Hi Guys, Some of you know me, but with the thousands of peeps who watch this group many dont. I'm a newbie to DJing, started out last year, started playing out 3 months a go so i'm not overly experienced in the industry.

I wanted to hear your views about the eternal struggle there seems to be between DJ's and promoters about the whole bringing a crowd issue.

Now i'm lucky enough to work with some promoters who have said to me over again that its the their job as a promoter to bring a crowd; by all means bring as many friends as I want along but dont worry about submitting a mile long guestlist.

I've also worked with other promoters who have told me I will never play for them again and called me a "diva" because I had no right to complain about things like broken equipment when I only submitted a guestlist of 5 people.

Whats the balance here? Should a DJ only be allowed to play if they bring 20 or so mates because they are being given the opportunity to showcase themselves on a platform potentially in front of 100's of people? Promoters can stand to lose ££££ if they dont get the numbers through the door, so should the DJ be helping make these numbers up if they're given an opportunity to play?

Or has a DJ got a hard enough job as it is, searching hours and hours for tracks, paying for them etc etc.

Or should there be a fine balance between the two? I've been lucky enough to have quite a few gigs recently,and of course I will always promote a night and get people to come along, however, my friends social life doesnt revolve around where I dj.

Any view points welcome from both sides.........

Amz x

Unfortunately it might be the way some of the more experienced DJ's

exactly. it was just less obvious a few years ago. promoters booked the DJs that either brought; or attracted a crowd. there was a lot more to distinguish between the DJs then as the tunes were harder to find (especially promos & dubplates etc.) but ultimately it was still bums on seats.

the current approach is the same but a lot more cynical.

Its the Promoters Job to fill a venue.

When we are booking Dj's, We book em to attract people to the night.

Its then our job to make people aware of us & what we have planned.

No Dj should be asked to bring a crowd. If the night is a good un, punters will come.

If you ever get asked to bring a crowd, then its probably not worth it.

DJ's should be booked solely on their skills & music selection alone.

If only!Ha ha.

Definately the promoters job to promote, but as for playing out its always worthwhile to agree a fee so you dont lose out and then if the place gets packed, just ask for a share of the door fee.

Even better, alot of promoters will take you more seriously and professionally if you give them a contract - become a member of the Musicians' Union - they do tailor made contracts and cover you for public liability, basically they look after you and professional advice is only a phone call away.

And if the promoter wants you to bring a bit of a crowd, if you cannot guarantee it then say so, as then any person who comes to see you play is a bonus. If you play at a friends house party.... do it on the condition that all ur friends turn up at ur next club gig to see you play, that always works well :-)

When I went full time as a DJ/Producer i had to do exactly that, but thats how you build up a good following as people soon pick up the vibe you give, and constantly want more.

Let's Strike on the NYE based on this ISSUE! London is a model - in many aspects - to other countries around the world.. so lets give the example once again and get Djs 2gether for once!


I say DJ Strike!


NOT JUST SMALL DJS BUT BIG ONES 2

what a brillliant idea. i'm 100% behind this.

8-)

Got one! better than nothing..
lol

Got one! better than nothing..

Not if the one's taking the piss out of you. lol

Got 2 now!lol

wel i gave up dj-ing 3 yrs ago when my daughter was born,then picked the headphones up again bout 6mnths ago,now i have a residancy at debauchery and i work hard to develope a following ,i have since put together a facebook group which has bn up for 2wks now and so far has 60ish members lol! anyway my point is self promo is the key,with my facebook gruop you can download my recent mixes and see vid footage from previous events,you have to give something to keep them hooked then the peeps will follow.the rest is up to the promoter! xxx

This thread is still relevant 2 1/2 years later...

facebook.com

Sure it will kick off again ;O)

Howie
28thstreet.co.uk

Do you reckon?

same topic was all over my facebook today after a dj was told not to come to a gig in manchester as he hadnt sold enough tickets,exactly the same points being made..so,yeah its still relevant 8)

Joselyn bodies

Most DJs on this thread superstars now? I've been busy and missed their ascent...

Thats why its so quiet round here.

I saw a message on SkillPages recruiting for DJ's.

Requirements:

You must be able to bring a crowd of 20 people

No time wasters.

LOL