Music

How Can DJs Get On Event Organizers' Radars

Kenny was recently asked “how event organizers decide who to DJ for their larger events. And how I can get on their radars?” and here are his brief thoughts as an organizer and someone who’s been hired for national and international DJ gigs.

  • Actually, be a disc jockey. It’s okay to start with a playlist, but I want to see someone that is playing to the crowd, adjusting music on the fly, getting people out of their seats with the music you choose. A “create a playlist prior to the event and let it sit” is not a DJ.

  • Someone that gets people to dance inspired. Mpst people show up to a dance to socialize and to dance. To get someone to dance inspired is another thing entirely.

  • Be active in relevant groups. It used to be discussion boards and now it’s Swing DJs. If I was interested in scoping potential talent, I might check out DJ groups and see who is participating and how.

  • Cold emailing organizers and having reputable teacher and/or organizer talent that can vouch for you and offer those references when you first reach out. Less work an organizer needs to do, the better.

  • Read other DJs blogs like Dogpossum and reach out to other DJs getting hired to see what knowledge you can glean

  • Reach out to online DJ events like Global Online Social hosted by Pauldances and put yourself out there.

  • Consider building a resume/CV like my dance one here.

  • Have a blog sharing your passion.

  • DJ for a local event that out-of-town guests visit for.