Can anyone give advice on writing a letter/message asking for DJing spot/residency?

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Can anyone give advice on writing a letter/message asking for DJing spot/residency?
Posted on: 30.07.2013 by Pablo Siske
Hey guy, how's everyone?

If you haven't guessed already, the title basically says it all.
A new club is in the build at the moment in my local town, well it's being rebuilt, taking the position of a previous club which closed down towards the start of the year. The new club is promoting itself (or so to speak) on Facebook and as there is no e-mail or contact details the only means of contact is via Message on their page.

The basic question I'm asking is what is the best say of asking/writing to the club? What points should I be saying or asking? What should I be stating about myself? Is it worth me asking about the club, seeing what kind of audience they are targeting or similar questions? Ask when the club is planning on opening? What order would be basic order of these points should I be putting these in?

A little about myself for those who don't know. I've been DJing 8 years since I was 14 and been playing small gigs in clubs in my town for 3 years. My main style of music is more Tech/Funk/Progressive House but can play a wide range of House music. (Urban style house is more popular in the local area) I have experience playing on a wide range gear from Vinyl, CD and Digital. I've also have my regular twice monthly DJ mix which I post on SoundCloud. I've also worked in a evening club bar a year or so ago so I know the basics of running of a club. I part work in a hotel bar as my current job. Studied Music Technology and Music Production for 3 years at college aswell.

I'm not shy, know how to present myself, just mainly ever spoken face-to-face with club owners and DJs about gig, never wrote a letter/message before, so any advice would be great, helpful and much appreciated.


Cheers guys,
Kelsey B
Pablo Siske
31.07.2013
Originally Posted by Kwal
Worse things can happen than being told no. It's a way of life.
True fact!


And thanks for everyone's advice, much help!
Hellen Mindrup
31.07.2013
Originally Posted by 031999
Also people need to remember whether your a dj or whatever you do in life. You are going to hear ALOT of no's before you start hearing yes's. Persistence is key!
Worse things can happen than being told no. It's a way of life.
Lannie Kutay
31.07.2013
Originally Posted by Kwal
That's awesome dude, this has been an issue for me since I'm still trying to build my name. I'm just thirsty for more in a sense.... But the way you describe it in is the exact route I'm trying to take, no bullshit, nothing silly, and purely professional. All of that "act like a pro" stuff is natural to me mainly because of my real life job, I just need people to start noticing it
Also people need to remember whether your a dj or whatever you do in life. You are going to hear ALOT of no's before you start hearing yes's. Persistence is key!
Hellen Mindrup
31.07.2013
Originally Posted by 031999
lol I'm glad man. I am definitely willing to share knowledge with anyone who will listen. I have tried to share good lessons with some younger dj's im my city but they really weren't interested. The quickest route to spraying champagne on an audience is really all they were looking for.

But in my opinion being a good dj, is about other things like
- being professional
- being respected in the community
- being reliable
- being a good businessman.

With a little charisma and some practice you can get any gig you want. When a club owner calls me to play, he knows I'm gonna show up on time, play good music, not get wasted drunk and that i'm gonna be friendly to the patrons.

I have more stuff to share (as I am making a lifelong sutdy of "Social Engeneering" or how to influence people (for good).

All in good time
That's awesome dude, this has been an issue for me since I'm still trying to build my name. I'm just thirsty for more in a sense.... But the way you describe it in is the exact route I'm trying to take, no bullshit, nothing silly, and purely professional. All of that "act like a pro" stuff is natural to me mainly because of my real life job, I just need people to start noticing it
Lannie Kutay
01.08.2013
Originally Posted by Kwal
I am enjoying this lesson to be honest.
lol I'm glad man. I am definitely willing to share knowledge with anyone who will listen. I have tried to share good lessons with some younger dj's im my city but they really weren't interested. The quickest route to spraying champagne on an audience is really all they were looking for.

But in my opinion being a good dj, is about other things like
- being professional
- being respected in the community
- being reliable
- being a good businessman.

With a little charisma and some practice you can get any gig you want. When a club owner calls me to play, he knows I'm gonna show up on time, play good music, not get wasted drunk and that i'm gonna be friendly to the patrons.

I have more stuff to share (as I am making a lifelong sutdy of "Social Engeneering" or how to influence people (for good).

All in good time
Masako Barcalow
30.07.2013
Originally Posted by Kwal
Not bad at all.
This. At its finest.
Hellen Mindrup
31.07.2013
Originally Posted by 031999
yeah man, ya gotta be seen!! go there give em a mix cd. dont worry they will definitely lose the first one. So go back about a week later. check on the progress, give em another one.

The most important thing is.... GET PEOPLES NAMES!!!!

Example.... You go the first time, and talk to a girl named Jane. She is not the one who makes the decisions, but that doesn't matter. She says you really need to talk to Mike (manager) but he's not there at the moment. No problem, make some small talk, leave her with a mix cd and a card to give to Mike. Tell her you'll stop back by.

2 days later stop back by. Mike is not there, and neither is Jane, but a bar manager named Linda is. You tell her your a "friend" of Jane's and she told you to stop by and speak to Mike, but since he is not there you ask her when he will be by. Make at least 10 mins of small talk. Ask her stuff like how she got the job at this club, if she used to work at any other clubs (chances are she will say yes, *find out which ones)

Now on the third visit hopefully you get to speak to Mike. Tell him your a friend of Jane and Linda and they told you to stop by and talk to him about dj'ing there. (DON'T WORRY he is not going to cross check this. He has no reason to doubt you.) Give him another mix cd. Tell him you might stop by again to see how the renovations are going and to see if he liked the mix.

When you stop by again chances are pretty good you will see Jane or Linda, shout out a "Hey" and "Wow this place is really coming together"! It shows Mike that you already have a good rep with some of the employees (even if it just looks like that on the surface).

Let Mike know that the place is lookin pretty cool, and you believe its gonna be pretty popular.

If he is in any way still uncertain about hiring you at this point. Tell him "hey listen, I understand, Let me do you a favor and play my first evening for free... so you can kinda try me out, if you like me and everyone has fun, than keep me, if not.... well no harm done."

Your golden!

This is how I have got residencies for years, its all about knowing how to work people.


.......on a small side note.

If you play the first evening , and the owner is not feeling it. Than go to those other clubs that that bar manager "Linda" said she used to work at. Let em know that you just dj'ed a evening at "so and so" club and that Linda recommended that you come check out this place too to see if they needed a fresh dj. (DON'T WORRY they're not going to cross check that either) But now you have your foot in the door.


OK please understand this is just a hypothetical story, but if you understand the "principles" of what I'm talking about and you have the balls to give it a go. Than you can use it to your advantage. This is called "Social Engineering" and it works. Trust me
Not bad at all.
Pablo Siske
30.07.2013
Originally Posted by nudedudewithattitude
Honestly, I'd just show up in person and see if there's someone you can speak to. My 2 cents.
Fair enough, sounds like a plan. I've lucky got the whole week off work so will do that.
Cheers for that

[edit: believeing about this might be a challenge as it's a construction site at the moment.]
Pablo Siske
30.07.2013		Hey guy, how's everyone?

If you haven't guessed already, the title basically says it all.
A new club is in the build at the moment in my local town, well it's being rebuilt, taking the position of a previous club which closed down towards the start of the year. The new club is promoting itself (or so to speak) on Facebook and as there is no e-mail or contact details the only means of contact is via Message on their page.

The basic question I'm asking is what is the best say of asking/writing to the club? What points should I be saying or asking? What should I be stating about myself? Is it worth me asking about the club, seeing what kind of audience they are targeting or similar questions? Ask when the club is planning on opening? What order would be basic order of these points should I be putting these in?

A little about myself for those who don't know. I've been DJing 8 years since I was 14 and been playing small gigs in clubs in my town for 3 years. My main style of music is more Tech/Funk/Progressive House but can play a wide range of House music. (Urban style house is more popular in the local area) I have experience playing on a wide range gear from Vinyl, CD and Digital. I've also have my regular twice monthly DJ mix which I post on SoundCloud. I've also worked in a evening club bar a year or so ago so I know the basics of running of a club. I part work in a hotel bar as my current job. Studied Music Technology and Music Production for 3 years at college aswell.

I'm not shy, know how to present myself, just mainly ever spoken face-to-face with club owners and DJs about gig, never wrote a letter/message before, so any advice would be great, helpful and much appreciated.


Cheers guys,
Kelsey B
Hellen Mindrup
31.07.2013		Good luck
Pablo Siske
31.07.2013
Originally Posted by Kwal
Worse things can happen than being told no. It's a way of life.
True fact!


And thanks for everyone's advice, much help!
Hellen Mindrup
31.07.2013
Originally Posted by 031999
Also people need to remember whether your a dj or whatever you do in life. You are going to hear ALOT of no's before you start hearing yes's. Persistence is key!
Worse things can happen than being told no. It's a way of life.
Lannie Kutay
31.07.2013
Originally Posted by Kwal
That's awesome dude, this has been an issue for me since I'm still trying to build my name. I'm just thirsty for more in a sense.... But the way you describe it in is the exact route I'm trying to take, no bullshit, nothing silly, and purely professional. All of that "act like a pro" stuff is natural to me mainly because of my real life job, I just need people to start noticing it
Also people need to remember whether your a dj or whatever you do in life. You are going to hear ALOT of no's before you start hearing yes's. Persistence is key!
Hellen Mindrup
31.07.2013
Originally Posted by 031999
lol I'm glad man. I am definitely willing to share knowledge with anyone who will listen. I have tried to share good lessons with some younger dj's im my city but they really weren't interested. The quickest route to spraying champagne on an audience is really all they were looking for.

But in my opinion being a good dj, is about other things like
- being professional
- being respected in the community
- being reliable
- being a good businessman.

With a little charisma and some practice you can get any gig you want. When a club owner calls me to play, he knows I'm gonna show up on time, play good music, not get wasted drunk and that i'm gonna be friendly to the patrons.

I have more stuff to share (as I am making a lifelong sutdy of "Social Engeneering" or how to influence people (for good).

All in good time
That's awesome dude, this has been an issue for me since I'm still trying to build my name. I'm just thirsty for more in a sense.... But the way you describe it in is the exact route I'm trying to take, no bullshit, nothing silly, and purely professional. All of that "act like a pro" stuff is natural to me mainly because of my real life job, I just need people to start noticing it
Lannie Kutay
01.08.2013
Originally Posted by Kwal
I am enjoying this lesson to be honest.
lol I'm glad man. I am definitely willing to share knowledge with anyone who will listen. I have tried to share good lessons with some younger dj's im my city but they really weren't interested. The quickest route to spraying champagne on an audience is really all they were looking for.

But in my opinion being a good dj, is about other things like
- being professional
- being respected in the community
- being reliable
- being a good businessman.

With a little charisma and some practice you can get any gig you want. When a club owner calls me to play, he knows I'm gonna show up on time, play good music, not get wasted drunk and that i'm gonna be friendly to the patrons.

I have more stuff to share (as I am making a lifelong sutdy of "Social Engeneering" or how to influence people (for good).

All in good time
Hellen Mindrup
01.08.2013		I am enjoying this lesson to be honest.
Lannie Kutay
31.07.2013		Yes leave a mix cd the first time you go. It would be a good idea to get some cards man. Definitely don't bring any promotional material from other clubs or events. Unless asked for proof of gigs you have played. If the owner or promoter see some festival or club that took even 10 bucks of business away from him one time, subconsciously he will be turned off. Best to let your skills speak for themselves. If you have over like 200 Facebook friends, that live in your area, that's good. Tell the owner you could definitely bring a small crowd. Even if you can realisticly only bring 10 people tell him you can bring 30. Because if 30 people spend 25 bucks on drinks (not unrealistic) that's $750. Greed will get the better of him lol. It's ok to over market yourself just a little, But DON'T go overboard with it.
Pablo Siske
31.07.2013		That's one heck of post 031999

Don't believe anyone could of asked for any better advice. I'm going into town tomorrow, so I'll stop by for sure.
Is it worth me taking any CDs or what have you. I've got a few flyers of previous gig which have my name on them. As for business cards. I really don't have anything to hand.
Anything written by hand would look so unprofessional (personal opinion).

Cheers!
Masako Barcalow
30.07.2013
Originally Posted by Kwal
Not bad at all.
This. At its finest.
Hellen Mindrup
31.07.2013
Originally Posted by 031999
yeah man, ya gotta be seen!! go there give em a mix cd. dont worry they will definitely lose the first one. So go back about a week later. check on the progress, give em another one.

The most important thing is.... GET PEOPLES NAMES!!!!

Example.... You go the first time, and talk to a girl named Jane. She is not the one who makes the decisions, but that doesn't matter. She says you really need to talk to Mike (manager) but he's not there at the moment. No problem, make some small talk, leave her with a mix cd and a card to give to Mike. Tell her you'll stop back by.

2 days later stop back by. Mike is not there, and neither is Jane, but a bar manager named Linda is. You tell her your a "friend" of Jane's and she told you to stop by and speak to Mike, but since he is not there you ask her when he will be by. Make at least 10 mins of small talk. Ask her stuff like how she got the job at this club, if she used to work at any other clubs (chances are she will say yes, *find out which ones)

Now on the third visit hopefully you get to speak to Mike. Tell him your a friend of Jane and Linda and they told you to stop by and talk to him about dj'ing there. (DON'T WORRY he is not going to cross check this. He has no reason to doubt you.) Give him another mix cd. Tell him you might stop by again to see how the renovations are going and to see if he liked the mix.

When you stop by again chances are pretty good you will see Jane or Linda, shout out a "Hey" and "Wow this place is really coming together"! It shows Mike that you already have a good rep with some of the employees (even if it just looks like that on the surface).

Let Mike know that the place is lookin pretty cool, and you believe its gonna be pretty popular.

If he is in any way still uncertain about hiring you at this point. Tell him "hey listen, I understand, Let me do you a favor and play my first evening for free... so you can kinda try me out, if you like me and everyone has fun, than keep me, if not.... well no harm done."

Your golden!

This is how I have got residencies for years, its all about knowing how to work people.


.......on a small side note.

If you play the first evening , and the owner is not feeling it. Than go to those other clubs that that bar manager "Linda" said she used to work at. Let em know that you just dj'ed a evening at "so and so" club and that Linda recommended that you come check out this place too to see if they needed a fresh dj. (DON'T WORRY they're not going to cross check that either) But now you have your foot in the door.


OK please understand this is just a hypothetical story, but if you understand the "principles" of what I'm talking about and you have the balls to give it a go. Than you can use it to your advantage. This is called "Social Engineering" and it works. Trust me
Not bad at all.
Lannie Kutay
30.07.2013		yeah man, ya gotta be seen!! go there give em a mix cd. dont worry they will definitely lose the first one. So go back about a week later. check on the progress, give em another one.

The most important thing is.... GET PEOPLES NAMES!!!!

Example.... You go the first time, and talk to a girl named Jane. She is not the one who makes the decisions, but that doesn't matter. She says you really need to talk to Mike (manager) but he's not there at the moment. No problem, make some small talk, leave her with a mix cd and a card to give to Mike. Tell her you'll stop back by.

2 days later stop back by. Mike is not there, and neither is Jane, but a bar manager named Linda is. You tell her your a "friend" of Jane's and she told you to stop by and speak to Mike, but since he is not there you ask her when he will be by. Make at least 10 mins of small talk. Ask her stuff like how she got the job at this club, if she used to work at any other clubs (chances are she will say yes, *find out which ones)

Now on the third visit hopefully you get to speak to Mike. Tell him your a friend of Jane and Linda and they told you to stop by and talk to him about dj'ing there. (DON'T WORRY he is not going to cross check this. He has no reason to doubt you.) Give him another mix cd. Tell him you might stop by again to see how the renovations are going and to see if he liked the mix.

When you stop by again chances are pretty good you will see Jane or Linda, shout out a "Hey" and "Wow this place is really coming together"! It shows Mike that you already have a good rep with some of the employees (even if it just looks like that on the surface).

Let Mike know that the place is lookin pretty cool, and you believe its gonna be pretty popular.

If he is in any way still uncertain about hiring you at this point. Tell him "hey listen, I understand, Let me do you a favor and play my first evening for free... so you can kinda try me out, if you like me and everyone has fun, than keep me, if not.... well no harm done."

Your golden!

This is how I have got residencies for years, its all about knowing how to work people.


.......on a small side note.

If you play the first evening , and the owner is not feeling it. Than go to those other clubs that that bar manager "Linda" said she used to work at. Let em know that you just dj'ed a evening at "so and so" club and that Linda recommended that you come check out this place too to see if they needed a fresh dj. (DON'T WORRY they're not going to cross check that either) But now you have your foot in the door.


OK please understand this is just a hypothetical story, but if you understand the "principles" of what I'm talking about and you have the balls to give it a go. Than you can use it to your advantage. This is called "Social Engineering" and it works. Trust me
Brunilda Kora
30.07.2013		The best thing to do is tell them you are a promotor, and that you want to come and have a look around the club while it's being refurbed.

Might get you in teh door, and get some face time with (one of) the Manager(s).
Marcelina Hanaway
30.07.2013		Can't hurt to try. Best of luck!
Pablo Siske
30.07.2013
Originally Posted by nudedudewithattitude
Honestly, I'd just show up in person and see if there's someone you can speak to. My 2 cents.
Fair enough, sounds like a plan. I've lucky got the whole week off work so will do that.
Cheers for that

[edit: believeing about this might be a challenge as it's a construction site at the moment.]
Marcelina Hanaway
30.07.2013		Honestly, I'd just show up in person and see if there's someone you can speak to. My 2 cents.

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