There are no rights or wrongs when it comes to becoming a disc jockey – I will share with you one way to do it. There are several factors to consider in starting up as a DJ and they are covered in detail below:
GADGETS
In this digital day and age, although vinyl records are still available to be used in DJing, they are drastically being replaced by digital turntables, or the CD DJ Turntables. Currently, the Pioneer CDJ-2000 Professional Multi Player is the most commonly used turntable for professional club DJs and the Pioneer DJM-2000 Mixer is the most common mixer for professionals as well.
In answering whether there’s the need to have the best equipment in the market, you can start out with one turntable, and start from there. There is not even a specific make or model perfect for the job, but there will be a make or model perfect for you. There is also the ideal option of buying used ones when you are just starting out.
Another possible option in terms of equipment is by using your laptop (for example, the Apple Macbook Pro), which may be a more economical option for you. Choosing this option will only involve investing in applications simulating different DJ equipments.
SOUND POOL
DJing requires you to have more than ample numbers of music readily available, whether you are a digital user, or an analog one. For analog users, the hunt for music will involve a lot of leg work since vinyl records are now being sold in select record stores. Lucky for those who use digital equipment, the hunt can be done in the comfort of your own computers, as they are readily available online for downloading. The number of download sites are more than enough for anyone interested in music, as well as the type of music, which will depend on the kind of music and sound you wish to produce.
Other sources of music are record pools produced by other DJs themselves, but most of them go by subscription. If you are a regular DJ, downloading these tracks won’t be a problem. It will not be a good subscription if you are only an occasional DJ. Although most of these record pools require you to prove your profession as a DJ, there are a few who take risks in allowing newcomers to buy music from them. Buying these tracks will ensure fresh tracks instead of exhausting mainstream music, as well as guaranteeing approved music from other experienced DJs.
CHOOSING YOUR MUSIC
Deciding what to play primarily involves the music that you want to impart to others. Music styles vary from DJ to DJ, although the current trend veer mostly towards Electronic music, including Trance, House, Techno, etc. Look for the style that best suits you, although it will be best to know different styles to make sure that you are always up to any occasion. Holding your own in terms of your music is the best way to go. You also have the choice to whether put art first before commerce.
As you know as a music lover, musical tastes evolve constantly, and however much you retain the flavor in your music, it will still evolve as you progressively develop as a DJ, so keep an open mind.
DRIVE
What attracts you to DJing? Answer that question so that you will know where your priorities lie. DJing for the art of it will let you enjoy the craft through the years – consistently. It will not matter whether you earn enough, for as long as you get your music heard. If your goal on the hand is to simply catch attention, the novelty of DJing will fade once the crowd goes.
This article does not tackle the wide range of other things that other DJs might find important, but the above will give you an idea on how to start. Best of luck!
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