In the fall of 2013, I stumbled upon an article titled “The End of DJing” by DJ Zimmie. Whether it popped up in my Twitter feed or appeared on Facebook, I can’t quite recall the precise moment, but I do remember the jolt it gave me. “What is this, who is this guy, and what is he saying?” I thought to myself. Being a DJ myself, though more focused on selling gear than spinning records, I felt compelled to dig deeper. So, I reached out.
I found an email address and shot off a message, and before the high school basketball game I was about to watch even ended, we were on the phone. From that initial contact sprang a friendship—a partnership rooted in mutual support and a shared passion for the art of DJing.
Over the years, I’ve watched DJ Zimmie embark on countless ventures: from documentary film projects to starting a record company, running a podcast, touring the globe, and releasing some of the best mixtapes in the game. One of the many things I admire about him is his ability to connect with fellow DJs, remember their names, and build a network that spans continents.
So, when DJ Zimmie approached me with an idea for a DJ retreat focused on personal growth and networking, I was all in. “How can I help?” I asked, eager to support his vision. And thus, the Level Up retreat was born.
Taking place from April 21st to 24th in Pittsburgh, PA, Level Up offers DJs a unique opportunity to elevate themselves, both personally and professionally. This two-day, three-night retreat is more than just a vacation—it’s a chance to engage in panel discussions covering everything from the latest gear and industry trends to mental health, financial advice, and life beyond the club or event space.
As the Level Up website aptly states, “For DJs to reach their full potential as artists and share their unique gifts with the world, equal focus must be given to the individual behind the art.” And that’s precisely what Level Up aims to do.
If you’re a DJ with a desire to network, learn, and grow—not just as an artist, but as a whole person—then Level Up is for you. Join us for an unforgettable experience that will not only enrich your DJing skills but also empower you to thrive in all aspects of life.
As we reflect on DJ Zimmie’s words from a decade ago, let’s heed his advice: “If you’re not in the top 5%, think about what you’re going to do post-DJing and invest wisely.” Level Up is your opportunity to invest in yourself, your future, and the continued evolution of the DJing community.
Don’t miss out on this chance to level up your game. Reserve your spot at Level Up today and take the next step in your journey as a professional DJ.
