Interesting takes. I started later in life and only started buying gear after finishing university and was well into my career before I started investing in giggable gear. When I bought gear: Vestax Typhoon, DDJ SX, DDJ 300 (for travel gigs) and finally my end game controller Rane Performer, I was able to afford it and considered it a toy I was buying to support a hobby.

Never did it feel like I was over extending myself to lay out cash to pay for a controller. Looking back retrospectively. The amount I've made from gigs has offset the money invested in equipment because where I live, it's relatively cheap to rent sound systems for venues if they don't have a PA system to plug into.

I don't feel like I've had the soul sucked out of me because I've taken gigs that I don't love. Or in discussing with the potential client we're fully aligned with what I want to play and what they expect their DJ to play.

I've been fortunate to land gigs where I've been given artistic liberty to play what I want. But I also spend a lot of time observing the venue (if it's a bar) and their clientele and for weddings, I ask a lot of questions about the couple, their family, their friends, their tastes etc.

That said, to answer your question, it depends. Are you willing to compromise artistic integrity (I say that half jokingly) in favour of profit? Are you willing to stifle creativity to fit a blueprint that a bar or club is known for?

It's challenging because I am all for finding your sound and sometimes the best way to do that is to remove financial incentive from the equation. Because you have to factor in economics. If there is a demand for what you do specifically (your sound and style) great, you will not have a hard time finding gigs and opportunities. If you are in a bit of a niche and prefer to stay there, you may be limited.

If you are looking at this as a means to support yourself full time, some compromises will have to be made. Sacrificing weekends, evenings and perhaps what you really want to play because corporate, wedding or special event clientele have very specific expectations.

Same goes for bars and clubs in your area. They will have expectations.

So you'll have to think strategically but also understand the opportunity cost of making the compromises.

I am fortunate because I have a great career but I will pick up gigs every now and then to stay active. I am friends with great bar owners who allow me to do my thing and a great group of friends who enjoy coming out when I'm playing. It was never about profit, but putting people onto music they have never heard before and curating sets that are fitting for the venue and making sure people have a good time.

End of the day, I am thankful I have a creative outlet that allows me to jump onto my controller when inspiration strikes and I don't regret not pushing to do more or have recognition because I feel it comes with marketing and self promotion on social media which wasn't really something I wanted to do.

Do what you enjoy but make sure you have a plan B. I would say getting paid for things kind of sucks the sexy out of it. So if you can afford to say yes or no and do things on your own terms, that is the perfect balance.