So, you’ve been DJing for a while now. Practicing your craft carefully. You’ve probably put out a few sets, maybe even played for a few close friends.
Which is great! You’re off to a solid start, so give yourself a pat on the back!
But what you’re probably wondering now is, “How do I take that big step from playing in my bedroom to getting booked for my first gig?”
Well if that’s the case, then this blog is for you.
In this one, we’ll be talking about how to take your act from the bedroom to the dancefloor. Think of this as a complete guide for beginner DJs, looking to start professionally.
Before We Get Into It…
You should know that it can be intimidating. But keep in mind that every DJ started somewhere. Even the most basic interactions can sometimes lead to fantastic opportunities. Warm-up DJs, for example, are required in every club!
Furthermore, think if this as an opportunity to improve your skills. And this is one of the most effective strategies. Why? Because you’ll learn what works and what doesn’t when there’s a crowd. This is simply put the most important skill you can develop as a DJ. Going from a decent DJ to a headliner demands this.
It’s certainly obvious that being in the right place at the right moment has a role as well. However, you may want to equip yourself with the right tools to boost your chances of being booked till your big moment arrives.
Taking Your Gig From The Bedroom To The Bigroom
Ok, so let’s get into it.
Here’s a simple checklist to help you make sure you’re ticking all the boxes and are well prepared to take your act to the club & play in front of an audience.
- Do Your Research
Find out what venues play your kind of sound. What day of the week they play your style and who programs the place. You want to gather as much information as you can before you approach them.
If there’s a venue you want to play at, make sure you visit it! Get a feel of the crowd. Understand what they want to hear and take note. You want to tailor make demo sets for each venue. Don’t make one and expect it to work everywhere!
- Go Digital
Back in the day, DJs would make mixtapes and later, mix CDs as demos for clubs. These days, it is much easier to put something online and share a link.
Mixcloud is a great website to upload your DJ mixes. It’s also great to have something physical you could leave behind with someone. Consider this – it is easier to ignore an email than a USB on someone’s desk.
- Get Involved
Just putting a mix out is generally not enough. Most of the time, club owners and promoters receive so many demos that they hardly have time to listen to them all.
Make yourself known. If there is a venue that you really want to play at, go to it and get involved in any way that you can. Work the door, give out flyers…do anything you can to get in with the organisers. There are many examples of famous DJs getting their big break by being on hand when the promoter needs someone in a hurry.
- Maximise Every Set
Think of every gig as your biggest show yet. You never know who might be at your friend’s house party and might be able to get you a gig. Play to your best ability, even if you’re playing a 21st birthday party, where you might not be required to play your preferred genre.
- Create A Unique Sound
At first, playing anthem after anthem may appear to be a smart idea. However, it requires little ingenuity and is no better than a jukebox. Don’t hesitate to put your own take on a genre to make yourself stand out from the pack. Add a couple options but make sure that they work in the mix. These will help to make your presentation memorable.
Your set should take the audience on a journey. People will become exhausted if the energy level is maintained at 100 all of the time. Each drop will have less of an impact. Build it up, then break it down and do it again.
- Go Beyond The Music
Being a talented artist is great. But it means little to absolutely nothing, if you’re not putting in the effort around it. Build a following yourself. Build your brand, make a logo, a Facebook page, post mixes for your fans, and build your audience.
How To Get Your Next Show At A Gig
Ask any DJ in the industry. They’ll tell you that an overwhelming number of their bookings happen or are at the very least initiated at a show they were playing at. When you’re at the club or at a festival, you’re going to be surrounded by people from the industry. So you want to maximise the chances of you getting noticed and picking up another gig immediately.
Here’s somethings to keep in mind when it comes to doing just that:
- Be Professional
Get there early and get to know the management or resident DJ. Dress smart & be hospitable. Don’t drink too much at the gig! Remember, this is a job so treat it as such. Watch what the DJ playing before you (if there is anyone before you) is playing. What sounds are the crowd reacting to positively? This will help in the creation of your mix and the transition from the other DJ’s set to your own.
- Promote The Event
Dancefloors are usually not the most crowded spaces during opening sets. So if you can convince a few friends to come support you and fill up the place early on, the club management is bound to take notice. A packed dancefloor is a great return on their investment.
- Follow Up
Club management & promoters are hounded by a million different artists on a daily basis. It’s often hard for them to keep track of faces & names. Keep your best interests in mind and make sure you follow up with them post a performance. Check in every week or two, just to see how things are going and see if there are any slots available.
- Be Flexible
Remember that you’re just starting out. Don’t let a couple of positive results get to your head. Offer to play at any time slot. Be ready to alter your set to fit in with the headliners. Keeping a flexible and most of all, positive attitude will help you become the headliner much faster!
Keep this in mind when you start looking for your first few club gigs and you’ll go far! Remember that the path to fame and success is a long and winding one. Play your cards right and you can make it.
If you’re keen to master the art of being a successful DJ, you might be interested to explore some of our courses at TheMusic’scool. Check them out :
