I’m an international student currently studying in California. Just to fill you in, current immigration requirements prevent me from working (F-1 Visa) in the United States.
The question I had for you working DJs out there is, what’s the best way to get experience in the scene if I’m unable to work? If you were in my shoes, how would you tackle it? I’m only interested in getting experience at a venue and not just someone’s house party (current finances won’t allow for much of a mobile rig).
That sounds like a great idea. I honestly didn’t really think of that. Any other ideas? What other options are there that would help me get something good out of it along with the experience of DJing?
I don’t or ever will do gigs. But allow me to state the obvious Got to start somewhere right? Get out there, meet new people. Get a website, look promising and professional. Pass out fancy biz cards and or brochures. Friends references. Umm. . . Do some charity work, get your rep and resume up.
Thanks guys but the thing is, I’m not allowed to make money. Making money would mean I’ve got a job and I’m not allowed to have one under the visa requirements.
There are two problems with his situation that people are not taking into account.
Firstly, if he works for free - as has been stated countless times before - he will get gigs (as long as he can DJ) by some jerk club owners who want to save as much as they can which will cost a working DJ (someone who depends on DJing to feed his family) his spot.
Secondly, I assume after you earn your degree in whatever it is you are studying currently you may some day want to work full time in the States. However, if you involve yourself in such activities and are caught some how it may permanently risk your status over here. As in they will probably send you back, and then revoke the right for you to re-enter the States without full sponsorship from a company. And there is no company I know that would do that in this economy, especially without making you fly down for an interview which you would not be allowed to do because of your visa status. A small move in hastiness could cost you your future.
And as for your question, you did not ask me to answer, as I am not a working DJ but I will take a stab at it. I would truly suggest just joining a frat on campus and DJ for them. I mean it’s the closest thing you can do to a club per say.
Don’t tell me you’re worried some hotshot cop is gonna “bust yo ass” because you accept some beers, a burger and 50 bucks for a night of making people feel good!
drunk chicks and frat guys are the easiest people to spin for. they dont give two shits unless the kegs tapped. and even then theyre only upset cause there is no more beer
in that situation put on the donkey kong themesong and hope people start throwing kegs at each other — its happened. and its hilarious.
Thank you all for the suggestions. All of them seem really plausible so I’ll just see what I can do with that. Does anybody know if DJs need a special license to do gigs? Or would I just need to go up to the person who runs the place and say that I’d like to play some music in their establishment?
CF is bang on. I have been through the full US immigration process as a Brit living in the USA with a green card. The last thing you want is to be in a situation where you (even inadvertently) piss someone off and have them pick up the phone to the CIS. It’s a somewhat unlikely scenario but you are clearly in the US because you want to be so don’t risk it for the rhythms. Anyone who advises you otherwise probably isn’t a good source of guidance.
Play those parties, practice like hell and have fun.
In California you don’t have to claim anything less than (I think) $900 as taxable income, so you really shouldn’t run into any trouble doing a few gigs under the table.
Yeah probably not going to risk it. Going to stick to the parties first and just see how it goes from there. Need to find more DJs in the Bay Area to hangout with and learn from.
Got to start somewhere right? Get out there, meet new people. Get a website, look promising and professional. Pass out fancy biz cards and or brochures. Friends references. Umm. . . Do some charity work, get your rep and resume up.
