What is takes to be a DJ

Ok…here we go…all the wannabes and bedroom/bathroom DJs…pay attention!! A little reading here can help you decide whether you really have it in you to be a good DJ/Turntablist and if yes, then how can you come out of your cocoon and be known to the world.

The first and foremost pre-requisite is that you should be a music addict and not only enjoy listening to the music but also be interested in beat-matching. You got to hear a song or two over and over again so that the transition between them becomes smooth and then do the same with another set of songs. And for novices who aren’t established, letting away an opportunity to play even at a local pub in front of even a bunch of blokes can prove to be a disaster. Bottom-line is: take up any opportunity that comes your way and be ready to play any genre of music. Agreed that it’s good to have a “genre identity” but keeping a plethora of options always pays off.

DJing is not exactly an art form but it isn't any bit inferior to it either so what if you are experimenting with the already produced soundtracks. So if you are a musician of the sorts, then do try your hand at DJing or turntables because the above mentioned pre-requisites will come naturally to you and you can also exploit your fame(if you have any, that is) to establish yourself as a good DJ/Turntablist.

You just can’t afford despising gadgets because in the process of being a good DJ, you just can’t skip those Turntables, Digital Media Controllers, Mixers, Headphones and other sophisticated gadgets. Fooling around with them should be your favorite hobby (sorry for the phrase).

There aren’t many DJ agencies yet, so it’s more of self-employment. Once you are sure you have it in you, then practice and polish your skills at the same time trying out ways to promote yourself, taking up gigs here and there. Money is modest to lavish depending upon where you play and the disadvantage it that there may be days when you have no work, so it’s always wise to save for the rainy day.

So get your turntables set and screw and chop that old school record and set the crowd cheering.