SO YOU WANT TO BE A DJ?
HERE ARE 7 THINGS I WISH I KNEW WHEN I STARTED.
FEELING DOUBTFUL? KEEP READING.
Self-doubt when pursuing anything new is normal. However, it is not spoken openly about enough especially in this industry - and especially, as a female DJ (we have a lot more factors to consider). For now, I want to focus on you and your growth. Online you will find numerous tips on technique, where to download music, and how to engage a crowd. Those are all great and definitely needed, but what about the foundation that makes a great DJ? It comes down to one thing: confidence. Most DJ’s we see seem to exude this natural confidence and allure, but that is not always the case for everyone, especially when starting out, and I am here for you!
Yes, the world of deejaying is often seen as over-saturated and difficult to infiltrate, but I believe that can be applied to any industry if you choose to see it that way, and now that I have learned tricks along the way, I simply choose to see opportunities and not limitations. Remember: music is everlasting, ever-changing, and ever-present. There is room for everyone. I am here to tell you that it is possible to not only follow your dream career or hobby, but actually make a name for yourself and even how to get paid.
We have the power of the internet which not only gives us tools to refer to, but a platform to market ourselves. However, if you haven’t developed the mindset to use it to your advantage, you will find yourself going in circles. The most common comment I get while engaging with fellow creatives is “what will people think?”, “is my mixing good enough?”, “what if I don’t know what to play?”. Imposter Syndrome is real and is more common than we think and that is okay! The key is overcoming it.
In this post, I will provide 7 lessons I learned in hindsight to help develop a strong foundation as a creative and DJ to overcome the overthinking, and focus on your craft!
Dive. Right. In.
Yes. You heard me. Don’t think, just do. Don’t hesitate, just try. The best way to learn the basics is to not overthink and to just get right to learning. If I could go back, I wouldn’t start with a “basic” controller or easy program as most do. If your goal is to be club ready day, then be club ready now. Aim high, not easy and you will thank me later. The clubs have standard equipment which nowadays are usually CDJ’s and a mixer (most likely the S9 or 900). Most beginner DJ’s start with basic programs and equipment due to having a low budget (which is what I did) as getting your hands on purchasing club-standard equipment can be pricey, (over $3000.00 CAD to be specific), but there is a way to get around that…Rent it! Music stores such as Long & McQuade have CDJs and mixers on site with flexible rental packages. You can rent for as short or as long as you want for as low as $33/day. I invested in my own basic $350 controller and then moved on to a more complex one priced at $1299. If I could go back, I would reverse those steps and put my initial budget into renting the right equipment to optimize my time.
Network
This is super important if you haven’t found your niche or brand yet. Let people know you are an aspiring DJ and connect with relevant groups. Putting yourself out there early on prepares you to get comfortable with talking about yourself and also subconsciously makes it “real”, as it is now out in the universe. It will motivate you to keep practicing and get better. It can also lead to to unexpected connections and resources. For example, if you are in university, chances are there is a music production or DJ collective that you can join, jam and learn from! (bonus tip: they usually have equipment you can practice with!)
Inspiration > Intimidation
Comparison is really detrimental especially as a beginner. When you see other DJ’s with their years of experience, following, and technique it can be really discouraging - especially when you first start because you WILL get frustrated while you learn. Switch to the lens of acceptance of where you are on your journey and take what you see as inspiration, not intimidation. Look at these other DJ’s as where you could be if you keep going. Find DJ’s you love and resonate with in terms of sound, image and allure and you will find a piece of yourself in each of them.
Record, Record, Record!
Seriously, press record. No matter how horrible or crazy anything you are mixing together sounds, record it. The only way you will learn and learn well is to train your ear. You need to be able to recognize what sounds good and what doesn’t. Ask for feedback from your friends (and yes, be prepared for weird faces like I received when playing my first horrendous mix on a road trip to Whistler). Now the same people are some of my biggest supporters!
Upload
One pattern I notice being 3 years in the game is the lack of consistency of uploading because “it’s just not ready”. Especially in the beginning of your career, face your fear and POST IT. Being unknown is your superpower. Right now, you have nothing to lose and everything to gain so don’t strive for perfection because perfection actually will never, ever come. The better you get, the more you will expect from yourself. There will always be a better transition, a better sound effect, a better mix but take it from experience: done (and uploaded), is better than perfect. Uploading your mixes allows you to see and hear your progress, get used to feedback, and most importantly, build a strong portfolio to be able to secure gigs. The formula goes like this: record, (fail, re-record, get frustrated, take a break), re-record, upload, repeat. Accept it, own it, UPLOAD IT.
Great sites to upload your mixes: Mixcloud, Soundcloud, Audiomack.
Be Adaptable
I compare DJ equipment to cars. Once you learn how to drive, they basics are the same. At the end of the day, it comes down to feel and comfort which is why it’s good to challenge yourself and be uncomfortable early to be able to always be on top and ready to play on any equipment set up in front of you. Learn the feel of CDJ’s and vinyl. Get used to how Serato operates versus Rekordbox. It’s good to master your model and have your “go-to” but true power is knowing how to jump into any driver’s seat and drive. because if you don’t, someone else will - and right past you at that.
Be You
This is the most important tip and your true superpower. To play music is a skill and like anything else, anyone can learn it if they put their mind to it. However, being a DJ is more than just knowing technique, it is knowing yourself. It is 80% performance. What will set you apart is your style, your persona, your song choices, the way you transition, the way you work the crowd. No two DJ’s will mix the same songs the same way. No two DJ’s will have the same energy, facial expressions or style. No one can be you, so keep getting to know yourself, because the deeper you dig as a creative, the more unique and irreplaceable you will become.