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Getting
Gigs and how to keep getting them
The burning question all DJ's asks themselves.. How the hell do I get gigs? Do I do them for free in the beginning or do I charge if I charge how much should I
charge? These question are possibly the hardest to answer. I still
do not understand how certain DJ's get all the club spots and
do not even represent that great of skills. here are a few tips and question I am still trying to figure out. There is no simple answer there can be
so many different factors based on where you are. Being extremely
persistent and patient will help. do not get
frustrated. but do not be lazy. go out there and work for you Club spot.
Here are some tips for your no gig having ass:
Do's and Don'ts
- Do not
think that you can just walk into a club and say your a DJ and expect somebody to hire you. It Doesn't work and it never will work you have to know somebody and even if you do they probably aren't going to be excited to let you in there in case your better because you'll compromise their game and income.
- Having skills apparently means absolutely nothing to club managers and other DJ's in club. I have seen the worst DJ's in some of the hottest clubs all around NJ. Technically speaking your scratches and mixes
do not mean shit.
- If you want to DJ
in a club you have to promote in the
beginning, unless you are a huge big time
name like funkmaster flex club owners
and managers always want to hear a mix
tape and want to see and Dj resume.
Also they want to know how many people
your going to bring into the club
under your name. DJ is promoting, as
much as it sounds like bullshit it's
true. This does not mean bring 100
people the first night then next week
your down to 5 people. You have to
bring heads every week on a consistent
basis if you want to move up in the
ranks.
- Never do a mobile
gig for free!! By mobile I mean
lugging all your heavy ass equipment
to some party where there is only
going to be 20 people or so. Its too
much work to transport that all that
stuff and believe me at the end of the
night people aren't going to want to
help you bring that crap back into
your car. Always charge at least 150$
or don't even waste your time. Now
djing in clubs is different, you can
do those for free because your trying
to prove yourself. Just remember that
if you keep doing gigs for free people
aren't going to want to ever pay
you.
- Do not
be afraid to charge as much money as you think is
fair, never ever lower your standards to get a gig.
- The best way to get a gig is to promote for a club and I know its hard to
carry another Dj's crates and helping somebody who is already established. If you are loyal to them they may even put you on. You've
got to hang around the club when nobody gets there like before when just the management is around. Get to know some of the DJ's at
your favorite club and network out as much as you can.
- Sometimes now matter what you do its still literally impossible to get a gig.. Some people just have
their shit so locked down there is no room for you. But
do not give up. Very few DJ's get good spots. And its Discouraging as hell but
do not ever give up.
- Try not to think as a DJ but think as a business man. And remember Clubs
do not care about you and have no loyalty to
their Dj's you can be gone in 1 week so stay on top of your game because a DJ like me is waiting for you to slip so
I can steal your spot. And their is another DJ behind me trying to do the same.
Hope this helps.
Dj Status
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