How I Became a World Famous Tech House DJ In My 40s - Chapter & Verse 

Huge thanks to Chapter & Verse! Follow his socials: instagram.com/chapterandversemusic Spotify: open.spotify.com/artist/5yPVuutf3WAXUt1VqDaN1t?si=1k0bvxTTQaypUd3gXGysBw

I learnt in Ibiza while standing in the DJ booths that most big named DJ's are really just producers that can DJ a little bit. Some of the best DJ's I've seen aren't that well known

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 🚀 Chapter & Verse became a DJ within three weeks, starting with a set of decks. 04:26 🎧 Persistence and consistency are crucial in the music industry; keep pushing even after setbacks. 09:17 📧 Chapter & Verse sent demos to around a thousand labels to get his first track signed. 12:21 💪 Maintain your authenticity and don't change to fit into someone else's mold in the industry. 17:22 🎵 Stick to your chosen sound, develop it, and don't be discouraged by others' success. 18:50 🎵 DJ Chapter & Verse emphasizes the importance of quick creative ideation when producing music, suggesting that spending too much time perfecting tracks can hinder productivity and creativity. 20:45 💡 The key to success in music production is quantity and consistency. Rather than obsessing over a single track, it's more effective to create multiple ideas, select the best ones, and finalize them. 21:53 🌎 DJ Chapter & Verse emphasizes the reality that most people, even in the music industry, won't recognize or know who you are. Staying grounded and understanding that only a fraction of the public is aware of your work is important. 29:55 🔊 When testing the potential success of content, DJ Chapter & Verse recommends using platforms like Twitter to gauge initial audience interest before promoting it on platforms like Instagram. 34:36 🎧 DJ Chapter & Verse discusses the challenges of DJing and the importance of adaptability during live shows, highlighting the need to carry enough music and adjusting the tempo based on the audience and venue. 38:23 🌍 DJs may feel like they're well-known, but in reality, most people outside the music industry don't recognize even famous DJs like David Guetta. 40:16 🏠 Building a home studio can be a game-changer for music producers, especially during times like the COVID-19 pandemic. 41:11 🎶 Consistency is crucial in music production; releasing tracks regularly can lead to unexpected success. 42:51 🚫 Bootlegs might not always be the best approach; it's essential to stick to your roots while experimenting occasionally. 45:43 🌐 The UK music market can be challenging to break into, even for established DJs and producers. It requires persistence and hard work. Made with HARPA AI

Step 1: know people in the industry Step 2: have a ghost producer Step 3: become worldwide touring dj

Super fascinating listen! This just got randomly reccomended to me, but overall really insightful podcast!

Posers used to be called out, not congratulated. This is so lame and proves the bs many true DJs have experienced for over a decade. Talking about “hard work” after DJing for less than a year. Give me a break, dude. You’re an imposter!

I started producing at 30, now at 37 I’m competent and found my sound. Definitely felt my age coming into this field, glad to come to have come across this knowing it’s still possible

Bottom line: DJing is about who you know.

If you want to be a ‘big’ DJ you basically have to be a producer that makes a hit track it’s that simple. There are so many unreal technical DJs out there who can put down an amazing set with great tune selection and amazing mixing, but they’re not going to get the bookings compared to a producer who has a track that’s being played out in the clubs. These producers then have to learn how to dj on the fly once a track gets picked up. Fortunately, for us as punters there is sync button now so anyone can DJ to a degree. Anyone who used to go to any DNB raves back in the day knows the absolute clang fest that could happen on the turntables when producer DJs would get on the decks as opposed to the real DJs

Only managed to get 5 minutes in to this😵‍💫 Being given your first set warming up for a world famous headliner before you can properly DJ is insane 🤯

38, been producing since I was 13. Just now about to release music and start performing. Thank you for the video…grew up in a family of musicians so this is a pursuit that means a lot to my heart. Dubstep, dnb, bass house, all heavy bass and high energy genres pretty much! Artist name is RANVAC.

This is exactly what I'm going through right now! I'm turning 40 soon and have recently decided to be a DJ. So glad I found this video! Thanks for sharing your story. It's exactly what I needed.

I started back in 1999 playing hard house on a couple of beat down belt drive omnitronic decks. Saved up for two years and bought some 1210s. Stopped when I was 25 and sold everything to start a new life abroad. In 2018 I started producing my own tracks and during Covid I bought decks again. Now I'm a 40 year old dad and back at it. If you have a passion, it doesn't matter how old you are. We're all young in the eyes of the dead.

Im 42, I had decks about 20 years ago and loved it but my life took another direction and got rid of them. Now Ive just bought some more and getting back into it. This is inspiring.

unfortunatly i believe he is just proving the point that now a days to become a known dj you must pay a promoter or have contacts as he did, its very difficult now a days to become dj

Tech house is without any doubt, singlehandedly the genre that has absolutely destroyed the UK electronic music scene and converted it into a image conscious, social event, full of totally uneducated dj worshippers, content on filming everything while being absolutely clueless regarding anything related to the ethics of the scene ... Utterly bland, boring, emotionless genre of music that just like edm now has fully hijacked and derailed what was once beautifully niche, underground esque events where everybody could talk about the scene in depth ! .... The current state of the dancefloor is an embarrassing shadow of what it was and tech house has played the biggest role in the UK for bringing this in !

This is a prime example of it’s not what u know it’s who you know

It’s really refreshing to see someone in this position that is so down to earth, great interview.

Your sense of peace behind the decks and affection for the camera on your channel has always made my heart sing, particularly when I’ve lost the melody in my soul

Ah... here I am, at 42, considering getting back into the dj game. Once again, I'm reminded - it's still all about who you know. Didn't even need to watch more than the first few minutes. Thank you.

As a guy in my early 40’s you’ve really made me stop and think about what I want to achieve. What a great story. ❤

I DMed C&V when he was already making some impact in the scene... super humble guy, gave me tips on music production and all that stuff. He has it all well fucking deserved!

Had the pleasure of hanging out with Barry a few times in Miami back in Feb and March for music week. This guy has the best energy and positive vibe and completely deserves all the success thats been happening for him

Regardless of connections or luck, he has passion, and that’s all that matters.

I had never heard of you or your music until this video. It was great to hear your story, what a rapid rise you are having, fair play.Positive mindset!!!

massive respect but don't think he would have the same outcome/growth without support and contacts, great advice and mentality though

How many of us have friends who will get us gigs at Code 1 week into DJ'ing? It's not his age. It's alot of luck.

This was an uplifting reminder that it doesn't matter how old you are, as long as you have conviction and dedication, you can accomplish your goals.

Learned more in this interview than in most videos about social media management i've seen until now. The key word is CONSISTENCY. Well done. Chapeau!👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

Just shows, in the industry its all about who you know

This story came up through a friend and just in time as I started same year but in my late 40s ✌ Best of luck to both of you!

I feel like the most important part of his story was glanced over. How did he go from never producing music to getting signed and in beatport top 20 in hardly any time at all? There was no overview of how he did this other than he went to master mind studios once a week. The reality is most aspiring producers struggle with getting their sound good enough to be signed and would also totally bomb walking into their first DJ gig never touching CDJs. This interview left a taste of both DJing and getting signed are easy to do. Wish we could have heard more about how he went about learning production so quickly.

I am 31 and I thought it was late..... i love Chapter and Verse's music

As a guy in my early 80s this has inspired me💪🏼

I guess this was beginner's / fools' luck with a ton of confidence.

He clearly had some industry contacts. But he has charisma and drive. All success to him.

Oh my … this guy is a legend and a personal idol of mine . Started mixing (at 39 !) a few months ago . I WILL be in the booth with this guy !!

My takeaway: it's all about who you know.

"Ive worked with the best producers in the world" - and there it is folks, the real reason for his success. I could be wrong here but he sounds manufactured. None of it sounds like an organic trajectory or someone with untapped talent. Hes probably a product of a groups of friends trying to create a story to pull people in, "anyone can do it , look at me". I smell BS. It gives people false hope

4:40 Hurt my soul hearing that the man "worked for this guy, Dale, for 10 years" and he didn't get a solid support gig for a big artist. Meanwhile Chapter & Verse (all love) gets a very solid artist support slot as his first decent gig...Industry is weird man...

this is the proof that great contacts makes you do anything .... this is not about being a good dj acctualy.

So ... the story is: if you know someone in the game, you have a chance. If you don't, you don't.

dont know there was much luck involved in this... this guy clearly knew multiple people in the industry and was around dance music. I guess fair enough, he is still a 40 year old that decided dj'ing looks easy, i'll give this a go... but he clearly knew about dance music and knew people in the industry... meaning once he learned the technical aspect of dj'ing everything else was an afterthought. I don't think his situation is comparable to most 40 year olds, who would not still be immersed in dance culture at Ibiza and have multiple DJ friends putting them on the up and up. having said that... If you have always wanted to be in the industry... and you have friends that can put you on, maybe you should listen to this guys advice. Work hard, don't stop... and with a little luck your friends will put you on.

There is so much missing from this "incredible" story. How did he learn to produce? Where did he get all his contacts from? How did he financially support himself during this journey?

I'm in my 40's and was just about to give up on my dream until THIS VIDEO. I can't thank you enough!!!

Thank you, Crossfader for this podcast! Thank you also Chapter & Verse for sharing your journey! Your story is very inspiring! I’m 51 years old and recently got back into DJing and putting out mixes. I had been bedroom producer for years, but couldn’t finish tracks, etc and gave up. Since coming back to this I’m determined now to make it at my age because I realize I love music and performing more than anything and this is what I want to do!! Thank you so much again for sharing your story!

Shocked by how confident he sounds about sounding different, guy sounds like every tech house sleeper dj ive ever heard.

Great true story. Thank you for sharing it. Also, thank you very much for the great tips you gave on your experiences in this industry. Much respect!!!

People in the comments saying "it's all about who you know" like that is the only contributing factor... Sure, it helps, and in this case there was a bit of luck involved as well, but there is no denying that this guy set his eyes on the prize and worked for it. He obviously works hard. 5 or 6 ideas in a day is nuts. 300 unreleased tunes us nuts. I found this interview super inspiring. Well done to Chapter and Verse. You put in the work, and are reaping the rewards.

I love this it makes me feel a lot better about just learning how to produce music at 30 😂

This interview just showed me that music production and DJ'ing is no longer for me. Thank you for that. It's just mainly waste of time now. Without a lot of work with promotion and social media you will get nowhere. Music is not important anymore. Well, it is to some extent but without all the social media hustle you won't be even noticed. Even if your music is great. SO I am out. I have more important things to do that actually can make me money. Far more easier. SO thanks for showing me how congested market is. I'll focus my energy elsewhere. Thanks!

Great story indeed. Apart from amazing music, loving how humble this guy is. He regularly likes my posts on Instagram and is pretty genuine!

In most cases, it's about who you know.

Randomly got recommended this video and i am so glad i watched it. Very inspirational story, great character and given me a boost to keep at it with my own musical journey. Now i'm off to listen to his back catalogue on Spotify lol

Great video guys, love these kind of stuff, super inspiring for all the guys are trying (also myself) to stay in this industry! Thanks for that ❤

It's truly a pleasure to be working with Barry - he is a true genius! 🙏

So many inspiring words. What a guy he is. Buzzing for the new releases 🙌🏼🔥

I really, really, really hate what tech house has done to tech house

Golden interview!! Thanks ❤

Idk this dude and im only 5 min into the interview but to not know allen & heath mixer and be a professional Dj is....weird, thats like being a racing car driver and going "yeah you know that brand that has a pony kinda horse in a yellow background, whats the name of it?" However i have always thought that for some profession like being a dj or a painter luck plays a BIG role, i know i know hard work and bla bla bla, but luck is also a major factor to making it, i have a couple of dj friends that are really great djs and have been playing since the 90s and are barely unkown, very underground and another friend that within a year he was playint Miami, LA, NYC, Chicago and he sucks.

This was very insightful and inspiring. Thanks chapter for coming on

Good stuff, as a Yankee sometime I have to pay extra attention to their British accent, to make sure I'm not missing anything 😉

Awesome chat fellas! Really enjoyed this

For me is how fast he learnt to produce pro quality tracks even more than DJing. Because that's the hardest part imo

i'm early 40s. 3 years into producing. you give me hope it can happen Chapter & Verse. and you're from the north of England like me. omg new hero! ✊

I'm only 25 and have always stressed about being so far behind people my age in this space, namely the dutch wizkids so this has been the most valuable podcast for me to date. Big up Chapter & Verse and yourselves, love the message and what you're doing here.

Played Gottwood in my early 50s last year and smashed it. Never too old.

Having been a DJ for 20 plus years and now I'm 40 and feeling the urge again... this makes me happy.

Never underestimate the power of networking, this guy is a master.

Fake it till you make it right here. Good stuff. Imagine learning on some CDJ nexus though 😂

If you have a real passion for music production go listen to someone who has dedicated their life to the craft and learn some real tips. Not one of these get famous quick snake oil beat port queens. Do me a favour 😂

Brutally honest........ well done fella keep up the good work 👌🏼

I think you should tell what this guy was doing before and why he was already hanging out in the VIP area at parties. Not that I know who he is, but since the video appeared on my home, I'd like to understand.

I'm 33 and I've moved aimlessly around in life not admitting to myself that I want to be a Dj producer/artist , now I've hit rock bottom and with nothing to lose I want to be a DJ but I have no equipment , job or dj friends, I only have a laptop with old fl studio on it and I've started teaching myself to make songs but I want TO BE A DJ like and reply if you think my dream is possible 👍👍👍🕯🕯🌠🌠🌠

step 0: Already know a bunch of headliners and pros who will teach you, give you equipment, and get you gigs.

I just started to DJ virtually during Covid. It’s a lot of hard work but totally worth it. Glad to see a quick success story! 🎉

This interview broke my brain. Also bit of a spit in the face for all the producers grinding for years and going no where. This guy can't even name what he was mixing on and is now a "world famous" DJ. What a joke.

All you gotta do is win the NBA championship a few times and you get to play the main stage ("DJ" Diesel)

I'm 54 and trying to do the same thing but without the DJ-ing, did that in my early 20's! Great Interview...

Age is just a number. It's not a factor if you truly have a passion for music and believe in yourself. I'm 50 years old and just started my producing journey 3 years ago. Two of my tracks just got signed by labels which makes me want it even more and work even harder. I see it as the beginning for me and I don't plan on ever stopping. There is no age in music. If you love it and have a passion for it, no one or nothing can take that away from you

Nice to hear.. drive passion persistance littlebit of talent and prob lots of social skills (energy like you say) and adjust, calibrate microcalibrate.. but doing it because of the first two (drive passion).. Im on my way, be ready :D (I'm 48)

A really likable type of guy that you would want to help.. also remember Carl Cox is 61 !!. 😊

10:40 A lot of people in the industry get caught up signing poor deals like this, which work out into the labels favour. And if it does become successful then it's very difficult later to recoup the costs. For great advise, listen to Judge Jules podcast with Celeb Savant. Jules would also make a great guest here speaking more about this subject 😀

So what does he do in the studio? Also, is that what they call Tech House now? I guess tech house 2016 is now called Afro House Tech. His music sounds like Biz Tech to me.

just gotta say HUGE shoutout for the Packers swag!!! GPG!!

Well, I don't believe in your skills if you took 3 weeks to learn how to DJ. It has always taken DJ's 1 year to master beatmixing on 1200's wo any bpm indicators or grids.

This guy simply knew shit loads of people and was beyond lucky

You completely missed that the most important wasn't what you learned or the time you did it on the beginning, but only the people that you knew. Is all about the people that you know... nothing else.

I’ll save everyone time on this whole thing… It’s all about who you know

GREETINGS from CABO VERDE ISLANDS 🤩🤩🤩

..he was on a roll..& he had much more energy to share more details..i can tell clearly an epic interview for the books..so why would the interviewer cut it off @ just 45 minutes? any pro director knows..if the guest is in a zone & on a roll..keep rolling..let it ride..make a part 2 if need be dont go..'oh i gotta cut you off now but thanks for coming'..what's more important than this information???

To be honest it's a cool and inspirational story BUT there is NO FUCKING WAY someone can learn to mix in three weeks and NOT miss a beat. I'm OG, I learned on MKIIs with pitch fader and used my ears to beatmatch. Nowadays there are BMP counters and 'sync' buttons. I don't know how I feel about it. Back when we mixed on Technics vinyl turntables it probably took me 2,000 hours of practice which took a couple of years before I was ready to play in front of a crowd without trainwrecking and keeping the tracks on beat. And that was just the beginning of the DJ journey. Struggling with this video I find it hard to believe even with BPM counters and 'sync' buttons.

Great story but also probably sums up everything wrong with the industry

A very inspiring video ! Thank you Crossfader and Dj Chapter & Verse ! Am 47 & just finished my professional CDJ course ! Looking forward to shine in 2024 & beyond…

Love what he does and seems such a nice genuine guy 👏

Who is finding this inspiring? It's just laying bear the depressing reality of DJing and getting gigs these days.

Started watching and then listened to his music :( then stopped watching. Sounds like an instagram Influencer...Not a DJ.

The real question is how much money did he throw at promoters or how many people did he suck off to get the gigs? Incredibly insulting to the craft. But if you play shit music to shit crowds anything is possible I guess.

You ain't a tech house dj mate.

In my opinion, DJing is best learnd on the Technics turntables 1200 with records. I started doing this in 1985. There was no digital technology at that time to count bars or prases. Or a sync button. There was no recommendation like you have in CDJs to play the next song. Everything back then was purely based on feeling and mastering the technique to master a turntable. The music that was pressed onto records did not run smoothly at all, so you had to constantly make adjustments during mixing. The intro and outrou of a song were sometimes extremely short. Nowadays you use the loop to mix in or out. I think it's nice for this gentleman that he can play in clubs later in life, but I have my doubts about his technique. He has just been very lucky because he knows the right people who grant him that.