==> THE (DJ) ACADEMY <==
Are you someone who is looking at ways on how to venture into the DJ world? Since launching this site a steady stream of emails have been coming in from potential new DJs who want to learn to DJ but are held back by various reasons. This DJ advice area attempts to stamp out some common misconceptions and provide helpful tips for a beginner DJ.
Every week a new night club or discotheque opens up in every corner of the world. What does this mean to you? Well, the chance and opportunity for you to be able to practice and experience the thrills of how to be a DJ. Djing involves – playing and mixing tracks that both you and the club wants played , as well as the club’s clientele. Placing emphasis on your own beats and placing your heart at the music’s beats. For this, you need passion but also a sense of fun. If you are looking to DJ it is important to understand that you will need DJ software and of course dedication. And be advised upfront – IT IS A STEADILY COMPETITIVE INDUSTRY.
To stay afloat, you need to be good and skilled. DJ’ing takes practice and dedication. Most of all, it takes a willingness to learn and to keep up with the up-to-date industry standards and music. You need to know what beats are both attractive to your audience and also to the styles you are mixing. It is imperative that you know and get familiar with the use of DJ equipment. Be it in the form of laptop software, Turntables, CD Players, Mixers etc.
It is important that you develop your own unique style. When you are looking at becoming a DJ, it is imperative that that you create your own style, flavor and personal way of doing sets. This is what differentiates you from the other DJs. So when people come to see you spin they have a way of remembering and associating you with your uniqueness. You basically want to stand out from the crowd. You also want to get across to others the music you enjoy and what your set is going to entail. Always remember – you are aiming at pleasing your clientele and this is what your music sets should exactly do. My philosophy when mixing is to remain creative at all times and attempt to stamp my mark on everything I play…Remixing and music production is another way to isolate yourself from other DJs, by making your own unique remixes and new tracks you can add to the overall sound of your sets.
DJ’ing is a skill (and can not be acquired overnight), however like any other skill – You can master it and eventually be able to teach others.. if you wish. Develop yourself personally and mix up what you play. Also remember that not everyone loves Hip Hop, some people are into Ol’skool, Soul, House, Techno, Reggae or any other worldly music. Listen to what people are into and adapt. This is the best and easiest way to become their favorite Disc Jockey.
Excel in yourself by getting the best equipment that you can afford. Go beyond the means to succeed and understand the skill with the best approach. Contact your peers, family friends, your workmates to see if they need someone to play at their company party, wedding, etc.
My first gig I had to DJ for free……just to get my name out there. Then I landed some guest DJ slots in various clubs. It wasn’t long before club owners and promoters noticed my ears for good music which has proven to be golden at all times but through it all, I have maintained an unshakable love for rocking at big time clubs and private events whenever and wherever possible by maintaining my keen sense of crowd’s musical tastes as well as keeping me on my toes on becoming better everyday.
Read Your Crowd....... I can’t emphasize enough on how important it is to read, understand and adapt to your crowd.
Many a time, I’ve been headlined as a guest DJ or rather the main DJ – of course with a warm up DJ to open up for me. People have always wondered why I would show up early as opposed to coming in the “celeb DJ time” (11:30 in most spots).The simple reason being – by showing up early and interacting with your crowd, you get to feel the mood, get to hear what music your warm up DJ played and by so doing you create the advantage of making the rest of the night smooth and easy once you get on the decks.
Finally, get your own DJing set down, record and get it out there. This is the way you sell yourself in this competitive DJ world. Just like a Resume’ or CV this is what will embark you on a journey you will never forget.
Scottsdale DJ Academy is here to teach you all what you need to know to become a DJ. Training provided by pros already in the industry – Club DJs, Radio DJs and from time to time we will be holding various workshops that will be conducted by Nation DJs and Producers from USA and overseas
