Most people do not like to talk about money unless their day job directly involves sales or money. It is typically hard to bridge the gap from "Yes, I will play your event." to "How much are paying?" So, in this edition of "The Drop", we are going to talk about money. The Bible has lots to say about money and is clear about a worker's wage. Our obedience with money can and will effect our walk with God.

Whether you are a club DJ or play occasionally for "the church/the body", you should get paid. Sure we all take gigs early on to get some experience. I want to talk about the transition from bedroom DJ to actually having (some) skills to pay (some) bills.

What does the Word say?

"And remain in the same house, eating and drinking what they provide, for the laborer deserves his wages.” – Luke 10:7

“Now to the one who works, his wages are not counted as a gift but as his due.” – Romans 4:4

Pretty clear and straight form the Word. That is not to say that you can't give of your time in an act of service. Always evaluate the opportunity and the type of event. If it is part of worship, you may want to serve for free. If you are spinning at an event billed as a concert or entertainment, you should earn a wage.

Here is one important thing to think about... a promoter, club owner, or a youth pastor has a budget to be met or a working budget. They most likely have already placed deposits on equipment, promotions, security, etc. These people are use to talking and dealing with money in regards to entertainment. Your attitude and professionalism when dealing with the money side of business will say much about "who you are" as a Christian and a professional.

"Are you in it for the money?" Sure you are! Is it the only reason? Of course not. DJ equipment costs money, records/tracks cost money, maintaining your car costs money, blank CDs and promotional items ALL cost money. A promoter, club owner, or youth pastor needs to see your DJ efforts as a business. Yet they will not see that if you cannot articulate your time and effort. If you are organized and professional, you won't have a problem being paid for your talent.

"How much should I charge?" I can't tell you how many message board threads I have seen asking this very question. Here are several ideas to find that magic number. First, if you have DJ friends a bit higher on the DJ pecking order, ask them what you are worth for an hour set. Inside information always helps. If you do not have friends to ask (that’s another topic), then look at your monthly DJ expenses. How much do you spend to promote yourself? Here is my real world example. I spend on average $35 dollars a month buying tracks from Beatport (small plug) to stay current for shows, $20 dollars on blanks CDs, and probably spend $20 dollars in gas and on promoting myself. All that equals $75 dollars. I would like one gig to pay for next month's DJing expenditures. That number will depend on where you live and how much promotion you are doing.

Cut to the chase! "Yes I am available to play next Friday. I charge $50 for a one-hour DJ set and $25 for each additional hour." There are really only two main questions a promoter, club owner, or youth pastor is trying to get answered when they call or email you about a gig. Are you available and how much do you charge? The sooner you can answer those questions the sooner that promoter, club owner, or youth pastor can move on to the next "to do" item.

Last, make sure you tithe from your gig money. Ultimately the Lord is sovereign and provides you with your opportunities. Make sure you are obedient with the money He provides you. This is something I forget about, so I want to honor Him more in 2007 with tithing from my DJ gigs.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to email me.

Happy New Year!
Geoffrey Wilcoxson / Mint DJ
mintdj.com
This email address is being protected from spam bots, you need Javascript enabled to view it