Step 2: Determining Your Goals DJing For Income For some people, DJing is a career. For others, a side- income… a way to earn “play money”. If you want to DJ as your job, here are some hurdles you may encounter:
• Oversaturation (more DJs than paying gigs or venues in your area) • Undercharging (too little pay, resulting from not knowing your worth)
• Not providing enough value to be needed • Finding a money-making strategy that works
As with any other art form, a repeatable income may require some strategy or creative approach. Whether you earn money by being the best wedding DJ in your area (and charging a premium), by throwing shows and selling merch, or by earning tips in a weekly live stream… the key is finding out what angle works for you.
DJing “For The Love” Confession! In step one, I skipped a major category: the Bedroom DJ.
For some people, DJing is purely hobby. They do it solely for the enjoyment of mixing music. It’s personal music therapy. Perhaps they will take the occasional R1,500 birthday gig, or play an open decks night somewhere. But they’re really in it for the love of mixing, curating, or listening to music. DJing as a hobby can be very uplifting, since there are no bounds or restrictions other than to have fun! But beware of Rapid Gear Acquisition Syndrome: the tendency to buy new toys simply because they exist! DJing For Fame or Recognition Here’s the reality -check: many people become DJs, but few become superstars. You need to be insanely talented, lucky, or both. You have to hustle, you have to love it, and you have to work on it even when it sucks. Don’t count on success, if your sole purpose is to get rich and famous. That’s not to say you can’t make money, or build a following. The point to discard the thought that DJing is an easy way to be famous. It’s not. Some DJs love sharing music with a receptive audience. Some use it as a source of income. Others attempt to use it as a tool to get laid. Whatever the reason is, identify it so that you can act accordingly.
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