Overbooking, Early Outs, & Being Late: The ‘Lagare’ Behavior of Some Filipino DJs

Overbooking, Early Outs, & Being Late: The ‘Lagare’ Behavior of Some Filipino DJs

Featured image by JC Gellidon

Understanding ‘Lagare’ in the Filipino DJ Scene

In the competitive landscape of the Philippine music scene, the term “lagare” has emerged as slang for the relentless hustle of DJs trying to maximize their income and increase visibility. Initially, taking on multiple gigs was viewed as a badge of honor, demonstrating both popularity and skill. However, this ambition has a downside.

“Lagare” literally translates to “carpenter’s saw” and implies grabbing as many gigs as possible. While this drive initially represented a positive work ethic, it’s evolved into a significant ethical issue, often leading to unprofessional behavior including overbooking, early departures, and tardiness. (lagare)

The Ethical Concerns of Overbooking

The pursuit of multiple gigs has resulted in a series of ethical and professional issues. DJs accepting multiple bookings simultaneously often fail to meet their commitments. This may involve leaving events early or arriving late, disappointing both venue owners and the audience.

Overbooking is simply unfair to the venues who have made bookings in good faith, and it shows disrespect to other DJs also booked to perform. Leaving early from an event is also unprofessional and disrespectful, letting down both the audience and the venue that booked the DJ. Similarly, being late, due to traffic, poor planning, or simply a lack of organization, reflects negatively on the DJ’s professionalism.

Furthermore, when a DJ leaves a gig early or arrives late, other DJs have to work harder to ensure a seamless and enjoyable experience for the audience. This lack of consideration damages the sense of community and collaboration, undermining the professionalism of the industry as a whole.

There’s a further troubling aspect: Overbooked DJs often use a replacement DJ to cover their commitments. The replacement DJ may receive only a fraction of the fee, or in some cases, especially for beginner DJs, no compensation at all—only “exposure.”

Tips for Avoiding Overbooking and Other Unprofessional Behaviors

• Only book gigs you can realistically commit to.
• Be realistic about your time constraints and travel time between gigs.
• Maintain clear communication with all venues you’re booked to play at.
• Show respect to your fellow DJs.
• Be punctual for your gigs.

By following these simple guidelines, Filipino DJs can help to create a more professional and respectful industry.

Balancing Ambition with Professionalism

While ambition and hard work are vital, achieving success as a DJ requires a balance. It’s possible to build a strong reputation and secure many gigs without resorting to overbooking, early outs, and late arrivals. Effective communication and wise time management are key.

Read also: How to Build a Successful DJ Brand from Scratch?

The issue of overbooking and the “lagare” culture demonstrates the importance of ethical behavior within the DJ community. The focus should always be on quality performances, not just the number of gigs.