Hey, if anyone can give me some advice on how to start out working as a dj i'd really appreciate any input. Im looking to dj as a summer job in St. Louis, I'd just like to get experience as a dj, i've started mixing 9 months ago, so im not great but i think experience would help. Should I just call clubs and ask if they need a dj or what?

thanks,
george

Being a DJ is not a job, especially not a *summer* job. To get gigs you basically need to know people who throw parties or have their clubnights. Nobody will offer you a gig just because you ask nicely - even if you're the most amazing DJ in the world. Once you start getting gigs, you will be doing quite a few free ones - playing warm-up slots at various small parties and afterhours clubs, IF you are good, that is.

Now that you know that, basically you have to talk to people, get contacts, give out mixtapes (better make them damn perfect !). Network, maybe even throw your own events, get your name out ... it takes time and dedication, DJing isn't something you do on the side.

peace

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djskywarp.com
:: Ways of the Wikkid :: Canada's premiere Artist, DJ, Promoter, and Club Portal ::

He's right, it isn't something you do on the side, however good luck dedicating your whole life to it. It's not that simple either. A summer job it is not. (I sound like yoda) haha

But just make sure you are good, get better, then be the best. Then make mixtapes and send them in dude, or better yet bring them into the clubs yourself, or right into the hands of the promoters. Meet them, be their friends, then spin at their parties. =)

Jonathan

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http://www.beatport.com/jonathan-rosa/

Yeah, you've got to be stubborn and dedicated.

Hey Halo, is the Graham in your sig John Graham aka Quivver and part of Tilt?????

Since he is Canadian I would put my money on Vancouver DJ Max Graham.

heh I was waiting for someone to ask me, to tell you the truth I really don't think Graham belongs there yet. But I'm a huge fan of the kid. It's Max Graham, he's actually from Ottawa (I thought anyways) Canada. You have to see this guy spin man, incredible. He has a monthly I believe at gatecrasher. =)

*props to my canadian boy*

Jonathan

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http://www.beatport.com/jonathan-rosa/

Make yourself a demo tape (make several copies) and take them around to the clubs. Even if they are not hiring at the time, ask if you can just leave a tape with them because things change from day to day. They might not be hiring today but then again, a DJ might walk out tonight....does happen. Make sure that with your tape is all the info to contact you, etc. It's always best to take your demo tape to them personally...don't mail it to them. That way, they can meet you at the same time. Be friendly and be confident. Make yourself seen at the clubs you want to spin at. Also, start at the smaller clubs. There's probably a hundred other people tryin' to get a job at the biggest, most popular club in your area. You also want to be able to play "live" as well as your demo tape shows.
Taking in a "polished" demo tape and then not being able to match up to it's quality can be a bad thing.
Also, when you do get a chance to spin somewhere don't panic if you are not flawless right off the bat. Every club and every sound system is different. The acoustics are different. The mood is different. Now matter how experienced you are, whenever you're playing somewhere new, it always takes a little adjusting and getting used to.And last but not least, ENJOY yourself. Have fun in what you're doing. Try to be relaxed. It will ultimately show in your music.Remember, YOU'RE the major part of setting the mood of the crowd. If you're having a good time and things are flowing, generally the crowd is too. (of course, there are always exceptions to that rule.....sometimes, no matter what you do or how good you are it can be "just one of those nights").