So, you want to be a DJ? Becoming a successful DJ takes dedication, practice, and hard work. It can be a very lucrative career, and it's not as hard to do as you might think. In this post, we'll outline the basics of becoming a DJ and provide a few tips on getting started. So whether you're an experienced DJ looking to switch to professional status or just starting and don't know where to begin, keep reading. With perseverance and practice, you'll be spinning tunes like a pro in no time. Let's get started!
#1 - Learn What DJs Do
A DJ, short for disc jockey, is a person who plays pre-recorded music for a live audience. A DJ typically uses turntables, mixers, and controllers to manipulate the playback of digital music files, and they often perform at clubs, bars, festivals, or other public venues. Many DJs also produce original music, either through sampling or original composition.
There are several ways to mix, and each and every DJ can use different equipment and techniques to create a personal, signature sound. Digital DJs and producers use MIDI controllers to trigger sounds and create loops, while turntablists use vinyl records and turntables for scratching and beat-matching. Digital DJs use DJ software to mix tracks, and analog DJs use mixers and other hardware to control how the music flows.
"I love the DJ scene out in the clubs. It is a great way to party and make people happy, the atmosphere is one that I use as an escape from reality." - Danny Masterson
#2 - Decide What Type of DJ You Want To Be
DJs come in all shapes and sizes, each with their unique style and approach to spinning tunes. If you're thinking about becoming a DJ, you must first decide what type you want to be. Do you want to be a club DJ, playing music for an audience in a nightclub, or a resident DJ who has a regular gig at one venue? A mobile DJ who brings the party wherever they're needed? A radio DJ who plays music and talks on the air? Or a turntable & performance-based DJ who uses their musical skills to create unique sets? Maybe a little bit of each? Each type of DJ has its requirements, so it's critical to do your research and figure out where you want to start. (Pro tip: always keep your vehicle in good running condition once you start traveling more—a breakdown is not a good reason to miss a gig!). Once you know what kind of DJ you'd like to become, you can start working on developing your skills and creating a style.
"My musical influence is really from my father. He was a DJ in college. My parents met at New York University. So he listened to, you know, Motown, and he listened to Bob Dylan. He listened to Grateful Dead and Rolling Stones, but he also listened to reggae music. And he collected vinyl." - Talib Kweli
‘as cited in’ https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/talib_kweli_593578?src=t_dj
#3 - Purchase Some Basic Equipment
Becoming a DJ is easier than ever, but it still requires some basic equipment. As a beginner a great place to start is with a digital DJ controller, which allows you to hook up your laptop and mix music using DJ software. A controller usually has a built-in headphone output, so you may not need any other audio gear except a pair of headphones. If this is your first setup, you can find all-in-one DJ controllers that are relatively inexpensive. Another piece of equipment that is essential if you’re performing is a mixer. A mixer gives you control over several audio sources at a time, allowing you to combine (or “mix”) them in interesting ways. For example, you can add digital effects or adjust mic volume if you (or your host) need to make announcements over the music. However, many DJ controllers now come with built-in mixers, so you may not need to purchase one separately.
If you're planning to scratch, you'll need a good set of turntables. Turntables allow you to play vinyl records and are the traditional format used by DJs since the 1940s. Using turntables, you'll need a mixer to control the volume of each track, as well as how they are combined. You can also use a mixer to add effects like reverb and echo. Finally, you'll need a good set of headphones. Headphones allow you to cue up tracks privately without affecting what your audience is hearing.
The good news is that these tools are all more accessible than ever. Whether you need a sound system, mixer, controller, turntables, or headphones, it’s easy to build a DJ set that you can use to start mixing and develop your own signature sound.
"To me, the whole thing with the roots of rap music was when the DJ had to supply all the music for the group with two turntables. And the whole criteria of what that DJ would use had nothing to do with what type of band made a record." - Mike D
#4 - Start Practicing & Learning New Music
To become a true master at DJing, you must understand that this is a learning process. You must practice continually and have a willingness to learn new music genres. Becoming a successful DJ requires more than just technical skills—it requires an innate sense of rhythm, and you must understand how to read a crowd to engage your audience. Keep in mind that there are always new genres and subgenres emerging, and it's crucial to be able to integrate them into your sets. By broadening your musical horizons, you'll be able to keep your music sets fresh and take the crowd on an unforgettable journey any time you choose.
As an aspiring DJ, you must also learn to beat match and mix tracks seamlessly to move a crowd. These attributes are essential, and by honing your skills and developing your style, you can master them with time and experience. Your most important goals at this stage are to keep practicing and be willing to learn. If you commit to these priorities, you'll get better at reading a crowd and know how to keep them dancing. Over time your knowledge of music history will grow, and you'll be better able to appreciate older music and the new releases produced today. So if you're serious about becoming a DJ, remember to practice continually and never stop learning new music.
“Anyone can be a DJ but it's understanding how to read a crowd and keeping them on the floor is what takes years of experience.” - Jonas Blue
#5 - Create Your Mixes & Market Your New Skills
Anyone who genuinely loves music can become a DJ. However, to get to the next level, you'll need to create mixes, loops, and tracks that will engage and entertain your audience. If you don't know how to do this, consider attending a DJ school or taking an online course. In-depth courses will help you understand musical keys, tempo, and genres so you can create your music. By developing a thorough understanding of how to use DJ equipment and an ear for detail, you'll be able to put together smoking hot mixes that connect with your audience.
Once you have your mixes ready, it's time to market yourself and put your skills on display. Create social media accounts and use advertising platforms to start promoting your music mixes online. Be sure to interact and engage with everyone who enjoys your music, and develop an email list you can use to generate a following. As gigs start to roll in, play as many as you can. In the beginning, don't worry so much about the money. It's the opportunity to perform live for an audience that you will value the most. Remember, the more you play, the better you'll get, and only then will the money follow.
"Whether you're a DJ, whether you a rapper, whether you a producer, take it seriously. This is an occupation - you can get paid - don't expect to blow up overnight, and appreciate when you do get paid any type of money, appreciate it." - E-40
Becoming a successful DJ takes dedication, skill, and lots of practice. But with the right tools and tips, you can give yourself the best chance to make it in this competitive industry. We hope these tips have helped and that you will continue to work hard to improve your craft. Are there any other areas you would like us to cover? Let us know in the comments below!
