How to get out there as a DJ?

[JamesHanvey]

Not really ready for anything live yet, been practicing the past year or so. I intend to get out and perform in local clubs around Manchester when I move into halls later this year, just wandering Is there an application process or something or do you have to know someone?


Any advice is really appreciated!

[RKM]

find a night playing your kind of stuff, send them a mix, nights like that are quite often run by students and looking for new residents, or warm up acts that they don't have to pay

and get to know people who are into music in halls and around town definitely, find the headz

i've never done clubs though so i'm sure someone else will have some better advice

[Muncey]

If you're going Manchester hit up rich reason, biggest don in manchester for putting on events. He does a night called hit n run which was a regular Monday night event when I was there but I think it's just random now so random Friday nights ect. (Due to issues with venues and sound I think, remember seeing Kahn for the first time when Percy was a dubplate, he had 3 locations on the go cause of some issues and he was running round like a mad man making sure it all went smoothly, he even apologised to us for the fuck ups despite it being a huge night. Proper grafter.)

Anyway his nights arguable brought through chimpo, chunky (regular mic man at hnr then Loefah had a set there and picked him up), t man, strategy, biome ect.

He had the first trim and James Blake set as well.

One of the best djs in Manchester too.. I'd be surprised if he isn't heavily involved in the levels movement.

Just a straight up don, puts on amazing nights and he's willing to help newcomers. Really involved in local politics for the rave scene too, always arguing the case for loud music in the city centre.

Such a humble bloke for such a local legend, will always recognise you from coming to his events and thank you/have a decent chat.

Just skank was another big one but they're stopping after 5 years. They brought through Compa! I'd say their replacement is alive and steppin, not sure who's totally involved in that but they seem close with the just skank guys, Compa and guys like Tom foolery play regular. Only been going 2 years or so but they've had cluekid twice.. Had a wicked chat with ipman at one of their shows a couple years back too and their uprise audio takeover was great despite the poor turnout.

Get in touch with any of those, go to the events and make friends. You'll have a set in no time!