This article is part one of a two part mini-series on professionalism as a performing artist.  We have had some discussions on the tastyfresh.com forums about goals and plans for the New Year; and it is only appropriate at this time to further dive into ways to increase our professionalism.  I do believe it is not understood properly and severely underutilized as a way to increase pay, gigs, connections, and overall artist prestige. This month we will discuss general professionalism and the artist’s attitude toward it.  Next month we will get in more detail about create ways to get the professional gigs you want and to hold onto the connections you desperately need to maintain making some money.

First of all, I must get something off my chest.  As a DJ, you must, and I cannot stress it enough; believe and act as though you are the talent and the performing artist.  Let’s no longer have a mindset of nothing less than that of a star.  I’m serious.  Sometimes many Djs get caught up in the idea that they are playing music, providing sound, or helping out.  No…you are the stud.  Come in and take the bull by the horn.  You certainly will gain a lot more respect by oozing confidence and a steady head.  All successful musicians and performing artists have extreme amounts of confidence and they use that to their advantage.  Madonna has many quotes over the years about her desires as a young girl to “take over the world.”  I would say musically she has accomplished that.  Many of you have laid out plans on how to have success over this next year.  That really is the first step to any professionalism that is to come from you.  You got to have goals.  Without them you probably are not going to accomplish much of anything.

Ok.  So you have some goals and you want to obtain them in a professional manner.  Almost every goal and desire of a successful artist is to become better the following year, month and day.  We certainly do not want to get passed by some Johnny come lately who just started and is already working harder than us.  I have seen so many DJs over the years stay at the same level they are.  You know what, that is fine for them if that IS what they want.  Here lies a major problem though.  There are too many DJs and EDM artists complaining they can’t get the gigs they want and they are not progressing along in their careers because they refuse to get a more professional attitude and work their butts off.  Next month we will go in greater detail about securing gigs and keeping connections you have made.  But right now let’s just explore general behavior of a professional DJ and EDM performer.

Armed with your mindset of a professional musician lets now accomplish the how to’s.  Right off the bat, get a contract made out.  This is a free thing to do and lets the venue or person booking you know that you are a professional.  Even if you are not making any money at the show you are doing, it is important for them to know your attitude is one of a professional musician.  If you wrote your contract properly you should be able to put a tip jar out, receive free drinks, have dinner paid for, have your name and contact information on flyers, or a bunch of other things that are perks of the job.  There are some occasions where having a contract signed is awkward.  Use your judgment on this and really feel it out.
A pro’s pro will know exactly what to wear in what situations.  Do you need to be sleek and sophisticated, for example at a Martini Bar?  How about a house party, pool party, or private event?  Really dress to impress and wear what will look great when people take pictures.  This may sound super basic, but don’t show up unshaved and looking like a goofball.  Seriously, you do not know who is watching you and gaining interest in booking you as you spin.

Contact information is crucial and often times are forgotten in busy times.  Do not let someone get your number and say they’ll call you about a future gig.  Get their number and plan on calling them in a few days.  Most quick contacts that are made by potential future gigs for you are forgotten about the next day.  Don’t let this happen.  Be proactive and secure the gig by being aggressive and letting them know you want it.  Remember, they did have a big interest in you and nothing has changed, except for their laziness.  Don’t be lazy yourself.
Here are a few quick things to remember:  have a fresh look, make and keep contacts, fresh breath, and have a professional working contract.

Doug Theodore