The Importance of a DJ

As a recording artist, many times major record deals are not given out on a daily basis. By understanding how the music industry works, many artists lean more towards building an independent following. By going the Indie route, the artist is able to take more of a hands-on approach to their music career. When working from this view, many artists learn how importance it is to build a relationship with the local DJs. These are the people that can give them the attention that they want to their music.
 

According to DJ Drama, “The role of the DJ is to bring the music to the people.”  Whether the DJ performs locally at various events or is working for the local radio station, they easily have the ability to influence music listeners all over the world. Although the radio DJ doesn’t have the option of playing any and every song that they want, they do have the opportunity to present more music to more listeners at the same time. Local Orlando radio stations, such as Power 95.3, offer a segment of Local Artist Spotlight on their website where they conduct interviews with local music artists and provide links to their social networks.
 
By artists connecting with local DJs that play at various events, such as nightclubs, they are able to test out their music with various crowds. They can physically see the listeners’ response to when the music is played. They also can test out their explicit versions of their music before deciding to edit radio versions.

As an indie artist, you must learn how to cut costs as much as possible so that you are not throwing money down the drain. Taking advantage of every networking opportunity can save money in the long run as well as teach you inside secrets to a more prosperous career. This will show the major record labels that you have done all of the proper groundwork to invest in your career even if they are not willing to.


--- Jackee Walker


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Sources:

Facebook. (n.d.) DJ Drama [Web]. Retrieved from https://www.facebook.com/djdrama

King, R. (2012, March 22). How Indie Labels Changed the World. Retrieved from http://www.theguardian.com/music/2012/mar/22/indie-record-labels-changed-world


Power 95.3. (n.d). [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.power953.com

Power 95.3. (n.d). Artist Spotlight [Web]. Retrieved from http://www.power953.com/s/artistspotlight/

twild71. (2009). DJ Drama Class Discussion "The Role of the DJ" [Web]. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BeHWGkjxUqk 

Rolling the Dice... Landing on Entertainment Industry

As you look at the history of some of the most successful names within the entertainment industry, you may come to find out that many of them did not even study the industry while they were in college or even attend college. There aren't many colleges through the United States that even offer a program that will help you to earn a career within this industry. Many people have rose to their level of success by being in the right place at the right time.

Jay Z

Take a look at some of the most famous music artists like Jay Z (Sean Carter). Prior to becoming a highly successful rapper, Carter was a drug dealer. According to Biography.com, he did not live the "average American life." His mother raised him in Brooklyn's Marcy Projects, which has been known for it's heavy drug use within the area. Growing up around all sorts of poverty, he relied on his creativity of music to be a way of getting away from his true surroundings. Deciding to change his life path of selling drugs to become a rapper was only the beginning for Jay Z. I'm sure that while in his youth, he had no idea that he was going to become so successful as he did with his music.

Richard Branson

Another person to think about is Richard Branson. He is the founder of Virgin Music. Branson didn't even complete his high school education; he dropped out at the age of 16 years old while suffering from dyslexia. He exemplified his talents at a young age by creating a national magazine. As a teen, he ventured out to develop his first business, a discount record shop in 1972. As times went on and he remained successful, Branson acquired more businesses that we successful as well (The Biography Channel UK).


This goes to show you that although having an education is extremely important, being successful in the entertainment industry isn't only guaranteed to those with a degree. Jay Z completed high school but was not able to attend college. He utilized the resources he had in order to make a career for himself. Richard Branson dropped out of high school but found a way to start a successful business. When it comes to success in the entertainment industry, your level of success is only guaranteed by the amount of effort you put into it.

---- Jackee Walker

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Sources:
http://www.biography.com/people/jay-z-507696
http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biographies/richard-branson.html