How to Start Playing Out in Clubs

Hit Me With Those Laser-beams.

You have the equipment, you have the tunes and you have (hopefully) put the hours in and are now confident in your DJing ability. Now you are ready for the next step: to show off your talents in a club setting.

Hands In The Air!

There is no better feeling as a DJ to share the music you love and to play to a venue full of people. However, when you are starting out you need to be realistic. It is highly unlikely that you will be playing at peak times in the bigger venues, therefore you need to set expectations when it comes to playing out for the first time. You will probably be doing the first set and not be paid as its good for your profile.

Soundcloud

Firstly you need a sound-cloud account so you can share your mixes online & on social media. This way you can build fans and people will be aware of what music style that you play.

Networking Is Important.

It is important to target smaller nights that play a similar style of music to you and most importantly support these nights by attending the events that they put on. Network by introducing yourself to the DJ’s and Promoters (without pestering them). Promoters are much more likely to listen to your mix and give you a gig if they know your face and that you actually attend the nights that you are hoping to play for rather than being a random DJ who is just hunting for a gig.

Dark Spaces Complete Me.

Playing smaller nights builds your confidence and hones your skills as a DJ. The majority of people that attend these nights are people who are really passionate about the music and DJ’s playing and are more critical of a DJ’s performance. While this may be off-putting to some if you do your job and put in a good performance then you may be invited to play at other nights which can lead on to bigger and better things.

Good luck!