Traveling Tips For DJs
October 4, 2017
What’s worse than the anxiety of playing in an unknown city or country? Arriving at the gig and realizing you forgot your cables. Or your hard drive. Or other essentials you need to successfully do your thing behind the decks. You’re a professional, so it should go without saying that you have a plan for having all that you need to travel to your DJ events…or do you? Here are some key traveling tips for DJs to ensure you always have what you need when you’re away from your home base.
Create Checklists
Unless you’re an elephant (and even that myth hasn’t been proven), you’re capable of forgetting. But neither you nor your business can afford to be absent-minded when it comes to making money while traveling to DJ. Creating checklists can help ensure you have everything you need for every aspect of your time away.
Though you can make a checklist for virtually anything, there are two essential ones you should definitely have before you get on the road, in the air, etc.:
- Equipment. Make sure you have external or USB drives, cables, controllers, mixers, power cords and microphones.
- Clothing. It would suck to get to your destination and realize you forgot socks, underwear, belt or necessary jacket for weather changes.
If keeping up with a paper checklist is too cumbersome, there are several apps that can help you keep up with them on your mobile devices.
Have Backups For Your Backups!
Accidents happen at the most inopportune times, so prepare for them always! It will never be a bad thing to have music and library backups. In this digital age when a simple click of a button can delete years of work, you can never have enough backups. If possible, travel with backups, just in case something happens to a hard drive (we believe in Murphy’s Law at Mixcity Inc). Even better, consider a cloud storage system that will allow you to always have access to your music and files wherever you can get online access. The chances of a primary and backup drive going out are slim, but it never hurts to have plans C and D ready, in case plans A and B fail.
Keep Important Documents Visible
When it comes to traveling across country borders, it is imperative to know where your identification documents are. Don’t pack them away in your luggage or deep inside your carry-on. Make sure you have easy access to them at all times. This will help you avoid unnecessary issues at security checks, but it will also ensure that you know where your IDs are at all times. Identity theft is real, so be sure you keep your passport, license, work visa and flight documents close and accessible wherever you are.
Be Mindful of Your Mobile/Data Plans
When it comes to telecommunicating abroad, international roaming fees are no joke. Data usage can be tricky as well, so be sure to check with your mobile company to see what your options are regarding phone usage internationally. Some companies will allow you to switch your plan for short durations for travel, while others may require you to use a different SIM card to reducing roaming rates. Know that you have options, but the responsibility of finding out what those options are may require you to do some research well before you travel.
Utilize Technology
Your smartphone can be your best friend while you’re away on DJ business. Within the world of mobile apps lies a host of networks to keep you connected and to be your eyes before you arrive at your destination. Apps like Yelp can help you find places of interest, while Google Translate and currency converters can help you navigate cultural and financial barriers. PayPal and Venmo can help you quickly access and transfer money, while airline and rideshare apps can help keep you aware of your travel schedules.
Using your social media apps like Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and more will keep you connected to your fans, and it can be a great resource for promoting yourself and your business. Plus, social media can help you expand your network and areas of interest in a foreign city or country. Technology is always at your fingertips; it makes sense to use it to your advantage.
Traveling to do business as a DJ can be nerve-wracking, but if you plan and consider the necessary tips to help you stay organized and prepared, it doesn’t have to be. Consider these tips before your next gig away, and you’ll always be prepared for your out-of-town (or country) events.