Need More Gigs!

[KevMaverick]

I'm in a bit of a fix here. I could really do with getting more work, but I'm not sure how to get it!

I hand out business cards at every gig I do, and to some extent they do get me some bookings, but I need some regular gigs. I have a few projects in the pipeline - mainly a couple of potential karaoke nights, probably on Weds/Thur, but I need to get a decent residency somewhere.

There are just too many DJ's in my area, and not many of them are good! It just proves that having the DJ gear doesn't always make a person a DJ! The annoying thing is that no matter how bad they are, they have more work than me!

I'd love to know your ideas on how I could possibly promote myself and get ahead a little more...

ps. I don't consider myself to be one of those 'bad DJ's', as I work hard, and have had many very good compliments on my work. There are people that will book me for every party they have, but who has a party every week?

[Activated Soundwave]

Hi kev,
Yet again this proves that is not what you can do,
but who you know, or at very least doing the talk.
Story of my life,Somthing you just have to put up with, as far as a redidency goes, all you can do is ask, you would have to maybe start of offering your services for free, until you have the fanbase behind you, then you can move on up/have and then have the bargaining power to secure a better venue.
their are so many djs now who will do it for free, or already have a lot of friends with good datbase of possible clubbers/clients etc.
Its a really hard world out their for us DJ,you must utalise the social networks/datbases etc, this is where its all at ! no getting away from the marketing,and all this depends on what you wish to achieve in the long run.
their are no short term solutions, until you have all the bases above covered.
as far as a private and local function DJ go,its back to basics with local paper advertising and now social networking, no other way whatso ever, just get yourself out their.

Also bare in mind their are nice people like us, then many backstabbers that will stop at nothing to secure the glory and It is not about the music to them in the first instance , you can absolutely put a fellow DJ to shame when playing a guest set ,
But unless you are a friend of them or already have your own fanbase to bring to the DJ/promoters you are scewed, its all about what they feel you can offer them.

I have stormed many venues myself and really embarresed the residence's,but that is always at my own peril,i wont sell out my entusiasm to always tryand be better than the next DJ, its how i get my buzz, with the music.
but you dont have the fanbase then the promter/other djs will throw you away.
I learned this when i won a magazine DJ comp, the mag was using me for their reason at that time, namley a certain music awards for breakbeat they wanted to win best mag for. and every other DJ and venue i new wanted me, but soon as they realise their is nothing directly for them, they will cut you out, they are not botherd about the crowd only their glory in front of the crowd.

Saying all this if its privaye functions i am aware you do,then its all on advertising and word of mouth their after.

No quick fix, sorry to bust your bubble.

[KevMaverick]

Thanks for the reply.

You're right, it is tough out there for us. You're right of course, I do a lot of private functions, but would love a regular gig - not so much for the money, but for the fun of it!

I tried doing some work for free, but ended up being exploited! I did a karaoke night for 2 years and never recieved anything for my time. The silly thing is, I miss it, and that's what is probably on my mind.

[Activated Soundwave]

Their you go then kev their is the answer to your question, money vs the love of what you are doing, and sharing your style and taste with others. getting good feedback from others enjoyment can be a reward in itself, you provide the true soundtrack to their otherwise maybe dull and predicable musical week.
You take this road and maybe something will develope, or you take the hard push approach.
All the best with this kev, nothing more dismal than missing your own chance of personal joy over finnancial gain. I really want to earn, but my Love will always be number 1 on the long list to me achieving my wishful end goal.

[KevMaverick]

Their you go then kev their is the answer to your question, money vs the love of what you are doing, and sharing your style and taste with others. getting good feedback from others enjoyment can be a reward in itself, you provide the true soundtrack to their otherwise maybe dull and predicable musical week.
You take this road and maybe something will develope, or you take the hard push approach.
All the best with this kev, nothing more dismal than missing your own chance of personal joy over finnancial gain. I really want to earn, but my Love will always be number 1 on the long list to me achieving my wishful end goal.

Well said, and very true.

It's my love of music that got me into this business in the first place. After 25+ years my enthusiasm is still as strong as ever!

[Support@MixVibes]

Tons of rookie with cheap gear and no experience will do the job for free and even bring friends as consumers into the parties.
Promoters and owners only want the cheapest possible.

Networking is the key : I wish you the best because it can be hard if you're not this kind of person (like me ! ).

[BennyB]

Well, you are luckyer...

There is a DJ maffia in hungary, strongly controlling the clubs, the DJ-s, and a big percentage of WTF is going on...

Sadly managers usually choose the cheap way, and employ "friend's - friend of a friend friend-friend", to DJ for a low price, probably without copyright paying stuff...

But luckily a talented DJ with a promo CD and a reguraly paied copyright stuff can go ahead and take it

[Jim B]

Yet again this proves that is not what you can do,
but who you know,

I agree 100% with this statement

It was the same back in the late 90's when I first started, and it's the same now.

To be honest, I can't see it changing!!!!!

[KevMaverick]

I went out last night and there was a DJ, and to be honest, he wasn't that good, but as he knew the manager of the pub... you know the rest!

People should be given work accordingto their talents, not because they are pals with the managers.

[Blackbrook]

Yet again this proves that is not what you can do,
but who you know,

I agree 100% with this statement

It was the same back in the late 90's when I first started, and it's the same now.

To be honest, I can't see it changing!!!!!

This is the reason why we have started our own parties ten years ago. It is hard work, you earn next to nothing, but asking me it is worth doing it for the music!