November 1. 2024

A DJ Must Always Promote Them Self and Their Sound

Explore Old School Marketing Opportunities Like Business Cards and Fliers

» by Danni Miller

Do you feel that? That subtle mix of anticipation and excitement warming up in your chest when you think about sharing your sound. It's like that moment just before the beat drops, and everyone else's life feels like a little happier place. You, my fellow spinners-of-tunes and feelers of grooves, know that the journey of a DJ isn't just about crafting impeccable sets under dimly lit club lights or layering sounds like a master chef. It’s about reaching out, grabbing that golden opportunity, and making sure yours is the sound they hear miles before they even make it to the dancefloor!

Here's the deal. You know what they say about the entertainment industry, it's the most cut-throat and competitive in the world, the world of DJing is no different, where the competition heats up like a disco ball set aflame, marketing is more than just an accessory—it's your only means of survival as a DJ. Wrap it around you. Embolden yourself. Sure, you’ve got mad skills on the turntables, the knack for mixing tunes that'll make strangers pals within a beat drop. But let's face the bass notes: Even the most mediocre DJ can go farther just because they're the whiz kids of self-promotion.

I've been there. Watching the quiet kinds of nights where—while others dazzled around—I pondered: how does one package the essence of a sound? The answer sometimes is so simple it's surprising—a piece of paper. But not just any. Business cards. These tiny pieces of cardstock—which by the way, are outrageously handy—are often overlooked in a digital age which truly is a pity. Yeah, it sounds old school, but let me tell you: there's something distinctly charming, human, and authentically memorable in handing someone a card your proud of, one that says, "I exist here. And my sound belongs in your scene."

Now, I hear you asking, "Aren't we living in the age of digital? Isn't social media king now?" Granted. Digital is our ticket to immortality in the music sphere. Platforms like Instagram and SoundCloud are our loudspeakers to the world, broadcasting tunes with the hashtag hustle. But never underestimate a face-to-face moment that leaves an impression—whether it's with a clenched hand or a shared smile over the frantic notes of vinyl spinning. Business cards make a comma in the spinning world of DMs and email promotions.

There you are, you’re in a packed venue, sound hustling hearts as always, you’ve got someone grooving at the side—you catch each other's sly eye. You know, the person you've been wanting to network with, to introduce your musical magic to. Amongst the crowd and chaos and the pure energy of the dance floor, you whip out your business card. It's, might I say, exquisite; both sleek and flashy in that particular way that matches the echo of your sound and brand. Think about it. That sliver of card does a deep dive into personalities—the lettering tells them who you are, the design resonates with your audio vibe. Elegance, wrapped around an unforgettable night.

And don't stop there! Let fliers breathe new life into walls and spaces—physical and digital. It's about knowing where potential fans live, both in reality and once they log into vast networks. A strategic flier catches the wandering eyes, sparks curiosity, lures listeners to next gigs, especially when sprinkled through cafes, record stores... places holding souls searching for a fresh beat to add to life’s soundtrack.

So sure, embrace the digital cavalcade. Own your brand on online platforms where communities are hooked on finding new sounds that nail those shared days perfectly midnight blue. But savor moments when ink meets card stock, because tangible sometimes crests ahead, turning casual encounters into sealed covenants. That, and well, the sweetest nodes really hum differently offline. After all, the DJ mixtape isn’t just about mixing records—it’s about mixing connections, soul to soul, chord to chord. Have fun out there. Let’s keep this vinyl spinning.