Are you looking to start a career as a DJ? It can be an extremely rewarding and fun profession, but it takes a lot of hard work and dedication. Here we'll give you 7 tips to help you get started on the right foot. We'll talk about everything from choosing the right equipment to developing your personal brand. So whether you're just starting out or you're looking for ways to improve your skills, read on for our tips!
1. Do thorough research on what equipment is best for you.
This is one of the most important steps to becoming and being the best DJ you can be. You need to have the right tools if you want to be successful. Make sure you invest in quality equipment that will last you a long time. No garbage! Talk to some DJs in your community that you look up to about what may suit your early needs and take a trip to Guitar Center (or your local music shop) just to see how different styles of equipment look and feel and what fits your budget. Maybe you can even find a DJ friend that will let you get a feel of their equipment before you make your own investment!
2. Be true to yourself when developing your brand.
As a DJ, you are your own brand. You need to stand out from the crowd if you want to be successful, but you also need to make sure you do so in a way that is true to your spirit. While we do make careers out of this craft, DJing is supposed to be enjoyable and keeping up with an insane facade gets old and boring.
Figure out what makes YOU unique and use that to your advantage in your sets. This could range from how you dress for performances, the genre(s) you play, the way you advertise your events, sound effects, etc. This is one of the most fun parts because here you can get super creative about drawing crowds to you. So figure out how you want your feathers to look when you open 'em up. Ya dig?
3. Be passionate about music.
If you're not passionate about music, then becoming a DJ is probably not the right career choice for you. You need to have a genuine love for music if you want to succeed. Period, pooh.
4. Be outgoing and personable.
As a DJ, you'll be interacting with people all the time. You need to be able to socialize or, at the very least, have a welcoming aura.
5. Keep your crates up to date.
First, you need to be able to play the latest hits for your audience (depending on where you will be spinning). Second, you need to be researching music for your audience on a consistent basis. Whether the songs are old or new, you need to keep that library tight. Only you truly know your audience and exactly what you need.
6. Practice yo' ass off!
This is the most important tip on this list. You need to be willing to put in the time and effort if you want to be a cold ass DJ. Make sure you practice regularly so you can perfect your craft. Practice with friends, record yourself and ask your friends for feedback, and there are some AMAZING channels on Youtube that have even more specific tips about getting better!
7. Have fun!
If you're not having fun, then what's the point? Make sure you enjoy yourself and the music you're playing. If you're bored, the crowd can tell. If you aren't enjoying yourself, that energy will most likely be reflected in your set. So make sure you only put yourself in situations you want to be in and don't book out of desperation.
These 7 tips should give you just the initial push you need to get you started as a new DJ. Just remember to stay dedicated, passionate, and have fun!