Are you considering a career as a DJ? Besides needing the obvious things like equipment and dj software, a place to practice, and a catchy name, there are several important things to consider. Our comprehensive guide provides essential tips for new DJ’s that will help you look like less of a kook and more like an experienced producer.
As you begin your musical journey, it’s crucial to introspect and understand your underlying motivation for pursuing DJing. Are you aiming for a professional career or simply seeking enjoyment?
Knowing your purpose will also help you determine the type of DJ you aspire to be. Will you specialize in deep house? Or, is drum and bass more your style? While you may have an interest in multiple genres, it’s advisable to start with one and hone your skills before exploring new styles.
After acquiring your DJ equipment, invest time in thoroughly learning its features and functions. Although it may seem obvious, many professional DJs overlook buttons and capabilities simply because they are unaware of their purpose.
Although it can be tedious and time-consuming, this practice is essential for building a strong foundation of knowledge about DJ equipment, which will prove invaluable throughout your career.
One of the most valuable tips for beginner DJs, applicable to any new endeavor, is to establish good habits from the start. As a beginner, you have a unique advantage, resembling a blank canvas ready to absorb knowledge and skills.
Experienced DJs often admit to having lingering bad habits acquired during their early days. Therefore, embrace the positive habits associated with DJing, such as regular practice sessions and creative exploration. If you require a rehearsal studio, Lockout Music Studios offers excellent options.
Even if you’re not yet ready to share your mixtapes with the public, there is immense value in recording your mixes, particularly in the beginning stages. Listening back to your mixes not only enables you to identify areas for improvement, it provides a unique opportunity to showcase your latest project.
While every mix may initially appear flawless, revisiting it with fresh ears allows you to recognize its strengths and weaknesses. Recording and evaluating your mixes also allows you to envision yourself as an audience member. If you were present at a club or house party, would you enjoy the mix? What constructive criticism can you offer yourself?
For those aspiring to perform gigs and professional sets, an essential lesson is learning how to warm up the crowd. One telltale sign of a novice DJ is playing their favorite high-energy tracks too early.
A DJ set should gradually build and energize the audience, reaching an exciting crescendo. Rushing the process can disrupt the atmosphere, piss off the headliner, and ruin your chances at booking future gigs. Practice patience and learn how to read the crowd and reserve your best tracks for later in the set.
Having a dedicated space to practice and rehearse can improve your productivity and help you stay focused on your music. When you have a specific place to go to work on your music, you are more likely to stay on track and make progress towards your goals.
In addition to having locations in California and Nevada, Lockout also offers rehearsal rooms for a variety of needs from live bands, solo artists, DJs, music producers, and music teachers. All rooms are acoustically correct and available 7 days a week, 24 hours per day for use as a practice room, recording studio, art studio, photography studio or private creative office space.