I don’t want to offend any wannabe DJs out there in the world but plenty of people think just because they have a keen ear for music they could “totally be a DJ”. You and I have both encountered these guys at parties and clubs, pretty much telling you they could do your job. And the kicker is that they really believe it!
Astonishing I know, but hey we’re all entitled to our own delusions, right?
Your job is more than simply pressing play and engaging the crowd on a microphone. You know it and I know it, but what will separate you from those guys is that you have the stuff that helps you book DJ gigs over and over again.
Make sure you’re following these tips and you’ll never have to worry about competing with them for gigs.
Stay In Your Lane
Nothing is guaranteed to piss of the promoter, headlining DJ and owner more than a professional DJ who doesn’t know his role. If you’ve been hired to be the warm up DJ don’t get out there and play all the roof poppers and club bangers right up front. That isn’t your job and it makes the job of the headliner much harder.
You may think this little trick will give you an edge or dig at the headliner…it won’t. You will look like an amateur who doesn’t understand warm up DJ protocol and it’ll make promoters rethink booking you again and that DJ certainly won’t be chatting you up to others.
Be Authentic
As an artist you strive to be authentic, original. We all do. For some pro DJs it means using gimmicks to stand out in a pretty crowded field, but for others it means working hard to produce and mix original tracks.
The one thing you don’t want to do is gauge your success by the instant reaction of the crowd. Because honestly if you play only the most popular tracks on any given day, it’s a no-brainer to say that people will like your stuff. It also wouldn’t be harsh to call you a human jukebox.
So dig into those digital music bins and find unique music that will contribute to your brand as an original DJ who produces crazy authentic music.
Know Your Ish
Being a DJ is about more than the cool clothes you wear or the most original way to make headphones a part of your wardrobe. It is a job, for those lucky DJs out there it is a career. Those who want to be career DJs know they have to stay on top of their game. That means practicing on a regular basis, whether it is making sure you are knowledgeable about new DJ equipment or upgrading your set lists.
Don’t be afraid of the ever changing technology; test them out and see if/how they can be incorporated to your busy DJ life. You may not see any benefits to the new DJ apps or you may totally diss the notion of DJing from a tablet, but try it out before you knock it.
Know your stuff. Period.
Read The Crowd
In addition to mixing, mashing and beatmatching a good DJ who can line up tons of DJ gigs knows how to read a crowd. If you’re up there in the DJ booth in your own little world and not paying attention to what’s happening on the floor below then you won’t be doing yourself any favors.
Pay attention to the crowd. Have your latest three tracks emptied the dance floor? If so then you need to change it up. Don’t stick with what’s working because people leaving in the middle of your set isn’t a great way to book more DJ gigs.
Change Your Music
Don’t be one of those cocky DJs who think their set is so amazingly awesome that they never ever change it up. Avoid this by making small (or not so small) tweaks to your set from one week to the next.
Music is a worldwide thing, which means you literally have millions of tracks to choose to add to your set list. Keep the ‘go to’ lists handy especially as part of your backup tools, but plan to give clubbers (and promoters) something they’ve never heard before.
Adding a few new tracks to your pre-existing set list is better than creating an entire set of new and unknown tracks.
Work While You’re Working
This is a tip that probably should go without saying but you’d be surprised how many times I’ve hit up a club to hear a new DJ only to find them drunk and not doing their job very well. I’m not saying you can have a drink or two when the gig begins to stifle the nerves, but I am saying that you are an adult and need to set your own limits.
You’re at work, despite the party atmosphere, so make sure you act like you’re being paid to be there.
I hope these tips help you get more DJ gigs. Email in the box below to get access to Free video DJ lessons that will answer all of your questions on how to become a disk jockey!
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