Hey Everyone!
If you guys haven't seen this months issue of Lotus magazine, it has a real interesting cover story on the cost of DJ's nowadays and how much they charge on average. The question was, "Are DJs overpaid?" Here are some quotes I got out of the article which you may find interesting:
-Top Ten DJs get paid on average: $15,000-$150,000
-Internationally recognized DJs: $10,000-$25,000
-Nationally recognized DJs: $4,000-$6,000
-Locally Recognized DJs: $1,000-$3,000
-Local DJs: 0-$1,000
-Bedroom DJs: 0-$100.00
These prices are the average price for each DJ per event they perform at on a Saturday night.
The article also includes interviews with Paul Van Dyke, and DJ Dmitry (From the group Dee-lite) as well as booking agencies. On a good note though, Van Dyke mentions that most DJs are negotiable on their fees (which is true) depending on the size of the event, ticket prices, etc. But on another note, Van Dyke and also Deep Dish's, Sharam Tayebi, says they have earned the right to be paid a certain amount of money.
Ok, for all you people who talk about high ticket prices for parties today, they even included a sample event and the cost that is involved:
-Sample event (ABC Party)
-Venue Rental: $8,000
-Capacity: 1,500 (-100 free guests)
-Insurance: $300.00
-Sound & Lights are included in venue cost
-Event goes all night
-Bad Boy Bill:$10,000
-DJ Dan: $7,000
-Opening DJ's: $400.00
-Advertising (flyers, etc.)-$6,000
-Voicemail info lines: $100.00
-Visuals (Projection): $500.00
-Travel to and from venue for DJs: $300.00
-Flight cost for DJs: $1,200
-Hotel cost: $600.00
-Promotional Staff: $2,250
-Event Staff (Security, etc.): $500.00
-TOTAL COST: $37,150.00
-They would need to charge roughly $26.50 to break even.
-They would need to charge $30.00 to make $5,000 profit!
They go on to include a quote from a promoter who they do not name for obvious reasons that promoters are "everyones bitch". They have to listen to everyone, the police, the venue, the agents, the DJs, the DEA, the fire marshal, and the people. They say promoters pretty much do what they are told to do and how to do it. They also talk about taking a huge financial risk and only making a $5,000 dollar profit is not worth the risk.
Quote: "When it gets to the point where there's so much work for so little money, let someone else go bust their balls" :End Quote
Quote: "It sucks being a promoter but it's addictive. When you do pull off an event that you're proud of, it's awesome!" : End quote
There is so much more to this article, but I would be typing forever! But I must say this was one of the most interesting articles I have read in Lotus in a long time!
When I read this article I was very intrigued with the comments that people had to say. Of course the promoters say that DJ's and agencies are charging way too much and overpaid, and the DJ agencies are saying that they are not paid enough or are worth every penny for what they do. There will always be an argument over this topic as long as there are events and DJs. In my opinion, I do agree that there are some DJ's out there that charge way too much for what they offer to the people. But if people are willing to pay the cost of the ticket fee, and as long as they have a great time and feel it was worth the price, then it's all good!
Just my .02 worth!
If anyone would like a copy of this months issue of Lotus Magazine, feel free to drop by Rhythm Records in downtown San Jose and pick up a copy, or you can also probably find some copies at any of your local record shops. Oh they are free in case you were wondering. Happy reading!!
Twin Spin
Rhythm Records/Stop-Feel-Move Artistic Management
www.djtwinspin.com
