Interview with Gabriel Dancer - A DJ.Studio and Syndicast User

Gabriel Dancer is a DJ and radio show producer, who has recently been getting a boost in productivity and reach from using DJ.Studio and Syndicast. We spoke to him to find out more about his experience of using these platforms. 

In this interview, we got his take on some of the reasons why a combination of DJ.Studio and Syndicast has helped him to accelerate his career and radio show reach. 

Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music production/DJing?#

I feel fortunate to have started my DJ journey 26 years ago when I was just 12 years old, during school parties. I've learned to use various devices as technology evolved, from cassette tapes and minidiscs to CDs, vinyl, timecode hybrid systems, and USB devices. 

The music industry has undergone significant changes, not only in terms of technical development and musical trends but also in the culture of entertainment. This evolution has brought about related business branches like marketing, communication, and social media. 

In our DJ school, we focus not only on technical knowledge but also on helping students navigate these areas. I enjoy learning new things and staying updated with industry trends.

What initially drew you to DJ.Studio, and how long have you been using it?#

I tried DJ.Studio for the first time almost a year ago. It was relatively new on the market then, with just a few posts on their Instagram profile. 

I noticed the DJ.Studio logo on all my lists on 1001tracklist.com and clicked on their page after seeing an ad about AI. Initially, I was skeptical, but within a few minutes, I realized it was much more than I expected. 

I was impressed by how much time it saved me and became eager to learn more about its features. After testing it out, I decided it was time to break old habits and embrace the future with DJ.Studio.

Could you walk us through a typical workflow when creating an episode for the NEXUS Recordings Radio Show using DJ.Studio?#

I spend most of my time going through weekly promotional emails. For example, I opened 400 emails last week. I know what I'm looking for, but I listen to everything briefly—about 20 to 30 seconds per song. If a track catches my attention, I'll download it; otherwise, it goes to the trash. I don't care about the artist or the publisher—big names or small names don't matter. The key is that the track is good and fits into my show.

First, I import the selected tracks into Rekordbox for analysis. Then, I move to DJ.Studio. Thanks to the connection between Rekordbox and DJ.Studio, I can access all the tracks immediately. I select the music for the mix directly within the software, including NEXUS Recordings tracks and selected promotional songs. Top lists don't influence my choices.

Using the auto-mix function in DJ.Studio, the algorithm quickly selects the best combinations from up to 10 million possibilities. I typically adjust about 25-30% of the list to fit the structure of my show. Due to my preset transition settings, the mix is half-finished at this point. I then refine the transitions. DJ.Studio offers many useful features, such as key synchronization for tracks in different keys and the ability to mimic professional Pioneer DJ equipment.

For dynamics and time constraints, I can easily cut parts and add loops, adjust the tempo from song to song, and apply compression using the master function. Before exporting, I set the auto-gain function and, if necessary, adjust the master tempo, though this is rare. I then import the finished mix into Ableton, where I add imaging elements like intros, outros, DJ IDs, and sweepers. As I continue to explore DJ.Studio, I'm finding ways to streamline this process even further.

What features of DJ.Studio do you find most beneficial for your radio show production?#

I find the real-time editing feature incredibly beneficial. It allows me to make variations to the playlist at any time without having to start over or rearrange the songs manually. One simple movement and everything is in place, ensuring precise transitions.

How has DJ.Studio helped improve the quality or efficiency of your production process?#

DJ.Studio has significantly improved my efficiency by saving me a lot of time, which is invaluable. Previously, producing a weekly episode in Ableton took me about four hours, making changes and fine-tuning details. Now, even with multiple changes, I can complete an episode in a maximum of one hour, and sometimes as quickly as 20 minutes if I wasn't a perfectionist. This extra time allows me to spend more quality moments with my one-year-old daughter.

How did you first hear about Syndicast, and what motivated you to join their platform?#

An A&R manager at a major record label introduced me to Syndicast around 2010. At the time, I was sending mixes to many radio stations, but it involved a lot of work, uploading episodes one by one to FTP servers. Syndicast’s website offered a clear and efficient solution. After exchanging a few emails and running some tests, we started working together. I was immediately impressed and have loved the collaboration ever since.

(Check out our Interview With Syndicast Founder Norbert Papp for more info about this service!)

Can you describe the process of getting your radio show broadcasted on 23 radio stations across 12 countries?#

The process is straightforward and efficient. I upload the episode to the admin interface, set the cover, and write the tracklist. Syndicast's automated system handles the rest. Subscribed partners are notified when a new episode is available, and they download it to include in their broadcast list. Additionally, my show is exclusive to partners for five days before Syndicast uploads the episode to Mixcloud, and podcast platforms. This cooperation has been very successful, and I’m proud of the results we’ve achieved together.

What role did Syndicast play in expanding the reach of your show?#

Syndicast has a network of over 2400 registered radio connections, all of high quality and meeting strict criteria. Their services are free for radio stations, which helps attract good partners. Syndicast regularly informs partners about my show via email and social media, attends major music conferences, and builds relationships continuously. This proactive approach has significantly expanded the reach of my show.

Were there any significant challenges you faced while growing your radio show's audience, and how did you overcome them?#

The biggest challenge was my own impatience. In the first month, many radios picked up my show, which got me very excited. When no new partners joined for a few weeks, I was worried. However, Syndicast explained the workings of radio stations and their methods, which helped me relax and trust the process. Everything happened as they said, thanks to their professional team.

What advice would you give to other producers looking to get their shows syndicated or expand their reach?#

Only pursue syndication if you’re serious. Radio stations seek consistent, professional content. Deadlines are sacred, and quality is paramount. Ensure you can provide regular, high-quality content and be unique. If you meet these criteria, reach out to Syndicast.

Can you share any memorable moments or feedback you’ve received from listeners since your show started airing on multiple stations?#

There have been many memorable moments. Gabriel Dancer and Nexus Recordings' social media followers have grown across all platforms. We've received more demo submissions, increased Beatport sales, and more promotional emails. Additionally, some internet radio stations that don’t meet our Syndicast criteria are rebroadcasting previous episodes. International DJ gigs are also starting for me this autumn.

What future plans do you have for the NEXUS Recordings Radio Show and your collaboration with Syndicast?#

We plan to utilize Syndicast's Radio Promotion/Radio Plugging service. This service is well-planned and monitored, perfect for promoting Nexus Recordings releases.

How do you see the role of platforms like DJ.Studio and Syndicast evolving in the future of music production and broadcasting?#

Currently, I don't see any other alternatives that offer such professional and simple services. Both beginners and highly skilled individuals can benefit greatly from these platforms.

Is there anything else you would like to share about your experience with DJ.Studio, Syndicast, or the journey of your radio show?#

 DJ.Studio is constantly evolving, always considering user needs with frequent updates. They are open to suggestions and act on them, which is rare for a DAW program. Choosing Syndicast is one of the best decisions for any career. At NEXUS Recordings, we are always open to new demos or promotions and support our community with all our strengths.

Take advantage of a 15% discount on the Syndicast radio syndication service for 6 months - register here!#