Part 2 of 2
BE YOU. For months, I worried about my breaks being too long. If you believe in your music, don’t worry about technical details. Your passion will see you through. I did some songs that killed the groove that I established, but I viewed it as a respite and building energy that would pay off in 2-3 songs. Don’t worry if people aren’t dancing, they will get there. If there is alcohol involved, eventually you can sample spoken words from a phonebook to a 4/4 beat and people will dance to it.
If you are opening: take a sec and meet your following act. Be friendly, you will probably be working with him/her/them in the future. I stepped away from the decks and walked over to where he was, said hey, told him how many songs I was gonna play before I anticipated my set ending, and told him I was gonna end on a something with a long deep break and was gonna come down to 128bpm and just give me a nod when he was ready to mix in. He had been around the block, and was rocking the old CDJ’s and such, so I’m pretty sure he didn’t need the details, but being friendly and building rapport are always good things.
After your set:
Stick around for a bit, and get to know some people. I talked to the bar staff, and the promoters. Everyone thought I killed it, and wanted me to stay. I got some free booze. Danced a little, as awkward as I am. Finally I talked to the Manager, and told him how much I loved the crowd, and love the vibe of the place, and told him I wanted to come back. He is gonna work out a night for me to be in their rotation, and possibly have me just do a full set, without an opener because he loved the range of my music. I didn’t get paid for the gig, nor was I expecting to or even wanting to. I did it, because I love music and want to prove to myself and to others that what I loved was worth listening to, and once I get my foot in that door, the opportunities will be open for me.
TL;DR:
3 years of just learning to love music. 1 1/2 years of just practicing on a kit. A whole year of seeking out gigs, and learning to live with setbacks, challenges, personal apathy, and finally, finding my motivation.
– Thanks Phil
– Love your music. Believe in your music. Believe in yourself.
– Persevere. Don’t give up.
– Do your homework. Keep practicing.
– Actively look for opportunities.
– Put in some legwork, build bridges, share your passion.
– Follow up.
– Prepare.
– Do your set. Be you. Have Fun.
– Be thankful, gracious. Kill any ego you might have. Laugh off mistakes, and let the music win them over.
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