As a DJ, your task is to connect your own musical expression with the audience. So you should not just be able to match beats or scratch. You actually need to be observant, empathetic, and reactive at the same time. Not many inexperienced DJs think about that. And there are also not many who manage to bring it all together into a higher unity.
This article will give you concrete tips and tricks on how to become a good DJ that people want to listen to. Finally, we look at what Steve Aoki believes is necessary to become a good DJ.
Have the right dj equipment from the start
It is not necessary to spend many thousands of kroner on dj equipment when you are a beginner. But it is important to have the most necessary equipment. You can do a lot on the computer, but you should at least have a good pair of dj headphones.
A good dj headset allows you to work optimally with the soundscape. If you try to mix or be a DJ with a pair of cheap earpods, you should not expect much. You can get a really good headset for under 1000 kroner. And if you lose interest in DJ, you can always sell it used for almost the same amount.
As a start, you don't need more than a headset and a computer. You do not need to have a dj turntable, a controller, or a CDJ setup. You can buy that later.
Understand the different types of DJ’s
There are different types of DJ’s and it is important that you know about them. It also enables you to assess what kind of DJ you want to be.
- Club DJ: this dj gets jobs at clubs. It is important that a club Dj gets people to dance. Often, club DJs make long transitions to keep the dance floor going. You need to have a good feel for the audience.
- The Artist: people go to see this dj because of the person's reputation and ability to mix.
- Mobile DJ: this is the type that plays at weddings, confirmations, and similar events. Often, one has to compromise with one's own taste in music and style, so one is forced to play tracks that the audience wants to hear.
- Radio DJ: this dj makes the transition from music to speech work on the radio.
- Producers: producers and dj’s are not the same. As a producer, you create entirely new music. As a dj, you play existing music.
The desire should drive the work
You should not start as a Dj because you want to be rich. Very few become superstars. In the beginning It's about having the desire for music. It's fine to set yourself some goals, but you shouldn't start if you're only doing it for the sake of money.
A goal could be, for example, that you want to spend 30 minutes every day for the next month learning to scratch better.
Find a good Dj software
Dj software is a matter of taste and preference. It varies which software one prefers.
The software we can recommend is:
- Virtual DJ (free)
- RekordBox (Pioneer's free program)
- Serato (free)
- Traktor Pro (free trial version)
The most important thing is that you stick to a program and learn all its features. Look for tutorials on YouTube so you can become an expert in the program. There are so many free ways to learn how to dj on YouTube, so it's just a matter of using them.
Get a grasp on the fundamental DJ principles
If you want to become a good Dj, you need to be able to equalize, beatmatch, phrase (transitions), and control volume. These are all things you can find help with on YouTube.
Equalizing: it is the ability to dampen or boost frequencies so that multiple sound sources blend well.
Beatmatching: it’s about getting two tracks to play at the same tempo.
Phasing: it’s about mixing songs together at the points where it makes the most sense. In other words, having the beats play synchronously.
Volume: it’s about having control over gain and crossfader.
Replace the computer with “real” dj equipment
Once you have a good handle on the basics, it’s time to look at dj hardware so you can gain more control over your setup and your music.
There are usually three different setups:
- Dj controller: clearly the cheapest solution. It is recommended for beginners. You can use the controller to control your dj software, allowing you to mix music. A dj controller has everything you need to mix and record songs. You can get a controller starting from 500 kroner and up.
- CDJ: this refers to when you use a dj mixer together with one or more dj players. It is the most common setup, often found in nightclubs, festivals, and concerts. Dj players play digital music, which is transferred from a USB drive. And dj players such as Pioneer CDJ 3000 are then connected to a dj mixer which typically in large setups is Pioneer DJM A9
- DJ turntable: vinyl is the hardest to mix, and one of the most expensive to obtain. But it is also sexy, incredibly cool, and the audience loves it. There is a special feeling to mixing on a turntable. Some Dj will not mix on anything other than vinyl.
Sign up for DJ competitions
When you feel comfortable making music, your next “step” could be to sign up for DJ competitions. It’s a good way to learn. First and foremost, you get some criteria to stick to, which is an important skill to possess as a DJ.
Of course, it’s super cool if you win the competition, but that shouldn't be the goal. Your goal should be to end up with a result you are proud of.
Build a network
It’s always more fun to create something together with others. If you can Mixing music and sharing your interest with others DJ makes everything much more fun. But it also opens up new opportunities. You will automatically start getting jobs - perhaps because your acquaintances know someone who knows someone who is looking for a Dj. It's just about getting started - the possibilities are many.
Steve Aoki responds...
On an American website Even the one and only Steve Aoki has given his answer on how to become a good dj. He says the following:
It's certainly not in the way I learned to become a Dj. But if I had to start over, I would either find a dj turntable, CDJ's, or a mixer and just practice at home. That's the easiest solution. I didn't think about becoming professional when I started. I just threw parties and was always the one in charge of the music. So through that, I learned Dj.
I think it's more important to look at how to get started performing as a Dj for others. There have been a ton of new Dj's that have emerged over the last 5-10 years. So how do you get a gig or a job if you're just starting out as a Dj? My own mindset has always been that I never worried about whether people would choose me as a Dj. Instead, I just held my own parties, invited friends, and took it from there. For example, I invited my friends to come and be dj's. They were all DJ's in bands, and some of them had a record label under them. For example, Yeah Yeah Yeahs. It ended up that all the bands that came to town came to the party to be dj. So it suddenly became more of a social gathering among musicians. So I learned the dj philosophy and got better and better. If you are with such Dj's from a real band, you learn an extreme amount.
If you have a live show, you have to balance having fun; you should be able to enjoy the moment and be prepared. If you are too prepared, you will stress too much about your preparation. And then you look stressed on stage, and when the audience can see that, they don't have fun. As a Dj, you are a reflection of how the party should be. The music is the connection to the audience, and you are the ambassador of the music. If you look like someone who is mentally not present, then the audience cannot party properly. They see the Dj as the leader, so you need to be 100% ready. Be balanced and don't overthink things.