Leaving the Bedroom

[fullenglishpint]

not necessarily a criticism, just somewhat amusing.

[Grifff]

I do have a trend of doing that on other boards as well to be honest, I never look at the date before posting (evidently)

[drbtz]

something i have done that can either go REALLY well or REALLY bad, is to just show up at a club or event with your gear and ask (or tell) the door man, manager etc that you are here to play.

This works best in a situation where another DJ doesn't show up, or is too drunk or people are not into what the DJ is doing.

Now AGAIN this is a very ballsy tactic and subject to immense failure, but I would recommend you try it sometime. Be upfront to the person in charge, and be EXCITED and cool and collected
And also have your routine down, your gear in perfect working order and an understanding that your walking into a complete set of unknowns.

This has worked 3 times for me (and never ended too terribly). One event was on new years where ~30 DJs were set up on several stages in a big venue. Situations like this are ripe for this tactic. Of course one dude was too drunk, or arrested on his way there, or pissed off the door man and got his ass kicked, so there was an open spot to fill.
A second time, I was set up in a side room, and played a much more intimate down-tempo set for those who wanted to chill out from the main dance floor.
And the third (my favorite). I showed up, got in with no flack, played my set, and no one ever asked me anything. The other DJs and stage manger assumed I was on the list (I figured there was not clear communication between the booking agent and the venue staff?) Either way it was hilarious and I got several more gigs out of this.

If nothing else it may get you in the door for another time around. A manager will admire your commitment and the fact that you went out of your way/took an interest in what was going on at their venue.

The worst that has ever happened is I was forcefully escorted out, but thankfully after I tore down my rig. I have been back there several times and it was a large enough venue no one realized who I was, so in hindsight, nothing too major.

I have also used this tactic to get backstage or get in free to shows. As long as you act CONFIDENT it works like a charm.

Either way its better than sitting at home Friday night and watching the shit they put on the tube. Take a fucking chance, enjoy your life.