Ask any DJ what made them decide to be a DJ. You will receive many answers, many of which will seem familiar.
Professional DJs are known for their passion for music and ability to discover new sounds.
Are you wondering if DJing is the right career choice for you? If any of the above answers sound like you, then DJing could be the perfect gig for your career!
This musically rich career can be viewed and reacted to with the right training.
Best Ways to Be a DJ
There are many options for you to pursue your dream career as a DJ. You can start your DJ career by doing it yourself, or you can enrol in a school DJ course like the one offered at MI. You have the freedom to choose, and there are many options.
Let’s consider how to be a DJ and do what we love.
Select Your Medium and Create Your Music Collection
If you are passionate about DJing, this tip should not be too difficult. While it is a common practice for many aspiring DJs to spend time in a local music shop, you don’t want your bank account to be empty before you begin working professionally.
Let’s begin by deciding whether to spin vinyl or digital.
Vinyl is a popular choice for club DJs because of its superior sound quality and the quality of the songs and artists they spin. Vinyl-based DJs are more personal in their approach to building their library.
Digital DJs (or CDJs) can use volume, notes the Guardian. It’s much easier to download thousands of songs onto a Mac or PC and then load them into your gig bag than to store many records. This is a good option if you want to work at parties and EDM events. You will be a big hit with your wide selection of songs.
Vinyl-loving DJs can still find music for a reasonable price by visiting thrift stores, used record shops, garage sales, and garage sales. To find bargains and special items, it’s a good idea to check out online auction sites like eBay.
There are many resources available for CDJs. These include the following:
- SoundCloud. You can download tracks from other artists on this social music platform. You can also upload your music and share it.
- Beatport. Beatport is a huge DJ music store that offers music in digital format and unique tools for music discovery.
- Traxsource. This is the place to go if you’re looking for underground DJ music.
You can also find affordable digital music selections or music subscriptions at Juno Download, Direct Music Service, and DemoDrop.
Learn about the Different Types Of DJs
We have already discussed DJs who prefer vinyl music to digital, but this will allow you to examine the DJ type you are aiming to be and what your goals are.
- The Club DJ. Depending on the needs of different clubs for specific events, a club DJ might work in one club or make a few rounds. Club DJs are there to keep people on the dance floor and monitor the mood in the room.
- The Performer, or “Turntablist.” People visit clubs or events to see this DJ. These DJs are often called “exhibitionists” because they specialise in cutting and scratching.
- The Mobile DJ. The mobile DJ is the traditional DJ who plays at weddings, graduations and other events where crowd favourites exist.
- The Radio DJ. Radio announcers inspire the Radio DJ.
Learn Some Basic DJing Skills
The wonders of the internet make it possible to learn basic DJing skills yourself. These are some key points that can be used as a launchpad:
- Beatmatching. This is where two tracks are arranged at the same time and phase.
- Phrasing. Use your tracks in a way that makes sense to you.
- Gain control. This factor revolves around various aspects of volume adjustment.
- EQing. You can EQ multiple audio tracks by cutting or boosting their frequencies.
There’s a lot more to learn. You can explore the internet or look into a detailed DJ program to expand your knowledge and gain more understanding.
Learn about the Software Tools used by Top DJs
Music Radar suggests several top-quality software applications for laptop DJs. These include the following:
- Native Instruments Traktor Pro. This program was released in 2011. It is still very popular with new and experienced CDJs.
- Serato DJ Pro. Serato DJ Pro was the first to develop digital vinyl system software almost two decades ago. They have continued to provide reliable software despite changing technology.
Get the Music Program You Need to Learn to Be a DJ
A comprehensive music program at a school such as the DJSchool at Musicians Institute is a great way to start your journey to becoming a DJ/CDJ. You can choose the type of DJ you want, what music you want, how to gather it, the best software to help you with your career, and all you need.