Alex,
First of all, given your age it is very important that you involve your parents in this idea for your own safety. Since you are a minor they would first of all have to agree and give their permission to you helping out a D.J, and also go with you to any initial meeting that you may arrange.
I must admit that I get around 10 calls a month from young people seeking advice and wanting to become a D.J (One of the reasons that this forum was started). Whilst it would be impossible for myself and colleague Richard to take them all to a gig, we do take on new trainees and roadies occasionally, and I'm pleased to say that many of the young people we have trained over the years have gone on to run a successful show themselves.
Most D.J's did themselves start out in their teens, and managed to get into the business only by an older D.J giving them the opportunity and coaching them, and hopefully this will be remembered when its their turn to pass on the knowledge
at least thats the attitude I use.
Paul has made a very good suggestion, do you have a public venue locally, perhaps some sort of social club where they have Disco's and where you could go along with your parents and casually get talking to the D.J?. Maybe your High School has a D.J for parties?. If not then perhaps you could write to a few local D.J's telling them a little about yourself and why you want to become a D.J. Remember to involve your parents and tell them what you are doing - A D.J is still a stranger to you.
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| What would be your reaction to a young guy asking you to let him tag along at gigs and the like? |
That depends on the young person!. Since no D.J wants to be reponsible for a hyperactive or misbehaving youngster running riot at his gig. I know some 14 year olds can act like 20 equally there are 18 year olds who act like they are 12!!!. So like any Job, a lot depends on how mature the person acts and how seriously you take the business. Remember that if the D.J does give you a break, that you are representing him and his business.
I've always given youngsters a chance to help in the past. Some have lasted one gig, others have spent 12 months or more training with me and then gone on to run their own roadshows.
From my own opinion I'd say that writing to local D.J's would make a bigger impression than calling. Since Writing a letter takes more effort and time. A letter is also more personal than a phone call and out of curiosity is often read to the end, hence giving you more chance of promoting yourself and being accepted.
