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Thread: First "Major" Gig in a Week (VDAY!)

  1. #1
    Junior Member 2o4's Avatar
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    First "Major" Gig in a Week (VDAY!)



    So my first major gig is in a week, how exciting.
    I'm not getting paid, but this is the first time where I'm playing an event with under 16 djs...lmao
    I'm really hoping this will be the exposure I need since it is Winnipeg's classiest club.

    Expecting a pretty big turn out fro my personal list.

    I'm opening from 10:00-11:20 which is perfect given my stamina.
    Plan on getting there for set up between 8:30 and 9:00 so I can relax.

    Sadly it seems to be a trend that in my city there is no gear available (no turntables or other equipment)
    So I am bringing my own mixer. Been learning SSL as a lot of you know, but likely will not be bringing my turntables

    Why?
    Because:
    1. I'm not getting paid, and only playing for an hour and 20 mins
    2. The booth is really only large enough for the turntables and the other girls use other controllers, I don't want there to be issue with set up or switching or my gear getting messed up/accidently broken.
    3. One of my ground wires the end metal part broke off yesterday...so now I'm worried that would cause issues.
    4. It's my birthday celebration and I wanna drink after (not have to drive all my gear that I can't even lift when in road case 40 mins away and 40 mins back home late night)....okay yes bad reason I know


    So yeah basically I'll be djing just with my soundcard and laptop, mixer and traktor software which I am VERY comfortable with.
    Do you think this will hurt my reputation or what not? I'm sure the photos would look much better behind turntables...


    Also opening....how do you get people dancing??? Lol How do you personally calm yourself down. I want all my friends to be there by 10:30 at least to here some of me cause honestly I've made djing an obsession and am really new to this but working really hard every single day for hours and hours.
    http://www.mixcloud.com/karaSel/

  2. #2
    Banned
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    Congratulations!

    Regarding the turntables, I don't think it'll matter all that much, but it would definitely look better in photos if you used them - good promo material. Can you not get a friend to drive you there and help carry your stuff? Maybe get them on the guest list?

    Oh yeah, and don't drink and drive!

  3. #3
    Congrats!

    And I agree with what Sigma said, and then reason 3. is easy to fix even by yourself. Or then ask a friend to fix it, it's easy enough.

    Good luck with the gig
    I wish you'd pay more attention to the music I love, because the music tells you everything that I'm too scared to say

    -Lost

  4. #4
    Junior Member 2o4's Avatar
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    Thank you all!! I know I'm new to this but I'm really committed to music and mixing.

    Hmmm yeah a lot of people have been telling me the turntables is the way to go. The booth is only big enough to just fit the turntables in though, and another girl is use a Numark Mixdeck w/flight case (BIG) and the third using a Numark Mixtrack pro (small)

    I wish the gigs had equipment, this would ease my anxiety severalfold lol.
    http://www.mixcloud.com/karaSel/

  5. #5
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    The metal end part coming off the ground wire is nothing to worry about BTW. As a quick fix, you can just strip back some of the wire covering, twist the end of the wire, then you can just wrap that around the prong on the back of the mixer and then tighten up the nut that normally holds it in place. As long as it's making a connection, you won't have any grounding issues. I know people who've run their decks like that for years cos they couldn't be bothered to solder the metal part back on.

  6. #6
    New Member
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    Wow, I wish I would even have my first gig in sight. I don't think the turntables will be a problem, but indeed it would look better on the pictures. Anyway, for opening it is not a good idea to start with all bangers and Beatport Top 10/100 tracks as there's a big chance the main DJ will spin them as well. Try to build up the mood, don't start too big.
    Check out my January mixtape here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beuUJjV1qNE
    Check out my other mixtapes and mashups on my mixcloud: http://www.mixcloud.com/DJDYProductions

  7. #7
    Quote Originally Posted by 2o4 View Post
    1. I'm not getting paid, and only playing for an hour and 20 mins
    May I ask why? You should always get paid even if it's only $20 and a couple drinks. You should never spin for free unless you're also the promoter and you took a loss on the event.
    www.nickjames.ca
    → Reddit: omers on /r/DJs and /r/Beatmatch

  8. #8
    I've got to find some pajama parties in my area.......
    WillieB69

  9. #9
    New Member
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    Congrats on your big upcoming gig! I've had a lot of success opening up for clubs in the past when I keep a slow tempo and let it rise to about 100 bpm. If you start getting over that you might just offend the next DJ just because they want to play all the latest and greatest -___- . I just put out a blog a couple days ago on how to prepare a set when performing at an event and I got one of my friends to also give me some of his pointers and we've both played at all the hottest clubs in Hollywood so I hope it helps!

    http://www.ReignMediaLA.com/9-must-d...gs-for-dj-set/
    https://www.facebook.com/DJShotfanpage
    https://soundcloud.com/dj-shot

  10. #10
    Junior Member Aleks's Avatar
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    Congratulations on your upcoming gig! Must be so exciting for you. I've read your diary and some of your posts and see how devoted you are. It's definitely paying off. Don't over think everything and have fun doing this. Things will turn out fine. Make sure you keep us posted!

    Aleks

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