I'm just starting to play out myself, but I have to say that I am very glad that my first couple of sets were played for very small audiences, as it was an invaluable learning experience.

A few things that come to mind include:

- going from playing in your bedroom on headphones to playing on a booming club system

- getting used to playing equipment that has frequently been treated quite poorly and/or is quite old

- making sure that you can mix in a way that every mixer supports

- making sure your equipment is working correctly before you start your set...

As for the pay bit, things could be different where you live, but locally it's fairly rare for DJs to get paid. For the most part we do it because we love the music, and we love playing out in a club for an audience. About the only time any of them get paid is for an established residence, or the occasional party if they are a big enough name locally.

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DJ Kibon



Click below to download my most recent trance set:
DJ Kibon - August 2004

decent DJs are not that common here. i could maybe list 20. so they do pay them, the amount is variable, but they always get payed, except on a special agreement for otherwise, or for example on a DJ comp, but there is a prize there normally anyways.

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check out my guest mix for OndaSonora Podcast (aug.2009)

quote:

Originally posted by Inertia decent DJs are not that common here. i could maybe list 20. so they do pay them, the amount is variable, but they always get payed, except on a special agreement for otherwise, or for example on a DJ comp, but there is a prize there normally anyways.

Good or bad, my hometown is sort of the opposite. Lots of really talented DJs locally, many more wanting to play out. I'm just fortunate that there are very few trance DJs.

I probably shouldn't say that I've plaid entirely for free though, as I've had a bar tab a couple of times.

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DJ Kibon



Click below to download my most recent trance set:
DJ Kibon - August 2004

Im my home country, i've been payed for my small set with drinks, which is not bad at all. Because you are having fun and drinkin' for free!!
Here there are not that many Trance Djs, but the people always enjoys and hour or so of trance, so whenever a club owner gets the oportunity for someone to play some track he will make it open bar for the dj and some of he's friends.

Right now i'm planing a live gig on one of my friends radio station. Only to entertain myself and to promote even more the sounds of the modern music!!!!

-- Trance is a Way of Life, Addicted Yet???

My first time was out at a club called Spiro's in Austin, TX last month. I wanted to be a good dj and show up early but nothing was really organized. I showed up at 9 and didn't play til midnight, which is a really good slot in my opinion. Well, first I was told I would get 45 minutes. I planned out a flow and started. I was nervous, but after the first mix, I felt really good. I was doing really well until the promoter said he was cutting all the djs to 30 minutes slots. I decided to stop building up and tried going straight to peak time. I got cocky I guess and next thing I know, I started trainwrecking on my 5th song. I eq'd down and saved it somewhat and then finished with a really strong track.

I was fortunate that I had a decent monitor. I don't know how I would have mixed by headphone on the mixer they had. I wouldn't worry much if I was your friend though. Just keep practicing and putting your demo out. He'll get 'em next time.

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"Ok Boys, Let's Pony Up And Get This Bitch Done." - Redneck Dave