Famous Indian DJs like Arjun Vagale, Nawed Khan, Udyan Sagar, Rishab Joshi, Anish Sood, and many others have made lucrative DJ careers in India through networking and hard work.
When starting out, most of the aspiring DJs in India are confused about making a career as a DJ. To eliminate this confusion, here’s all the information you need to become a successful DJ in India.
DJ Career, Salary, Jobs & Scope in India
Well-known Indian DJs work independently and make 20 – 80k INR per gig. However, the most popular ones can earn up to 5 lakhs for a one-time performance. In India, only Radio DJs and Resident DJs earn a monthly salary, which ranges approximately between 30 – 80k INR per month.
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DJ Jobs & Gigs (one-time performances) in India
Weddings and Corporate Gigs
The quickest way to make a profitable career as a DJ is by doing weddings and corporate gigs. Even beginner DJs with a basic DJ setup can make a lot of money at Indian weddings.
Radio Stations
Radio DJs in India work like salaried professionals and get paid from radio stations. Since there are limited radio stations in India, interested DJs need good contacts and exceptional mixing talent to be employed as a radio DJ.
Residencies at Bars and Clubs
Resident DJs in India play regularly at the same bar/club and earn a monthly salary. They play on expensive DJ equipment and also enjoy complimentary food and drinks from their venues.
Gigs at Bars, Clubs, Events, and Festivals
Independent underground DJs in India do gigs at various bars, clubs, events and festivals throughout India. Their earning per performance depends upon their experience, skills, and popularity.
DJ Career in India
Making a sustainable career as a DJ in India can be hard. This is why many Indian DJs get a day job to supplement their income.
Here are some DJ-friendly careers to look into:
Club Promoter
You can become a club promoter for nightlife events. This will bring additional income and expand your social circle.
Music Producer
You can become a music producer and release your own tracks. Music producers earn music royalties and make many fans. Check out the most popular music production courses on Udemy.
Become a DJ Tutor
You can become a DJ tutor and teach young and aspiring DJs. Experienced DJs can make a significant amount of money by giving private lessons on their home DJ setup.
Music Journalist
You can become a music journalist who writes about music. Other than getting a job as a music journalist, you can also earn money by making blogs and websites about music.
Scope of DJing in India
Indians are very fond of dance music. Most celebrations in India have a DJ and a dance floor. However, DJing in India nowadays is not just limited to weddings and clubs.
Every year, international DJs come to India to play at festivals like Sunburn, Vh1 Supersonic, Magnetic Fields, NH7 Weekender and many others.
So, as you can see, there is a great scope for DJing in India; especially for aspiring DJs who are not afraid to take the road less traveled and are brave enough to follow their passion.
I want resident DJ job
If you already know how to DJ, attend the club regularly where you want the residency. Get to know the DJ and others who come there often.
How can a South African DJ apply for residency jobs at clubs and bars in India?
Clubs & bars in India welcome international DJs. Get to know the promoters, they’ll help you out.
I Want to be a independent DJ/Producer like other international DJs. But can I gain that much popularity.
What should I do?
Learn the skills first and aim for local popularity before seeking international fame.
Searching for resident Dj in Bangalore
Are you looking for a resident DJ, or do you want to be one?
Hi,
I want residency or freelance DJ job in Mumbai, I call some club they don’t reply. How to get this, skill DEEP house, deep techno, Minimal, Techhouse , House
Attend the club regularly and become friends with the resident DJs and club promoters there. Once you develop a good bond with them, slowly try to score a gig and eventually go after the residency. That’s how everybody does it. You can’t approach a club residency like a normal job.