Many DJs go through this. They could be playing 3-4 gigs a week for months and suddenly….nothing! Even some of the biggest names out there go through this. They can be on the road non stop for a couple of weeks and then grounded for 3 weeks. However, this is not the time to question it. It is the time for action!
Why does this happen?
There are many explanations for a gig drought. Local DJ can over saturate the market if they play too much which could lead to a decrease in gigs. DJs/producers that haven’t put out a new hit in a while can go through this as well. Maybe it’s the economy or maybe it’s the scene in your local area. Either way, what are you going to do about it?
Stay Productive
Well producers know pretty much instinctively that it’s time to get back in the lab and produce new music. So what do the non-producers do? This is actually the best time to work on self-promotion. Start with a new mix. If you don’t produce music then work on the craft that you know best.
Put together a really hot mix…not just all your latest music but plan a mix that will have people dancing in their cars for months. Once the mix is done post it all over the web on download sites, pod casts, and anywhere you can find. E-mail a download link to Internet radio stations as well. Most importantly, promote the new mix. Go on FaceBook and MySpace and let the world know you have a new mix for download.
“Showing face”
Then, burn as many copies as you can afford to, and pass it out. Not just anywhere but head out on the local house scene. Of course you want to give them to the promoters but bring enough to give to fans or potential new fans. It also helps a great deal to “show face” at other events. Believe me; every time I go out and bump into people they always say something like “oh man we gotta get you on over here” or “I’ve been meaning to call you about an event,” etc. Sometimes, all they need is for you to show up at their party to motivate them to book you
David Sabat
DJ Marketing 101 
man o man are you so correct !!!
Or…. you could throw a party!
I find there is 100x more DJs than promoters…. But in order to be a successful DJ, you must be a promoter… a promoter for yourself, the music that you play, and the events that you perform at.
Absolutely! But do it right with proper promotion, good venue and guest DJs. Throw a weak party and you may be sitting on the sidelines even longer.
i appreciate you doing these dave..cheers!
Dave is not joking. All three of his suggestions work. In fact they work so well that many “dj’s” get gigs even though they are not very good. Work on your skillz, productions and promotions and you will be the one making the club/party groove. Danny has a kinda good idea, but don’t throw a party if you don’t know what you are doing. If you are a rookie to tha scene, make friends with people who know what they are doing. Otherwise you could find yourself robbed, jailed or worse.
Andy….great feedback. Thanks for chiming in!
Thanks for the great information Dave cheers:)
David great job! I wish more DJ’s self promoted I think the parties would be alot more live and inturn might help avoid them from having these dry spells. Its bad enough our scene is dying rapidly. I also think these dry times should be spent editing or doing mash-ups. almost every DJ can do this now via soundforge or even traktor/serato. Afterall personal edits make you feel more comfortable with the overall sound of your sets.
ILOVE THIS IDEAS AND I THOUGHT ‘IWAS .THE ONLY ONE STACK WITH T6HE ISSUE OF VIRTUAL DURING DRY GIGS THANKS FOR UPLIFTING THE DEMISING SPRIT DJ’S KEEP UP THE FIRE.