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Is it Worth it?
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| ultimate7 |
| I'm curious to know if it would be worthwhile sending a mixtape to big name DJs/radios for promotional purposes. I know that that's how some DJs, like Paolo Mojo and Desyn Massielo, got their start, but I have no idea if such a thing is still possible/worthwhile ten years later. Would such a mixtape simply be neglected if I were to send it to important figures in the industry? I'm almost done completing the mix, and will post it at a later date. Assuming that its good (I think it is, but I need to hear feedback from others), would you recommend doing this? Or should I just forget about it and keep it in circulation with local DJs/club owners? |
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| Nemesis44 |
Hi there,
Mix tapes/CDs these days are in plentiful supply and it would have to be something so outstanding to get someones attention and even then you would be lucky to get a listen at best.
I can't emphasise enough how much in this industry is related to networking. You need to know people to get a break, and realistically these days you have to produce too or it's not really going to mean much in terms of real break through. That said mix CDs are still useful for getting a DJ slot but have to be backed up with contacts so you know who to give the mix to.
If you are talking about getting a major break and becoming a name then start working on your poduction skills and musical ideas.
Cheers
Nem |
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| woscar |
| Pretty much what Nem said, sadly. |
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| DJ Blitzkrieg |
| It's producer first, then DJ. What they said! |
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| ultimate7 |
| Thanks for the feedback guys. On the musical production side of things, while I have no doubt that you're correct, I just see so much crap being produced by DJs trying to get a break. They can even be good DJs, but their songs are absolutely terrible. |
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| woscar |
| quote: | Originally posted by ultimate7
Thanks for the feedback guys. On the musical production side of things, while I have no doubt that you're correct, I just see so much crap being produced by DJs trying to get a break. They can even be good DJs, but their songs are absolutely terrible. |
Just to be clear, I don't believe in any of this "you have to DJ AND produce" bull. But sadly, that is the reality. There was a really good thread some time ago discussing this exact thing, but it quickly went to and RJT had to delete it. |
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| elFreak |
You don't have to produce to dj, but if you want to be more than just a local dj and leave a lasting mark on the industry (aka give a reason for someone to shell out transport, lodging and fee to play somewhere other than your hometown club) you have to produce. If you look at dj's that are in demand that are not really big producers (Danny Howells and Lee Burridge come to mind), you will see that they earned their spot during a time when the accessibility (see computers and internet) to be a prolific producer was not prevalent. The same can be said with dj'ing itself. The internet and technology have made everything from tracks, to gear, to software much more accessible than it was when the electronic music scene was peaking for the first time.
Now anyone can produce, all they have to do is learn and have the drive to be good. Anybody and their mother can download a bunch of illegal tracks and software while calling themselves a "dj" (quoted because i abhor these people). If you want to make a splash, you have to do something that sets you apart from the pack. No matter how good of a dj you are, there are thousands of others who can do it just as good if not better than you.
The only sad thing about all of this, is that i feel the actual craft of dj'ing has taken a back seat to hype all while losing some of the traits that made it special to many of us. It was bound to happen, and perhaps it is just a sign that the low point that it is living (imo) at the moment is just a transitory step to something bigger and better.
/rant
also: networking like nem said, is the best foot in the door. |
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| KiNeTiC ENeRgY |
| It's who u know 100% Go to you're local clubs and see all the DJ's getting gigs that have horrible track selection, extremely poor mixing skills, and no personality. |
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| s3nate |
| I doubt it will get you any where but I gave one of my promo mixes to Rodi Style and he said he absolutely loved it! I also gave it to Technikal, Organ Donors and B.E.N. but neither of them have responded back :( |
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