best way to get booked for an event?

[bradb]

Hey all, I'm new to the forums, but I have a feeling I'll be sticking around. I'm wondering what the best way to get booked for a party is in the area. I used to dj a bit up at school in rochester, and now that Im done with school and in the area I'd like to get back into it.

I'm not sure how things work around the area, and i don't really know a whole lot of people yet but Im assuming theres someone out there that might be able to help me out.

I used to play trance (epic/anthemic/uplifting/whatever), I've moved on to darker trance, house, and I'm going to try to integrate some of this with dnb. I have some demos of my older stuff if anyones interested or might be able to direct me what to do. Always open to suggestions, and looking for a chance to prove myself.

[Ridiculous Nicholas]

Parties are expensive and while no one is really making a killing around here except for some of the really massive parties, it really comes down to how many people a DJ can bring to a party. No promoter wants to loose money.

Why would I book someone I don't know and no one has heard of? It is one thing if they are already my friend and promoters already have every friend they have that DJs asking to get booked.

Also, don't just email a promoter and say, can I get booked, show up to every one of the promoters smaller events and just say hi to them, just so that they know that you are there and supporting their shit. Make sure that the promoter sees you at other events too. If you see them at another event say hi. Offer to promote and hand out flyers for a promoter, if they know that you get the word out about their events they'll be more likely to book you. Start producing and give DJs CDRs of your tracks, create a music myspace, just make sure your tracks aren't half assed. You need to have your tracks mastered too or they will sound like ass on a sound system. When you do go to events pass out your mixes for free like a motherfucker. Your mixes should be dated. A new promo mix should have 90% tracks that are no older than a couple months.

Offer to spin for free and always keep a record/cd bag in your car (just make sure your shit doesn't warp in the summer). Spin after parties at peoples houses.

Actually, the quickest way that any DJ gets known is by throwing events your self and opening for DJs that people will come out to see.

The more parties you go to the more connections you'll make and the more likely it will be that you get booked.

[Deadly Zebra Army]

1. pester promoters til they book you.
2. promote yourself endlessly.
3. hook up with a lot of girls.

[Muramasa]

I hate to say it, but personality is a HUGE part of getting booked when you're just starting out in an area. Keeping a good head on your shoulders, not being a drama queen, a nag or an asshole, and generally keeping in mind that you intend to create good relationships with people will help you out a lot. Of course, you need the skills to impress people to keep getting booked, but I figure that goes without saying.

I guess in short: People love to gossip, so reputation of character often precedes reputation of talent. Be careful to mind yours or you'll be shot down before you even get started.

[ondreyah]

n get a catchy origional dj name!

all advice on here is good, take it n put it into good use