Are you fond of music and do you like to make people dance? This guide is made for you! We explain everything about the activity of a freelance DJ and how to get started as a self-employed DJ.
What training to become a self-employed DJ?
The profession of DJ is often learned in the field due to a lot of practice and a developed musical fiber. But the profession is becoming more professional and more and more training is emerging, some from the third year onwards. The most famous schools in France are: EANOV School, DJ Network, UCPA and CFPM (Professional Music Training Center). Depending on your background, you can choose from longer or shorter courses. However, no diploma or training is required to practice the profession of DJ.
It is above your passion for music and your artistic quality that will make you a good self employed DJ. Toughness, availability and persistence are also essential.
3 Tips For Success As A DJ?
Tip 1: Choose Between Intermittent Entertainment and Micro-Entrepreneur
The work of a DJ is vast and can include a variety of activities:
- preparation and broadcasting of a concert;
- Creation of original songs with mixing techniques;
- musical entertainment;
- Microphone animation…
He may intervene regularly or not (bar, discotheque, wedding, festival, …) in different places or during different events, as a result, practicing the profession of DJ can take many forms. And you have to choose between a regime of intermittent entertainment. Or micro-enterprise governance.
Workers or micro-entrepreneurs are social systems that define specific rights and obligations for each individual.
If you worked through CDD with one or more companies in alternate periods and did not work, you can claim the intermittent regime of shows. On the other hand, if you practice alone and offer your DJ services as services to various companies that charge you, you are practicing under the micro-company regime.
Information
The combination of intermittent entertainment and micro-enterprise is potentially possible. But the activities should be very different.
You can’t be an intermittent DJ and a self-employed DJ at the same time. That’s why you should practice an activity other than DJing. The choice between micro-enterprise or pageant depends on the nature of your activity, the conditions of the exercise, your personal and professional project…
Tip 2: Equip yourself with the right tools
Some customers can provide you with equipment, others will require you to use your own. Anyway, good professional equipment is essential for working at home or with your clients: turntables, mixers, headphones, CDs, computers, specialized software… DJ’s equipment represents a significant cost at the start-up of your activity. can do. Also remember to insure your equipment with appropriate professional insurance to limit the risk of your activity in the event of a breakdown or theft.
You must also have a suitable professional vehicle to safely carry your equipment and reach your workplaces.
Tip 3: Expand your network
For your activity to work, you have to talk. There are many tools at your disposal. They will allow you to make yourself known, gain fame and thus complete new missions.
An internet presence is almost required. You can share your voice on YouTube, SoundCloud, Facebook, Instagram and thus build a community around your work. Be original and unique to stand out and stand out from the strong competition in this field. You want your subscribers to see you live.
Building a website allows you to collect examples of your work, but at the same time practical information such as the types of services offered, prices, your availability … Do not hesitate to add the opinions of your customers. It assures potential customers, guarantees quality and brings credibility to your business. You can also contact local radio stations and offer to broadcast your sets.
Lastly, consider contacting nightclubs, bars, restaurants, wedding planners, event agencies, concert halls, festival organizers to introduce yourself and grow your network.
What are the formalities to start as a professional DJ?
We’ve already mentioned the question of Social Security, which goes along with the choice of legal status. Most DJs start their business as self-employed individuals. The ease of creating and managing this position is reassuring and suitable for this type of activity. However, it must be remembered that the auto-entrepreneur’s business is capped.
Then you have to proceed to build your business. Several elements should be taken into account. Your activity may depend on URSSAF or CCI, depending on whether it is liberal (your customer provides the equipment and you perform a service) or commercial (you provide the service with your own equipment, respectively) ). It is therefore imperative that you define precisely the nature and conditions for carrying out your activity.
To make your job easier and make sure you make the right choice, don’t hesitate to hire a lawyer or an accountant to guide you. He may even proceed to build your business unless you decide to do it alone or through a legal platform to build a business.
To protect you from the risks associated with your activity, some professional insurance is strongly recommended, including insurance of your equipment, as we mentioned, but also multi-risk insurance for RC Pro or more complete cover Is.
To manage your budget and finances, you need to open a business account with a bank. It may be a traditional bank, but in our opinion online bank accounts for self-employed people are perfectly suited for your business.
Lastly, to manage your accounting and invoicing, you will certainly find it useful to equip yourself with dedicated software. Our invoicing tool Comparator will help you make your choice.
What are the substitutes for becoming an auto entrepreneur to become a DJ?
Depending on your personal situation, your projected turnover and your growth prospects, other legal positions may prove more interesting to you than a self-employed DJ.
You can take a look at particular EI or EIRL for which turnover is not limited, or even compare EURL and SASU which provide additional protection.
general question
Do you need to be a graduate to become a professional DJ?
No diploma is required to become a professional DJ.
What material should I start as a self-employed DJ?
To practice your DJ activity, you’ll need turntables, a mixer, headphones, CDs, one or more computers, specialized professional software, and a vehicle.
Which software to learn to mix?
You can opt for paid software like the famous Serato DJ or Traktor Pro or free software like Audacity or Wondershare Filmora.