DJ Diaries: So you want to be a DJ

By Amber Cavazos

The above image is a little misleading because it really isn’t that simple, is it? There’s a whole other set of things that you need to do in order to make it in this industry. Hopefully, this week’s blog will help!

Name yourself!

Names are super important. It really can make you or break you. You want to make sure you have a name that people will remember. You also might want it to mean something to you. How often do you get to choose your own name? Not often (social media handles don’t count).

Can’t think of a good one? Brainstorm it! Think about any and all the nicknames you’ve had over the years. Get all your friends together and start tossing ideas off of each other.

Make sure you actually like your stage name though. If you make it big, you won’t be able to change it (ask DJ Snake how he feels about that).

Be Social

You can’t just be the hottest DJ at an event. You also need to make sure that everyone knows how lit you are. So, post yourself, your set, events you’re at, and other important things on social media. This will also help you establish a relationship with your fans.
Make sure you aren’t just mindlessly posting either. Keep yourself relevant, but don’t start posting all of your drunken DJ adventures. It’s inappropriate and you’ll probably get less gigs if you’re annoyingly inebriated all the time.

Creating a logo would also help, but definitely get a graphic designer to make it for you. You want to make sure everything that represents you is good. You don’t want to come off as an amateur, do you? Even if you are a beginner, fake it ‘till you make it.

Send out that mixtape!

Having a Soundcloud account is super important. Soundcloud is #1 when it comes to sharing music, so you better get with the program. If your mixes aren’t on here, then do they even exist? Post your links to everything.

Remember those social media accounts you made? Blast your sound on them! Get all of your friends to listen and share your posts. You want to try to get everyone to listen to you.

Make sure you credit the artists you mix though. Not giving credit when credit is due will get you booted from the site after three strikes.

Promote yourself!

A lot of venues will ask for a press kit. Make yours great! Invest in some professional photos. Getting a few phone pictures and/or selfies will not cut it.

You aren’t trying to create a Tinder profile, this is the real deal. You want venues and other potential clients to take you seriously, so splurge a little in photography and maybe even some videography. You’ll thank yourself later, trust me.

Have Fun!

This is probably the most important step of them all. You need to be radiating positive energy. DJs are supposed to be the life of the party. You’re guaranteed to book less events if you’re not exciting to be around.

If you have any other questions about making it in the DJ world, message us! @famousdjagency