With all the great DJs who have come before you, you may think it’s impossible to establish yourself uniquely. However, that couldn’t be further from the truth. For all the iconic DJs in the world, think about how many iconic songwriters there are. If you have something to say, you can say it differently than others. Here are the top ways to stand out in the sea of other DJs.
Find Your Voice
The quintessential method for standing out is to be yourself. If your DJ style boils down to “copying other popular DJs,” people aren’t likely to take notice (or, if they do, they could mistake you for someone else). It takes time to find your voice, but it’s the most critical piece of establishing yourself in any artistic industry—make this your priority.
Don’t Jump the Gun
When you get good news about an upcoming gig or contract, it’s easy to share or post about it immediately before you sign any official documents. But if the gig falls through, you’ll look unprofessional and a little foolish. It’s great to share positive news about your career, but wait until it’s a guarantee.
Build a Social Media Presence
Most industries benefit from some form of social media presence, and DJing is no exception. Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram are no-brainers, but you should also consider posting to newer forms of social media too. TikTok isn’t new anymore, but post to platforms like that as they emerge—getting in on the ground floor can really help you establish your presence.
Consider branching out into YouTube, too. Many in the industry get their start there, as it allows you to put your music out there and gain a following. If you’re worried about distributing unmixed music, try out OpenLIVE and record performances (either live or in-studio) that the platform will automatically mix and master for you.
Always Be Professional
Don’t get us wrong; if you’re rude, you’ll probably stand out. However, standing out isn’t everything. When an entire industry knows you for having a bad attitude or bad-mouthing other artists, you’ll have difficulty finding consistent work. The more pleasant you are to work with, the more artists you’ll get the opportunity to collaborate with.
Now that you know the top ways to stand out in a sea of other DJs, the best thing you can do is find your voice. You’ll only do that through time and hard work, so look into a DJ studio rental to put your nose to the grindstone.