Hey! My name is Jamie Hartley, the founder here at Crossfader, and I want you to hear this story about how I became a full-time club DJ. When I first started, there was a massive challenge to getting my first club gig… I was too young to play in clubs!
How it began…
It all started when my dad borrowed a pair of turntables from a friend. I was just 14 years old and completely hooked on DJing. I spent hours in my bedroom, practising and experimenting with different records. At that time, I hadn’t even set foot in a nightclub yet!
As I got older, I couldn’t resist trying to get a set in a nightclub. But there was a hurdle—I was too young to play in clubs legally.
How I got around the age issue…
Determined not to let my age stop me, I teamed up with a friend and started throwing epic college parties for under 18s. We built a brand called “Kiss Me” (yeah, I know, a bit cringy!).
Surprisingly, our parties became a huge hit! The under-18 crowd loved what we did, and our events became popular. As that crowd grew older and were finally able to enter real clubs, local promoters took notice of the buzz I had created. They wanted me to bring that energy to their venues, even if it meant starting with small warm-up gigs.
Why it mattered!
If I had waited until I was old enough, why would any promoter or venue manager book me to play? I may have been a good enough DJ, and I may have had the drive to perform, even play for free, but why would they book me over another DJ with experience already?
Looking back, I realise that throwing my parties allowed me to build a local following. It helped establish myself as a DJ, so when I did turn of age, I had something to bring to the table over other DJs in the circuit. I had a fresh new crowd ready to follow me to those venues; something promoters were eager to take advantage of.
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What it means for you…
Our stories and circumstances are unique; every DJ might have a different path to their first gig. But with the proper guidance, support, and unwavering drive, you can turn your passion into a successful career, just like I did.
Crossfader is here to offer you expert guidance through our courses, podcasts, content and customer support. As a team, we have experienced many hurdles in our careers and are committed to helping you overcome yours to achieve success.
So, are you ready to take the next step and make your DJing dreams a reality? Join us at Crossfader, where we’ll provide the tools and resources to sharpen your skills, unleash your creativity, and pave your path to success.
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