Over the course of his career in the field of electronic dance music, Gil Glaze has accomplished a remarkable journey, beginning as an opening DJ and eventually performing on some of the most prestigious stages in the world. Throughout his career, characterized by tenacity and clever networking, he brought attention to the frequently underappreciated function of an opening DJ as a crucial stepping stone on the path to success.
Although Gil began his career in the smaller nightclubs of Zurich, he quickly realized the significance of establishing the mood for the main artists who were scheduled to perform that evening. He quickly became known as an opening act for well-known DJs such as Martin Garrix, David Guetta, Tiesto, Afrojack, The Chainsmokers, and Marshmello as a result of his considerable talent and unwavering dedication. “I started playing small nightclubs in Zurich, and from there I started opening for some bigger names at a larger club in Zurich,” Gil said, reflecting on the opportunities that he had been presented with. I was able to meet some of my heroes and add these experiences to my résumé thanks to this opportunity.
When Gil relocated to New York and secured a residency with Tao Group Hospitality, it was a pivotal moment in his professional life. The opportunity to perform alongside major musicians and remix their tracks was made available to him as a result of this employment. As a result of his growing reputation for producing captivating opening sets, he began to receive bookings from other famous clubs. The management of The Chainsmokers finally became aware of him as a result of this, and they extended an invitation to him to remix one of their tracks. The remix received more than three million streams on Spotify, which was a significant achievement that resulted in offers to accompany The Chainsmokers on their tours in Europe and Australia, opening at venues located on seven different continents.
Gil was at Tao Chicago and Hakkasan Las Vegas when Afrojack came across him in 2023. He was opening for both of those venues. As a result of Afrojack’s admiration for Gil’s opening technique, he extended an invitation to Gil to participate in his tours as an opening DJ, which ultimately led to Gil signing with Wall Media. In order to further strengthen his career, The Chainsmokers presented Gil with the opportunity to meet with the local Sony Music Switzerland team while they were performing in Switzerland. In jest, they inquired as to the reason why Gil had not been signed yet, which resulted in a meeting the following day and numerous further opportunities.
“I have seen how far being an opening DJ can get you,” Gil says, recognizing the significance that the opening DJ plays in the musical performance. As a result of the opening position, he is able to avoid the isolation that can come with touring solo and instead relishes the opportunity to share the stage with his biggest inspirations. In addition to adding excitement and a sense of camaraderie to his tours, traveling with larger teams of notable musicians is also beneficial.
The fact that Gil Glaze went from performing in nightclubs in Zurich to performing in arenas all over the world highlights the significance of each and every set and relationship. His life serves as a powerful illustration of how beginning one’s career in the music industry as an opening DJ can serve as a significant stepping stone to greater heights.