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-- Finally... first gig landed.

Finally... first gig landed.

Not that this is a new thread concept or anything, but everyone who scores their first gig makes one of these posts in their excitement, and I'm no exception. So.... storytime.

I played a house party this past Friday for a friend of mine's graduation. No charge, just as a graduation gift. Ended up being a halfway decent turnout. I was "hired" to do a hip-hop set, but I managed to sneak some house remixes and such in, plus I played a few hours of house, trance, and breaks as people were arriving. I actually got a lot of positive crowd reaction (cheers and "oooh shit!!" when tracks they liked came on, etc.) and was receiving very good feedback. My buddy (whose house I was playing at, the brother of the person graduating) ended up sticking a "tip jar" at my little DJ booth and I ended up making 30-something bucks, which was a nice little bonus.

This same buddy actually now works at a local nightclub that I frequent, so we decided to go there post-party (after hours) and hang out. Using my admittedly intentional social networking, I have become friends with the club employees, DJ, etc. Before the end of the night was up, my friend had managed to hook me up with an opening set (9 - 11) in June.

How exciting! And nerve-wracking.

I'm not quite sure yet what type of music I'm going to be expected to play, as it's mainly a hip-hop/top-40 type club; but that early in the night, their resident DJ usually plays a lot of house and techno until people really start arriving. So, I might get lucky and be able to play essentially whatever I want. It's a small club, and I'm doing the gig for free, for a crowd not necessarily all about EDM, but I don't mind at all. It gets my foot in the door and puts experience under my belt. I'm really looking forward to it.

congrats! I'm not feeling the playing for free aspect of your story but you gotta start to get your name out and a club is an effective media

Congrats on that first gig! "Playing for free" may need to change when you notice that the crowd likes what you're playing and the owner starts asking you to "fill-in" for other DJs.

Good luck with the gig. Don't forget to bring some cheesy records "just-in-case"...

Actually...I think asking for free drinks would be a necessity to me...I mean...once you do a gig for free (and the party is held properly by the club) you should be getting your part of the cake...be it free drinks for beginners or some really small charge...just symbolical...showing that you ain't a bitch for everything you see?

I understand what you guys are saying. At the same time, this was more the DJ's doing than anything. He was willing to allow me to "steal" two of his hours just so I could get some play time in. I considered it a hook-up more than anything.

Don't worry, it's not like I'm going to take a residency for free, or even fill-ins for free. But I don't mind my first gig being free. I'm glad to be able to add it to my "resume".

quote:

Originally posted by david.michael I understand what you guys are saying. At the same time, this was more the DJ's doing than anything. He was willing to allow me to "steal" two of his hours just so I could get some play time in. I considered it a hook-up more than anything. Don't worry, it's not like I'm going to take a residency for free, or even fill-ins for free. But I don't mind my first gig being free. I'm glad to be able to add it to my "resume".

oh I didn't get that from your post...I mean...I got my first gig and then residency in this TOP40 club the same way...got to know the dude who played there...had a few sets with him...then did one on my own...and I was offered a residency...now I have weekly Friday night set and the guy who helped me to start has the saturday nights...
Btw...be ready to sometimes swallow your pride, it's worth playing what peoople like, because once the crowd starts to like you and starts comming to your gigs, you'll be able to play more of what you like because they'll be much more tolerant to what you're playing because you'll be Mr. DJ for them...not just an unknown mofo, who should behave like a human jukebox in their eyes...

and the most important "GOOD LUCK"

Hook you up... with the two hours he's being paid for.


Like all well and good to play free house parties for friends etc, but I've drawn the line with commercial venues.


Make sure you promote the fuck out of it and get ALL your friends to get there early.

quote:

Originally posted by BOOsTER Btw...be ready to sometimes swallow your pride, it's worth playing what peoople like, because once the crowd starts to like you and starts comming to your gigs, you'll be able to play more of what you like because they'll be much more tolerant to what you're playing because you'll be Mr. DJ for them...not just an unknown mofo, who should behave like a human jukebox in their eyes...

Oh, definitely. I actually enjoy playing hip-hop and such, just not as much as playing house, prog, trance, what-have-you. Partially because I mix it better than hip-hop, lol. But the house party I played the other day was hip-hop oriented. I'll play anything that will get a crowd to dance, really.

quote:

got to know the dude who played there...had a few sets with him...then did one on my own...and I was offered a residency...now I have weekly Friday night set and the guy who helped me to start has the saturday nights...

I'm hoping that's where this is heading. But, even if it's not, I'll still have the fun and experience of playing in a club and I'm sure it will come in handy regardless.

quote:

Originally posted by Allied Nations Hook you up... with the two hours he's being paid for. Like all well and good to play free house parties for friends etc, but I've drawn the line with commercial venues.

Well, if it were a huge club with a huge payout, I'd be a little peeved, but this club's capacity is maybe 100-200 people and I think the DJ only gets paid somewhere in the 2-digits range for an entire night. And between 9 and 11, there is hardly anyone in this club. I'm not sweating it...remember...this is my first gig.

I dunno, maybe I just have a "beggars-can't-be-choosers" attitude. For someone with 0 club-playing experience and maybe a year of "bedroom" experience, I don't mind taking one for the team. In my opinion, even without the money, I'm getting plenty out of it.

quote:

Make sure you promote the fuck out of it and get ALL your friends to get there early.

Definitely! I'm hoping that I can show that I'm able to bring people to the venue, so that I can start calling more shots... but for now, I'm still an unknown (or a "barely known").

awesome story, much respect i dont think i could even manage to play distinct styles of edm more than decently let alone hip hop.

*high five*

quote:

Originally posted by wotyzoid awesome story, much respect i dont think i could even manage to play distinct styles of edm more than decently let alone hip hop. *high five*

Thanks much.

Just landed a second gig at a small bar even though I haven't played the first one yet... cool deal.

Just in case you ever go to Czech Republic PM me...we could do a gig hahah...or anyone else?

quote:

Originally posted by BOOsTER Just in case you ever go to Czech Republic PM me...we could do a gig hahah...or anyone else?

Haha... if I ever happen to be in the neighborhood, I'll be sure to get in contact with you

Great story! Congrats.

Me myself I've only played out a couple times and for myself i just enjoy making people dance and hearing my tunes on a big system. Last gig i played I only got paid 20 bucks but at least it covered my cabfare and I had fun doing it.

Hope things keep going good for you and have fun!

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