Apr202009
DJing Abroad
DJing abroad is one of the coolest things you will ever do. I love it and am happy to cancel most plans to go and play in another country. I think I like travelling a lot too and also the change of scenery. If you have ever DJ’d in a country different to where you live you will know where I am coming from. If you have never done it before there are a few things that you need to have a think about.
A little while ago, I received an email from a DJ colleague of mine. She was excited about gearing up to go and play abroad and she came to me for a bit of advice. I thought it would be helpful to share this advice with you and offer up the same information that I gave to her.
Information given is based on a UK DJ playing in a foreign country and is from my own experiences so it may not be to the exact letter of the law.
Do I need a work permit to DJ abroad?
No. As long as you are going to a country within the EU, you will be fine - no work permit needed. Check your passport is up to date and it is not expiring any time soon. If you travel to the US, they like you to have at least three months left on your current passport.
Is it wrong to charge a higher rate for DJing abroad?
Yes it is cheeky to bump up the price. When I take international bookings, I tell them upfront they need to pay my travel, my hotel and transfers, then I add my regular UK fee on top. I don’t take advantage of others simply from a moral point of view. I beleive that if I start taking advantage in this way, karma will bit me on the ass and someone along the way will take advantage of me.
How much should I charge?
Depends how many people the management think your name on the flyer can bring in. Whenever I price a night, I always ask for the venue capacity as well. Your price should reflect your ability to entertain, but also be in proportion to the number of people coming through the door. Whatever works for you I guess. By charging a sensbile amount you will only get booked by sensible promoters. Those booking you on a budget probably haven’t got much experience or reputation.
If my flights and accommodation are being paid for, can I ask for a +1?
I beleive it is wrong to ask to add a travelling buddy to go with you. They are booking you as a DJ to come and play a set, not for you to bring your entourage as well. I would never ask the management for a +1 on the flights and hotel. I might ask for a +1 for entry to venue and buy an extra flight ticket myself plus upgrade the hotel room myself out of my own pocket, but I wouldn’t expect the venue to pay for it.
I’m a single girl travelling to a foreign land by myself, will I be ok?
Probably. Hell, I don’t know. Depends which shady part of town you are travelling to. Take a friend with you if you need to and make sure you have ample travel insurance in case you get mugged. Sorry, but it does happen.
What else do I need to know?
Get the promoter to book your flights for you. DON’T pay for these yourself and add it to the invoice. If everything falls through at the last minute or there is a problem with payment, or the venue is unreachable by phone anymore, at least you havent shelled out for flights from your own pocket too.
Always collect your money on the night in cash, or have it paid to you in advance by cheque or Paypal. Always take an invoice with you as well as places like to have a receipt for the money they have paid.
Also make sure you get yourself a dj contract.
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