I keep hitting up random DJs on Instagram asking for a guestlist spot, and I always get ignored or shot down while some of my friends always seem to be on the list. Is there a trick to reaching out to people for a Hail Mary guestlist slot?

Ah yes, the age-old question. Everyone in Denver thinks that they “deserve” a coveted spot on the guest list, but very few actually do. The general rule is if you are supposed to be on a guestlist for any sort of show, they will usually reach out to you. But if you are trying to shoot the moon by reaching out to random DJs in the DMs, there are a few things you could do to increase your chances of a response and maybe even a slot. As someone who has been blessed to open some very high-profile Denver shows, I am an expert at ignoring these messages, but I can also reverse-engineer this to help you at least have a chance. 

I would think that the most obvious first step would be to make sure you are at least following the person you are DMing. You have no idea how many random people hit me up out of the blue asking for guestlist and don’t even follow me. Rude. That is ignored 1000% of the time. These people should be punished, and I hope a lifetime of wrong Taco Bell orders curses their bloodline. 

As a semi-pro moocher (because that’s what you are), you need to look inward. Ask yourself: what can I do to help this up-and-coming DJ in exchange for a free ticket? For instance, you could get some of your friends to follow this person, or tag them in a cool video where you are playing with a flowstar in your ketamine dungeon with their song in the background. If you open with something like that, you are sure to get their attention and might even get yourself a list spot. 

One controversial technique is the sob story, where you DM an artist and unravel a series of wooked-out misfortunes which have led you to not being able to afford a ticket. I have seen everything from “My CRV was stolen with my drugs and girlfriend in it” to “My cat and entire family has cancer, and the doctor says the only cure is Red Rocks tickets.” The sob story is a risky gamble. Sometimes it’s a bit much for an opening DM, and if that person doesn’t have a spot to spare, you just bummed them out, on top of your whole family dying from not being able to see Subtronics. My advice here would be to lean towards humor. Tell a funny story that involves some of that artist’s brand or humor. It will show that you are truly a fan. They may not be able to give you a ticket, but if you make a DJ laugh, you will have a better chance of a response. 

I’m going to Lost Lands for the first time this year. What should I know before I go? 

People talk a big game about making a music schedule to see everyone they want, and I disagree with that. Pick a few things that you don’t want to miss, but for the rest of the weekend, let the wind take you. Talk to new people and go see the artists they are hyped for. If you want to schedule something, schedule your food. There is a lot of great food at Lost Lands, and if you can pair some really good grub with some dope sets, that’s winning as far as I’m concerned. Here are a few food/DJ pairings to give you something to think about while you are high. 

Boogie T: If Brock had to quit dubstep tomorrow, you can bet he would start a YouTube fishing channel. He’s charismatic and Cajun (rare combo) and is more at home in a boat than an airport, so I would pair him with sushi. Full of dynamic flavors just like the man himself. 

Wooli: The obvious choice for this pairing would be Buffalo Wings. And you are probably thinking that is because he was born and raised in upstate NY, but no. It’s because, much like eating wings at a Bills game, his sets hit you with an immediate, powerful flavor, but by the end it leaves you in tears and fully satisfied, hugging your bros. Go Bills. 

Jantsen: With years of Guttermusic mixes under his belt and his “give no fucks” branding, Jantsen’s perfect pairing would be a half-eaten order of chicken tenders that is balanced right on the top of an overfilled trash can that some over-zealous headbanger couldn’t finish. Now I’m not saying eat food straight out of the trash, but as long as this partial meal is above the circumference of the trash rim, then it’s only trash-adjacent and can be considered a groundscore. Jantsen would approve.