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