How to Network as a DJ

Being easygoing, friendly, and personable will get you far in the music industry game.

While it’s true that DJs need a variety of impressive technical and creative skills to succeed, what many people outside the music industry might not realize is how important social skills are for people working in this dynamic profession.

Music industry professionals constantly work alongside other artists, DJs, event organisers, audience members, and all sorts of people both on and off the stage. DJs need strong interpersonal, communicative, and networking skills to cultivate meaningful relationships with others in the industry and find opportunities to grow their careers sustainably.

So, how can emerging music professionals develop these important skills? There are quite a few ways—and we’re going to guide you through each.

Work on your Self-Confidence

Almost all great networking interactions result from conveyed confidence. When you bring a self-assured attitude to conversations, you put others at ease and demonstrate a higher level of professionalism and experience.

To build connections as a DJ, confidence is even more crucial. A healthy level of self-confidence can give potential clients a better sense of who you are and bring you to the top of their minds the next time new opportunities for DJ gigs arise.

Have your Contact Details Readily Available

Make it easy for people to take your details when they’re interested in what you offer. Whether you’re attending industry events as a DJ or as an audience member (both of which are important—more on that later!), keep your contact details handy in the form of a website link, social media handle, or a simple but stylish business card.

In a pinch, a mobile phone number will also do, but being able to offer something more tangible or comprehensive will help clients remember you for potential gig opportunities.

Attend Networking Events

In the music industry and most creative professional industries, being present for collaborations, social events, and professional gatherings is just as crucial for your career as producing great work.

When you attend industry events, you are saying, “I’m serious about this community. I care about participating in the industry, and I’m willing to put in the effort to show up and connect with other DJs.”

This effective networking strategy has both practical and social benefits. By attending networking events, you can stay firmly in the loop on the latest trends, meet people relevant to your circles, and make (and nurture) professional relationships in the DJ world.

Seek Out Meaningful Connections and Genuine Relationships

Networking without showing genuine interest in the people you meet isn’t likely to get you very far in the music industry. In such a socially-driven environment, clients and other DJs want to work with people they actually get along with—not just random people who only seem interested in clout or career-climbing.

By seeking out and building relationships with influential people, you can establish yourself as a sincere individual with a true passion for your craft. At the same time, you’ll build relationships that are potentially useful and maybe even make some friends along the way. It’s a win-win-win situation!

Create an Electronic Press Kit (EPK)

An electronic press kit (EPK) is a crucial tool when networking opportunities strike. EPKs are essentially digital resumes that include all the information a potential client or collaborator might want to know about you should gig opportunities arise.

While still being smart and concise, EPKs should offer a comprehensive breakdown of your DJ skills, style, experience, and brand identity so that people can understand what you offer at a glance.

• Bio: A short but sweet description of who you are, what your DJ background is, and which genres of music you are most passionate about playing.
• Contact information and social media links: Your phone number, email address, and any active links to your social media platforms.
• HD photos: All good press kits need them. Make sure yours are high resolution, suit your DJ brand identity, and tie in aesthetically with the rest of your EPK.
• Industry testimonials: Personal references are very valuable in the DJ world. If previous clients or collaborators have said positive things about their experiences with you, ask their permission to share them (if concise enough) in your press kit.
• Professional experience: List from most to least recent all of the gigs you’ve played at events, music festivals, parties, or celebrations over the years. Include any live performances in which you were a collaborator and any industry conferences you’ve attended.
• Technical rider: A technical rider is a list of your technical equipment requirements. Potential clients want to know what kind of set-up you’ll need if you play for them, so list everything you might need in terms of connectivity to turntables, DJ controllers, laptops, mixers, and any other details you might need to perform your set smoothly.

While creating your EPK is a time consuming process, having this kind of professional profile at the ready will help you feel more prepared when you network with other artists and DJs. At the same time, it will ensure that you never miss out on opportunities to secure more gigs due to lack of info.

Collaborate with DJs and Other Industry Professionals

Not sure how to get in with the greater DJ crowd? Play with them! As much as you can. Of course, it’s great to be able to do your own thing and play music that works for you specifically, but that kind of industry isolation won’t get you very far in terms of social networking.

Collaborating with other musicians and DJs on gigs makes you more adaptable and helps advance your DJ career by exposing you to a wider audience, range of environments, and opportunities. If you can’t collaborate, exchanging business cards is a good start, and it may well lead to future collaborations with a fellow DJ or artist.

Spend Time with Music Industry Professionals

Another great way to expand your network is to spend quality time in the same space with the people you already know in the music industry and build relationships with them.

The more time you spend with like-minded individuals who are as passionate about music as you are, the easier it will be to pick up important networking tips and skills along the way. Try to spend as much time hanging out with other music industry professionals in relaxed, friendly contexts as you do professional ones so that you cultivate genuine connections and strong relationships on multiple levels.

Absorb and Share Knowledge with Other DJs

Keeping up to date with your potential fan base, the latest mixes, industry news, trends, and technologies is a great way to elevate your existing relationships with potential collaborators and other industry professionals. Doing your own research, taking DJ courses, and spending time expanding your knowledge base is important and worthwhile.

By cultivating a healthy appetite for knowledge about the music industry, you’ll form valuable insights and opinions that you can share during events and discussions. You can also share your own experiences to gain clarity on events and how to improve, allowing you and those listening to mutually benefit.

The more informed you are about relevant content, the easier it will be to connect with other music professionals and pass along that knowledge.

Aim to Leave a Lasting Impression

Networking skills are crucial for being memorable and making a good impression on the people you meet. When meeting important industry influencers and professionals, remember to be yourself and showcase your unique flair and skills. Do the same when playing for new audiences or attending events.

This will set you apart from other DJs and demonstrate that you understand what value you contribute to the music industry. It will also make people more inclined to recommend you by word of mouth, which is one of the most powerful forms of marketing.

Dress the Part

For the practical dressers out there, these may not be the kind of networking tips you want to hear. But in the DJ industry (and most creative spheres across the board), visual aesthetics can play a huge role in how other people perceive and engage with you as a professional.

It’s not necessarily about donning big brands or embracing high fashion; it’s more about curating your brand identity in a clean, unique, and tasteful way. After all, DJing is a performance art, and building meaningful connections often happens when people pay more attention to you.

By following fashion trends you like and ensuring you are always presented well-put-together, you can make a lasting impression on potential collaborators and your target audience.

Participate in Music Industry Community and Culture

At the heart of all these networking tips is cultural, industry, and community participation. A big part of networking in the DJ world relates to simply being present and actively playing a role in the scene that surrounds you. Show up to every networking event that you can reach, follow industry news, go to club nights, connect with your fellow DJs, and engage with online platforms and social media groups that support the scene.

It’s a competitive world, but the DJ industry becomes a lot easier to navigate when you have the support of strong connections and industry relationships to fall back on. Invest in your role as a community member, and new contacts and networking opportunities are much more likely to flow your way!

Network your Way to Success

Networking is an important aspect of every industry, especially one as socially driven as DJing. By utilizing these networking tips, you can learn how to open doors for yourself by walking the walk, talking the talk, and showcasing your professionalism and passion to the greater music industry.