Confidence, Community, and the Decks: Steve Pillemer on the Heart of Your Shot
Your Shot started in 2010 because Steve Pillemer saw how many people wanted to be behind the decks but had no access, no training, and no confidence to take the first step. It began in Sydney with 40 contestants. Today it involves over 12,500 past participants, and in September 2025 it will arrive in Los Angeles and New York for its United States debut. Two hundred contestants in each city will receive six weeks of DJ training before performing at large-scale showcase events judged by industry professionals and talent scouts.
In this interview, Pillemer explains that Your Shot was built to remove the intimidation around DJ culture, give beginners a clear starting point, and create community for people who may be dealing with fear, trauma, or instability. That attitude is visible in the structure of the program. Contestants train together, support each other, and often stay connected long after the competition ends.
Some alumni go on to global careers including Tigerlily, 15 Grams, and Sippy. Others leave with something harder to measure but equally important.
Confidence, purpose, and the feeling that they belong to something.
Now that Your Shot is expanding to the United States, the goal stays the same. Make DJ culture accessible. Replace gatekeeping with education. Give people a real shot at stepping behind the decks for the first time. Registration for Los Angeles and New York is open, and the program is ready to train the next group of artists who simply need someone to open the door.
What gaps in the music education or DJ community did you originally hope to fill?
It can be expensive, confusing, and intimidating to learn how to DJ. We wanted to solve that by giving people access to basic education and lowering the barriers to entry.
We also wanted to open doors in an industry that can often be full of gatekeeping. For many people, it’s hard to get that first opportunity or even know where to start. Our goal has always been to create a pathway – so that anyone, no matter their background, could at least get the chance to learn.
How do you ensure the environment remains supportive for participants dealing with recovery, trauma, or homelessness?
First and foremost, we have an incredible team that guides participants through the process. Every individual learns in their own time and their own way – it’s about recognizing that and ensuring the curriculum is structured and delivered so that it can be applied to anyone.
Beyond that, we have various support procedures in place to make sure everyone in the program has the help they need. But perhaps the greatest form of support comes from the participants themselves – and that’s by design. They become like family. They cheer for each other, lift each other up, and create a safe, inclusive community.
Are there any participant stories from the years that particularly moved you or reinforced the value of the program?
There have been countless stories, and honestly, I can’t pick just two or three. Many of our contestants have gone on to build successful careers and perform all over the world. Others have achieved something equally powerful: confidence, connection, and purpose.
A standout from our first season was Dara – better known as Tigerlily. Prior to launching, a prominent brand manager told me, “Females can’t DJ, and even if they wanted to, would they really be any good?” Dara went from working in a department store to becoming Your Shot’s runner-up that year. Today, she’s one of Australia’s biggest and most successful DJs, tours globally, and represents some of the world’s top brands.
But success is relative. I’ve had contestants who are deaf, blind, disabled, suicidal, or battling illness – who still get up and perform despite incredible challenges. I’m constantly moved by these people, and so is my team. That’s what keeps us going. To me, anyone willing to risk rejection, step up, and perform in front of others is already a success story.
Have you ever seen any early standouts who you think will continue on to build strong careers in music?
Of course – there are truly too many to name. As we speak right now, even here in the U.S., I have Australians making their mark internationally. Just last week, I was in Las Vegas watching Brendan, aka 15 Grams, performing at his Las Vegas residency. Another contestant, Alex Calhoun, aka Robust – is doing incredible things and I just watched another alum, Sippy, absolutely throw it down at Lost Lands.
There are so many Your Shot alumni who aren’t just finding their way in the industry but are actively building strong, lasting careers – and I couldn’t be prouder of them.
In your view, what does DJing teach people about life, discipline, or self-expression that goes beyond music itself?
DJing – especially at an entry level – teaches people about courage, connection, and resilience. It’s not just about learning how to mix songs; it’s about learning how to face fear, to put yourself out there, to risk rejection, to put in the time, and to become comfortable expressing who you are in front of others.
For many, it’s the first time they’ve truly had to trust themselves and step outside their comfort zone – and that lesson translates far beyond music. It builds confidence, empathy, and emotional intelligence.
It also teaches discipline and patience. Every great DJ started out doing their time – putting in the blood, sweat, and tears, not just into DJing, but into music production as well. If you’re not committed or willing to put in the effort, it’s unlikely you’ll ever find yourself playing main stage. That’s the reality, and it’s a reflection of life: effort, persistence, and self-belief ultimately determine how far you go.
