FREE J’S!!! Merr! :(

okay,

phew, I’m mad while I’m writing this. But I’mma try to be as level headed as possible and speak from both sides of the fence.

first off,  I realize that the value of a dj has gone down significantly now days in bookers eyes

a. because the advance in technology  has made it “easier” for people to dj

b. because now there are so many dj’s, and one’s that are willing to work for free people figure…” why pay more when I can pay less for a dj?” and “they have an easy job, they shouldn’t charge much..”

But for 1. this isn’t pay less. for those dj’s like myself who dj for a living and not just for some hobby, it matters what we get paid. I take a lot of pride in what I do, I work hard, and people have to realize that a dj can really make or break your night. The DJ sets the vibe, which dictates essentially how much booze people buy up at the bar, and if they’ll ever wanna come back again. Good dj’s ARE valuable. That goes for a good dj that is free j-ing too. they need to evaluate their worth, know their worth, and ask for proper compensation.

Free, should not be some industry standard. Now I know when  a dj is first starting they need to pay their dues just as I did. No doubt about that. But the line is getting blurred between people paying their dues at first verses it becoming the norm for a dj to rock for free every time.

I’mma pay attention to my own hustle, and do me of coarse. All I’m saying is, DJ’s, know your worth. Because a dj who dj’s as a hobby and is happy to do it for free, lowers the industry standard of pay for those dj’s who dj for a living and don’t mess around when it comes to being properly compensated for their art. And rightfully so.

Don’t get me wrong, I have  NOTHING but love for the art and game, and I believe that sometimes you can’t put a price on the satisfaction of rocking a place and getting that high from doing what we do. But, I believe that artists (dj’s) deserve to get paid for their work. I send much luv and best wishes. Whether you DJ for the love w/out pay, or DJ for the love w/ pay, that’s not on me. (givin), but I hope that I can enlighten those who do it for free everytime to know

1. What your worth is

2. that working for free everytime can alter peoples opinion on the worth/ value of a DJ. And not in a good way…which effects other DJ’s hustle in the game.

Much Respect…

– DJ Mahli