level3. Headphones preview with external mixer. output 1 : player 1 stereo output. output 2 : player 2 stereo output. Download YouDJ for free! YouDJ is not only a website, it is a DJ software available on all platforms. Grab your copy for FREE and enjoy :) Whatdoes a DJ do? A DJ plays pre-recorded music from other musicians, usually drawing from a large collection of available songs that suit the theme of the event or venue he or she is working at. A disc jockey has several responsibilities depending on their workplace and position in the music industry. DJHOW DO YOU DO - 𝕽𝖎𝖟𝖐𝖎.SZ. 52 4 5. arvanjebe van. · 3-30 Follow. 4 comments. Log in to comment. Rii. TikTok video from van. (@arvanjebe): "#ArvanAsu". DJ HOW DO YOU DO. TikTok. Upload . Log in. For You. Following. LIVE. Log in to follow creators, like videos, and view comments. Log in. Popular topics. Comedy Gaming Food Knowingwhere to drop the first beat of the second track is done by counting beats. This is just as important as beatmatching when learning how to mix. When you listen to a track you'll hear the beats built on a 4/4 rhythm. There are four beats to each bar and everything goes in four bar phases, or multiples thereof. 5yljh. What is a DJ? A DJ, or disc jockey, specializes in selecting and playing recorded music for a live audience. The job of a DJ involves choosing and mixing music tracks in a way that creates a cohesive and enjoyable experience for the audience. DJs may work in a variety of settings, including clubs, festivals, weddings, and corporate events, and their role is often to keep the energy and atmosphere of the event lively and engaging. To be a successful DJ, one must possess a range of skills, including a deep knowledge of music genres, an ability to read and respond to the energy of the crowd, and technical proficiency with mixing equipment and software. Many DJs also create their own original music or remixes, and may collaborate with other artists to produce new tracks. As the music industry continues to evolve, the role of the DJ remains an important one, with many DJs achieving celebrity status and fans around the world. What does a DJ do? DJs are essential in the entertainment industry as they provide the soundtrack for events and parties. They have the ability to mix and match different songs, genres, and beats to create a unique and cohesive sound that can keep people dancing and engaged for hours. DJs are not only responsible for playing music but also for reading the crowd, setting the mood, and creating a dynamic atmosphere that can enhance the overall experience. They also act as event coordinators, working closely with event organizers and other vendors to ensure that the music aligns with the event's theme and objectives. Duties and Responsibilities The duties and responsibilities of a DJ go beyond playing music. They are responsible for creating a memorable experience for their audience. Here is a detailed breakdown of the duties and responsibilities of a DJ Music Selection The primary responsibility of a DJ is to select music that is appropriate for the event and the audience. This involves understanding the audience's taste in music and choosing songs that fit the event's mood and theme. Music Mixing A DJ must also be skilled in mixing songs to create a seamless flow of music that keeps the audience engaged. This involves understanding beats, tempo, and harmonies to create a unique and cohesive sound. Equipment Setup A DJ is responsible for setting up and testing their equipment, including turntables, mixers, and speakers, to ensure that they are in proper working condition before the event. Event Coordination DJs often work with event coordinators to ensure that the music aligns with the event's theme and objectives. They may also coordinate with other vendors, such as lighting technicians or sound engineers, to ensure that the event runs smoothly. Reading the Crowd A DJ must be able to read the crowd and adjust their music selection accordingly. This involves understanding the mood and energy of the audience and selecting music that keeps them engaged. Knowledge of Music A DJ must have a thorough knowledge of music, including different genres, artists, and song lyrics. This helps them to create a unique and engaging musical experience for their audience. Technical Skills A DJ must be proficient in using different types of equipment, including turntables, mixers, and software, to create the desired musical experience. Adaptability A DJ must be adaptable and able to handle unexpected situations that may arise during an event, such as power outages or equipment malfunctions. They must be able to think on their feet and quickly come up with a solution to keep the music playing. Creating Playlists DJs are responsible for creating playlists that align with the event's theme and mood. They must also take into account any requests from the event organizers or audience members. Beatmatching One of the core technical skills a DJ must have is beatmatching. This involves aligning the beats of two tracks so that they play seamlessly together, creating a smooth transition between songs. Types of DJs Here are some of the most common types of DJs and what they do Club DJs Club DJs are perhaps the most common type of DJ. They perform in nightclubs and bars, entertaining crowds with a mix of popular music genres such as electronic dance music EDM, hip-hop, and pop. Club DJs use turntables, mixers, and other equipment to create a seamless mix of music and keep the dance floor packed all night long. Mobile DJs Mobile DJs perform at various events such as weddings, corporate events, and private parties. They typically bring their own sound and lighting equipment and play a wide range of music genres to suit the occasion and the audience. Radio DJs Radio DJs work for radio stations and play music for a live audience over the airwaves. They must adhere to the station's format, which usually consists of specific music genres and styles. Radio DJs also provide commentary and announcements between songs, and may conduct interviews with guests. Turntablists Turntablists are DJs who specialize in manipulating vinyl records and turntables to create complex and intricate scratching, cutting, and beat juggling techniques. Turntablists often perform in battles or competitions, showcasing their skills in front of judges and audiences. Producer DJs Producer DJs create their own music using digital audio workstations DAWs and other software tools. They often incorporate their own productions into their live DJ sets, and may perform using a combination of live instruments and pre-recorded tracks. Scratch DJs Scratch DJs specialize in using turntables and vinyl records to create rhythmic scratching sounds and other sound effects. They often perform in battles or competitions, showcasing their scratching skills in front of judges and audiences. Are you suited to be a DJ? DJs have distinct personalities. They tend to be enterprising individuals, which means they’re adventurous, ambitious, assertive, extroverted, energetic, enthusiastic, confident, and optimistic. They are dominant, persuasive, and motivational. Some of them are also social, meaning they’re kind, generous, cooperative, patient, caring, helpful, empathetic, tactful, and friendly. Does this sound like you? Take our free career test to find out if DJ is one of your top career matches. Take the free test now Learn more about the career test What is the workplace of a DJ like? The workplace of a DJ can vary greatly depending on their specific job and style of music. Some DJs work in nightclubs, bars, and music festivals where they perform for large crowds. In these settings, the DJ is typically situated on a stage or in a DJ booth, which is often equipped with high-end sound and lighting systems. The atmosphere is often energetic and intense, with loud music and flashing lights, and the DJ is expected to create an engaging and exciting experience for the audience. Other DJs may work in more low-key settings, such as lounges or private events, where they provide background music for guests. In these settings, the DJ's role is typically to create a relaxed and enjoyable atmosphere rather than to pump up a crowd. They may be situated in a corner or out of the way location with a smaller, more basic sound system. Regardless of the setting, the job of a DJ requires a lot of preparation and attention to detail. DJs must spend time selecting and organizing their music library, planning their setlists, and practicing their transitions and mixing techniques. They may also need to coordinate with event organizers or other performers to ensure everything runs smoothly. While the job of a DJ can be exciting and glamorous, it can also be physically and mentally demanding. DJs may work long hours, especially on weekends and holidays, and they must be able to stay alert and focused throughout their set. They also need to be skilled in reading the crowd and adjusting their music selection and style to keep the audience engaged. Frequently Asked Questions Pros and Cons of Being a DJ As a DJ, you have the power to control the energy and mood of a room full of people through music. It can be a thrilling experience to see a crowd dancing and enjoying the music you are playing. However, like any profession, there are pros and cons to consider Pros Creativity As a DJ, you have the ability to create unique mixes and blends that showcase your creative talents. This can be incredibly rewarding, especially when you see people enjoying your creations. Flexibility DJing is a highly flexible career, allowing you to set your own hours and schedule. You can choose to work at nightclubs, weddings, parties, or other events, and can often make a good living doing so. Social connections DJing allows you to meet and network with other professionals in the industry, such as event planners, promoters, and other DJs. This can open up new opportunities for gigs and collaborations. Cons Long hours DJing often involves working late into the night or early morning hours, which can be physically and mentally exhausting. This can also impact your personal life and relationships. Competition The DJ industry can be highly competitive, with many talented individuals vying for the same gigs and opportunities. This can make it challenging to break into the industry and establish a successful career. Equipment costs DJing requires specialized equipment, which can be expensive to purchase and maintain. This can be a significant financial investment, especially when you are just starting out. DJs are also known as Disc Jockey Download Article Get in the loop on looping & other essential musical skills Download Article Assembling the Grooviest Equipment Mastering Your Music Learning the Craft Building a Following Making DJing Your Career Q&A Tips Warnings Back in the day, the idea of putting your hands on a vinyl record was practically sacrilegious. But thanks to a few early disc jockeys’ courage and musical skill, DJing is now a valid art form and a profitable career path. If you’re interested in becoming a DJ, but have been scratching your head pun intended trying to figure out the right way forward, keep reading. In this article, we’ll break down how you can break beats to climb your way to the top of the industry, even as a beginner. Happy mixing! Things You Should Know Practice your DJing on a simple, bare-bones set of equipment. All you really need to build your musical skills are a turntable, a mixer, and some musical software. Learn the BPM of each song you play. Then, mix songs with similar BPMs so the transitions are clean and the groove stays consistent. Build your sound and musical personality over time. Figure out what genres you like to play. Are you hardcore or glitch? Trance or lo-fi? The more you master, the better! 1 Practice the basics on a simple setup. Being a DJ requires you to do a lot more than just play songs. Structuring sets, mixing on the fly, and getting a crowd moving are all essential tricks of the trade. Start practicing with a bare-bones kit. Later on, you can invest in more advanced stuff like a MIDI controller, an audio interface, and various plug-ins. However, when you’re beginning your DJ career, just get the following basic equipment[1] 2 turntables or 2 CD players for record scratching 2-channel mixer for mixing tracks Headphones Speakers Mixing software Be economical. You don’t need super high-tech speakers or software. Invest most of your money in a turntable or mixer which often come used and still highly effective for a much lower cost. 2 Compare analog and digital kits. Traditional DJ set-ups play vinyl records on direct-drive turntables. However, it's become increasingly common to use CD-style and straight-digital set-ups too. Both have their advantages and disadvantages, but are perfectly effective for playing gigs and becoming a DJ.[2] Analog set-ups will allow you to DJ in the most traditional way, learning the skills the way they were pioneered scratching a stylus against vinyl. This will require you to choose a long-lasting turntable and amass a sizable collection of vinyl records to play, which can be somewhat expensive. Digital set-ups allow you to be extremely mobile, and the learning curve will be much smaller. Learning to beat-match and transition, for example, will be much easier with a BPM beats per minute counter and an online software to assist you. Advertisement 3 Get a mixing software package. A quality software can teach you skills like looping songs, controlling time, and mixing audio in an easy, user-friendly way. Serato Scratch and Traktor are great programs that can read any format of music and select songs through a computer program interface. Pioneer and Numark also offer various products you may want to look into.[3] These programs will enable you to access a library of MP3s on your hard drive to complement your vinyl and CD selections. More often than not, these programs provide live looping and scratching capability, delays and reverberations, as well as video and karaoke options. Ableton is a program that allows you to connect mixing controllers via USB cable. It's great for beginners and super budget-friendly. Some music-mixing software may be hard to learn. You can find great tutorials online for most types. Otherwise, DJ schools can teach you about the cutting-edge stuff out there—but know that you can do it yourself. 4 Set up a home studio to rehearse and experiment. Most DJs record demos, playlists, and original music at home. Ensure that the equipment you bring to the club compliments the equipment you use at your place. For example, if you're a hip-hop DJ, you'll probably want to invest in a scratch/battle mixer at home to simulate a competition environment when you play gigs.[4] A home studio will be especially useful if you ever plan on producing or remixing songs of your own. Becoming a DJ is an extremely fun, but serious time commitment. Try to rehearse and experiment in your studio at least an hour a day. 5 Study the equipment needed for each type of gig. Not all DJ venues are the same. If you plan to play for a place that already has a DJ setup, you might only need a laptop with music mixing software. If you plan to play in private venues, provide your own equipment. Scope out what you need and what you don't for each particular job.[5] If you're serious about being a DJ, odds are you're aware of a few in your area. Hit them up for advice or for a tutorial on their system! If they're half as passionate as you are, they'll love to give you a minute of their time to explain their ways. 6 Build and prepare to pay for a big collection of music. To be a real DJ, get lots and lots of quality music to mix and remix. Since you want the audio to be crisp and clear for the gigs you play, you’ll also at least eventually have to pay for the songs in your library. For now, work with what you have. Hit up your friends to trade sounds. Consult the charts, YouTube channels of record companies, and websites catering especially to DJs like Beatport. Here's a list of music genres to explore[6] House Trance Techno Electro Glitch Dark Alternative Progressive Breakbeat Hardstyle Hardcore Downtempo Jungle Drum and Bass Dubstep Hip-Hop Lo-fi Advertisement 1 Count the BPM of the songs you play. The beats per minute BPM of a song will determine how smoothly or easily you can mix it with another song. Most mixers and DJ software will calculate the BPM of a track for you. However, these may not be fully accurate 100% of the time, so have some sense of the BPMs yourself. Find out your songs’ BPM by looking it up online or counting the time signature as you listen.[7] You can also use a pitch warp to match the beats, but only use it on a song that doesn't have vocals yet. Speeding it up or slowing it down changes the key and messes with everything. It's best to choose 2 songs that are only a few BPM off for the most seamless transitions. 2 Listen to your songs’ intros and outros until they’re second nature. Most dance songs will have an intro and corresponding outro where the music plays without vocals. DJ mixing usually means blending one song's intro with the outro of another. Knowing when an outro starts and an intro begins is critical to live beat mixing.[8] Have your 2nd song ready to go as your 1st one is winding down. Keep a hand on the turntable or CD player's pitch knob to adjust the speed if your BPMs don't match. Keep your other hand on the crossfader, so you can raise the volume of the 2nd song as you lower the volume of the first. 3 Practice scratching on a turntable. Scratching is an essential art form when it comes to DJing. Use your fingertips to stop the record at various intervals; this can create uniquely layered songs and sound effects. If you don’t have a turntable, you can use your decks as pseudo-records to get your scratch on.[9] Learn the different types of scratches too. There are baby scratches and scribble scratches, and drags and scratches that work at different pitch levels. Get 'em all down before you head out there! Certain places in songs are prime for scratching, while others are terrible for it. Knowing when to scratch is like comedic timing you'll know it when it's right and when it's just wrong. 4 Mix similar songs together at first. When you're starting out, make mixing easier by sticking to 2 songs that are within 3 BPMs of each other. Also, ensure that these 2 songs are in the same key. Your software should be able to tell you this. Once you nail that down, start experimenting with looping and then move on to your toggle function for adding effects. Experiment with the different methods on your mixer. For most effects, there's more than 1 way to do them. Find what you prefer. Generally, 1 method is a very do-it-yourself way and the other is more automated. 5 Transition between the songs smoothly. Seamlessly shift from the beat of 1 song to another, so your crowd can dance, uninterrupted. To transition on conventional DJ hardware, listen to the second song's intro in your headphones and move the pitch slider until the songs play at the same speed. Then, queue the 2nd song simultaneously with the preceding song. Adjust the volume levels of the songs as you transition. The song you’re changing out of will be playing at full volume, so adjust the 2nd volume up slowly and subtly.[10] Never mix vocals over other vocals or the noise will be awkward. Digitally, it's possible to use beat-matching software to do transitions automatically provided that the songs are within a few BPM of one another. However, it's still good to learn how to do this analog, since it’s a fundamental skill. Advertisement 1 Be prepared to spend years improving your skills. While DJing might start off as a hobby, it can eventually turn into a lucrative and life-changing career. However, this won’t happen overnight. To become a DJ is to devote years to working magic on others' music. Enjoy the journey and practice every day to make the best songs you can. [11] You probably won’t make a whole lot of money at first, but if you keep at it, several DJs make well over $70,000 a year.[12] DJing may feel difficult at first. You’re still learning the basics, so your songs probably sound pretty rough around the edges. Don’t give up! Soon, the music will become second nature and playing will become a breeze. 2 Try working as both a crowd-pleaser or a music specialist. Know that certain gigs will require that you make a few compromises. A college bar may want to hear Katy Perry when you're just trying to forget Last Friday Night, but they’ll pay better. Meanwhile, being a specialist will give you a lot more cred with the DJs and critics, but it may make your gigs fewer and far between. Crowd pleasing means playing songs that would, most likely, fit the taste of the biggest number of people in any given crowd. This style of DJing is best suited to private events, such as weddings or small parties. A music specialist sticks to a particular genre of music, regardless of what the crowd demands. Usually, these DJs play nightclubs that have specific genre standards or they have an established following based on a certain type of music. 3 Listen to other DJs for inspiration. Find a DJ whose style you admire and observe them as much as possible. Pay attention to how songs are constructed and how the crowd is managed. After you've watched them a few times, approach the DJ after the show and ask for a few tips. Most DJs will be happy to help guide you if they know you're serious.[13] Gain inspiration from the DJs that hit it big. Sometimes, it can help to look up to professionals such as Headhunterz, Tiesto, Avicii, Knife Party, Sebastian Ingrosso, and Skrillex. 4 Get comfortable DJing multiple genres of music. You can still be a specialist if you have multiple genres under your belt—you're just a specialist with versatility. For example, you may create lo-fi music and mix it with underground rap like RZA and J Dilla or play dancey house music with a side of pop like Steve Aoki and Deadmau5. Most DJs are great at one genre of music, but being great at multiple sets you up to be the cream of the crop.[14] This also offers you more opportunities for future gigs. Instead of only having 1 or 2 clubs in the area that'll have you, you can do those, a few other clubs, and the occasional wedding or hoppin' bar mitzvah. 5 Keep up with current music trends. To be viable in today's fast-paced world, be on top of all the charts and where it seems like the trends are going. Browse music blogs regularly, watch the Grammys, read publications like Pitchfork to get insight on people’s taste, and talk to other artists to learn what the music of tomorrow may look like.[15] Keep a list of ideas and notes on popular trends. Refer to these every so often for inspiration. Advertisement 1 Find a place to DJ at regularly. Just like a pilot builds up flight time to get cred, build up as much play time as you can. The best way to do this is to get recurring hours through an established company—not just those one-off gigs. Sign up to work at a local college or community radio station, look for venues that need between-band DJs, or offer some pro bono mixing at a nearby club to get practice.[16] You can also find companies that supply DJs to weddings and similar events. You won't be freelancing, but you'll be getting your foot in the door. 2 Curate your sound to each unique crowd. Having an idea of who your crowd is before the event begins is critical to successful DJing. If you're playing a wedding, for instance, play more slow songs than usual, and try to get a grasp on the bride and groom's musical tastes beforehand. If you're playing a nightclub, get familiar with what the club owner prefers and what the regulars like. The regulars keep the club afloat and, by extension, pay your fee; learn how to keep them happy.[17] Be careful with requests. If you're playing a nightclub that caters to a hip-hop crowd and a tourist requests a song that doesn't fit with the genre, consider it carefully before you play it. Remember, your aim is to keep the core of the audience happy and coming back. If at all possible, visit the venue beforehand. Getting a feel for the regular crowd before you go can help take the pressure off a new gig. 3 Market yourself at each gig. Make press kits, create a social media page, hand out business cards, email clubs constantly, and talk to other artists and club promoters to keep expanding your network. As you're gaining a fan base, play as many shows as necessary to get your name out there. This is not a 9-5 job. It’s a 24/7 one.[18] Book yourself on a tight schedule at first to keep your interest alive and your creativity fresh. Basically, at the beginning take whatever gigs you can. 4 Develop an online presence. If you don't have the time or money to build your own website, start an account for your DJing career on Twitter or Facebook. Promote your shows, connect with your fans, and personally respond to their messages. The more you're a real person to these people, the more they’ll recommend you.[19] Making playlists is a great way to build your presence. Share these playlists with your fans so they can sample your musical tastes and get their appetites wet for your future shows. 5 Play gigs for a low price to get your foot in the door. Start by playing small, private events for a low fee, or take a slow, weeknight shift at a club or bar. Ask a friend who's hosting a party if you can DJ. Be aware that if you're inexperienced, you won't make much money at first and you'll probably have to keep a second job. But you'd do this for free, right?[20] When you first start off, people may book you on the stipulation that you bring X number of people. This shouldn’t be your responsibility, but sometimes you gotta take what you can get. Know that these people are only the ones you're working with now; avoid them in the future. 6 Become a DJ-Producer. You’ll have more success as a DJ if you know how to produce your own music. You can still work with others' tunes, but you're mashing it all up, remixing it, re-editing it, and making it better. Several famous DJs built their fanbase on YouTube doing exactly this![21] You can rake in the cash a lot faster when you start producing your own stuff. Once you have your own catalog of songs, hit up some record labels. Even if you don't end up being a top-billing artist, you can work behind the scenes with other artists doing what you love. Advertisement 1 Build your on-stage persona and charisma. As a DJ, you’re responsible for entertaining a large group of people all by yourself. Work on your stage presence. Don't just stand there hunched over your decks. Shout, jump, and tell the crowd to “MAKE SOME NOISE!” to get them hyped. Sometimes, the crowd may just want to sit back and groove. Learn to read the room and when it’s best to just play your songs. 2 Use each song to work the crowd’s vibe. Curate your music so it moves each moment in the night forward. Divide different styles of songs into different sections. Play slower, quieter songs at the beginning of the party. Slowly slip into a jazzier groove, and pull out the heavier songs at the end. Above all, read the crowd and notice what they're responding to.[22] Don't play mostly fast songs at a wedding. This will take away from the romantic atmosphere. Don't play mostly slow songs at a gathering of kids. They will get bored fast. Have a starter song that’s really upbeat. You can transition to some other slower stuff quickly if necessary, but you want to set the tone with lots of energy. 3 Behave professionally. Show up to your events on time and fully prepared. Treat your bosses with respect. Give each gig your best effort. Have fun with the crowd, but keep your interactions respectful, since you never know who's watching.[23] There can be some real scumbags in the music scene. You want to be that good apple that isn't a part of the bunch. If you behave unprofessionally, there are lots of others waiting to take your spot. Never put another DJ down. The DJ community is tight. If you get a negative reputation, you'll regret it. 4 Handle the music industry BS with care. Working in clubs and the like isn't always a pretty picture. A lot of times especially when you’re starting out, the majority of your listeners will be some level of drunk, high, or both.[24] They may give you a hard time on occasion. Learn to let it go. In one ear and out the other! In addition to rowdy or unappreciative crowds, you may have to deal with shady promoters and technical disasters. Use your savvy people skills to navigate through these issues and let them make you stronger. 5 Have fun with your music. Imagine going to a show maybe you’ve already been to one where the DJ is just pushing buttons like they’d rather be hauling rocks. It's terrible. Watching a DJ that doesn't even like their own music is practically worse than a three-piece polka band with earplugs. Make it clear that you're enjoying yourself and the crowd will follow suit.[25] Smile and dance when you feel like it. Even if you’re focused, you want to convey to the audience that you love your craft. Go a bit crazy if you feel like it. The more you feel the music, the better you'll be able to read the crowd. The more accurately you read the crowd, the more they’ll want you back for the next show. 6 Upgrade your equipment and rates once you have a following. Once you’ve got a comfortable amount of followers and some quality gigs under your belt, you can up the ante. When the money is coming in at more than a trickle, upgrade your equipment. The industry standard is the Technics 1200, but you can even upgrade from there. You're looking at a few thousand dollars in the long run, but you'll make it back and then some.[26] Start figuring out your rates. How much are you worth? Account for distance traveled, if you're bringing your own equipment, and the general realities of the gig some are quite clearly better than others. And don't forget are they feeding you? Upgrade from free and cheap gigs as soon as possible. You don't want to be typecast as a "cheap DJ." Clients should be hiring you because you’re good, not because you’re cheap. Advertisement Add New Question Question Can you recommend consumer friendly mixers for beginners? Any of the DDJ's from Pioneer would work, such as the DDJ-SB or some of the less expensive Numark controllers. If you need a mixer for the two turntables, go with a cheap one, mixers are not a huge deal when using turntables. If you meant a mixer for CD players, just go with what is cheap. Question Do I need a laptop to start learning to be a DJ? That depends on how you want to be a DJ but the easier way is to do it with a controller and software. You can use a mixer to learn it too, as it's the traditional way. Also, you can use any kind of computer but be prepared that after some time, if you will want to go to parties, you will need one. Question Should I buy a turntable or a launchpad first? Buy a turntable because the launchpad doesn't have cue, pitch, sync, jog, etc. But do your homework, as it's impossible to really say that what you need is clear from your basic question - only you can know that. See more answers Ask a Question 200 characters left Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered. Submit Advertisement Have a friend in the crowd help you set the volume. You want it to be loud enough for people to hear the beat, but not so loud that they can't hear their partners talk. Try arranging the song titles of the popular songs into a continuous narrative. For example "Lady in Red" drove a "Little Red Corvette" down to "Funkytown.' Advertisement Stack your DJ equipment high so partygoers don't spill anything on it. Advertisement References About This Article Article SummaryXTo become a DJ, start by getting a laptop and a music mixing software. You should also build a big collection of music since you'll need lots of songs to DJ with. One of the first things you can then work on is learning the intros and outros of your most popular songs. This will allow you to cue up the next song in time as well as transition between songs seamlessly. Additionally, watch other DJs at work, whether in person or on video, to see how they put songs together and manage a crowd of people. To learn how to develop a following as a DJ, keep reading! Did this summary help you? Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 1,939,885 times. Reader Success Stories "Thank you very much for simplifying this complicated for amateurs process and dividing all elements of DJing into..." more If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission. Did this article help you? We hope you love the products we recommend. We may collect a commission if you purchase through one of our links. This doesn't cost you anything extra. If you do, thank you! As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying actually do quite a lot on stage. They need to seamlessly beatmatch their music, transition with style, add effects to create their personal signature, read the crowd to adjust the vibe accordingly, and maintain some level of dance or performance at the same time. Do DJs Actually Do Anything?Many people think that all DJs pre-record their mixes and just press play on stage. Unless you have had the opportunity to be close to a DJ or have DJ friends, you may not have had the experience of realizing how difficult DJing really is and how much work goes into having to produce a good DJ set. I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to learn a bit about what goes into DJing and realize the innate complexity of this art form. The fact that you are reading this blog means that you are interested, on some level, in mixing music and what that entails. I will go through each technique and the skills DJs need to put on a good set. So What Are DJs Doing On Stage? While on stage, DJs need to do all of the following Beatmatching, Transition expertly from track to track, and reading the crowd to understand what is working vs. what isn’t. In addition, DJs need to add in effects or samples and maintain some level of performance or interaction with the crowd, AKA dancing. What Is Beatmatching And Why Is It Important?Beatmatching is the first step and skill you need to know when DJing. Let me be the first to tell you, beat matching is HARD! If you can do it, that’s already impressive, but on stage, DJs have to be able to beatmatch and do it quickly. Beatmatching is the art of matching the tempos of at least two songs and then matching up the drum beats to make sure the two tracks are in sync. While on stage, DJs need to beatmatch the tracks they mix each time perfectly. It is easier said than done and requires a lot of focus, a trained ear, and a solid pair of DJ headphones. I recommend the Sennheiser HD25, as they are the industry standardThese days, most of the newer DJ equipment, for example, most Pioneer DJ CDJs, feature the sync button that will enable the automatic syncing of the tracks. This newer DJ gear can beatmatch for you. It is not generally respected in the DJ community to use the sync button because it takes away the artistry of beatmatching manually, but times are slowly changing! DJ controller tech is evolving, so why shouldn’t DJs use them to the fullest capacity. It is an ongoing debate for sure, but I think if a DJ wants to continue to increase their mixing skills and produce new music, it is somewhat inevitable that they will need to know how to manually beatmatch. Performing Seamless TransitionsOnce two tracks are beatmatched, DJs need to transition between the two tracks. To move from one track to the next, DJs isolate a few sounds from each track that work well together and make the transition. The more skillful a DJ is, the more smooth and fluid the transition will be. Transitions also need to be engaging and exciting. It is one thing to transition smoothly from one track to the next; it is another to do it while keeping the same vibe and energy level. It is SO much more challenging than you may think. DJs also need to keep it fresh. If you did the same transition repeatedly, the quality of the set would be pretty dull and track that plays gives DJs a window of a few minutes to figure out the plan for the next song. They need to figure out where in the track they will begin the mix, beatmatch quickly, and change the EQs equalizers to their desired positions to enact the plan and then start the transition. DJs Are Also CountingDJs need to keep count of the beats to begin the mix at the beginning or end of a loop. For example, one track could change every 4, 8, 16, or 32 beats. An expert DJ will be able to follow along and mix in the new track at the beginning or end of one of these loops. This counting is happening the entire set. I’ll let you in on a secret DJs dance because they are having fun with their music but mostly because they are counting. The easiest way to count the beats is to tap your foot or dance. Think about how many times a DJ will need to do this in one set. It requires a lot of brainpower and focus. Adding EffectsBeat FX is becoming more popular in DJ sets as well. Old-school vinyl setups only allowed for scratching effects on a turntable, but there is usually an entire Beat FX channel on modern DJ hardware. Some FX include echo, spiral, reverb, trans, roll, and flanger. FX is a great way to add your own flair and signature to a mix. Many DJs will use these effects to heighten the impact of a significant drop in their set or just add a new sound they may use throughout their mix. Reading The Crowd People don’t realize how difficult of a job it is to understand and adjust to the vibe of a crowd. DJs need to understand what music a particular crowd may respond best to and adapt their sound accordingly. Oh, and they need to be able to do this consistently while also beatmatching perfectly, transitioning, and adding effects. The vibe of a party or event is almost this fragile and beautiful unspoken communication or frequency between a crowd and the DJs. A DJ has to create the stirrings of the vibe with the music, and the crowd may or may not respond to that vibe. Have you ever thought about how DJs structure their mixes? Since a mix extends songs to be almost like one large track, DJs need to structure them accordingly. It would be exhausting for the people on the dancefloor to dance non-stop to really fast techno without any breaks. As a result, you will often see DJs playing around 3 tracks in a row before creating a drop. They will isolate one or two sounds, allow the crowd to have a quick little breather before building it back up to dance level. On the flip side, if a DJ only plays slow music without any sort of build-up, it could be seen as boring. It is a nerve-racking experience to control the music for a huge about how difficult it is to be on the aux cord at a house party. Making sure everyone is having a good time is a huge responsibility. You never want to be the person in charge of music when people complain about it. Now imagine that feeling in front of a crowd of thousands of people. Scary, right? Having A Stage PresenceIn addition to the technical skills DJs possess on stage, some level of performance during their set is also required. There are different ways to accomplish this performance aspect. Some DJs naturally have a great stage presence. Superstar DJ Carl Cox is a wonderful example. He is always so into the music he is playing, whipping up a storm, and interacting with the people on the dance floor. But this performance aspect can manifest in other ways too. For example, I have seen DJs who never dance or even look up from their setup once during their sets. Initially, I thought that was lame, but I quickly realized that these DJs were so focused on creating the most intricate, perfectly mixed drops and transitions. This quality of music was the performance value. The music was speaking for itself without any need for the DJ to hype up the crowd with their dancing. I think what makes a good DJ to a professional DJ level is the ability to create engaging, complex mixes that keep everyone engaged and interact with the crowd. Performing Songs LIVETo me, what defines an expert DJ is one who can play well live, not just in the confines of their studio setup. Of course, that is totally subjective, and everyone has their own idols. If a DJ can play an incredible and exciting set live, I’m ready to bow down. In my opinion, a dance music live performance is the coolest of the cool. It is kind of wild how the music industry is changing. You see some live DJs using mixing tech and instruments in their sets. Monolink, for example, will often use DJ software and analog instruments such as a guitar to create interesting downtempo mixes. What kind of lifestyle does a DJ have?It depends on how often they are playing. Professional DJs will have gigs worldwide and constantly traveling, sometimes to multiple cities in one weekend. It is not an easy lifestyle, but it’s definitely worth the chaos if it is your passion. What do DJs do when they turn knobs?When you see a DJ turning knobs on the DJ mixer, they are adjusting the equalizers or throwing on a filter. The equalizers represent any given track’s Hi, Mid, and Low sound frequencies. For example, the low frequency is the kick or sub-bassline, so if a DJ turns off the low, it means they get rid of the bassline or drum beats. How do DJs know what song to play next?Knowing what to play next is the eternal skill lesson that DJs will constantly need to practice. The intuitive understanding comes with lots of practice playing in front of people and receiving feedback. Usually, though, a good rule of thumb is to play a track that is similar in tempo to the one currently playing and either the same key or a complementary one. How long does it take to be good at DJing?DJing skill is directly proportional to how much time is spent practicing. Of course, some are more talented than others and have a natural musical ability. If you dedicate a lot of your time to practicing, you can become a good DJ within a couple of years. It all depends on how much time and effort you put into learning and practicing. Can you still be a DJ today without being a producer?Definitely! You can absolutely be a good DJ without ever producing any music. However, music production is the next natural avenue for many DJs since it is the next step of music mastery. Otherwise, you will always be playing other people’s music. Many DJs I have spoken to comment that they got into DJing because of the ability to create and control the vibe of the music. Producing is the next step of creating and managing your vibe. Closing Time I hope this clarifies the mystery of what DJs do on stage. They need to beatmatch as their life depends on it, transition smoothly, and add effects to create their own flavor. On top of this, a great DJ needs to read the crowd like it’s their favorite book and have a stage presence to rival the best. Last Updated on September 29, is becoming more and more popular lately, and in order to have a chance to make it you need to improve your course, if you ever want to reach the highest level you can, the best way to achieve this is by practicing the right is why I wrote this 15-step guide on how to practice as a DJ and not waste time on things that won’t make you any get straight into it. 15 Steps to Practice DJing! 1. Practice Makes Perfect2. Record Yourself3. Streaming4. Playing for/with friends5. Set a Timer6. Use Simple DJ Equipment7. Learn to Count8. Be approachable9. Don’t Drink and Play10. Ask for Help11. Join Djing Groups12. Choose a Name13. Teach Others14. Read Books about DJing15. Enroll in Online CoursesBest 4 DJ Controllers for Beginners1. Practice Makes PerfectHow do you get better at anything?… Practice, Practice, Practice!Whether you are trying to learn a new language, driving, or a sport, it always comes down to practice. Therefore, practice makes perfect, or so the saying practicing the right way makes perfect, but let’s keep practice will help you identify consistent mistakes and help you correct can do this in your bedroom or download DJ apps and practice while in a car or whenever you have some free time. The more you practice, the more natural your movements and skills Record YourselfRecording yourself during practice sessions is a great way to improve your get to listen to your mixes and judge yourself. It is a great way to improve your technical the recording sessions you may even feel embarrassed when you make a helps you deal with mistakes when Djing because let’s face it, you will make mistakes whenever you are playing to a live recording yourself will help you to understand and manage the pressure of errors while StreamingAnother useful tool to improve your Djing skills is to stream to a live is like number two above, but this time, there is the added pressure of a live this digital age, there are various streaming services at your disposal, such as Facebook live, among careful not to pay too much attention to the likes or viewer count since this may be most significant benefit is that you can get feedback from your audience that can be quite helpful in improving your Best Free DJ Mixing Software you can stream with them.4. Playing for/with friendsFriends can be a motivating tool, especially if you are a general, most friends seem have the same interests and tastes in music, at least in my inviting friends over and having them listen to a Djing session can help you get constructive criticism and praise that can be quite a morale can also help you get used to playing for a live isn’t it a lot less intimidating to play for people you know, who you are certain will give you honest feedback?5. Set a TimerThis is an excellent way to apply extra external pressure on you set a timer, you must ensure to play your gig within the time limits will help you focus more on beat matching and music selection without wasting time deciding on what to play you’ve never done this, then you’ll notice that you will be much more focused on the task at hand, instead of worrying about details that don’t matter as Use Simple DJ Equipment As a beginner, use simple Djing equipment that is not too complicated to will help you perfect the basics before moving on to the complicated can quickly get excited by loops, hot cues, and filters, which may give you a false sense of excellent skill sets, whereas the basics of listening and hearing of beats are still in need of an expensive and over-complicated system may confuse you and even give you a sense of panic due to the extra knobs and dials on the just as a bonus, beginner and not so fully-featured equipment is usually the end of the post I will add a table with the best DJ controllers for beginners, in case you need that info!7. Learn to CountThis mainly involves what was traditionally known as kicks and snares on the drum songs you play will be in counts of beat matching will involve the matching of kicks on two songs and having them run parallel to each at the end of the eighth kick, you can transition to the second involves excellent hearing skills and is one of the necessary Djing skills that one should learn from the Be approachableDJs work in high-pressure environments that involve pleasing crowds that are probably drinking and partying the night skills are essential as various people will walk up to you with song requests, while others may criticize your outfit and mixing Dj must keep his cool and focus on the task at hand. Reacting to every comment or banter will only enrage you or spoil the entire approachable and genuinely nice and ensure to always be in good imagine what people will think of you if every time someone comes up to talk to you, even if it’s for criticism, you react defensively… not Don’t Drink and PlayFollowing the previous recommendation, is this should be on your A-Game while performing live, and drinking will only lower the chances of a great you might think that it helps because it can calm the nerves, but I would avoid it at all Ask for HelpSometimes being a beginner can be may feel that some of the questions you have may be considered obvious or stupid. Sometimes even finding decks to practice on can be a daunting not be afraid to ask any questions or seek help on any matter when learning how to remember that even the experts such as Laidback Luke and Dj Khaleed probably started where you are, and many are willing to help in any way that they Join Djing GroupsThere is a ton of groups out there for DJs, and Facebook is a great place to joining Djing groups, you get to ask questions and get prompt answers from various experts with experience in the also get to meet beginners such as yourself who may also be struggling just like the support provided in these groups, you will gain confidence and improve your Djing Choose a NameChoosing a stage name can be quite morale-boosting and a message to the industry that you mean can go by your official name or choose a nickname/stage this gives you an identity and brand to protect. It also gives you a badge of honor and an unofficial stamp that you are now a a brand name, you can go ahead to open social media accounts and upload various gigs can also start building a name for yourself and become a force to be reckon with in the Teach OthersBy teaching others how to Dj, you get to improve and add to your skills way more than you will require you to research, gather learning materials, and answer questions from upcoming DJs and, in turn, push you to be better and improve your others is not just noble but enhances your reputation in the industry as always found that teaching is by far the best way of you’ll need to have a foundation of skills and knowledge, but explaining something to someone else requires you to have a deep understanding of what you’re trying to teach, which in turn helps Read Books about DJing Believe it or not, there are hundreds of excellent books about DJing that can teach you a great deal; not just about how to become better, but also the history about DJing, and know this might not seem as appealing to some of you, but I promise you it you’re interested in finding out more about the best books about DJing, then read my article on that Enroll in Online CoursesLearning to DJ by yourself might seem appealing, and in all honesty might also work, but if you want to fast-track your progress and learn from people who have spent decades perfecting their craft, then online courses are probably the best way to go about wrote a post about the best online DJ courses available that you should absolutely check ones I recommend the most are the courses from DJ Courses Online since they offer something for every of their best courses are;How to DJ; MasterclassAdvanced DJ Techniques and Tips Divided into 3 levelsDJing BasicsDJ Career TipsBest 4 DJ Controllers for BeginnersNameDescriptionPricePioneer DDJSB3Allows for quick progress; Great for learning Mixtrack Pro 3Simple and easy to use, without too many DJ MC4000Overall Best Controller for Instruments S2 MK3Good for beginners but also very professional these 15 steps and your practice sessions will improve drastically!Like I just mentioned, enrolling in an online DJing course might be one of the fastest ways to learn, but if you only follow the previous 12 steps, you should be good to hope this information was a wonderful day! For PremiumExperience your own personal DJ, a virtual assistant who recommends old favorites and allows you to discover new genres, playlists, and out our Tips+Tricks video about DJMobile and tabletTap Home .Select the Music tag at the top of the DJ, and start DJ playlist will be added to Your Library and to your Recently played To change the music, tap the DJ button in the Now Playing bar at the bottom of the app.

dj how do you do