How to Get a DJ Gig

One of the first questions a prospective DJ will have is, “How will I get my DJ gigs?”. For many, this will be the most difficult part of being a DJ. But if the correct steps are followed it will be easy to find more than enough DJ gigs.

The first step a DJ needs to take in order to secure a gig is to record a large number of promotional CD’s or digital samples. These samples or CD’s must be distributed to as many potential venues as possible. These venues can include night clubs, wedding locations, and event locations. Make sure the manager of each venue is the recipient of the promotional sample because he or she will be doing the hiring.

A flyer advertising for a DJ gig

Flyers like this are a good way to advertise your DJ gig

Also, when advertising to clubs be generous with your samples. Many of the clubbers may either be connected to the management or may recommend your sample. As a new DJ, many clubs will already have a main DJ. This will leave the busiest days of the week reserved for the main DJ. But the club manager may offer spots on some of the slow days.

This might not be appealing, but it is usually the only way to build a reputation and earn a spot as a main DJ. Also, any practice you can get in front of a live audience is experience that will only add to your value as a DJ. Please don’t feel limited to these options. But they are great places to start advertising yourself as a DJ to secure your first gig. In addition to the promotional samples, a new DJ can advertise a number of other ways.

Business cards are a cheap and effective way to advertise your services to many people. We also live in a time where the internet is responsible for a large portion of the business world. Some ways to advertise your services online include: Craigslist, website creation, social media, and review services.

A great, but often overlooked, place to advertise your DJ services are radio stations. This does not necessarily mean being a radio DJ is the end goal. But many radio stations will offer DJ guest spots. One of these guest spots can advertise your services to thousands of listeners. In some situations a radio station will allow the DJ to mix and spin during their time slot. This leaves listeners with a free live sample of your services. One guest spot could results in dozens of DJ gigs. Plus, you never know what famous producer might be listening.

It also helps to be a bit different from every other beginning DJ. Do something special. One cool thing would be to get yourself an electronic drum set and use it to create your own beats and samples. You don’t have to be the best drummer ever, you just need some basic drumming skill to pull it off. Then you can drum on stage and be completely different from everyone else.

Once your first gig has been secured your reputation can begin its formation. Your reputation is a valuable tool that can be used to secure many future DJ gigs. After a client is satisfied with your performance it is a good idea to give him or her your business card and express that you are open to any other potential clients that can be sent your direction. By word of mouth this one client can turn into a spider web of clients. But, in the end, the main ingredients needed to secure DJ gigs are good content and persistence. And perhaps one day, you will be playing the most famous clubs in the world.

Good luck and happy spinning!