THE REAL BENEFITS OF JOINING A DJ ASSOCIATION by Karen Fernandez -Geffen Records
The National Club Industry Association of America (NCIAA) is one of the first DJ associations ever formed for the Club DJ. An integral part of shaping not only the professional careers of many well known DJ’s, but has played a key role in building solid relationships with industry professionals around the world.
Why would anyone wish to join a DJ Association, anyway?
In such a competitive business as this, getting together (either in person or cyber-space) to discuss your business practices, mixing techniques etc almost seems like . . . well, treason. But is it? There are probably as many different ways of explaining why someone would join the NCIAA, as there are DJs. We're all looking for benefits of some kind. But, if you really think about it, the main reason is simply: to better yourself and to better the industry. Those are pretty darn good reasons! These are in my opinion the real benefits of any association.
How can joining an association make you a better DJ?
Again, the answer is simple. Look around you, wherever you look, you will always find those with more experience and those with less. You will always find a DJ who has a better way of doing things and a DJ who could learn something you already know. By being apart of an association you get the benefit of all the members combined. When you meet and share what you know, you learn. And if you learn just one thing, you will become a better DJ and when we all learn or share something, the whole industry benefits! There is plenty of business out there, more than enough to go around. We all know, too, that there are people out there pretending to be DJs, but who don't have a clue. These people are in this business solely for what they can get out of it - a quick buck. They're not interested in getting better or contributing to the image of DJs. They will never join an association (takes too much time or costs too much). When those of us who do care join an association and get to know each other, we can send extra business to each other. We can speak with a louder voice, and in most cases taken more seriously. We instantly have the ability to educate not only the music industry but our clients and music fans the difference between true professionals and DJ wannabes. In the end, this will mean higher paying gigs for us. A DJ Association can also speak with a much louder voice to the other players in this industry, the manufacturers and record labels. They can promote a more positive and "respectable" image. If you've been in this business for any length of time, or especially for those just starting out, you know that DJs are not treated with the respect or recognition most of them deserve. Better image and a unified front means better leverage and this is a must if we are ever to get a sensible re-recording agreement which would allow multi-system operators the privilege of making multi-music libraries, from single CDs. (This, by the way, is something the NCIAA is doing). If you are committed to your talent, you need to be committed to your profession and this means being committed to your Industry. Joining the NCIAA will not only better yourself and your business, but will help earn the respect you deserve. When it comes right down to it, are there any benefits worth more than these?
National Club Industry Association of America by Mike Webster - All American Recordings
As is the benefit for any national organization first comes a directory of people, club owners, and patrons. This interaction creates a stable of people all at the touch of a button. Many times insiders at these organizations receive top billing, leads, and offers or opportunity that is just not available to the general public. There are also organizations for almost anything you can think of and that ensures you can find a group that can help you with any questions or even help book a show in another town, help get you representation in court, or even a discount on a rent-a-car. In some of these groups you can actually brush shoulders with peers and people you idolize in the industry. Let’s say for example you wanted to join ASCAP. Almost EVERY major charting recording artist is a member and in the almighty quest of the independent musician they want to ‘remove’ any evidence that they are different, or even not on a major. I have chosen the National Club Industry Association of America for a few reasons. I have to first say that the name caught my eye, it was something that for that last few years I have been interested in; clubs and the nightlife. I’ve seen a major market like Dallas open up big clubs while other establishments that have thought to have been staples in the community are now gone. There is a whole lot more than one city to follow and the trends and to know who’s who is a really hard game. Another major factor that got me reading was that this organization still breaths a breath of fresh air. I feel like I could be a productive member and become well-known in its community. I plan to really work on helping out as much as I can now, even if it’s a questionnaire or a simple yes/no. One day the benefits will be available to me and by staying active I ensure that something that I put my time and possibly even money into is going to be a success. I would first start by reading the mission statement.
Do you like when people pull strings for you? Welcome to the club. Through the internet we now have an interactive data base where I know who’s who, I can find out what’s up with the cities across this great nation, I can now also include the companies logo on my copyrighted material. I really believe the keys to these groups/organizations are strength in numbers. No matter how far you take it the hope, at least, is that this company will be able to stand behind you and you work. I believe this association is prepped and ready for continued success. It’s like if someone runs for president even though you know they probably aren’t going to win. It’s all about the voice. These issues are becoming prevalent because people are concerned. The NCIAA has a wide arrangement of partners and sponsors across the music spectrum. The NCIAA has everyone from club owners to major record labels. I live their code of ethics. Although the organization lost 100,000 + of it’s online members in November 2006 when the website was hacked they have still been able to put their best foot forward. Recently, they have named a new chairman of the board of directors and it goes to show what a strong backbone this organization has. Eighteen years of work have been put into building the reputation of the company. You can go right to the website: NCIAA.org and check out the positive praises they have received for their work in the nightlife industry.
What the NCIAA provides to its members?
- Membership Certification
- Annual Membership Directory Listing
- Members-Only Newsletter, Publications and Informational services
- Members-Only Marketing Materials (camera ready artwork/logos for biz cards, brochures, etc.)
- Members-Only Sections of the NCIAA Web site.
I’m the kind of guy that likes reading the weekly newsletter. On the NCIAA website I was able to look at exclusives that I found really cool. Taking the time to specify on a blank sheet of paper what you are exactly wanting from an organization is a great idea. Not only is there the everyday news and updates on this website but also it allows the general public to come and involve themselves with new product reviews, software applications, and event tickets. This is sheer convenience; a one stop industry shop for everything nightlife. Forget about the beautiful women, the extravagant set-up (what more could you need club) and whether you want your Bacardi 151 with Coke or Sprite. This is how the spirits get there. This is why all these beautiful women 18 and up get in free before 11 o’clock. This is a real source to put you in-touch with your industry. There should not be a musician who is not concerned for the well-being of the NCIAA.
How can you benefit from joining and being a part of NCIAA?
- Eligibility to participate in NCIAA's Annual Awards and Hall of Fame
- Discount Rates at all NCIAA-sponsored conferences and meetings including tours and trips.
- Access to Symposiums, Workshops and other Continuing Education Seminars
- Reporting tools to share news, information, issues, legal developments, and anti-club activity
- Discussion Forums to share news, ask questions, and get answers from fellow professionals
- Receive assistance in hiring the necessary experts and professional businesses
- Exclusive access to project leads, jobs, fellowships and internships
- Networking opportunities with recognized organizations and members
- Communication with professional peers or colleagues and potential Friendships with other members
Now no one can say the benefits don’t present themselves. This industry is one of heartbreak and death or an industry of organization and creativity. Today we’ve taken a step to ensure that our future is still one of hope where a musician or even that person that loves the nightlife can be rewarded for their contributions, their input, or their time. There are many organizations out there but today I focus on the NCIAA. Also known as the National Club Industry Association of America. I plan to continue to search into the group in hopes to one day become an honorary member of their community. New generations are trying to continue music; the music does NOT just stop. With the passing of older generations comes the time to step up and be the one that people then look to. The clubs won’t keep themselves open and industry professionals are going to be looking for people that take an active role when it comes to their future. It is the people that don’t know about these organizations that need us. If I danced I would make a case but I would rather try to create and harbor that positive energy. This is a billion dollar industry on a national spectrum and to call this membership anything less than an opportunity would take away from the work and dedication that have gone into this project. I’m concerned but I feel more secure knowing that someone is out there looking out for the best solutions possible. These rules or laws are being adopted to create this new vision of the industry that is not looked down upon or ridiculed. City to city, street corner to street corner the club industry can make the rules across the board, or the suggestions can be made in the name of this association. So the club owners can focus on what they really care about; money. And along the way the NCIAA may provide valuable resources in the industry along with new working relationships.