If you’re an aspiring DJ with dreams of playing in front of a crowd, you’ve probably asked yourself this question: How do I get booked by a club and take the leap from being a bedroom DJ to performing on a club stage?
In this blog post, I want to share some tips and insights that will hopefully help you take the next step in your DJ career.
The first thing you need to ask yourself is: Why should a club book me? Put yourself in the shoes of club owners or promoters and think about what do promoters look for in DJs? So think about what makes you stand out as a DJ, and how do you benefit the club/event?
This brings me to the first point
Create Value for the Nightclub
To put it bluntly, nightclubs and dance events, at their core, are businesses. At the end of the day, their focus is on generating revenue and ensuring financial success, which primarily depends on how many people attend their events. For an up-and-coming DJ, this means the biggest advantage you can bring to the table is a loyal fan base—people who show up to your gigs and generate income for the venue.
This is why building a social media presence is so crucial. It allows you to showcase your music, personality, and appeal to a wider audience, positioning yourself as someone who can draw a crowd. Promoters and club owners are always more inclined to book DJs who can help fill the room.
But what if you’re just starting out as a bedroom DJ and don’t yet have a following? In that case, you need to find other ways to create value for the club. This could mean aligning your style with the club’s image, offering a unique musical experience, or contributing to the event’s overall vibe in a way that enhances its appeal. It’s all about showing the club that booking you is a smart move, even if you’re not a big name yet.
Hone Your Craft
This brings us to the next point: if you don’t yet have a large following, your artistry has to speak for itself. Focus on refining your skills, curating your track selection, and developing a personal style that sets you apart. When you represent a specific music style and bring a unique vibe to the table, it can be enough to make a club want to book you.
Especially if your vibe aligns perfectly with the club’s identity, you become the ideal addition to their programming. The more authentic and polished your craft is, the more likely you are to stand out in the competitive world of electronic music.
Make Yourself Visible
Here’s the next crucial point: promoters and club owners need a way to discover you. The best way to ensure they do is by maximising your visibility and maintaining a strong presence on social media. Platforms like SoundCloud and YouTube are particularly effective for showcasing your performances and artistry. Regularly updating these channels with fresh content ensures you always have relevant material to share.
Think of your online presence as your business card—it’s often the first impression promoters will have of you. That’s why it’s essential to invest time and effort into creating a profile that not only represents you authentically but also highlights your strengths as an artist.
Actionable steps:
- Regularly upload DJ mixes to platforms like SoundCloud.
- Share videos from past gigs to give promoters a sense of your energy and performance style.
- Aim to have your DJ mixes featured on popular podcast series / radio shows or YouTube channels with a broader audience.
Produce Music
An important complement to “making yourself visible” is producing your own music. By creating original tracks, you set yourself apart from other DJs and carve out a more distinct identity within your chosen style. Landing releases on established labels can further amplify your visibility in the scene. The label’s marketing efforts and other DJs playing your tracks can attract the attention of promoters, opening new doors for bookings.
Additionally, many labels also organise events and showcases. Releasing music on labels that throw their own parties can be a direct pathway to securing gigs. These labels often feature their roster of artists at their events, offering you a chance to perform in front of new audiences and network with other key players in the industry.
While this is easier said than done, it’s worth considering music production not only as a creative outlet but also as a strategic marketing move. Releasing tracks gives you tangible output that enhances your profile as an artist.
Connect and Network
Building on the previous points, networking and connecting within the scene is an essential step in making yourself visible. Knowing the right people can make a significant difference, and this is especially true in the music industry. Getting out there, attending parties, and meeting people is an effective way to boost your presence.
Personal, face-to-face interactions often have a much stronger impact than purely digital connections. Meeting someone in person, even casually, can leave a lasting impression compared to cold online outreach. This doesn’t mean you should try to ingratiate yourself with others insincerely. Instead, use your network to learn more about the scene, such as identifying who is the booker for a specific club or who organises a particular party. This knowledge can give you a more direct and personal approach when reaching out.
Take the Initiative
Even if you’ve diligently followed all the tips to boost your visibility as an artist, don’t leave it entirely up to chance for the right people to discover you. Take matters into your own hands by being proactive and reaching out to the key players in the scene.
Ideally, you’ve already built connections through your network or personal interactions, as mentioned earlier. However, even if you haven’t, invest time into researching who the promoters, bookers, or club managers are that should know about you. Once you’ve identified them, take the first step and send them a friendly and professional message.
Having a strong artist profile—crafted with the strategies outlined above—acts as your “business card.” If it clearly conveys your talent, vision, and professionalism, it will intrigue these decision-makers. With persistence, thoughtful communication, and a polished presentation, you’re much more likely to catch their attention and secure opportunities.
Be Professional
If you’re aiming for a serious career as an artist in the music industry, professionalism should be a given. It’s not just about your music or talent; how you present yourself and handle every aspect of your career can make or break future opportunities. Here are key points to keep in mind:
- First Impressions Matter
Your initial contact with promoters, bookers, or collaborators sets the tone for the relationship. Be polite, concise, and clear in your communication. If you’re reaching out via social media, keep it professional but approachable. - Reliability and Punctuality
Showing up on time (and sober) for gigs, meetings, or sound checks is non-negotiable. This applies to all aspects of your work, from delivering materials (like press kits or invoices) to keeping your commitments. Promoters and venue managers need to trust that you’ll show up prepared and ready to perform—no last-minute surprises. - Handle Finances Responsibly
Submit invoices promptly, ensuring they are accurate and follow any specific guidelines from the promoter or the country you’re invoicing in. Be prepared by having all your financial details, such as tax numbers, invoice templates, and bank account details, ready in advance. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask—clarity prevents delays or misunderstandings. - Build Long-Term Relationships
Your talent might get you through the door, but your professionalism determines whether you’ll be invited back. When promoters, bookers, or venues feel confident in your ability to deliver, they’ll not only rebook you but also recommend you to others. In an industry that thrives on relationships and trust, being professional sets you apart and solidifies your reputation as an artist worth working with.
