Have you ever wondered how you could set yourself apart among the many artists submitting to music festivals? We talked to the pros, the people review submissions, fully invested in booking and running these festivals. They gave us some valuable information on how to get on their radar, stand out during the submission process and how to ensure a lasting positive impression once actually performing at these festivals. Leaving the kind of impact that gets you booked year after year.
This is what Garret Friesen aka J.A. DJ, co-founder of Truespin Records, owner & operator at Smash n Grab Records and co-founder of Emotion Festival, had to say.
How can an artist get on your radar outside of music submissions?
Continue to work on their brand and get their name out there on shows, radio; anything to show that you’re serious about the music.
How can an artist application stand out among the rest?
A personal message to the festival is nice, proper media kits, links and fresh music. I don’t want to hear a mix from 3 years ago.
How can an artist ensure to leave a lasting impression both on the promoters and the audience?
Be professional, thank the promoter, audience and make sure you get that one on one time with the promoter or crew of the festival. I always ask my crew who they thought was great and who they connected with. We tend to bring those people back.
Kaeli Khaos manager and CEO of Enter Sandman Festival had a few things to add.
I guess the best way to get on the radar outside of music submissions would be showing interest in the event itself. And for us personally we are a grassroots event. So its especially important to have support from artists who would like to see it grow and become a local spot for said folks!
I feel like an artists application can stand out the rest by being genuine. Playing from the heart and playing your own music, even if it may not sound quite as crisp. Really enjoy the time you spend making a mix/tracks. But most of all, playing for you. Don’t play for other’s expectations, as you don’t tend to do your best.
As for the last point: a lasting impression may not necessarily be a good one. Some say bad publicity is still good publicity. Don’t get too drunk. Lol. That leaves an impression. But seriously I feel like a performer has to captivate the crowd. Moving around and having stage presence is important. Showing the crowd you really enjoy the music you are sharing. Im sure there is much more but I feel like this is an
important one.
Talent Director Adam Bradley at Fozzy Fests and co-founder & CEO of Truespin Records, points out a couple things that really stood out to me.
How can an artist get on your radar outside of music submissions?
First thing would be if you are in the area then coming out to events and showing support. Volunteering at our pre-parties when we need and helping out around the scene in general. We like people who care about what we do and want to help bring things to the next level.
Also of happen to not be in Calgary then volunteering at the main festival goes along way. A lot of our artists started out as stage hands, front gate or even security back in the early days.
Finally being present online with posts, shares, comments, & just being excited about FozzyFest in general. We are a close knit, and very passionate team and like to welcome like minded individuals to play.
How can an artist application stand out among the rest?
Be as original as possible these days. We know it’s tough with there being so many artists out there but just digging for those extra special couple tracks that set your sound apart from the rest can go along way. Also original material. Even if it isn’t the best production, the fact that you are putting your all into your craft and trying to better your music means a lot, shows passion & dedication. And finally if you play any live instruments then see if there is a way to incorporate them into your set / sounds. Be the next K+Lab with a keytar type idea. I personally love seeing artists bring new things to the table that I wouldn’t have thought of that work so so well.
How can an artist ensure to leave a last impression both on the promoters and the audience?
I’d say again, try and be as original as possible, whether it be instruments, visuals for us to put in the screens, or just showing that little bit extra of confidence in your abilities goes along way, but careful not to be arrogant cause well, we all know we’re that’ll get you haha
And that brings me to my final point… Just have fun! Audience’s love being interactive with the artists and if the artist is up there jamming out with a big smile on their face and right with the crowd and not have their heads down staring at the decks or look out of sorts / not having fun, then the crowd will keep coming back to you for more.
Jordan Chappel festival organizer and talent booker of Bass in the Bush reminds us that:
“An artist can get on our radar by either having friends tell us through the grapevine, or seeing artists play venues close to town or music festivals.
How an artist application can stand out is by having a more professional style email sent in, with a little write up about yourself and the style music you play. Make sure its the right style for the venue or show you are applying for. EX. If its a real heavy bass show don’t apply saying you a psy trance dj.”
Last but not least, when it comes to lasting impressions:
“Humbleness is key for me. We deal with a lot of djs throughout the year; with shows in Saskatoon and our festival. The djs that stick out most are the ones who have good stage presence. Stickers are always key in making people remember you and get lost in the crowd, make friends with your audience and promoters!”
Dylan Havok aka Sevnde production manager of Odyssey Gathering had the last words on this as he prep for travel overseas:
Getting on the radar?
– Play out
– Throw events
– Produce music
– Build a following.
– Be more active on social media ie. status posts, page posts, group posts, shared community posts
Standing out on submissions?
– Keep is short but personalized (unique) have relevant music links (newish mixes or tracks that will reflect what you will bring to the event.)
– High quality photo, a set up Facebook page and a soundcloud (mixcloud), evidence of a dj/ producers activity, visible tour dates or fresh material.
Be familiar with the festivals vibes – check out previous lineups. If we don’t have any of a specific genre in previous years chances are we might not have that genre next year. Apply for events that you would be a good fit.
And finally here is our electronic music festival list for Canada. Did we miss any?
| Song & Surf | Feb.09-11 | Renfrew, BC |
| Bass in the Bush | May 18-21 | Sask, SK |
| Vibrant Music Festival | June 01-03 | Invermere, BC |
| Cosmic Dream | June 01-03 | Alberta |
| Odyssey Gathering | Jun.01-03 | Alberta |
| Festival D’ete De Quebec | Jun.05-15 | Quebec |
| Ever After | Jun.08-10 | Kitchener, Ontario |
| SolSask Fest | June 21-24 | Saskatchewan |
| Escapade Fest | June 23-24 | Ottawa. On |
| KAMP Fest | Jun.29-Jul.02 | Kootenays, BC |
| Curiosity Festival | June 29-Jul.02 | Okanagan Valley, BC |
| RBC Bluefest | July. 05-18 | Ottawa. On |
| Bass Coast | July 06-09 | Merrit, BC |
| Evolve Festival | July 06-09 | Moncton, NB |
| Astral Harvest | July 13-16 | Alberta |
| Future Forest | July 26-30 | Fredericton, NB |
| Center of Gravity | July 27-29 | Kelowna, BC |
| Emotion | Aug.02-05 | Manitoba |
| Electric Sky | Aug.03-05 | Sask, SK |
| Osheaga | Aug.03-5 | Montreal, QC |
| Veld Fest | Aug.04-05 | Toronto, On |
| Chasing Summer | Aug.04-05 | Calgary, AB |
| Shambula | Aug.10-13 | Salmo, BC ( Near by) |
| Memetic | Aug.16-19 | Winnipeg, MB |
| Lethbridge Electronic Music Festival | Aug.18 | Lethbridge |
| Mutek | Aug.22-26 | Montreal, QC |
| Motion Notion | Aug.24-27 | Golden, BC ( Near by) |
| Enter Sandman Festival | Aug. 31-Sept.03 | |
| Fozzy Fest | Sept.13-16 | Lake Koocanusa, BC |
| Wicked Woods | Sept.27-30 | Fairmont Hotsprings, BC |
| Piknik Electronic | Summer | Montreal, QB |
Please keep in mind that some festivals are not listed because they have either not posted 2018 dates or are not running until 2019. Please double check before you send us a request to change the list. Thanks!
More Helpful Articles & Video for DJs:
- Pro Tips For DJs During The Off Season
- Building Better DJ Habits You Can Actually Stick To In The New Year
- 3 Questions to Ask Yourself Before Planning for the New Year
- Studio Gear Tips For Artist With A Small Budget
- 2018 Festival Application DJ Check List
- 5 Habits of The Happiest DJs
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