How a Must-See DJ Revived His Career in One Year

There’s a moment in every artist’s career when the music stops feeling like magic and starts feeling like work. For Christian Smith, or more famously known as Crankdat, that moment came in 2022. After years of grinding and touring since 2017, sacrificing stability, living out of a suitcase, the momentum suddenly stalled. The pandemic had reshaped the industry, agencies moved on, and shows grew quieter. The very career he’d bet everything on felt like it was slipping through his fingers.

But sometimes, it is in the quiet moments that we rediscover our voice.

Instead of pulling back, Crankdat turned toward the very people who mattered most: the fans. He started sharing not just songs, but pieces of himself. He posted raw, unfiltered moments on TikTok. It was his effort to show a sentimental part of him to fans. And then, “STFU” hit. Not because an algorithm picked it, but because people felt it. They were listening again. Really listening.

He began focusing on what he calls a “fan-first” approach: offering onstage access to many, designing intimate, immersive stage setups like the 360-degree “Crank Deck,” and creating the interactive crowd experience he’s now famous for.

And then, something beautiful happened. The energy shifted. Maybe it was the playful, confident energy that turned his sets into can’t-look-away performances. Or the cropped tees that had everyone drooling. Almost overnight, his vibe became infectious. The dubstep heartthrob known for his filthy drops and his magnetic presence.

By 2023, the same stages that once felt distant were now his. Sold out shows at the Hollywood Palladium. A legendary sunrise set at bassPOD at EDC. His recent “GET CRANKED!” tour was a thank you to the very community that helped him rediscover his sound.

Crankdat’s comeback is a reminder that sometimes, the bravest thing you can do is take the risk and start over. That burnout doesn’t have to be the end. It can be the beginning of something deeper, and more meaningful than ever.

While algorithms can amplify a sound, only real connection can amplify a soul. In a scene that often chases sound, Crankdat chased connection, and that motivation led to his thriving career today.

Connect with Crankdat: Facebook | Instagram | X | Spotify | SoundCloud