DJ Marcel_1
I met with an Owner of a DJ company to work out a deal for sub-contracting
I'm still booking my own shows but as it's only my fist year of operation and I have no track record in this area yet with customers. (Amazing how much that matters to people)
Any rate - I received an Email from him with some dates but there was a "provisio" in the dates - he wants me to do a gig with a lower pay rate than we discussed and agreed upon "as a gesture knowing it will lead to better paying gigs"
Question - Do I tell this guy who doesn't seem to understand the word "AGREEMENT" to go pound sand?
Or do the gig and see what happens?
BTW the money is okay for Sub-contracting not as good as hustling for myself but good.
I'm still booking my own shows but as it's only my fist year of operation and I have no track record in this area yet with customers. (Amazing how much that matters to people)
Any rate - I received an Email from him with some dates but there was a "provisio" in the dates - he wants me to do a gig with a lower pay rate than we discussed and agreed upon "as a gesture knowing it will lead to better paying gigs"
Question - Do I tell this guy who doesn't seem to understand the word "AGREEMENT" to go pound sand?
Or do the gig and see what happens?
BTW the money is okay for Sub-contracting not as good as hustling for myself but good.
Posted Sat 22 Mar 08 @ 2:07 pm
Charlie Wilson
Stick too your guns, don't under value yourself.
PS get your own work don't do all this subbing it's crap.
PS get your own work don't do all this subbing it's crap.
Posted Sat 22 Mar 08 @ 7:14 pm
Diamond G
I've had to work out agreements like this before, especially when I was starting out.
Since it is your first year, there's nothing wrong with proving your skills as well as your intangibles such as showing up on time, MC skills, troubleshooting skills, work ethics, etc before earing better pay.
NONETHELESS, mention that you see there is a deviation from your original agreement (that way you demo you're not a dummy), but that you understand his point of view. I would discuss the very clear cut criteria you must meet in order to achieve better paying gigs.
For example - he may say he wants for you to be set up at least one hr before every gig starts etc.
All this may or may not be included in the contract, but what MUST be included is:
a. Number of gigs you have to do before the pay increase (stick to your guns on this one).
b. The exact amount you will be paid once the criteria is met (and whether you have to provide any of your own equipment).
Some of these clown owners dangle the pay increase carrot as long as you keep following it with a low pay rate.
If you are good, it can be a win win situation for both of you. You earn your track record + good pay and he gets a good DJ with proven skills.
PS: I've always asked who is the best paid DJ on his crew and how much he earns (at least a ball park figure). Then I ask to shadow him so I know the standards (there is so much you learn from shadowing an experienced DJ). Finally, ask the DJ you are shadowing to rate your skills if you do anything at the gig like connecting the system, speed in which you helped set up, etc. This way, the DJ is observing you from the start and will be your biggest reference to the boss.
Since it is your first year, there's nothing wrong with proving your skills as well as your intangibles such as showing up on time, MC skills, troubleshooting skills, work ethics, etc before earing better pay.
NONETHELESS, mention that you see there is a deviation from your original agreement (that way you demo you're not a dummy), but that you understand his point of view. I would discuss the very clear cut criteria you must meet in order to achieve better paying gigs.
For example - he may say he wants for you to be set up at least one hr before every gig starts etc.
All this may or may not be included in the contract, but what MUST be included is:
a. Number of gigs you have to do before the pay increase (stick to your guns on this one).
b. The exact amount you will be paid once the criteria is met (and whether you have to provide any of your own equipment).
Some of these clown owners dangle the pay increase carrot as long as you keep following it with a low pay rate.
If you are good, it can be a win win situation for both of you. You earn your track record + good pay and he gets a good DJ with proven skills.
PS: I've always asked who is the best paid DJ on his crew and how much he earns (at least a ball park figure). Then I ask to shadow him so I know the standards (there is so much you learn from shadowing an experienced DJ). Finally, ask the DJ you are shadowing to rate your skills if you do anything at the gig like connecting the system, speed in which you helped set up, etc. This way, the DJ is observing you from the start and will be your biggest reference to the boss.
Posted Sat 22 Mar 08 @ 9:47 pm
DJ Marcel_1
This is a copy /Paste of the message I sent back to him:
I have no trouble doing a gig for you, But I'm sure you can appreciate the expense portion of our business won't allow me to haul out an entire sound system set-up for the amount offered.
Hopefully, we can do business as I feel it's both in our best interest.
I have no trouble doing a gig for you, But I'm sure you can appreciate the expense portion of our business won't allow me to haul out an entire sound system set-up for the amount offered.
Hopefully, we can do business as I feel it's both in our best interest.
Posted Sat 22 Mar 08 @ 10:38 pm
DJ Marcel_1
He sent back an Email sayin that the lower rate is due to the fact I would use His speakers and lights - would only have to use my rack/controller
So - looks like he wants to play ball.
Good thing.
So - looks like he wants to play ball.
Good thing.
Posted Sat 22 Mar 08 @ 11:35 pm
A Man and His Music
OK, that sounds better. Make sure he will transport them to the venue. Helping him load and set them up, is up to you.
Posted Sun 23 Mar 08 @ 3:13 am