We’ve all been there: late nights, up-for-it crowds, and that feeling you’re absolutely nailing your set. And yet, once the weekend is over and everyone goes home, you’re left facing the reality of how you actually feel.

For DJs and Electronic Music Producers, burnout doesn’t announce itself with a snare build and a sub drop. It creeps into the space between gigs and studio sessions. It whispers in the small hours while you scroll through socials instead of sleeping. Yet, you push through because it’s been widely celebrated to do so, yet there’s a part of you that’s screaming out for a break.

It’s not because you don’t love making and playing electronic music. It’s because your approach to your career isn’t sustainable. Ineffective, even, because the human behind it (you) isn’t being truly looked after.

This isn’t by any means an exhaustive list, but if you’re nodding your head to any of these, it’s a sign that you’re heading towards burnout.

Oh, it’s tempting (and so easy!) to blame the late nights, the industry pressure, or the demands of being not just the DJ and producer but also the marketer, social media manager, and maybe even your own booking agent.

But more often than not, it’s the accumulation of small habits: poor food choices; days built on caffeine and energy drinks; leaning on alcohol or drugs to relax and have fun; and rarely, if ever, giving your body and mind the rest they need.

You say you’re not sleeping well because of the late nights (and that holds some truth!), but your shitty habits teamed up with what you put into your body during the day isn’t helping you get quality sleep when you finally can.

Essentially, you’re blaming the lifestyle instead of your own behaviour.

Here’s the truth: ignoring burnout doesn’t make you a hero. The “push through and hustle” mentality makes you, over time, less creative, less focused, and eventually less in love with your music (unless you’ve got your health and wellness regime dialed in!)

Ever wondered why many DJs and producers seem to disappear? I believe it’s because many haven’t learned effective ways to look after their health whilst sustaining their career.

And that’s a loss no DJ or producer should accept, especially if your dreams rest on a successful career in electronic music.

And, if you’re saying “yeah, well it won’t happen to me!” ? Best you beware. As your career starts to take off, so does the amplification of self-defeating thoughts, more reliance on alcohol or drugs, and the increase pressure of having to hold yourself at a higher level all the time.

Here are some simple signs that you’re approaching burnout.

Energy. Not the 3 a.m. tiredness after a long set, but the creeping exhaustion that lasts for days. Waking up tired even after a full night’s sleep? That’s your body screaming for rest.

Joy. Are you excited to make and play electronic music, or just checking boxes? Is studio time a chore, or does it still feel like your most favourite thing ever? Ever dread a gig and wish you could have a night off?

Focus. Struggling to finish tracks? Not playing as well as you’d like? Red flags. Always picking up your phone during studio sessions? Going to bed scrolling through social media? Come on now, these habits aren’t doing you any favours.

Mood. Irritability, anxiety, overwhelm or the constant urge to drink just to relax aren’t ‘part of the lifestyle’. They’re signals from your nervous system saying, slow the fuck down.

NEEDING a holiday. Yes, take one. But when you need it? It’s a sign that you’ve been pushing too hard for too long. Or your approach to your life and career isn’t effective. That’s a problem.

Yes, these things have become normal in DJ world, but they’re not natural. They’re all warning signs from your body that something needs to change. Ignore them long enough, and your mental health, and potentially your career will pay the price.

I’m gonna be a little blunt here: you need to start looking after you.

The Basics:

Then level it up:

It sounds basic, but if you do the basics well, you’ll have more energy, creativity, and focus to do what you love. Ignore them, and you’ll keep “pushing through” when you’re running on empty. And when that happens, your mental health will suffer, and burnout will be right around the corner.

Remember: electronic music will always be there, but only if you are.

Prioritizing your health will pay dividends over your entire life and career.

Start with one or two small but important changes, and implement those first. If I had to pick the top two? Explore your habits around Alcohol and Exercise. Those two alone will have the biggest payoff when you get right.

If this story resonated with you, know that you’re not alone.

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Because your career in electronic music can only ever be as good as the human behind it.