Trouble Getting First Gig
So I am having some issues getting my first gig. I currently am a freshman in college. I have a soundcloud with a couple mash-up and I’m working on getting my first mix out there.
What do you guys think is the best process for getting that first gig?
Thanks!
-Ksamps
Make your own. There will be a bar in town that will let you play for free on a week night.
You’ll have to bring your own crowd, though. 20 people will do it.
Burn some promo CD’s and share. If you’re good they’ll call.
Contrary, you can always blackmail the manager 
make business cards … burn cd’s … go to the events you like and promote, promote, promote … hard work is never easy.
When I first started gigging I’d throw parties at my house all the time.
It lets those close to you know that you’re ready to hit the streets…
If you have a friend or relative with a birthday or event to celebrate, let them know your services will make all the difference.
Hand out business cards and mix cd’s at these dry-run gigs and maybe post an ad on Craigslist…
Good luck!
have you any experience with house parties yet? get a whole bunch of them under your belt before taking the next step.
Target any club, go there regularly, and start chatting to the owner/manager he probably won’t just offer you a gig, but he will have contacts, also its always good to keep a promo cd on you for these situations. Also try befriend other DJs that are getting gigs, they probably know what its like to be gig-less and would love to help.
Practice helps you get gigs as well, even though most people make the mistake of visualising DJs as lazy dudes who press play >cough Deadmau5< but once DJing becomes like a second language to you then it will be easier to get gigs.
keep it alive.
Especially at college, and an imcoming freshmen this would be your best route. Get known from house parties, and since people will ask for such a diverse amount of music it’ll teach you a LOT. Also frat parties are the perfect place to kick start your DJ’ing life. After that go on to bars and talk to them to DJ once a week night.
College is an amazing place to launch your career from. House parties, Clubs nights and bars. Give every place you walk into a promo CD, ask to speak to the manager etc. Don’t stop until you get at least something.
just go to parties and become friends with the DJs and promoters. Or start your own event at a dive bar. Burning CDs and all that is fine but a promoter is going to hire his friend over some dude with a good cd