DJING FOR FREE
– Being a DJ is an incredible profession. Not only do you have the opportunity to play your favorite music for others, but watching them dance, smile, and have fun is a significant reward in itself. The added allure of being known as “Mr DJ” is incredibly glamorous, and earning money for something you love is merely a bonus. In fact, you may even consider playing for free just to experience the thrill of being behind the decks again. After all, it only helps your reputation, right?
Don’t do it.
Although it’s true that many of us pursue DJing because of our passion for music and dancing, it’s important to acknowledge that DJing is a legitimate job and should be compensated accordingly. With that said, here are four compelling reasons why I firmly believe that DJing for free should never happen.
- Free work is not appreciated – Some renowned marketing experts often advocate the mantra “Do nothing for free.” Now, this doesn’t imply that you should become a selfish individual and demand compensation for every little thing you do for others. However, in the professional world, charging for your services is crucial. Working for free tends to be undervalued and disrespected, and you may be more susceptible to being taken advantage of. Dan stresses that customers who obtain free access to his events often turn out to be the most challenging to deal with.
- DJing for free hurts your self image & brand – Whenever you agree to DJ for free, you unintentionally convey to yourself that your skills and services are not valuable enough to warrant compensation. This can harm your self-confidence, which, in turn, can negatively impact your performance as a DJ. It’s important not to view yourself as an amateur, both to yourself and others. By charging for your services, you send a message that you believe in the worth and quality of your work.
- Djing for free is not sustainable – To remain at the forefront of your DJ career, it’s crucial to invest in purchasing music and maintaining your equipment. All of these expenses require money, and if you’re not earning any income from DJing, you’ll have to rely on other sources such as your day job to fund your passion. While it’s perfectly fine to view DJing as a hobby on the side, you can’t expect to achieve exceptional results with this kind of approach.
- Djing for free hurts other DJs – Performing for free can inadvertently decrease the perceived value of DJing and place undue pressure on other DJs who are charging for their services. If no one is earning money from DJing, where will the quality music and showmanship come from? This underscores the importance of recognizing the value of DJing as a profession and compensating DJs accordingly.
Beware the Pay to Play
You may believe that performing for free is the worst-case scenario, but the reality is that some opportunities may require you to pay for the chance to showcase your skills in the DJ booth. Paying to play can manifest in various forms, such as paying actual cash or covering your own travel and accommodation costs for an out-of-town gig where you’ll perform for free. Mixmag has a comprehensive article on the drawbacks of pay to play, but the fundamental principle remains the same: it’s best to avoid such opportunities altogether.
In summary, DJing for free should be avoided in most situations, with the exception of performing at a family event. Otherwise, playing for free can be detrimental to your career as well as other DJs, and should not be considered a viable option. It’s important to recognize the value of your skills and services as a DJ and to seek tangible compensation for your work. By avoiding the temptation to play for free, you can help maintain the integrity and professionalism of the DJing industry.
Would you be DJing for free? Have you ever been offered to pay to play? Share your stories in the comment section below!
