Now I am sure you are aware that Band Assist (despite the name) is also for aspiring DJ’s, MC’s and pretty much anyone involved in music creatively. We have had a few questions and advice tips on how to make progress as a DJ. This can be a very lonely experience and few people totally acknowledge this. You practice, set up and mix stuff alone then, when you are on stage you spend most of the time on your headphones.
Anyway there do seem to be a few people asking how to move forward as a DJ. So as the resident Dance Music expert I thought I would throw out a few tips. The key is a perfect, innovative, high energy mix tape. Firstly consider where it is going to be played and tart it at that club – it is no use mixing some awesome underground tracks if the club only plays “hits”. Know your audience.
A mix tape needs to be 100% but is easy to create with you equipment. The best way is to attach it to a PC and use some software (most modern PC’s have Soundblaster – this has “Creative Labs” for this purpose) to record the CD and then simply burn it to CD.
The key to getting jobs/gigs is persevere and get you name out there. Send CD’s with a letter clearly explaining what you do and what you would like from the club. Then always follow up with a phone call. The issue is most DJ’s that get good club gigs keep them for a long time as they pay relatively well (ask an unsigned band what relatively well is!) and are well attended. The best way I have seen to get in there is to leave your details with the booker and tell them you live nearby and can be ready to go within 30 minutes. This way if (or more frequently when) they are let down you are ready to pounce on the opportunity.
Finally don’t just sit around and wait for that call, get out there. You need to get good at marketing your self and you music so that when you do get the gig people have a knowledge of you and this should help create more of a buzz that help you keep/win more gigs.
Good Luck
Anyway there do seem to be a few people asking how to move forward as a DJ. So as the resident Dance Music expert I thought I would throw out a few tips. The key is a perfect, innovative, high energy mix tape. Firstly consider where it is going to be played and tart it at that club – it is no use mixing some awesome underground tracks if the club only plays “hits”. Know your audience.
A mix tape needs to be 100% but is easy to create with you equipment. The best way is to attach it to a PC and use some software (most modern PC’s have Soundblaster – this has “Creative Labs” for this purpose) to record the CD and then simply burn it to CD.
The key to getting jobs/gigs is persevere and get you name out there. Send CD’s with a letter clearly explaining what you do and what you would like from the club. Then always follow up with a phone call. The issue is most DJ’s that get good club gigs keep them for a long time as they pay relatively well (ask an unsigned band what relatively well is!) and are well attended. The best way I have seen to get in there is to leave your details with the booker and tell them you live nearby and can be ready to go within 30 minutes. This way if (or more frequently when) they are let down you are ready to pounce on the opportunity.
Finally don’t just sit around and wait for that call, get out there. You need to get good at marketing your self and you music so that when you do get the gig people have a knowledge of you and this should help create more of a buzz that help you keep/win more gigs.
Good Luck
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