How to Make A DJ Friendly Single

by FuNkwoRm July 22, 2009

by Lola Sims

While attending the SUMC Conference a couple months ago, I went to a number of panels and came across a topic that many people don’t know about. This topic is something that everyone should know so that they don’t waste time, effort, or money.

What exactly is a DJ friendly record/single?

Someone in the conference said a record that shouts out the DJ like Lil Wayne’s “Go DJ”. While thats all well and good that is not a DJ friendly record.

A DJ friendly record has a little bit of space at the beginning with just the beat so that the DJ has time to mix in or comment,is labeled correctly, includes one set of contact information, track listings, and correct song placements.

MY SUGGESTIONS ARE

CONTACT INFORMATION

(1) Name: Include a name, a readable one, I suggest a real name since this is business.

(2) Phone Number: Use a number that is actually used and checked. There is nothing worse or more frustrating then receiving a CD with a great song and no one answers the phone or email. Interest will die immediately. That mistake just cost you an opportunity. Isn’t that what you all are waiting for?

(3) Email Address (not required but if you do): Create a business email address. Something like xxxxrecords@gmail.com or xxxxxentertainment@yahoo.com will surely get a better response than say hotboi504@aol.com. You can use yahoo, gmail, and hotmail accounts for free. So use them.

(4) Web Site or Myspace Include one website or myspace not every single one that your related to or have control of.

TRACK LISTINGS
(1) Radio Version of Song
(2) Dirty Version
(3) Instrumental
(4) Acapella

Including all for of these on a CD will allow the DJ to mix hot songs or current hits into a mix with your song. It does not cause him to mess up the groove of a party by introducing new music that isn’t familiar to the crowd. But does slowly produce awareness for crowds and listeners.

SAMPLE 1 (THE WRONG WAY)