Keith’s Korner

WE BE CLUBBIN’

This week we will discuss 10 rules of engagement at the club as a member of the music industry.

1.    If someone accidentally spills a drink on you or steps on your shoe and apologizes, let it slide.  

2.    When approaching the DJ with your record, don’t expect him to play it that night or ever at all.  Just approach it from a gaining feedback perspective, buy him/her a drink, exchange information (not when they are lining up the next record) and walk away.  DJ’s don’t like to be harassed, especially in the middle of a mix.  Their job is to entertain the crowd, not you.

3.    Buying the first drink goes a long way for relationship building.

4.    Be courteous to the promoter/club owner.  They don’t have to let you in the club free so if they do, please don’t disrespect by bringing your whole crew and expecting a pass.  Tip the man at least.  Usually the #1 rule is one that will find that border between being cool and trying someone.  On a side note, if you walk up with a bunch of records/cds/promo material early in the night most often, the gatekeeper will let you in.  Promo work is a great way to get in the club free, but make sure you don’t abuse the privilege and give the gatekeeper a CD.  Don’t forget to say thank you for the hospitality.

5.    When in a different city than your own, do as the Romans.  In other words, don’t disrespect your host’s house by getting loud, rambunctious, or making other guests uncomfortable.  That is a sure way to find a quick and sometimes painful exit from the facilities.

6.    Work the room.  The club serves as a meeting place for other DJs from the market, promo people, retailers, and other key tastemakers of the market.  Take advantage and get contact information (full fledged conversations in the club is not recommended).  If you are going to post up, do it in a place where traffic passes by you and you can see as much of the club as possible.

7.    Use the club as a testing ground or research group.  What better way to find out what the consumers of music are listening to than to find out what gets them hype in the club?  The club is the building block of all great records, pay attention.

8.    Come early and leave early.  Beat the traffic, there is no need for you to be a parking lot pimp unless you are working, by passing out flyers at the end of the night.  Generally, the only thing that comes of a bunch of intoxicated people, in a small area with hormones raging, is trouble.

9.    DO NOT GET DRUNK OR LOSE YOUR FACULTIES.  Keep in mind that this is a working environment.  It’s cool to have a drink or two, maybe even put one in the air if you can still handle your business.  But keep in mind that the streets are watching and in the club, word gets out quickly if you get slumped or embarrassed.

10.    Whenever possible, club hop.  It’s a great way for you to cover different demographics in a short amount of time.  Just be sure to follow the rules above, but in a truncated time allowance.

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