About givin it up

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About givin it up
Posted on: 30.06.2013 by Leanora Gerald
I'm not sad about it, but realistic.

If it goes on like this I'm quitting, but i really won't.

My problem is my job takes a great part of my energies and other than that I travel 2h per day to get to work, so I have very little time for my self. I'm away from home like 12h/24.

On top of that I'm not able to emerge. I've tried very hard when i was writing my final thesis (a lot of free time!), knowing people, exercising, learning, social networking and so on. I djed in a little pub 5/6 times, a wedding and few private parties but nothing more.

Now I'm playing in my bedroom only since 6 months.

I simply can't continue to learn for myself only. I see it like if I have and audience and I getting something from it (at least for cover the gear costs) I putting all my self and my free time on it because i really like it. But do it only for myself, my entertainment... Nope. I can't exercise, digging new tracks and beatgrid and cue them to play in my bedroom. It just doesn't worth my time.

I'm in the middle: I need an excuse to push myself hard in it (like a job opportunity), I can't continue spending time and money for nothing.

And I'm sad because the few times I've done it in public I was really in love with it.
And I'm sad because I don't want to criticize other DJs but in many occasion I found myself in a club believeing "I can do it at least well like that, probably better" but they play in pubblic and I don't.

Anyone have already felt like this?

How it ended?

Thanks
Leanora Gerald
02.07.2013
Originally Posted by pgtampa
I have a friend who fought with the same question. I'd suggest do what he did.. put it all away for a couple months. In 5-6 months if you feel like you don't miss it.. then sell it all and quit.



If you really like the hobby/job then you won't be able to resist the "play" factor and hook it all back up and start loving it again.
I believe that is what I'll do.

Originally Posted by geminimech
If it's all about mixing with people/for people, then might I suggest throwing your own parties with friends and providing the music?
Already done and those party were the best ever!
Leanora Gerald
01.07.2013
Originally Posted by MWagner
Having been an unemployed student for some time and now having a job, I believe I know somewhat the feelings youre having.

Its really hard to do anything creative whilel working 40 hours a week, I know the feeling of getting home, having spent the whole day at work daydreaming about music, and just not having the energy to do anything. You can't force creativity, and with a full time job chances are the creative spark is going to hit you when you can't do anything about it.

To be honest, I'm still struggling with this, though I'm adjusting slowly. I was majorly depressed for the first couple weeks, but its getting better. Do yourself a favor and stop worrying about fortune and fame, that will only make things much worse. Look at it this way, you're making money you can live on now, so just DJ for the love and enjoyment of doing it. Don't let something like this turn into just another chore. I hope this all made sense, I'm sort of believeing out loud here.
You totally get the point.

I tried so hard the last year, when I could, and now I can't find the energies to do that. And for me DJing is always been mixing tracks for the people, and for that I tried even harder, because I know that playing in public has his rules (building the energy, music selection based on where you are and with which public, ...).

And now it seems I can't invest all that time in it = I can't be ready for looking for a spot to play = not the same thing, isn't it?

Not the fame, not the money, it's the crowd. As I stated before I don't want to be recognized and I don't want big money (I was talking about 50/100$, the minimum to support a technical growth) I want an opportunity to enjoy DJing and make people happy. But one must be professional to do that, and so you need time to learning and discover tracks.
Joesph Kasian
30.06.2013
Originally Posted by deevey
After 6 months you played a few gigs and you are complaining ...

1. If you do it becuase you love it and its not paying but you still put in the effort because you love it. Its a hobby - hobbies rarely pay, however you might break even over time.

2. If you do it because it pays well and you enjoy it. Its a dream job - few have this


3. If you do it because it pays well and you hate the stuff you play and the people you have to deal with - its a regular job.

Sounds like you want to do #2 ... but don't love it quite enough to make it to #3 where you might progress to #2

So gotta ask
How many years did you put into your degree?
Will you love what you do in that field as much as DJ'ing ?
Would you expect a dream job in that field after fooling around in your bedroom for 6 months ?

Opportunities are given to those with experience and talent and its rare in any music industry position that you will be paid at all when starting out - 6 months is NOTHING.

Just get the finger out make some contacts, pimp the hell out of yourself, join an agency if you can, play gigs or drop it for a 9-5 if you feel that what you love is not worth the $ you spend on it (which also begs the question what is costing so much - music is not that expensive if you already have the gear ?)
What in the name of sweet jesus are you rambling on about? Did you even read what he wrote?

I'm going to grab some sleep and come back to this topic with a helpful reply...but anyone who answers the original post try to understand what he's asking...as this guy certainly does not.
Leanora Gerald
30.06.2013
Originally Posted by jdownesbaird
This. People accept that they need to go through years of expensive schooling just to be competitive enough to get an entry-level job in certain fields. Then, you have to work for YEARS before you end up with any real responsibility, respect, financial reward, etc. Why is it difficult for people to understand that the music industry is no different? If anything, it's HARDER to break into because literally everyone wants to be a DJ or a rockstar or whatever.

In all seriousness, what makes you so unique that you feel you deserve to be paid for your DJ performances over all the other aspiring artists in your area (after such a relatively small investment of your time)? I'm not trying to be a dick, I sincerely want to know what strengths/skills you feel you possess that set you apart from other people in your same situation.
Seriously, completely in the wrong way.

I'm saying that I simply wish to get out some times, no big fame, no big money, only play in public, connect to a real crowd and get back the minimum required to continue this passion.
Also because it's the better way to gain experience in my opinion.

I feel wrong only to put cash and time to mix songs in the bedroom and nowhere else.

But that's probably a problem of mine and no one else in here. I've this job who drain me for 12h per day but pays me nothing (it's like a mandatory formation for certain profession here). So I'm out of money and I'm out of free time so I've to decide to lose my sleep time to something worthing or put everything in a box till better times.

Originally Posted by DarioJ
I am pretty sure the OP is saying he has been practicing for a couple years. A year ago he had gigs, but now, in the last six months, he has not found a public gig.
Thank you for saying it out right.
Leanora Gerald
02.07.2013
Originally Posted by pgtampa
I have a friend who fought with the same question. I'd suggest do what he did.. put it all away for a couple months. In 5-6 months if you feel like you don't miss it.. then sell it all and quit.



If you really like the hobby/job then you won't be able to resist the "play" factor and hook it all back up and start loving it again.
I believe that is what I'll do.

Originally Posted by geminimech
If it's all about mixing with people/for people, then might I suggest throwing your own parties with friends and providing the music?
Already done and those party were the best ever!
Verlene Geevarghese
01.07.2013		If it's all about mixing with people/for people, then might I suggest throwing your own parties with friends and providing the music? Obviously it's not the same as a venue, but it helps me get my fix as I know this is a hobby of mine and not a job. I don't have the patience or time to kiss-ass promoters and shmooze people just to get a gig, so every month or so I invite a bunch of people over, we eat drink and be merry, and then I throw some music on for a couple of hours in my basement while we continue to eat drink and be merry .

Sure it doesn't pay for the hobby, but I believe there should be some expectation going into this that you might never get a gig, and that you will spend more money than you will get out of it. I've had to step away for a few months to get the itch again, but it always comes back and I always have fun. Then I invite a bunch of people over and make eardrums bleed for a few hours and all is well with the world .
Lannie Kutay
01.07.2013		This has happened to me....

I started off in the mobile scene, it was ok. but i was just getting started, and i really just wanted to mix trance and house.

So i moved on to the club scene, i went pretty hard in the underground music scene. But i kept falling prey to alot of the "vices" of the club scene. (you know what i mean)

I had to get out of it, so i moved back to mobiles for about a year now. Let me tell ya moving all your crap back and forth all the time, will really wear you out.

My point is if you LIKE it, just do it. Everybody gets their break....everybody who puts forth some effort.

So dont feel down if you dont have many gigs yet. Just keep trying. Not many things in life come easy... just keep at it, my friend.

And by the way, this community is a SUPPORT GROUP. So please if you have questions on how to get certain gigs and stuff, or tech questions. Just ask, we're here to help man

Good Luck
Robert Danno
01.07.2013		I have a friend who fought with the same question. I'd suggest do what he did.. put it all away for a couple months. In 5-6 months if you feel like you don't miss it.. then sell it all and quit.

If you really like the hobby/job then you won't be able to resist the "play" factor and hook it all back up and start loving it again.
Leanora Gerald
01.07.2013
Originally Posted by MWagner
Having been an unemployed student for some time and now having a job, I believe I know somewhat the feelings youre having.

Its really hard to do anything creative whilel working 40 hours a week, I know the feeling of getting home, having spent the whole day at work daydreaming about music, and just not having the energy to do anything. You can't force creativity, and with a full time job chances are the creative spark is going to hit you when you can't do anything about it.

To be honest, I'm still struggling with this, though I'm adjusting slowly. I was majorly depressed for the first couple weeks, but its getting better. Do yourself a favor and stop worrying about fortune and fame, that will only make things much worse. Look at it this way, you're making money you can live on now, so just DJ for the love and enjoyment of doing it. Don't let something like this turn into just another chore. I hope this all made sense, I'm sort of believeing out loud here.
You totally get the point.

I tried so hard the last year, when I could, and now I can't find the energies to do that. And for me DJing is always been mixing tracks for the people, and for that I tried even harder, because I know that playing in public has his rules (building the energy, music selection based on where you are and with which public, ...).

And now it seems I can't invest all that time in it = I can't be ready for looking for a spot to play = not the same thing, isn't it?

Not the fame, not the money, it's the crowd. As I stated before I don't want to be recognized and I don't want big money (I was talking about 50/100$, the minimum to support a technical growth) I want an opportunity to enjoy DJing and make people happy. But one must be professional to do that, and so you need time to learning and discover tracks.
Werner Bile
01.07.2013		Having been an unemployed student for some time and now having a job, I believe I know somewhat the feelings youre having.

Its really hard to do anything creative whilel working 40 hours a week, I know the feeling of getting home, having spent the whole day at work daydreaming about music, and just not having the energy to do anything. You can't force creativity, and with a full time job chances are the creative spark is going to hit you when you can't do anything about it.

To be honest, I'm still struggling with this, though I'm adjusting slowly. I was majorly depressed for the first couple weeks, but its getting better. Do yourself a favor and stop worrying about fortune and fame, that will only make things much worse. Look at it this way, you're making money you can live on now, so just DJ for the love and enjoyment of doing it. Don't let something like this turn into just another chore. I hope this all made sense, I'm sort of believeing out loud here.
Ara Tima
30.06.2013		I find the hardest part with getting work etc these days is you NEED to be going out every week, you have to be showing your face at parties/clubs every single weekend.

I don't do that anymore, and as a result I'm getting a lot less work and I believe that's fair, why do I deserve a gig over the young guy that goes to every single party, every club evening etc.


I know this might not be exactly what you're asking but I find you really need to put the time in, not just practising, but networking, getting involved in the scene.

I took 2 years off of DJing when I went to the UK, I lost most of my club connections etc. but it really ignited the passion when I got home, now I get just as much enjoyment playing to a few mates as I used to get from clubs on the odd occasion I do manage to nab some work outside of my top 40 residency (which I only have through my day job work connections)
Joesph Kasian
30.06.2013
Originally Posted by deevey
After 6 months you played a few gigs and you are complaining ...

1. If you do it becuase you love it and its not paying but you still put in the effort because you love it. Its a hobby - hobbies rarely pay, however you might break even over time.

2. If you do it because it pays well and you enjoy it. Its a dream job - few have this


3. If you do it because it pays well and you hate the stuff you play and the people you have to deal with - its a regular job.

Sounds like you want to do #2 ... but don't love it quite enough to make it to #3 where you might progress to #2

So gotta ask
How many years did you put into your degree?
Will you love what you do in that field as much as DJ'ing ?
Would you expect a dream job in that field after fooling around in your bedroom for 6 months ?

Opportunities are given to those with experience and talent and its rare in any music industry position that you will be paid at all when starting out - 6 months is NOTHING.

Just get the finger out make some contacts, pimp the hell out of yourself, join an agency if you can, play gigs or drop it for a 9-5 if you feel that what you love is not worth the $ you spend on it (which also begs the question what is costing so much - music is not that expensive if you already have the gear ?)
What in the name of sweet jesus are you rambling on about? Did you even read what he wrote?

I'm going to grab some sleep and come back to this topic with a helpful reply...but anyone who answers the original post try to understand what he's asking...as this guy certainly does not.
Leanora Gerald
30.06.2013
Originally Posted by jdownesbaird
This. People accept that they need to go through years of expensive schooling just to be competitive enough to get an entry-level job in certain fields. Then, you have to work for YEARS before you end up with any real responsibility, respect, financial reward, etc. Why is it difficult for people to understand that the music industry is no different? If anything, it's HARDER to break into because literally everyone wants to be a DJ or a rockstar or whatever.

In all seriousness, what makes you so unique that you feel you deserve to be paid for your DJ performances over all the other aspiring artists in your area (after such a relatively small investment of your time)? I'm not trying to be a dick, I sincerely want to know what strengths/skills you feel you possess that set you apart from other people in your same situation.
Seriously, completely in the wrong way.

I'm saying that I simply wish to get out some times, no big fame, no big money, only play in public, connect to a real crowd and get back the minimum required to continue this passion.
Also because it's the better way to gain experience in my opinion.

I feel wrong only to put cash and time to mix songs in the bedroom and nowhere else.

But that's probably a problem of mine and no one else in here. I've this job who drain me for 12h per day but pays me nothing (it's like a mandatory formation for certain profession here). So I'm out of money and I'm out of free time so I've to decide to lose my sleep time to something worthing or put everything in a box till better times.

Originally Posted by DarioJ
I am pretty sure the OP is saying he has been practicing for a couple years. A year ago he had gigs, but now, in the last six months, he has not found a public gig.
Thank you for saying it out right.
Judi Sissel
30.06.2013		I am pretty sure the OP is saying he has been practicing for a couple years. A year ago he had gigs, but now, in the last six months, he has not found a public gig.

I have been a bedroom DJ for 4 years and have Never gigged out, but I am fine with that. When getting into this hobby I made sure to be real with myself. I base a few financial decisions of one equation.

Profit > or = The sacrafice (time and or effort) + value ($, quality).

Good luck OP, hope you find your passion!
Stanley Peckman
30.06.2013		To the OP;

You need a practice buddy. Not something you do daily, but a couple of times a month hook up and bounce ideas and tunes off each other - makes a tremendous motivational difference to your playing and practicing.

As for playing out, about 3/4 of the gigs I've done over the last 3 years were freebies or expenses only, now just been offered my 1st paid residency, it takes time to build a rep, 6 months is unrealistic. Yes, we all get down at times, the day job always gets in the way, as do wife & kids, but so what, first and foremost do it because you enjoy it.

The money I make tends to go back into kit - making money just brings out the gear slut in me, spinning tunes doesn't make you rich, if money is your main focus do something with less competition (someone will always undercut your price) or get into producing and release some tasty tracks that the world wants to buy.
Edwardo Rothenberger
30.06.2013		I got rid of my decks in 2000, since I hadn't used them since 1998 and as far as I was concerned the House music and scene I loved was well and truly dead and it was time to move on.

2011 I discovered controllers, and found there was some amazing tracks being made, and then got myself an S4. It's a hobby, but I would love to play out again occasionally.

If it's not giving you pleasure, give it up. Yes, it's a great buzz playing out on a good system, etc, but the world and their wife want to be Dj's.

If I really wanted to play out regularly again, I would start up my own evening in a bar somewhere and build it from there. The best evening I ever did was when I hired a bar and put on a party in 1994. That was a great evening
Judson Megehee
30.06.2013		iv never felt like this iv been djing 9 years and done about 6 -10 gigs that have not been put on by me and iv never 1nce thought its wrong i haven't made enough money altho i do go to a club and believe this clown cant mix to save his life but he probably got the gig cos he knows people. do it for joy not money and if you do make some cash take it as a bonus
Delena Katherman
30.06.2013
Originally Posted by deevey
So gotta ask
How many years did you put into your degree?

Would you expect a dream job in that field after fooling around in your bedroom for 6 months ?

Opportunities are given to those with experience and talent and its rare in any music industry position that you will be paid at all when starting out - 6 months is NOTHING.
This. People accept that they need to go through years of expensive schooling just to be competitive enough to get an entry-level job in certain fields. Then, you have to work for YEARS before you end up with any real responsibility, respect, financial reward, etc. Why is it difficult for people to understand that the music industry is no different? If anything, it's HARDER to break into because literally everyone wants to be a DJ or a rockstar or whatever.

In all seriousness, what makes you so unique that you feel you deserve to be paid for your DJ performances over all the other aspiring artists in your area (after such a relatively small investment of your time)? I'm not trying to be a dick, I sincerely want to know what strengths/skills you feel you possess that set you apart from other people in your same situation.
Hank Guidas
30.06.2013		I've played for 5 years at home and only have 3-4 gigs in a 6 month span, which is ok for me, since I'm picky with what I choose. I'm surprised you even have gigs after 6 months.

Reminds me of my m8 who sent me a mix he was quite pleased with, even tho he has been djing for a month, seemed like he had found the sync button. (No offense to people who uses sync here, since you guys are quite talented and have been in the business for longer than me, just being conservative, sorry)

And no, havent felt like you OP
Federico Vilas
30.06.2013		I've been on and off since 2004... Working 8-9s most everyday with only the guarantee of Sunday off, which ended up being our "family" day...

I had to make a decision this past year to take a pay cut and do what I want to do and enjoy life for once. I now work 8-4, have every weekend off, and TIME to do what I want to do. I spend at least an hour a day on my music and the rest of the time with my wife and two boys.

I'm just now starting to gig again but that's not why I do it. I DJ bc I love music and helping others have a good time. some years I have more gigs, some I have none BUT I will never and I mean NEVER give up.

I understand if you are spending additional money and not getting a return on investment...just make sure the money you spend is extra money and not going to cause you stress financially.

At the end of the day you need to decide if you are doing it for the money or doing it bc you love it. If the answer is money you might as well pack it up
Hellen Mindrup
30.06.2013		Good luck on your journey
Leanora Gerald
30.06.2013		As usual, in community discussions... Extremist who don't even read the post.

The question was:

Originally Posted by Sprike

Anyone have already felt like this?

How it ended?

Thanks
Your reply should be "No, never felt like that".

Good for you.
Yong Aptekar
30.06.2013		Quit, sell your gear and take up a hobby that you are patio nate about. Fame and glory doesn't happen overevening , so if you arent interested in practicing by yourself and just want to play infront of people, find a hobby that you don't need to practice at and can just be good.
Leanora Gerald
30.06.2013
Originally Posted by deevey
After 6 months you played a few gigs and you are complaining ...

1. If you do it becuase you love it and its not paying but you still put in the effort because you love it. Its a hobby - hobbies rarely pay, however you might break even over time.

2. If you do it because it pays well and you enjoy it. Its a dream job - few have this


3. If you do it because it pays well and you hate the stuff you play and the people you have to deal with - its a regular job.

Sounds like you want to do #2 ... but don't love it quite enough to make it to #3 where you might progress to #2

So gotta ask
How many years did you put into your degree?
Will you love what you do in that field as much as DJ'ing ?
Would you expect a dream job in that field after fooling around in your bedroom for 6 months ?

Opportunities are given to those with experience and talent and its rare in any music industry position that you will be paid at all when starting out - 6 months is NOTHING.

Just get the finger out make some contacts, pimp the hell out of yourself, join an agency if you can, play gigs or drop it for a 9-5 if you feel that what you love is not worth the $ you spend on it (which also begs the question what is costing so much - music is not that expensive if you already have the gear ?)
I can had make some mistakes explaining myself, my language it's not english.

So, i aim neither to #2 or #3. I play commercial house (or chillout/deep house where there's not a dancefloor) so mostly, the music I play it's the music people like. I aim to play sometimes out of my home and for AT LEAST 50/100$ at time, the minimum to cover some gear / gas / ... I don't want to become rich DJing i just will be happy if it worth the effort and the expenses.

Other than that I'm not DJing since 6 month. I tried home for 2 years and then for six months i started searching for gigs/clubs/pubs/... I get something but now its 6 month I don't play in public. Was that clear? Maybe I explained myself the wrong way.
Rolanda Clodfelder
30.06.2013		After 6 months you played a few gigs and you are complaining ...

1. If you do it becuase you love it and its not paying but you still put in the effort because you love it. Its a hobby - hobbies rarely pay, however you might break even over time.

2. If you do it because it pays well and you enjoy it. Its a dream job - few have this


3. If you do it because it pays well and you hate the stuff you play and the people you have to deal with - its a regular job.

Sounds like you want to do #2 ... but don't love it quite enough to make it to #3 where you might progress to #2

So gotta ask
How many years did you put into your degree?
Will you love what you do in that field as much as DJ'ing ?
Would you expect a dream job in that field after fooling around in your bedroom for 6 months ?

Opportunities are given to those with experience and talent and its rare in any music industry position that you will be paid at all when starting out - 6 months is NOTHING.

Just get the finger out make some contacts, pimp the hell out of yourself, join an agency if you can, play gigs or drop it for a 9-5 if you feel that what you love is not worth the $ you spend on it (which also begs the question what is costing so much - music is not that expensive if you already have the gear ?)

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