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How can I get paid to be a Dj?
Hello all, I'm currently a full-time college student enrolled in a Music Production Technology program at San Diego City College (former Art Institute student) and have been creating, writing and producing music since 2018. I have recently become interested in pursuing becoming a DJ for financial reasons and am looking for any advice on how to start getting paid and hired for gigs at bars, clubs and festivals underground or not. I'm excited but nervous about the career path and looking for direction. Thanks!
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Jessica’s Answer
Try to go out and do guerilla marketing, which is going to a open public space and showcase your dj skills. Be creative while doing it to get people's attention and keep in mind what the people want. Have business cards with you just in case people want to hire you for something. Try to create flyers with what you can showcase and leave the info to contact you. Look for bands preforming and doing shows also call local clubs and bars to look for gigs. Good luck !!!!
Thank you, Jessica!
Natalie
Updated
John’s Answer
Hi Natalie,
Firstly, you'll need a way to release your music if you'd like to get it out there. There are lots of different ways to do this from Soundcloud, to Beatport, or even use online distribution platforms like Distro Kid or CD Baby to get your music available on streaming platforms. If you choose this route, you'll want to consider the pros and cons of each method. For instance, CD Baby take 15% of streaming income, but you only have to pay them one time (about $100-150 per EP) to host your music on all platforms forever. Distro Kid takes about 10%, but I think you have to pay them yearly to keep your music hosted and available for streaming. Bandcamp is another alternative, and I think they take about 9%, and it's free to setup, but that platform is mostly used by other artists. Note: this approach is kind of the opposite of an "underground" mentality, because a lot of underground artists can't be found on streaming platforms. You can only hear their music at live performances. This gives them a bit more control over the scene and culture associated with their music, but this approach obviously means that their audience grows very slowly. It's also probably easier to go this route if you're already somehow connected with promoters or clubs in your area.
Next, you'll want to showcase your skills. This might look like recording a DJ set of you mixing songs as you might do live for an hour or two, then uploading that recording to somewhere online so that you have a demo for people to hear. Typically, this is done with very minimal effects, and just straight level mixing. Soundcloud is a good place to store these one-off sessions for streaming (free). If you're comfortable with it, consider doing a live stream on YouTube. I still remember seeing CloZee's downtempo set there and I loved it. You could also consider making short videos for social media like Instagram reels or TikTok. You might also consider doing your own remixes of popular songs or artists you like. Sometimes remixes are even better and more popular than the originals. You might also consider collaborating with other artists (instrumentalists or other DJs). This creates synergy and cross-promotion to help bridge gaps between genres and fan bases.
From there you can create a website if you like, business cards, demo CDs or links to streams to help promote your music. The key is to get those assets into the hands of promoters who might want you to come into clubs to play or fill opening spots for larger artists. Don't pass these opportunities up! I've been to many shows where the opening act was even better than the headliner everyone came to see.
Network, network, network. Try to meet as many people who are connected with venues and events that you want to play as you can. Find out where they shop, etc, and hang out. Go give your demo samples to those establishments. You may even offer to do a few live spots or small events just to get your name out there. You never know who might be in the crowd. Also, connect with fellow musicians in the area to find out how they got started. They can be a great resource to connect you with the right people. You can also go to clubs where you'd like to play and look for the promoters. They're usually easy to spot. You can find them ushering in VIP groups, walking them to their cars/limos, etc.
Another option might be to look for an agent/manager. Sometimes it may seem more professional to promoters if you have a representative advocating for you and your music. Kind of like social proof that you're the real deal.
Keep in mind that while you're starting off you may have to play some "mainstream" music at gigs like weddings, birthday parties, etc. Even if it's not your goal, that's OK. Think of it as an opportunity to practice your skills and get your name out there.
Also, reach out to your local gay bars / clubs. They tend to have fewer artists lined up and their crowds love to dance. Looking forward to hearing your music!
Firstly, you'll need a way to release your music if you'd like to get it out there. There are lots of different ways to do this from Soundcloud, to Beatport, or even use online distribution platforms like Distro Kid or CD Baby to get your music available on streaming platforms. If you choose this route, you'll want to consider the pros and cons of each method. For instance, CD Baby take 15% of streaming income, but you only have to pay them one time (about $100-150 per EP) to host your music on all platforms forever. Distro Kid takes about 10%, but I think you have to pay them yearly to keep your music hosted and available for streaming. Bandcamp is another alternative, and I think they take about 9%, and it's free to setup, but that platform is mostly used by other artists. Note: this approach is kind of the opposite of an "underground" mentality, because a lot of underground artists can't be found on streaming platforms. You can only hear their music at live performances. This gives them a bit more control over the scene and culture associated with their music, but this approach obviously means that their audience grows very slowly. It's also probably easier to go this route if you're already somehow connected with promoters or clubs in your area.
Next, you'll want to showcase your skills. This might look like recording a DJ set of you mixing songs as you might do live for an hour or two, then uploading that recording to somewhere online so that you have a demo for people to hear. Typically, this is done with very minimal effects, and just straight level mixing. Soundcloud is a good place to store these one-off sessions for streaming (free). If you're comfortable with it, consider doing a live stream on YouTube. I still remember seeing CloZee's downtempo set there and I loved it. You could also consider making short videos for social media like Instagram reels or TikTok. You might also consider doing your own remixes of popular songs or artists you like. Sometimes remixes are even better and more popular than the originals. You might also consider collaborating with other artists (instrumentalists or other DJs). This creates synergy and cross-promotion to help bridge gaps between genres and fan bases.
From there you can create a website if you like, business cards, demo CDs or links to streams to help promote your music. The key is to get those assets into the hands of promoters who might want you to come into clubs to play or fill opening spots for larger artists. Don't pass these opportunities up! I've been to many shows where the opening act was even better than the headliner everyone came to see.
Network, network, network. Try to meet as many people who are connected with venues and events that you want to play as you can. Find out where they shop, etc, and hang out. Go give your demo samples to those establishments. You may even offer to do a few live spots or small events just to get your name out there. You never know who might be in the crowd. Also, connect with fellow musicians in the area to find out how they got started. They can be a great resource to connect you with the right people. You can also go to clubs where you'd like to play and look for the promoters. They're usually easy to spot. You can find them ushering in VIP groups, walking them to their cars/limos, etc.
Another option might be to look for an agent/manager. Sometimes it may seem more professional to promoters if you have a representative advocating for you and your music. Kind of like social proof that you're the real deal.
Keep in mind that while you're starting off you may have to play some "mainstream" music at gigs like weddings, birthday parties, etc. Even if it's not your goal, that's OK. Think of it as an opportunity to practice your skills and get your name out there.
Also, reach out to your local gay bars / clubs. They tend to have fewer artists lined up and their crowds love to dance. Looking forward to hearing your music!
Thank you for answering, your advice is really helpful!
Natalie
Updated
Catherine’s Answer
Dear Natalie,
The initial step could be conducting a brief market analysis. This will provide you with valuable insights on where, who, when, and how.
Here are some guiding questions to help you formulate your responses:
- Are you planning to DJ locally or do you have plans to travel?
- Do you possess all the necessary equipment to start independently?
- Have you explored any ads or groups that are in search of a DJ?
- How would you define your unique style? What sets you apart from other DJs?
- Have you given thought to your stage name or signature?
I trust this will be of assistance.
Best wishes,
Catherine
The initial step could be conducting a brief market analysis. This will provide you with valuable insights on where, who, when, and how.
Here are some guiding questions to help you formulate your responses:
- Are you planning to DJ locally or do you have plans to travel?
- Do you possess all the necessary equipment to start independently?
- Have you explored any ads or groups that are in search of a DJ?
- How would you define your unique style? What sets you apart from other DJs?
- Have you given thought to your stage name or signature?
I trust this will be of assistance.
Best wishes,
Catherine