Q&A: How do DJs get pre-release albums and advances of new tracks sent to them?

Question by peanutismint: How do DJs get pre-release albums and advances of new tracks sent to them?
I work in a music venue but am also starting out as a DJ. Most of the DJs there have CDs sent to them in the mail for free by record labels and companies of their artists’ new releases, sometimes before their commercial release.

Do you have to be a member of a recognised promotion company or can anyone who claims to be a DJ get CDs sent to them?

Best answer:

Answer by Grotbags
Usually new tunes are cut to dubplate or burned to CD months before a release, and then given to the top DJs to play out in clubs and get feedback/generate hype. Usually only the top DJs get the freshest tunes, and there’s a long line of people in the cue.
The other way to get tunes is through mailing lists. Firstly you would sign up to a mailing list by letter/email sent to either a record label or a distribution company. You would state in the letter who you are, what kind of DJ you are, eg a radio DJ, a club resident, etc, and how often you play out. They will then decide whether or not you belong on the list or not, a radio will obviously be a bigger priority than a DJ playing in a bar once a month.
Its kinda hard to get new tunes for free if you are just starting out, unless you know someone in the business.

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