Knowing The Key Players In Music Industry
People are the most important part of the music scene. Some, like fans and supporters, depend on your good performance as a DJ. Others, like promoters and club owners, are the ones you depend on. Finding good contacts and maintaining them is important for succeeding as an aspiring DJ in the music industry. While the details may vary from one local scene to another, the basic mechanics of it stay mostly the same.
Do your homework
Before you go out there to confront the key players in music industry, make a point of knowing them before you meet any of them in person. Just as you would look up information on other DJs and music artists to learn a bit more about your trade, you need to be aware of the latest news in the world of club owners, promoters and marketing experts. Internet makes it easier than it ever was, sometimes as easy as looking up someone’s profile on Facebook, and being well prepared is sure to score you extra points with the people and the industry as a whole.
Know other players
Your key points of interest are locations of the upcoming events, names of club owners and the kind of DJs they’re looking for. The DJs themselves are good at providing useful contacts, so it wouldn’t hurt to be friendly with the crowd, especial y some established players in the industry. It will serve you no good if you show up at a venue where your music style is not welcome or it’s too high profile for your level of recognition. Good leads, on the other hand, will bring you to successful events and future contracts.
Keep your eyes open
Even the smallest of details can hint you in on the specifics of someone’s career or life. Everything, from business cards to office interior, tell s you something about the person behind them. Don’t miss these things and you might someday reveal something of great importance. Even the domain name of a custom email address given to you by a music industry player can point to some information even search engines wouldn’t lead you to.
Promotional flyers made by other DJs and venues are also a great source of information. Don’t brush them off as junk. You are part of the industry, so show some interest. Be curious about their designs and, more importantly, examine their contents. Take note of the list of the names, companies, clubs and websites. Logos will clue you in on who’s involved in the production. Consider signing up for their mailing lists later to keep a handle on what’s going on with the music scene.
Make friends
You won’t get anywhere in the music industry without friends backing you up when it matters. Chances are that you already know this, being an aspiring DJ and all, so the main thing to focus here is not to forget that. This is the time to worry about not being pretentious. Even a minor success can get to your head in a way that you won’t even notice. When your music talent starts being appreciated, it may give you the wrong impression and lead you to believe that you can now stick out for yourself.
The truth, however, is that the higher you move up the ladder of your local music scene, the more friends you will need to help you stay where you are. Actively seek out other DJs involved in your genre and make new friends. They will help you with finding contacts and knowing about all the events ahead of time. Also, new friendships in the music industry are great, but don’t forget about those who supported you on your way there. Your real friends, as you might be compelled to call them someday.
Add your name to the game
Now that you’re aware of the events that you like and have met other players in the industry, it’s time to add yourself to their list. Having subscribed to numerous email lists and joined relevant interest groups on social networks, that might have happened already. All you need to do is not fall out of the loop and stay in touch with the community. Become an expert on what’s going on, where and when, so you might soon start up your own mailing list sharing not only your own upcoming events, but also the latest buzz within the entire music scene.
Be smart about it
You know the scene and you know the people, but that’s not all there is to it. At the core of your career are still the efforts of getting into events and pursuing a long-term contract. Reaching out to club owners will be a balancing out between being invisible and too pushy, so keep it straight!
The first meetings with promoters and venues can be a good opportunity to introduce yourself properly. Talk about your love for music and share some of your work, but don’t jump straight to the point. Don’t miss a chance to offer your help in promoting some of their events, as it will always score extra points with club owners. They like a DJ who can make their own buzz, instead of merely ‘showing up’.
You could even go out of your way to spread the word on that venue’s other events. This might get you noticed and will serve you larger crowds in the future, in case you’re hired for regular DJ work there.
Once the trap has been set, give them time to consider you. Become a visible regular of the music scene by showing up to events and bringing lots of friends. It will set you up as a DJ with an established support base, which is one of the most important things venues consider when looking for one. Greet them when you see them, show your willingness to work, but don’t push or beg for a chance to throw your own event. Things will come in their own time.
Keep your hopes up and expectations low
All these contacts, friends, fans and events might give you the impression that you’ve had it made as a DJ. Impressions have a tendency of being far from truth, though. No matter how irresistible you are as a DJ, there are situations that can keep you from being invited or approved for a long time. You may be doing everything right, with things coming up wrong all the time!
When it happens, the worst thing you can do is to tune down your efforts. Even they don’t seem interested, other people are watching and taking notes of your performance. If you come off as inconsistent and weak, your chances at scoring an event in the future can plummet right then and there.
Keep giving away mix CDs, hanging out with the fans and showing up at events. Work on new tracks and learn from others. Let your love for music be the focus for now and try to enjoy yourself. After all , isn’t mixing good music what you wanted in the first place?