Dear DJs,
Remember the first time you actually mixed a record? Remember how excited you were? Now think how long it took you until you were ready to play out. Back up a sec... how much did you spend on your set up since you started?
Why all the questions?
I've been complaining about this for some time on Facebook- DJs who charge pennies for performances really get my metaphoric goat. Seriously. If you're a decent DJ you probably spent at 6 months to a year from picking up your first record (or whatever) to playing out. Several more years must be spent on perfecting the craft- reading the crowd, gathering tracks etc. On top of that you have the cost of the equipment and music- usually at least a thousand dollars and just up from there, right? Why don't you think you deserve to get paid for your craft?
I know you love to DJ. I know you just want to get out and play. Fine, if it's your best friend and "just helping the party out". Or if it's your first couple times playing out. But face it, if you're being booked at a bar/club- you're playing for a crowd who is presumably paying for those drinks - or even paying to get in, they're enjoying your music, you're creating an atmosphere- you're probably making them dance their asses off, right? You're contributing to the party in a big way- so don't discount yourself as an integral part.
Playing for drink tickets or gas money just cheapens everyone's perception of DJs. DJs are already being paid a fraction of what they used to be paid. And it's not just "the economy"- it's an influx of DJs willing to play for next to nothing.
So unless you want to be playing for next to nothing for the rest of your DJ career, start respecting yourself, the craft, and the DJ community and ask for what you're worth.
Sincerely,
S. Leung
p.s. If you're bringing your own DJ equipment that means you get to charge MORE!
About this Author
S. Leung is affiliated with Calsound.com [http://www.calsound.com/home.php], an online retail store for DJs by DJs since 1997. Calsound sells everything a DJ needs from DJ equipment to music and accessories. Get a free MP3 download by using coupon code "ezinemp3" at checkout [http://www.calsound.com/digital-downloads-c-532.html]
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=S._Leung
