Are you thinking of becoming a DJ or just starting your journey? Our helpful guide of tips every beginner DJ should know will help you get started on the road to success!
1. Ask Yourself: Why Do You Want To DJ?
The first thing anyone starting their DJ journey should do is look inward and ask themselves why they want to be a DJ in the first place. Do you want to make a career out of it or have fun?
Knowing the answer to these questions will also help determine which type of DJ you want to be, such as:
- Club DJ
- Scratch DJ
- House Party DJ
- Mobile DJ
- Bedroom DJ
Maybe you want to be all of these genres of DJ, and that’s okay, but it’s wise to start with one and develop your skills before branching out into new genres.
2. Learn Everything About Your Equipment
Once you’ve got your equipment, take the time to get to know it inside and out. This tip may seem obvious, but you’d be surprised how many professional DJs have functions and buttons on their equipment they’ve never used because they don’t know what it does!
It can be tedious and time-consuming, but it’s a great way to learn the basics and details of DJ equipment—knowledge that will be vital for the rest of your DJ career.
3. Create Good Habits
One of the most helpful tips DJ beginners should know also applies to anyone starting a new job or hobby—start by creating good habits for yourself. As a beginner, you’ve got a long road ahead to learn the ins and outs of the trade, but it can also be an advantage as you’re like a blank slate.
Plenty of experienced DJs will tell you that they still have habits they know are bad but can’t quit because they learned them when starting. Learn to enjoy the valuable habits of DJing, such as practicing and creative sessions—and if you need a DJ rehearsal studio, Band Barracks has got you covered!
4. Record Your Mixes
Even if you’re not ready to start sharing your mixtapes with the public, there’s still a lot of value in recording your mixes—especially in the beginning. It’s beneficial to listen to your mixes and make a note of the parts that need improvement.
Every mix may seem perfect when you first craft it, but give it some time and listen back. You’ll see the benefit of returning to it with fresh ears. Recording and listening to your mixes also help you put yourself in the audience’s shoes. If you were listening to your mix at a club or house party, would you like it? What constructive criticism would you give yourself about your music?
5. Learn To Warm Up the Crowd
For those who want to do gigs and professional sets, the first lesson you’ll need to learn is how to warm up the crowd. A clear sign that a DJ is a beginner is if they play their favorite banger way too early.
A DJ set needs to warm up the crowd and build to an exhilarating crescendo. Jump the gun, and you ruin the room’s energy. Be patient with the crowd and save your best stuff for later.