10 Things That Worked Really Well For Me My First Year of DJing
When I first started DJing I didn’t know I was signing up to become an entrepreneur woman. All I knew was that I wanted to have a profession in music. As a musician who had studied music my whole life, I was looking for an outlet where I could perform. Most importantly, I wanted to make money. So I have listed the 10 things that worked really well for me my first year of DJing.
Tip #1 - I didn’t wait too long to DJ my first live gig
I started DJing out two months after I bought my first turntables. In those 2 months I practiced tons! I was still nervous though to play out. I didn’t let it stop me from getting my first gig and I’m so glad I did since I started getting paid to do what I love and I of course learned so much more about DJing when actually playing for a live crowd.
Tip #2 -I was DJing a very niche style of music
I mentioned this tip in my previous video where I mentioned my three tips that helped me get my first international gig after only one year of DJing. Picking one style of music is a great way to get started. This way you get really good at mixing that genre of music and people get to know you as a DJ that is in a particular niche. So it really helps you get technically good at playing one style of music and people will get to know you quicker.
Tip #3 - I started a college radio show at NYU
When I started my radio show it was before live streaming. So radio was really the only option. This show was a great way to get me DJing every week and also for meeting other DJs since I would ask them to guest spot on my show. DJing like any other business is about relationships and having a weekly spot gets you in the mix with other fellow DJs. Not to mention, you might get booked overseas from it. I got booked in France because of my show!
Tip #4 -I went to lots of parties where DJs were playing similar styles of music to me
This may seem like a no brainer but it really does help. The more you show up to support your fellow DJs in your niche, the more you will meet like minded people you could end up collaborating with. People get to know you as someone in their “scene” which makes you feel like you are a part of a movement together.
Tip #5 -I got a record label job in my niche of music
Now, this is a lot easier said than done. But I truly believe this happened for me because of my previous tip. Since I was always out and about networking with other DJs and people in my scene, when the opportunity arose at a small record label I was the first one to get the call. You just never know what opportunities may come your way from being consistent with your networking efforts.
Tip #6 - I went to music conferences
I fell in love with WMC which stands for The Winter Music Conference that happens every March in Miami. All of the top House music and electronic DJs come from all over the world and take over Miami beaches and nightclubs. Ultra Music Festival has now taken over what WMC used to hold down on its own. But this conference helped me make life long connections in the music scene that I still have until this day. I also got my second music business job at a Record Distributor from going to this conference. I can’t say enough about participating in Music Conferences in your niche.
Tip #7 - I started my first DJ residency
It’s so important to have a home bass as a DJ. Not to mention starting a party from the ground up. A place where you can play whatever you want and hopefully the owners of the venue love you for it. People get to know you this way and slowly but surely, word will spread about your weekly or bi monthly party. You could also have a monthly party if you are too busy for a weekly spot.
Tip #8 - I said yes to every gig
This one may seem obvious. But believe or not, I literally said yes to every gig. If it was a birthday party in your mom’s basement, I said yes. If it was at a friend’s restaurant I said yes. As long as I was getting paid I said yes. Why? Because I was getting paid to master my craft. Duh? Later down the road you could become more selective.
Tip #9 -I guest spotted at other DJs residencies
A great way to get introduced to a new audience is to DJ at another DJs residency. See, they have their loyal following and people love to go to this party. So if they see their favorite DJs bringing in another DJ they will be more curious about you. They will consider you to be already vetted so they will think, oh wow…they DJ must be good if my homeboy booked them. Of course you need to rock the party. So do your homework!
Tip #10 -I kept up with all of the new music coming out so my sets were always fresh
This tip is crucial to keeping your DJ sets new and exciting. You can’t go and play the same set everywhere you go. What would people say? Snoresville. You need to do your H.W. and keep up with the new tracks that help you stand out as a DJ and find your own sound.
3 Things That Didn't Work Well For Me
#1 – Not hanging out at my DJ residency venue enough. (Nights that I wasn’t working)
#2 – I took things personally. Whether you clear the dance floor or you aren’t asked to DJ a venue again, don’t let it stop your momentum. Learn from your mistakes and keep on pushing on.
#3 – I didn’t promote myself enough. Marketing is so key and now that you have social media to help you leverage your own PR, there’s no excuse!
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