Getting Started in the EDM Scene: Protect Your Time, Talent, and Gear

The Magic and the Mess

Getting into the EDM world—whether you’re DJing your first show, launching a rental company, or running a DIY event—can feel incredible. It’s a rush. You’re surrounded by sound, art, weirdness, and connection.

But between all the good vibes, there’s a real risk of being undervalued or taken advantage of if you're not careful.

This guide is here to help you build something that lasts—without burning out or getting burned.

It’s Okay to Do Free or Cheap Gigs—If It Serves You

Doing a gig for free or for cheap doesn’t mean you're being exploited—if you made that choice for your own reasons.

Maybe you want to:

• Build experience
• Test your setup
• Strengthen connections
• Just play because it sounds fun



That’s valid. But where it becomes a problem is when you're expected to give and give without anything meaningful in return—and without being asked what you want from it.

If you’re investing your time, gear, or energy, it should feel like a step forward—not like someone’s using your passion as a shortcut.

How to Spot When You’re Being Lowballed

Not everyone is out to screw you over—but the scene is full of people who will take whatever you give them for free. And if you let them, they’ll come back for more.

Here’s how to recognize when you're being lowballed:

You might get offers that seem enticing but don’t cover your real costs or value. For example, I recently had someone offer me two tickets and $250 to drive five hours round-trip, run sound for an entire stage, and bring out a $16,000 sound system. That’s gas, time, labor, risk, setup/teardown, and liability—all for less than what I charge for a simple weekend rental.

Let’s break it down:

• Fuel costs alone for a round trip could be $60–$100+
• That’s several hours of driving, plus multiple hours of setup and teardown
• I’d be putting thousands of dollars of equipment in a potentially uncontrolled environment with no insurance or protection

If you’re new to the scene, know this: you’re allowed to say no. You’re allowed to counter. You’re allowed to ask for fair pay. If someone makes you feel bad for that, they’re not trying to build community—they’re trying to benefit from your generosity.

A quick gut check:

• Are they offering to cover gas, food, or lodging?
• Is your gear protected (through insurance or a contract)?
• Would you do this for free if you really believed in the mission?
• Is there mutual respect—or is this a one-sided favor?



When people value your contribution, even if they don’t have money, they’ll be honest and look for ways to make it work. When they don’t, they’ll just hope you’re too afraid to ask.

The “Future Opportunities” Trap

Ah yes, the classic:

“We don’t have a budget right now, but if this goes well, we’ll definitely bring you back for something bigger.”

Sometimes that’s real. But more often, it’s a dangling carrot used to lock you in for now—and quietly ghost you later.

Here’s how you can tell if it’s legit:

• They’re specific about what “next time” means: what date, what pay, what role
• They’re open to putting that promise in writing—even casually
• They’ve actually followed through for others in the past

If they can’t answer your follow-up questions, or they act annoyed when you ask, you’re probably just being offered a pipe dream. You are not a placeholder. If they can’t show up for you now and can’t make a real plan for later, walk away with your dignity (and your gear).

No Pay? Negotiate Value

Sometimes you’ll find yourself in a situation where there’s no budget—but you still want to be involved. In those cases, you can still negotiate for value in other ways.

Ask questions like:

• Can I be listed on the flyer or event page? Even if the money isn’t there, you should still be promoted like a real part of the lineup
• Can I get access to photos or videos? If there’s a photographer or videographer, ask in advance to get a few clips or shots for your portfolio
• Can I sell merch or leave flyers/business cards at a table? Low-budget doesn’t mean low-potential. Make it work for your brand
• If I do this one pro bono, can we put the next paid gig in writing now? Get clear terms, even if it’s an informal agreement



Exposure can be useful—but only when it’s mutual, clear, and intentional.

Why Contracts Matter (Yes, Even With Friends)

This is where a lot of people mess up, especially early on: they think contracts are only for big gigs or strangers. But a contract is just a mutual understanding written down. It protects both parties—and helps avoid misunderstandings that can mess up friendships or professional relationships.

A basic agreement should include:

• Date, time, and location
• What you’re providing (gear, time, set, etc.)
• Payment terms (including deposits, deadlines, and refunds)
• Cancellation policy
• Damage or loss liability
• Insurance or credit card hold terms
• Signatures, and ideally, an ID to match

Even if you trust someone, a contract makes things clear. And if you don’t trust them? Then why are you showing up with your time or thousands in gear?

Insurance, Liability, and Borrowing Gear: What Can Go Wrong, Will

Let me tell you a quick personal story that has nothing to do with djing, speaker rental, or event/artist management—but everything to do with accountability.

My parents are getting older, and they recently hired someone to mow their lawn. Two months in, while weed-eating, he accidentally launched a rock that shattered the glass on their front door. He didn’t have insurance. They got three quotes—and the lowest was $1,600. Guess who had to eat that cost?

That’s what happens when people do business without protection. Now imagine that happening to your $8,000 subwoofer you just rented for a show or possibly your new $3,500 Pioneer XDJ-AZ you just purchased. In fact, let's go smaller and say your friend's new laptop gets beer spilled on it during a set.

If you’re:

• Borrowing gear: make sure there’s either insurance or an agreement stating who’s liable if something breaks or gets stolen
• Hosting an event: get short-term event insurance. It’s not expensive, and it could save your bank account. If you're consistently hosting events, look into getting yearly event insurance
• Renting out gear: always require a Certificate of Insurance (COI) or a credit card hold and signed agreement



According to a 2024 study by LendingClub, over 60% of Americans are living paycheck to paycheck, including nearly half of those earning six figures.  One accident could derail your entire year. Insurance is the safety net we hope we never need—but the one that saves us when things go sideways.

Questions to Ask Before Saying Yes

Whether it’s a manager offering to “take you to the next level,” a promoter asking you to play, or a friend needing sound support—asking the right questions sets the tone.

Don’t overthink it. Just ask things like:

If you’re being asked to perform, rent gear, or help with an event:

• “Is there a contract or written agreement?”
• “What’s the pay, or what’s being offered in exchange?”
• “Who’s covering damage or loss if something happens?”
• “Can I get promo placement on flyers and socials?”
• “Will there be a photographer or videographer?”
• “Am I allowed to promote myself or sell merch?”
• “What time should I arrive, and when do I load out?”

If someone wants to manage you:

• “What services do you actually provide—bookings, branding, outreach?”
• “How are you compensated—flat fee or commission?”
• “Can I talk to some of your current or past clients?”
• “What happens if I want to leave the agreement later?”
• “Do we both sign a contract with clear expectations?”



You don’t have to be pushy—you just have to be clear. Real professionals want to work with people who know what they’re worth.

What to Ask Venue Owners and Event Companies Before You Commit

If you’re thinking about hosting your own events or working with an event company, asking the right questions upfront can save you time, money, and frustration down the road. It also shows you’re professional and serious about building good partnerships.

When Talking to Venue Owners, Consider Asking:

• What’s the venue’s capacity and layout? Knowing how many people the space holds and how it flows helps you plan sound, lighting, and safety measures.
• Are there noise restrictions or curfews? This affects how loud you can get and how late the event can run.
• What kind of power and technical support is available? Some venues provide power and tech staff; others expect you to bring everything.
• Do you require insurance or permits? This can impact your budget and planning, so it’s best to know early.
• Are there rules about vendors, merch, or promotions? You’ll want to know if you can sell your merch, have food vendors, or hand out flyers.
• What’s your cancellation or rescheduling policy? Events can change for many reasons—clear policies protect everyone.
• Is security or staff support provided? Crowd control and safety are crucial, especially as your events grow.
• What are the load-in/load-out logistics and parking situation? Easy gear access and parking can make setup and teardown much smoother.

If You’re Learning About an Event Company or Their Shows, Ask:

• How long have you been producing events, and what’s the usual crowd size? This helps you understand their experience and scale.
• What types of artists or acts do you book? Making sure your style fits their vibe is key to success.
• How do you handle promotion and marketing? Knowing their reach and effort level lets you gauge your potential exposure.
• What’s the typical compensation model? Get clear on pay, door splits, or if it’s exposure-only.
• Do you use contracts or written agreements with your artists and vendors? Professionalism matters.
• What’s your cancellation or refund policy? So you know your options if something goes sideways.
• Can you share examples of past events or references? It’s okay to ask for proof of legitimacy.
• What’s your approach to safety and compliance? Events that prioritize safety and legality are better long-term partners.



Being curious and asking these questions upfront shows you respect your craft and want to build sustainable relationships. It’s a smart way to make sure everyone’s on the same page before you commit.

For Event Coordinators: Extra Questions to Cover All Bases

If you’re organizing or coordinating events, there’s a few more things you’ll want to clarify early on to keep things running smoothly:

• Backup plans: What happens if weather, tech issues, or cancellations pop up last minute?
• Load-in and setup: When can artists and tech crews arrive to set up and soundcheck?
• Payment terms: How and when will payments or deposits be handled?
• Branding and sponsorships: Are there any rules about signage, sponsor booths, or marketing materials?
• Vendor coordination: Does the venue have preferred or exclusive vendors you need to work with?
• Insurance: What certificates or liability coverage does the venue require from you or your partners?
• Safety protocols: What’s the plan for emergencies, crowd control, or health guidelines?
• Audience demographics: What kind of crowd does the venue usually attract? Are there age restrictions or special community rules?

Asking these questions upfront means fewer surprises, better teamwork, and events that just work.

Final Thoughts: You Deserve to Build Something Sustainable

You don’t have to “just be grateful” for every gig. You don’t have to hustle until you crash. You don’t have to accept being underpaid, unprotected, or unappreciated to be a part of this scene.

You’re allowed to:

• Set your rates
• Ask questions
• Say no
• Walk away
• Build on your own terms



If you really want to grow in this world—protect your time, your talent, and your gear. That’s not selfish. That’s sustainability.