Ryan's Gig Guide - August 2019

DJs depend on keeping a room full of drunk people entertained and so are unlikely to play unknown songs that are obviously alien to any large crowd. Just like a support band has to go on stage before a headlining act, your song, if played, may end up at the beginning of the set whilst a room is filling up or even worse be used to soundcheck with. However, if you’ve gotten this far then well done; all you have to do now is make sure the song becomes world famous so that the DJ feels more inclined to play it further in to their set. The crowd attracted to a DJ is likely to comprise of loyal music fans and if they hear something new played that they really find enjoyable but are unsure about exactly what it is then you can predict that they will probably ask what the song is and a good DJ knows who they play.This is why the relationship between the DJ and the musician needs to grow as both stand to gain.When a DJ plays a song written by any musician they are automatically advertising the band or artist and helping to build their music career; that’s arguably the DJ you want to encourage people to go to. So, in the same manner, a DJ stands to benefit if they play bands who encourage others to see them in return. In reality there is a massive divide between up and coming musicians and DJs, if you can successfully bridge that gap then you may benefit from it. That’s all for this month. I guess this month was an attempt to shed light in to the importance of the DJ and underline how they are still relevant in todays difficult musical climate; and also aren’t just people who press a play button.As I’ve already pointed out, the majority of musicians don’t take the role of a professional DJ seriously. If you are a DJ reading this then I salute you and I hope you’re playing my bands music soon. See what I did there? That’s how you connect.When will you learn? See you next month. Nick J Townsend is the frontman and guitarist for British bandWeak13. An experienced Underground musician and music promoter, film producer, all round good guy & supporter of original music. www.ryansgigguide.com rgg Aug 2019 33