A Practical Guide to Bookings, Festivals, PR, Radio & Career Planning
The start of a new year is one of the most important moments in a DJ or music artist’s calendar. It’s the ideal time to set foundations, secure opportunities early, and build momentum that carries through festival season and beyond. Artists who plan strategically in Q1 consistently outperform those who wait until opportunities are already gone.
This guide breaks down the key areas every DJ and musician should focus on to start the year strong: bookings, festival applications, networking, music PR, radio promotion, content planning, and long-term career strategy.
1. Review the Year Gone (Before You Look Ahead)
Before setting new goals, take a clear look at the previous year of your DJ or music career. What learnings can you take form the year before?
Key questions to ask:
- What worked well (releases, gigs, collaborations, content)? Social media platforms and distribution platforms will have this sort of information available for you to look at.
- Which tracks or performances had the strongest audience response? Think about why that was.
- Where did opportunities fall short (bookings, promotion, consistency)? What got in your way last year? How can you work around this?
- Which industry relationships delivered real value? How can you improve on them and network further?
Action: Compile key data such as streams, downloads, radio plays, social growth, and standout bookings. Identify three strengths to build on and three areas to improve.
2. Set Clear Career Goals for the Year
Vague ambitions lead to vague results. Successful DJs and music artists define clear, measurable goals. Once you have goals you can work backwards and identify what external help you might need. Websites like Music Fibre a free and ever-growing music industry directory full of resources and companies hand-picked to help people in the music industry work more efficiently, can be of use here to fill any skill gaps that you do not have.
Examples of strong goals:
- Secure bookings at 3–5 relevant festivals
- Submit music to 5-10 playlists
- Focus on branding and content
- Release 2–4 high-quality singles or an EP
- Focus on artwork
- Increase monthly listeners by 30–50%
- Gain consistent radio support in key territories
- Submit music to competitions
- Sign with a booking agent, label, or PR partner
Tip: Prioritise impact over volume. One strong release or festival booking can outperform multiple smaller wins. It also allows you to focus and deliver on what is important.
3. Festival & Showcase Applications
Many major festivals and music industry showcases open applications early in the year, often between January and March. Now is the time, and the easiest place to look is Instagram.
Opportunities to consider:
- Genre-specific music festivals
- International showcases (IMS, ADE, SXSW, The Great Escape)
- Regional and emerging festivals supporting new artists
Festival application checklist:
- Updated artist bio (short and long versions)
- Professional press photos
- Up-to-date EPK with music, videos, and live footage
- Clear genre positioning and branding
Pro insight: Festival bookers want artists who look active. Planning releases or announcements around application deadlines can significantly boost your chances. You can read more about how to get booked here.
4. Booking Strategy: Gigs, Tours & Residencies
The beginning of the year is prime planning time for promoters and booking agents. There are many websites that can help you put yourself out there. Gigstarter being one of them in UK.
Key actions:
- Reconnect with promoters you worked with previously
- Pitch for club shows, support slots, and DJ residencies
- Plan potential tour windows around releases
Even independent artists should approach bookings professionally, with clear availability, realistic fees, and concise pitches.
5. Networking & Relationship Building
Strong relationships are essential for long-term success in the music industry.
Who to reconnect with:
- Promoters and booking agents
- Label A&Rs
- Radio producers and presenters
- PRs, managers, and fellow DJs
- Industry events
Send personalised check-ins, share genuine updates, and attend industry events and conferences whenever possible. Consistent networking builds long-term advocates for your career.
6. Music PR, Radio & Media Planning
Effective music PR and radio promotion require planning well in advance. Start with making a list of all potential outlets; make sure you have content to provide them with.
Key considerations:
- Which releases deserve full PR and radio plugging support?
- Which territories are most important (UK, Europe, US)?
- What makes your artist story relevant this year?
Media opportunities to target:
- Radio premieres and playlist support
- Online press coverage and interviews
- Guest mixes, podcasts, and tastemaker platforms
MN2S insight: Focused PR campaigns around fewer, stronger releases often deliver better long-term results.
7. Release Strategy & Music Planning
Your release schedule should be intentional and aligned with your broader DJ marketing strategy. Make sure that you are talking to your label or distributor about what is feasible and timelines. If you are releasing your music alone then it might be time to look at a provider like MN2S Label Services.
Questions to answer:
- How many releases are realistic this year?
- Will you self-release or partner with record labels?
- Which tracks are club-focused versus streaming-focused?
Allow 6–8 weeks minimum for promotion per release and align releases with touring, festivals, or PR moments.
8. Content & Artist Branding
Consistent content keeps your profile active between releases and gigs.
Content ideas:
- Studio sessions and work-in-progress clips
- Live DJ performance footage
- Behind-the-scenes and personal storytelling
- Educational or value-driven posts
Batch content where possible and focus on platforms where your audience is most engaged.
9. Build a Sustainable Routine
Burnout is one of the biggest threats to long-term success.
- Schedule weekly admin and outreach time
- Protect creative time without pressure
- Prioritise physical and mental health
A sustainable artist is a reliable, bookable, and respected artist.
10. Get the Right Support Around You
No successful DJ or music artist builds a career alone. Whether it’s management, music PR, radio plugging, bookings, or label services, the right partners can amplify your efforts and open doors faster.
MN2S Label Services works with DJs and artists at every stage, providing tailored support across PR, radio, bookings, distribution, and career strategy.
Starting the year right isn’t about doing everything it’s about doing the right things at the right time. With clear goals, early planning, and consistent execution, the year ahead can define the trajectory of your DJ or music career.