Social media is oversaturated with DJ's doing the same thing, I always feel corny using it for self-promotion. I just go straight into Bar's and tell them I'll DJ for free once and it's never let me down. I have 5 consistent residencies in the last 3 years because of this.
Ive been a bedroom Dj for about 10 years using Vinyl & Small DDJ, Recently moved to another country and missed my Music and Mixing so I wanted to get back into it, recently a friend asked for me to DJ a private function at a club for just 1 hour, I got so nervous to play as it was my first time playing and I had no clue how to use a XDJ-RR but I got the hang of it !, the other DJ didn't turn up so they asked me if I could play for the night and ended up going on for a 6 hour set and it felt great and went great the owner of the club said he wanted me back when they reopen again , my goal is to get myself the equipment I need to practice at home again and start recording and mixing to get ready for this summer !
I am doing all the steps that you said in 06:50 since 4 weeks and it’s incredible how it’s starting to grow up my sets and all! I am watching your video right now 🙌🏻
Great tips. I've started djing about 7 months ago at one of my fav clubs. Been going there for years and became friends with the owners and managers until eventually I felt confident enough to ask for an opportunity to perform. Now I perform there once a month and I'm part of their events. Love the community.
very inspiring, thank you!! yesterday I was lucky to get an invite to a gig (I JUST started mixing about 2 weeks ago) at a local club/bar. Long story short it went terribly. I was the reason a speaker blew out, I went on about 2:30am (belive me people still drunk and dancing) but second song in, just sounded terrible. It was a vastly different sound system than what I plug in at home obviously, and I just didn't have the experience. I won't lie, it was embarrassing and very unmotivating! but another sound person and DJ came to my aid, helped me out and really reassured me. he basically took over the set for the night. but despite how 'badly' it went, it was a lesson and experience and the fellow DJ didn't let it crush my spirit, and my goals. never give up friends its a big learning curve if you've never done technical stuff (like myself) but he said it right, consistency is key!! for now, I'll keep uploading my bedroom mixes here to youtube, maybe check them out if you're into house/deep house/electronic! peace to all of you good luck on your musical journey (:
Collaboration, not competition. Like almost all professional careers, you move up through networking and socializing. That said, if there's any US-based techno or trance DJs out there that want to talk, let's talk.
My goal for this year is to create a house music night at the bar I do a residency at. Not a big house scene in my city, but I love the genre so I'm willing to take on the challenge & build the night up brick by brick. Would be interested in some tips on how to find the crowd & promote the night to generate some buzz around it. Big up to all the DJs out there on the grind!
Im really glad that I watched this video.. Because one can never stop learning and Im always trying to pick up a few ideas and tips to get more bookings.. For me personally. I have held a residency dj gig for many many years at several night clubs and I have played at over 100 different clubs. About 8 years ago I decided to stop doing the residency gigs and I wanted to be a National Touring Dj. Im almost there... I have done several events and clubs with over 4000 people in crowd and I have been the "Headliner" but Im still trying to get that one huge show.. that FESTIVAL that you see djs like Marshmellow, Chainsmokers, Tiesto, Steve Aoki. Thats my dream..So do you think this would be a next great step.. would be to start to produce some of my own music which I do have a musical background. I think that could help to get more branding and more buzz for myself and to have other Djs start to play my music in there sets at the clubs.. Thanks for you Videos ... DJ Steven B
Thank You... I needed this mental hug and kick in the pants! I love being a DJ/mixologist! It really makes my heart happy... Thanks for thinking about this topic and making a video for it!!! ‼️‼️‼️👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿
Great tips! Most people undervalue professionality in artists because it so common for them to be late and so on. But if you are a dependable and consistent dj you're already double as likely to be invited again for a next gig. My goal is to get my first gig this year if clubs open again. Luckily I have some mixes on yt ready for reference if that happens
Right now i'm definitely starting 2022 off by being a lot more consistent and being active especially on my social media and for right now on twitch livestreaming and hoping to improve in the future.
You might wanna have the first few tracks short/quick transitions…with the mixes skippable. My point is if people check out your mixes, they wanna hear more of the tracks ‘further in’. When people record a mix, they will do the first 3 or 4 transitions and start over if they mess up. After a few tracks in, they can’t start over.
I would add ask djs and workers about bars and promoters reputation also. Alot of promoters take advantage of new djs by giving them a "opportunity" by not paying them. Always remember the hours you spend practicing and the amount of money you put in your equipment.
A problem nowadays is that a venue can just play Spotify or a mix cd…stream. A DJ can turn up with a tiny laptop and controller. Or just a thumb drive. It’s not like before when they carried record boxes. Or when they brought decks!! My point is there are so many DJ’s who do the job with not too much shelling out. So, yes venues can exploit that. I think that’s why some wedding/party DJ’s want to be seen using decks/vinyl so they look more invested and professional . Same thing re drones. Pros don’t like the idea of turning up with a capable tiny drone. I keep hearing them talk about using a big drone for paid work. I think it’s so the client takes them more seriously. I used to play for free or take small payment. It’s not good to do that and be taken seriously.
i want that the music taste i like is gonna be seen in the techno industrie not only bumbam it also can be melodic feelings in their and take them on a musical ride
Another huge tip: look for open deck nights in your area to get your feet wet with club equipment as well network with other local DJs/promoters!!! VERY underrated
I enjoyed this tutorial. I am a new inspiring DJ and will have my first gig this Saturday. It is a women's conference. I am very much interested in some more of your lessons. Keep up the good work.
Very informative inspirational and motivational video…. And your right it’s not a competition. FACTS!!! As for me as a female DJ I jus want to add different ingredient to the pot, and be able to help others female djs and others djs. Just as DJ Hypeness say “QUEENS CROWNING QUEENS”. ah so that will happen😊
Watched this about a month ago and it really motivated me to finally start an Tiktok and recording mixes regullary - having my first houseparty gig in a few weeks and hope for a gig in a club this year 😁
Thanks for great tips, I use DJ in clubs and bars before covid & I do a lot live-streams & started to do gigs outside and live streaming to audience to get my confidence back again as well a I sing too
While I totally agree with you. I've tried reaching out and connecting with local djs to be supportive, but as it turns out most are just Haters that want nothing to do with me. That goes for people I have met in person too! Not just online. Unfortunately.
Great video (love the shirt too). It's true, many DJs that want gigs do not do the very basic things you need to do. I need to get into a good flow with my socials (any tips would be appreciated). I agree though, if a promoter checks your socials and nothing is happening- your chance of getting that gig is almost zero. I will take it a step further- two DJs. DJ A is technically much better than DJ B. DJ B barely mixes. DJ B has great socials and DJ A has none. Guess who gets that gig? Not so sure how good that is for the music or scene in general though....
Fantastic video. This is me 100% in 2022. I've got mixes heading to my Mixcloud page, soon YT as well. But I absolutely suck at self promotion on social media. Thank you for pointing that out re: DJ A vs B.
I honestly can't stand promotion and S.M unfortunately its how people network these days. My goal is to get a first gig but need to venture out and about to nightclubs etc best of luck
@@noctemdjUK Yea i saw mate thanks for that i appreciate it. Nah my setup is basic. I did recently upgrade my CDJs but i started off with numark turntables and cdj 400 with a djm 600 mixer a couple of years back. Even my current mixer is poverty reloop LOL small steps mate
Great video as always 👏 only thing nowadays gets complicated if u don't have many friends for supporting or bringing to club, promoter. Yes I have many friends around the world just not many in my home town :( So how u can even start asking for set... 😢
My biggest thing is time management. In the aspect of all the hats I wear. Between the goals I have professionally which require a lot of time and I'm not opposed to engulfing myself that way, but it is also the other things in life which I value and love equally. I'm overwhelmed with everything going on in my head and I become frozen.
On SoundCloud….avoid using ANYTHING from UMG. They will remove THE ENTIRE MIX, not just mute the section where their content is. That’s why I left SoundCloud…UMG completely removed a mix I did, and weirdly, it wasn’t over other UMG artists (I had Hank Thompson and Lynyrd Skynyrd - both on UMG owned labels, by the way), it was a Beatles track that they noted. JUST THAT BEATLES TRACK!
Just moved to an area that the bar strip is 7min walk for me. Been DJing weddings and events for 10 years all through college and stuff and had a consistent Thursday night residency for an EDM night (a lot of trapstep and disco remixes of top40). Now the new area doesn't know me. I've posted all the old gigs at the club on my instagram years ago. Is it too buried in my socials that these new clubs wont care too look that far back for a consistent bar gig? Just gonna go in with a business card and refer them to my stuff I guess haha!
Have you thought about creating fresh content for you socials? New videos , new mixes? Tagging the venues, finding out who promotes which venue and sending them your content. Just a few ideas 😃
@@Crossfader I want to compare DJ'ing to play Quarterback in the US Football (sport.) We all start out as little 8-9yr old kids playing the sport learning the basics just like DJ'ing we learn the absolute basics when we begin. But we all want to be a Tom Brady level player aka a Paul Oakenfold DJ that has been doing the job for 20yrs! Using the skills and teachings of @crossfader, Always learning, staying humble and constantly practicing could help you get there. Stay Hungry and Stay Fresh! Keep it Spinnin' ya'll! PEACE! CSigmaShow
The only thing I don't really think is helpful is trying to stretch yourself and having your fingers in all the pies. Trying to do RU-vid, mix cloud, insta, tik tok etc at the same time is quite overwhelming. Building a fan base on one platform then expanding it is a better way and not as time consuming, and won't leave you deflated trying to make sure you're always posting in multiple places.
I contacted a Social marketeer friend of mine and together we will create social media accounts this year. First goals are (small) paid bookings and 500+ followers. Side question: Where did you get that hoodie? Really want to buy it!
I think there is a lot of knowledge in here, but i'am also sad about most of this advice are about socials. I'm not a social media ninja. Tryin to get a gigs don't forget about music.
Am looking to get my first international gig.... How can I get them what should I do am based in Taiwan and the scene here is a lil bit small I would like new challenges and developing my network
Had my first two club gigs last yaer, but then corona was getting more and more and the clubs had to close. Now I‘m still waiting for them to open again. Hopefully it doesnt take that long until my next gig.
