The No-BS Guide to Getting DJ Gigs

So, You Wanna Be a DJ?

Starting out as a DJ is exciting, terrifying, and occasionally soul-destroying. You’ve probably got a USB full of bangers, a Soundcloud mix with three plays (two of which were you), and a dream. Respect.

But now comes the tricky bit: getting actual gigs. Whether you're playing house, garage, breaks, jungle, grime, or whatever weird hybrid you’ve just made up – no one’s handing out bookings for vibes alone.

Here’s a no-bullsh*t guide to help you go from bedroom hero to actual, real-life DJ with a set time and everything.

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1. Be Good. Like, Actually Good.

We shouldn’t have to say this, but here we are.

Before you go pestering promoters, make sure you're not completely cr*p. That means:

• Practice. Not once a month when you're “feeling it”. Actually practice. Beatmatching. Phrasing. Reading a crowd. (Yes, even if the crowd is your dog.)

• Record mixes. Not just for the vibe, but because people will want proof you're not just pressing play and hoping it works out.

• Have different sets ready. Warm-up, peak-time, closing... know your role and play it well. No one wants peak-time techno at 8pm.

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2. Look Like You Know What You’re Doing (Online, at least)

Your Instagram is just you, a vape, and a pint? Fix it.

• Socials: Use Instagram, TikTok, and all the usual suspects to post clips, behind-the-scenes, track IDs, etc. Don’t post once every three months and wonder why no one knows you exist.

• Soundcloud / YouTube: Upload your best mixes. Not all 47 of them. Just the good ones.

• EPK: No, it’s not a new plugin. It’s a press kit. Bio, photo, links to your mixes, contact info – all in one place. Make it stupidly easy for a promoter to book you. A moody pic your mate took in Wetherspoons doesn’t count.

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3. Talk to People (Unfortunately)

Yes, we know – speaking to strangers can be peak. But here we are.

• Go to events. Not just to lurk in the shadows. Chat to DJs, promoters, bar staff – anyone. Be normal.

• Send music out. But do it right. Start by saying hi. Ask how they’re doing. Don’t just blast inboxes like a robot. And seriously, don’t be the person who CC's and ends up showing 300 DJs the same message about how much you “rate” them and want to be on their label. That’s a no-go. Keep it individual, personal, short, and to the point. Let them know why your track fits their vibe - no generic copy-paste BS. Be patient. Follow up once if you need to, but remember people have lives outside music. Not everyone’s gonna care as much as you do, and that’s okay.

• Support nice people. Show up. Catch a vibe. Don’t just slide into DMs without a "yo, how are you?" and ask for guestlist.

• Join communities. Forums, Discords, WhatsApp groups – yes, even Facebook if it still exists where you live.
  

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4. Start at the Bottom (It's Humbling)

Unless someone in your family owns Fabric or you're loaded and have endless p's to chuck into the abyss to play and put on your own shows, you’re starting small (most of the time).

• Warm-up sets: These are crucial. Learn how to play to three people and the bar staff before demanding headline slots.

• Open decks: Show up. Play. Don’t be sh*t.

• Online radio: Great way to build confidence and a tiny cult following of 7 people who think you’re the next Objekt.

It’s not glamorous. But it’s how everyone starts. And yes, everyone. No one skipped this bit.

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5. Get Your Sh*t Together

When you finally message a promoter, don’t send them 14 WeTransfer links and a blurry screenshot of your Soundcloud mixes.

• Bio: One paragraph. Not your life story.

• Photos: At least one that doesn’t look like it was taken on a Nokia.

• Mix: One. Just one. Make it good.

• Contact info: Email, socials, maybe a phone number (not your burner).

Make it easy for them to say yes. Most people are lazy – do their job for them.

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6. Shout About It (But Don’t Be Annoying)

Get a gig? Congrats. Now promote the hell out of it – within reason.

• Post the flyer. Tag the club. Tag the other DJs. Don’t be that mysterious act with no online trace.

• Invite people. Obviously.

• Act professional. Turn up on time. Don’t turn up p*ssed. Don’t spill your pint on the decks.

Treat every gig like it matters – because it does.

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7. Keep At It

You’re not going to blow up overnight.

• Keep learning

• Keep pushing your sound

• Keep showing up

• Keep sending music out

• Keep getting rejected (it builds character)

If it was easy, your cousin would be doing it. (Probably is).

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8. Stop Comparing Yourself

Everyone’s journey is different. Some people get lucky. Some people are just better. And some are incredibly mid but know the right people. That’s life.

Focus on you. Not the guy playing The Warehouse Project because his girlfriend runs a PR agency.

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9. Don’t Be A D*ck

The most important rule of all. Be humble. Be sound. Say hi, how are you, thank you. Don’t treat people like sh*t. Don’t get vexed (Unless someone is actually a d*ck).

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Final Words

Getting your first gigs is hard, but it's not impossible. Show up, make noise, be decent, and play good music. There’s no shortcut, but there is a way. And if all else fails, just start your own night and book yourself.

You might not be the next Joy Orbison. But you might just become someone’s favourite new DJ. And that’s worth showing up for.

Now get to work.