The Next Step: Handing Out Mixtapes

Terry_42, post: 28299, member: 1843 wrote: Make mix tapes different. But them on a cool looking USB stick (they are as cheap as CDs in small sizes) or make a catchy CD cover.
Be the opposite to the scene: Be humble, be kind and nice. By helpful and listen to the club owners/managers what they expect and work with them. You will outdo 90% of the other dudes by that alone.

Are there companies where you can buy that? I do know of companies where you can buy USB sticks with for expample custom text on it that you can hand out as promotion, but can you order them to put the mixtape or whatever on it?
And are there companies where you can get CD’s with a picture on it and a cover, but for a reasonable price, for a batch of around 100 CD’s?

Printed CD’s can look great but I suggest getting a CD printer instead of putting sticky labels on them. I always carry a pocket full of business cards where ever I go and I’ll find out who the manager is, introduce myself, find out who does the bookings and leave my card. You’ll find some of the bars don’t actually book their DJ’s, it will be done by the main managing office via a DJ agency. So, privatley own bars are you best bet but there are so few these days and the ones you find will probably change hands every so often.
Another good way of getting yourself noticed would be to put on your promotion night, it’ll put you right where you want to be, playing the music you want to play with the possiblity of making a profit.
If you have a community radio station find out if they have any spare slots. I know my local station has slots but due to my job I’m unable to get on during the week and having free weekends is hit and miss as my mobile DJ work takes up my time.
Another thing you have to ask yourself is what comes first, you passion for the music you love or making a living. Sometimes the two walk hand in hand but sometimes you have to take a detour to get where you want to be. You may want to consider other musical genres that will give you that gateway in the booths.