New Years Eve Rate?
What’s up guys, potentially got my first gig (outside of local house parties) at a small bar downtown this New Years Eve. What is the going rate for dj’s NYE? Hear that its usual double normal - Im wondering what to push for without selling myself short or undercharging. 100-150 people probably. Will bring my own PA system they will have, strobe, fog lights, lasers, etc.
*Edit - Gig is 3 1/2 hours.
Thanks!
tricks
I generally charge double. But every situation is unique, if it’s your first real gig I wouldn’t be charging too much, enough to cover your time and efforts, but treat it as a learning experience.
So they “asked around but still want to do it” They said everyone they asked ballparked between $200-$250.. to me that seems a little low for new years eve and bringing your own PA system.. im considering it since it will be at a local bar i want to get my foot in the door in for the spring. Basically some acquaintances of mine are setting up the event and will be with local friends from my city. They are charing $40 in advance ($50 at the door) for open bar for the night (3 and 1/2 hours total). Dont know if this is to low of an offer? Part of me wants to do it but I know NYE can be very high stress to DJ and also theres also the point where Im basically giving up my night to dj.
Any more thoughts?
Here’s an interesting thought I just read -
$xxx would be a good price for you to charge to go out and DJ in your area.
The important point is that you are going in at an average price so you’re not too expensive and you’re not too cheap. A lot of people may be suspicious or cautious if you are the cheapest, so that’s why I would suggest choosing a price in the middle.
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My normal rate for New Year’s is around 172 BPM
i charge $10,000.00 per half hour plus tax
hahahah i concur!!!
I normally ask for a “get out of jail free card” in return for a few hours of djing.
OP - if it is your first gig, you probably are not worth the high rates you are thinking IMO
Rates depend on your area really. In my area, bars don’t pay very well. $100-$200 for a DJ. Hell, I’ve seen 4 piece bands only making $250-$350, and that’s bringing their own PA and lights.
This being your first bar gig, I’d go for it. 3.5 hours isn’t giving up your whole night either. You’ll still have plenty of party time depending on when you start.
Offer $250, describe what equipment you’ll be bringing, tell them you’ll set up extra early, BE THERE extra early, draw up a “contract” and print it out for them, have them sign it next to your signature. You’ll seem/feel more professional.
Dude, if its ur first gig.. think about it this way:
No other job will get you $50 an hour
Next time someone asks, you can say that the lowest you’ve ever charged is $50 an hour.. eventually you’ll make your way up the pay scale.
If you do well enough, they will at least ask you back to a future event.
Oh and make sure to ask them what they think about the price. Otherwise, they’ll get someone else without telling you (happened to me).
When I first started, I would charge $150 for like 5 hours.. bringing ALL my equipment.
It depends on a number of factors on how much you should charge. Do people have to pay cover for the bar? Is the cover expensive?
Also, what equipement are you bringing? For any gig if you have to bring equipement i.e speakers, you have to charge a premium.
Based on what you’ve said, I think it may be a good idea to take the gig, as it is your first gig.
But the reality is that they are low-balling you. Everyone that they asked probably ball-parked it at $500+, as they had to bring their own sound, and it is 3.5 hours on NYE, which is why they “still want you to do it”, as they probably know that you don’t have a lot of experience, or because your friends who are organizing the event insist on using you.
This is the club’s take (worst estimated case): $40 * 100 = $4000, (ideal estimate): $50 * 150 = $7500. Event is open bar, though, but the markup on alcohol is substantial.
NYE is no more stressful than any other night, really, although you have to keep in mind that you peak earlier in the night (right after the countdown to midnight), and you have to keep track of time (don’t skip that countdown). As far as giving up your night, that is what happens when you DJ events at nightclubs, at night (kinda obvious, really).
How badly do you wanna dj?
Do you have a job? Is it full time?
Is this what you want your future to be?
It all depends on what you want. If you want to dj in the future and have no other gig, Take what ever they give you.
If you have a job, just do this as a hobby but don’t really care about the cash; ask for how ever much you want.
If its a hobby like it is to me; the only way I’m lugging gear anywhere is as a favor for a friend. $200 to bring your own gear just isn’t worth it to me.
I don’t want to discourage you but most djs get paid shit. Bar/club owners are trying to spend as little as possible. Generally they will take the dj that will charge the least. Most owners don’t know or care about talent. They just want YOU to fill the place. They want you to do everything.
Also i hope your friends will be there with you. NYE is a time to be with friends and family. $200 Is not worth giving up that time to celebrate.
Good luck with your decision.
Moose
Hey guys, thanks a lot for the insight - Lots of helpful thoughts, couple of fun jabs.. Wasnt trying to be pompous at all or overvaluation of self-worth - more just trying not to undersell and seem like a second-rate “cheap” dj, and to find a reasonable price point that works for both me and the guys running the show.
Going along with Moose’s comments, DJ’ing is definitely a hobby for me - have a 40 hr/week day job which I actually enjoy so I mainly dj for the fun of it, and my goal/what would make me happy is to get a gig/the odd gig a couple times a month in the spring and summer in the downtown area near where I live.
Thought about it overnight, and realized that $300 (and a free ticket in for the gf) would be a point I would find comfortable to give up the night and make it happen. I think it is reasonable so going to throw it out there to the organizers of the event and if they can do that then cool, if not, I wont sweat it and Ill go do something else and have a blast as well. One of the cool things also is that most of the people going will be in my extended social circle so it’s definitely an opportunity to gain a lot of exposure which I’ll factor in as well.
Thanks for the tips guys! I’ll be sure to post the results or what happens and maybe some shots of the night as well.
Cheers!
tricks
You sir, are a genious!
Tricks, you sound like you got it all under control! Make sure the Gf is with you and make sure you have fun.
OP- I think you should take it, but to me getting the chance to play on NYE would be an honor. Those people would be trusting you to make their night enjoyable and make it a new year to remember. But since it’s your first gig I don’t know if charging that much would be a good idea, but like stated about it depends on where you are. Either way make sure you have a good time