How to get a DJ booking agent

 

The step up from local Dj to international name is a huge one. The hard work and graft that’s gone in to that point is not to be under estimated. But once opportunity comes knocking taking that next step is life changing. Managing that stage is vital and the decisions you make in having the right people to support you crucial. A DJ booking agency can help take you there, or manage that for you, but how do you get on the books in the first place?

 

What do DJ booking agencies look for?

 

Experience

To get on the books of a good agency you’re going to bee experience at a high standard. To have played big venues, with big names and created a strong following of your own. Social media is just one aspect of that. Any good agency will do their homework on you. Ask promoters what you’re like to work with, check out your sets even. Their time is limited, it’s a business and a good agency will only take you on if you make good business sense - so think like a business and succeed.

 

They may even want physical proof of your experience; flyers, photo’s posters, press coverage and more - so collect it. Source it and documents it. Be ready for someone to ask you for it.

 

Talent

There’s millions of wannabe DJ’s out there. What separates you from them is your talent. Do you stand out from the crowd, what are your core skills, your style, what do you have that is especially marketable? If you do some production work too, then this will really feed into that talent pool, showcasing your sound and style and your audience appeal.

 

Do I have to pay to get in the roster?

 

It’s not unheard of for an agency to charge an entry fee or a management subscription fee. It’s seen as an insurance for the agency, proving you’re serious and will put the work in. An agent is going to be putting time in for you, paid or unpaid before they make any real money from you. Once you establish yourself those fees vanish, but be aware in early discussions with any potential agency and ask the right questions.

 

What can I do to help get an agent?

 

Make a demo

Most DJ’s probably have a social media platform these days, so make sure you’re Mixcloud, Soundcloud or whatever it is, is promoting you the best it can. Get a promo mix up there, demonstrate your skills and if you have some tracks produced get them up there too!

 

Make a video

Maybe even consider a promo video, this doesn’t need to be an expensive thing - get a mate to film stuff and drop the audio over it in some editing tools.

 

Take press photo’s

Get shots together, from events, of you performing and some decent head shots too (no headphones needed!).

 

Get a website

Do you need a DJ website is something I’ve covered previously - but get one and a good logo for yourself - think about your personal brand and how it helps sell you as a product!

 

What makes a good booking agent?

 

A good booking agency will handle contracts, payments, travel, and all that messy stuff, allowing you to focus on the music! Obviously at the outset all those things might not be included, but that’s the goal. A decent agency will have a contract - read it well - and never go with a ‘trustworthy’ agent without a contract.

 

They’ll also have the insight and experience to help guide your career, avoid you playing to empty rooms and be connected in ways you can’t be to get those opportunities for you. The key is communication - so be sure you can talk to them, whatever the hour!

 

They may even offer input and management of social media and your website - all helping build your profile, getting you bigger and better bookings.

 

Look for someone organised, strong at negotiating and who has a passion for your music - without those skills you’ll never reach your potential.