So I finally took the step and tried to ask people and local places if I could play some music. Got around 4 responses and all of them asked me for a mix and some experience I have regarding this field.
I made a mix to present it. Questions:
Is it too long?
Is it too non-commercial?
I want to do this mainly as a hobby for some $$ on the side.
And most of all, what is the best way to get out there and get a spot to play somewhere? Obviously connections are pretty important.
chinamon
quote:
Originally posted by nsane
And most of all, what is the best way to get out there and get a spot to play somewhere? Obviously connections are pretty important.
imo, networking is the BEST. go out to parties and start hanging out with the event organizers and promoters. if they like you then you will get opportunities. you need to show your face often to show that you support their events. if you get booked it will be because they are doing it as a favour for a friend, not because you are experienced and capable of filling the room. the experience and ability to fill a room will come with time.
mortyman and ozmosis are the prime example. mortyman gets gigs because he befriended oz and offers him superior sexual favours.
kotsy
quote:
Originally posted by chinamon
mortyman and ozmosis are the prime example. mortyman gets gigs because he befriended oz and offers him superior sexual favours.
:haha: :haha:
jad
Skimmed through it and it sounds good. Those Max Cooper and Ryan Davis remixes are mint. The mix is a little too long for a promo. Try to keep it around an hour. That's long enough to show that you can hold down a mix, without having to put all you eggs in one basket, you know? Plus, if you want to burn it on cd, it would actually fit.
In terms of bookings, you could also go to smaller venues, talk to the owner / manager and organise with them directly. For example, bring another friend to spin with you and pack the place up. Just make sure that you set your financial agreements in advance.. as some owners / managers can start acting stingy once it comes to getting your $$.
Shaya007
quote:
Originally posted by chinamon
mortyman and ozmosis are the prime example. mortyman gets gigs because he befriended oz and offers him superior sexual favours.
:haha: :haha: :haha: :haha:
Prometheus Xex
quote:
Originally posted by Shaya007
:haha: :haha: :haha: :haha:
For once I agree!
nsane
quote:
Originally posted by chinamon
imo, networking is the BEST. go out to parties and start hanging out with the event organizers and promoters. if they like you then you will get opportunities. you need to show your face often to show that you support their events. if you get booked it will be because they are doing it as a favour for a friend, not because you are experienced and capable of filling the room. the experience and ability to fill a room will come with time.
mortyman and ozmosis are the prime example. mortyman gets gigs because he befriended oz and offers him superior sexual favours.
The question is, what type of venue is best to start at? Some people have been telling me that at first I have to adapt to some rules in terms of music played and then I get more freedom which is kinda bs imo. I guess it is a matter of trust.
cammaxwell
-A mix that fits on a CD is key, and actually HAND them to people. Don't just mass message people and send a link, no one will listen. Make sure the CD looks professional too, don't just write in marker on it. It's cheap to get them printed or even just printing your own labels.
-Don't stress about what music your playing, play the stuff that YOU enjoy playing. Your passion and love for music will come out that way and people will hear that. Trying to please every promoter or venue won't work, and then people won't even know "what" you play. If you like tech-house, then play that....if you like commercial tunes, play those.
-Networking is definitely key. Go out and support the nights/clubs where you want to play. The promoters/owners will see that your are supporting their events and be more likely to give you a opportunity. Give them a demo (in person) and let them know you would love open a night sometime.
-Being able to pull a good size crowd will definitely help, but being new to this it won't be easy at first. You will probably get opening slots at first, which are even harder to pull a crowd for, so make sure you get all your friends to come support you. If the promoter/owner sees you brought a good amount of people out, they are more likely to book you again. You can then start to build a fan base.
-Wanting to earn a little bit of money is fine, but make sure you're doing this for a love of the music/scene first. If you're heart isn't in it, it will show and come through your music. Sure you can make a little bit of cash, but you'll also have to spend a lot on new music ect...
Good luck!
cammaxwell
quote:
Originally posted by nsane
The question is, what type of venue is best to start at? Some people have been telling me that at first I have to adapt to some rules in terms of music played and then I get more freedom which is kinda bs imo. I guess it is a matter of trust.
Go for the venue's that are playing your style of music right now. Also, some people have had some good success by starting their own nights somewhere. This is a great way for you to play and build up a fan base. It's not easy, but being in such a competitive market this is sometimes the only way to get heard.
PivotTechno
He's posting a mix outside of the appropriate forums! KILL HIM!
No, wait...it's o.k. because it's a Friday afternoon and swamper said something that others found informative and amusing, and...
ah, nevermind.
Personally, I'm a big fan of the d.i.y. ethos - get your own crew together, hold your own nights. Too many small fish flopping around in the puddle that's left of clubland in Toronto - shoot for something unique.
