In the vibrant, fast-paced world of electronic music, climbing up the ladder of success often depends on more than just your talent and skill. Sometimes, you need someone in your corner, a catalyst, a person who can give you that much-needed push onto bigger stages and grander venues. That person is an agent.
The hard part is getting noticed by the RIGHT agents.
Let’s talk about Westend, aka Tyler Morris. He joined us on the pod last week to share his story and advice on how to find an agent as an emerging DJ. From playing local gigs to now playing on some of the world’s largest stages, Westend has worked hard to build a strong community and hone his skills. As he grew, he learned the critical role an agent plays in a DJ's path to fame. As he puts it, "What propels you to do this full time is getting an agent. They help escalate your bookings, leveraging relationships with promoters that you may not have."
Westend knew that securing an agent wouldn't come easily. His mission was to prove his worth to their agency, ensuring a mutually beneficial partnership. He shares,
"I made numerous pitches to various agents. I soon realized that it's not about just pitching. It's about waiting for the right time, where you offer value to the agency, and they reciprocate. Until that happens, pitching endlessly may not yield results."
His path to the perfect agent was paved with trials and persistence, constant pitching, and enhancing his value and brand image. But how can you replicate this? How can you catch an agent's eye and jumpstart your career?
Establishing your value to attract an agent is key. Grow your fan base, secure regular gigs, work your hardest to produce hit tracks, and get involved in the local events scene. A quick “events near me” search on Google is a great place to start.
Platforms like Instagram, Threads, TikTok, or Twitter can be instrumental in developing a following. Don’t underestimate the power of being on ALL of the platforms. Release your music on SoundCloud, Spotify, or Bandcamp to display your work and attract fans. Perform at local venues, virtual events, or even street shows to gain visibility. All of these will increase your value and help make your pitch more attractive to agents.
You need to be everywhere all the time.
Once you've solidified your worth, start making pitches. Seek out agents who represent DJs with a style or career trajectory similar to yours. Use resources like Music Business Worldwide's 'Agents Directory' or Celebrity Access's 'Booking Agents Directory'. In your pitch, highlight your achievements, underscore your value, and provide links to your music and social media profiles. Each pitch should be personalized—generic messages are unlikely to yield results.
Networking is a cornerstone in the music industry. While agents will ultimately do all of the talking for you, it is important tot be well-liked and respected in the industry. When your potential agent is asking others in the industry about you, you want to be highly regarded and spoken highly of. Build these relationships with other DJs, promoters, and industry professionals. You can start within the Kick and Bass Community, attend music industry events both in-person and virtual, or join online communities like SoundCloud, Reddit’s r/DJs, or DJ TechTools' forums. The wider your network, the greater your chances of being introduced to potential agents.
Westend mentioned that when he’d go out to clubs with his friends, while they would all be dancing or hanging out at the bar, he would be hovering around the backstage, hoping to rub shoulders with the right people. It worked.
The first thing an agent will do when you pitch them, is look you up online. It’s important to maximize your online platforms to showcase your music and connections with industry insiders. It doesn’t matter if you’ve played 3 shows or 300 shows - what matters is what happened when you were there. Did you sell out the venue? Did the crowd have fun? Did you get good feedback? Use social platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn to showcase this and connect with music agents and promoters. Ensure your profile is polished and updated. Regularly share updates, post your music, and engage with others in the industry. SoundCloud is another valuable platform where you can share your music and connect with fellow DJs, producers, and agents.
You’ve got the skills - now it’s time to show them off. Enter DJ competitions, both online and in-person, to boost visibility. Websites like DJRankings.org or DJ-List.com hold regular competitions. Similarly, platforms like Mixcloud host DJ contests that can help you gain exposure. Winning or ranking high in such competitions can catch the attention of an agent. Another tip? Invite the agents you want to pitch to a show and be ready to showcase your skills. The key is to grab their attention!
Crafting an impressive EPK is a sure way to appeal to agents. An EPK essentially serves as your musical resume - include your artist bio, high-resolution images, tour dates, and links to your music. Make sure to highlight any notable achievements or press coverage. Platforms like Sonicbids, Canva, or Adobe Spark can help you design a professional EPK. Check here for some templates to get started.
Referrals are perhaps the BEST way to secure an agent. If you can get a referral from a trusted artist, manager, or record label, it could significantly enhance your chances of securing the best agent for yourself and your music. Leverage your network to find these opportunities - tell your friends, post about it, tell contacts in the industry, and be ready to put your best foot forward.
For emerging artists wanting to level up their DJ career, finding the right agent is a journey that involves increasing your visibility, proving your worth, and effectively marketing yourself. It requires patience, hard work, and strategic planning. Use these tips to help navigate your path and remember Westend's advice, "It's about waiting for the right time, where you offer value to the agency, and they reciprocate."
As you work towards finding your agent, remember to enjoy the journey, grow as an artist, and keep producing the music you love. The right agent will come when the time is right, and when they do, you'll be ready to take the next big step in your music career.
Interested in catching the full interview with Westend? Check it out here:
