Yes it is true... been djing 9 years (formerly DJ Backdraft), and I have already cleared more money this year than I have in any other year; which is amazing cause it is only late February. I think it was a godsend when my wife really challenged me last summer to get out and to work the clubs, real clubs. I also have reattached my bonds to some churches across the state of GA. I bring in alot of money doing events for them.
Here are some things that I changed.
1. I buy music every week. I get new releases on digital sites and play them out immediately...I mean that night. I used to purchase music monthly or whenever I felt the urge. Not anymore. All fresh now.
2. I finally have figured out my target audience and play to them. Most church functions I play I play the crud out of florida funky breaks, I also play clubtrance stuff. Very danceable commercial stuff. When I do club work I spin Markus Schulz, Sander Van Doorn type stuff.
3. I advertise the stew out of myself in Georgia. I have had professional pixs taken and pixs of my gear. It has helped for flyers and name recognition.
4. I changed my dj name to a softer more personal feel in early 2006 to a more personal name that kids can say " Hey Doug" instead of "Hey DJ um yeah Backdraft or whatever". It has helped. People request stuff from me by saying DOUG. That is my name. Very beneficial
5. I started organizing my music into very descriptive sections and taking more music with me on gigs. This was contrary to what I had previously done by taking smaller amounts. I bring it all now. You never know might need it or someone may want to see what you spin for other type of gigs.
6. I QUIT VINYL. I was a big proponent of vinyl; but I quit. Stopped going to shops and focused all my energy on beatport, audiojelly, trackitdown, and few others. This has brought my complete focus on digital singles and helped my organization on my computer and cd cases. Believe me...I loved the feel of vinyl; but it is over for me (see my tt's for sale
. Being all digital has offered me the ability to get real good at using cds and looping and other things. I really stepped up my abilities on my decks (pioneer), and using the tools on there to the max.
7. I stopped doing any free or promotional events unless they would bring me money down the road; and I mean down a short road. They were causing me to not make money that I could make. I let people know my fees (which are pretty high, comparibly) and have only been turned away once since August.
8. I dj every night. In the house or a club or church. I work my craft endlessly.
9. I completely, and I mean completely gave up on producing and focused completely on djing. Really really helped me to focus. Would I love to produce...yes. But right now I want to cement my ability to work a crowd and play the correct track at the right time.
10. I entered mix contests. I submitted mixes and won 1 that got me on rotation at a club here in Atlanta.
This worked for me. Lotta flaws in here that Would NOT work for others...but it works for me.
Doug Theodore
