We’re always told about the importance of learning new things, but it’s hard to hear that advice when you’re just starting out on your DJ journey. So many people think that you need a million dollars of equipment and years of experience to be a dj headphones png, and they are dead wrong. There are ways to learn how to be a DJ without having so much as two decks under your feet or even with limited equipment. It takes patience, determination, and most importantly – listening skills! In this blog post I’m going to tell you some brilliant tips for beginners looking for their first steps in becoming DJs.
1. Get the practice.
Believe me, it’s not gonna happen overnight if you don’t do anything. If you want to be a DJ then you need to start doing stuff! Get that first gig – don’t worry about the money. Put your own samples and songs on iTunes, CDJ’s and whatnot, and start making beats. Listen to some music that has vocals, lyrics and sounds that are similar in style and try to get better at writing your own songs. You can learn this with free music on YouTube or Soundcloud, or by buying a beat-making program like FL Studio (FL Studio 12 is fantastic).
2. Mixing and mastering isn’t everything.
There are lots of DJ’s out there who mix and master their own music, but there is always the next level above that – writing your own music. I myself am not a mixer, which is why I started to write my own music (you can look at my music at here, or elsewhere on Soundcloud), and now it helps me a lot to get through the next levels in my DJ career. I have gotten some great feedback from people about my tracks and can see how the industry works (which is why you should create your music for yourself, not for anyone else).
3. Build relationships with people!
Don’t just go and ask to play at weddings or corporate events. Just build a relationship with friends, family and people you meet along the way, and when the right opportunity presents itself (there will be one) then take it.
4. The more you practice, the better your mixes will sound.
A DJ needs to be able to mix and master music like a professional in order to get gigs at popular discos or even bars and clubs in major cities like Melbourne. I practice every time I get a chance to, even if it’s at home with some of my music on CDJ’s and with friends so that I can learn more about the energy and movement of the crowd.
5. Always keep an eye on YouTube for tutorials.
Everyone has their own way to do things, which is why it’s so important to always keep an eye on what other DJs are doing (or even producers). For example I see how other DJs give out advice on their youtube channels, and you can learn new techniques that are used by lots of well-known DJs out there by simply searching on YouTube.
6. Don’t be scared to ask questions.
It’s great to share your music with other people because they will give you feedback and tell you what works and what doesn’t, which helps you learn more about the techniques that other DJs are using. Don’t be scared to ask questions to the people who you contact (or in this case, music sharing sites), because they are usually more than happy to help!
7. Don’t just constantly play random music.
Don’t just play random music at the club. Most of the time people will ask you yourself to play certain music because they know that it will get them in the mood, and they want to hear a great mix every now and then. This is an opportunity for you to do some great mashups, which is why I always have my tunes on my beats and CDs – it helps me when I’m playing in crowd scenes like at weddings or festivals.
8. Learn more about the crowd’s needs.
When you have a crowd of people waiting for the music to start, a lot of them will become restless and unhappy and this is bad for business. Learn their needs so that you can adapt your sets and make them happy, without losing the dance floor.
9. Never give up!
It’s very easy to get distracted by other DJs or other kinds of work that is always on your mind and it feels like there isn’t enough time in the day (at least – when I was still a DJ Student!) but don’t be afraid to take risks with your career as a DJ.
Summary:
Being a DJ takes dedication, but it is also fun and rewarding. While you may be intimidated by other DJs with more equipment or experience, remember that there are always ways to learn a lot without these things.
