DJ

Many people have the idea that a live DJ is just turning a few knobs and mostly holding their hands in the air. But is that really true? And if not, what does a DJ actually do on stage during a show? And why not just pre-programme a DJ set? Guest blogger Amar Amlani (DiceDJ) explains!

Is it time to bring in an image consultant? Or do you not need one as a musician? One thing is certain: a meal in a restaurant can taste amazing, but if the presentation isn’t appealing, it feels less appetising. The same goes for musicians and bands. Image and identity matter. It’s an extra form of expression, adds a new dimension to your band and your music, and above all, it makes you recognisable.

Managers: are they even still a thing in the music industry? And what exactly is their role? But just as important: what is the artist’s role? A lot of artists and bands don’t know when the right time is to start working with a manager. Usually, they still need to practise much harder and gig more often before it makes sense to bring in management. On top of that, musicians often jump in far too quickly when they’re approached. Manager and lecturer Martijn Crama shares his advice!

You’ve been DJing at home every evening for a year on the DJ controller you bought from Bax Music. And then, suddenly, the question comes up: “Will you DJ at our party?” Even more exciting: they expect you to provide the sound and lighting yourself. Uh-oh… what kind of setup do you need, and how do you prepare? Luckily, you don’t have to reinvent the wheel. Bax Music points you in the right direction with 7 golden rules for the beginner mobile DJ.

The term ‘DJ/producer’ is an increasingly common sight within the DJ world. In fact, it’s become such a standard that even some beginner-DJs have been tempted to add ‘producer’ to their list of skills. It’s getting to the point where people might naturally start confusing one for the other. Are they the same thing? In this blog we explain why these two skills are very different and where they might overlap.

Wouldn’t it be great if you could generate a predictable monthly income with your music? With a subscription-based business model where fans support you in exchange for special perks, you could do just that. Guest-blogger and musician Mirjam Sieben is here to tell you how it works.

House music has been around for almost half a century now. Originating from the east coast of the United States, it’s a style with an interesting backstory, so let’s dive into how it came to exist, how it has developed over time, who pioneered it and what kind of crowd feels drawn to it.

Struggling to reach potential fans or need a new way to guarantee income because you can’t play gigs for a while? Whether you’re a musician, DJ or producer, you can use what’s known as a marketing funnel to gain fans and make more money. Guest-blogger and musician Mirjam Sieben from Onlightning is here to explain the 5-step process.

Your first DJ gig can be nerve-racking. Not sure what you need or what it involves? Then read on for first-gig tips and some gear advice. While we can’t take your nerves away, we can tell you how to deliver a successful set!

Struggling to expand your fanbase and have no idea what you need to be posting on Facebook and Instagram? Of course, you want more likes, more exposure and more gigs. You want your music to be pulling more attention, and you know that, to get that attention, you need to be more visible. But how?! The answer is ‘positioning’. Here, guest-blogger and musician Mirjam Sieben reveals the tips she used to help out the band Stompin’ Grounds.

Turn your fans into walking billboards for your work by selling some good merchandise online and at your gigs. It’s all part of growing your brand awareness, so at the very least, you should have some T-shirts printed with your band logo. In fact, you can slap your logo on anything you want: badges, caps, sweatbands, beermats, iPhone cases – you name it.

Whether you’re a casual or a professional DJ, you no doubt know that the DJ-world can be harsh and unforgiving, especially since popularity has seemingly been taking precedence over performance and skill. If you’ve been wondering how to improve and promote yourself in order to get booked more often, then the tips and advice offered up by guest-blogger-and-DJ Brian van Bogaert aka DJ BRIVE might be useful. Read on and learn how to claim a bigger piece of the spotlight and market yourself.