Richie Hawtin Advocates for Crediting Music Artists

In the electronic music industry, DJ performances and festival clips are frequently shared across social media platforms, showcasing high-energy moments and exclusive sets. However, there’s a significant problem: many DJs and festivals fail to credit the artists behind the music they’re playing. Techno legend Richie Hawtin is calling attention to this issue, describing it as disrespectful to the creators who drive the industry forward.

According to new research, up to 90 percent of DJ performances shared on Instagram do not tag or credit the artists behind the tracks being played. In response, the #RespectTheCreators campaign—backed by Hawtin and the Association for Electronic Music (AFEM)—is pushing for change.

Why Don’t DJs Credit the Music They Play?

Social media has become an essential tool for DJs, promoters, and festivals, allowing them to reach a wide audience by sharing clips from their live performances. However, what’s often missing from these posts is a basic level of respect: crediting the artists who made the music that fuels these moments. Despite benefiting from other artists' creations, DJs frequently fail to tag the original producers, robbing them of the recognition they deserve.

At the International Music Summit (IMS) in Ibiza, it was revealed that only 3 percent of a DJ’s set typically includes their own productions. This means the overwhelming majority of tracks played during these sets are created by other artists, yet they are not receiving proper credit in social media posts.

Richie Hawtin, who is backing the #RespectTheCreators campaign, voiced his concerns about this lack of recognition:

"Supporting the community and the musicians who make the musical structure that our scene stands on should be common decency… So why do so many social media posts from DJs, promoters, and festivals fail to tag the music being played? It’s disrespectful and only takes further advantage of musicians who are already struggling for recognition.”

The #RespectTheCreators Campaign: A Call for Change

The #RespectTheCreators campaign, launched by the AFEM, seeks to tackle this problem by setting a new standard for crediting music across social media. The campaign emphasizes the importance of recognizing the work of the artists who are often overshadowed by the DJs who play their tracks.

What the Campaign Asks For:

• DJs: When posting videos from gigs or mixes, tag the artists behind the music and list the full track names in a visible part of the post.

• Online Platforms: Ensure tracklists are visible directly below any video or audio content featuring a DJ set or performance.

• Promoters: Include music credits in all promotional materials for events.

This simple act of tagging and listing tracks allows emerging artists to gain exposure and helps build a culture of mutual respect within the industry.

Why Proper Credit Matters

Electronic music thrives on collaboration. While DJs are often seen as the face of the performance, the music they play is typically produced by a wide range of talented individuals. By failing to credit these artists, DJs and festivals diminish the contributions of the very people who make their sets possible.

The #RespectTheCreators campaign is more than just a call for fairness—it’s about preserving the integrity of the electronic music community. AFEM COO Finlay Johnson added:

"While the campaign may seem straightforward, encouraging people to share and credit new music addresses significant challenges in the discoverability of emerging artists.”

Crediting artists not only ensures they get the recognition they deserve, but it also supports the music industry as a whole by encouraging a more transparent and collaborative ecosystem.

Moving Toward a More Respectful Industry

In an age where social media dominates, small acts like tagging the music in a DJ set can have a big impact. The #RespectTheCreators campaign is a reminder that while DJs and promoters may take center stage, it’s the music producers who lay the foundation for the performance. By recognizing and crediting them, the industry can move towards a more inclusive and respectful future.

As Richie Hawtin notes, respecting the creators isn’t just about decency—it’s about ensuring that the entire community thrives.

This blog post should effectively communicate the message of the #RespectTheCreators campaign while adhering to the preferred format!