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Getting gigs
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| stabmasterflex |
I've played in live electronic bands for a few years now. We always sent out a nice press kit clubs that included a 3-4 song demo, band photo, and bio.
I'm taking a break on the live band thing and now feel like I have the chops to get out and do some DJ gigs at clubs. What's the best way to get a foot in the door? Should I prepare a similar press kit that I used to when playing in live bands and send them out to clubs? Any info would be appreciated.
Stab |
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| Pinokio |
| quote: | Originally posted by stabmasterflex
I've played in live electronic bands for a few years now. We always sent out a nice press kit clubs that included a 3-4 song demo, band photo, and bio.
I'm taking a break on the live band thing and now feel like I have the chops to get out and do some DJ gigs at clubs. What's the best way to get a foot in the door? Should I prepare a similar press kit that I used to when playing in live bands and send them out to clubs? Any info would be appreciated.
Stab |
If you are just starting toi DJ, I would recommend you to practice a lot, listen to a lot of songs each day, maybe for about 2 years.
then you start thinking of getting into clubs.
If you already have been DJing, then I owuld recommend to make a mixed set maybe 60 minutes or wahtever fits ain a Audio Cd. and then give it to club promoters. |
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| jahnlay |
| Create a nice mix demo on CD, print a great cover with all your contact details on. Start phoning all the clubs that play similar music and ask if you could drop off a demo with the booking manager. Make a time and have a drink with them, getting to know them slightly better, maybe spend some time in the club checking out the other dj's and chatting to them about the place. |
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| SVGmethod |
| in this business it is all about who you know. Networking is probably the number 1 factor. Hell...I got my first club gig ever at one of the most famous clubs in the world...SPUNDAE. And that was because of who I knew. They had never heard me spin before. I went on to play there again one more time and now I am throwing my own parties at clubs in my hometown. |
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| DJ Nickazz |
| quote: | Originally posted by SVGmethod
in this business it is all about who you know. Networking is probably the number 1 factor. Hell...I got my first club gig ever at one of the most famous clubs in the world...SPUNDAE. And that was because of who I knew. They had never heard me spin before. I went on to play there again one more time and now I am throwing my own parties at clubs in my hometown. |
+1 it's all about the connections. |
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| DjWoody |
Connections is about 80% of it, but not always. Personally I don't think passing out demos works, but it helps out to get the word out that you're there.
There's several other ways to get gigs. Another major way is to throw your own events. This will help out a lot. Many DJs have done this, including Judge Jules and my self.
A third way of doing it is by meeting promoters. Become friends with them, talk to them. Promoters usually book the DJs, not the owners.
Fourth way, get on the radio, magazine, website. All those things get you exposure. That's the main thing, get exposure. I used to work for a nightlife magazine for free just to get hook ups. And trust me, I GOT MY HOOKUPS!!!
Don't expect to make money right away, you'll do gigs for free just to get your name out there. That's called paying your dues.
And lastly, don't get a big ego, and don't be a talker. I know several DJs who are awesome mixers, but because they got big egos, or are talkers, promoters don't want to deal with them.
Many promoters will give you one shot, don't it up!!!! |
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| hooj1 |
| i agree about connections. every gig that i have got is because of the people i know. i have never used my demos to get gigs, although i still make them. basicly when i started i when to all the clubs i could and just hung out and met people. you have to be consistant and very social. you should also try meeting up with some of us TAs. this is a good place to start. good luck |
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| DjWoody |
This is an AWESOME place to start!!!!
I have gotten several gigs from here. |
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| KiNeTiC ENeRgY |
Yup its who u know. Most of the time, meeting and talking about possibly playing with the club owner will get u nowhere. You have to butter up the other DJ's, if there not stock on themselves, or with the manager/promoter to give u a shot. Club owners think they know what will bring the people in, and there usually way off and too busy to worry about a new DJ. Its a tough thing to get into, but once you get the chance and you don't mess up, the gigs will come.
Good Luck :toocool: |
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| SVGmethod |
| quote: | Originally posted by DjWoody
Connections is about 80% of it, but not always. Personally I don't think passing out demos works, but it helps out to get the word out that you're there.
There's several other ways to get gigs. Another major way is to throw your own events. This will help out a lot. Many DJs have done this, including Judge Jules and my self.
A third way of doing it is by meeting promoters. Become friends with them, talk to them. Promoters usually book the DJs, not the owners.
Fourth way, get on the radio, magazine, website. All those things get you exposure. That's the main thing, get exposure. I used to work for a nightlife magazine for free just to get hook ups. And trust me, I GOT MY HOOKUPS!!!
Don't expect to make money right away, you'll do gigs for free just to get your name out there. That's called paying your dues.
And lastly, don't get a big ego, and don't be a talker. I know several DJs who are awesome mixers, but because they got big egos, or are talkers, promoters don't want to deal with them.
Many promoters will give you one shot, don't it up!!!! |
1. Meet as many people as you can. From the clubbers themselves and up the behind-the-scenes ladder (promoters/owners/etc). Knowing people at every level will help you out in the long run. Always remember the people that have helped you out in the past because you will never want to cross them.
2. It is important to hand out demos to possible patrons. This way you get exposure and build up a little fan base before you actually start playing out. Record something that represents your style...something that you are proud of. This demo will be representing you. If you must give a demo to an owner/promoter...make sure you get straight to the point with the demo. I handed out many demos to promoters/owners in my city. It was 40 minutes long with 12 tracks. Short but straight to the point. These guys have businesses to run and they don't have much time to listen to cd's.
3. Throwing your own events is an important aspect of getting gigs. You can book yourself! Haha. This gives you further exposure and gives you more credibility. It is a fast way to build up your network. This will open many doors for you. I gave my demo to a club owner and he let me host my own nights there 2x a month because he loved the type of sound I played. I have many other dj's, promoters, and club owners contacting me now because of all the exposure I have gotten from hosting and DJ'ing my own events.
4. Radio exposure is very helpful. I did my radio show for over 2 years. Broadcasting with almost 100 mile radius in every direction and a live webcast. I booked many local dj's and others from out of the area to spin on my show. I made many contacts this way. Doing this builds up your credibility and makes you look more professional.
5. As Woody stated previously...you must pay your dues. Don't expect to be getting paid right away. Wherever you end up playing at, help them promote their events heavily. Remember, these are actual businesses. You need to bring them clients. The type of music or the talent of the DJ is not the priority. The priority is to drive as many people as possible to the venue and sell alcohol. Thats pretty much what it all comes down to. |
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| DFOP04 |
1 word, DIFFERENT, if youve got something which is unique and different from anyone else then youve got a great chance at succeeding at it. this doesnt just fall in the music industry category.
dont give up,
dfop |
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| SVGmethod |
| quote: | Originally posted by DFOP04
1 word, DIFFERENT, if youve got something which is unique and different from anyone else then youve got a great chance at succeeding at it. this doesnt just fall in the music industry category.
dont give up,
dfop |
true that. ya gotta be marketable. |
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