11 Tips For New DJs

Written by Aeryk NYCR on 28 September 2011.

1. Don't start taking bookings until you actually know what you are doing.

2. Get a lot of facebook friends and invite them to every event you play at, as well as promote every event you are booked for no matter how big or small. Other promoters will notice and give you bookings.

3. Don't be a Timeslot Nazi for your first 10 or so gigs : Chances are you are opening; doesn't matter. Its up to you to get people there early for your set then.

4. Don't ask for payment until you are established; once you do charge like $50 for a local gig, after a year $100. (Obviously if you blow up charge more, and always charge more for out of state gigs)

5. If shit goes wrong and you don't get to spin or something is wrong with the equipment; don't flip out, chances are something is going to go wrong... Rather than flip out ask if you could get another booking at a future date.

6. Post your mixes EVERYWHERE; every event, every group, post on peoples pages, post on music forums, post on cats, dogs and other small animals if you have to.

7. Try and join an established company (Such as NYCRavers or Digital Distortion) as one of their djs. Chances are if you are good you will be approached anyway.

8. DO NOT TALK SHIT ABOUT PARTIES ON THEIR FACEBOOK EVENT WALLS; keep your mouth shut; no one will want to book you.

9. DO NOT BECOME EGOTISTICAL.

10. Learn to play on many different mediums OR bring your own equipment (midi controllers, cdjs, etc...).

11. Do take as many bookings as you can; play a lot of afterparties.

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