DJ Advice: Rider Example
When I first started DJ’ing in clubs and events, I had no clue on what to do. I had no true guidance or direction from any professionals or veterans. The first time we booked a show and club gig outside of the NY & NJ area, the company said: “send us your contract and rider” so that we can proceed. At 17/18 I thought, contract and rider? What the hell is a full rider? I’m thankful that I knew someone that provided some insight as to how to approach bookings, contract terms and obligations, etc (thank you to my college professor for my 1st business class).
DJ’ing is a 24/7 grind that most people can’t or won’t attempt to understand. It can be a great life if you’re ready to get in the trenches & go hard with what you believe in.
It has its glamor, but for the most part it’s gritty work, long hours, sub-par pay until you really make it. It takes a toll on your body, health, sleeping schedule, eating schedule and stresses your family out as they wonder:
Is he/she okay?
Are they safe walking out of a venue that pays cash?
Will they get home in one piece?
Will we be spending the holidays together?
I give a ton of credit to those that are raising and running a family properly while involved with the entertainment industry, music world & Nightlife. Trying to juggle a crazy schedule can sometimes be inundating and we all know that things RARELY go as planned.
Each week, I’ll be posting advice for up & coming DJ’s. If you have topics that you’d like me to touch on, please post a response, and that’s what I’ll work on for the following weeks!
I am in no means a business expert, but I’d love to help share whatever knowledge that I have in order to help increase the credibility that you have as a DJ & Business man. And like I said, things rarely go as planned, but with a proper rider and contract, you ensure that you’re covered legally and financially.
Page 1: Service Overview
Page 2: Agreement Terms
Page 3: Rider Terms & Conditions
Page 4: Rider Terms & Conditions
Page 5: Rider Terms & Conditions
Page 6: Final Agreement
You should make these available for download as templates, that would really help…not blurry screen caps
Thank you for the great advise. It would be very helpful if you cover how does a DJ go about getting an agent. Thank you again for the great article.