Getting Into Club Djing

[DJJEG 0]

I would like to ask any members who have made the move from mobile disco to club work, i currently do the odd wedding/birthday/kids disco as well as a residency in a local lounge bar/ fun pub

I have worked in clubs before but got the work through word & mouth as well as knowing a few managers

What i would like to know is how would you promote yourself for this type of work, i have never advertised and all my bookings have come from word & mouth

I would not like to use an agency due to past bad experiences

I look forward to your suggestions

[djtim 0]

Hi

 

As someone who went the other way (I was a club jock first and switched to mobile) what I can tell you is that - certainly when I was around the scene - it is very hard to break through.

 

I was lucky in that a friend of mine owned a nightclub and I got my first gigs playing warm up slots there. However, there wasn't much money in it (the other DJs wanted me to work for free, so they would get a bigger slice) and it's expensive keeping the record collection up to date. I regularly spent more than I earnt!

 

However, don't let me put you off. If you're really determined to succeed then you will. Your mixing skills will have to be impeccable and your choice of tunes and the programming of these is key. Bear in mind that a club DJs set should be seemless (as you won't tend to mix genres as much as a mobile DJ).

 

I'd avoid agents as they tend to only want to represent "established" jocks with a track record. A bit "catch 22" if you're trying to break through.

 

You could put together a CD to hand out to people but this will need to be absolutely spot on (in terms of mixing and programming) and - when I did this - I always ensured that there was a well presented inlay with a tracklist and some bio about myself. Don't be scared about blowing your own trumpet (don't fib though as these people talk to each other so will know if you really have played at other clubs).

 

My advice would be to try and get to know people on the scene you want to get into. Go to the clubs, speak to punters (try to spot regulars as they may well know the person promoting the night), speak with bar staff and doormen. Find out who's actually running the show. Bigger, corporate high street clubs often use agents so that door may be closed to you at the moment.

 

One thing I did that was really successful was to promote my own night. Have you thought about this? It's good way to showcase your skills and get to know other DJs. They'll be well disposed to someone who gives them work and may well reciprocate! Appreciate that you probably didn't become a DJ to get into promoting but, believe me, it can be very rewarding. Just ask Brian Mole!

[DJ Marky Marc 0]

I would not like to use an agency due to past bad experiences

 

most of the clubs in the uk are part of chains.. and they all use agents...

 

if you want to play inderpendant clubs then you need to play one style of music and play it well..

 

go meet the club manager, start your own nights.. hand out CDs ... create some demand for your services..

 

maybe start with a cool trendy bar type place untill you get noticed..

 

[Dream Catchers 0]

most of the clubs in the uk are part of chains.. and they all use agents...

 

if you want to play inderpendant clubs then you need to play one style of music and play it well..

 

go meet the club manager, start your own nights.. hand out CDs ... create some demand for your services..

 

maybe start with a cool trendy bar type place untill you get noticed..

Out of intrest, did/do you use agents Mark?

If you did maybe you could pass your agents details on to him!

 

Jim

[cmj 0]

Pretty much what the oher guys have said, I started when I was 15 :fear: glass collecting then moved onto doing the LJ's job then when the resident had to "go away" for half an hour he said "Your on, I'll be back soon!" I didnt really have a clue but just gave it my best and been doing clubs ever since!!

 

Defo try your own night, be aware that you have to know LOADS of people and be prepared to give free passes, stand around street corners in the pi:cense:ing rain doing flyers and spending all your spare money on posters etc!! :fear: :fear: Worth it if it works though, got a few residencies doing that(and still do!!)

 

 

[Dave80s 0]

good for your back - no gear to lug around....!

[nrgize 0]

I'm going to try and get a residency in a bar or funpub. I would love to be able to DJ more but without all the gear lugging.

 

Am going to send some CV's out and see how I get on!!