[DJ BIBLE] Getting bookings

[legend4ry]

This is a very, very controversial subject.


I'm just going to go ahead and say it, you won't get bookings every weekend if you're an amazing DJ and don't at least brown nose a little.. Spesh when starting out. Heres some of my bits of advice to get that first gig!

[PLEASE NOTE FOLLOWING THESE PIECES OF ADVICE WONT 100% GUARANTEE YOU A BOOKING]



Start your own : many people I know (including myself) helped throw nights and thats how they started playing out live.

Ask promoters if they need a hand flyering and setting up at the venue : Its hard work but it can pay off.

Enter DJ competitions : most DJ competition prizes hosted by promoters end up in residency, even if you don't win they still might book you for free if they enjoy your set!

Make a great demo : Get a few friends around, get them all a bit drunk then do a 30 minute recording of you mixing, this will make you seem like you're in a small (probably really small) club and that atmosphere should generally make you play the kind of thing you'll play out live.

Go to local nights a lot and network : Do you have a free dubstep night at your local venue and its quite shit and no one goes to it? Well, go to it! Network, talk to all the DJs and the promoters - even the bar staff! Become a regular and eventually you'll be asked to do a set, I can 80% guarantee it!

If you produce, use it to your advantage : Most DJs who play out on the regular will have affiliations with local labels and promoters, get on good terms with them and then he can introduce you.. Most promoters will say.. "Do you DJ?" and when you get asked that, it actually means.. "well, I am thinking of booking you".

Get a radio show : Many radio stations carry some sort of weight within the area they're from so it can lead to bookings outside of your town or city (if theres where they're based).

DON'T DO EVERYTHING ONLINE : you don't know how many people who asked to play my night online so I said "come to the night and see how you like it, then we'll have a beer and talk and never came! End of the day even if you're Mr OH MY GOD AMAZING I ain't going to book you if Ive never heard of you, I also don't want to book someone who I don't like as a person, even if they bring people through door. You have more of a chance if you meet someone face to face and shake there hand, ask if they want a beer if you see them at the bar then if you're just a user name on their AIM.


-------------------------------------------------

Feel free to add your own.

[Sharmaji]

to a T, every single successful DJ I know got there by either starting, or being a part of, an event. It's different for live musicians-- but not too different. create an event and get like-minded people to it, and things will work.

also not being a jackass helps

[Mad_EP]

Interesting thread.


I pretty much agree... and in terms of the going to local nights and networking, this can not be emphasized enough.

When I first was getting started in NYC, I basically made the decision to make going out like a second part-time job. I went out 3 times a week - sounds expensive, but I usually had 1 beer a night. At most 2 - because the point was not to get wasted, the point was to meet as many people as I could, really see what was going and how I could fit in. I was always mentally sharp, I was always courteous, and I never left the apartment without 5 cds in my bag.


Also - there is a bit of etiquette involved too (not just with promoters that you meet, but also fellow artists, etc):

1) Be nice and be humble. Even if you think you are the best DJ ever, doesn't mean you have to act like it.

2) Don't just push your demo on someone first thing - I always left it till the end of a convo (not as a starter), when as saying goodbye - asked if they would like one of my demos.

3) If there is a night/event you really want to play, then first show your support. Attend regularly, be friendly with the bar staff and always make sure to say hi to the promoter (they don't always have time to talk)

4) Be persistent, but not annoying. If a promoter turns you down - the best response is to ask if you can work on it and give them a new demo in a couple months. It is then up to you to make HUGE improvements in those months. However, if you give them a new cd every week, they will probably stop listening.

5) If you meet other local artists you like, be very supportive and attend their gigs, etc. Not only can they help open doors, but once you do have that first gig, you are going to want some crew in the crowd giving you support as well.



It all seems common sense, but you'd be surprised...

[Disco Nutter]

Networking is really important!

Starting a night or being a part of such a thing is a big benefit in the long run, that's very, very true.

Also be a good and helpful person, even to those who you might think don't really deserve it, this always helps.

[TieN]

I've been producing for almost half my life now, and I just recently got into DJ'ing. I love that getting out in the world and away from your compy has been stressed here, because I've recently surprised myself in doing so. Not too long ago, I started going to the free dubstep sets every week at a local club and the promoters and locals have gotten to know me pretty well. Things have happened rather rapidly, actually. I've exchanged exclusives, gotten some free drinks, and have already booked some big gigs for the summer based on my production and networking skills alone! Making this my Wednesday/Friday ritual has given my something to do on those usually lonely nights, and I've been having a lot of fun these past few months! GET OUT OF THE LAB PEOPLE; YOU MAY BE SURPRISED AT WHAT YOU FIND!

[neonriddims]

For me, setting up my own night was a great starting point. Because I had no money for big names I just booked some local lads, many of whom had their own nights. Because I had booked them and they had seen me play out, I got some bookings for their raves and that got the ball rolling.