One of the biggest dilemas that beginner DJs struggle with is definitely the question: ‘ Should I, or should I not turnd down gigs that don’t pay well?’ Of course, if you’re already ‘launched’ yourself as a DJ and already started playing music on gigs, you should’ve made this unpleasant decision.
This ‘issue’ is actually a perfect lesson that will make you grow as a person, not only as a DJ. If you already read our articles with the few simple tutorial steps ‘How To Become a DJ’, you will know that there are crucial components in your mindset that should be always followed. You need to be DETERMINED, fully COMMITTED, CONSISTENT, to truly love the power of art and, for sure, to have a faith in yourself and your fans.
On many blogs and websites you can find beginner DJs who fight with themselves before making the final decision- should they accept a low fee offer? The things are even more complicated if some producer spotted you and gave you an offer.
Like we already said, your inquisitive and open-minded mindset will open many ‘gates’ wide open. Every beginning is hard, but the first successes are what true satisfaction really is.
Experts are clear when it comes to this question- you have to accept ALMOST every offer, even if sometimes requires to invest your own resources. Why? Because by appearing at gigs, first of all, you gain more experience.
Smaller or larger crowds- both kinds suits you- you will quickly learn how to manage your skills in front of many people and in front of just a few. Be aware that often you will face eccentric and ‘weird’ people who will ask to do things that you don’t actually like. In simple words- you are a COMPANY and this is BUSINESS.
It is better to see it that way. Your ‘customers’ need to be always satisfied, but on the other hand, you, as their ‘provider’ need to get some kind of reward that it could be in the form of popularity, better reputation, permanent publicity etc.
Anyway, we mentioned above that you should accept ‘almost’ every gig. You need to know that some people may underestimate you and try to use you. It is common to be fooled and left with 0 $ in your pocket. That’s why you should INFORM very well WHERE ARE YOU GOING TO PLAY and WHO ARE YOU GOING TO PLAY FOR.
This means that you need to pick up as much as possible information about your employees, the other DJs they collaborate with, the audience etc. Being well-informed is of a crucial importance in this jobs.
Having good contacts too! So, we guess you understand the ‘scheme’. Going to gigs, even if they are the low fee, you have the opportunity to gain reputation (popularity), experience(new skills and knowledge) and contacts. These three things last FOREVER, while money is easy and fast to spend, not to mention that your knowledge and contacts may prevent you from being played by ‘trickster’ producers, club owners etc.