Networking

Step 4.1

Soundcloud mixes

Now I know you are supposed to practice what you preach... this is one of those exceptions for me teheh! But, I am aware if you're starting out as a beginner then it is a great idea to create an account on sound cloud and record mixes that you've made and post them on there for people such as event and venue managers to hear! Especially if you are playing multiple genres to show diversity or if you are wanting to focus on one genre and display creativity!

Step 4.2

Offering gigs & attendance

As you may be aware, the DJ industry is growing rapidly to the point that some people consider it to be oversaturated... I am unsure if this is or isn't the case but what I can say is that most beginners I've spoken to stated that they offered to play a handful of free gigs to showcase themselves. Now, I am not encouraging work with no pay I am just expressing what others have advised me worked personally for them.

Apart from this, if this maybe isn't something you would like to offer I strongly recommend you attend events and venues that you would like to mix for so your appearance is recognised. Alongside this, you must understand the events and venues you are playing for, thus being a customer yourself is the best way to learn the vibes throughout the night to see what works and doesn't!

Step 4.3

Making your personal brand

Now what I truly believe people fail to understand is that DJing is not just about mixing music! Anyone can practically produce a basic mix to an extend. However, I look at it like this, being a DJ means you are a performer! You need to entertain people and bring the energy to the crowd; you are their hype girl! Alongside this, you need a personal brand that expresses who you are. This can be very daunting, I know, but as you will see on my social media accounts, I express myself authentically and regularly. I no longer worry about the 'clean girl look', I just focus on myself and whatever is happening within present moments. You may be judged and loose followers but you will gain the right ones over time. This allows you to assist your personal brand through higher engagement for marketing which you must do for your events and venues to assist their attendance numbers and sales. If you do not already, I recommend following my socials to see how I regular market my DJing to assist you!

Step 4.4

Genuinely being a nice human

This goes without saying but I feel sometime needs to be reiterated. Within any industry there is competition but I have always felt if you are kind to each and every soul it will help you in the long run aside from making you feel fulfilled on the inside! When I got my first big gigs the first thing I did was ask the venue managers if I could mix with my friends that supported me throughout my DJ journey because I knew it was a sign of appreciation! From this venue and event managers saw my kindness and admired this which led to more gigs and further networking with others. Another aspect of DJing is music... it takes a long time to obtain and sort it out. However, if you and your friends mix different genres it may be beneficial to swap with each other and lend a helping hand which is what I have done with my close friends, as we support each other when and where possible.

A complete side note is even this, Journey with Jeska... I did not have to create a platform regarding health, fitness, wellbeing and DJing, but I felt like it may help and be appreciated by others that were possibly wanting some guidance and/or to begin their DJing journey!

A simple act of kindness goes along way... xo

P.S. A friendly reminder, ensure you are following my Instagram and Tik Tok pages to access and be aware of all my perks such as DJ related discount codes and links for events, festivals and venue deals such as VIP access, treatment and more as I work with many companies within this industry.

Loves x