Steve Pillemer
Breaking into the DJ world demands substantial resources; without funding for equipment and professional guidance, many talented newcomers are sidelined.
Founded in Australia over fifteen years ago, Your Shot has championed emerging DJs by providing access to industry-standard gear, expert-led instruction, and valuable professional connections. Since 2010, the program has supported more than 12,500 participants across Australia and New Zealand—alumni include Tigerlily, Sippy, and Go Freek—and reports that 62% of its graduates now perform internationally.
This fall, Your Shot expands to the United States with inaugural sessions in New York and Los Angeles. Each city will host 200 aspiring DJs at The Academy, where six weeks of immersive training will cover mixing techniques, music selection, live performance strategies, career mindset, and ongoing technical and emotional support.
Upon completion, contestants will demonstrate their refined skills at festival-style events, performing for live audiences, industry adjudicators, and talent scouts. Outstanding participants will earn spots at leading festivals; previous champions have graced stages at CRSSD in San Diego, the BPM Festival in Costa Rica, Snowbombing in Austria, and more.
In-person auditions are scheduled for September 13 at Catch One in Los Angeles and September 20 at Elsewhere in New York. The 2025 U.S. advisory board includes artist and Femme House co-founder LP Giobbi, Live Nation Vibee president Harvey Cohen, and representatives from electronic music management firm The Circuit Group.
“Your Shot is dedicated to giving aspiring DJs a platform to hone their craft, build a community beyond their bedrooms, and transform their passion into a sustainable career,” says founder and CEO Steve Pillemer. “Young talent in the U.S. seeks the same opportunity as their Australian counterparts, and we are thrilled to meet that demand.”
