If you are thinking about trying your hand at being a DJ, there are many things you will need to take into consideration in order to ensure you can get the crowd going week after week. This article aims to take you through what is deemed most important when it comes to being a successful DJ, so continue on to find out if you’ve got what it takes.
The Right Equipment
Whilst some bars may offer you access to their house decks, the chances are you will need to bring your own, which is often a good thing as you will already comfortable with the equipment used. If you thinking of trying to earn an extra income through being a DJ you need to invest in quality equipment; opting for the cheaper, less reputable decks and associated equipment will only result in you needing to upgrade, so save yourself time and money by going for the best equipment from the start.
Understanding the Crowd
If you are going to try and become a professional DJ, you need to be aware that what the crowd wants may sometimes not be your favourite kind of music. When you get started, exposure is the only way to build your reputation as a proficient DJ and therefore you need to be a crowd pleaser. Do your research into the type of people that come to club or bar you are going to DJ at if you don’t know it and amend your set accordingly. In time, your exposure will mean you can build reputation for your preferred music genre, but getting paid when starting out means playing what people want to hear.
Practice
Whether you have recently started to try your hand at being a professional DJ or you have been doing it for many years, you need to make sure that your mixing is seamless and your style is creative and current. The only way to ensure you are ahead of the game is through research and practice; don’t allow yourself to become complacent as this could lead to you being overtaken by others pushing the boundaries.
Persona
A DJ that actively shows they are enjoying the music will always get the crowd going that little bit more (just look at Fat Boy Slim bouncing around at every gig!). Whilst you may get tired of those endless requests for songs you don’t want to play, ultimately you need to do all you can to meet the needs of those who have paid to get in, just like any other customer service role. Be polite and pumped and you won’t go far wrong.
If you think you have what it takes to be a great professional DJ, why not get started today by investing in the right DJ equipment and you could soon be playing to huge crowds!
Sophie is looking into DJ gear from UDM DJ as an early Christmas present for her boyfriend as he is looking to learn a new skill in 2013.