This article is for all the aspiring music artist/ producers who are trying to get their music played by DJs. Here are the top things a music artist should know. Note that these suggestions I am giving are from a DJ’s perspective and not from a musician.
Choose Your Formats Wisely
The DJ format has changed. CDs are still great and useable, however, it’s has become a software based style of djing so make sure you have your song in MP3 format (at least 160 kbps). Also have a digital kit ready for the DJ on a USB thumb drive. Make sure to have a clean and dirty version of the song. Also include instrumental and acapella.
***NOTE: If you have a club track and want to get it played it is best to have a serato ready track both dirty and clean. What is a Serato Ready track? It is a track with a 16 bar intro (instrumental or a drum beat) before the vocals of the song (hook or verse) comes on. ***
Tag your Song Properly
Make sure your MP3 is tagged properly! No DJ wants to guess whose song it is! One of the easiest ways to tag your MP3 is go into iTunes and properly fill out the information like Artist Name, Song Name, etc. Also, include professional single cover. First impression and presentation is everything!
Don’t Get Mad
Do your research about the DJ and the venue that the DJ plays at. If the DJ only plays EDM, most likely he or she will not be playing any music that is not EDM, same with any other genres. Don’t get mad at the DJ. Don’t assume just because you think you created a hit club song that the DJ must play it! In any type of business you must create relationships. Scratch their backs and they will eventually scratch yours. Whether it means help promoting them, their events, or remixes.
Just Because You Built It Does Not Mean They Will Come or Listen
Don’t talk so much about yourself and how great you and your music is because 9/10 we know you are bullshitting with us and have no clout! Also, don’t name drop about whom you know or who you work with. As a DJ I have been known to call someone’s bluff. Instead have one of your attractive females come to the DJ and introduce your music to them. Again, 9/10 if she’s an attractive female the DJ will probably listen and even play your music. However, remember a pushy and down your throat approach never works!
Network!
Be genuine and get to know them as a person. If they drink, offer to buy them a drink. Don’t automatically go in for the kill and hand them a CD or a memory stick and ask them to play your music. Rude! Instead, exchange numbers (business cards are cool and show that you are professional) however; if you leave without their number, mostly likely they will not contact you unless you made a big impression on them. You can also grab their email address.
Be Thankful
Compliment and thank the DJ if they take time out of their work schedule to talk to you, (keep in mind when they DJ they are at work). How would you feel if someone came to your work place and tried to sell you something that had nothing to do with you or the company you work for. Be grateful that they took the time out to either listen to your sales pitch or music. We are suckers to those who praise us and to those who fuel our egos!
Conclusion
Hopefully, this will give you a little insight of what to do and what not to do when approaching a DJ about your new hit club track! It may not get you plays, but these suggestions will definitely help you get closer to that goal. The music industry is a tough industry and if you can’t stand the word “NO” then my suggestion would be quit awhile you are ahead.
Article written by DJ Chynaman
