Generallyspeaking, a DJ earns an average of $50 to $100 per hour in a city center. DJs who perform at weddings and corporate events can get paid even more. A DJ can make between $600 and $900 for one wedding. And if you can also sing and/or play an instrument, you become even more valuable and can charge more. ABeginner's Guide to DJing (How to DJ for Complete Beginners) - YouTube. ★ Get the DJ controller used in this video (so you can follow along!) -Hercules DJControl Inpulse 200 Beinga DJ requires you to do a lot more than just play songs. Learning to structure a set, mix on the fly, and get a crowd moving all starts with your deck. Later on, you can invest in bigger speakers, a monitor, a MIDI controller, an audio interface, mics, and various plug-ins, depending on your ambitions for playing out, but a bare-bones basic DJ setup needs to include the following: Sonow we know what DJs do and what they use, let's look at why you may be wondering what a DJ does and how you can spot a bad DJ. Bad beat matching. This used to be the most obvious way to spot a bad DJ, especially in night clubs. Because every DJ had to be able to beat match manually. No sync buttons to do it for you back then! Everwanted to DJ, but don't have DJ equipment to do it?Well, you've come to the right video.In this lesson, I'll teach you how to DJ/mix music with just you Whatdoes a DJ do? A DJ plays pre-recorded music from other musicians, usually drawing from a large collection of available songs that suit the theme of the event or venue he or she is working at. A disc jockey has several responsibilities depending on their workplace and position in the music industry. ZDa0iP1. What is a DJ? A DJ, or disc jockey, specializes in selecting and playing recorded music for a live audience. The job of a DJ involves choosing and mixing music tracks in a way that creates a cohesive and enjoyable experience for the audience. DJs may work in a variety of settings, including clubs, festivals, weddings, and corporate events, and their role is often to keep the energy and atmosphere of the event lively and engaging. To be a successful DJ, one must possess a range of skills, including a deep knowledge of music genres, an ability to read and respond to the energy of the crowd, and technical proficiency with mixing equipment and software. Many DJs also create their own original music or remixes, and may collaborate with other artists to produce new tracks. As the music industry continues to evolve, the role of the DJ remains an important one, with many DJs achieving celebrity status and fans around the world. What does a DJ do? DJs are essential in the entertainment industry as they provide the soundtrack for events and parties. They have the ability to mix and match different songs, genres, and beats to create a unique and cohesive sound that can keep people dancing and engaged for hours. DJs are not only responsible for playing music but also for reading the crowd, setting the mood, and creating a dynamic atmosphere that can enhance the overall experience. They also act as event coordinators, working closely with event organizers and other vendors to ensure that the music aligns with the event's theme and objectives. Duties and Responsibilities The duties and responsibilities of a DJ go beyond playing music. They are responsible for creating a memorable experience for their audience. Here is a detailed breakdown of the duties and responsibilities of a DJ Music Selection The primary responsibility of a DJ is to select music that is appropriate for the event and the audience. This involves understanding the audience's taste in music and choosing songs that fit the event's mood and theme. Music Mixing A DJ must also be skilled in mixing songs to create a seamless flow of music that keeps the audience engaged. This involves understanding beats, tempo, and harmonies to create a unique and cohesive sound. Equipment Setup A DJ is responsible for setting up and testing their equipment, including turntables, mixers, and speakers, to ensure that they are in proper working condition before the event. Event Coordination DJs often work with event coordinators to ensure that the music aligns with the event's theme and objectives. They may also coordinate with other vendors, such as lighting technicians or sound engineers, to ensure that the event runs smoothly. Reading the Crowd A DJ must be able to read the crowd and adjust their music selection accordingly. This involves understanding the mood and energy of the audience and selecting music that keeps them engaged. Knowledge of Music A DJ must have a thorough knowledge of music, including different genres, artists, and song lyrics. This helps them to create a unique and engaging musical experience for their audience. Technical Skills A DJ must be proficient in using different types of equipment, including turntables, mixers, and software, to create the desired musical experience. Adaptability A DJ must be adaptable and able to handle unexpected situations that may arise during an event, such as power outages or equipment malfunctions. They must be able to think on their feet and quickly come up with a solution to keep the music playing. Creating Playlists DJs are responsible for creating playlists that align with the event's theme and mood. They must also take into account any requests from the event organizers or audience members. Beatmatching One of the core technical skills a DJ must have is beatmatching. This involves aligning the beats of two tracks so that they play seamlessly together, creating a smooth transition between songs. Types of DJs Here are some of the most common types of DJs and what they do Club DJs Club DJs are perhaps the most common type of DJ. They perform in nightclubs and bars, entertaining crowds with a mix of popular music genres such as electronic dance music EDM, hip-hop, and pop. Club DJs use turntables, mixers, and other equipment to create a seamless mix of music and keep the dance floor packed all night long. Mobile DJs Mobile DJs perform at various events such as weddings, corporate events, and private parties. They typically bring their own sound and lighting equipment and play a wide range of music genres to suit the occasion and the audience. Radio DJs Radio DJs work for radio stations and play music for a live audience over the airwaves. They must adhere to the station's format, which usually consists of specific music genres and styles. Radio DJs also provide commentary and announcements between songs, and may conduct interviews with guests. Turntablists Turntablists are DJs who specialize in manipulating vinyl records and turntables to create complex and intricate scratching, cutting, and beat juggling techniques. Turntablists often perform in battles or competitions, showcasing their skills in front of judges and audiences. Producer DJs Producer DJs create their own music using digital audio workstations DAWs and other software tools. They often incorporate their own productions into their live DJ sets, and may perform using a combination of live instruments and pre-recorded tracks. Scratch DJs Scratch DJs specialize in using turntables and vinyl records to create rhythmic scratching sounds and other sound effects. They often perform in battles or competitions, showcasing their scratching skills in front of judges and audiences. Are you suited to be a DJ? DJs have distinct personalities. They tend to be enterprising individuals, which means they’re adventurous, ambitious, assertive, extroverted, energetic, enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic. They are dominant, persuasive, and motivational. Some of them are also social, meaning they’re kind, generous, cooperative, patient, caring, helpful, empathetic, tactful, and friendly. Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if DJ is one of your top career matches. Take the free test now Learn more about the career test What is the workplace of a DJ like? The workplace of a DJ can vary greatly depending on their specific job and style of music. Some DJs work in nightclubs, bars, and music festivals where they perform for large crowds. In these settings, the DJ is typically situated on a stage or in a DJ booth, which is often equipped with high-end sound and lighting systems. The atmosphere is often energetic and intense, with loud music and flashing lights, and the DJ is expected to create an engaging and exciting experience for the audience. Other DJs may work in more low-key settings, such as lounges or private events, where they provide background music for guests. In these settings, the DJ's role is typically to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere rather than to pump up a crowd. They may be situated in a corner or out of the way location with a smaller, more basic sound system. Regardless of the setting, the job of a DJ requires a lot of preparation and attention to detail. DJs must spend time selecting and organizing their music library, planning their setlists, and practicing their transitions and mixing techniques. They may also need to coordinate with event organizers or other performers to ensure everything runs smoothly. While the job of a DJ can be exciting and glamorous, it can also be physically and mentally demanding. DJs may work long hours, especially on weekends and holidays, and they must be able to stay alert and focused throughout their set. They also need to be skilled in reading the crowd and adjusting their music selection and style to keep the audience engaged. Frequently Asked Questions Pros and Cons of Being a DJ As a DJ, you have the power to control the energy and mood of a room full of people through music. It can be a thrilling experience to see a crowd dancing and enjoying the music you are playing. However, like any profession, there are pros and cons to consider Pros Creativity As a DJ, you have the ability to create unique mixes and blends that showcase your creative talents. This can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you see people enjoying your creations. Flexibility DJing is a highly flexible career, allowing you to set your own hours and schedule. You can choose to work at nightclubs, weddings, parties, or other events, and can often make a good living doing so. Social connections DJing allows you to meet and network with other professionals in the industry, such as event planners, promoters, and other DJs. This can open up new opportunities for gigs and collaborations. Cons Long hours DJing often involves working late into the night or early morning hours, which can be physically and mentally exhausting. This can also impact your personal life and relationships. Competition The DJ industry can be highly competitive, with many talented individuals vying for the same gigs and opportunities. This can make it challenging to break into the industry and establish a successful career. Equipment costs DJing requires specialized equipment, which can be expensive to purchase and maintain. This can be a significant financial investment, especially when you are just starting out. DJs are also known as Disc Jockey Prime Sound is reader-supported. We may earn a commission through products purchased using links on this page. Learn more about our process hereDJs make their work look so graceful, and it’s all thanks to their equipment, namely the controllers. However, if you’ve ever seen one of these controllers, then you know it’s a fairly intimidating device. It comes with multiple buttons, knobs, and controllers, which is enough to put people off from using the machine. However, for the determined few, the only thing stopping them is they don’t know how to use a DJ controller on their PCs. Otherwise, they would get one as soon as possible and put it to good use. If you’re one of these determined few, this write-up should give you insight into what the machine is capable of and how to use it to your advantage. What is a DJ controller? To understand a DJ controller and what it does, you must first understand DJ software. Examples of DJ software include Ableton Live, Serato DJ pro, Atomix VirtualDJ Pro, and more. Notably, this kind of software allows you to combine different tracks to make remixed alternatives using your keyboard and mouse pad as your controls. Since that isn’t the main function of the keyboard and mouse, it makes controlling the software more difficult, which is where the DJ controller comes in. DJ controllers have dedicated controls that can sometimes be mapped out according to your preferences to make the DJ software easier to use. They technically do not mix audio. This is the job of your computer and the DJ software. However, they do give directions to the computer on how to go about it. Also, a common feature in modern DJ controllers is that they come with built-in soundcards. This is further supplemented by outputs making it easy to preview audio and remixed tracks before routing it to the main output for the audience. The Traditional “deejaying” setup involved having a mixing console sandwiched between two decks. However, with the modern DJ controller, you typically get the same things built into one machine. Additionally, traditional machines took up the duty of processing the sounds mixed. In the modern era, the software takes up that responsibility, therefore, allowing the controllers to be smaller than ever. Benefits of DJ controllers As improvements for the old Deejaying setups, DJ controllers have some benefits, as highlighted below. Fairly affordable If you were to try and use an older/more traditional setup, you’d have to buy at least two decks and a mixer. Also, given how we access music files in the modern age, you would still need a computer as a repository for the tunes and sounds that you mix on the daily. This is in addition to several USB sticks that you use to load the songs onto your decks. Contrast that with only having to buy a controller and a laptop, and you find that the DJ controller setup is much cheaper. Today it’s even possible to get a DJ controller for under $300. The Numark Party Mix II is, according to reviews, an excellent example of how affordable DJ controllers can be. Not only is the hardware inexpensive, but buyers also get Serato DJ lite software included with the purchase. Portable Another notable factor when learning how to use a DJ controller with Traktor or FL studio is that the sound production and processing are done by the computer. Modern PCs have enough computational power to get the job done and still manage to be compact. A side effect is that the controller doesn’t need many inbuilt electrical components to do its job. Consequently, new DJ controllers are also getting smaller and smaller, making the whole setup more portable. Adaptability to modern needs This is another side effect of the integration with DJ software. Notably, the software seems easier to develop compared to hardware with no raw materials being used. As such, new and improved versions of DJ apps are pushed out regularly, and of course, they’ll have new capabilities, features, and functions as well. The users, in return, update their old apps allowing them to use the new features with the old hardware that they have. If you were to use older tech, CDJ, this adaptability is stifled because they require firmware updates that are infrequent at best. Ease of use Another benefit is the ease of use which is evident in several ways once you start using a DJ controller. One example is easy access to your music library. Every track you use will likely be stored on your PC’s hard disk. Consequently, searching for specific tracks becomes a cakewalk. Remember you have the search feature in your computer where you can put in keywords and get results. The “sort” feature is another extension of this, not to mention the big screen you have as well as the mouse. Additionally, you need to preview tracks to mix or remix them properly. This has also been made easier compared to traditional setups. There is no need to even load the tracks onto one of your decks which was necessary when using a CDJ or DDJ system. Instead, you use your mouse to play bits and pieces of the songs before loading them onto your decks. Next, recording your Deejaying sessions is not as difficult as it used to be. The computer is enough, and the deejaying apps have a built-in recording feature. You just hit the “record” button before starting your set. The last piece of evidence showing that DJ controllers are easy to use is the plug-and-play functionality. This is partly due to the integration with the deejaying software available. A USB cable connecting your PC and controller is basically all you need for the two machines to work together. Basics of how a DJ controller works The term “specialized keyboard” is an apt description for a DJ controller. All it does is give a set of instructions to the DJ software running on the computer. For instance, hitting the play/pause button on the DJ controller hardware works the same as hovering over the same button in the software and clicking on it with your mouse. However, the former is much easier, faster, and more intuitive. Older turntables were self-reliant where they had electrical circuitry to adjust the audio. They featured pedals and controls that would create effects. Additionally, they also helped adjust frequency response and the playback of the song. Modern controllers, on the other hand, use binary signals to communicate with your PC. Your computer and the DJ software create the effects and adjust the playback of the song according to instructions. Most DJ controllers need to be connected to your PC via USB to work, although there are exceptions. Furthermore, the DJ is required to map the tool’s buttons in addition to the various faders and knobs to make the device more intuitive. That said, most new controllers come with predetermined controls that have been tried, tested, and proven to be fairly intuitive. Also, the larger your DJ controller, the more controls and buttons you’re likely to have. Additionally, many modern DJ controllers come with built-in soundcards. This allows the audio to be fed back into the controller from the computer via the USB cable. Consequently, the user gets more control over audio levels going out to the various outputs, including your PA system. DJ controller setup Setting up a DJ controller is a fairly easy task. First, you have to plug your PC and the controller into working sockets. After all, the devices need to be powered up before you can use them. Additionally, you connect the PC and the controller via the provided USB cord. Next, you open the DJ software on your computer. Most of these are designed to automatically detect the connection with the controller. Some may require additional manual input and selection of the device you’re using once the program is open. You can then map some of your controls if it’s your first time. Where you don’t have this option, you can read the manual on what certain buttons are for and how to use them. We’ve also covered some of that in the section below. You’ll likely have to connect the controller’s outputs to your PA system or speakers. Sometimes you may even have to route that connection via an external mixer, depending on the setup at your deejaying booth. Other DJs connect their headphones to one of the outputs of the controller for previews. Your DJ controller is now set up and ready for use. Controls Whether you’re learning how to use a DJ controller with Serato, Traktor, or FL studio, the button layout and their functions on the device will likely be the same. Here are the controls that you should expect Play/Pause Just as the name suggests, this button will either play or pause the track that you’ve selected. Cue The cue button is often used to mark a start point in a song or track. Most DJs use this button on a track they’re not playing to control where the song starts when they make a transition. After that, if you press the cue button a second time, it will start the song at the cue mark. Additionally, the song will only keep going as long as your finger remains on the button, although you can also press the play button for continuous play. Lastly, you’re discouraged from pressing the cue button while playing a track because it will pause the song. Hot Cue The hot cue button is similar to the cue button in that it marks certain sections of the song, so you can easily jump to them at any time. Notably, you can mark multiple hot cue points on a song, and the machine and software will remember them for you. Sync One of the basics of deejaying is that you transition better from one track to another when they have a similar BPM or song tempo. By pressing the sync button, you sync the BPM of the song in the secondary channel to match the one currently playing, therefore making the transition more seamless. Auto loop This is yet another button whose function is self-explanatory. You use it to create a loop area where a section of the song will keep repeating until you turn it off. It’s best used to make quick loops. Manual loop The manual loop button is almost the same as the auto loop, but it needs extra input from you. Typically, you use the available pads to determine where the loop starts and ends. You can also tweak it if the result is not up to your standards. Sampler This button is used to play short sound effects loaded onto your Deejaying software. Some examples include your DJ name or your contact information. Shift Notably, some buttons on the machine have two functions. However, if you press them, you only activate the first function leaving out the secondary one. This is where the shift button comes in. You press both the shift button and the button with two functionalities, and the secondary function will be activated. For instance, the cue button may also have a rewind function. If you only press this button, it will cue a song just as described above. However, if you press the shift + cue button, then the secondary function, in this case, rewind, will be activated. Motorized platter Another control that some DJs like on their controllers is the motorized platter. It’s similar to the old-school vinyl turntables in the way it spins while a track is playing and even gives you similar functionality. As such, options with these platters make the best DJ controllers for scratching. You can pause, slow down the song, and more using this part of the hardware. Screen Higher-end DJ controllers are also likely to come with a screen that may have multiple functions depending on whether or not it has touch functionality. According to reviewers, the Pioneer DJ DJ System has one of the best screens in the market. It’s large and offers lots of visual feedback while you’re mixing. Also, the machine features lots of professional-grade DJ features. Music mixing tips Lastly, here are some tips to guide you as you start mixing. Always load the songs you’re playing in decks one and two. This affords you better control of the track, especially if you have a motorized platter. For scratches, loops and other peripheral sounds, you can load them into other decks in your software. Start simple, especially when adding effects and scratches, then gradually build up the mixing complexity. Lastly, be frugal with your sound effects. Hearing them every two minutes may lower the quality of the mix and the music. Final thoughts Hacking how to use a DJ controller is not a day-long endeavor. It takes a while not only to familiarize yourself with the controls but also to use them effectively. You need to build up your mixing skills over time, and that can only happen through practice. For reference, you can check out your favorite DJs and note down how they make transitions, the FX frequency, and other aspects of their mixes that you like. After that, you try to mimic them while also trying to build your identity as a DJ. Download Article Get in the loop on looping & other essential musical skills Download Article Assembling the Grooviest Equipment Mastering Your Music Learning the Craft Building a Following Making DJing Your Career Q&A Tips Warnings Back in the day, the idea of putting your hands on a vinyl record was practically sacrilegious. But thanks to a few early disc jockeys’ courage and musical skill, DJing is now a valid art form and a profitable career path. If you’re interested in becoming a DJ, but have been scratching your head pun intended trying to figure out the right way forward, keep reading. In this article, we’ll break down how you can break beats to climb your way to the top of the industry, even as a beginner. Happy mixing! Things You Should Know Practice your DJing on a simple, bare-bones set of equipment. All you really need to build your musical skills are a turntable, a mixer, and some musical software. Learn the BPM of each song you play. Then, mix songs with similar BPMs so the transitions are clean and the groove stays consistent. Build your sound and musical personality over time. Figure out what genres you like to play. Are you hardcore or glitch? Trance or lo-fi? The more you master, the better! 1 Practice the basics on a simple setup. Being a DJ requires you to do a lot more than just play songs. Structuring sets, mixing on the fly, and getting a crowd moving are all essential tricks of the trade. Start practicing with a bare-bones kit. Later on, you can invest in more advanced stuff like a MIDI controller, an audio interface, and various plug-ins. However, when you’re beginning your DJ career, just get the following basic equipment[1] 2 turntables or 2 CD players for record scratching 2-channel mixer for mixing tracks Headphones Speakers Mixing software Be economical. You don’t need super high-tech speakers or software. Invest most of your money in a turntable or mixer which often come used and still highly effective for a much lower cost. 2 Compare analog and digital kits. Traditional DJ set-ups play vinyl records on direct-drive turntables. However, it's become increasingly common to use CD-style and straight-digital set-ups too. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but are perfectly effective for playing gigs and becoming a DJ.[2] Analog set-ups will allow you to DJ in the most traditional way, learning the skills the way they were pioneered scratching a stylus against vinyl. This will require you to choose a long-lasting turntable and amass a sizable collection of vinyl records to play, which can be somewhat expensive. Digital set-ups allow you to be extremely mobile, and the learning curve will be much smaller. Learning to beat-match and transition, for example, will be much easier with a BPM beats per minute counter and an online software to assist you. Advertisement 3 Get a mixing software package. A quality software can teach you skills like looping songs, controlling time, and mixing audio in an easy, user-friendly way. Serato Scratch and Traktor are great programs that can read any format of music and select songs through a computer program interface. Pioneer and Numark also offer various products you may want to look into.[3] These programs will enable you to access a library of MP3s on your hard drive to complement your vinyl and CD selections. More often than not, these programs provide live looping and scratching capability, delays and reverberations, as well as video and karaoke options. Ableton is a program that allows you to connect mixing controllers via USB cable. It's great for beginners and super budget-friendly. Some music-mixing software may be hard to learn. You can find great tutorials online for most types. Otherwise, DJ schools can teach you about the cutting-edge stuff out there—but know that you can do it yourself. 4 Set up a home studio to rehearse and experiment. Most DJs record demos, playlists, and original music at home. Ensure that the equipment you bring to the club compliments the equipment you use at your place. For example, if you're a hip-hop DJ, you'll probably want to invest in a scratch/battle mixer at home to simulate a competition environment when you play gigs.[4] A home studio will be especially useful if you ever plan on producing or remixing songs of your own. Becoming a DJ is an extremely fun, but serious time commitment. Try to rehearse and experiment in your studio at least an hour a day. 5 Study the equipment needed for each type of gig. Not all DJ venues are the same. If you plan to play for a place that already has a DJ setup, you might only need a laptop with music mixing software. If you plan to play in private venues, provide your own equipment. Scope out what you need and what you don't for each particular job.[5] If you're serious about being a DJ, odds are you're aware of a few in your area. Hit them up for advice or for a tutorial on their system! If they're half as passionate as you are, they'll love to give you a minute of their time to explain their ways. 6 Build and prepare to pay for a big collection of music. To be a real DJ, get lots and lots of quality music to mix and remix. Since you want the audio to be crisp and clear for the gigs you play, you’ll also at least eventually have to pay for the songs in your library. For now, work with what you have. Hit up your friends to trade sounds. Consult the charts, YouTube channels of record companies, and websites catering especially to DJs like Beatport. Here's a list of music genres to explore[6] House Trance Techno Electro Glitch Dark Alternative Progressive Breakbeat Hardstyle Hardcore Downtempo Jungle Drum and Bass Dubstep Hip-Hop Lo-fi Advertisement 1 Count the BPM of the songs you play. The beats per minute BPM of a song will determine how smoothly or easily you can mix it with another song. Most mixers and DJ software will calculate the BPM of a track for you. However, these may not be fully accurate 100% of the time, so have some sense of the BPMs yourself. Find out your songs’ BPM by looking it up online or counting the time signature as you listen.[7] You can also use a pitch warp to match the beats, but only use it on a song that doesn't have vocals yet. Speeding it up or slowing it down changes the key and messes with everything. It's best to choose 2 songs that are only a few BPM off for the most seamless transitions. 2 Listen to your songs’ intros and outros until they’re second nature. Most dance songs will have an intro and corresponding outro where the music plays without vocals. DJ mixing usually means blending one song's intro with the outro of another. Knowing when an outro starts and an intro begins is critical to live beat mixing.[8] Have your 2nd song ready to go as your 1st one is winding down. Keep a hand on the turntable or CD player's pitch knob to adjust the speed if your BPMs don't match. Keep your other hand on the crossfader, so you can raise the volume of the 2nd song as you lower the volume of the first. 3 Practice scratching on a turntable. Scratching is an essential art form when it comes to DJing. Use your fingertips to stop the record at various intervals; this can create uniquely layered songs and sound effects. If you don’t have a turntable, you can use your decks as pseudo-records to get your scratch on.[9] Learn the different types of scratches too. There are baby scratches and scribble scratches, and drags and scratches that work at different pitch levels. Get 'em all down before you head out there! Certain places in songs are prime for scratching, while others are terrible for it. Knowing when to scratch is like comedic timing you'll know it when it's right and when it's just wrong. 4 Mix similar songs together at first. When you're starting out, make mixing easier by sticking to 2 songs that are within 3 BPMs of each other. Also, ensure that these 2 songs are in the same key. Your software should be able to tell you this. Once you nail that down, start experimenting with looping and then move on to your toggle function for adding effects. Experiment with the different methods on your mixer. For most effects, there's more than 1 way to do them. Find what you prefer. Generally, 1 method is a very do-it-yourself way and the other is more automated. 5 Transition between the songs smoothly. Seamlessly shift from the beat of 1 song to another, so your crowd can dance, uninterrupted. To transition on conventional DJ hardware, listen to the second song's intro in your headphones and move the pitch slider until the songs play at the same speed. Then, queue the 2nd song simultaneously with the preceding song. Adjust the volume levels of the songs as you transition. The song you’re changing out of will be playing at full volume, so adjust the 2nd volume up slowly and subtly.[10] Never mix vocals over other vocals or the noise will be awkward. Digitally, it's possible to use beat-matching software to do transitions automatically provided that the songs are within a few BPM of one another. However, it's still good to learn how to do this analog, since it’s a fundamental skill. Advertisement 1 Be prepared to spend years improving your skills. While DJing might start off as a hobby, it can eventually turn into a lucrative and life-changing career. However, this won’t happen overnight. To become a DJ is to devote years to working magic on others' music. Enjoy the journey and practice every day to make the best songs you can. [11] You probably won’t make a whole lot of money at first, but if you keep at it, several DJs make well over $70,000 a year.[12] DJing may feel difficult at first. You’re still learning the basics, so your songs probably sound pretty rough around the edges. Don’t give up! Soon, the music will become second nature and playing will become a breeze. 2 Try working as both a crowd-pleaser or a music specialist. Know that certain gigs will require that you make a few compromises. A college bar may want to hear Katy Perry when you're just trying to forget Last Friday Night, but they’ll pay better. Meanwhile, being a specialist will give you a lot more cred with the DJs and critics, but it may make your gigs fewer and far between. Crowd pleasing means playing songs that would, most likely, fit the taste of the biggest number of people in any given crowd. This style of DJing is best suited to private events, such as weddings or small parties. A music specialist sticks to a particular genre of music, regardless of what the crowd demands. Usually, these DJs play nightclubs that have specific genre standards or they have an established following based on a certain type of music. 3 Listen to other DJs for inspiration. Find a DJ whose style you admire and observe them as much as possible. Pay attention to how songs are constructed and how the crowd is managed. After you've watched them a few times, approach the DJ after the show and ask for a few tips. Most DJs will be happy to help guide you if they know you're serious.[13] Gain inspiration from the DJs that hit it big. Sometimes, it can help to look up to professionals such as Headhunterz, Tiesto, Avicii, Knife Party, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Skrillex. 4 Get comfortable DJing multiple genres of music. You can still be a specialist if you have multiple genres under your belt—you're just a specialist with versatility. For example, you may create lo-fi music and mix it with underground rap like RZA and J Dilla or play dancey house music with a side of pop like Steve Aoki and Deadmau5. Most DJs are great at one genre of music, but being great at multiple sets you up to be the cream of the crop.[14] This also offers you more opportunities for future gigs. Instead of only having 1 or 2 clubs in the area that'll have you, you can do those, a few other clubs, and the occasional wedding or hoppin' bar mitzvah. 5 Keep up with current music trends. To be viable in today's fast-paced world, be on top of all the charts and where it seems like the trends are going. Browse music blogs regularly, watch the Grammys, read publications like Pitchfork to get insight on people’s taste, and talk to other artists to learn what the music of tomorrow may look like.[15] Keep a list of ideas and notes on popular trends. Refer to these every so often for inspiration. Advertisement 1 Find a place to DJ at regularly. Just like a pilot builds up flight time to get cred, build up as much play time as you can. The best way to do this is to get recurring hours through an established company—not just those one-off gigs. Sign up to work at a local college or community radio station, look for venues that need between-band DJs, or offer some pro bono mixing at a nearby club to get practice.[16] You can also find companies that supply DJs to weddings and similar events. You won't be freelancing, but you'll be getting your foot in the door. 2 Curate your sound to each unique crowd. Having an idea of who your crowd is before the event begins is critical to successful DJing. If you're playing a wedding, for instance, play more slow songs than usual, and try to get a grasp on the bride and groom's musical tastes beforehand. If you're playing a nightclub, get familiar with what the club owner prefers and what the regulars like. The regulars keep the club afloat and, by extension, pay your fee; learn how to keep them happy.[17] Be careful with requests. If you're playing a nightclub that caters to a hip-hop crowd and a tourist requests a song that doesn't fit with the genre, consider it carefully before you play it. Remember, your aim is to keep the core of the audience happy and coming back. If at all possible, visit the venue beforehand. Getting a feel for the regular crowd before you go can help take the pressure off a new gig. 3 Market yourself at each gig. Make press kits, create a social media page, hand out business cards, email clubs constantly, and talk to other artists and club promoters to keep expanding your network. As you're gaining a fan base, play as many shows as necessary to get your name out there. This is not a 9-5 job. It’s a 24/7 one.[18] Book yourself on a tight schedule at first to keep your interest alive and your creativity fresh. Basically, at the beginning take whatever gigs you can. 4 Develop an online presence. If you don't have the time or money to build your own website, start an account for your DJing career on Twitter or Facebook. Promote your shows, connect with your fans, and personally respond to their messages. The more you're a real person to these people, the more they’ll recommend you.[19] Making playlists is a great way to build your presence. Share these playlists with your fans so they can sample your musical tastes and get their appetites wet for your future shows. 5 Play gigs for a low price to get your foot in the door. Start by playing small, private events for a low fee, or take a slow, weeknight shift at a club or bar. Ask a friend who's hosting a party if you can DJ. Be aware that if you're inexperienced, you won't make much money at first and you'll probably have to keep a second job. But you'd do this for free, right?[20] When you first start off, people may book you on the stipulation that you bring X number of people. This shouldn’t be your responsibility, but sometimes you gotta take what you can get. Know that these people are only the ones you're working with now; avoid them in the future. 6 Become a DJ-Producer. You’ll have more success as a DJ if you know how to produce your own music. You can still work with others' tunes, but you're mashing it all up, remixing it, re-editing it, and making it better. Several famous DJs built their fanbase on YouTube doing exactly this![21] You can rake in the cash a lot faster when you start producing your own stuff. Once you have your own catalog of songs, hit up some record labels. Even if you don't end up being a top-billing artist, you can work behind the scenes with other artists doing what you love. Advertisement 1 Build your on-stage persona and charisma. As a DJ, you’re responsible for entertaining a large group of people all by yourself. Work on your stage presence. Don't just stand there hunched over your decks. Shout, jump, and tell the crowd to “MAKE SOME NOISE!” to get them hyped. Sometimes, the crowd may just want to sit back and groove. Learn to read the room and when it’s best to just play your songs. 2 Use each song to work the crowd’s vibe. Curate your music so it moves each moment in the night forward. Divide different styles of songs into different sections. Play slower, quieter songs at the beginning of the party. Slowly slip into a jazzier groove, and pull out the heavier songs at the end. Above all, read the crowd and notice what they're responding to.[22] Don't play mostly fast songs at a wedding. This will take away from the romantic atmosphere. Don't play mostly slow songs at a gathering of kids. They will get bored fast. Have a starter song that’s really upbeat. You can transition to some other slower stuff quickly if necessary, but you want to set the tone with lots of energy. 3 Behave professionally. Show up to your events on time and fully prepared. Treat your bosses with respect. Give each gig your best effort. Have fun with the crowd, but keep your interactions respectful, since you never know who's watching.[23] There can be some real scumbags in the music scene. You want to be that good apple that isn't a part of the bunch. If you behave unprofessionally, there are lots of others waiting to take your spot. Never put another DJ down. The DJ community is tight. If you get a negative reputation, you'll regret it. 4 Handle the music industry BS with care. Working in clubs and the like isn't always a pretty picture. A lot of times especially when you’re starting out, the majority of your listeners will be some level of drunk, high, or both.[24] They may give you a hard time on occasion. Learn to let it go. In one ear and out the other! In addition to rowdy or unappreciative crowds, you may have to deal with shady promoters and technical disasters. Use your savvy people skills to navigate through these issues and let them make you stronger. 5 Have fun with your music. Imagine going to a show maybe you’ve already been to one where the DJ is just pushing buttons like they’d rather be hauling rocks. It's terrible. Watching a DJ that doesn't even like their own music is practically worse than a three-piece polka band with earplugs. Make it clear that you're enjoying yourself and the crowd will follow suit.[25] Smile and dance when you feel like it. Even if you’re focused, you want to convey to the audience that you love your craft. Go a bit crazy if you feel like it. The more you feel the music, the better you'll be able to read the crowd. The more accurately you read the crowd, the more they’ll want you back for the next show. 6 Upgrade your equipment and rates once you have a following. Once you’ve got a comfortable amount of followers and some quality gigs under your belt, you can up the ante. When the money is coming in at more than a trickle, upgrade your equipment. The industry standard is the Technics 1200, but you can even upgrade from there. You're looking at a few thousand dollars in the long run, but you'll make it back and then some.[26] Start figuring out your rates. How much are you worth? Account for distance traveled, if you're bringing your own equipment, and the general realities of the gig some are quite clearly better than others. And don't forget are they feeding you? Upgrade from free and cheap gigs as soon as possible. You don't want to be typecast as a "cheap DJ." Clients should be hiring you because you’re good, not because you’re cheap. Advertisement Add New Question Question Can you recommend consumer friendly mixers for beginners? Any of the DDJ's from Pioneer would work, such as the DDJ-SB or some of the less expensive Numark controllers. If you need a mixer for the two turntables, go with a cheap one, mixers are not a huge deal when using turntables. If you meant a mixer for CD players, just go with what is cheap. Question Do I need a laptop to start learning to be a DJ? That depends on how you want to be a DJ but the easier way is to do it with a controller and software. You can use a mixer to learn it too, as it's the traditional way. Also, you can use any kind of computer but be prepared that after some time, if you will want to go to parties, you will need one. Question Should I buy a turntable or a launchpad first? Buy a turntable because the launchpad doesn't have cue, pitch, sync, jog, etc. But do your homework, as it's impossible to really say that what you need is clear from your basic question - only you can know that. See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement Have a friend in the crowd help you set the volume. You want it to be loud enough for people to hear the beat, but not so loud that they can't hear their partners talk. Try arranging the song titles of the popular songs into a continuous narrative. For example "Lady in Red" drove a "Little Red Corvette" down to "Funkytown.' Advertisement Stack your DJ equipment high so partygoers don't spill anything on it. Advertisement References About This Article Article SummaryXTo become a DJ, start by getting a laptop and a music mixing software. You should also build a big collection of music since you'll need lots of songs to DJ with. One of the first things you can then work on is learning the intros and outros of your most popular songs. This will allow you to cue up the next song in time as well as transition between songs seamlessly. Additionally, watch other DJs at work, whether in person or on video, to see how they put songs together and manage a crowd of people. To learn how to develop a following as a DJ, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,939,885 times. Reader Success Stories "Thank you very much for simplifying this complicated for amateurs process and dividing all elements of DJing into..." more If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Did this article help you?

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