When it comes to spotlighting new artists, building high-impact playlists, and maintaining an unmistakable sonic identity, Digital Empire Records stands out from the crowd. Founded in 2013 and actively curating on Spotify since 2018, this powerhouse has used its love for electronic music to carve out a respected space in the music discovery ecosystem.

Since joining Songtools in 2021, Digital Empire Records has continued to grow a loyal following through curated playlists, high-quality branding, and deep engagement with the music community. From early Daft Punk inspiration to TikTok-powered growth strategies, their story is as intentional as their curation. We are thrilled to feature them as our first official Playlister of the Month!

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Meet the Curator: Q&A with Digital Empire Records

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Q: Tell us about your curation. How did you get started? What inspired you to start your first playlist?

My journey in music curation began long before I created my first playlist. I fell in love with electronic music back in 1997 thanks to a cousin who introduced me to Daft Punk. That opened the door to artists like The Chemical Brothers, Fatboy Slim, Tiësto, Aphex Twin, and others. Over the years, I developed a strong passion not only for listening to music but also for understanding.

By 2007, I was already producing my own tracks and getting involved in online communities where feedback and discovery played a major role. After releasing music through smaller labels, I founded Digital Empire Records in 2013 to release both my own music and that of new artists.

In 2018, I started building playlists on Spotify as a way to promote the music I was releasing. My inspiration was simple: I wanted to help artists get discovered and build momentum beyond a single release. Over time, my curation evolved into a more intentional and structured practice, combining genre diversity with my musical taste.

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Q: How have you grown your curation? What are the best ways to grow? 

My curation initially grew through organic reach, which was slow but steady. As my playlists gained traction, I started experimenting with paid campaigns on Facebook, particularly Reels and Instagram stories, to give them an extra push and attract more followers.

As I continued to grow my playlists, I expanded to using multiple social media platforms, as Instagram, YouTube, Facebook, and, most importantly for growth, TikTok. The ability to share short, engaging content that resonates with listeners has proven to be incredibly effective in boosting visibility and increasing engagement.

In addition to social media, I’ve focused on keeping the playlists fresh and diverse, constantly updating them to ensure they remain relevant to new and loyal listeners. 

I believe that the best way to grow a curation is through a combination of organic reach, strategic paid campaigns, and maintaining an active presence across multiple platforms, with a particular focus on TikTok, which is a perfect way to get exposure these days.

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Q: How has branding played a role in your curation? 

Branding has been essential in shaping my curatorial work. From the beginning, I wanted Digital Empire Records to have a clear and consistent musical identity that resonates with both artists and listeners. My branding is centered around a strong, recognizable style that reflects the music I promote, including tracks for clubs, festivals, and workout sessions, helping to build trust and recognition with my audience.

The way I curate my playlists is an extension of this branding, ensuring that the music I feature aligns with the overall sound and feel of Digital Empire Records. By maintaining a cohesive image across my playlists and social media platforms, I've cultivated trust with my audience. This consistency allows listeners to instantly recognize the type of music they can expect, whether it's through Spotify playlists or social media posts.

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Q: What tips do you have for other playlisters? If you had one tip to give someone just starting out as a playlister, what would it be?

One of the most important tips I can give to other playlisters is to stay consistent and authentic in your curation. It’s easy to get caught up in trends, but the most successful playlists are those that reflect your unique musical taste. Focus on curating music that you truly enjoy and believe in.

If I had to give just one tip to someone starting out as a playlister, it would be to engage with the community. Whether it's connecting with artists, leaving feedback on their tracks, or sharing your thoughts with your audience, active engagement helps you build a loyal network and discover fresh music. Also, if you support other artists by featuring their music, they’re likely to support you in return by sharing your playlists, which can help amplify your reach.

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Q: How have you been able to grow your business around your playlists?

Growing my business around my playlists has been a natural progression. When I first started curating playlists, my main goal was to promote my own music and help other artists get discovered. As the playlists gained traction, I saw their potential to play a key role in the growth of Digital Empire Records.

I started using my playlists as a promotional tool, reaching new audiences through platforms like Spotify, TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube. As the playlists grew in both size and engagement, I expanded my efforts by collaborating with artists, labels, and brands. This not only boosted the visibility of the music I was promoting but also helped me form valuable partnerships. Over time, the playlists became a central part of my brand, bringing in new listeners, artists, and business opportunities.

By actively engaging with my community, providing feedback to artists, and constantly updating the playlists, I was able to build a loyal following. This relationship has opened doors for further growth, whether through brand partnerships or simply expanding my network of artists and listeners.

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Q: What artists are you excited about right now? What makes someone stand out to you?

Right now, I’m excited about several up-and-coming. Artists like Adam Beyer, HNTR, Space 92, Massano, Bruno Furlan, and GREG (BR) are catching my attention because they bring something fresh and innovative, blending unique, pumping sounds and grooves with energy, while still staying connected with listeners.

What makes an artist stand out to me isn’t just their musical talent, but their creativity, authenticity, and innovation. I look for artists who have a distinct vibe, whether it’s through their production style or their ability to connect with their audience through new music. An artist who constantly challenges themselves to evolve.

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Q: What’s the most rewarding part of being a playlister?

The most rewarding part of being a playlister is seeing how the music I feature can truly impact an artist career. Helping new talent get discovered, grow their audience, and gain momentum through playlist exposure is something I find fulfilling.

It’s also nice to know that listeners trust my curation and come back to my playlists to discover new tracks they wouldn’t have found otherwise. That connection between the artist, the listener, and the music is what motivates me to keep curating.

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Q: Where can people find you online?

You can find us on Spotify under Digital Empire Records, where all our playlists are available. We are also active on TikTok under the alias @disco_mafia, as well as on Instagram, YouTube, and Facebook, where we regularly share music content, updates, and artist highlights. Just search for @digitalempirerecords on any of those platforms.

For business inquiries, demos, or release submissions, you can reach us at digitalempirerecords1@gmail.com or through the contact form on our official website.

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Digital Empire Records isn’t just curating playlists, they’re building a community around music discovery, artist support, and genre-defining sound. Their thoughtful approach to branding, consistent engagement with artists, and cross-platform promotion make them a standout voice in the electronic music scene.

For artists looking to grow, their playlists offer real momentum and long-term visibility, not just a quick spike in streams. We're proud to feature Digital Empire Records as our Playlister of the Month and encourage any rising artist or aspiring curator to explore their work, follow their playlists, and take inspiration from the care and strategy behind their curation!