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Producer DJ
At one time the role of a producer (someone that creates music) and a DJ was very different. However, over time the two merged to now what is called a producer DJ.
Today it is not unusual to see DJs that have least tried to make their own music. At the same time, the same is true for well-known producers to be on DJ tours.
In this post will look at the role of a producer DJ plays in today’s environment.
When thinking of the world’s most well-known DJs, those that reportedly make tens of thousands per appearance, eg. Calvin Harris, Steve Aoki, Daft Punk and Skrillex. They have something in common, not only are they very talented DJs, but they also are prevalent producers with songs that have reached the Billboard charts.
Being able to create music enables DJs to put together a unique set of their songs. Which also makes them a more desirable selection for bookings. If the music has charted, this means it has the potential to reach a broader range of listeners and can expect the fan base to grow. The more in demand a DJ is, the more they can charge for a set.
The Merge
Over the years, DJ software has slowly integrated producer style features into their platforms. Also, production companies have opened up to the DJ community, this allowed a merger of the two different environments.
Native-instruments is an excellent example of a production company that creates high-end production equipment. But, they have also created Traktor with the intent to have a DJ platform that integrates with their hardware.
Serato has enabled Ableton link within their software, this allows DJs to create music live in Ableton and DJ in Serato at the same time.
Roland is another well-known name in the production industry and now have released four DJ controllers into the market. Each of which contains their signature drum machine.
How to become a producer DJ.
Producing in its own right has a steep learning curve, time & consistency is needed to become good at it. Once a level of comfort is reached with DJ skills, learning to produce is a significant next step and is worth giving it a try.
Before jumping more in-depth with production, there smaller steps a DJ can take to build knowledge. Also, this will allow for a unique sound and style for a DJ set.
Producing Steps
Making DJ edits is a great way to get familiar with deconstructing and re-arranging music. DJ edits can be in the form of making intros and outros for tracks to make them easier to mix. DJ edits are a great way to make sets unique as no other DJ will have them.
Another step is creating mashups. This is taking an Accapella (the vocals) of one track and laying it on top another songs instrumentals. This step should be taken once with more experience is gathered with the production side. Mashups require different knowledge of production, such as the songs Tempo and the Key of the two tracks being merged.
The last step I will mention is the ability to create Remixes to a song. Once more experience is reached with creating sound in production software, being a being able to create remixes is a great way to make popular song different and unique to the DJ. It is also possible to release remixes for the public to build the DJs brand.
Once you are comfortable with your DJ skills, becoming a producer DJ can be the next challenge for you to reach. Producing has a steep learning curve and is not for everyone, but can get very fulfilling once you get the hang of it.
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