I'm relatively new to this whole DJ thing but i'm coming into some radical/ sumwhat negative realizations. The shows i've done can be counted with 2 hands, the shows ive been paid for, with one hand. I live in a city of about 100,000 in canada and i'm really looking forward to "getting my feet wet" with some producing.
That said, i am always looking for venues to showcase my talent. It's my belief that my library is riddled with "Bangers", and i can get small house parties and even houseboat parties dancing without using "top 40". I thought i was something special.
As I dive into these multiple dj forum sights, i'm realizing more and more that it seems like EVERYONE is doing it. I do a show and someone shows me a half-deecent track that took them 3 months to make.. And i wouldnt think of playing it at any of my shows.. Some people chat me up and ask me to come give them lessons cause they dropped 300$ on some little tables and they wanna make it big. And i can't help them. Not that there is a physical barrier, but a moral one (and it doesnt reflect well on myself). As soon as i show this kid what i know, he's just as able to achieve appearences at the same shows im attempting, and have been dropping hour after hour just to attempt to get my foot in.
Now i'm at the point where the only lessons i can get are through youtube, and forums, the vetty's dont want to help me, and i dont wanna help noobs. But theres just soo many out there, and there are such few venues (most of which are run by people who are sketchy ass glorified drug dealers parading as dj's).
How and when does a dj reach that top 1% of the bellcurve? (Without becoming a drug dealer)
I'm in complete support of grassroots production, but it seems like there are such few niches that havent been exploited. D&B, Minimal, Electro.. Seems like its all been done... to the 10th degree
What even happens to dj's once your known? do u get signed for playing other peoples tracks? Is anyone at that point?
I'm generally a really positive guy, i even hired on a manager to aid in my hunt of shows, but it just seems like such a cut-throat trade.. I got a demo cd from a dj in vegas and it was ALL top 40... Is it necessary just to PWN top 40 so that u can get paid n F@k all the rest?
I guess the sum of this really long post is this...
How do u go from a mediocre dj, to someone who is being paid anything over 200$ a show?
I kno this is just a huge, random, go-nowhere post.. But what do u guys think?
Do u feel small sometimes?
Bookmarks