Finding Your Place in a New DJ Scene After Relocating
January 4, 2017
You’ve got a sweet thing going on in your current city. The promoters, club-goers, and fellow DJs in your area know your DJ name, and they’re happy to attend any gig you rock, regularly. Inevitably, circumstances will shift, and relocation might become an immediate reality. Even the best DJs can find gaining (or in this case, regaining) popularity a challenge, but it isn’t impossible. It doesn’t even have to be difficult. Here are a few helpful tips to find your place in a new scene.
Where Everybody Knows Your Name…
The good people at the fictitious bar Cheers were onto something. The closer you are and the more time you spend with a person, the more likely you are to feel bonded and neighborly towards them. Audiophiles and music lovers alike tend to frequent the same bars, clubs and venues routinely. Most DJs have their go-to spots; if you’re new in town, patronizing the same places often increases the odds of bumping into the scene regulars, promoters and site owners. This can help you make connections and new associates. They’ll know your face, which can aid in potentially securing opportunities to present and offer your services for future endeavors. Moral of the story? Get familiar.
Support, Support, Support!
Ask any DJ and they’ll empathize: everybody wants to be an artist and no one wants to be a fan. Perhaps the best way to get ahead and be successful at almost anything in life is to applaud when others win. In other words, respect the community that is already in place. DJ communities are like sacred fraternities that aren’t always easy to get into. They’ve built connections and established their networks. You have to show that you respect that, and that begins with support. When a local DJ is having an event, show support by attending, paying the cover and even bringing friends. The best promotion is word of mouth; since no one wants to play to an empty house, don’t be afraid to talk up the occasion and spread the word about your favorite DJ’s events. Support goes a long way and remains on the minds of the people who receive it. You’ll want that when/if you get your shot.
Wage a Bargain
Let’s cut straight to it. Good DJs typically aren’t the cheapest, and rightfully so. Like anything else, you get what you pay for. Most will find that working in an area for an extended period of time can mean reaping the benefits of having already proven worth and abilities. You can charge what you please, and clients can trust that the product they’re purchasing is valuable and merits the price paid. When you’re working in a new location, your clientele may very well be unfamiliar with your skills and less likely to want to pay for what you’re selling. Offering a discounted rate for high-quality services can secure the interest of new customers while providing an opportunity to demonstrate the caliber of work you provide. They get amazing work that wows their guests, and you acquire a new client who will recommend you to their friends. It’s a win-win.
Breaking into a new scene can be tricky. However, these few tips can help build genuine bridges in a new DJ community. It will take time, but your roots will be solid and secure enough to get some footing as you continue to get your name and face out to the regular movers and shakers in your new area.