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Getting your first gig as a minor

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  • September 6, 2011 at 4:31 am #6878
    Phil Morse
    Keymaster

    This is a really good question. I’d love to hear feedback from readers who’ve been in this situation as I’d like to write an article for the main blog on tactics to achieve this 🙂

    September 6, 2011 at 5:14 am #6879
    DJ Peixinho
    Member

    Talking about the entering as a minor in the ‘Pro-circuit’, is quite dificult. You either are a out of this world producer or you just amaze every soul who hears your set.
    However, if you talking about ‘amateur/newbies circuit’, is a different story. Normally, a friend of yours might host a house party or even a school party and get you a gig (mostly likely to not be paid). Though you can always go in a quest to each venue and say you are a dj looking for a spot/gig willing to give a try-out in the venue.
    Above all, be honest and look out for those bar owners or so which might take advantage of your age or might consider you either too young or too fresh for it. If this happens just leave it, other venues will certainly have open doors for you.

    September 6, 2011 at 7:42 am #6881
    NewportDJ Drew
    Participant

    Agree with DJ Peixinho. Do stuff for friends, do the school disco, underage parties, Keep on doing them, if you are good it will grow, make sure you you have parental/guardian support… someone has to drive ya around, and most likely finance your equipment!

    September 6, 2011 at 7:47 am #6882
    NewportDJ Drew
    Participant

    I agree with DJ Peixinho, do friends parties, the school disco, put out promo mixsets, organise an event yourself! (not as easy as it sounds), have a parent/guardian support you you will need someone to transport you and most likely finance your equipment! If you are good and seriously pursue it, it will grow.

    September 6, 2011 at 12:05 pm #6901
    DJ Digital dB
    Member

    Thanks so much guys it’s actually pretty much what I’m doing is picking up my friends parties right now and I’ll go see some bar owners

    September 6, 2011 at 12:51 pm #6907
    DJS
    Member

    Seems to me that it’s all about contacts. I start bedroom DJing about 15years ago and never made anything of it. By chance, my current girlfriend new a techno DJ who worked at the local petrol station and I introduced myself. Took him ages to get around to listen to my mixes and finally we arranged to my on his internet radio station. Theres now talk of gigs. Funny how it all comes about.

    September 6, 2011 at 4:41 pm #6930
    Emma Partnow
    Member

    DJ Digital dB, post: 6872 wrote: So I read the article on hiw to get your first gig but the only problem is I’m a minor but would still want to start making a name for myself in the DJ world. Does anyone have suggestions for me?

    First of all DB I don’t know what Country you live in ?

    Phil Morse, post: 6873 wrote: This is a really good question. I’d love to hear feedback from readers who’ve been in this situation as I’d like to write an article for the main blog on tactics to achieve this 🙂

    This was Easy for me Phil as the Laws in the UK allow Anyone Aged 14 to be on Licenced Premises as long as they are Accompanied by an Adult Over the Age Of 18;
    When I began DJ’ing in Clubs I was 15; there was Never A Problem; I Never Drank Alcohol; and the Club Owners Licence was Upheld By The UK Law; as can be seen in the Quotation below:

    The law

    In the UK it is only legal to buy and drink alcohol if you’re over 18. Selling alcohol is controlled by law in this country. Pubs, clubs, off licenses and other places that sell alcohol have to have a license.

    It isn’t illegal to drink alcohol in your home but doing it without an adult’s consent can leave you in a lot of trouble!

    Here’s a rundown of the UK’s alcohol laws:

    • It is illegal to let a young person under the age of 16 into a pub, bar or any other licensed premises, unless they are with someone over the age of 18.
    • It is illegal to drink alcohol in a pub, bar or any other licensed premises if you’re under 18-years-old.
    • You can’t buy alcohol, or get someone to buy it for you, until you’re 18-years-old.
    • 16-17-year-olds are allowed to drink alcohol in a pub, bar or any other licensed premises, but only when accompanied by an adult and during a meal. You can go into family areas of pubs from the age of five and once you’re 14 you can go anywhere in a pub, but you won’t be able to drink alcohol.
    • The police can take alcohol from people under the age of 18 who are drinking in public places. They can now stop anyone under 18 that they think might be carrying alcohol and take it off them. If you’re caught regularly the consequences could be much harsher.

    http://www.myheadsup.co.uk/drugs–sex-and-the-law/the-law/

    

    September 6, 2011 at 9:17 pm #6946
    DJ Digital dB
    Member

    I’m in Canada sorry I forgot to mention it :/

    September 7, 2011 at 1:20 am #6954
    jezalenko
    Member

    DJ Digital dB, post: 6872 wrote: So I read the article on hiw to get your first gig but the only problem is I’m a minor but would still want to start making a name for myself in the DJ world. Does anyone have suggestions for me?

    Easy. Put on/find/offer to DJ for as many underage event as your possibly can. You can forget about playing in bars/clubs until you’re 18, no manager will want you in there due to the huge fines they (and you) can get for being under-age in a venue.

    I started out in high school, and I DJed pretty much every party/social/dance etc that there was. I also think that it was great experience, as most people arent drunk at these type events, and as a result they can be extremely brutal in their criticism of you and your abilities. As a result, it was back to the studio in an attempt to wow them.

    I think that if you can get as many under-age gigs as you can, you’ll be a great DJ by the time you turn 18. So get out there, and get some gigs!

    September 7, 2011 at 1:21 am #6955
    jezalenko
    Member

    Oh, and be prepared to replace your equipment at some point, or buy Pioneer gear. Underage gigs are like riots to music….

    September 7, 2011 at 1:34 am #6959
    DJ Digital dB
    Member

    well i have a numark mixdeck for the moment wat do u mean by riots to music?

    September 7, 2011 at 6:41 am #6964
    jezalenko
    Member

    DJ Digital dB, post: 6954 wrote: wat do u mean by riots to music?

    Well most of my gigs were at the local community centre, put on by a youth group. Kids would go to the bushes out the back and get drunk/stoned/both/etc. Then they’d come in to the party (where I was playing) and mess stuff up. Basically there was no order whatsoever, so I had to look after myself in there. No bouncers at all.

    So just be prepared to have a few big friends handy if you’re doing this in a rough part of town…..

    September 7, 2011 at 10:58 am #6976
    DJ Digital dB
    Member

    Ok thanks for the advice I wouldnt have necessarily thought bout that kind of thing. Like I expertes people to arrive drunk and stoned but thought that there would still be some kind of security in these community centers

    September 7, 2011 at 3:30 pm #6987
    Emma Partnow
    Member

    DJ Digital dB, post: 6941 wrote: I’m in Canada sorry I forgot to mention it :/

    Hello DB 🙂
    I have given you some Information regarding Canadian Law in your Introductory Thread 😎
    And Personally I wouldn’t DJ in Any Premises where Security is Not Standard as My Equipment is Too Important to me;

    September 7, 2011 at 10:06 pm #7009
    NewportDJ Drew
    Participant

    And Personally I wouldn’t DJ in Any Premises where Security is Not Standard as My Equipment is Too Important to me;

    +1

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