I know there's lots of musicians on here but I was wondering if the DJS and beat makers could give me some insight as to what the club owners are looking for in 2017. I have been djing for 9 years in my bedroom and producing for 4-5 years in my bedroom. Before you laugh at me I do it because I love music and producing music, I was just thinking at some point it would be nice to get out there and rock a small club or something. I have given up on the fact of touring at all because of the whole business aspect behind it but now I am focusing on just small local shows which I think I do have a chance at. Any advice guys?

 

Go out and meet some people. Go and make some friends.

 

Back when I first started spinning, we only used vinyl. I became a regular at the local record shop. One day one of the guys asked what I was doing on Saturday. I said nothing. So he asked me if I wanted to spin at his club. Turned out he was in charge of hiring talent. That's how I got my first gig which also luckily turned into a residency.

Go to the venues you would like to perform at and become a regular. Club owners want people who can fill their club. Become chummy with as many people as you can until you find out who are in charge of hiring talent. Buy them lots of drinks and occassionally slip them some demos. Do this with the DJ's as well. The next time they need someone to open for them, hopefully they will have you in mind. Remember they don't want you to outshine them so make sure they are confident that you can spin an opening set, which is much different than a peak hour set.

 

Hi TruBlood,

as the others mentioned before connecting with people is the way it goes. I started up playing at parties from my university. Then I just wrote some event managers to meet at a coffee shop to talk a little bit. One of the guys relied and I meet him. After a while he allowed me to play at his event as a warm up and later on prime time. Just connect with other people. One big plus was also that while playing at that event I got to know more and more people. My next goal is to play at some festivals. Just keep up connecting and it will work out!

 

No need to be booked as DJ go clubbing instead if you like that and keep trying to make good music for now :D

 

depends on what kind of DJ ... can you specify ?

 

Interesting subject because it's more difficult nowadays due to its popularity. A lot has changed since +/- 2010. Anyway, I started around the millennium switch by organizing my own parties. Best way to promote yourself. Of course, you need to be sure about your skills - spinning vinyl at the time - but I had already gained some experience before at small locations/parties (by taking initiative and showing my ambition). That was also the time when I learned to 'listen' to the dancefloor. What works and what does not work. Very important otherwise you won't play at all!

The first years I learned a lot - which is a good thing - but if you're dedicated and work hard it will bring you the results you want. Between 2005 and 2010 I was responsible for a whole crew and we organized a lot of bigger parties in our region. Each time promoting myself on the line-ups between well known artists. When you're in the spotlights, people will find you (besides your own promotional work of course).

Although it was a great time with highlights, it wasn't enough to make the 'professional' step. I had the contacts but at that time not the knowledge or talent that was needed to become a good producer. There was a time with hardly any tutorials online or HQ software. Other producers weren't that open about a lot of things too. I guess now is a better time. With more competition though. I was also a bit stubborn. Going my own path and don't piggybacking on someone else's success.

So to come back to your question: show your ambition, skills, find the contacts you'll need (but don't be anoying in your strategy, just step for step and respect a "no"), perhaps organize some parties (find a sponsor), use social media but in a creative way, create a brand (website, logo, you name it), try to be unique (with producing or making special edits for your gigs), make necessary investments, enjoy what you're doing and who knows. "Nobody said it was easy" (Coldplay)

 

I think you should have a minimal business card and one minimal logo on it and dont right dj x or smth just write your name and your soundcloud etc. because it works.