Understanding the Music Business

Before diving into the Promoter Hit List, it’s essential to recognize that you are both the boss and the product in the music business. As a DJ, you must manage the business side of your career in addition to perfecting your craft. This means that if you don’t have a booking agent or manager, you’ll need to pitch yourself to promoters and book your gigs.

Building Your Hit List

The idea behind the Promoter Hit List is to create a list of 100 ideal clients or promoters who are already booking acts similar to your sound. Instead of trying to appeal to every promoter, focus on building relationships with those on your list who are more likely to book you. This targeted approach allows you to use your time and effort more efficiently.

Reaching Out and Shooting Your Shot

Once you have compiled your hit list, reach out to the promoters immediately. The key here is to approach them differently from other DJs. Instead of simply asking for a gig, present the promoters with an opportunity that benefits them as well. By offering a unique angle or approach, you increase the chances of securing a gig.

The Never-Ending Follow-Up

Most promoters won’t book you after just one message, so persistence is crucial. Use a tool like the PRM (Promoter Relationship Manager) to track your contacts and their details, such as their name, position, and email. Consistently follow up with these promoters in a polite and engaging manner until you can convert the relationship into a gig.

Nurturing Leads and Building Relationships

To foster stronger connections with promoters, engage with them on social media platforms like Instagram, LinkedIn, and Facebook. By commenting on their posts and celebrating their successes, you’ll become more familiar to them, making it easier for them to recognize and book you in the future.

Consistency and Growth

As you start booking gigs, don’t become complacent. Continuously nurture your relationships with promoters and expand your hit list. By maintaining this momentum, you’ll see your bookings increase over time.

To stay consistent, consider following the “3×3” strategy: each week, post three quality social media updates that appeal to promoters, reach out to three new promoters, and follow up with three promoters you’ve recently contacted. This method can yield impressive results in terms of securing gigs and building your DJ career.

In conclusion, the Promoter Hit List is a powerful tool for DJs seeking consistent gigs and success in their careers. By focusing on building relationships with the right promoters and continuously engaging with them, you’ll find yourself on the path to a thriving DJ career.

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Now, I know what you’re thinking: “LinkedIn? Really? Isn’t that the place where people in suits pretend to be more professional than they actually are?” Well, yes, but that’s not all it is. You see, LinkedIn has become an untapped goldmine for DJs searching for promoters, bookers, and industry insiders. And guess what? They’re all there, doing announcements, receiving congratulations, and mingling with each other in the comment section. So, why aren’t you there?

But here’s the real kicker: you can find the direct contact for every role of every event in dance music on LinkedIn. And with the help of Chrome extensions like RocketReach, you can get their direct email addresses, too. So instead of going through the usual channels and hoping your message doesn’t get lost in the shuffle, you can get straight in touch with the people who matter. And if you prefer a more casual approach, just hop over to their Instagram and slide into their DMs!

Let’s face it, every promoter you need to speak to is on LinkedIn, and you can even find their email addresses. How’s that for a game-changer? But it’s not just about getting their contact info; it’s about nurturing those leads by commenting, celebrating, sharing, and giving their posts some love.

Think about it: Have you ever posted something on Instagram or Facebook without reading the comments? Of course not! Promoters are no different; they’re humans too. When they post something, they read the comments. And when you’re the one leaving those comments, they’ll start to recognize your name. Next time you slide into their inbox, it won’t be an awkward “Who’s this stranger?” moment. Instead, it’ll be more like, “Ah, I know this person! They’re always leaving nice comments on my posts!”

So, fellow DJs, it’s time to put on your networking hats and get to work on LinkedIn. Utilize those direct contacts, send those personalized emails, and make those connections count. And who knows? You might just find yourself rubbing virtual elbows with the promoters you’ve always wanted to work with. After all, who knew LinkedIn was a great place for DJs to find direct contacts and make things happen?

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1. Reading the Room

A comedian’s ability to read the room and adjust their set accordingly is crucial to keeping the audience engaged. DJs, too, need to read the crowd and adapt their playlists to fit the vibe. Is the crowd ready to dance their socks off, or do they need a gentle nudge in the right direction? Take a cue from comedians and be prepared to change things up on the fly.

2. The Art of Storytelling

Comedians are masters of storytelling. They weave tales that grip their audience from beginning to end. Although DJs don’t use words to tell stories, their music sets can still take listeners on a journey. Carefully craft your set to create an emotional arc, with the right mix of highs and lows to keep the dancefloor captivated.

3. Stage Presence

A stand-up comedian without stage presence is like a DJ without headphones – utterly lost. As a DJ, your stage presence is a vital part of your performance. A little head-bobbing and fist-pumping can go a long way in showing the audience that you’re feeling the music just as much as they are. Take a page from the stand-up playbook and let your personality shine through.

4. Handling Hecklers

We’ve all seen comedians gracefully (or not-so-gracefully) handle hecklers during their performances. While DJs may not have to worry about verbal hecklers, they still face their own version – the dreaded song requester. Learn from comedians and develop a strategy to deal with these pesky intruders. Whether you choose to humor them with a smile or skillfully deflect their request, keep your cool and maintain control of your set.

5. The Power of Authenticity

In comedy, authenticity is king. Audiences can tell when a comedian is faking it, and the same goes for DJs. Don’t be afraid to let your true musical taste and style shine through in your sets. Just like a comedian who stays true to their voice, a DJ who embraces their unique sound will always stand out from the crowd.

So there you have it, five bizarre yet brilliant lessons that DJs can learn from stand-up comedians. Embrace your inner funny bone, and watch your DJ career flourish in unexpected ways. After all, laughter may be the best medicine, but a well-timed beat drop isn’t too far behind!

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SHARE TO VOTE FOR: Larner

Tell us a bit about yourself:

My names larner i’m from Newcastle uk 24 years old and I have been djing since I was 18 so five years after I first went to my first dance event I first learned on vinyl playing all my dads 90s dance music which as a big inspiration for me. I have been producing my own music for the last 2 years which varies from house to tech house

What DJs have had the most influence on you?

Todd terry loved his early stuff and the style of this tracks is which I find class and unique and also Ben Hemsley love his style bringing back trance music and his early stuff has a 90s vibe to it which I love

You’re being put to death, but can listen to 1 last track before you die. What track do you choose?

York- on the beach

What’s your favourite thing about Ibiza?

The atmosphere and chill ness all away the island and also the wildness it can be

What’s the easiest thing about being a DJ?

Playing the perfect song if you know the crowd and setting the perfect tone

And whats the hardest thing about being a DJ?

Producing own music and getting sets

Best thing about Dance Music culture right now?

New artists coming through with loads of new sick music and styles

Worst thing about Dance Music culture right now?

Same DJs playing week in and week out

Why should listeners vote for you?

I’m a young up coming dj with a unique style who needs to be set free behind the booth

SHARE TO VOTE FOR: Larner

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SHARE TO VOTE FOR: Totem

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I’m a half French 21 year old student, soon to graduate and university. Got into music from the age of 2 with big influence from my dad who has always been producing. I have always been into producing, waiting to finish my studies before hitting the music industry hard.

What DJs have had the most influence on you?

Michael Bibi and Jamie jones

You’re being put to death, but can listen to 1 last track before you die. What track do you choose?

The attention deficit skream

What’s your favourite thing about Ibiza?

The vibes and opportunities

What’s the easiest thing about being a DJ?

It’s what I absolutely live for

And whats the hardest thing about being a DJ?

Making it upon all the talent

Best thing about Dance Music culture right now?

How it’s continuously evolving, with technology and taste

Worst thing about Dance Music culture right now?

Kids and drugs

Why should listeners vote for you?

Young and hungry for it. This is what I’ve always wanted to become. If I don’t win, you’ll be seeing me on lineups in Ibiza soon…

SHARE TO VOTE FOR: Totem

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SHARE TO VOTE FOR: Nat Queen Kult

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I am a half Cuban half Russian fan of the dance floor in every sense. Late but not least I started my career in electronic music a few years back in hope of entertaining the big crowds of the people I consider to be part of my life style.

What DJs have had the most influence on you?

It´s impossible to say as I am very dynamic and have heard a master piece performance from many of them.

You’re being put to death, but can listen to 1 last track before you die. What track do you choose?

Matt Star – Kuhle Fliege (Hugo Remix) as this one got me to Dj.

What’s your favourite thing about Ibiza?

It´s the biggest music fair.

What’s the easiest thing about being a DJ?

Loving it.

And whats the hardest thing about being a DJ?

Working on a everyday basis on your music career and injecting your best energy to it knowing that it is a long path.

Best thing about Dance Music culture right now?

It is growing and becoming common.

Worst thing about Dance Music culture right now?

The switch that the artist have to do to balance money and own taste.

Why should listeners vote for you?

Because I am a hard worker and a good performer.

SHARE TO VOTE FOR: Nat Queen Kult

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SHARE TO VOTE FOR: Move Tribe (Duo)

Tell us a bit about yourself:

After a spiritual awakening in Ibiza, a brotherhood was formed and Move Tribe was born, a dj-duo featuring; local Washington DC-O.G., Neko Berg and Elysium Affairs resident Don Cuervo. These two artists have joined forces to connect with their audience using their Afro Latino influences to fuel their passions through music and art. Cuervo and Berg have created a unique style of sound incorporating music from all over the world including; Deep, Afro, Progressive, Melodic, Orgainic, Ibérican, house and techno.

Collectively, they’ve performed alongside artists like Black Coffee, Hot Since 82, Moon Boots, Newman (I Love), YokoO, Roy Rosenfeld, Sparrow & Barbossa, David Hohme, Marsh, Bedouin, & the list goes on.

They’ve also had the pleasure of performing together at Washington-DC night clubs, like; Flash, Zebbie’s Garden, TwelveAfterTweleve & El Techo. Currently they also host a monthly radio show at the Eaton Hotel on the second Tuesday of every month.

In short, Neko Berg and Don Cuervo have combined their artistic styles with one goal in mind, “TO MAKE YOU MOVE!”

What DJs have had the most influence on you?

Pablo Fierro, Black Coffee, Sparrow and Barbossa, Themba, Maceo Plex, Chus, Monkey Safari, and the list goes on.

You’re being put to death, but can listen to 1 last track before you die. What track do you choose?

Solitary Daze – Maceo Plex

What’s your favourite thing about Ibiza?

The energy, the love, the history, the collective understanding of music and good vibes. The spirituality behind the island and what it brings upon its guests.

What’s the easiest thing about being a DJ?

Curating the vibe to music that people don’t know they need to hear/feel.

And whats the hardest thing about being a DJ?

Overcoming politics

Best thing about Dance Music culture right now?

Accessibility (music, parties, social media, etc.). A sense of freedom through music and being able to escape the norm or everyday. Its growth within the underground scene, in other words, people are more tolerant to it than ever before. And its becoming a revolution within all types of music.

Worst thing about Dance Music culture right now?

Politics.

Why should listeners vote for you?

Because, no matter what, we got something to make people MOVE (spiritually, emotionally, physically, etc.).

SHARE TO VOTE FOR: Move Tribe (Duo)

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SHARE TO VOTE FOR: Bebé

Tell us a bit about yourself:

I’m from Belgrade, Serbia. I started a DJ career 2 years ago and realised that I really enjoy in playing music. I play in a lot of Serbian clubs and people like my music and I’m really happy because of that. In real life I’m a manager of one pub in theatre in Belgrade.

What DJs have had the most influence on you?

Giorgio Maulini, Jacobo Saavedra, Marko Vukovic

You’re being put to death, but can listen to 1 last track before you die. What track do you choose?

I choose Incus – New Dog Old Tricks

What’s your favourite thing about Ibiza?

Energy, everything, I used to live there in 2019 3 months and I fall in love in that Island. I told to myself that one day I will play there

What’s the easiest thing about being a DJ?

I think it’s not easy, because where ever you play you need to understand people for who you play.

And whats the hardest thing about being a DJ?

The hardest thing is to find what everyone wants from you, staff, club, people

Best thing about Dance Music culture right now?

I think the best thing is that a lot of people listen Dance Music and even if thay don’t understand it good enough if they dance it means you that you are good

Worst thing about Dance Music culture right now?

I don’t know the worst really

Why should listeners vote for you?

Because they like my Mix

SHARE TO VOTE FOR: Bebé

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SHARE TO VOTE FOR: Q’bee Nelo

Tell us a bit about yourself:

Q’bee Nelo is a rare and unique independent South African (Durban) Producer & DJ, inspired by musicians from both home and around the world. He is creating and curating Afro House/Tech and Deep House Music, with a distinctive interpretation.

What DJs have had the most influence on you?

Black Coffee, Shimza and Da Capo to name a few.

You’re being put to death, but can listen to 1 last track before you die. What track do you choose?

Caiiro feat. Priscilla K – Missing

What’s your favourite thing about Ibiza?

I love how people respect and give energy to the music as well as the DJ who is playing at that moment.

What’s the easiest thing about being a DJ?

To be honest nothing is easy about being DJ but the least challenging is choosing the right BPM for your DJ according to the crowd energy.

And whats the hardest thing about being a DJ?

I will say the hardest part about being a DJ is selecting the right music for your crowd prior to the event.

Best thing about Dance Music culture right now?

Unityis the best thing about Dance Music culture right now, DJs are collaborating and movements are being pushed.

Worst thing about Dance Music culture right now?

Not releasing the music on time and giving it to selected DJs as exclusives.

Why should listeners vote for you?

I bring the best out of people through my DJ sets and therefore by voting for me they would be signing up for therapeutic musical sessions.

SHARE TO VOTE FOR: Q’bee Nelo

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SHARE TO VOTE FOR: Lokia

Tell us a bit about yourself:

Have always loved djing! For my first gig I blagged the gig telling the promoter,who’s act had dropped out for the next week, that I had experience playing and that I would be a great stand in, in actual fact I had no experience but locked myself in my room and mixed solidly for a week until I was confident enough to play that night! From there Ive gone to play festivals and gigs around Europe and will always enjoying playing.

What DJs have had the most influence on you?

Nic fanciulli’s sets have always been great. Jason Bye, Graham Sahara and Sarah Main have also been huge influences on my djing.

You’re being put to death, but can listen to 1 last track before you die. What track do you choose?

Need to Feel Loved- Reflekt

What’s your favourite thing about Ibiza?

The fact that anything could happen at any moment, the most surreal nights of my life have happened in Ibiza.

What’s the easiest thing about being a DJ?

playing music!

And whats the hardest thing about being a DJ?

Being all the other things that comes with being a DJ – social media manager, booking agent etc etc !

Best thing about Dance Music culture right now?

It is and always will be for me the unity that a dancefloor represents.

Worst thing about Dance Music culture right now?

The VIP culture. Its forcing an ‘us and them’ culture that is at odds with where dance music comes from.

Why should listeners vote for you?

Hopefully because they enjoy the mix! Ive tried to mix creatively with some familiar Ibiza favourites.

SHARE TO VOTE FOR: Lokia

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