your brand, monetizing your Instagram feed can be a real game-changer. Think beyond just exposure. Think booking inquiries, affiliate deals, creator funds, and more.

Key Tips Covered:

• Switch to a Creator Account

  If you’re still on a personal account, we’re judging you. Switching gives you access to Instagram’s full suite of monetization tools like Gifts, Bonuses, and analytics. It’s free. Do it.

• Make Content People Actually Want to Watch

  Shocking, right? Your “gig recap” isn’t enough. Make it entertaining, educational, or emotional. Add storytelling. Show behind-the-scenes. Explain your transitions. React to songs. Be a whole vibe.

• Partner with Brands You Actually Like

  You don’t need a million followers to work with brands. If you use headphones, lighting gear, music tools, tag them. Reach out. Show how their gear helps your workflow. It’s not begging, it’s business.

• Work with Other Creators

  Collabs = growth. Tag the photographer who got that banger shot. Remix someone’s beat and post your version. Stitch Reels. Duet crowd videos. Don’t DJ in a vacuum — create in a crew.

• Make Money Directly on Instagram

  Use tools like Instagram Gifts, Reels Bonuses, Subscriptions. Yes, these features still exist and yes, DJs can use them — especially if you’re posting value content (not just dance floor clips).

• Stay Consistent

  The algorithm loves consistency more than your ex loved drama. Pick a cadence — 3x a week? Reels on Mondays? — and stick to it. Show up even when you’re tired. Especially then.

• Don’t Overthink It (Okay, Maybe a Little)

  Perfection is the enemy of content. Post the behind-the-scenes. Share the bloopers. Let people see the real side of DJing — the gear malfunctions, the awkward requests, the tiny dance floors. It’s all content.

What This Means for DJs:

If you’re posting gigs but not monetizing your presence, you’re missing out. Instagram isn’t just a social platform—it’s a stage, store, tip jar, and booking assistant all in one. Learn the tools, try them out, and let your content do more than just rack up views.

CTA:

Ready to start cashing in on your content? Read the full guide from Epidemic Sound and see how these tools can level up your DJ brand in 2025.

Google Drops New Smart Glasses… Because Meta Did It First

What Happened:

In a move that screams, “Wait, we can do that too!”, Google has unveiled its own take on smart glasses — complete with Android XR software and a stylish new partnership with Warby Parker. Yes, Warby Parker, because nothing says cutting-edge tech like a company that usually just helps you pick frames that make you look slightly more employable.

The Big Picture:

Let’s not pretend Meta didn’t get here first. Their Ray-Ban Meta smart glasses hit the scene with AI-powered cameras, livestreaming, and a voice assistant that actually worked — mostly. DJs and creators jumped on the wave, strapping on shades that could record, post, and even help cue the next track, all without pulling out a phone.

Enter Google:

Not wanting to be left in the digital dust, Google’s smart glasses bring a few new upgrades to the table:

• Powered by Android XR (so everything you love/hate about Android, but on your face).

• Tighter integration with AI, though full features are still TBD.

• Designed with Warby Parker to avoid the “tech bro at Coachella” look.

Why DJs Might Care:

• Look Sharp, See Sharper: These aren’t chunky AR headsets — they’re glasses you might actually wear to a gig.

• Hands-Free Set Management: Great for glancing at track requests, BPMs, or that one guest who keeps asking for Ja Rule.

• Livestream POV: Like Meta’s, you could go live while still in the zone — just with Google’s AI quietly fact-checking your hype man.

What’s the Catch?

It’s early days. We’ve seen the concept. We’ve heard the buzz. But it’s still just a response — and let’s be honest, when the remix drops after the original, it has to slap harder. Google’s playing catch-up here, and while the Warby Parker collab is a flex, we’re still waiting to see if this track hits the charts or ends up in the demo bin.

🧠 TL;DR:

• Google’s new smart glasses: Android-powered, Warby Parker-designed, Meta-inspired.

• Meta’s Ray-Bans walked so Google’s could attempt a light jog with better posture.

• DJs could benefit — just don’t expect to mix using your eyeballs (yet).

  Of course, we’re only teasing, Google — we love a good comeback tour.

In our last poll we asked Where Do You Spot the Next Viral Banger First? 35% responded: “SHAZAM”

Spotify’s 2025 Songs of the Summer Are In — And They Brought Everyone from Gaga to a Nokia

What’s New?

Spotify dropped its Songs of the Summer 2025 predictions and it’s a genre-smashing, vibe-hopping, algorithm-baiting buffet of artists. From international anthems to TikTok-ready remixes, the list has one mission: dominate your ears, your DMs, and probably your cousin’s wedding playlist.

Spoiler: If your crate isn’t ready for this, your dancefloor might not be either.

Top Tracks to Watch (And Maybe Remix Before Everyone Else Does):

• “NOKIA” – Drake

  Because nothing says “Song of the Summer” like naming it after a phone last seen in a Y2K time capsule.

• “How Bad Do U Want Me” – Lady Gaga

  Gaga returns with a glittering, synthy thirst trap of a track. It’s bold, theatrical, and begging for a remix.

• “YA BABA” – DYSTINCT & French Montana

  Global vibes meet Bronx energy. Will confuse your aunt, but slap in the right room.

• “Super” – Bb trickz

  Aggro, confident, and oddly addictive. Feels like it was engineered in a lab for viral shorts.

• “Ordinary” – Alex Warren

  The ballad every IG story will play during sunset videos. Sad boy summer, confirmed.

• “Show Me Love” – WizTheMc x Tyla

  Afrobeat-inspired, melody-rich, Tyla magic. Your cool friends already have this on repeat.

• “Shake It To The Max (FLY)” – MOLIY x Skillibeng x Shenseea

  A bashment banger. Expect spontaneous twerking at 1:14am.

• “What Was That” – Lorde

  Existential summer anthem alert. Yes, it’s moody. Yes, it still works.

• “Summer Sweat” – Hannah Cohen

  Sounds like lying on a pool float with mild regret and SPF 70. Perfection.

• “What I Want” – Morgan Wallen & Tate McRae

  Country collab-core. Will hit hard in pickup trucks and in Gen Z breakup reels.

Why It Matters for DJs:

• Multi-genre mastery is mandatory. From reggaeton and country trap to glitchy pop and Afrobeat, this list dares you to blend worlds and test your crowd control.

• The TikTok effect is baked in. These songs weren’t just picked for musicality — they’re engineered for trends. Add them to your crowd-warmers and content reels now.

• Playlists are now brand strategies. Want to impress a client or drop a set that screams “I’m ahead of the curve”? This is the cheat sheet.

• Remix potential is wild. “NOKIA”? That’s begging for a sample flip. “Sally, When The Wine Runs Out”? Already picturing it in a disco house bootleg.

📲 What Should You Do Next?

Get ahead of the crowd — literally. Scan this list and prep your edits, mashups, and genre-bending transitions now. And if you need help turning this list into a fire-ready DJ crate…

👉 Crate Hackers has you covered. (You knew that was coming.)

🎶 Full list via Variety

Aaron’s back with a full walkthrough of everything that’s cooking inside the Crate Hackers platform — and if you haven’t logged in for a while, buckle up. In this video, he breaks down the top 10 new features DJs need to stay ahead.

Oh — and did we mention Crate Hackers 11 drops July 15th?

 
BONUS: We’ve got a special 7-day free trial of Crate Hackers so you can take your crate digging to the next level. Grab it here: https://www.cratehackers.com/7daytrial