From my experience in approaching several colleagues and one or two agencies here and there. They all have told me that you have to be generating an average of $3,000 per gig. I've been told that no agency is gonna approach any artists below those wages due to the small percentage they have to make a profit from - 20% out of $3000 is only $600, for the amount of introductory calls, press-kit mailings, advertising and PR they have to do. So it's not worth the time or money. However you can take it upon yourself to create a serious buzz by doing what we all do, remixes, mixes, producing and in general DJing. If you want to seek media/agency attention find a publicist. A good publicist can be costly, but you can sometimes find someone willing to work with you on the craigslist of the bigger cities the likes of NY and LA. In addition to this very dilemma I often found that if you're not popular with DJs this too can hurt you. Why? Because... If a Club Owner or Promoter gets approach with any propaganda in regards to booking you, the first thing they do is go ask the DJ they've been working with if they have heard of you. This usually ends up in a bad situation, cause there are haters, people who simply will be too honest (= they never heard of you) or be like he's not worth the money. I suggest you do your research and approach DJs in select cities and network, network, network. When you become a friend it's easier to gain access to the venue you're pursuing. I've always said that if I generate that much money per gig, why split it with an agency?, If I'm able to generate that, I would open an office and create a cold call sales and promotion company, pretty much a label and turn agency myself. The next approach is the indie artist or the major artist who needs a DJ, you'd be surprise at how many major artists have DJ issues, from Kanye to the unknown who are touring. One thing I've witnessed is that most major artists are stuck up, but their DJs are in reality the rock stars, they get the groupies, smash, etc.. But this becomes a problem in the long term and indeed end up getting them in trouble with the artists. DJs miss flights, are too hammered for the show, can't cue songs, the list goes on. My point, always, always give an Artist or his manager your data. I've managed to tour in India and Australia with independent guys. So, trust me the hustle is real, in fact all it takes is investing in yourself. My issue and like most DJs I know... is Laziness and Procrastination. I've told myself plenty of times I was gonna make at least 5 mixes for the week and did nothing. I got like 65 songs in my DAWs and I've only put out 4 on beatport. - Anyway good luck in the hustle and reach out to me if you need some advice. - Best Regards, Rico Sanchez | @djricosanchez |
www.djricosanchez.com
