Artist Spotlight

Exclusive Interview With Serafin – DJ Remixer

Serafin is often referred to as one of the top 10 remixers of all time. The Los Angeles-based DJ got his first set of turntables at age of 12 has been celebrated for his electrifying remixes and savvy technical style. He is a well-known rising star and performer in the international DJ community.

Serafin is a Self-Taught music producer and remixer who started his career in 2008. Jive Records signed him on for his remixes for superstars Livvi Frank, Jordin Sparks, and Britney Spears. In 2009, he proffered his skills to the Hip Hop All-Stars video game app, the first DJ video game for the iPhone.

He released his first original track “WHUT” under Peak Hour Records in 2010, and followed it with the single “Never Leave Her” in 2011, under Vector Mode Records. In 2011 Serafin produced “This That Shit” with the legendary Greg Nice. In 2013 Serafin also lent his remarkable production skill to Remax Parliament’s “FLASHLIGHT” in the Motion Picture HEAT, starring Sandra Bullock, Melissa McCarthy, and Produced the opening score in Robin Williams, The Crazy Ones with Sarah Michelle Gellar.

In 2014 Serafin started sharing the stage with the band “Royal Machines” in a Sold out show at The Mayan in Downtown Los Angeles, which is composed of rock legends, from Ozzy Osborne, Billy Idol, Dave Navaro, Courtney Love &amp, James Belushi.

All these achievements are what make Serafin an outstanding DJ Remixer.

We have the honor of interviewing Serafin exclusively and here is more to learn from him:

Questions:-

Can you tell us a story about what brought you to this specific career path?

Serafin: Music was part of my life growing up, my grandfather was the Frank Sinatra of the Philippines. I’d go and play his records every time he’s not home.

My Uncle thought me how to DJ at the age of 12, and I got hooked ever since.

Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you started this career?

Serafin: Love the travel, seeing the world through djing is a blessing. It’s a paid vacation!

Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Serafin: I would have to say… don’t tell the club owners that you don’t drink lol.

I was in Shanghai for a 3-week Residencies. I used my Per Diem on food instead of alcohol. Didn’t know it mattered how I spent my Per Diem.

I lost my Shanghai Residency due to not Drinking, they told the booker to never book a sober DJ again.

What are some of the most interesting or exciting projects you are working on now?

Serafin: I had the opportunity to produce and DJ this group called the EDM Rap Pack. It was a fusion of hip hop legends mashed into the EDM Scene. Sen Dogg from Cypress Hill, Baby Bash, and Lil Nate Dogg (Son of the late Nate Dogg)

http://www.edmrappak.com/

Right now, I’m excited for on first collaboration with Producer & DJ Sammy Slade.

Our Track PLAY comes out May 28th. It’s a cover of the classic freestyle track by Shannon, Let the Music Play.

It’s been a busy year so far, just launched the first only Electronic Music Pool https://pitchthetempo.com/ with my partner Romi Lux. It’s an Electronic Music Platform for DJs & Producers.

Who are some of the most interesting people you have interacted with? What was that like? Do you have any stories?

Serafin: I’ve met so many and if I have to pick one I have to say, Ozzy Osborne. My green room was directly next to his. His professionalism & passion really gave me a different outlook on this business. The people only see what the media gives them how rock stars or celebrities. They are who they are because of the work they put in.

Which tips would you recommend to your colleagues in your industry to help them to thrive and not “burn out”?

Serafin: Consistency is key, hype doesn’t last. Make great music that you love and not for the trend. Do you.

You have been blessed with success in a career path that can be challenging. Do you have any words of advice for others who may want to embark on this career path, but seem daunted by the prospect of failure?

Serafin: Embrace your failures, which are the only way to achieve success when you learn from them. Never stop learning.

Can you share with our readers any self-care routines, practices, or treatments that you do to help your body, mind, or heart to thrive? Kindly share a story or an example for each.

Serafin: Stop procrastinating! Set Daily Goals. This doesn’t happen overnight.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started” and why? Please share a story or example for each.

Serafin: (1). Invest in your brand. I wish I knew this from the start, marketing is key.

Serafin: (2). Stop Impressing your peers. There’s a reason why some of the DJs come to see you, they want your job! Stop impressing them and impress your crowd.

Serafin: (3). It’s OK to say NO. You don’t have to take every single gig, If it doesn’t fit what you can do, it’ll most likely hurt your brand.

Serafin: (4). Get an LLC. I know it’s just a hobby at first, and LLC for an entrepreneur/self-employed has its benefits.

Serafin: (5). You haven’t Made it until you’re Hated. Stop wasting energy on the negative naysayers; you don’t have to prove anything to them.

Can you please give us your favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Can you share how that was relevant to you in your life?

Serafin: It’s my number above. “You haven’t made it until you’re Hated”

None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?

Serafin: My uncle for sure, Tito Caloy, was the one who showed me the art of djing. As far as Producing goes, there are so many. I can’t just name one LOL, if you reading this you know who you are. My family, My Mother supported my decisions and from the beginning. My Girl Christy, who pushes me every day that being basic is not an option.

You are a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most good to the most people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

Serafin: Kindness.. take time to share your knowledge.

We are very blessed that some of the biggest names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might see this.

Serafin: Oh boy, this is a tough one. Representatives from General Atlantic or Hillhouse Capital Group, I would love to pick their brains over Brunch. Chase Carey or Stefano Domenicali, I’m a huge fan of Formula 1, and it’s a Multi-Billion Dollar industry.

14 How can our readers follow you online?

Serafin: Follow me on:

Instagram: @djserafin https://www.instagram.com/djserafin/

www.djserafin.com

Bookings: https://sleepinggiantmusic.com/

On Air (Dash Radio): Every Friday, 9 pm PT 12a ET #theserafinshow on Dash Radio ch. Overdrive

https://dashradio.com/home

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Artist Spotlight

Who’s Making the Most Money on Spotify in 2025?

In 2025, Spotify conquers the music streaming world, with 500+ million monthly paying subscribers globally. Considering the platform paid out $10 billion in royalties, a record high, during 2024, it’s evident that streaming is now a revenue stream for artists. Yet only a few musicians are making good money from it.

At the top of the list is Drake, whose 21.5 billion streams yield around $52.5 million. Next up is J Balvin, with $37.9 million this year, a clean-up job from his massive streaming numbers. Other artists who earned significant amounts included Post Malone, Ariana Grande, and Bad Bunny, each featured among the platform’s top earners.

In electronic music, the Chainsmokers had 7.2 billion streams and made $17.7 million, and Calvin Harris made $14 million. The first-place finisher among the grossers is Ed Sheeran’s “Shape of You,” which earned $6.6 million from 2.7 billion streams.

Although these numbers are impressive, most artists on Spotify receive a much lower payday. In its 2024 Loud & Clear report, Spotify found that only 4.4% of artists make at least $131,000 annually. On average, an artist in the bottom 98.6% of earners makes just $12 monthly. This difference underscores the difficulties many musicians face in the streaming age.

Dead artists are still having a real impact on Spotify. Pop Smoke, Shoot for the Stars, and Aim for the Moon have 8.51 billion streams, £29.29m, 6.79 billion streams, and £23.37 million in earnings with Juice WRLD’s “Legends Never Die.” Lil Peep and The Notorious B.I.G. are also proving influential, with their music still raking in significant amounts of money.

Spotify’s global platform has allowed artists to perform in front of audiences beyond their home countries. In 2024, most artists who earned at least $1,000 in royalties made most of their revenue through international listeners, at over 50%. Since 2017, the number of female artists grossing over $1 million per year has quadrupled, signaling greater diversity and representation in the music industry.

The few artists who do make millions from Spotify streams get 1 %, while the 1% of artists get funds. Only a handful of artists are financially rewarded through it, even as the platform’s continued global reach and growing diversity create opportunities for emergent practitioners.

Let me know what you thought of this post in the comments if you found this article interesting!

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Artist Spotlight

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