R/HOOD App Matches DJs With Paid Gigs Based on Talent, Not Followers

How the Platform Works

DJs verify their identity and upload an Audio ID—a 30- to 40-minute mix that showcases their taste and technical ability. Brands and promoters browse these mixes, filtering by genre, energy, style and geography. When a brand posts a gig, campaign or event brief, R/HOOD's model scores DJs on genre fit, audio quality, location, availability and relevance. Matching opportunities appear in the DJ's app feed, where a right swipe applies and a left swipe passes.

Each swipe trains the AI model. A human reviewer then vets the output before sending a ranked shortlist to the brand, which can listen to Audio IDs, message DJs directly and make offers. Payment is secured before any opportunity goes live, so DJs receive full payment the moment a job wraps. After each gig, brands rate the DJ, who earns credits that boost visibility in future matches.

Meritocracy Over Follower Counts

"What fueled us to start R/HOOD was the obvious lack of representation and fair play when it came to championing and providing talent with opportunities," co-founder Johan Wendner tells EDM.com. "We wanted to create an incubator for talent meritocracy. Regardless of where you come from, your skill level or how much experience you have, there is a space for you at R/HOOD."

The platform's community has passed 3,000 members and has worked with Adidas, Google and Doc Martens, who use it to find unheralded talent. Wendner says the guaranteed payment model—full amount, on time—is "unheard of" in the creative industry.

Live Test at MMATH Amsterdam

R/HOOD will power many onsite opportunities at Meet Me At The Hotel, the independent electronic music industry gathering returning for its fifth anniversary in Amsterdam from October 21–24. Attendees can use the app to apply for showcase sets, secure livestreaming slots with partners including EDM.com, and book session time in the DistroKid music studio. MMATH hosts panels, networking events, parties and brand activations at the Room Mate Aitana hotel.

The app is available now on the App Store.