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How to Become a DJ
Here at The DJ Guide, we want to give All Djs the insight of the news and tips of the Dj world. More importantly, we want to provide new DJs with the best advice when starting on their DJ adventure. We would like this to be the starting post to give that foundation knowledge on what you need to become a DJ.
In this post, we will go through three different divisions of what it takes to become and remain a successful DJ in today’s world. Each division has subdivisions of topics that fit, and these will be talked through in more detail in future posts. For now, let us dive in the three main subjects that will make you a great DJ.
The Three Divisions
Music, technique/Skill and Promotion are the three subject areas that we will talk through in this post. All three will aid you in being able to play the right music in the best way and get your name out to get more bookings. In the image above, you can see that music is the first division and is the best place to start for a new DJ. Once you are comfortable, it is time to move on to technique, how you play your music. And finally, you can then move on to promotion, getting your name out to the public to gets gigs and build a following.
Music
Imagine playing at a wedding and not having the couples first dance song. Imagine being booked at an 80’s soul night but only having techno music. These examples give you an idea of why music is the first and most important division for a new DJ to get experienced within. Getting good quality music from the start will benefit a Dj later on.
Where to Start?
Find where out where to get good quality music, this can be signing up to a DJ Pool to be able to download the latest tracks for a monthly fee, buying tracks from digital music stores or joining a label mailing list to get free music before they are released. At this point of learning to DJ it a good idea to start with the music that you like. If you listen to Hip-Hop start collection hip-hop music. Learning to Dj is more comfortable and more fun when you enjoy the music you are playing.
What’s Next?
Once you have built a collection of the music you like, get to know your tracks. understand where hooks and verses are in a song will help when trying to transition between songs. Listen to what songs sound similar to each other and pay attention to the speed of each track (bpm). Having these thoughts in your mind when listening to music will help with the actual mixing.
Other Sub Divisions
- Knowing your songs
- Phrasing
- Type of Music for Bookings
- Having requested Songs
- Clean Version of Songs
- DJ Edits
- Create/Playlist Organisation
Technique/Skill
Having the right music is a great starting point for any DJ, but once comfortable with it, it’s time to show how why you are a better choice than a Spotify playlist or a USB stick full of music. A DJ’s Skills can expand to many areas from the point of mixing songs, Ability to play in front of a crowd and different talents such as using a microphone.
Where to Start?
Not owning any DJ hardware doesn’t mean a new can’t start learning the fundamentals of DJing. If this is the case, Virtual Dj is free to download and can be used to play and mix songs on a laptop or computer with no hardware needed. A new Dj should start with the software to get an understanding of song structure, BPM and the different keys within a song. The first vital skill to learn is how to beat match by ear. Even though technology allows for beatmatching aids through software, it is still worth remembering to beatmatch manually. Learning to beatmatch gives a greater understanding of what you are doing and allows you not to rely on the function.
What’s Next?
Once you get comfortable with beatmatching, the next step will be looking to master transitions and phasing. “Transitions” is how we move from on track to another; there are many different ways to do this with different skills and effects. Phasing is when we are talking about when we bring in the second track of the mix at the right time.
Other Sub Divisions
- Beat Matching
- Transitions
- Using A Mic
- DJ Hardware
- Sync Button
- Playing in Key
- Playing to Crowd
Promotion
You have your music, and You know how to play. The last part is getting your name out there and building your reputation and following. The promotion stage is letting people know that you are a DJ; this will then turn in to bookings. There are many ways to promote your self. You can reach out online via social media platforms. In-person by handing out Business cards and networking and or sharing your talents by putting out mixtapes or going on to a radio station.
Where to Start?
If you haven’t done so already, choose a DJ name for yourself. From there I would say start to think about putting out mixes, this will get people to realise you are a DJ.
What Next?
Start building up your online presences. Create social media accounts under your Dj name. It is usually better to keep your DJ and personal page separate.
Other Sub Divisions
- Social Media
- Mixtapes
- Radio Station
- Networking
- Business Cards
- Website
- Live Streaming
- Throwing Events
Conclusion
If you have a keen interest in music and wanting to entertain people, becoming a DJ is worth a try. The hardest part is knowing where to start, and this post will help.
Go in Stages.
Although the divisions are broad topics within themselves, A new DJ should start with their music. Know what to play, when and where to play different genres is going to benefit any DJ. Moving on to technique/Skills will be the next step after being comfortable with the music. Being able to play and transition out of songs is what will make you stand out from the rest of the DJs and get people listening to you. Finally, the promotion is about building a name/brand and getting more bookings.
Level Your Divisions
Once you have gone through the division, it is vital to keep them all level as possible. Being strong in one but weak in another can be an issue at some point. Let’s look at some examples…
And Repeat.
As an ongoing DJ, maintaining and revisiting each division is essential to keep your playlist, skills and following updated. Your music should be updated frequently with new songs and remixes. Keeping your playlist fresh and up to date will able you to cater to different crowds.
Learning new techniques and skills will always be a benefit to a Dj. Being able to play on different hardware will allow you to play at a different location. Learning to use a mic will give you more options for gigs. Making sure that you are always promoting your self through Social media and networking were possible will keep and grow your following. Also doing extra work such as building a website or doing mixtapes will help reach more people.
