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-- Money issues with getting a regular gig or residency?

Money issues with getting a regular gig or residency?

I've been spinning at this place two nights a week from 6PM-2AM. The place is really a lounge, so there isn't a dedicated dance floor, but people dance and it's pretty good practice (and money) for me.

They kinda want me to be their main dj on these two nights (like a residency I guess) and I'm wondering if there is anything I should know or say about this type of situation?

Also they said they wanted me to cut them a "deal" if I will be spinning these two nights every week. I told them that I am already giving them a low price and I can cut them 30% off the first two hours only. From 6-8pm there is NO ONE there but me and the barstaff, and I straight up said "Have you thought about me just starting at 8pm instead". Honestly, its boring spinning for no one and I don't care if they start me later.

I really don't want to make less per hour, even if it risks getting cut off completely, because people are starting to come just to hear my music so I know I have value in this place.

Has anyone been in a similar situation? Suggestions?

yep Ive been playin @ a lounge club.. and had suggested to play from 10-3 instead of 8-3.. cos after playing at the place for a few months, I realised tht no one really walk in b4 10..

So now I warm-up for the in-club dj from 8:30-10 and then head to the lounge arena for my set..

It's about more than money dude

quote:

Originally posted by Sunnyside It's about more than money dude

Yes, it is about more than the money but at the same time, it's perfectly normal (and fair) to be wanted to be rewarded for one's efforts, especially if you're playing regular sets each week. So first off, Roosh, congratulations mate! It's not easy to get any sort of residency at someone else's venue so well done! You must be doing something right for the venue owners to have such confidence in you.

As for your problem, I'm not sure how much help I can be. For what it's worth, when someone asks me to name my price, I tend to shoot back with something like "well, what do you think is fair?" rather than name my own price. That way, at least if they make you a low offer you can counter-offer a reasonable price: I think this is much better than naming an amount that's too high yourself.

Like you say, if you're adding value to the venue, you deserve a cut of whatever profits you're bringing in. I'm guessing you've already demonstrated you're willing to play for little or no money so ask them to name their price and see what happens. Most deals of this nature involve some degree of negotiation so be prepared to go back and forth for a bit.

Or you could simply observe the time-honoured rule of negotiation: one party starts with an impossibly high price, the other starts with an incredibly low price and you meet in the middle.

Congratulations!
First point:
I know of no djs on an hourly rate , including myself. Fee is agreed for the whole shebang from x o'clock--> x o'clock

Whats the problem with you being there 6-8pm - stick a mix cd on (your own of course, not a bought one), have a drink or whatever- then when a few people come in start work. If people DO come in earlier, then start work earlier. All they will do if you arent there ealry is put a mix cd on anyway- might as well get paid for doing nothing or more practice for you after all.
Just dont price yourself out of the gig- or get bigheaded/cocky. In the same vain, dont undervalue yourself either.
And enjoy it!

Im not even going to go into the above rolleyes punctuated comment about money. I earn a living from this and my outlook and experiences are somewhat different from others and im not in the mood for a flame war/argument. Suffice to say, you are working, and its hard,skilled work- so as such, you should reasonably expect to be financially rewarded.
Would you work 6-12 in maccys flipping burgers for free?
No- so dont be such a dumbass and make stupid comments

quote:

Originally posted by Sunnyside It's about more than money dude

I'm not going to get taken advantage of. I'm not going to have the owner make thousands of dollars cause of people I bring and cheap out on me. It's aboutu what you think you are worth, and I think I am worth a good amount. Have you had experiences with promoters and owners? THey are mostly shady and almost all are cheap.

My suggestion is don't allow them to give you a pay cut under the idea that you're working there every week or so.

I know a number of people who dj who think it's normal to give a lower price or accept a lower offer because they're a regular...

I personaly see the logic behind it but don't accept the fact that your pay check would be smaller.

But that's just me !

I second what freak said.. its skilled work.

I work in the morning, have my university classes I attend in the afternoon and spin 3 nites a weeks. Its hard work without a doubt. And you need money to keep Djin.. to buy records and stuff.

Dont be outrageous on your charges. I charge by the hour, so if U got to start early. pop in your "OWN" cd like freak said & a earn ur money. Remember if you aint that big on your local circuit then you cant be pushy on the time slot you want to play and piss the club management. Cause Im sure there must be bunch on roster Dj's ever willing to do your time.

always remember too, you can always get a raise
and if you're good enough (bringing people in and keeping them there) they won't have a problem giving you a little more

All I meant was that you should be grateful you're getting paid to do such a good job man, however much it is. Almost every DJ I know would be more than happy to play for a few beers at the most, so it's a bit strange to me to see a post on a site such as this.

Its mostly roster who knows how to mix but have no club experience who are ready to gigs or nites at a nominal charge. But once you establish your name on your local Dj circuit, you must up your prices, cause a few beers aint gonna buy you records.

quote:

Originally posted by Sunnyside All I meant was that you should be grateful you're getting paid to do such a good job man, however much it is. Almost every DJ I know would be more than happy to play for a few beers at the most, so it's a bit strange to me to see a post on a site such as this.

Yes, getting paid in beer is a good thought, but then what's going to pay the bills?? What's going to pay for the new records?? Certainly not the beer. Yea, I know DJs are supposed to be doing it for the music but they also need to survive and unless you're independently wealthy doing all your DJ work for beer is not going to let you survive. Yea, you could get another job, but why should you have to do that?? I mean if you have a talent that's good enough that the club wants you there on a regular basis you should at least get rewarded for it.

This is an interesting point and one which can be argued back and fourth.

The truth about the situation.
You are lucky to have DJ work.
Don't sit on your laurels as there are countless others who will do your job for less/free.

I can see what you mean about selling yourself cheaper not being a good idea and how this can go against the grain. (It would for me too).

Something that would help your case would be if you could get people in earlier. And I think that may be what the bar wants you to do. If people are coming to hear you play a afterwork chillout set then they can't not pay you because you are fullfilling your job as a DJ by drawing in the crowds.
Make yourself more viable as a DJ by having initiatives and generating a good atmosphere for whatever time in the evening it is. As the evening goes on spice it up but start soft.

Having two nights a week at the same place means that you are doing something right. So keep it going, but don't be afraid to work even harder and promote the 'early evening chill' too.

The night is what you make it so this is your chance to prove to the owners that you are worth the money.

A lot of bars and stuff I have worked for have given me a percentage of the total takings so if I didn't get people in, I didn't get paid... simple.
Promote yourself shamelessly.

Cheers
Nem

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