I've had plenty of people message and email me lately about how do you get noticed in electronic music, so I thought i'd post this here as a freebie outside my normal articles in the E-Zine.
Networking is the single most important thing you'll do as a DJ/Producer. I CANNOT stress this enough. Networking is something you do 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The best thing about networking is the fact that it is so simple and natural to do.
The Bible tells us we are to enter into fellowship with other believers. Church is a form of networking, because we are associating with likeminded individuals.. You're only as strong as the people you surround yourself with. Surround yourself with the right people, and you can accomplish big things. Believe it or not, but by reading this message, you've taken the first step into networking by associating with likeminded individuals. We are all people who are Christians that enjoy Electronic music. You are here with likeminded people.
The biggest piece of the networking puzzle is finding common ground. One place I find that frequently is the fact that I attend Winter Music Conference in Miami. (BTW...All WMC consists of is one big networking meeting. Where else could I hang by the pool with BT, eat at IHOP with Mylo, chat with Andy Moor over a drink, and trade business cards with Chris The Greek and Natachya Van Dyk over a 5 day period? If you're really serious about this, make plans to go to WMC. I'll be happy to help with some pointers.
www.wintermusicconference.com ) Another place to find common ground is music festivals, sports, places you've been, common friends, etc... You're going to have to work to find common ground, but once you do, you're set! Chat with people. Become their friend. Once you get over the star factor with bigger named people, you'll realize you have more in common than different. (Examples...BT and I share having lived in Los Angeles. Mylo and I are both writers. Judge Jules and I are both from the Legal field by trade.)
Do you have open lines of communication? Do you have business cards? Do you have a website and/or Myspace? If you're really going to be an ace networking ninja, make sure people have a way to contact you, and you have a way to contact them. What good is talking to Paul Oakenfold for 30 minutes about the crisis in Darfur if you never speak with him again? Sure, you just talked to Oakey himself, but he may have been able to help you with something. At the very least, you make a really good friend by staying in touch. I can't tell you how many great friends I've made simply by staying in touch after a networking opportunity. (Example...I met Kenneth Thomas at a show where he opened for Oakey. The day after, I emailed Kenneth. We keep in touch, and now he's a great friend. BTW...For those of you not in the know, Kenneth is very much a Christian as well! Check him out sometime) Make sure you have a way to contact people. Never go to a show without business cards, an ink pen, and something to write on in your pocket.
ALWAYS try to work with people one step above you. Those people have wealths of knowledge that they'd more than likely enjoy dispensing. My first time doing this was with Matt K, a Hard Techno DJ from Columbus, GA. I was playing Hard House/NuNRG at the time. I was booked at a show with Matt, and we kept in touch. When I'd have difficulty with industry issues, I'd contact Matt for his advice. He was always more than happy to help me out. Find those people above you, and talk with them. DJs all have monster sized egos, so we all love talking about ourselves. Kick back and listen to what someone has to say. You might just find a new angle on a problem you've been having.
On the flip side, I think more experienced people have an obligation to help people just starting. Knowledge is a very valuable resource, and it's one that costs nothing to share. Don't be stingy with that knowledge, Vets. Spread it around freely. Always feel free to message me with a question. If I know the answer, I'll happily share.
That wraps up my networking rant. Let's review, shall we?
1. Find common ground!
2. Have open lines of communication
3. Seek experienced people.
Hope this helps all of you.
