Fellow Artists, Fans, Friends, & Family,

 

     First I must thank all of you for your individual role in getting this music out of the basement and into the world! The "Tonight" single release event is scheduled for the end of March at Daddy's House in New York.

 

Enough about me though because I want to get into the meat and potatoes of this email. Shot outs to the new subscribers because it was this question asked by some that inspired me to share this very valuable information. Special S/O to KAZ $ MRO who asked me specifically on the Q&A section of the Reverbnation page, much appreciated and mad respect.

 

The question: How do I get DJ's to spin my record?

 

The answer: It is not easy! Most DJ's are terrified to play anything that isn't already considered a hit by the mainstream consumer because they are typically the majority of the party. Of course there are exceptions to every rule, but in general a DJ is going to stick to what they already know will work and not take any risks. Here are some tips that might help you climb over this huge hurdle.

 

1. Know your DJ! 
   Before you ask a DJ to play your record, make sure they actually play your kind of music in general. If you ask a hardcore techno DJ to play a record off your latest mixtape the odds are not likely that it will get any spins. Like a lot of DJ's I'm open format, but not all DJs fall under this category.
    
2. Establish a relationship with your DJ.
   Like artists, many DJs take advantage of having fan relationships through social media and love the attention when they get it. Do the guy or gal a solid, follow them on twitter, facebook, soundcloud, and instagram. Shot them out and you will increase your opportunity to get the favor in return. At the end of the day it is still business, and business is all about the relationship.
    
3. Radio Edits.
   If the DJ is not working in a bar,club, or house party you probably need to have a clean or radio edited version. Giving them the option will yield the best results.
    
4. Make a party record.
   Ok look, I know this isn't every ones style, but unless you are approaching radio or mixtape DJ's only there is a high probability that the people the DJ is playing for came out to dance. The songs I have played live in the past have to be completely outstanding if they weren't already some kind of party style track. You get much more slack when peoples natural reaction is to dance.
    
5. Easy Downloads.
   Most DJs are already registered and willing to download from soundcloud. I can tell you right now if I have to register to a suspect looking 3rd party site to get your song, I am not getting your song. Some guys are ok with direct emails, but I usually ignore large file attachments unless it is from a trusted sender. Another reason to establish a good dialogue with your DJ.
    
6. High Quality Videos on Youtube.
   Gangum Style. Harlemshake. Need I say more?
    
7. Sound Quality.
   Last but certainly not least. In fact, I should have made this number one. Now I will admit I have been guilty of this too. You make that hot song and just want to get it out to the world as fast as you can, but don't lose sight of the business you are in and that is to sell music. There is so much emphasis on other aspects that you can easily get caught up and forget that your product is your MUSIC. This has to come first. When I attended the Reverbnation NY seminar last May I asked the keynote speaker how important is the sound quality and he basically responded that it was the most important aspect of your page. If an A&R hears a pop, click, or anything else that indicates a bad recording they will turn it off and are likely not going to listen to anything else you've done. I do nearly all of my pre-production at home so I completely understand the comfort of working whenever you want. If you can not afford a professional vocal recording at a studio that is ok but be sure to take advantage of the technology that is accessible. Invest in a decent vocal microphone and separate sound card like an M-audio box. The difference is incredible and a minimum requirement. The same thing goes for your production. DJs know that if they play a song that has poor sound quality, the crowd isn't going to blame the artist, they are going to be upset with the DJ!

I sincerely hope these tips can get some of you guys into your local DJs rotations. And make sure you take advantage of the production of these unlimited beat leases at DJAqueous.com 

Read the F.A.Q. page for details on how Exclusive rights and Remix projects can be eligible for DJ POOL exposure.

Also S/O to the Purgatory "Recession" record because I went ahead and extended the Beat Bundle Sale until March 1st. 

Of course I posted some fresh beats up for this sale, the Kendrick style instrumental is hitting my headphones so HARD!

 

~Aq

www.DJAqueous.com