Dj Union?

[travail420]

Ok, I saw a show on t.v. a while back where some strippers from San Fran actually started a union. Do you think it's possible to do the same for djs in this city?

I've seen the issue from both sides. As a promoter it's not always possible to pay some of the talent that performs at your events. As shitty as it is it's part of the game. As a dj, I've played for free more than I've been payed and will continue to do so out of love for the craft and respect for those who have come before to help pave the way for the rest of us. Plus I heard that djs get all the chicks. All joking aside, do you believe it's possible to form a union of skilled craftsmen to ensure that we are fairly compensated according to our individual skill levels?

[Kohei]

Most disc jockeys don't earn enough to merit joining a union in exchange for paying taxes on their earnings.

And the fact of the matter is, for at least a decade, DJs who don't simultaneously produce never attain that kind of headliner earning status. Exceptions being those who've been around since day one and are most likely highly reputable label owners, promoters, DJs on the BBC, etc. You get the idea. They are already well connected. You can hear Sasha sets from '88 at the Hacienda, Grooverider was playing hardcore long before the arrival of drum 'n bass, Derrick May was an innovator of techno. Blah blah blah. To a much much much much smaller degree, I've seen DJs gain momentum in popularity after playing locally for a decade...Donald Glaude being the person in mind...but he's managed to release a couple CDs which were distributed on such a mainstream scale at stores like Sam Goody. I don't know much about the Funky Techno Tribe but I bet he's been a part of throwing many many parties as well alongside DJ Dan and the like.

In short, DJs who would benefit from a union already have that taken care of because "high" (relatively) earners are those who do a lot more behind the scenes and happen to spend a small amount of their time disc jockeying in front of people at parties.

[travail420]

Good point, but I was thinking more locally.

[Outer limits]

You try to unionize it and charge too much then there will be 5 others who play for free to take their place.

I say good.I want to see lineups without regulars and would rather see our regulars get off their ass and get to playing out of state.Even at the expense of trainwreck city it would be nice to see a lineup of nothing but new faces.

We kind of have a system here where you have to be humble.That does not mean play for free forever but it does mean playing risky parties for free and doing it because maybe money isn't why you do this.

I may be too far from this loop to really be able to effectively comment here but every flyer I see usually is the same dj's over and over at the same clubs.I guess if those who do that make a better wage comes out of a union then im for it but those aren't really the places I would choose to go.

[Dj Conspiracy]

sign me up . But you have to pass a test or something to get in.

[djsence]

Originally posted by Outer limits
You try to unionize it and charge too much then there will be 5 others who play for free to take their place.

.


LOL SCAB DJS!

[eric n]

I have thought about this before and think it would be a great idea. The key is finding the right person to set it all up...

[FREEEZZ]

right person? the idea of a union is that it takes the masses. Yes Eric I get the idea but the only people not getting paid are b&c list electronica dj's.
Why would the real powers to the likes of... Vission,Tiesto,Jokenfold and so on want to donate their money that most likely 40% of which is not claimed in taxes to a union.
Now they would have to claim all of their earnings and give dues as well.
What kind of health insurance and 401k plan are you clowns planning on offering?

I am lawling at the thought of all this.

Have you ever seen a bartender's or bouncer's union?

Exactly

[Hukt On Wax]

Originally posted by Kohei
Most disc jockeys don't earn enough to merit joining a union in exchange for paying taxes on their earnings.

And the fact of the matter is, for at least a decade, DJs who don't simultaneously produce never attain that kind of headliner earning status. Exceptions being those who've been around since day one and are most likely highly reputable label owners, promoters, DJs on the BBC, etc. You get the idea. They are already well connected. You can hear Sasha sets from '88 at the Hacienda, Grooverider was playing hardcore long before the arrival of drum 'n bass, Derrick May was an innovator of techno. Blah blah blah. To a much much much much smaller degree, I've seen DJs gain momentum in popularity after playing locally for a decade...Donald Glaude being the person in mind...but he's managed to release a couple CDs which were distributed on such a mainstream scale at stores like Sam Goody. I don't know much about the Funky Techno Tribe but I bet he's been a part of throwing many many parties as well alongside DJ Dan and the like.

In short, DJs who would benefit from a union already have that taken care of because "high" (relatively) earners are those who do a lot more behind the scenes and happen to spend a small amount of their time disc jockeying in front of people at parties.
that saddened me you forgot frankie bones :(

[travail420]

All I know is that if strippers in san fran can do it anyone (almost) can. It would need to be set up similar to other skilled craftmens unions. Wage based on hours played and experience, oh and I think drug testing wouldn't be at all acceptable.

[Kohei]

Originally posted by Hukt On Wax
that saddened me you forgot frankie bones :(

Dude Bones used to make as much as a doctor in his peak, now he's strugglin cuz he hasn't made shit in ages and mixtapes don't sell! Not a viable model to explain my point!

[BobbyRitalin]

labor unions good

dj union bad.


what exactly would the dj union do for me if i were a member? would it help me at all? the members are what makes a union work. i belong to the ibew, which is the electrical union. great benefits and such, but it's the members that make it happen. djing and events aren't exactly legit.

[travail420]

Originally posted by BobbyRitalin
labor unions good

dj union bad.


what exactly would the dj union do for me if i were a member? would it help me at all? the members are what makes a union work. i belong to the ibew, which is the electrical union. great benefits and such, but it's the members that make it happen. djing and events aren't exactly legit.
To start with, benefits. I would also like to see a pay scale based on popularity, hours logged playing and overall skill. Honestly I just want to see people get paid. Don't get me wrong man, this would be a huge undertaking.

[djsteel]

You understand that all that you are asking for is a talent agent, right?

They are the industries 'unions'...

[B_tech]

Originally posted by travail420
Ok, I saw a show on t.v. a while back where some strippers from San Fran actually started a union. Do you think it's possible to do the same for djs in this city?

No.

If you're that good and need to represented, hire an agent.