How to Be a Rave DJ

The wild bohemian parties back in the late 50's in Britain is when the term 'rave' was first used. In the present day, raves are massive parties with hundreds or even thousands of people dancing to the DJ's underground style. Raves take place in empty warehouses, sports arenas, or even on the beach. Having the opportunity to DJ at a rave is an absolute experience and a great start for those breaking in the biz.

Things You'll Need

• Business cards
• Website
• Mix demos

Instructions

1. Get some business cards. You can get business cards for free or for a low price at Vistaprint to get your started. Make sure your DJ name and contact info are on the card (i.e. email, phone number, website).

2. Duplicate one of your best mixes or mix CDs - at least 20-30 copies. Create labels with your contact info on them. For those on a budget, writing directly onto the CD with a Sharpie is fine. It's ok to make more copies of your mix to hand out at raves for fans and guests. This is a great idea for exposure.

3. Attend upcoming raves or shows and familiar yourself with how raves are set up, how the DJs perform, and what the crowd reacts to.

4. Network with other DJs that are performing at the raves. This is a great way to get "in". Other DJs can refer you to rave promoters or those producing the raves. Get to know the promoter and introduce yourself.

5. Distribute your demo and business cards to other DJs and especially the promoters, so they can get to know you and your sound. It's also important to follow up with the promoters but don't be overly aggressive.

6. Create your DJ pages on all the networking sites like Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and other DJ rave sites. Keep up with rave community, as well as, the clubs. Get involved with rave forums and topics.

7. Offer to do a few raves for free so that you can gain exposure. Most promoters are willing to give you tickets or a portion of the guest list as trade for your performance. Performances are typically 1-2 hours. Raves will already have the equipment for the DJ - all you need is your music or laptop to perform.

Tips & Warnings

• Offer to help promote raves by distributing rave fliers at record stores or at different venues. Even if you're not on the lineup. This is a good way of building a rapport with the promoter and getting tickets so that you can go to the raves and get more familiar with the scene.

• Make sure you provide a contract for your services even if you're offering to perform for free. Promoters will take you seriously if you do. Some promoters will make excuses for not paying you if you don't provide a contract. Also request at least half or a percentage as a deposit, prior to your performance. Also keep in mind that you cannot sell your mix CDs or demos. That is a copyright infringement.

References

• History of raves
• Raves

Resources

• Rave Links
• GenXGlow
• Vista Print
• MySpace