JoAnne Hammer | Program Manager
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for Insurance Canopy. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
JoAnne Hammer is the Program Manager for Insurance Canopy. She has held the prestigious Certified Insurance Counselor (CIC) designation since July 2004.
JoAnne understands that starting and operating a business takes a tremendous amount of time, dedication, and financial resources. She believes that insurance is the single best way to protect your investment, business, and personal assets.
You’re the Disc Jockey (DJ) who’s the life of the party.
You bond people with great music and visual effects for parties and events that people will discuss for days. Still, keeping the party rolling with constant gigs can be tricky. Instead, getting good gigs and growing your customers should be easy (and even fun).
Here are several unique strategies to help you and other DJs get gigs at numerous venues like bars or clubs and events like festivals, fundraisers, corporate parties, or high school proms.
8 Strategies for Getting DJ Gigs
Per Zippia, there are approximately 11,230 employed DJs in the U.S. alone — all needing gigs to survive, just like you. To stand out in the market, you must catch your audience’s attention with fresh, new ways that others have not tried — or revamp old ways.
You need some outside-of-the-box thinking. Don’t fret. We have your back with these strategies to change how you get DJ gigs.
Pro Tip: Sometimes you get rejected (it happens to all of us). The key is to persevere and practice these steps until they become as second nature to you as using your controllers, headphones, and other DJ equipment.
1. Set Yourself Up for Success
No matter your DJ niche or type — i.e., club, Karaoke Jockey, mobile, or resident — research it thoroughly to understand the type of gigs you need and how to acquire them. For example, resident DJs are looking for clubs where they can host regular gigs, like employees, while mobile DJs are looking for several types of gigs, from weddings and club events to tailgates and corporate picnics.
Also, no matter your specialty, keep in mind that most venues and events will require you to have DJ liability insurance before performing. DJ insurance is designed to protect you from risks or claims that can occur during one of your shows. Let’s say you’re setting up your equipment, and an attendee trips over one of your cords and sprains their wrist. They could sue you to pay for their medical bills.
Or, while driving to a gig with all of your equipment in your car, you get into an accident, and most of your gear sustains damage. Without insurance, you’re left to pay the entire replacement or repair costs out of pocket.
DJ insurance can easily mitigate or eliminate these claims so you can focus on what matters most — remixing and making the best tracks for your next gigs.
2. Market Your Brand
You’ve spent time making your website, social media platforms, and profiles on music streaming services like Spotify, Discord, SoundCloud, and more. Now it’s time to turn things up a notch.
Here are some ways to get gigs through your digital platforms:
Build Online Visibility With a Social Media Presence
Post photos and video clips of your gigs regularly, even if it’s a few times a week. Use specific hashtags like #music or #DJ to get higher rankings for your posts. Include customer testimonials from clients, your press kit, social media and streaming platform links, newsletter groups, and more in social posts so clients can get to know your DJing style.
Platforms like Instagram and TikTok use stories or reels for posting short clips. You could use stories to show clips of previous gigs and how you killed the show for more notoriety. Or, use Facebook or YouTube’s live streaming features to live stream your performances for followers and newbies.
Book Gigs From Your Website
Set up contact forms or “Book Me” buttons that link to your booking app on your website and social profiles. These tools enable others to book you for real gigs or set up meetings to discuss client expectations, payment options, and so on.
Leverage Streaming Platforms
Once you have a streaming platform profile for Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal, SoundCloud, and more to promote your tracks and playlists, add links to your socials and website for more visibility.
You can also get valuable data from streaming apps to find gigs. For example, you can use Spotify for Artists to create an artist profile and understand audience and listener demographics. Once you have locations, you can search for and contact venues in that area to score more gigs or a residency.
Provide an Authentic DJ Portfolio
Build a superb, irresistible DJ portfolio that’ll make others want to hire you immediately. Here are a few vital items to include:
- A DJ bio: A brief bio that explains your DJ style, notable gigs, and more.
- Playlists and mixes: Have mixes of different songs and/or playlists on Spotify, SoundCloud, or other streaming platforms.
- Booking info: Have a link to your booking software for effective scheduling.
Photos and videos: Include high-quality photos and videos of yourself playing at previous gigs to “demo” your DJ skills. - Client reviews: Add video or written client testimonials to show how other clients liked your DJ style.
- Social media links: Show links to social media channels like X (formerly Twitter), Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, and more so you can gain more followers.
- Equipment/services list: List the equipment and services you use for your sets, including mixers, speakers, turntables, lighting, fog machines, photo booths, and more.
A solid portfolio gives potential clients a snapshot of your DJ persona and why they should book you for their next event.
3. Network at Local Clubs
Visiting local clubs and venues allows you to check out the vibes and see what their in-house DJ does — the style of music they’re playing, the visual effects they use, and how they hype up the crowds.
You can also take this opportunity to network and speak with the DJ after their performance. Pick their brains and ask how they got this gig. Break the ice until you have the courage to ask if you can be their “backup” DJ.
Give the club or venue owner samples of your sets, such as USB drives, scannable QR codes that link to your streaming playlists, or CD mixtapes of your mixes and remixes.
People love free samples, and seeing you handing out free tracklists to your sets is pretty epic. It gives others a chance to try out your DJ style before booking you. Some people may even like your work and book you for their next event or refer you to a friend or family member.
Visiting other venues, networking with other DJs, or giving out free samples of your work to others can increase visibility and get you more performances in the future.
4. Busk for Local Attention
A busker is someone who entertains others in public places for money, like street corners or parks. Becoming a busker can be a great opportunity for you to interact with locals and get some attention for your playlists and techniques.
Pro Tip: Before you busk, it’s important to get a public performance license for playing copyrighted music outside of venues to avoid penalties such as fines or jail time.
In order to get your public performance license, search for your song in one of these three organizations:
- American Society of Composers, Authors, and Publishers (ASCAP)
- Broadcast Music, Inc. (BMI)
- Society of European Stage Authors and Composers (SESAC)
Once you find your song, you can apply for the right license on that particular organization’s website. The average cost for this license is $300-$500 for small businesses — which pales in comparison to hefty fines if you don’t have this license.
5. Get an Agent
Signing up with a booking agent or agency offers the advantage of working with someone well-versed in the music industry. They can scour high and low for the right events or venues to meet your styles and needs.
Some examples of DJ booking agencies include:
- 4 AM
- New York City, NY
- Notable Clients: House of 73, Heavy, Orange Calderon, Tokyo Rose
- The Bullitt Agency
- Los Angeles, CA, Washington D.C., New York, NY, and Barcelona, Spain
- Notable Clients: KC Lights, Olympe, Art Department, Nightfunk
- United Talent Agency
- Beverly Hills, CA
- Notable Clients: Diplo, DJ Khaled, deadmau5
- MN2S Agency
- Miami, FL, and London
- Notable Clients: Pete Rock, DJ Mustard, DJ Yoda, A Guy Called Gerald
While getting with a booking agent or agency can be a relief, it also has some downsides. Check out the table below for the pros and cons of hiring booking agents and agencies.
| Pros of Booking Agents/Agencies | Cons of Booking Agents/Agencies |
|---|---|
|
✅ They negotiate fair payments for your services |
❌ They may want a percentage of your revenue (which can increase over time) |
|
✅ They find you ideal venues and events |
❌ They may hold their interests at a higher priority than your interests |
|
✅ Saves you time so you can focus on your music |
❌ You may get stuck in a contract that’s hard to get out of |
|
✅ Can work with you at a reasonable price |
❌ Can be difficult to find the right agent/agency that caters to your music style/needs |
6. Stretch Your Industry Network
Networking with local DJs and clubs is one thing, but expanding your network nationally and globally can open possibilities for more gigs outside of your neck of the woods. Here are a few ways you can expand your network.
Do Face-to-Face Meetings with Venue Owners or Event Organizers
Phone calls and emails are great. But sometimes, the only way to get attention is with a good ol’ fashioned face-to-face meeting. According to a Freeman study, 77% of respondents said they trusted brands more after interacting face-to-face with them at events.
Set up a 30-minute meeting with venue owners or event coordinators to talk about your skills and why you’d be a great fit for their event. Have your portfolio ready, and don’t be afraid to do live demonstrations of your work, either.
Sometimes, you may not be exactly what this club or event is looking for. Nevertheless, they will remember you and may even recommend you to other venue owners or events they know in their network, which can score you more gigs.
Attend DJ Conferences and Competitions
Another way to get your name out there and show off your skills is by attending conferences and participating in competitions to gain notoriety. It can also serve as a place to network with other DJs, venues, recording labels, and other important musical figureheads. You may even get a chance to meet and take selfies with some of your musical heroes.
Check out these DJ-specific conferences and competitions:
- DJ Power Summit: One of the biggest DJ summits in Atlanta, Georgia, with 1,500+ attendees, 6 panels and workshops, and 20+ featured keynote speakers.
- Marquee Entertainment and Hospitality Conference: A conference catering to the DJ, photo booth, special event, entertainment, and hospitality industries. Hear from numerous guest hosts and presenters across the DJ industry, such as Dayna Solomon, Lance George, Laura B., DJ Speed, and more.
- DJX Show: Since 1990, DJX offers a place for DJs, artists, radio stations, brands, and more to come together and celebrate the power of music, networking, innovation, and education.
- DMC World Championship: Perform in one of DMC’s competitions, including Classic, Supremacy, Open, and Scratch. If you make it through, you can compete in the world finals.
- Sun Temple Music Competition (Esoteric Festival): Submit a 20-minute mix that exhibits your DJ style. The first-place winner gets a 90-minute prime-time set at the Esoteric Festival with VIP passes and more. Second place gets a 60-minute set at the festival with VIP passes and promo features. Third place gets a VIP pass and festival merch. Entrees are judged on originality, time limit, MP3 format, and age-appropriate content.
Whether you win or lose a competition, it’s about giving it your best shot and a chance to network with others in your industry.
Connect In Online Groups
Get online and join some DJ groups on Facebook and other social media websites for more connections, tips, advice, and just to “talk shop.”
- DJS Group LLC
- Radio DJs
- Connected DJs
- Gospel DJs
- Urban Music (PR), Club Promoters, DJ’s, Radio Stations, and Radio Plungers
X (Formerly Twitter) Communities and Lists to Search For
- Twitter DJ Community
- DJs/Producers List
- EDM DJs List
- DJs/artists List
Connecting with others at conferences, competitions, social media groups, and more can broaden your horizons and help you gain new friends.
7. Pull Publicity Stunts for More Recognition
People love a good publicity stunt for two reasons: 1). It’s fun and adrenaline-pumping to watch, and 2). People will remember you for it. (Note: We don’t condone putting yourself in harm’s way to get gigs or market yourself.)
Here are a few publicity stunts you can try to drum up more gigs and attention:
- Perform on moving vehicles: Looking for a little excitement? Live stream yourself mixing and performing on a moving vehicle like a truck or boat. Make sure you and your gear are secured tightly on the vehicle and have a friend livestream or record your performance.
- Put on flash mobs: Live flash mobs can be fun and eye-catching if done correctly. Scout out good locations like public parks, college campuses, or downtown areas. Be sure to ask these places for permissions and permits. Choose the right tracklists and have your public performance license ready. Have a friend or bystander livestream your flash mob on social media channels like TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, and more.
- Dress up in costumes: Dressing up can be fun at any age and can show others your silly side. Go online or to your local shop to get a costume and dress up as your favorite Disney or movie character, superhero, or furry for your next gig.
Other examples of publicity stunts you could try:
- Distributing merch or demos at crowds
- Doing pop-up street shows
- Playing sets on rooftops
- Facilitating public wedding proposals
8. Be Professional and Persistent
The DJ industry can be flip-floppy sometimes. You may find yourself with countless gigs one day and the next, you’re experiencing severe gig droughts. Still, it’s vital to remain professional and persistent in this industry.
These methods weren’t meant to be one-and-done. They’re strategies you can try repeatedly. Some of these tips may not align with your niche’s needs while others may fit you like a glove. The important thing is to experiment and persevere.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Finding DJ Gigs
How Do DJs Get Noticed?
DJs get noticed by:
- Pulling publicity stunts (flash mobs or performing on moving vehicles)
- Having DJ liability insurance
- Building a thorough DJ portfolio
- Busking with a public performance license
- Joining and networking with others in online DJ groups
- Networking with other DJs, bar and venue owners, and event organizers
- Posting gigs regularly on social media and using relevant hashtags
How to Get a DJ Gig at a Bar?
There are several ways DJs can get a gig at a bar, such as:
- Speaking with bar owners and showing them your portfolio/a live demo
- Handing out samples (QR codes, USBs, or CD mixtapes) of your mixes to patrons
- Signing up with a booking agent or agency
How Much Do DJs Earn for a Gig?
DJs earn anywhere from $500 to $100,000 or more based on their experience, the type of gigs they receive, and where they live. Per ZipRecruiter, the average DJ salary is $85,596 per year and the average hourly rate is $41 an hour.
How Do You Ask for a DJ Gig?
You ask for DJ gigs by talking to venue owners, promoters, or event coordinators directly. You can talk in person, on a phone call, or via an email. Share your portfolio of tracklists, gig photos/videos, social media links, and more so they can see your skills.
You can even speak to in-house DJs at clubs and ask them if you could be their “backup” DJ for gigs they can’t perform.
