DJs Getting Paid More
DJs should be getting paid more when the time changes on Saturday November 2nd, 2013 [in the most of USA, but use this chart to find out when it ends in your country — if observed] which is the night daylight savings time ends this year. Or at least DJs should get paid more, but odds are you’ll need to ask to the extra money.
Daylight Savings Time?
What is DST anyway? Read all about it and how it started here, but basically at 2AM, the time rolls back an hour, effectively making it 1 am again. That means an extra hour of drinking, clubbing, and you guessed it: an extra hour of DJing.
Getting Paid More: How?
It’s simple, really: You’re spinning an extra hour, so you are entitled to more money, period. When people work more, they get paid more. DJs spinning more = DJs getting paid more. This should be universally true. The polite way to bring it up is in advance, prior to the night in question. Suggested conversation starter: “hey, just wondering what the possibility would be of any extra payout due to the extra hour on Saturday?” Hopefully you’ll get a response right away, and hopefully it’s in your favor. What happens if the pendulum swings in the other direction?
What if they won’t pay?
Any venue or promoter that won’t kick out extra money does not value you as a DJ. Seriously, stand up for yourself! You have to know your worth. I’d suggest a repeated attempt, still making sure to keep up a nice, positive tone — but what happens if the venue or promoter still won’t budge?
Well, I can’t tell you what to do, and it really depends on your relationship with the venue/promoter.
Personally, at any place where I was in regular rotation it’s never been a problem to get the extra money. So what would I do if I was turned down? I’d thank them for their offer, but politely decline to play [if it wasn’t a weekly gig].
If you’re just starting out that tactic may not work. I have enough connections that I would probably end up booked that night. If not? I won’t sweat it!
What’s your experience with getting extra money on these nights?
Sign up and get articles like this right in your inbox:
[mc4wp-form]
