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Get Advice Here (pg. 2)
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| Omega_Blue |
| quote: | Originally posted by Nemesis44
It is fair to say though that you should still record yourself doing longer sets up to 2 hours as this is one of the problems a lot of guys coming out of the bedroom have, i.e. they peak too quikcly and can't deliver after that.
Cheers
Nem |
like a club dj "virgin" or something lol |
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| Stu Cox |
| quote: | Originally posted by Nemesis44
Basically, the key to getting work is getting to know people (We all agree on that). After that, what you give them is secondary as half the time people wont listen to it anyway. Getting to know peoople I would say is about 70% of the job, demo is the remaining at best. I never new anyone that got a job just from an awesome demo if the guy with the position didn't like or know the face.
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Yep, but giving someone a demo is a good place to start the communication.
I've had a couple of gigs purely from demos, but not many... although without demos I don't think I would have got any at all because the others were a combination of getting to know people AND impressing people with a good demo - although I always find it's the contacts you least expect that end up getting you gigs! |
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| Allied Nations |
I should close this, but I'm not going to close it and let it continue as a thread to help people with their first mixes.
:) |
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| starboy |
lol i would like to know who makes the rules for demo's, i would also like to know how many promotors, or whatevor'z devote one full hour of their time to listen to these domor's. I guess you have to be armin van sasha to record anything below one hour, or else people will just shov that less than one hour demo up your crotch and laugh at you like a blithering idiot
:wtf: |
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| Allied Nations |
| actually, most "demos" ive heard about of established "locals" are usually about 1/2 hour... seems fine to me in some ways... not in others. |
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| TwistedDUO |
The promoter in me says:
An hour set is just enough to put on a cd. Any less and one starts to question your ability to mix more than handfull of songs. Mostly though, it's about the journey. What booking promoter is really trying to do is hear your sound. Often enough, the promoter may not know you personally and aside from the occassional conversation online or on the phone, they don't know how you perform. This is where a solid demo is essential.
Think of it as "your resume" for a job. If you send a resume that only shows you've only worked at one job for a few months and nothing else, you are likely not to get that job. A demo mix is no different. A thirty minute mix isn't enough time to let a promoter understand how you transition through a mix. It's more of a "teaser".
The dj in me says:
Stay true to your sound and don't put anything on the mix that you can't back up. Sure club promoters want you to be versatile, which is why longer mixes are definitely the way to go. But don't give a promoter a mix with just house music if the only tracks you have are on that mix. I don't know how many times I've got a demo from a dj who mixed psytrance only to find out that they don't have enough music to support a full set. One time I booked a guy and he dropped progressive house at the show. I was not happy. Even if you play multiple styles (as you should if your club ready), be specific with the club promoter on what your going to play.
On the outside:
Remember this mix is like your resume. So put a little effort in it. It's one thing to pass a short mix burned on a CD-R with your name scribbled on it to your friends. But keep in mind promoters get alot of cd's from alot of dj's. If you're passing out a standard mix (at least 60 minutes) to party people, keep a "nice copy" for the promoter. Spend a few extra cents and get a jewel case. Print out a decent label with some cool cover art. This is what makes a cd stand out.
Label your cd:
It seems that this is the most difficult thing for dj's to remember. Often enough, I get a plain cd with some name on it. Nothing else nothing more. I could do the extra leg work and search the internet or my contacts for whatever name the Sharpie pen hiroglyphics say. But why bother when I have five other cd's sitting on my desk that have that info?
The message here is to put your name on the cd clearly. Include a contact number/email/website where I can get hold of you. Again, think of the demo as your resume. Would you give a resume to a potential employer without your phone number on it? Of course you wouldn't.
Regarding .mp3 demos/submissions:
Digital media has allowed us to put alot more information in less space and move it quickly. They're also a great way to get your music to people without having to do the "face-time". This is a great tool esepecially when searching for bookings outside your own area. When you make an .mp3 mix for download, ensure that you go to the properties and "tag" your mix. Many digital players don't read the file name (ie: DJ N00b - My First Demo). Rather they read the id3v tag that .mp3's contain. Here, you can put vital information. It's easy to do (Right-Click/Properties/Summary/Advanced) and you can add your email address in the comments section. This allows me to be able to contact you and stays with the file itself. Meaning, if I get a recommendation from somebody (as I often do) and download the mix. I also have the info I need to make contact.
Now I've rambled on enough... If you need any more help feel free to ask... |
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| Allied Nations |
| Great advice- lots to think about in the above post :) |
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| BOOsTER |
| quote: | Originally posted by Tony Morello
you have to be out and meet everybody, become friends with them
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as much as I agree with most of your points in the thread...I can't agree that it's good to be friends with all the promoters, djs, club owners etc...
it's all business...and if you get too much attached to some of the people you just can't go higher...I'm not saying it's nice...but many times you'll just have to use someone and being friends with them will make it lots harder...
it might be one of the reasons why I'm still where I am...but actually I still think it's better keeping these people as some kinda of "people you just know and maybe hang out with" but not real friends...
Once you're starting to be successful you'll notice jealousy from the other DJs and such...not nice either. |
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| Allied Nations |
| You make some good points BOOsTER, but the fact of the matter is you have to be out meeting people and supporting the scene. Can't just sit at home and do all. |
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| BOOsTER |
that's not what I was arguing, Greg.
my point is that getting too attached to the people you meet through the business isn't the best way...I have some experience myself...and I have quite successful friday nights every week at a club here. |
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| everett |
I put together a 51 minute promo/demo and gave it to the promoter of the club im trying to get a gig at.
Thanks for all the advice. |
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| Tony Morello |
| quote: | Originally posted by Allied Nations
You make some good points BOOsTER, but the fact of the matter is you have to be out meeting people and supporting the scene. Can't just sit at home and do all. |
that's what i was meaning
i'm not buddy buddy with all the djs and promoters, but they see me out and supporting the scene
this is a business of who you know not what you know
the more people you know and who know who you are the better
you don't need to call them up and invite them out on movie night, just make sure they know your name and you know theirs
i ran calgary's #1 electronic night for 2 years, i also have experience too |
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