I saw a social media post from a local San Diego DJ peer and I thought this would be an excellent opportunity for an edition of….. Why I don’t DJ in San Diego anymore 🙂 View this clever social media video by a local San Diego DJ and event promoter. My thoughts are below.
My Thoughts
When I watched this video, I couldn’t help but get depressed about our situation in San Diego regarding “underground house music”. I would bet that if the 5 resident DJs and promoters that run Dance Klassique were successful promoting their own event, they wouldn’t need to get on social media to tell their guest DJs how to promote themselves. It makes me wonder why people even bother. It also helps me understand more and more, why I decided to step away from San Diego’s DJ music scene. It’s apparent that it’s become soooo TOXIC that we can’t even anymore. I especially (don’t) love the reminder that DJ’s attendance levels are being judged (and is more important than the DJ’s set), if they want to get booked again at DK.
I disagree with this “public service announcement” above. If a promoted event is not successful, it is 100% the promoter’s fault, not the talent they are booking. Promoters, please stop placing so much blame and responsibility on the artists you choose to book and start thinking about why you are hosting an event in the first place. If you think that your weekly event is not successful because the guests DJs you book aren’t posting ENOUGH, you got it all wrong.
I’ll give an example of a promoter fail. The last time I was booked at Dance Klassique, I was booked months in advance, for my birthday, on my actual birthday. I got the online flyer graphic less than a week before the gig. There’s only so much anyone can do with one week’s notice. I would have promoted more if I had been given more time. When they promoted my gig, they didn’t even tell anyone it was my birthday. I thought that was a missed opportunity to highlight that this was a special night for the guest (me). It’s something I’ve seen them hype up for so many other DJ’s birthdays. It’s hard not to take it personal.
So….. I really get triggered seeing this post from Terry. It’s obvious to me that our scene is still struggling, and I hate to tell ya, more social media posts aren’t going to save you. Good luck, DK. I’m sure this video totally motivated your guest DJ talent to work harder for you.
Why am I going here with this post?
I think I’m writing this because there’s a part of me that still wants to be an artist, and right now, I’m not… I was told too many times, over and over, that if I’m not using social media a certain way, then I am not a real artist or promoter. If you ever came across my linkedin profile, you’d see that I’ve been endorsed by numerous people for social media skills, not for being a DJ. I was good at social media marketing, until I wasn’t. And that’s one of the many reasons why I stopped using social media, it stopped working for me…over 5 years ago. Meanwhile, my peers are still crying on the internet that what they are doing isn’t working, and passing the blame to the people that they hire to provide music entertainment. As a DJ, it just hurts. I feel the pain for every DJ that doesn’t get enough support from their friends. I know that I didn’t bring “enough” people to my last few DJ gigs – and I also know that I played my heart out, every time. I thought I was being booked because I’m an experienced House Music DJ. Now I know I’m being judged and held responsible for my attendance levels, and I’m not booked anywhere. It’s just not a fun game, and it’s why I don’t play.
PS – Just when you thought the rant was over….Food for thought – How do you think it feels to be the DJ that played the week before this post was made by Terry. Bro, please DO NOT tell me you are throwing shade at a female DJ, Disco Penny Lane, for not promoting enough.
And these guys wonder why their attendance levels are down. I think it’s obvious. We all have work to do.
/end rant
Comments? I’d love to hear them. Let me know you hear me 😉
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