How do you attract a DJs attention to perform an event?

[Petey_G]

Hey all, I've been working with Moonee Valley's 'MRG' Freeza based in Moonee Ponds in Melbourne. We put on various All Age music/ arts culture events aimed at people aged between 12-25.

In the past many of our shows have been rock based sort of events but there has been a massive recent push from our group to expand out and cater for other popular genres like dance, electro, dubstep, house etc.

Just wondering if anyone could offer any advice or tips whether it be for promo artwork or places to advertise or even prizes or payments etc that would help to attract the attention of DJ's and producers to enter our competitions or play at our shows?

Cheers!

[mattus123]

i recon if u made ur event a bridge to get people playing in a club, thatd be good motivation

alot of DJs wanan end up playin in the clubs

like the winner of your comp gets the opportunity to play at a club or sometihng like that?

[Mitch]

couple of ideas that sprung to my head:

- an opportunity to meet a pro dj to be a mentor to help them

-opportunity to have a mixtape distributed to a range of clubs / booking agents etc.

-pathway to get a gig in a pub/club

a further pathway beyond when your show finishes, something that helps promote and further their career as a DJ

[mattus123]

mitch's post gave me another idea

maybe offer DJ lessons as a prize. Pretty sure DJ Warehouse in melb offers lessons dont they?

[dim]

Hello mate, although i'm in the U.K. I do a lot of work like this and am sure I can offer some ideas.

I generally run projects, short courses and workshops in youth clubs, centres, schools etc... then hold the type of event you are talking about as a showcase of talent we have worked with previously.

I do this with DJs mostly but also team up with a Rock School who do bands. The collaborations that can come from this have been excellent.

I'm interested to know: Is your event a private profit-based enterprise or is it supported by govt funding for youth work purposes?

[Mitch]

They ran freeza in my area last year, fairly sure it's government funding and the local councils have some sort of input combined with a committee of kids from the schools In the area. That's how the battle of the bands run by freeza ran in my area last year anyway, probably same sort of thing

[tommykesh]

You want a good DJ at your event with out knowing em before hand $ should do the trick.

Don't wanna be harsh but that will do it every time

[Jaz]

"How do you attract a DJs attention to perform an event?"

$$$$

in all honesty man money will always get whoever you want, but your off to a good start, asking around on DJ forums is another good way

[Mitch]

from what i gather from my area, i think the idea of this freeza program is for people who are more starting out than anything and this is an opportunity for exposure and progression rather than a paid gig.

its a competition, so the prize would have to be somewhat appealing to an aspiring DJ

[SourceRaver]

If your not looking for a big name Dj, then just advertise in your local area for some local Djs. I'm sure some of them would do it for free just for the exposure. Why dont you incorporate a battle of the DJs comp and the winner gets to play an extended set at the gig. A store DJ gift voucher would be a great prize and so much better than winning gear you may already have.

[andyman]

If you do this in Melbourne, there will be 600 applicants that would jump at the opportunity to get behind the decks and play their shitty Eminem bootlegs.