Whether you’re a musician looking to diversify and make more money, or a full-time DJ looking to pick up more work, getting gigs as a DJ can be a lucrative and fun way to earn a living.
When the wedding season comes around, many happy couples don’t consider their wedding reception complete without the obligatory disco at its conclusion.
If you would like to get some gigs at these events, either offering your services as a DJ or potentially offering a comprehensive DJ bolt on package with your band, then we’ve put together some handy quick tips to help get DJ gigs…
Are you looking to become a professional DJ?
This question can sometimes be a bit disingenuous. When some people hear the words “Professional DJ” their mind immediately goes to the likes of Steve Aoki, DJ Shadow or DJ Jazzy Jeff.
However, there is probably an argument to be made that the reason you have heard of these acts is due to their work as producers or composers.
This allows them to release their own music, as well as working and collaborating with other artists to create new music.
An event DJ will generally work with other peoples tunes, rather than composing their own. This is not to say that they can’t be creative – many DJ’s will release famous re-mixes of songs.
However, in the context of this blog (for simplicity), we’ll be referring to DJ’s as a solo live act, that performs by playing other peoples music.
Becoming a professional live DJ will take a lot of work. In many ways, you need to promote and market yourself just like a band.
- Start off by purchasing the right equipment and software. Speak to fellow DJ’s to get good recommendations on what to buy, and look at the set up they have in local venues.
- Try to get some low-key gigs in public venues, and get as much experience as you can. Shows in pubs and bars may not earn you lots of money, but will act as invaluable experience for what is to come.
- When you feel ready, start listing with entertainment directories like Last Minute Musicians, and approaching entertainment agents. This should hopefully allow you to move onto to better paying and higher profile shows.
Are you a part-time DJ looking to expand?
If you’ve already cut your teeth learning your craft, then it’s time to step up to larger and better-paying shows.
Doing any freelance role full-time is going to be difficult, but making your living as a DJ is going to bring with it a whole new set of challanges.
A few things that will help you expand your business are:
- Good quality promotional material. Just like any act, making sure that what is presented to the public is the best quality it can possibly be is very important. Get a great promo video, biography and some sample mixes/ sample repertoire list.
- Get your own PA set up. While it is perfectly possible to only DJ at established venues that already have their own equipment, if you’re looking to DJ at private events like weddings and birthdays, then it is usually best to have your own high-quality PA ready to go.
- Add some lighting to your show. If you haven’t already, buying some great quality disco lighting is going to be a big bonus when it comes to expanding your show.
- Diversify! Adding a USP (unique selling point) can help you stand out in a crowded field of events DJs. Consider working with Vinyl or offering specialised packages in specific genres, like funk or soul.
Are you a musician looking to start DJ’ing?
Adding DJ’ing to your list of skills is good way to get extra gigs! Most musicians have an excellent record/iTunes collections, so why not put them to good use?
Learning how to get DJ gigs can become a great extra income for gigging professionals.
Offering a DJ package alongside your band’s performance as an optional extra can be a great way to increase the money you are taking home from a gig.
Having a professional DJ service can also help you stand out from other bands that simply offer a playlist between sets.
Learning how to DJ can also be a great way to pick up good paying work when your band isn’t playing, or at quieter times of the month, like January or February.
Start off by advertising your services as part of a package on your band’s website.
You can also speak to local contacts in bars, restaurants and pubs in order to pick up public shows as a solo DJ.
Do you DJ at private events? Do you have any advice for those who want to? Leave your thoughts in the comments below…
