How to become a DJ – Part1      

By DJ Wes Reddy (Radio Presenter, DJ, Music Producer, MC, Voice Over Artist)

Introduction

The acronym DJ which stands for “Disc Jockey” was derived from the person spinning or playing the discs or records. These were played originally on turntables and then changed to CD players and now to software and dj controllers. Technology has changed a lot but essentially the task is the same. You need to understand that there are many different types of djs and also many aspects of being a dj. You can become a mobile dj, a club dj, a radio dj/presenter, a music production dj that makes or produces his own music.  Then there are the spin offs from being a dj like being the MC or Programme Director at functions and parties. You can do voice overs for radio and tv adverts. You need to decide which of these you want to be. My advice is to you is aspire to be all of them. The more skills and qualifications you have the more chance you have of being successful and it also sets you apart from the other guys that are doing it. You also want to try to get to the very top of the game. The only way to do that is to learn everything and be able to do everything.

So you can start by becoming a mobile dj that plays at private functions like weddings, parties etc Mobile djs normally have their own sound system with speakers, amp and decks to play music. This is the easiest type of dj to become as you can start playing at small functions in your community and immediately start making some money.

If you are really good at what you do you can become a club dj and play as a resident dj at a nightclub in your town or local area. This type of dj brings his music and plays a set at a club normally for an hour or two and gets paid to just play the music at a particular timeslot

If you can speak well and present content about current affairs and entertainment then you can become a radio dj/presenter. A presenter plays the music and also presents content with interesting topics of discussion to his listeners. The radio dj has the biggest audience,gets paid the most and has a big fan base and following because of the reach he has over the radio.

When you have developed a good ear for music and you feel that you can make your own beats and sounds you can quite easily and cheaply buy a music production software program like FL Studio, Sony Acid or Ableton live and start making your own music. Believe it or not the biggest djs in the world like Avicii, Afrojack and Calvin Harris all made their first songs in their bedrooms on their laptops.