How To Record The Best DJ Mix & Getting A Gig
You’ve picked the best DJ mix you can think of and you’ve practised it a million times. Now it’s time to record! Let’s look at how you do that.
Additional Equipment You’ll Need To Record The Best DJ Mix
The standard setups we talked about earlier don’t have the capability to record a mix without adding another device and some software. This is because you need to record the output of a mixer to show your mixing of the levels.
NB: The exception to this is if your digital mixer is routed into your software. This is possible with some software/hardware setups. I strongly urge you to talk to your local DJ shop about your exact setup before purchasing any equipment.
Standalone Recorders
A standalone recorder either plugs directly into the output of your mixer or they have a microphone to pull the sound straight from the air. These setups are great and very reliable. They record the mix to a file on the device, which you can download later.
Evermix even has a recording unit that will record straight to your mobile phone, and they are very well priced.
Recording With Audio Interfaces
An audio interface goes from the output of your mixer into your computer via a USB cable. You can then record to a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation) if you already have one installed (ie. Ableton, Garage Band), or you can download Audacity for free from here.
This option costs roughly the same as an external recorder. Plus, an audio interface is a handy thing to have if you plan to get into producing music yourself.
Approaching A Club
Unfortunately, you are going to have to find a communication method that works for the club you want to DJ in. And it’s going to be different for each club. Meeting someone face to face is the best way of getting a yes (it’s a lot easier to ignore an email than someone standing in front of you).
My advice is go down to the club night you are hoping to play at, and find out who the promoter/host of the night is. Pick a moment that the person doesn’t seem swamped and approach them. Strike up a conversation about how much you like the night. Don’t go straight for the kill, but instead, try to build a rapport with them before finally mentioning that you play. Offer to fill any holes they might have coming up and prepare to take no for an answer.
If they do say no, try and grab a card from them. Then stay in contact with a weekly email. Continue to be seen at the events and offer to help out any way you can. Persistence without being annoying is the key here.
Build Your Brand
So the club said no. You are going to get a lot of that before someone says yes. And chances are they are only going to say yes because they are desperate after another DJ cancelled at the last minute.
So what should you do in the meantime? Hustle! Here’s how;
- Start a dedicated DJ social media account (Instagram & Facebook get the best engagement)
- Engage with the club staff, promoters and local music groups on social media
- Ask the club if you can help out in other ways i.e. bartending, door staff, handing out flyers. The more you are in the club, the more likely you are to get the call-up.
- Keep posting sets to YouTube/SoundCloud. Don’t be lazy; it costs nothing and will build your brand. Plus, it will give you heaps of set ideas for when you get the nod.
- Arrange your own club night. Yes, it’s a big move and a lot of work, but it’s a sure-fire way to get on the lineup!
- Practice, practice, practice. You don’t want to get lucky with a last-minute gig when you haven’t played for a month. It will show. You don’t want your first gig to be your last.
- Build your music library! DJs need to be fresh, which means having the hottest new remixes and club bangers in their arsenal at all times.
Turning Pro – Conclusion
The road to turning pro as a DJ is controlled entirely by you. Practice endlessly, keep up with the latest trends and always play the smart long game. If you do all of this and believe in yourself, you will achieve your goals.
