What is DJ
A DJ is an acronym in English that means disc jockey , or in Portuguese, disc jockey . The most common is to use the acronym (which should be pronounced ” dee jay “) instead of the full name. A DJ is an artist responsible for broadcasting music (often his own creation) on the radio , television or in any place where music is heard ( nightclubs , discotheques , etc.).
Originally the term was created to portray the radio announcer who played music through discs, which is no longer common these days. The concept of a DJ has changed significantly over time and with the emergence of new technologies. Nowadays, the laptop is an essential tool for a DJ and the mixing boards are very developed. The vast technology allows there to be different types of DJs who adopt very different styles and who are suitable for different types of audiences.
Worldwide, some of the best known and highest paid DJs in the world are: DJ Tiesto, Paul Oakenfold, Armin Van Buuren, David Guetta, Moby, Fatboy Slim, Carl Cox and The Chemical Brothers. In Brazil, some of the most famous are: Mario Fischetti, Tiko’s Groove, Gui Boratto, etc.
There are software that provide the experience of being a DJ, so that users can make their own music mixes.
10 Requirements to become a DJ
Now yes, let’s see what requirements you must meet in order to become a true DJ.
1.- Passion for music
The first requirement to become a DJ is to be a great music lover. It is useless to want to dedicate yourself to this profession if you do not feel true love and passion for music.
If your life has always been accompanied by music, you are capable of being moved by different musical styles and, furthermore, you like to share the music that you are passionate about with the people around you, you have deejay potential within you.
2.- Research and classification
To be a DJ it is necessary to have a great musical culture, for this, continuous research is necessary. Research is essential to find new rhythms and be original.
Part of a DJ’s job is to introduce the public to new songs or groups that are unknown to the vast majority. If you want to be original and make a difference, research will give you the raw material you need to surprise your future audience.
The more music you listen to, the better chance you will have of finding the material you need for your sessions. Of course, the classification is essential, not everything goes, find your style and select the themes that will define you.
Creating a complete music library or making a good Playlist is essential to start working.
3.- Tools and technique
With great power comes great responsibility.
You have a passion for music and you know what you want to communicate to your audience, now you have to find the right medium. To do this, you need to know the equipment and tools that are on the market.
Controllers or mixer, vinyl turntables, mixing desk, headphones, speakers, computers, software, USB memories or even tablets or mobiles. There are endless tools, both analog and digital, that you can use to work as a DJ. Therefore, you must decide which tools are the most suitable for you and learn the basic techniques to start defending your sessions as a DJ with solvency.
Try to learn and practice the different techniques, such as turntablism, scratch or sampling.
4.- Creation and own Themes
A DJ is not limited to putting one song after another, he is not a simple DJ. If you want to be a true professional, you must know how to mix and equalize correctly, make good transitions and apply effects at the right time.
Also, taking into account the evolution that the deejay has undergone in recent years, it is necessary that you have your own songs and creations.
If you want to succeed as a DJ it is crucial that you compose your own mashups, remixes and even your own songs. It’s about differentiating yourself from others and having the chance to play your music.
5.- Trend set
The DJ profession is in fashion and is increasingly in demand, but that does not mean that it is easy, many fall by the wayside.
Look for your own style and try to be original. If you manage to differentiate yourself from others and offer something different, you will have a much better chance of succeeding in this highly competitive profession.
Your look and your speech are also important. Your image is the perfect complement to show your philosophy of life and your style of music.
If behind your musical sessions there is a specific message and your own style, you will be easily recognizable by the public. Work on your image and try to set a trend.
6.- Observation and empathy
If you want to connect with your audience and make the masses dance, you must meet another of the fundamental requirements to be a good DJ.
Observation and empathy are key to detecting the public’s mood and needs. If you want to deliver your music effectively and generate the stimulus and reaction you want, you must know your audience and anticipate their needs.
If you want your viewers to dance to your music, you must dance too. Transmit with your voice and with your body the energy that you want to share with your viewers.
Be physically and emotionally involved with your music.
7.- Improvisation and adaptation
A good DJ is not static, he adapts to the circumstances, there is nothing sadder than a DJ who has his sessions pre-recorded on a USB memory and who is not capable of improvising or will surprise his audience.
If you have a wide repertoire you can improvise and adapt to any situation or unforeseen event. Prepare your sessions well and try to master different techniques, it will help you solve your musical sessions without any setbacks.
Improvise with scratch, live samples, loops, effects and interact with your audience.
8.- Public relations
Another essential section to be a deejay is public relations, you must know a lot of people, handle yourself well in the world of the night and be persistent. You should also interact with other DJs and offer them your collaboration.
Unless you have your own representative or manager, to get a job you will have to knock on all doors so that they can count on you.
Offer your services and send them a sample of your music. Marketing, social networks; SoundCloud, Instagram or YouTube are also a good showcase to offer your services and show your full potential.
Being popular on social media is becoming more and more important. To the point that many promoters, sadly, take into account the number of fans and followers in almost the same way as your musical quality when hiring you.
9.- Dose the energy
The DJ profession is exciting, but it can also be exhausting and stressful; sessions late at night, endless trips, sleeping little, badly or at odd hours, conflicts with your partner and endless dangers “The night is dark and harbors horrors.”
It is evident that there is nothing better than having a lot of work and doing what you like, but sometimes you also have to know how to say enough is enough.
If you are not able to dose your energy, you can find yourself immersed in a well from which, at times, it is very difficult to get out.
Try whenever you can schedule your sessions well, lead a healthy life and get enough rest. Sometimes even a break to renew yourself and recharge your energy can make you see things from another perspective and can help you analyze where you are and where you want to go. We recommend this article where we interview our teacher Marta Fierro EME DJ
10.- News and continuous learning
As in any profession, continuous learning is essential to be aware of new techniques and styles. If you do not want to stagnate, you must be aware of how the sector evolves and be open to trying new ideas, in short, to grow as an artist.
Also, if you want to be a complete professional, it is possible that you should not rule out learning to handle other complementary tools that can help you grow in the DJ profession, such as photo editing, video editing or music production .
Finally, remind you that the passion and the desire to share the emotions you feel with music is the most important requirement to become a DJ.
