10 things you need to know before deciding you want to become a DJ (2024)

Advertisem*nt

You probably won't be famous.

There are many career routes you can take as a DJ.

You can be a club DJ, a mobile DJ, a scratch DJ, a tour DJ, or a radio DJ. Most starting out their DJ journey, however, will want to be one type of DJ in particular – a famous DJ.

"I'm going to be the next Calvin Harris," they'll probably think to themselves.

I'm not saying it's not possible, but, sorry to burst your bubble, it's very unlikely. Instead, like most DJs, you'll likely end up being a bit of a mix of everything.

Advertisem*nt

Getting gigs isn't easy and you'll have to do a lot that you don't like.

I'm bursting your bubble here again, but you're not going to get booked to play at Pacha, Ibiza, a week, or even a year, after you start DJing.

Instead, you're going to have to start small and work your way up to the top, which means doing a lot of gigs you might not enjoy — especially if you want to make some money.

That means playing the opening set at the club when nobody is around or playing that local birthday party even if you don't want to.

Advertisem*nt

You'll also have to play music you don't like.

Clubs, bars, and clients who book you to DJ will all have specific requirements when it comes to music.

Adhering to those guidelines is a must if you want to get booked again and not create a bad reputation for yourself.

For example, if you're booked to play at a wedding and (unless the bride and groom want you to) you start playing drum and bass instead of floor fillers, there is going to be a problem.

That doesn't mean you shouldn't always put your own twist on your sets and play the music you love, but reading the room and playing what's required is a big part of the job.

Advertisem*nt

It's very tiring.

As a DJ, be prepared for long hours and a lot of late nights.

Typically speaking, gigs can last anywhere from four to six hours and will generally take place at night.

Depending on the type of gig, you're probably not going to finish any earlier than 12 a.m. and in some cases (mainly club gigs) you could be working as late as 5 a.m.

Add into that the time it takes to travel, as well as set up and pack away your gear, and you're in for a long old shift that likely equates to more than an eight-hour working day.

Advertisem*nt

Being a good DJ will help you get gigs, but being a good DJ is hard.

Anybody who can count to four can be a DJ, but being a good DJ is a very different story.

Good DJs will have a solid understanding of music composition that allows them to mix songs seamlessly and at exactly the right points. Good DJs will create and perform inventive song transitions, including the use of acappellas, loops, scratches, effects, and juggles. Good DJs will have a large and eclectic library of music that they will know like the back of their hand.

The list goes on.

Real DJing is a skill that takes years, if not decades, to master.

Advertisem*nt

Networking is also a big part of the job.

You could be the best DJ in the world, but if you don't network and build contacts, you aren't going to get gigs.

Handing out business cards to club and bar owners (and not in the middle of the night) is a great way to do this, as is having some kind of social media presence to act as a sort of online CV.

It's also important to make friends with your fellow DJs in your area so you can share and cover gigs.

Advertisem*nt

Starting off, the money won't be great.

Itispossible to make good money being a DJ if you can become an established name, whether that be locally or internationally.

That takes years to do, however, and in the meantime, you'll be lucky if you don't have to have another job alongside performing.

Pay for beginner DJs at bars and clubs tends to start in the region of $100-$150 per night.While private parties and weddings pay better, typically between $200-$500, it's still unlikely to earn you enough to live on.

Advertisem*nt

And being a DJ is expensive, too.

DJ kit is very expensive.

A beginner's deck, for example, the Pioneer DDJ-200, will cost you around $160. That's great for practicing at home or even some small plug-and-play gigs, but you'll likely want something a bit more advanced the more experienced you get.

For a high-end controller, you're looking at over $2000, while CDJs and turntables, with a mixer, will set you back probably double that.

If you want to do mobile gigs, you're going to need speakers, lights, and a table, which will set you back thousands.

Oh, and all of that's without mentioning a laptop, DJ software, cables (plus spares), and a record pool subscription.

Advertisem*nt

It's not the best for your health.

Eating clean is difficult when you're working until the early hours. Generally, the only option for food late at night is fast food unless you want to cook, which I doubt you do at 4 a.m.

If you're on the road, eating options are also limited and there is rarely time to squeeze in workouts.

On top of that, working as a DJ, especially in nightclubs, you'll be exposed to lots of alcohol.

While having a drink or two (or even more) is sometimes fine, getting into the habit of constantly drinking at work is a path you don't want to go down. Being constantly drunk is also not a good look if you want repeat work.

Advertisem*nt

You're probably going to have to make your own music.

Making your own music isn't absolutely necessary. There are plenty of world-class (some of my favorite, in fact) DJs who don't — such as J. Espinosa from the United States and France's DJ Hamma.They instead made their names winning the now-defunct Red Bull 3Style world championships.

For most DJs, however, making your own music, whether it be original recordings or remixes of popular tracks, will be of huge benefit.

Not only can it act as an extra stream of income if you can sell it on platforms like Bandcamp, it can create extra exposure for you which will open more doors.

And if you really have desires to be the "next Calvin Harris" — it's an absolute must.